Hey everyone! So as promised I got another chapter out. This one is a bit choppy and a lot of filler but I have a reason. So here it is. I just want to thank all of you who review constantly and a special thanks to Keeper of the Covenant for all of your help that you have given me! So enough of my blabber. On with the show! Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Engraved
Time was passing quickly and if they were human it would have felt like there weren't enough hours in a day. Carlisle's birthday had come and gone in February. Of course Bella had playfully given him a hard time about it being gross being engaged to a man that was over three hundred years her senior. Valentines day had passed as well. Both being filled with wonderful gifts and mind-blowing sex. March passed by faster than a leprechaun can run. April came and went with Nathan's ninth birthday. May passed far too quickly. It was now June. June fifteenth was only three days away.
Family and friends were flying in left and right. Charlie, Sue, Leah, and Seth came in yesterday along with Billy and Jake. Bella was so surprised that the wolves came even if two of them were her stepsiblings, but Leah and Seth said that they wouldn't miss the wedding for the world. Despite the whole vampire thing Leah said that she couldn't be happier for her. Jake came because they were old friends and Billy forced him. The Denali family came in this morning. Carlisle picked them up. Bella was too busy with last minute wedding details. She was going out of her mind. The recital dinner was tonight and Bella was a bit nervous. She wanted to get married so badly and having the rehearsal tonight only made it all the more real.
"Mom, are you all right?" Edward asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little stressed. And a bit of it is sexually. Carlisle and I haven't been intimate since June started. I don't know why we decided to hold off until the honeymoon but it's killing me." Bella groaned.
"First of all, I don't need to know. Second of all, that explains why it's been so quiet at night. Well scratch that, not as loud. Third, it's been thirteen days, Bella. All you have to do is go tonight and tomorrow night and you're all good."
"I know. I'm just happy that the marriage prep course is over." Bella laughed.
"Was it really that bad?"
"Well let's see the minister wasn't too happy to hear that Carlisle had been married before. Also he wasn't too pleased that we have been heavily sexually active. That's part of why we are doing this no sex until the wedding during this month. He also wasn't that sure of us in the beginning because we got engaged so soon. But in the end he ended up really liking us and we really like him. We just had to show him how well we function together and how much we love each other."
Edward smiled at his mother.
"I'm really happy for you and Carlisle." Edward started. "I have to admit I had my doubts in the beginning but I kept my mouth shut. Mostly because Alice threatened me to. Now don't get me wrong but I still had feelings for you when I first moved back in. I kept wishing something would go wrong and you would go back to me. I also couldn't grasp the idea of Carlisle being with anyone but Esme. But after spending some time around you both I quickly realized that it was meant to be. I'm honored to be part of this wedding. You've both changed for the better and grown. I'm really honored to be your son."
Bella practically tackled Edward when she hugged him.
"You just made my day so much better." She squealed. "Thank you."
"So aren't you excited? You're getting married!"
"I know. I'm screaming on the inside. But I have to behave. I have absolutely no idea what the girls have in store for my bachelorette party. All I know is that after my party we're going hunting."
"Yeah, after Carlisle's party we're taking him out hunting, but Jasper and Alice planned it so that you'd be going in opposite directions."
"Then I won't get to see him at all the next day until it's time."
"Yeah, but you'll survive."
"I need to go pick up Carlisle's wedding gift and ring."
"Need someone to go with you?"
"Thanks but this is something I need to do alone."
Edward smiled and then kissed his mother on the cheek. Bella got up from the couch, grabbed her car keys, and went on her way.
Bella had gotten Carlisle an engraved stethoscope that said In your hands my heart has found peace. She hoped that Carlisle would like it. Her next stop was Carlisle's wedding band.
"Big day coming up?" The man at the store asked as he handed her the box with the ring in it.
"Yep. Three days until I finally get to be Mrs. Cullen."
Bella opened the box and smiled when she saw the ring. It was simple with elegant etchings along the side. It was white gold and beautiful. The words that were engraved on the inside were Like a circle our love is never ending.
"I must say that the inscription is lovely." The man spoke up.
"Thank you. I can only hope he feels the same."
