Bella
"This is not happening. It's just not happening!" yelled Rosalie as she paced nervously peeling the mask off her face.
"Rose, calm down honey! They've set up some tents and the decorators are turning the restaurant into the most romantic little chapel you've ever seen! Plus, it's only drizzling, really. A little water won't ruin this. I assure you." I said. "Alice, make sure Rose stays calm. I'm going to check on progress."
I ran outside and hopped in the golf cart sitting under the porch. I hopped on and drove to the restaurant. The color was purple, a deep purple. When I walked into the restaurant I didn't recognize it because everything was so beautiful. Chairs were set up, an aisle was between them leading to an indoor gazebo seemingly made of just wire and flowers and twinkle lights. My jaw dropped to the floor.
"Ms. Swan, what do you think?"
"I think this decorating company is getting really high recommendations and a nice tip! This is amazing!"
"Oh it's no problem. Plus, you gave us the instructions we just followed. We still have a bit of work to do."
"Again… amazing. How's it coming with decorating upstairs for the cocktail hour during the change out?"
"It's going great. The lounge couches that were in the restaurant's lobby just happen to go with the scheme so we've moved them there along with the barstools and the mixologist has set up there too."
"I'll go have a look. Good job though, really!"
Everything was perfect. Even though it was raining cats and dogs this looked like it was going to turn out to be wonderful! It was dark and raining and in the restaurant, with only the twinkle lights shining it made it look very romantic and intimate. The upstairs space was wide open with room for people to stand around talking and for servers to go around offering hors d'oeuvres and drinks to the guests. It also had plenty of places to sit, for the ladies who wore show off shoes.
While I was taking in the beauty and amazement Edward came busting through the door. I looked over the rails of the upper floor.
"Bella! I need Bella."
"Edward? What's up?"
"Come quick! Rosalie's dad showed up and it's getting ugly between he and Ms. Hale! Rosalie's locked herself in the attic and Emmett's trying to break the door down. Basically…the shit has hit the fan."
"What? How'd he even get in?"
"Herald didn't know their rocky history so he let the guy in then things got crazy."
"Fuuuuuccccckkk!"
We ran outside and got into the golf cart. The rain had stopped, how ironic that when all hell breaks loose the weather wants to cooperate.
When I got into the house I heard blundering and screaming and Herald was calling the police while Ralph had a drink and cigar.
"Ralph how are you so calm right now?"
"This is nothing. You should have seen the fight me and my third wife had."
"But your house…."
"It's a house. It'll heal with the right construction workers."
I spied a golf club by the door.
"Ralph can I borrow this nine iron?"
"Sure…"
I ran upstairs, nearly failing to notice that Edward was still right behind me. I ran past Emmett who was trying to coax Rosalie out of the attic and I went to the room with the intruder. The door was locked so I hit the knob with the club and it broke off. The door flew open.
"This wedding is invitation only! Get out sir!"
"Who in the hell are you?"
"This is my sweet Bella. She was your son's wife before his passing. Of course you didn't show to their wedding or his funeral. She was in a coma so she had an excuse, what was yours?"
"Sir… again… this wedding is invitation only. Get out! The cops are on the way. Don't let shit get ugly."
"I'm not leaving til I get what I came for. I've got people after me. People who want me dead and I need…"
"You need money? Are you fucking kidding me? Emmett's father is rich not Rosalie. Even if she was rich you wouldn't deserve a red cent of it."
"Get out." I said again calmly.
"I'd listen to her if I were you sir." Said Edward
"Or else what? You'll have me arrested? Fuck you bunch of bitches."
He was walking out and I swatted the man across the ass with the golf club. He turned around and looked like he might charge but Edward's fist made contact with his face and he was out like a light. About that time the police arrived. After taking statements they picked him up. Turns out, he had some outstanding warrants. If we'd had handcuffs it would have been a citizen's arrest.
Ms. Hale and I hugged and she looked at me not saying anything. When we broke away I noticed that it was raining again. I also realize Emmett was still trying to get Rosalie out of the attic.
"Rose baby he's gone. It's going to be fine just come down from there, please."
"It's all ruined Emmett. It's raining and I'm fat and ugly! You're better off! Just…tell people I'm dead!"
"We all know that's your thing. I'm not going anywhere. I know you aren't fat or ugly and rain is a sign of good luck. Please Rosalie, I'm begging you… don't leave me alone at the altar."
"I can't Emmett… I'm just… I can't"
"Move aside." I said.
I hit the doorknob with the golf club and the door came open. I was on a roll, smashing doorknobs today. It must be brandy I had in my coffee this morning or maybe it's the adrenaline pumping through my veins. Either way… It's happening.
