I am going to keep this simple instead of talking your ears off. As normal I don't own these characters just enjoying them while they are in my custody. The songs for this chapter are "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Going to the Chapel" by The Dixie Cups, "How Can I Not Love You" by Joy Enriquez and "Thinking of You" by Katy Perry. Enjoy!
BPOV/August 2nd
I tossed and turned all night long. My nerves were beyond frazzled. I did not feel this nervous before the cake challenge last month. I looked at the clock again and it was a little after seven in the morning. I gave up on sleep and decided to go use the work out room. I just hoped I did not wake anyone else up. I would have left a note for Alice but when I went to her room she was gone. I just hoped she stayed away from the Red Bull. I put on my Yellow Submarine t-shirt and pulled on some sweat pants. Not very stylish but who would see them?
I headed downstairs to grab a bottle of water and there was Alice on her lap top at the table. I assumed she was going over last minute changes and figuring out lay outs. She had drawings of the yard all over the place and was mumbling to herself.
"Alice are you ok?" I spoke softly as I did not want to scare the shit out of her. She looked up at me as she took another drink of her coffee.
"Morning!! I did not expect you to be up already. Edward dropped a bomb on me so now I am trying to figure out where to put his surprise for his parents. I almost have it figured out as the crew will be here in a few hours." She looked at me with a sparkle in her eyes as she lived for this kind of drama.
"I tossed and turned all night. I figured I would try to get rid of some of these butterflies out of my system at that great gym we have." I leaned over and saw that she was right she almost had it done.
I kissed her forehead and headed over to the main house. I was quiet as not to wake anyone but Angela was in the kitchen already. She was finishing the blinis and cutting Salmon.
I told her I would help but I need to kill the butterflies that were bombing my stomach. I asked how Ben was and she replied still down and out. I ran up the stairs and then took the attic stairs to the mini gym. I put my iPod in the holder and put on some music that would get me going. I hit shuffle and went to the treadmill. I put it on the highest incline and fast as it could go and started in. I was used to running fast and uphill. It was how I got my stress out during college days.
I must have been there for a few hours because my water bottle was gone and the iPod had gone through most of the music I had on there. I felt like someone was watching me and turned around to see Edward standing there watching me. It was eerie but at the same time I liked it.
"Bella I am sorry to interrupt but Alice said it was time for you to go. I hope I did not scare you." He smiled at me with that quirky grin.
"No you didn't interrupt nor did you scare me. I was finished anyway. I just hope I have time for a shower. I stink but at least the butterflies are gone." I grabbed my empty water bottle, my iPod and headed for the stairs.
"Bella can I ask why all the butterflies?" He ran his hand through his hair. I felt a tingle up my spine. Damn it I have things to do today and my mind needed to be on them.
"Because I am nervous of not doing my best for all of you. This party means more to me that the cake challenge I won. I don't want to let anyone down and I don't want to disappoint anyone." Crap I said more than I wanted.
"Bella how can you let anyone down if you do your best? I know my family adores you and you could never do anything to let us down. "He swept a strand of hair out of my face and put it behind my ear. This time I am the one that freaked out.
I didn't now what to say or how to react to Edward doing that. I couldn't tell him I was falling in love with someone I met on the internet. I just stood there and turned around and bounded down the stairs. I ran around the things in the yard and into the coach house. I yelled at Alice that I was hopping in to take a quick shower. Alice looked at me and nodded. She was busy ordering the work men around. I hopped into my shower and noticed that there was an outfit on my bed. I just laughed at Alice and her organization skills. I was quick at showering and dressing. I headed downstairs and Alice pulled me out the door. In the back alley was a stretch limo. My mouth was open and Alice had to shut for me. The driver got out and opened the door for us. I heard a cork pop and Esme's wonderful laugh echo in the back seat.
"Girls you ready to be pampered?" Rosalie said as she handed us flutes of the bubbly. We were all ready to go and the door shut on us. I did not know where we were going but I had the thought of pain going through my mind.
They all made small talk about things there were going on. Rosalie asked if Edward brought over the dresses and Alice said yes. I wondered what he was doing there now I knew. I was going to bring up the subject of why we were getting dressed here and Esme piped up before I could ask.
