A/N- Much love to my awesome beta Katydid2363. Thank you to every single one of you for reading & reviewing. I'm beginning to get a little sad as this story winds down. So without further ado, let's get married!
Stephanie Meyer owns all. I don't own Beyonce either.
Chapter 26
At Last
By: Etta James
July 3, 2009
"Alice! Are you ready? My parents just arrived and they are asking to see you," Jasper called out to Alice. It was his fifth time calling out to ask if she was ready. "And not to mention, I'm starving and ready to get this show on the road," he added for no one in particular to hear.
I laughed while I sat perfectly content and unbothered in a chair in the far corner of the room. My giggles must have alerted Jasper because he turned to give me a go to hell look.
"Don't start Swan," he said pointing at me. "I don't see your better half down here yet either."
"He's outside on a phone call, Jasper. And don't get fussy over Alice now, you've known her practically your entire life and now you're married to her. You have an entire lifetime ahead of waiting on her."
He ran his hands through his hair and sighed. "I honestly wouldn't have it any other way."
I walked over to him and placed my hand on his shoulder. "I know you wouldn't."
Just then his petite angel, as he had begun calling her, skipped down the stairs with a smile on her face. She leapt into Jasper's waiting arms before even stepping a foot on the last step. He twirled her around and ushered her onto the patio where the rest of the guests were waiting.
Esme was busying herself in the kitchen when I walked in to see if there was anything that I could help her with. She kindly told me no, so I joined everyone else outside where we waited for the pastor to arrive so that the rehearsal could get under way.
Edward was busy upstairs on a work related phone call so I made the rounds to greet the out of town guests we were housing. Jasper and Rosalie's parents had flown in from Los Angeles for the wedding. Mrs. Hale was just as beautiful as her daughter and Mr. Hale was just as charming as his son. I walked over to Alice and Jasper who were in mid conversation with the Hale's.
"Isabella!" Mrs. Hale said. "You are still just as beautiful as ever."
"Thank you Mrs. Hale," I said, leaning over to hug her briefly.
"Where is that young man of yours?" Mr. Hale asked.
"Oh, he should be down in a few moments," I said and smiled at Mr. Hale.
It had been a long time since I had seen Rose and Jasper's parents. When we all had finished high school, the Hale's moved off to LA with their kids. Mrs. Hale was the type of woman that had cashed in on her daughter's success. I had never seen the two ever act anything but cordial to one another but you could see that she literally rode on the hem of Rosalie's coat tails. I wouldn't have been surprised if she too had roped a few magazine interviews to bask in the glow of Rosalie's wedding. The woman was a media whore and it grated on Rose's nerves. She always thought her kids deserved better than the life they had in Forks. It had come as an unwelcome surprise to Mrs. Hale when Rosalie had told her she was moving back. She was thrilled however that Rose and Emmett had reunited. Emmett after all, had his own hefty bank account, but she was none the happier that they had chosen to live in rural, tiny Forks than that of the blusterous city life of Los Angeles.
"Bella, Margo and I are terribly sorry about your father," Mr. Hale said and placed his hand on my shoulder. I kept my smile in place and nodded my head.
"Thank you," I said politely. "It has had its ups and downs but I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by unconditional love."
"I understand that. Speaking of unconditional love, congratulations to you as well."
My smile enlarged at his words.
"I take it you and Edward will be smarter than Jazzy and Alice." Mrs. Hale sneered while she turned her nose up.
Before I could answer her with a tasteful comeback, Edward had appeared at my side. He wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my temple. "Mr. and Mrs. Hale, it's wonderful to see you," he said nodding to them both. "Bella and I are choosing to get married abroad. The Bahama's to be exact."
Mrs. Hale clapped her hands together. "Oh, Atlantis! I'm sure it was Rosie who negotiated that for you."
Edward's grip on my waist had become tighter at her words. He kept his composure and simply nodded. It was no use in saying anything else to Mrs. Hale. If she had it her way, Rosalie would have been responsible for damn near everything that happened for anyone.
"Excuse me," Esme chimed in at the right moment. "The pastor is here now. If you'll just follow me, I'll lead everyone to the garden where the ceremony is to take place."
We followed Esme out to the garden. Edward and I hung back a bit from the group. He still seemed tense following our conversation with the Hales. I drew my body closer to his and lightly patted his chest.
"Baby, don't let her get to you. We've known her practically our entire lives. That is just how she is."
He sighed and hugged me as we walked. "I know but it's just that she's so vile at times."
"True but at least we can be thankful that she's not our mother-in-law."
He laughed. "Very thankful."
We had all arrived at the garden. Alice had taken it upon herself, as the self-appointed wedding organizer, to set out a few chairs for the benefit of the parents. Pastor Sonic stopped short of the aisle and addressed each of us.
"If I could have the gentleman follow me please, ladies please stand towards the back and get in your places."
Alice cleared her throat and smiled innocently at the pastor. "I'm sorry, but I have a vision for this. Do you mind if I take it from here?"
She didn't give him the chance to agree or object before she began speaking again. "Pastor Sonic, please will you be so kind as to stand in your spot."
He looked taken a back for a moment but Alice batted her eyelashes a few times and he agreed to do as she asked. Jasper coughed to keep himself from laughing. Once the batted eyelashes of Alice had hypnotized you, you were a goner.
"Boys, I need for you to stand along side the pastor. Emmett you will be closest to Pastor Sonic, Edward you will be behind him, and Jasper, baby, you will stand behind Edward. Ladies and parents of the bride and groom, please follow me," Alice said as she flitted down the make shift aisle towards the back.
When we reached the back of the garden Alice began barking orders. "Mom and Dad, you will walk down first."
Carlisle took his wife's arm and looped it through his own. They shared a brief kiss before descending down the path. "Take it slow!" Alice shouted out which earned her a frightful stare from her father.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hale, you will be next."
"Yes Alice, we are well aware of how weddings are performed. This isn't our first one, although it is the first one for our children," Mrs. Hale rudely said to Alice. Her words never fazed Alice. She remained calm with her smile still intact.
While Mr. Hale mirrored the same actions Carlisle had taken with Esme, Alice patted him on the back.
"Mr. Hale, once you get your lovely wife seated, please rejoin us." He smiled and nodded and escorted his wife down the aisle.
Alice, with grace, flipped Mrs. Hale off while her back had been turned. Our three boys at the end of the aisle all covered their mouths to keep from laughing. Mrs. Hale noticed the commotion and abruptly turned around to see what Alice may or may not have done but Alice was too quick for her. She had already turned her attention to Rosalie and me.