…
After dropping the Denali's off at the house with the family Carlisle went to pick up Bella's wedding present and ring. He was nervous for the recital dinner merely because it made everything real. He wasn't getting cold feet. He was more anxious than any man could ever be to marry Isabella. He had been waiting to marry her for three hundred and seventy one years. In three days he would finally have the pleasure and the honor of calling Isabella his wife. For her wedding present he got her a sterling silver music box. The melody of the music box was a tinkering tune that reminded Carlisle of Bella's laughter. When it was opened the tune played and a small mirror could be scene. Around the mirror these words were engraved: You are the song of my heart, I shall keep it all of my days.
When he got to the ring store he swore he just saw Bella walking out the door. He ran out the door after her.
"Isabella!" He called.
Bella whipped her head around and smiled when she saw her mate. She ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. Carlisle tried to take the bag but she pulled it away.
"Hey, no peaking!" She giggled.
"I know. I just think it's funny that we ran into each other."
"I know right because we're usually well…"
"Always together." He finished for her.
He pressed his lips to hers and she tried to take his bag.
"No way. If I can't see yours you don't get to see mine." He chuckled and then continued to kiss his mate.
When the kiss was over Bella sighed happily.
"I needed that."
"Me too. Now I have to go pick something up so I'll see you back at the house."
"I love you."
"As I love you."
He kissed her chastely and then ran back into the store.
When he walked in the man had a smile on his face.
"I'm guessing you must be Mr. Cullen."
"Yes, I'm guessing my fiancé was just here doing what I'm about to do."
The man handed Carlisle a box with Bella's wedding ring. He held his breath as he opened it. It was a white gold band with small diamonds all along it. Inside these words were engraved: Bound by our hearts, we stand together always.
"You're a very lucky man and she's a very lucky woman. I wish you both much happiness." The man said with a genuine smile.
"Thank you. I know how lucky I am. She's my soul mate. I ask God every day what I did to deserve her but I swear He just laughs at me."
"You know what they say, if you want to make God laugh tell him your plans. He's probably saying why can't you believe it."
"I've been married before and I was never that wise."
"I waited a while to tell my wife that I loved her. So long I almost lost her to another man. On my wedding band she wrote, Life is full because you are the fruit of my happiness."
"That's beautiful."
"Women have a way with words. Men can too when they're in love. I'd say that you are by what you wrote on hers."
Carlisle smiled and then headed on his way home to see his blessing of a mate.
…
"All right shall we start the rehearsal?" Pastor Miller asked.
Carlisle gave Bella's hand a squeeze.
"Yes, let's get started." Bella chimed.
They were at the Edgewater hotel to practice. A small runway carpet had been set on the floor for Bella to practice walking on, though at the wedding it would be glass with rose petals pressed underneath. The glass doors were opened and it was just after twilight. Bella and Carlisle stood and then parted ways. Carlisle walked into the room with the minister and they stood in their places. Jasper stepped in next to his father in his place as the best man. Everyone else lined up in the hallway. Olivia was the flower girl. Yes, she was too old to do it but she had the demeanor to do so. Nathan was the ring bearer.
Pastor Miller stood in his place up front. Carlisle stood in his rightful place.
"Are you ready for this sweetie? I mean I know it's not time yet but are you?" Charlie asked his daughter.
"Yes, I want this. I am so happy that the day is nearing closer. In Seventy-two hours I will be Mrs. Carlisle Cullen and it scares me but thrills me at the same time. It's what I want. Carlisle is who I want to spend forever with. He's the right man for me and I'm madly in love with him, just as he is with me."
"I'm happy for you."
The minister's voice interrupted the conversation.
"Ok so Rosalie and Emmett will enter first."
The couple stepped forward and paced down the aisle arm in arm.
"All right, now Edward and Bree."
The pair walked down the aisle arm in arm and took their places.
"Next are Eleazar and Hope."
The pair walked arm in arm as well and then took their places.
"The maid of honor, Alice, you're next."
Alice walked gracefully but her enthusiasm was evident. She would glow even more on the day of the wedding.
"The ring bearer, Nathan."
Nathan walked carefully holding a pillow to practice with. A similar cushion would be used to hold the rings.
"Now for our flower girl, Olivia."
Olivia pretended to scatter flowers as she walked.
"All right now for the bride and her father, Isabella and Charlie."
Bella took a deep unneeded breath and walked forward with her father. She found Carlisle's eyes and that helped her focus when she was nervous due to everyone staring at her. Everything was going to be fine.