"Carlisle and I started the tradition of getting ready away from each other. That way our anniversary is a special surprise. As the boys came along our anniversaries were more special because we included them too. When I asked he told me nothing about it." She took another sip of her champagne.
We all looked at each other and just smiled. I noticed Rosalie was pouring and forgetting her glass by accident. There were going to be more surprises this night than they all think. I realized that I did not eat breakfast but was told we would have brunch at the spa. We had a good time in the limo with all the girl talk and music. Rosalie brought a mix with the first song being "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and then "Going to the Chapel" I nearly spit out my champagne on hearing that song.
Esme just laughed when she heard it. She thought it was funny being it was their wedding anniversary. Little did she know it had a meaning behind it? Alice hid her giggles behind her hand and smiled at me. The music poured out and we started singing to it. Rosalie and Alice started dancing in their seats and begged for us to join them. Eventually we were all dancing and singing along as we pulled up to the spa.
Everyone got out but I stayed behind to check on things back at the kitchen. I flipped open my cell phone and hit speed dial.
"Sugar and Spice…Bella I know this is you. We are doing fine." I could hear the laughter at that.
"I am sorry but I was just making sure things were going ok?! I know I left you all with so much and I feel horrible about it." I heard Chef Clay yell in the background to enjoy myself.
"Bella you heard him go enjoy yourself. We have everything under control. You should see all the beautiful work Alice did. I have not put out the cake yet. It is warm out there still but you can decide when to do that when you get here. Have fun and we all love you." At that she hung up. I did not even get to ask how Ben was doing.
I got out of the car and joined the others. Alice looked at me and asked quietly how things were going. I told her that things were fine and they were in awe of the crew she had. She smiled at that and we all went inside.
Esme went to check on our reservation. We were given robes and slippers and shown to our room.
It was beautiful. Very calming colors were used throughout and we each had our own closet to put our things in. I noticed a beautiful spread of health conscious foods. I dished myself up some food all the champagne I had was getting to me. They gave us their menus of what they offered. Esme and Rosalie knew what they wanted and Alice soon followed. The list was endless and I am sure most of them were painful.
I just looked at the list and then it was grabbed from my hands. The women was told that we would all have the same thing. I was never told as to what I was in for. I was shown a private room. I saw what was there and backed up.
"Oh hell no you are not making me do this! I am not with anyone and I am fine with my hair where it is!" I backed up into Alice.
"Bella it will be ok. Please do this for me! Pain is worth it sometimes!" I cringed as she pushed me towards the table. I would make her pay for my hell later.
I was asked what type of shave I wanted. I did not have a clue and told the women to ask my friend on the next table. I heard Alice mumble something and then the pain.
I screamed and was told it was over. She went on to my legs and that was easier. I have had that done before but a Brazilian wax was not my cup of tea. After that torture we were given facials, pedicures, manicures and then messages. The full body message was heaven and I melted in the warmth of it. The hours passed by quickly and we all came out mushy from the relaxation.
Esme told Rosalie that she glowed but I quickly changed the subject. We all got redressed and headed for our hair appointments. At least this torture I knew about. We got back into the limo and the tunes played out again. We all piled out as we arrived at the hair salon. Another reservation for Cullen. This family knew how to pamper themselves and it made me wonder how they did other things too.
We were handed champagne again and we all declined. We enjoyed some great coffee though and Rose had tea. We were all shampooed and put into chairs. They all knew what they were going to do. Alice had told them while were driving here. Esme's caramel colored hair was put into a simple French twist. It was simple but would look beautiful with her gown. Rosalie told the women that she wanted it left down but more in a Veronica Lake look.
Alice's hair was short and spiky but the women said she would do something special with it. I squirmed in my chair as I was asked what I wanted done. I simply shrugged my shoulders as I did not have a clue. My normal trip to a salon was at a place that did great work but it was cheap. Alice butted in and told the man to put it semi up with the rest cascading down my back in soft curls.
The man told her not to worry honey and did a snap z with his fingers. Great I had to get the gay one at least my hair would look wonderful. He got to work putting my hair up. He squirted and sprayed as he put my hair up in the curlers. We made small talk and he told me about his boyfriend. He also told us he knew Mr. Xavier. He had some great stories as we all listened into them as we were the only ones there. I had a hard time holding still as I laughed so hard. We all had our make up done too! This salon had some talented people in it. I told them soft and not too much. I was one not to wear make up as it just came off during work.