"I'm sorry Rose but your mother is just plain mean!"
Rosalie laughed. "That she is. Thank God she's staying in LA. I am, for once, glad that Forks isn't good enough for her."
"Okay so this is how this is going to go down," Alice said keeping her focus on Rosalie and me. "Bella, I'm going to walk down first and mirror where Jasper is standing. Once I get about half way down the aisle you start walking." I nodded. "Rosalie, your dad is going to make his way back here. You'll know your cue because the music will begin to play. Don't forget girls take it slow. Don't run down the aisle. That's just tacky."
"We got it Ali. Go!" I said as I pushed her down the aisle.
Alice practically danced down the path. Rosalie and I stood back shaking our heads. "Do you think she'll do that tomorrow?" I asked Rosalie.
"I would bet money on it. You better go Bella before the wedding nazi planner starts yelling at you."
Alice had in fact reached the middle of the aisle so I began my descent down the path. I locked eyes with Edward. I smiled and then made a goofy face at him. He laughed which made me laugh. I had to remember to walk slowly because Heaven forbid I look tacky on Alice's non-wedding day. I reached Alice and turned my body so that I was facing the crowd. Alice leaned in and whispered into my ear. "Bella, please don't make faces tomorrow. That's not lady like."
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I knew she meant well so I didn't take the issue any further. Rosalie and her father had begun to make their way down the aisle. Tomorrow she was going to be radiant. That was if her mother didn't try to overshadow her. She gracefully carried herself down the makeshift path towards Emmett. I glanced at Em who had a smile on his face that looked like it hurt. Not that it was forced but because he was grinning from ear to ear. I wondered if he would cry tomorrow. I made a mental note to make sure the photographer took a picture of him as soon as he saw Rosalie. I wanted the first time he saw his bride captured.
"I understand that this will be a short ceremony," Pastor Sonic stated. "I'll just run through a few of the basics without giving too much away from tomorrow. First I will greet our guests and ask who gives this woman away."
Mr. Hale stuttered his words out. "I...I think I'm supposed to say her mother and I."
"Daddy, you can just say I do if you want. You don't have to say her mother and I," Rosalie said. He smiled at his daughter and I knew that he was for sure going to be a crying basket case tomorrow. For a moment it brought a tear to my eye. Before I knew it that tear had trickled down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away hoping that no one had noticed. I was wrong of course. I looked up to see Edward watching me. He mouthed I love you to me and that was all I needed. I mouthed it back as Mr. Hale took his seat next to his wife.
"Okay, so we'll run through the usual do yous, I dos, and any objections before we get to the vows. Will be you writing your own vows?" Pastor Sonic asked Rosalie and Emmett. They both nodded yes so he reserved a few moments for the vows to be said. He finished the rest of the rehearsal in less than five minutes. Rose and Emmett ran down the aisle followed by Edward and myself then Alice and Jasper. The parents trailed behind them.
We all walked back to the lit patio where dinner was to be served. Esme had really outdone herself with the menu. She had been in the kitchen all morning preparing tonight's dinner. The first course was a salad of mixed mesclun greens with a mustard vinaigrette dressing topped with chevre croutons. For the main course she had slaved the better part of the day making grilled beef tenderloin with demiglace, dutchess potatoes, and a medley of broccoli with red bell pepper and sesame seeds. I would have guessed she didn't actually bake the dill rolls. If it had been me I would have bought those from the store. Hell to be honest, if I would have had to host this shindig I would have had the entire mean catered.
Lastly but not least, for dessert she had made a New York style cheesecake with fresh strawberries. I watched my fiancee foam at the mouth as he took in the cheesecake and all its glory. Like I said, Esme had really out done herself. I prayed that Mrs. Hale noticed.
We all took our seats at the table, reserving the ends of the tables for the fathers. Rosalie, Alice and I all excused ourselves to help Esme bring out dinner and set it on the table. She never voiced it, but the look on her face was one of gratitude. I'm sure she had been expecting to make several trips back and forth.
After all the food had been set down on the table, we joined the group for dinner. Before the first plate had been passed around Carlisle rose from his seat and cleared his throat. Every eye was on him. He took his wineglass in one hand and his wife's in the other. He raised his glass in the air and began speaking.
"I would like to first and foremost thank every one of you for sharing this joyous occasion with us. We could not be more proud of our son and his bride to be. The same is also said for Alice and Jasper and Edward and Bella. Esme and I have been so lucky to have all of our children home. This house is going to feel so empty when they all move out." He cleared his throat from the lump that had formed. He took his time forming his words and I saw Esme squeeze his hand for reassurance. Seeing her calm her husband with nothing but a simple touch ignited a spark in my stomach. I didn't think about it as I took Edward's hand in my own. He looked over at me briefly and smiled. I leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips.
"But this weekend we are here to celebrate not only the independence of our great nation but also the union of Emmett and Rosalie. Emmett, your mother and I are so happy that you and Rosalie were able to reconnect after all these years. It just goes to show you that true love shows no bounds."
Edward this time squeezed my hand and wrapped his free arm around my shoulder. I leaned my body closer to his while I listened to his father speak. He wasn't just talking about Emmett and Rosalie, he was talking about each and every one of us.
"I would like to propose a toast," Carlisle began as he raised his glass higher into the air. We all followed suit and raised our own glasses to toast. "To Rosalie and Emmett, may they have a lifetime of happiness, with a house full of children."
"Here, here," Esme said causing us all to smile a little harder and laugh out loud.
Carlisle shook his head and looked down at this wife. He smiled at her and continued to speak while his gaze was fixed on her. "And may they always find peace and love with one another as I have found with my true love."
For a second it didn't seem like they were going to break the locked gaze they held on one another. Edward shifted in his seat and I knew he was about to finish the toast for his father. Carlisle turned back to the rest of his table. "To Emmett and Rosalie."
"To Emmett and Rosalie," the entire table said in unison. We clinked glasses with one another and offered smiles of congratulations around. The table had grown quiet as the food began to make its way around to each person. Mrs.
Hale was the first to break the silence.
"Esme, you have really outdone yourself dear."
"Thank you, Margo. I'm glad you are enjoying it."
"Yes, Esme, it's very good," Mr. Hale replied.
Esme smiled and bit into her tenderloin. We sat around in a comfortable silence as we chewed our food. The silence must have been too much for Mrs. Hale. She promptly started a new discussion topic.
"I was able to tour each of the houses earlier. It's quite comical how each of them are so different from one another."
Rosalie huffed and hastily dropped her fork. "What do you mean, Mother?"
"Nothing dear, I was just making an observation."