After the rehearsal was over Carlisle and Bella passed out their gifts for the wedding party. The girls got two hundred dollar gift cards to Niemen Marcus, except Alice got four hundred because she's the maid of honor. Nathan got a new video game. Carlisle gave the boys one hundred dollar gift cards to borders and two hundred for Jasper because he's the best man. It was getting closer to the big day. Carlisle looked over at Bella and smiled. She couldn't help but smile back.
…
The next day…
Bella really didn't want to go to her bachelorette party. Carlisle didn't want to go to his bachelor party. They would rather stay in their room and make love. They just had twenty-four hours to go. Bella sat at her vanity while Carlisle brushed her hair.
"It's so nice of Charlie and Sue to volunteer to watch Nathan tonight." Carlisle murmured as he looked down at his bride to be.
"Charlie really wanted to spend some time with his grandson. I know Charlie doesn't get to see him often and so I know that he truly cherishes the time he gets to spend with Nathan."
"Our son is a miracle. I swear. I can hear them down their laughing."
"Charlie always wanted a son. Though he was ecstatic to have me, he wanted a son as well. I think he's perfectly happy with a grandson."
"I'd say so. And we should be heading out. We have our parties."
"So you're really okay with juggling Nathan tomorrow?" Bella asked.
"Isabella, I can handle our son. Besides, there's no way that you'll have time to look after him. You just need to relax and get pampered. And do not worry about any wedding details. That's Alice's job. Remember the story we have for anyone who suspects why you are so pale. And about your eyes changing color randomly like your friend back in college who's hair changed color naturally."
"I know, Love. Well let's go say goodbye to Nathan. I won't get to see him until tomorrow evening." Bella sighed.
They walked out of the room hand in hand. When they got downstairs Nathan smiled at his parents. Bella picked him up and kissed him on the cheek.
"All right, Sweetie. I won't see you until tomorrow late in the afternoon. Dad is going to see you in the morning ok."
Carlisle hugged his son and Nathan hugged him back.
"Be good for Grandpa and Grandma, ok?" Carlisle teased.
"I will, Dad."
"I love you." Bella and Carlisle both said at the same time to their son.
Nathan smiled.
"I love you both, too."
He hugged both of his parents and then Bella put his down. If she were human Nathan would be too big to hold.
Carlisle and Bella said their thanks and goodbyes to Charlie and Sue and then were bombarded by their children.
"Come on, Mom. The other's are already waiting at the super secret location." Alice whined a she pulled on her mother's arm.
His sons dragged out Carlisle to the garage.
The couple was most definitely in for quite a night.
…
When they pulled up to a restaurant Bella was completely confused. She knew that Hope and Bree would have eaten before they came.
"Alice?" Bella asked.
"Just wait and see."
Rosalie, Alice, Olivia, and Bella got out of the car and basically ran inside. Alice led her mother to a back private room in the restaurant that was reserved for parties. Now Bella understood. She looked in the room painted a purplish red and saw Bree, Hope, Carmen, Tanya, Irina, and Kate. They were all here for Bella's bachelorette party.
"Bella!" Hope and Bree exclaimed at the same time and then ran over to hug Bella.
"Hey, oh my God I'm so happy that you're here!" Bella squealed.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world!" Hope exclaimed.
"Tomorrow's the big day!" Bree yelled.
"I know! I can't wait." Bella chimed.
Bella then hugged Carmen, Irina, Kate, and even Tanya.
"Bella, I'm so sorry for my behavior the last time my family and I visited. I should have respected your relationship and Carlisle's decision. I spent a lot of time thinking about it and I soon realized what I had done. I thought about what a good mother you are to Nathan…" Tanya bit her lip.
Bella smiled. She already knew what Tanya wanted to say.
"Come visit him anytime you like." Bella said with a smile.
Tanya smiled appreciatively and then hugged Bella.
"Thank you." She whispered.
It was part of the reason that Bella had acted so protective when Tanya had first made a comment about Nathan. She wanted to avoid her possible feelings. Bella now saw Tanya for the person she truly was. She was kind and a loving person. Sometimes she just was too proud and refused to see reality. But after her apologizing she saw that Tanya could be humble.
"Let's get this party started!" Rosalie squealed.
Olivia pulled Bella over to the couch and squealed.
"First presents!"
"Oh, no. You girls didn't have to get me anything." Bella would be blushing if she could.