The time passed quickly as we were laughing and enjoying the talk. I felt the movement on my hair stop and my chair turn around.
"Bella girlfriend you will not be able to keep the boys away looking like this." He spun me around to the mirror. The girl I saw in front of me was not me. I looked grown up and different. I heard a soft murmur in the background.
"Bella you look beautiful!" Esme looked at me with a smile on her lips and everyone agreed with her. I just told them it was nothing and not to get used to it. This was not me as liked to be simpler.
I noticed how beautiful Esme and Rosalie looked. Alice's short hair was soft and made her look angelic. My hair was just like Alice said. I don't know how he did it because my hair was unruly most of the time. Esme paid the bill and once again I balked at it. She said that I could repay them by cooking dinner one of these nights. I knew it was little but I would do anything for them.
I noticed it was passed six in the evening and we still had to get dressed. We got into the limo and the tunes started back up. We talked and enjoyed the company of one another. We pulled up to our house and got out. We walked through the garage so Esme would not notice the backyard. Everything was laid out all ready for us.
We all were careful to get dressed. Knowing me I would get something on my dress and it would show up in all the pictures. My luck was with me that night and everything went off without a hitch. I was the first one ready as I had planned it that way. I told Alice I wanted to check on everything over at the main house. She said that her part was done and that the boys would come get us soon. I walked carefully down the steps as not to trip or rip anything.
I stopped as I got out into the yard. The string quartet was in the gazebo silently warming up. The black and white dance floor was set up next to it. I noticed a baby grand piano set up on the black and white squares. That must be Edward's surprise for his parents. There were twinkling lights everywhere. The bushes, trees, gazebo and the porches were lit up beautifully. I noticed I was walking under a flower covered arch. It was covered in sweet peas and roses. Alice had thought of the perfect place for them to re-do their vows. The tent glowed in the coming darkness. Alice had out done herself on this one. The flower arrangements matched the gazebo but had pearls and diamonds mixed through out them. Their were silver candelabras placed in between the arrangements. The place settings were my crystal and china they sparkled in the candle light. The cake table was simple but ready for the cake I made for it.
I carefully walked across the yard still mesmerized by the beauty of it all. I carefully opened the door and saw Angela plating the blinis.
"Bella you look beautiful!! We have everything under control so please don't be worried." Angela hugged me but was careful in doing so.
Chef Clay came out and stopped in his tracks. He looked at me up and down. From the response he was pleased in how I looked.
"Bella you are breath taking. The cake is just going to go out. I think it is one of the best you have ever done!" He kissed my cheek and scooted me out the door. I felt relieved that everything was under control. When I reached the porch to the coach house I saw him taking the cake out. I smiled at him and he waved me off.
I heard talking coming from the front of the main house. I quickly went in and joined the rest of the girls. Alice did not want them seeing us till we came out. Alice had carefully place a blindfold on Esme and told us that Jasper had done the same to Carlisle. We slowly walked her out and met the boys. Emmett stopped in his tracks looking at Rose. He smiled at her with love in his eyes. He was in for the shock of his life tonight.
Jasper was leading Carlisle and left him fending for himself when he saw Alice. She started giggling when he realized his poor father was alone. Edward looked at me and smiled while his green eyes sparkled. He looked good in a tuxedo as did the rest of the Cullen men.
We all gathered around them and slowly their blind folds were taken away. We all told them surprise.
"What is all this? I am confused. Please don't tell me you and Alice are getting married now that is just way to fast." We all laughed as Esme asked us. Carlisle was looking at her with more love than a person should have.
"Mom and dad we knew that you did not get to have a real wedding like you wanted so we are giving you one." Edward told them.
A justice of the peace came out from the garage and stood there waiting for them. Alice handed her bouquet to her. She teared up when she saw it and teared up even more when she looked at all of us. The boys stood next to their father and we stood next to Esme. The justice of the peace did the normal routine. Carlisle stopped him right before he declared them husband and wife again.
"Esme the first day I saw you I knew you were the one. You have brought so much joy and love into my life. Through the best of times and through the worst of times (at that he looked at the boys and we all laughed) you have been there. I love you more than I could ever love anyone. You brought three wonderful boys into our lives. I look forward to growing old with you." She wiped a small tear from his cheek and cleared her voice.