"Comical isn't the word I would use. Unless you find something funny in the fact that we all have our own style," Rosalie said.
Mrs. Hale dabbed her napkin at the corners of her mouth. "Rosalie, watch your tone with me. I do not in fact find anything funny. I was just merely stating that they are all three so different. I mean, let's take your house. It's very LA." She turned to speak to Esme. "It's very much like something you would find in the Hollywood Hills. It doesn't surprise me really. Rosalie may be leaving her LA life behind but in reality she is bringing more of it with her than she thinks."
I felt like I was watching a battle unfold. On one end we had Mrs. Hale and her observations that really should have been left unsaid. On the other end we had Rosalie who looked like she was about to pop a blood vessel as she listened to her mother unintentionally insult every single one of us.
Mrs. Hale continued on never missing a beat. "Alice and Jasper on the other hand have a very different style. Much like your daughter, if you don't mind me saying, it's very modern. Very Jetson like."
"Excuse me, Mrs. Hale," Alice interrupted, "but our house design is a reflection of Jasper's archetecurial style. Yes, it is very modern but Jasper and I both feel like most houses tend to look the same. We feel like our house is a direct reflection of us personally."
Mrs. Hale politely smiled at Alice. I knew she was biting her tongue. "Of course, Alice. I hate to use this word but the only one that I can seem to find to describe it is odd."
"Are you saying that my daughter is odd?" Esme asked in a harsh tone. I nearly jumped out of my skin at how abrupt and direct she had sounded. Mrs. Hale simply chuckled.
"No, no Esme, not at all. Alice is unique of course but so is my Jasper. I guess that's why they fit so well together."
She refocused her attention on Edward and I. The boys seemed to be at a loss for words while Mrs. Hale critiqued each one of us. I cringed at what her thoughts of my own house could have been. "Bella and Edward, I find, have the most unique of them all. It's not quite New Orleans or New York is it? I mean, it incorporates the styles of both but it seems like a waste to mesh the two. New Orleans and New York style houses hold so much on their own. It just seems foolish to blend the two."
"MOTHER! ENOUGH!" Rosalie shouted and jumped out of her seat. "You will not do this. Not tonight and certainly not tomorrow."
"Rosalie Lillian Hale, for all intents and purposes I am still your mother and you will not speak to me in such a harsh tone in front of others."
Mr. Hale had stood from his seat and placed his hand on his wife's shoulder. "Margo, that's enough. Carlisle and Esme I am very sorry for the sudden outbursts of my girls. I hope you understand."
Being the polite and respectable people that the Cullens were, they both nodded. Mr. Hale sat back down in his chair shooting a wink at Rosalie in the process.
"Well, there is cake and coffee in the kitchen. I'm going to head inside and bring those out," Esme said, excusing herself from the table.
"Esme, I can help you with that," I said, wanting any kind of an excuse to leave the battle zone. I had just stepped inside the kitchen to help Esme when Alice and Rosalie both appeared. Without a word Rosalie walked over to the coffeepot to pour herself a cup.
"Esme, you wouldn't happen to have any Kaluha around would you?" she asked.
Esme cracked a small smile. "Rosalie honey, I think something stronger than kaluha is needed to deal with your mother. Whiskey is on the bottom shelf of the liquor cabinet in Carlisle's study. Bring the whole bottle would you?"
Rosalie was out of the kitchen faster than it had taken her mother to insult us all. She returned with the whiskey and poured a shot into each one of our cups leaving two alcohol free for her parents. We rejoined the others outside and had cheesecake and spiked coffee. The boys, except for Carlisle, winced as they took their first sip of the java. After realizing what we had done and not needing a reason as to why, they each leaned over and affectionately kissed our cheeks. I had never been more proud than at this particular moment to be a part of this family and I was even more so grateful that Margo Hale was not my mother-in-law.
Mr. and Mrs. Hale had retired for the night in the main house. The boys had taken up residence in Emmett and Rose's house while we girls decided to camp out in Alice's room for the night. It was just like when we were kids before the hormones had kicked in. Just three girls doing each other's hair and makeup, giggling over the silliest things, and perfecting Beyonce's Single Ladies dance. I missed Edward but he needed to spend this night with his brothers just as I needed to spend it with my sisters. That of course didn't stop the text messages from being sent to one another. All night long we all received an ungodly amount of texts from the boys about what they were doing, movies, guitar hero, and of course drinking. Rosalie, Alice, and I ended our night just as we had so many nights when we were kids with the three of us piled in Alice's bed. We decided to take a picture to send to the boys. The last text the three of us had received that night from them read, I might find that kind of hot, if my sister weren't in the picture.
****
July 4th- Wedding day
The wedding wasn't scheduled to take place until six that evening. I had been up since seven unable to sleep. Three girls sleeping in one bed was a lot easier when we were all much smaller. Alice had been in the middle and between Rosalie's leg being thrown over Alice and eventually on me and the useless attempt to keep covers, I had at one point fallen off the bed where I decided to spend the remainder of my morning. Add to the fact that I had grown accustomed to falling asleep in Edward's arms, it had not been a good night for Bella and her beauty sleep.
Alice and Rose were still passed out and I decided not to wake them. I quietly walked to the adjoining bathroom and took care of essential morning time duties. As I made my way downstairs I could smell the sweet aroma of coffee. Esme was a godsend. I rounded the corner and found Esme sitting alone at the breakfast table.
"Good morning, Esme. Is everything okay?" I asked pouring myself a cup of coffee.
She looked up and smiled. "Of course dear, why wouldn't it be? The wedding is today, the Hale's are leaving shortly after the reception and Tom Brady will be at my house."
"Tom Brady? Oh right," I said, the pieces clicked together. "I forgot Emmett and Rosalie are sort of famous."
She laughed and joined me at the counter as she refilled her own cup. "Are you okay Bella? You look famished."
"I didn't get much sleep."
She grinned at me and pulled me into a hug. "I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when you all move into your houses. It's been so nice having everyone under one roof."
"Esme, we'll just be a stone's throw away."
"I know but I'll miss this, meeting in the kitchen for coffee. After everyone is married no one is going to want to come over just to have coffee with me."
I shook my head. "You can't be serious. Of course I'll come over and have coffee with you. How about this? One day a week, I come over and have coffee and bagels with you before I go to work."
"Thank you, Bella."
"Anything for you," I said.
"Bella, can I ask you something?"
I nodded. This was so very unlike Esme to be so unsure or too timid to ask something. When I thought about it, I don't think I had ever seen her look so out of her element. "You would tell me if I started acting like Margo wouldn't you?"