"Rosalie. The new venue is beautiful, your dress, body and face are flawless, the liquor and food is arriving, the guests will be here in an hour and a half, my child is wearing ruffle socks and princess Leia buns, I've had to sleep with my ex husband and your father in law is paying a shit ton for all of this joyful merriment! So you're gonna bring your ass down from the attic, you're gonna put on that fluffy dress and veil and you are going to recommit your life to this big boulder down here because he loves you and understands you and you belong together. Got that?"
"Damn Bella… You really got me told. You're right though… I just, I was having a nervous breakdown. Emmett, I'm sorry." She said. "About my dad and my freak out and your father's doorknobs even though that was Bella's fault."
"Don't worry about it. Just make sure you never scare me that way again."
"I won't… I'm a mess!"
"That's where I come in handy! I'll do your hair and makeup!" shouted Alice cheerfully
"And I'll… have a heart attack and pass out from exhaustion… Get back to your places people! The show is over. Emmett, you need to be dressed and making your way to the restaurant in fifty to fifty- five minutes. Jasper, you too, Edward you as well. I'll go check on the flower girls and ring bearers."
I made my way to the room where the children were. They were already dressed and surprisingly sitting still and watching a movie. Nessie spotted me and ran over to me, hugging me.
"Mommy this dress it itchy and these shoes are pinchy!"
"Just a few more hours baby… a few more hours, okay?"
"Okay."
Edward
Seeing Bella kick ass and take names like that turned me on… Sleeping in a bed with her, especially knowing we had sex has been particularly challenging. I find myself tempted to touch what I'm not supposed to be touching.
The music started. The first down the aisles were the bridesmaids. Bella looked amazing. Next were the ring bearers and flower girls. Nessie looked like a cupcake in the fluffy dress Rosalie had her in. I could tell she wasn't happy to be wearing it because she smiled with her mouth only as she tossed the flowers from the tiny little basket she held. Next came Rosalie. I looked over to Emmett and I saw tears in his eyes and she marched towards him. Her mother was walking with her, giving her away. I think Garrett would have done it if he'd been here. It's a shame he's not… really.
The vows were touching and there wasn't a dry eye in the house when they were done. When it was time to salute Emmett picked Rosalie up and spun her around. Everyone laughed and some ladies sighed. They looked happy.
After the photos…the endless photos… Rosalie and Emmett escaped to a little room in the back and I went upstairs where cocktail hour was. Bella was standing at the bar having something that looked like a long island iced tea.
"Penny for your thoughts." I said.
"Are you kidding? You can have them for free."
"Well? Why do you look so sad?"
"I'm not sad…. I guess I'm just a little emotional. Seeing their fresh start. It's sweet."
"It makes you think of you and Garrett's wedding?"
"Not only that… it makes me think of our wedding too."
"That was a real experience huh?"
"You bet… When I was moving from the house I came across my dress and I thought about giving it to charity but I couldn't part with it."
"Well, my tux was a rental. Still have my rings though."
"You do?"
"Do you?"
"Yeah… I put it in a safety deposit box with the important papers."
"Good to know… in case I ever fall on hard times and need some fast cash."
She hit me in the arm.
"So... are your wedding planning duties done?"
"Well, Angela got the message I sent earlier and she sent a local planner to assist so I'd say pretty much. I've passed my earpiece on to her."
"Good."
The night progressed and romance was in the air. The couples had coupled up and the singles had coupled up too. Ms. Hale and Mr. Mc Carty were even doing some flirting. Across the room Bella stood there monitoring and watching everyone. I decided to take charge. I walked over and extended my arm.
"A dance? It's the least you could do after taking advantage of me the other night."
"I didn't take advantage of you and… sure."
I pulled her and she spun into me. We danced to the song. "Chills" was the name of it I believe.
"So… what's with everybody pairing off?"
"I know right… they make a girl ashamed to be single at a wedding."
"Well… I have a proposition."
"What?"
"I should be your date for the rest of the night."
"Well I don't know. What are the benefits of this venture?"
"You don't have to dance alone… if you get too tipsy to walk in your heels I can carry you and it saves you from being hit on by Emmett's weird cousin Steve with the bad hair plugs."
"Well… I guess you being my date for the night wouldn't be so bad. Just don't get your hopes up for anything more."
"Maam yes maam."
For the moment we danced. It was nice and simple and easy. Nessie even cut in for a few songs with us both. It was a nice night and in the end the stars and moon made an appearance. Rosalie and Emmett left for their second honeymoon in a limo and the do was officially over. Tomorrow night we leave Napa and its back to real life but that doesn't look so grim anymore because I know there's hope.
