Wow, what overwhelming interest in an epilogue, I hope this is satisfactory!
Sadly the characters are not mine, just the plot.
Five Years Later
"Do you, Isabella Marie Swan, take Edward Anthony Cullen as your lawfully wedded husband?"
Charlie understood why Elizabeth walked me down the aisle. He wasn't offended, and Elizabeth began crying when I asked her if she would give me away. It was a simple enough ceremony, small, intimate, but just the same the whole family was involved.
"I do," I said firmly, staring into Edward's eyes, my heart pounding loudly in my chest.
Rosalie and Emmett tied the knot just a year after he proposed. She described the feeling of the "I dos" as the most thrilling moment of her life. She compared it to the feeling of being on the top of a rollercoaster, the moment just before the big drop. Just about two years later, Alice said it was if the rest of the world faded away, and she and Jasper were the only two people that mattered.
"And do you, Edward Anthony Cullen, take Isabella Marie Swan as your lawfully wedded wife?"
I've gotta say, they were both right. I knew we were surrounded by the people we cared about most in the world, but at that moment my heart was racing and Edward was all I could see.
"I do," he said, squeezing my hand, giving me one of his infamous crooked smiles.
It was dizzying. Nothing could compare to how I felt at that moment. Although Alice assured me that would change when I have children. In fact she said the feeling is even more intense, and just looking at the bond between her and my niece, I know she's right.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
There were cheers all around us as Edward pressed his lips against mine with a passion unlike I'd ever known before. It was the screech of excitement from my nephew that really brought me back to the present. Rose was jealous when two months after the honeymoon, Alice asked us to join her on a covert mission to the drug store for a pregnancy test. When the results came back positive, Alice reminded Rose that she got to have the first wedding, so it was only fair. Six months later, when Rose found out about baby Stephan, all jealousy was forgotten.
As we turned to head back down the aisle together, I tripped and tumbled right into Edward. He, of course, being the smooth man that he is swept me up into his arms and carried me as if the whole thing had been secretly choreographed. After a particularly loud hoot from Emmett my whole face got hot, instead of just my already rosy cheeks. Edward chuckled and kissed me on the nose, setting me down once we had reached the last row of wedding guests.
It was very bizarre being on the other side of the camera as the photographer snapped away carefully organized shots. Carmen had been true to her word, and I had developed a level of attention I could have never obtained on my own. I certainly wasn't a world renowned photographer, in fact I wasn't even nationally recognized, but I was somewhat well known in the Pacific Northwest. I gained momentum doing weddings and other social events, but I was able to branch out and showcase my talents in other arenas as well. Everything worked out nicely, because I was able to go with Edward when the band went on tour. They never got famous, but they did a couple of small tours, and released a grand total of three albums. Although they weren't "officially together" anymore, the guys still got together a few times a month to jam, and would, from time to time, still do shows here in Seattle.
"I have a surprise for you Mrs. Cullen," Edward whispered in my ear as dinner was ending, "Stay right here."
Alice quickly took Edward's place next to me as he disappeared, "Funny how so very little has changed, despite such a big life event taking place. I mean Jasper is still your brother-in-law, Maria is still your niece. I mean Carlisle and Esme were already family."
"Gee thanks Alice," I said sarcastically.
"No, no," she interrupted, "I guess I'm not saying it right. I mean, it's just kind of like, what took you so long? I mean it's been pretty clear from the beginning that you two were meant to be. From the moment you two moved into together, what four years ago now, it's like you were a married couple. It was cemented when you guys bought that house months ago, as if it weren't already obvious. This is just the official party for your name change. You're lucky you know? Marriage is going to be like second nature to you. I'm just surprised you guys waited this long. I was sure you were just itching to settle down and jump on the baby band wagon."
"Well the way I look at it is this: From when I met Edward, everything just became so chaotic. There were so many big changes all at once, and he was just the constant that kept me through it. No matter what happened we got to just be us. Everything was so exciting, and this was just simple. It wasn't really something either of us thought about I guess. We didn't need a big change, we had enough. From finding my family, to the settlement with Jane, to my success with my photograph, to all the good things that happened with his music, and everything in between. Simple was good for both of us. I guess you're right, marriage isn't going to be an adjustment for us, but isn't that a good thing?"
I was distracted from my rant when Alice grabbed at my arm, pointing at the stage that Edward was now standing on, his guitar strapped across his shoulder. He smiled at me, and gave me a wave, before clearing his throat. He stared around the room as everyone looked up at him, and he actually looked kind of nervous.
"Five years ago," he spoke into the microphone, "I met my soul mate in a coffee shop. That first time we met, I had no idea what was in store for us. Had you asked me what I thought my life would be like now, I'm not sure I'd have an answer for you, and if I did, well I don't think I'd paint a picture quite like this. I guess I would have hoped to be a famous rock star with a Grammy or two under my belt. I don't think I ever thought I'd become a freelance music critic, or that I'd work with the love of my life at an orphanage, teaching children music. I can safely say that this is the much better option, and I'd like to think that my twenty-three-year-old-self would be proud of my twenty-eight-year-old-self. What I do know for sure is that I'd never be where I am today without the love and support of a good woman. For me, Bella is that good woman. In fact, she's the best woman. It's been an interesting journey getting here, and I couldn't imagine anyone else being at my side. So Bella, my love, my wife, this is for you."
Jasper had joined him on stage at some point during his speech and the two of them performed the song Edward had written for me when we had first begun dating. I sat and listened, staring at my husband with adoration. I hadn't realized I had cried until Alice quickly wiped a tear off of my cheek before my make-up could smudge. When the song was over, I stood up as Edward handed his guitar to Jasper. He jumped down off the stage and the two of us met in the middle of the dance floor, and kissed. In the background I heard Jasper propose a toast to us, and our friends and family drinking to us. As we pulled apart, I grinned wickedly at Edward.
"You're not the only one with a surprise you now," I whispered to him, before clearing my throat loudly to get everyone's attention.
I looked over at Jasper and he tossed me a wireless mic, "Well I'm not quite sure I can top that beautiful speech, but it is my turn now. I couldn't be happier that all of you could be here today. It means the world to me, and to Edward to share this special day with the people we love. You've all been an important part of our journey, and although I'm going to spend the rest of my life with Edward, I hope you all tag along too. That being said, it seems right to share this with you all now. You all know that Edward and I recently bought a house, but what none of you know is that we're going to be needing your help redecorating already, because I'm pregnant."
There were gasps, cheers, and applause all around, but I was only focused on Edward, who's jaw had dropped. He pressed a hand to my stomach, and silently asked for confirmation. I simply nodded my head grinning like an idiot. He picked me up and spun me around, and when he put me back down, we were surrounded by people, patting us on the back and congratulating us.
"How long have you known? Why didn't you tell me?" He asked, oblivious to the excitement around us.
"Well I was going to tell you sooner, but it never seemed like the right moment. Besides, I figured I might as well wait until you made an honest woman out of me so you couldn't go running for the hills."
"Bella?"
"Edward?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
And there it was, the cherry on top of little orphan Bella's happy ending.
Thank you all a million times over for reading my story. I really and truly hope you enjoyed it.