I laughed a gut wrenching laugh. "Esme, really? You don't have anything to worry about. I've known both of you my entire life and there is no way you could be as vain as that woman. But yes, if you did I would tell you."
"Thank you."
"Stop, we have a wedding to get ready for. Speaking of, will she be in our hair all day?"
Esme shrugged her shoulders. "I honestly don't know."
The backdoor to the kitchen opened and Edward walked in. His hair was a disheveled mess and he had a bit of a stagger as he stumbled into the kitchen. He used the counter to brace himself as he maneuvered to the coffeepot. He wrapped his arms around my neck and leaned in for a kiss. I pulled my head back and pressed both hands to his chest to push him away. He reeked of whiskey and funk. Someone it seemed had a little too much to drink last night.
"I don't get a good morning kiss from my beautiful fiancée?" he asked, slurring his words slightly.
I held back the vomit that was trying to escape my mouth. He needed a shower and a toothbrush quick. "Baby, you stink. How much did you drink last night?"
Esme stood back in disbelief. She did not once open her mouth to chastise Edward. I knew she was leaving that up to me. After all, in just a couple of weeks, he was all mine to deal with.
"I don't know. I lost count after the fifteenth shot of whiskey."
I leaned a little closer to him and held in my breath. "Edward," I whispered into his ear. "If you show up to our wedding looking like death on a stick we will not consummate our marriage. Do I make myself clear?"
He leaned his head down and kissed the inside of my neck. "Loud and clear. I'm going to take a shower now and do my best to sober up."
"That sounds like an excellent plan," I said as he kissed the top of my head and headed towards the stairs. I slapped his ass as he walked away shouting for him to tighten up for the big game day.
I turned around to see Esme grinning like the Cheshire cat. She shook her head and poured a cup of coffee. I smiled at her. She and I both knew that her boy was in good hands. No words needed to be verbalized. She just knew.
Alice entered the kitchen looking much more rested than I. She glided over to the coffeepot and poured herself a cup. "Good morning ladies."
"Good morning," Esme and I both said.
"Where is the whiskey? I feel like we are going to need it to get through today with Mrs. Hale."
I looked at Esme knowing good and damn well where the whiskey was. With the look she gave me, I decided I should be the one to tell her. "Alice, the whiskey is gone."
Alice looked at me confused for a second. "That's impossible. I watched Rosalie break the seal on the bottle last night. We each had one cup of coffee. There is no way the whiskey is gone."
"Sweetie, it might be a good idea for you to go and check on your husband," I said without further explanation.
Her mouth opened an inch and I waited for the verbal beatdown to escape her lips. It never happened. Alice turned on her heel and stormed out of the house towards her husband. The only thought going through my mind was it sucks to be Jasper.
I looked at Esme and shrugged my shoulders. "I would not want to be on the receiving end of that wrath."
Esme chuckled. "You and me both. Speaking of which, Bella, when you go back upstairs would you mind not mentioning the boys and their state to Rosalie? She is going to have enough to deal with today. She doesn't need the added stress of knowing that my son got plastered last night."
"Yeah, I hadn't planned on it. Do you need any help down here?"
"No, today is actually going to be quite the opposite of yesterday. Alice pretty much has everything arranged. The caterers and florist should all be here soon. Today I get to sit back and relax. Well, relax as much as the mother of the groom can."
"Okay, I'm going to head upstairs. Hopefully Edward hasn't fallen asleep in the shower."
She picked up the full coffee cup from the counter and handed it to me. "He'll want this when he gets out."
I smiled. "Thanks."
I made my way up the stairs with both coffee cups in my hand. I could still hear the shower running as I cautiously opened the door. The curtain wasn't pulled back completely. I could make out the reflection of Edward in the mirror, as he stood motionless in the shower, the water cascading down around his body. Being as quiet as I could, I shut the door. He heard the door click and met my gaze in the mirror. He stuck his hand out of the shower motioning for me to join him. I set his cup down on the counter and walked over to him. He leaned his head out of the shower once he noticed that I wasn't taking my clothes off to join him and kissed me on the lips.
"Mmmmm, much better. How do you feel?" I asked. The minty smell of the toothpaste was still on his lips.
"Not great but doable."
"Baby, you're always doable."
He laughed as he reached for the shampoo bottle. I sat down on the toilet and watched him lather his hair with the soap. Beads of water and shampoo ran down his body. It was quite the sight to see.
"I missed you last night," he said as he rinsed his hair.
"Did you?"
"Oh course I did. I don't like spending the night away from you."
"Me either. I didn't sleep for shit."
"Well from the last text I received from you last night it looked like the three of you were quite comfortable."
"Maybe at that point we were but as we fell asleep it got worse. Rosalie has got amazon legs, just so you know."
The water shut off and Edward stepped one leg out of the shower has he dried himself off with the towel that had been thrown over the curtain rod.
"I'm afraid to ask," he said smirking.
"Here is your coffee. I need to run and wake the bride up, big day today," I said as I stood up and perched myself on the tips of my toes to kiss Edward.
"Thanks baby," he said taking a long draw from the cup.
"Don't thank me, that was all your mama."
Edward moved off to the side so that I could step out of the bathroom. As my hand reached the knob on the door, so did his on the back of my ass.
"Tighten up! It's wedding day baby."
I smiled and shook my head from side to side. "I love you, you know that?"
"You damn well better. Two weeks, Bella. That's all we have left."
"I know. I'll see you later on. Be good and stay away from the whiskey or anything else that might leave you in a drunken state."
"Then I guess I should keep my distance from you for a while."
"Why would you say that?"
"Because I get drunk just off of your love."
I smiled, laughed, and turned up my nose all in the same moment. "Edward Cullen, you just did not use a cheesy pick up line with me did you? I mean, I've heard bad lines but that has to be one of the worst."
"So you've heard some bad pick up lines huh? What's the worst Bella?"
"Nope, we are not going there today. I love you and I'll see you later on."
I walked out of the bathroom before I gave him the chance to further the discussion. Seriously who did Edward think he was this morning? Johnny Casanova? He must have really drunk himself stupid last night.
I came to Alice's bedroom door and turned the knob to find Rosalie still in bed. It was already eight thirty. I'm a pretty simple kind of girl and I knew it took me about an hour to get ready, two at the most. Rosalie was a supermodel. Didn't it take them like eight hours to get ready?
I sat down on the edge of the bed doing my best not to wake her up. I looked a little more closely and saw Rosalie dead still, staring up at the ceiling. I poked her arm praying to God that she hadn't kicked the bucket.
"I'm awake, Bella." I jumped a little when she spoke. "I'm just meditating."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I disturb you?"