Bree was the first to hand over Bella's present. She placed a bag on Bella's lap and smiled.
"Thanks."
"Don't thank me until you've opened it." Bree chimed.
Bella bravely opened the box only to find something make her jaw drop. Bree had bought Bella the set Kissable Sensations collection from Victoria's Secret. It had everything from edible body whipped cream and chocolate sauce to massaging oil. Even though she was a vampire and the stuff would taste nasty she was so going to use this on Carlisle.
"THANK YOU!" Bella screamed and nearly crushed Bree.
"I knew you'd like it. After you told me how much Carlisle likes to explore and try new things in bed. I figured that you two could have fun with this stuff."
"You are truly awesome."
"I know. That's why you keep me around."
"My turn!" Hope jumped in next to Bella.
Bella couldn't help but laugh.
"All right, let's see what we got here."
Bella opened the box to find the skimpiest bathing suit that Bella had ever seen.
"Your welcome." Hope said with a knowing tone. "Trust me, you wear this on your honeymoon and Carlisle is going to be on his knees."
"How do you know that I'm going to need a bathing suit?"
"Alice told me where you're going. We coordinated."
"Thank you." Bella said now curious about her honeymoon more so than she was before. Bella knew that Alice was packing for her so that the surprise of her honeymoon would remain a secret.
"I'm next!" Irina giggled.
Irina handed Bella a larger box. Bella was quite curious.
"I thought that I'd play on Carlisle being a doctor." Irina smiled and then winked.
Bella cautiously opened the box only to find a nurse's outfit only it was barely made of any material.
"Thank you, Irina. I'm sure that Carlisle is going to get a kick out of this. I should go to his office in this instead of the lingerie under the trench coat stunt I usually pull."
"Bella! You did what?" Rosalie exclaimed. "That sounds like something I would do if Emmett were a doctor!"
"That's why I didn't tell you!"
"Me next!" Kate exclaimed.
Bella had another present stuffed in her face. It was a set of lingerie. Tanya's was next and she also gave a set of lingerie. Carmen gave Bella a photo album to keep her wedding and honeymoon pictures in.
Now it was time for Bella's daughters to give their gifts. Alice was the one to give it to her. They said it was from all of the Cullen girls. She gave Bella a rectangular jewelry box. Bella carefully opened it only to find a memory necklace. It was sweet golden chain that had three small charms on it. One was a shopping bag, another was a steering wheel, and the last was a theatre mask. They each represented her daughters. Bella put it on, and luckily it hung past her Cullen crest so they wouldn't clash.
"I love it, girls. It's absolutely beautiful." Bella sounded like she would be crying.
She hugged her three girls and smiled.
"Thank you all for the gifts."
"Your welcome. Now on with the party!" Olivia squealed.
The night consisted of races to see who could dress their teammate in a toilet paper dress first and a race to see who could put condoms on a banana first. The next part Bella truly appreciated. The girls who were married gave Bella marital advice.
"Never let the day end with you both being angry. Always talk it out. Separation doesn't help despite what people think." Carmen was the first to give advice.
"He's not always right because he's a man." Rosalie said with a smirk.
"Men do cry. If he does and turns away so you won't see, tell him he's being silly or stupid and tell him you're married so you have a right to see." Alice giggled.
"Oh and if you decide to walk around the house naked when the kids are out be prepared to be tackled from the banister and thoroughly fucked." Carmen added.
Bella's jaw dropped.
"Oh and sex is a great distraction when trying to avoid answering a question." Rosalie snickered.
"Real men shop with their wives." Alice chimed.
"Anything else I should know?" Bella asked.
"Do not try to have sex during the wedding reception you will get caught." Hope chuckled.
"I think I figured that one out, Hope. After all Carlisle and I were the ones that walked in on you."
"Yeah but you were trying to find a place to fuck! You guys are like rabbits I swear!"
"Hey! I have not had sex since the month of June began. Carlisle I swore off it so that it would be mind blowing during our honeymoon! Not that it's not mind blowing every night. Gr. You know what I mean!"
"Haha! Bella's sexually frustrated!" Bree chuckled.
"Hey when your fiancé is as hot as Carlisle is and you have to wait fifteen days to have sex with him after ten months of mind-blowing sex…"
"Ok… yeah I get the picture now…" Hope sighed.