"Carlisle you make my life worth living. I would have never thought that my life could be filled with more love, family and friends as it is now. You make me a better person and let me be who I want to be. Our boys have grown into the men they should be because of having you as a father. I could not have asked for anything more than your love."
By this time we were all teared up. They kissed softly and the music played the wedding march. It was then they realized just how much had been done for this to happen. They both just looked at everything and both teared up again. They both asked how this all could happen on such short notice. They were told that we had been having secret meetings. Alice took care of the decorations, flowers etc and I the food. She rushed over to us and hugged us both. Then Carlisle hugged us and told us both thank you they would never forget this.
All during the ceremony pictures were taken. First of them with the justice of the peace, then themselves, and with their boys. Esme wanted all of us in one to remember what we had all done for them. I was of course placed in front of Edward as everyone else was with their beloved. I felt uncomfortable in his arms while thinking of a certain someone I wanted to chat with. It was over quickly and we headed for the tent. It glowed even more now with the moon out.
The waiters brought out the blinis as the champagne was uncorked. Everyone enjoyed them as the next courses came out one by one. Everyone was enjoying their food and told me that they hoped this would not be the last time I was to cook. I told them I had help cause of illness but it was all my doing. We enjoyed each other's company and then a glass was clinked. All the boys stood up and you could tell they had been planning this speech for awhile.
"We never wished for anything growing up. You made us feel loved and wanted each day of our lives. You stood by us in the good days and the egg throwing days….." We all laughed at the remark from Emmett.
"You made us strive for the best but were never disappointed when we failed. You made sure every experience was a learning one. You gave us the world and you made sure we had fun doing it." Jasper walked over and kissed his parents.
"I for one want to thank you for getting me through the hard times. I will never forget what you have done for me but for all of us. We love you dearly and the best is yet to come." With that we held up our glasses and they wiped of the tears. Edward walked over to the piano and sat down.
I noticed that Carlisle held out Esme's chair and they went to the dance floor. Edward started to softly play. His fingers flew over the piano keys and the music poured out like rain.
Emmett was holding Rosalie in his arms and they swayed to the music. Jasper was holding Alice and was placing soft kisses on her head. I felt like a wallflower and never more alone in my life. Edward stopped playing and Esme ran over and hugged him fiercely. They all slowly came back to the table. Once again the gentleman pulled the chairs out.
While they were out enjoying themselves I had the table cleared and the desserts placed. I got up and said softly that it was time to cut the cake. Again the pictures were snapped just like any other moment. It was funny to see Esme smash cake in his face. The kissed gently again and enjoyed the creation I had made for them.
The cake was cut for all of us to enjoy. Esme moaned when she took a bite of the truffles. I told her I would make them anytime for her. Emmett groaned and I told him I would make them for him too. We all laughed at that.
Carlisle got out of his chair and had Angela bring out some boxes. She had placed them on a silver tray and put it in front of Esme.
"I had a hard time finding something as beautiful as you are my love. When I looked up to see what this anniversary means and symbolizes three things came up. Sweet peas, diamonds and pearls. From what we see Alice found the same thing. I had a hard time choosing so you get spoiled tonight." He smiled at her as he handed Esme the first box.
She carefully opened the first box and her mouth opened at the site of a beautiful diamond necklace and earrings. She kissed him as he handed her another box. She carefully opened it and saw a beautiful pearl necklace and earrings. She kissed him again and this time with more passion.
He handed her the final box and she slowly opened it. He cleared his throat again.
"I saw you love this one day when were shopping. I decided to have one custom made for you. Each of the charms symbolizes a memory or event in our lives. The Eiffel tower for our trip to Paris, the boy's birthstones, the sky scraper for our business, and a house for your business and a fan for our trip we took to Japan." He went on and on explaining each one. It was a brilliant idea.
Rosalie got up out of her chair and brought out a small box from underneath her chair.
"I did not know that he planned a charm bracelet but I have one to add to it." She handed the small box to both of them.
She sat back down in her chair and was silent. They slowly opened it and Esme cried out. She pulled out a tiny pair of baby booties. Alice bounced in her seat and I was glad that the wonderful news was out. Emmett was biting into another chocolate strawberry when he realized what it meant. He started spitting out the berry and pulled Rose out of her chair.