"Not at all." She turned her body so that she was now lying on her side. I positioned myself next to her. I kept my distance because I didn't want her to suddenly find the urge to throw her legs over mine. I had enough of that the night before. We were quiet for a few minutes. I couldn't tell what was going through her mind, one minute she looked at peace and the next she looked like she was about to cry. I reached my hand out and took hers in mine.
"Rose, you okay?"
"Bella," she said as her voiced cracked. "I'm getting married today. I'm marrying the only person I have ever been able to see myself with. The only person I've wanted to think about forever with. My best friend, Bella, how often does that come around?"
"I think in this household it's come around more often than anywhere else. Are you sure that's it?"
"Bella you're my maid of honor. With that comes responsibilities." I nodded my head but I wasn't quite sure where she was going with this.
"What are you asking Rose? You know I'd do anything for you."
She sat up from the bed into a sitting position. "Two things. One is simple, the other not so much."
I sat myself up and leaned against the headboard. I motioned with my hands for her to continue on. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about what she was about to ask me to do.
"Well first, the easy one, I have something I want you to deliver to Emmett."
"Okay that's easy enough. What's the other?"
"Bella, you know I love you like a sister right?"
"Rosalie, you are avoiding the question. Just spit it out."
"Please keep my mother as far away from me as you can. It actually might not prove to be that difficult."
I considered what Rosalie had just asked of me. In all actuality, I might prove to be the best person for the job. It wasn't like I was married to either of Mrs. Hale's children. I wasn't the daughter-in-law who had whisked her only son off to Vegas to elope. I could do this.
"I think I can manage that. But what do you mean when you say that it might not be that difficult. Rosalie, this is your mother we are talking about."
"True, but People Magazine is doing a five page spread plus the cover of the next issue on the wedding. Once mother gets wind of this she'll be all over them like white on rice."
She was right. Those poor people from the magazine didn't stand a chance against Margo Hale. Jasper suddenly wasn't the only one I felt sorry for today. The bedroom door suddenly shot open and Alice leapt onto the bed joining Rosalie and I.
"Are you ready? I'm so ready! This is going to be so exciting." Alice exclaimed and threw her arms around both Rosalie's and my necks.
"Calm down there tiger," I said, withdrawing her arms from my neck.
"I'm just so excited. We should start getting ready. No one should have to wait on the bride on her big day, that's just..."
Rosalie and I didn't let her finish her sentence. We both looked at each other and said at the same time, "tacky."
Alice froze and the three of us burst out in a fit of giggles. It didn't matter the circumstances of the day, at the end this is what mattered. The fact that we were the best of friends all married or about to marry best friends solidified our bond that much more.
***
Rosalie had sent her in troops for today's festivities. A whole team of make up artists and hair stylists were hot on all of our tails. The only time I had seen Edward since this morning in the bathroom was when he was being chased across the lawn by an overzealous man in pair of hot pink leather pants and a crop top. I was thankful that my make up had not yet been applied because as that scene unfolded in front of my eyes, I cried from laughter.
I myself had been successful in carrying out Rosalie's wishes for the day. A lone hair stylist and make up person had been assigned to Mrs. Hale. They and they alone were to keep her occupied as they fretted over her every beauty need. As for the second request Rosalie had asked of me, I was now making my way over to her house with the box she had given me for Emmett. I looked a sight myself. My hair was on top of my head in huge hot curlers. I had one of Edward's button down shirts on and a pair of shorts. I hoped the photographer from People wasn't anywhere around at this moment. It would be just my luck that I would make my first major magazine appearance looking less than par. I had secretly hoped that he did in fact catch Edward as he ran for his life.
All of the boys were given strict orders to stay away from the main house as much as possible until the wedding neared. We were down to the wire with time. The wedding was to take place in less than three hours. According to Alice, a shit load was still left to be done. I wasn't sure what because the garden looked fabulous. The caterers were busy in the kitchen doing their thing and the valet company had just arrived. The Cullens thought having someone else park cars for the guests would seem more appropriate. The only thing that I knew of that still hadn't been done was us girls getting our makeup done, dressed and then pictures. When I thought about them I guess there still was a shit load left to do in less than three hours.
I walked inside the house and down the massive foyer. This house was a mansion and I knew I could easily get lost inside. It was a good thing I had walked these halls while it was still under construction. I located the boys in the formal living room. There were in various states of dress. Jasper was decked out from head to toe. He was ready for the day and I was sure that Alice had made sure of that. Carlisle wasn't ready by a long shot but I knew it wouldn't take him five minutes to get dressed. He was the least high maintenance out of them all. Edward and Emmett both wore their pants and shirts and no ties or jackets at the moment. They all noticed my arrival as I descended into the sunken living room. Edward smiled his panty-dropping smile at me. I knew I was blushing. It never failed.
"Well, hells bells. Don't' you look spiffy with those curlers in your hair," Emmett kidded.
SHIT! Edward and his sex smile had momentarily made me forget about the hot mess that was my hair. I reached up out of instinct to feel the hot rollers. Edward walked over to me and took my face in his hands.
"You look beautiful," he said and kissed me. It made me breathless for a moment. "What brings you down to the lair? I thought Alice had a tight leash on you girls today?"
"I came to see Emmett. I have something for him," I said, losing myself in Edward's eyes.
"Should I be worried? I mean, this isn't some final fantasy he has, is it? You in hot rollers and looking fuck hot sexy in my shirt?"
I playfully slapped his chest. "No but it does sound like maybe it's yours."
"True except it's not a final fantasy for me. It's a lifetime of them."
Carlisle cleared his throat. I had forgotten briefly that there were other people in the room.
"I'm sorry. Emmett, do you mind? I have something to give to you from Rosalie."
Emmett motioned for me to join him in the kitchen. I kissed Edward on the cheek and followed behind Emmett. He leaned against the granite island in the center of the kitchen. I proceeded to prop down on one of the barstools. Once I was seated I slid the box Rosalie had given me across the island to him. He looked from the box to me smiling.
"Do you know what it is?" he asked.
I shook my head no. "I'm only the messenger, Emmett. You don't have to open it in front of me." I started the motion of standing from the barstool but Emmett stopped me by placing his hand on mine.
"Bella, wait." I looked up and noticed for the first time how vulnerable Emmett looked.
"Em, is everything okay?"
"It's fine, better than fine really. Listen I just wanted to thank you."
"Thank me?" I questioned. "For what?"
"For everything. Bella, besides Rosalie, Jasper and Edward, you're my best friend."
I smiled. "Emmett, the only other person that leaves is your sister."
