C H A P T E R T W E N T Y T H R E E
.:Bella:.
Deep breaths Bella. Deep breaths. I felt someone tugging at my back and then tap my shoulder. "Okay, we're done." I opened my eyes and gasped. The woman standing in the mirror looked nothing like me. The white dress she was wearing hugged her delicate shoulders, the scoop neck and high waist accentuating her cleavage. The long flowing white satin flowed down her body gracefully, making her seem taller than she was and the soft blue chiffon accents made her skin glow. Her hair was up in small ringlets, pinned with tiny white flowers. An elegant floral crown sat on her head making her like almost faerie like. She looked stunning.
I turned to Alice and Rose with tears in my eyes. "Ali, Rose, thank you so much." I cried. They smiled and hugged me.
"Of course Bella. Today is all about you. I want it to be perfect." I smile at their generosity and thoughtfulness. There was a knock on the door and I looked up to see the girls come inside. I choked out a laugh when I saw their bride's maid's dresses. It is the same outfits they wore on our trip to the aquarium. "You said low key and happy." Alice explained. I grinned.
"It's perfect!" she smiled smugly and I turned to the girls. "You all look so beautiful." I said smiling. They all examined me.
"Mom you look stunning!" Emma cried. I smiled and hugged her. There was another knock on the door and I looked up to see my father at the door.
"Bella? It's time." I took a deep breath and glanced at Alice and Rose. They nodded encouragingly. I nodded and turned back to Charlie.
"Alright." We walked out to the back door and I watched the girls go out one at a time. First Rosalie, then Emma, then Jodi then Alice who was my maid of honor since Rose was at my last wedding, then Clara, the adorable flower girl. Charlie looked at me and smiled.
"You ready sweetie?" I nodded and gripped his arm.
"Don't let me go daddy." He chuckled and kissed my temple.
"Never baby girl."
.:Edward:.
"Bella, my Love, my wife." She blushed and smiled happily at the last name for her. "May I have this dance?" It was our first dance together as man and wife. She bit her lip nervously and I smiled. "I won't let you fall. Ever." She smiled and nodded. I took her hand and led her to the dance floor. I took her into my arms, making sure to hold her securely before we started to dance. "Bella have I told you how exquisite you look tonight?" she blushed a glorious red and tucked her head down.
"Yes, have I told you how incredibly handsome and breathtaking you look?" I smiled.
"I believe you mentioned it once or twice." She grinned. "Bella, I feel really bad that we can't have a proper honeymoon," she shook her head softly.
"Edward, I don't need a honeymoon. Sure, having one would be nice, but so is the thought of you holding me in your arms every night for the rest of forever." She said softly. I felt my heart swell with love.
"There is no place I would rather be." I said kissing her forehead. She smiled and I twirled her around with the music. She giggled lightly and I grinned. The song came to an end and Bella smiled, pulling me in for a gentle kiss. "I love you Edward Anthony Masen Cullen." She said smiling. I smiled and wrapped my arms firmly around her waist.
"I love you forever, Isabella Marie Cullen." She smiled the radiant smile I loved so much and kissed me one more time before we pulled apart. The DJ announced it was time for the father daughter dance and Bella rolled her eyes before finding Charlie. I turned to my girls and smiled. "Who wants to dance first?" Clara and Jodi raised their hands. I smiled and picked up Clara in one arm and twirled Jodi around with the other. We danced until the song was half way done before I put them down and went to find Emma. I smiled at her and lead her out to the dance floor. One thing she had inherited from me was her ability to dance.
We waltzed easily around the dance floor, keeping perfect time. "You look beautiful." I complimented. She was wearing the same dress I had seen in the pictures from the aquarium. It was a deep red satin dress and she looked so grown up in it.
"You look pretty good yourself." She said smiling. I grinned and kissed the top of her head. The song came to an end and we continued on dancing through to the next one.
I hadn't danced with Emma since she was a little girl. I was rediscovering just how fun it was. We twirled around until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked to see Jacob, standing awkwardly. "I'm sorry sir, but do you mind if I cut in?" Emma sent me a pleading look and I silently groaned.
"Fine. But hands where I can see them." I said letting go of Emma. She hissed at me angrily and I gave her a stern look. Jacob took up position and started leading her in the same dance we had just been doing. I watched him closely, but he remained a complete gentleman. I felt a small hand on my shoulder and looked down to see Bella smiling at me.
"Edward, let them dance." She said softly. I nodded and took her into my arms. She was right. It was my wedding. I shouldn't be worried about my daughter and who she was dancing with. I trusted her.
.:Bella:.
"Bella, welcome to the family." I smiled and hugged Esme tightly.
"Thank you Esme. Really. It means so much to me." I said honestly. She smiled.