"Hey well you're walking down the aisle in less than twenty four hours." Bree piped up.
"Yep!"
"Are you nervous?" Tanya asked.
"No, absolutely not. I can't wait to be Mrs. Carlisle Cullen. I've been dreaming about this for so long and now it's just less than a day away."
Tanya smiled.
"It must feel to good to have everything that you've ever wanted."
"I don't have everything, Tanya. If I had everything my mother would be coming to my wedding or at least speaking to me. Ever since Carlisle and I went to visit her in Jacksonville to announce our engagement she hasn't spoken to me. She didn't reply to the letter I sent afterwards either. Phil, her husband is coming. I spoke to him last month. He said he refused to miss out on his step daughter getting married. But she doesn't want anything to do with me. But I'm happy. I have everything and so I can't be too picky. I have Carlisle and my family and that's all that really matters. Besides I'm getting married tomorrow!"
Everyone laughed. Tanya even cracked a smile at the thought of Carlisle finally getting married after eight years of misery.
The vampires said goodbye to the humans and they got into their respective cars. The vampire girls were going off for a good hunt to keep them busy until morning. They all had good control but no one wanted to take any chances with all the humans that would be present tomorrow.
…
The boys, including Eleazar, took Carlisle to a pool house. There was nothing like a good game of pool. This was one of the games that Edward could actually not cheat in. The racked up the balls and all stood around waiting to shoot.
"So how's it feel? You're getting married tomorrow, old man." Emmett chuckled as he clapped his father on the back.
"It feels amazing, Son. As I told Bella, I've waited three hundred and seventy one years to marry her. Now the day is just about here."
"She's quite a catch, Carlisle. You're a very lucky man." Eleazar said after he sunk a solid.
"So are you sure you'll be able to handle such a young woman on your honeymoon? I mean won't she wear you out?" Edward snickered.
"Hey! I'm not that old! I perform perfectly well, you can ask your mother. I never need a rest! I tackle after she cums and am ready for more before she can realize what I'm doing!"
"Woah, Dad. TMI. I don't need to know what you do in bed."
"It's not always in bed, Son. We are quite adventurous. You know the huge trees in the back yard? Well on Valentines Day we hung from them by our legs and fucked upside down."
All of their jaws dropped.
"How?" Emmett exclaimed and almost snapped the stick in his hand in half.
"Very carefully." Carlisle chuckled and then sunk a striped ball.
"Oh and the week before that I fucked her while she was draining a mountain lion."
"What the fuck! You guys do things that I would never even think of." Jasper gasped.
"Your moth likes me to surprise her and keep her on her toes. I'd say that I perform pretty well."
"I don't want to know anymore!" Edward groaned.
"Then don't instigate me with the old man unable to perform shit." Carlisle playfully growled.
"Fine, I'll lay off."
"Good."
"So Carlisle, I think I should give you some marital advice." Eleazar said with a smile.
"And what advice would that be?"
"That women are right when they say that they are right. There is no use in arguing. Telling them they are wrong, especially on a silly argument, is only a cock block."
"Always listen to every word she says. Especially when she is telling you about her day when you come home from work. The old nodding and uh huhing method doesn't work. They so know when you aren't listening." Jasper advised.
"Avoid getting hit in the head by her hand at all times! It hurts like a bitch." Emmett warned.
"If she asks you if you like her new dress and it's hideous, tell her it is! She will be pissed if you let her go out in public in it. Most of the time they know the dress is ugly and want to see if you'll be honest. But after you tell her it looks bad tell her she's beautiful and suggest something that you love seeing her in." Eleazar chuckled.
"When she says she needs to liven up her wardrobe and wants you to go shopping with her. Run for the hills and run fast otherwise she will catch you." Jasper was very serious about this one.
"When she is going crazy not knowing what to wear just shut your mouth and sit on the bed. Don't suggest anything or she will bite your hand off." Emmett shuttered. "Oh and if she asks you if you were looking at another woman even if you weren't and were looking at the video game store window just say 'Of course not, Dear. No, Honey. I only look at you, Baby.' Then kiss her and pull her towards the video game store."
After the boys finished their game of pool they headed off to hunt. Carlisle couldn't wait to see Bella. Unfortunately that wouldn't be until she was walking down the aisle towards him.
So what did you think? Review and tell me please.
Next chapter: The Wedding.