"I'm trying to be serious here. You are. I mean, I guess Rosalie is my best friend because well... she just is. But not counting Rosalie, you are my best friend when it comes to chicks."
I started to feel emotional listening to Emmett pour his big ol' heart out to me.
"Emmett, Rosalie is the only one that counts."
"You know what I mean. You're more than just my best friend Bella, you're my sister. Cullen last name or not, you'll always be my sister. I just wanted to thank you for being here and deciding to stay and give my brother a second chance. You two are about as meant for each other as Rose and I are. We are all so very blessed to have found the one, ya know?"
I wiped away a lone tear that had escaped. "I know. Thank you, Emmett. Really thank you. That means more to me than you'll ever know."
He walked over and took me into his arms. We hugged each other tightly, each afraid to let go of the other. I pulled away first and let out a small laugh. He looked down at me and frowned.
"It's funny, Emmett. This is your day and I should be the one telling you how lucky you are to have your one. Not the other way around."
"We're all lucky Bella. I hope that none of us ever takes that for granted."
"I doubt we ever will again." I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, Em."
"I love you too, Bells. And for the record if I don't get the chance to say it later, because let's face it, I'm sure my mind is going to be elsewhere, you're going to look beautiful today."
"Thank you. I should go so you can open your gift."
"Oh, speaking of gifts, hang on one sec."
Emmett dashed out of the room in a hurry. A minute or two later he returned with a box of his own. "Would you give this to Rosie for me? I'd send Edward but Alice has us on lockdown."
"Sure thing."
I turned away from Emmett and headed back towards the living room. The men were still all gathered around chit chatting with one another. The hot pink pants hairdresser was now in the room with the boys and I saw Edward cowered in the corner of the room. I walked over to him and he straightened as he saw me come near. With a little more force than I think he even realized he grabbed me and pulled me into his arms and planted a deep, passionate kiss on my lips. As he deepened our kiss so did my stance. Edward was leaning over me as he dipped my body. Edward finally released me so that I could come up for air.
Breathlessly I asked, "What was that for?"
He looked down at me, his lips swollen. "What? I can't kiss my fiancée just because?"
I rolled my eyes. "Edward you did that so the hairdresser wouldn't think you were fair game didn't you?"
His shoulders slumped slightly. "Yes and no." I raised my eye to his cryptic answer. "Okay fine. Yes. Are you mad?"
"Not if it means I get that kind of intense kiss from you."
He kissed the tip of my nose and released his hold. "I love you."
"I love you too," I said straightening up. "I'll see you boys later. If I were you, I'd take a cue from Jasper and get dressed. I'm sure none of you wants to be spoken to the way he was this morning."
I smiled as the boys looked frightened. As I closed the door to the house I thought I heard someone call Jasper pussy whipped. I laughed while I walked across the yard, Rosalie's gift in hand.
I walked though the back door of the house that led into the kitchen. People were scampering around like ants. I squeezed my way past the workers and up the stairs. We were still camped out in Alice's room. When I walked in, Alice and Rosalie had opened all of our garment bags so that the dresses could breathe. They were Alice's exact words when I asked. I gave Rosalie the box Emmett had given me. Alice and I sat down on the bed as we watched her carefully untie the bow and open the lid to the box. Inside was a white gold, diamond tennis bracelet. Rosalie gasped as she held it up in front of her face.
Rosalie Hale may have been tough on the exterior but Emmett brought her to tears. She cried happy tears as she turned the bracelet over in her hands. A folded note was tucked inside in the box. She opened the letter and sobbed harder. She tried with all of her might to read the letter aloud to Alice and I but she had no luck. The tears had her overcome with emotion.
Alice took the note from her outstretched hands and read it aloud.
"Rosie, can you believe after all these years we are finally going to be married? You have made me the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet. I'm so blessed that you said yes when I asked you to move home with me. Honestly, if you had said no, I would have stayed wherever you were just to be near you. Never again do I want to be apart from you. You are my life and my life is not whole unless you are there. I love you so much and I promise to show you every day for the rest of our lives. I'm sorry if you hear the words again during the ceremony. They are from the heart and I want the world to know. It's only a little while longer before I see your beautiful face walking down the aisle to meet me. In case you get confused, I'll be the sexy beast with the white scarf around my neck. LOL! I love you babe. Emmett."
How Alice managed to say aloud what he had written without breaking down like Rosalie had was beyond me. I was crying listening to it.
"It's beautiful, Rosalie. Both of it," I said not only referring to the bracelet.
"Wait," Alice said as she flipped the note over. "There's more." She cleared her throat and began reading aloud again.
"I forgot to mention. Wear this bracelet as your something new. I love you, boo."
"Well duh, Emmett. What did you think she was going to wear it as?" Alice grumbled.
"What did you get Emmett, Rosalie?" I asked.
"He didn't open it in front of you?" I shook my head no. "It was a Rolex. It's vintage and very rare."
"Wow," Alice and I both said. We stayed dazed for a moment as we admired Rosalie's gift and the admission as to what she had gotten Emmett. Esme entered the room and it brought us out of our trance.
"Girls, the boys are all dressed and on the lawn taking pictures."
The three of us leapt off of the bed and ran to the window. It faced the lawn that the garden sat on. We watched our guys line up for the photographer. I'm sure if I had looked at Alice and Rosalie they would have been drooling. I know I was.
"Rose," I began. "Isn't it bad luck to see each other before the wedding?"
"It doesn't say I can't see him, just that he can't see me."
"Oh, okay," I said as I watched Edward posing for the cameraman.
"We are the three luckiest bitches. You two know that right?" Rosalie asked.
"Four."
We all turned our heads to the side to see Esme staring out the window in her own stupor. She looked back over at us and smiled. "What? Don't for one second think that I don't tell myself how lucky I am to have married such a hot piece of ass. Not to mention, I birthed two of those boys down there. So yeah, I'm one lucky bitch."
We all four laughed uncontrollably. Each of us was holding on to the other. The only thing that suddenly made us stop was the flash of a camera. We all looked up to see a photographer standing in the room with a smile on his face.
"I'm sorry. Well, not really. I just got some amazing candid shots of the four of you," he said, smiling the whole time. He walked a little further into the room and extended his hand to Rosalie. "Miss Hale, I'm Steve Bell, the photographer for People."
She took his hand as he helped her off the ground. "Pleased to meet you, Steve, this is my family. My sisters, Alice and Bella and my mother-in-law to be, Esme."
He nodded his head and we all said hello. "I'm sorry I didn't realize you had sisters, Miss Hale, only a brother."