"Bella, you have been a part of this family since I've met you. You and the boys complete the small family Edward has. Together you all make a whole and I cannot be happier about it." She declared. I felt my eyes water at her kind words.
"Thank you Esme." She grinned and patted my stomach lightly.
"I can't wait to meet this one." She said smiling. I grinned.
"It seems no one can wait." I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around. I smiled and hugged Angela and Ben.
"Congratulations." Angela said warmly. I smiled.
"Thank you so much and thank you for coming!" I said happily. Angela smiled.
"Oh we wouldn't miss it!" Angela had been one of the nurses at the hospital that I actually got along with. Mainly because she wasn't trying to flirt with Edward every chance she got, but also because she was sweet and honest and funny. She was quickly becoming a good friend of mine. "I have some news." She said shyly. I nodded and waited to hear what it was. "I'm pregnant." I grinned and hugged her.
"Oh Angela that's wonderful! How far along are you?" she grinned.
"Two months." I smiled.
"Ange that'll be great! Our kids can grow up together!" Angela smiled.
"I like that idea." I nodded in agreement. I felt Edward's strong arms wrap around my waist and I turned to smile at him.
"Edward Angela is pregnant too!" I said happily. Edward smiled.
"Congratulations." He said warmly. Angela smiled and glanced at Ben who was mirroring Edward's position.
"Thank you."
"I'm sorry to interrupt Love but it's almost ten." I was surprised to hear the time. I nodded and excused myself, hugging Angela and then Ben. I followed Edward around the reception area, looking for Alice or Esme.
"What are you two still doing here? I told you, we'll watch all 100 of your kids." Alice said, popping up out of nowhere. I nodded.
"Thank you Alice. For everything." She nodded and waved her hands.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. You love me. Now go." She commanded. Edward looked at me and smiled.
"Shall we go say goodbye to the kids?" I nodded and we made our way around the floor saying goodbye to all the guests and our children. Finally when we had found the last one, we left.
I was still in my wedding dress and Edward was still in his tux when we arrived at the hotel. Edward grabbed the duffle bag that was in the trunk and gave it to a bell boy to take up to our room. Edward led me to the check in counter and smiled. The woman working eyed Edward then glanced at me, her smile turning into a scowl.
Edward led us upstairs to our room and I just about fainted when I saw it. It was the most gorgeous hotel room I had ever seen. It looked like a stylish London flat instead of a hotel room. "Edward," I breathed in shock. Edward chuckled and kissed the crook of my neck.
"Do you like it love?" I twirled around in his arms and looked into his deep green soulful eyes.
"It's ridiculously much and I don't even want to think of how expensive it was," I said frowning. "But it's perfect. Thank you." My lips pulled up into a smile as I kissed him passionately. Edward chuckled.
"Nothing is ever good enough for you my love." He contradicted. I rolled my eyes and pulled away, though I kept my arms around his neck. "You really do look beautiful tonight." He murmured as his smoldering gaze danced up and down my body, taking time to carefully examine my dramatic cleavage. I smiled and wiggled against his hard body, my soft curves molding perfectly with him.
"Alice picked out the dress. Do you know where she found it?" I asked curiously. His eyes flickered back up to meet my own.
"Where?" I smiled.
"Apparently this was your grandmother's wedding dress." I said crinkling my nose. Edward laughed and kissed me sweetly.
"I knew I had seen it somewhere." He mumbled with a light chuckle. I frowned, I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing I was wearing a dress that reminded him of his grandmother. "You know what though?" he whispered against my lips. I felt my body shiver and I shook my head. "It looks one hundred times better on you then it ever did her and I'm so glad you wore it. I was quiet close with my grandmother. She taught me how to beat Emmett at poker every time." I giggled at his absurdness.
"She sounds like a charming lady." I said smiling. Edward chuckled.
"She would have loved you." I smiled gently and hugged Edward tighter. I shifted my weight and flinched. Edward noticed right away. "What is it Love?" I shrugged.
"It's just my feet. They are a bit sore." I said frowning. Edward frowned and scooped me up in his arms, carrying me to the large soft bed. I smiled. "I could have walked here." I said in a light teasing tone. Edward simply smiled and knelt down in front of me, slipping off my torturous shoes. His long, skilled hands gently messaged my swollen feet and I closed my eyes in happiness, a content sigh escaping my lips. "Thank you." I said, unable to open my eyes. Edward chuckled gently.
"You must be tired." He said gently. I opened my eyes and peeked down at him.
"I'm not that tired." I said sitting up. He chuckled softly and kissed my lips.
"Wait here." He instructed. I raised an eyebrow at him and he chuckled, kissing me once more before slipping from the room. I took this moment to examine the room further. The big bed was soft as a cloud and the large windows overlooked the water. The sky was clear tonight showing us the brilliant stars above.