"Well, we're not blood sisters, but close enough. Alice is married to my brother, Jasper and Bella is marrying Emmett's brother Edward in two weeks."
"I guess in a sense then you all are sisters then. Again, I'm sorry to alarm you but as I walked by I saw you perched on the window sill and seeing a Kodak moment, I couldn't resist."
"No don't apologize, please," Rosalie said. "In fact, I'd love a copy of those."
"Sure thing. Listen, I won't be a bother, I'm just going to kind of wander about and snap pictures. I'd like to get as many candids as I can."
Steve kept to his word. He was not a distraction. Rosalie's hair and makeup people came into the room and began to work their magic. While a makeup artist worked on my face, a hair stylist had begun taking down the rollers in my hair. I asked for it to be kept long and flowy. Natural was my best look. Alice and I stepped into our dresses so that we would both be dressed for pictures as we helped Rosalie into her gown.
Rosalie strutted into the bedroom in a white corset. Her hair was left long with the sides pulled back. Loose curls flowed down her back. Alice took the dress off of its hanger and we both helped Rosalie into the gown. The photographer continued to take pictures as Alice and I laced and buttoned up the back of the dress. After Rosalie had made sure all was in place, Alice and I stood back to admire her. I had to give it to Alice. I wasn't one for the "mullet dress", but she and Rosalie both managed to pull it off. I was certain that this was going to be the most sought after style once the magazine hit the stands.
We were both left speechless. Neither of us was able to form the right words to describe Rosalie. Beautiful, stunning and gorgeous didn't seem appropriate. Rosalie looked like a goddess. Esme chose that moment to walk in. Luckily, words were able to flow freely from her mouth.
"Rosalie, you look fabulous," she said as the two embraced.
"Thank you, Esme."
"So do the two of you," she said to Alice and myself. "My boys are not going to know what hit them when they see the three of you walk down that aisle. Rosalie, do you have all of your traditional things?"
"I think so. My something old is a bonnet that was given to my mother when I was born. It was to be used as a handkerchief on my wedding day. It's going to be tied around my bouquet." Esme nodded.
"And your something new?"
Rosalie stuck out her wrist so that Esme could see the bracelet Emmett had given her. Esme placed her hands over her mouth. "It's beautiful, Rose. He did such a good job. Okay what about borrowed or blue?"
"Actually now that you mention it, I don't have either of those."
"Well, if you'd like, I'd love to help you with that."
"Sure, what did you have in mind?"
"Well, it would mean so much to me if you wore something of mine. It's become sort of a Cullen women tradition."
Esme reached into her handbag and pulled out a small, delicate velvet box. Alice stood behind her mother as Esme opened the box for Rose and me to see. Inside was the most beautiful pair of sapphire and diamond earrings. Rose and I both gasped in shock at what Esme was offering.
"I wore these on my wedding day and recently Alice wore them on hers. Rosalie and Bella, it would mean a great deal to me if you both wore them or your days. I understand if you don't want to..."
Rosalie and I didn't let Esme finish her thought. In a split second we both wrapped our arms around her neck.
"I take that as a yes from you both?"
"YES!" we both shouted.
"Good. So you see this is your something borrowed and blue."
"Esme, they're beautiful. Thank you so much," Rosalie said as she held still so that Esme could fasten them to her ear.
"You're welcome dear. What about you're garter?"
"Oh! I have that, hang on," I said. I ran into Edward and my room and grabbed the bag from under the bed. I knew it was wrong but it was going to be so funny. Emmett wouldn't find the humor in it but I sure as hell would.
I reappeared in Alice's room, bag in hand. I carefully extracted the garter from within and held it up for everyone to see. Everyone just shook their heads in disbelief.
"You know Emmett is going to have a shit fit when he sees this, Rosalie said as she eyed the piece of yellow and gold lace with a black and gold fleur de lis hanging off of it.
I smiled. "Yup and I don't care. Now put it on. I worked hard on that thing."
Rosalie hiked up her leg and I carefully placed the garter around her thigh. It had to go up pretty high considering her dress was fairly short in the front.
The photographer from People had been snapping away at this camera during our entire exchange. Esme told Alice and me that we were needed downstairs for pictures with the hired photographer before the wedding began. Alice and I linked our arms together and set off for the garden. Once we stepped outside it was if the place had erupted in flowers. I had never seen this place look so magical. And to add to the magic, it was one of the rare sunny days in Forks.
Alice spotted Jasper immediately and took off in a short run towards him. He caught her mid air and swung her around. The photographer was off in the distance catching the entire exchange. I stayed in the back and watched the two get lost in one another. I scanned the yard for Edward but he wasn't there. I wondered briefly where he had gone off to. Maybe he was hiding from the guy in the pink pants.
"Hello lover." A voice seductively whispered into my ear.
I smiled and inclined my body to his voice. "Hello," I said turning to take him in for the first time.
"You clean up pretty nice there Cullen. Maybe if you're lucky I might just marry you in a couple of weeks," I jokingly said.
"I'll be the luckiest bastard alive when that happens," he said taking my hand and twirling me around. "You look stunning. My God, Bella. I'm speechless."
"Thank you," I said and ducked my head. He lifted my chin with his finger.
"What did I tell you about hiding from me? Don't do it. You're beautiful, you're blushing, and you're mine. I love you. Have I told you that today?"
"Not nearly enough." I said back. He took my hand and we joined the rest of the wedding party for pictures.
The photographer took several pictures of each of the couples, as Esme joined us on the lawn. He took photos of Emmett and his parents along with Alice and Edward; Alice, Emmett and myself and some of the wedding party minus the bride and groom. The time was drawing nearer and we still had another round of photos with Rosalie before the guests were to begin arriving. Alice ushered the boys back into Emmett's house so that Rosalie could come outside with no one watching. She even went as far as to have the hairdresser, Rafe (pink pants guy) to keep watch. I was pretty sure the boys weren't going to try anything on his watch. The only one who was allowed to stay outside with us was Jasper. He was to be needed for the Hale family photo.
Rosalie descended down the stairs and into the backyard looking like a bridal vision. Her mother and father were each holding up the train of her dress as she walked through the grass. From there we continued pictures with us girls. Jasper was sent back into the house to fetch Edward so that he and Jasper could take pictures with Rosalie. It was less that we would have to take care of once the ceremony was concluded.
Alice and I took over as train holders for Rosalie as we made our way back into the house. Rosalie stopped the photographer before we reached the back door.
"Do you think it would be too much to ask that after the ceremony we take a picture of the entire wedding party in the tree house?"
The photographer smiled. "I had hoped you'd ask that."