I stood up and stepped out onto the balcony that connected to the bedroom. I leaned against the railing and sighed, taking in a deep breath. It was beautiful. A perfect night.
Edward's hands trailed lightly over my back and around my waist, bringing his body close to mine. He kissed my neck sweetly and whispered against my skin. "Come on Love, I have a surprise for you." He said gently. I nodded slowly, too happy to complain about surprises.
He led me inside and into the bathroom. I gasped and took it all in. The bathroom was dimly lit, all electronic lights were off and candles covered almost every surface. The large bath tub was filled with bubbles and rose petals. It looked so inviting, so beautiful. "I figured you could use a nice bath after your long day." He said against my neck. I turned in his arms and smiled.
"You are the best husband ever." I said kissing him passionately. He smiled, kissing me back. I pulled away and smiled. "Will you join me?" He smiled my favorite crooked smile and nodded.
"As you wish."
Edward helped me out of my dress, helping me to undo the tiny pearl buttons that made up the back. I stepped out of the dress and Edward moaned. I looked over at him curiously. "You look magnificent." He explained. I was wearing a black lace strapless bra and matching panties. They were no different than the underwear I usually wore.
"Edward, these aren't new." I said frowning. Edward shook his head and stepped toward me, his hand gently rubbing my small bump.
"I wasn't talking about you lingerie, though I am a fan of this set." I blushed at his words and he smiled. "No I was talking about your magnificent body." I had been feeling strangely self conscious around him lately, probably all of it due to the pregnancy.
He told me daily that I was beautiful and I usually ignored him; but tonight, as he looked at me under the soft candle light in the bathroom, I suddenly started to believe him. The way his eyes swept over me made me tingle as if it were his skilled hands, brushing my skin, setting fire to my nerves.
Confidence flooded me and I smiled seductively at him. I walked toward him slowly, watching his eyes dart quickly over my body before they finally met mine. I stood in front of him, so close I was almost brushing against him.
Carefully, so I didn't touch him, I started undoing the buttons on his shirt. He reached to touch me and I shook my head, a smiled dancing on my lips. "Not yet Dr. Cullen." I said smiling. He groaned and bit his lip.
I quickly finished unbuttoning his shirt before I stepped back and smiled. He looked glorious in this light. I reached for the clasp of my bra, unhooking it and letting it fall slowly from my body. Edward reached out to touch me again and I shook my head. "Not yet." I said with a teasing smile. Edward shoved his hands in his pockets and I smiled. I reached for my panties and stuck my thumb in the waist band, shimmying them down my hips slowly. Edward groaned but didn't take his eyes off me. He took his hands out of his pockets and gripped the marble counter behind him. I smiled and took my hair down, soft curls cascading down around my face. I smiled and stepped into the warm bath. I smiled and slid in easily, enjoying the feel of the warm water soothing my sore and tired body. I turned to Edward and smiled. "Will you join me?" He shed his clothes quickly and I scooted forward in the tub so he could slide in behind me. I leaned back against his rock solid chest and sighed contentedly. We fit so perfectly together, so naturally.
I turned around in the tub so I was straddling his lap now. I brushed the hair from his eyes and smiled. "I love you so much." I whispered with a small smile. Edward captured my lips with his and I pressed my body against his, leaning into the kiss. His arms were secured around my waist, keeping me pressed against him.
The feeling of our bodies moving together, slicked down with water was electrifying. I moved against him, my body slick from the water and bubbles. Edward kissed his way along my jaw and down my neck, sucking on my shoulder. I arched into him, enjoying the feeling of flesh on flesh.
By the time he entered me, my body was pulsing with want and desire. I gasped in ecstasy at the feeling of him filling me to my core. I rocked against his hips and moaned. It was almost too much. "Edward," I panted. My skin was crawling with flames so wonderfully hot I was getting dizzy. We rocked together at comfortable rhythm, enjoying each other.
I felt the familiar knot in my stomach tighten and I instinctually squeezed Edward's hips between my legs tighter. He gasped and thrust into me harder. I moaned out his name, my head lolling back as his lips found my neck again.
Pressure began to build in me and my breathing became erratic. "Edward," I breathed. "Edward I'm so close." I whimpered. He grunted in response and captured my mouth with his as he thrust in harder. The pressure reached its capacity and we exploded; one right after each other. We swallowed each other's screams and I pulled back, exhausted. I rested my head against Edward's chest, kissing it in affection.
"I love you Isabella Marie Cullen." He said kissing my hair. I smiled.
"I love you too Edward Anthony Masen Cullen." We rested a moment before Edward insisted on washing every inch of my body. I didn't complain. In fact, it felt amazing when his long, talented fingers messaged my scalp. I was completely relaxed and when he finished washing me, I washed him in much the same manor.
The rest of the night we spent between holding each other in pure bliss and making love. It was the closest I had ever gotten to finding heaven on earth.