Guests had begun to arrive while we waited inside for the ceremony to begin. It was five thirty and we were all itching to get this show on the road. Rosalie kept peering out of the window from upstairs like she was searching for someone. Any time Alice or I asked her about it she claimed that it was nerves getting the best of her. I had a feeling Rosalie had something up her sleeve.
With five minutes left to go, Alice rounded the parents up and escorted them outside to the far side of the house. The path in which we would all walk was lined with fresh flower petals. I assumed that things were now underway because Alice came back and to with Mr. Hale. Once again we both lifted the back of Rosalie's dress and helped her down the stairs. In our places, Alice began the march down the aisle. I saw her reach the middle point and I turned to Rosalie one last time.
"Congrats again honey, I love you."
"I love you too, Bella. Don't forget, walk slowly," Rose said with a smile.
"Right because that would just be…"
"Tacky," we said at the same time.
I walked down the aisle as slow as I could muster without looking like I was being drug. All eyes were on me and it suddenly made me nervous. I tried not to focus on the people sitting around but rather on Edward standing down front. He offered a smile and a wink and I felt instantly better and calm. I made it down the aisle unscathed.
The music changed to the traditional bridal march and everyone stood. I watched as Rosalie turned the corner from the house and into the sight of all of the guests. I turned my head so that I could see Emmett's reaction. Just as I had predicted he was crying. It wasn't a sobbing type of cry but more of a manly, single tear, really happy kind of cry. I smiled and turned my focus back onto Rosalie. She had a grin on her face that reached all the way up to her eyes. And her eyes were twinkling. I had never seen her look happier than in that very moment.
Rose and her father reached the end of the aisle. Pastor Sonic asked his usual questions and Mr. Hale handed Rosalie off to Emmett with a handshake and a pat on the back. They interlocked their arms, smiling at each other like it was nobody's business.
As Pastor Sonic reached the part where they would exchange vows, Rosalie handed her bouquet off for me to hold.
"Ladies and Gentleman, family and friends, Rosalie and Emmett have chosen to write their own vows. Emmett I will start with you."
Emmett took both of Rosalie's hands in his. He drew in a deep breath before he started. "Rosie, I've always known that I wanted to spend forever with you. You're the only girl I've ever loved and the only girl I want to love. I want you to be the mother of my children, my best friend, and my lover. You are my world and I can't imagine a life without you. I love you more than words can express. You are my everything. Without you, I am nothing. I promise to love you unconditionally for eternity. I plan to give you everything you've ever dreamed of and more. You'll never know how grateful I am that you chose me, out of all the guys in the world, you chose to spend your life with me. I plan to spend forever showing you how much that means to me. I love you so much and I'm so proud that you are going to be my wife."
I wiped the tears that had fallen down my face. I could hear Alice sniffle behind me as she listened to the most heartfelt speech I had ever heard come from Emmett's mouth.
"Rosalie," Pastor Sonic said as he motioned for her to take the floor.
"Emmett," she began, taking a deep breath just as Emmett had done. "You know I'm not very good with words.
You also know that I love you more than anything in this world. When you asked me to move back home with you I knew I couldn't say no. To be honest, I would have moved wherever you had asked. I just knew that I couldn't go on living without you. I've decided that instead of me vocalizing my vows to you, I am going to have them sung."
Jasper and Edward both held back a laugh at the thought of Rosalie singing. She noticed and addressed the two before she introduced whomever it was that had the honor of singing the most important words she was not going to speak. "I'm not singing, but thanks for the vote of confidence. Emmett, this is my second gift to you. I hope it conveys everything I feel."
At that moment, music geared up and I instantly recognized the song. It was the grand who ha of all love songs. The standard played at any wedding, the classic sound of one of the most beautiful songs in existence. Rosalie had chosen wisely. Before I could see who was supposed to sing the song, Alice grabbed me by the back of the arm and pulled me towards her. She pointed to the opposite end of the house where none other than Beyonce emerged. She began to sing Etta James' classic hit At Last as she made her way to the couple.
I was beyond shocked that Rosalie had managed to pull something like this off without telling a single one of us. It was perfect, it said so much, and it was so Rosalie.
Beyonce belted out the song that conveyed so much. It told Emmett and everyone else in attendance what Rosalie couldn't say. I watched Emmett as his eyes grew wide with shock. She sang the song flawlessly, never missing a note. When she was done, she left as quickly as she had come. I barely heard Rosalie tell Emmett she loved him as Beyonce left.
Pastor Sonic didn't pick up the ceremony as soon as she left. It seemed he too was at a loss for words from seeing Beyonce Knowles make an appearance at a quiet, intimate ceremony for a couple of local kids. In reality, these two were not just local kids. They were a pair of the most famous people in the world. If the fact that a Grammy award winning singer, Tom Brady and his wife Giselle, or the Manning boys weren't enough to alert you to that, then you had no business being here in the first place.
The rest of the ceremony went by in a blur. Maybe it was because that the only thing left to do was the exchange of rings, I wasn't sure. As the wedding concluded, Emmett and Rosalie shared a kiss, which was nothing like the November Rain kiss. They took their march together as man and wife down the aisle. I met Edward where Emmett and Rosalie had stood moments before. He took my arm in his and kissed me softly on the lips before we too descended down the aisle.
It didn't matter to me who was in attendance tonight. The only person that mattered to me was walking by my side and in two weeks time this would be our march as man and wife. We would finally have our at last. At last.
****
A/N- So, was Emmett & Rose's wedding all you expected? The next chapter is the reception. Yes, this shindig is a two parter. But guess what? The next chapter isn't in Bella's POV! *gasp* I know! What can I say, two others had to speak.
And the mulllet dress? Follow this link, take out the spaces, to see how Alice turned something so very 80's into something very trendy. LOL http://www (dot) flickr (dot) com/photos/weddingssc/2192436521/ And do you want to see Emmett & Edward on this very special day? This was my inspiration for those two. http://share (dot) shutterfly (dot) com/action/welcome?sid=8Sas27do4Z8E
If you are on twitter, tonight I'm hosting a readalong for Not Who I Thought You Were by fngrcufs. So if you haven't checked the story out yet and you're on twitter, come join us! The fun begins at 8:30 central time. Also, speaking of readalongs, the awesome LMGoldenEyes, as she is known on twitter, will be hosting The Sovereign Six on April 5.
Now, what's a readalong you ask. Well it's where we all get together and read a story together. We read, comment, and just have a good time reliving what we love most about the story. I hope you all can join us! Again, I'm Hollister_1980 on twitter.
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Holly