"I AM GOING TO BE A FATHER!!" He swung her around in a hug and then carefully put her back down on her feet. He placed a soft kiss on her lips and then realized we were all there.
"How long have you known? It all makes sense now but wow...um wow!!" For once Emmett was silent but full of love and joy.
"I found out weeks ago but decided to surprise everyone. Well the girls knew about it though. I am due at the end of February." He kissed her again.
Jasper and Edward high fived each other at the thought of being uncles. Carlisle and Esme just beamed at the thought of a grandchild to spoil. I heard Esme and Rosalie talking about nurseries and then Alice piped in with her ideas. The string quartet started again and everyone headed to the dance floor.
Carlisle dipped Esme as Emmett held his new family tighter than ever before. Jasper and
Alice was looking into each other's eyes as if no one else was around.
"Can I have this dance?" I heard a soft voice behind me speak. I turned around and saw Edward standing there looking at me.
I stammered and nodded a soft yes. I just hoped I did not step on his toes. He led us to the dance floor and held me tight. He smelled so good against my body. He hummed softly to the music as he twirled me around on the dance floor. I looked around at everyone and tears started to fill my eyes. I broke our touch and went up to the garage. Edward stopped me as I was heading up the stairs to our living room.
"Bella please tell me what is wrong. You said we could be friends and as a friend I want to help." He held my hand and put his other one on top of it.
"There is nothing you can do Edward. I…I am falling for someone else. Please let me go!" I pulled my hand out of his and ran for my bedroom. I quickly undressed and turned my laptop on. I so badly wanted to see if he was on as I was missing him. I wanted to talk to him on the phone and tell him what I was feeling. He was not on and I logged off. I slowly crawled into bed and tried to sleep. The tears fell and soon my pillow was wet. Damn where was he when I need to talk?
EPOV
I slowly took Bella to the dance floor. I wanted to feel her in my arms. We slowly danced around the floor and I hummed in her ear. She quickly broke the touch we had and headed for the coach house stairs. I stopped her and twirled her around. I wanted to know what she was feeling and why she was so upset.
She told me that she was in love with someone else!! The only other person I knew in her life was internet guy and that was me! I so wanted to tell her the truth but I didn't want to upset her more. I knew my feelings but I wanted to know more about her. I let her go up to her room and I joined the rest of the party.
They all looked at me when I rejoined them. I told the she was not feeling well and Alice said she would check on her later. We enjoyed the rest of the night till the candles burned out. I kept the lovely piece of information she told me tonight close to my heart. I wanted to prove to her that I could love her and would never hurt her. I would have to tell her of my past and show her my heart.
BPOV
I tossed and turned for the next few hours. I finally gave up and needed to do something about this energy I had. I went over to the kitchen at the main house and saw all the dirty dishes. I told Angela just to rinse them off and leave the rest to soak. At least I could do something about this as sleep was no where close to finding me. I mixed up some apple cinnamon muffins. I figured they would be great for breakfast.
I filled the sink with hot water and soap. I carefully washed all the china and put them in the drying racks. The silver ware was next and put in its drying wrack too. I took each pot and pan one by one. I carefully dried them all off and hung them up in the rack above the island. I looked at the clock and it was nearing 9am. I had been here for hours cleaning up things. It was the least I could do for Angela as she saved my ass last night along with Chef Clay. I would figure out how to thank him later.
"Bella what are you doing here?" Angela had padded into the kitchen in a bathrobe.
"I could not sleep so I did all the dishes. I made coffee too and there are muffins too. Please enjoy. I am going to try to get some sleep." I gave her a hug and walked slowly back to the coach house.
The yard was back to normal. Alice was good when it came to her clean up crew. I noticed some holes in the yard from the tent. They would grow in and not be noticed. I quietly went into the house incase Alice was sleeping. I found her at the dinning room table eating some toast at her laptop. She popped her head up and smiled at me weakly.
"What happened to you last night? Everyone raved about everything Bella. They are totally amazed at the food. Esme gushed at all the details we both did. I went to bring you some coffee and you were gone." She set her laptop aside and I knew this was the time to talk.
"I could not sleep so I went over to the kitchen and cleaned up. I figured it was the least I could do for Angela. As for last night I don't want to talk about it." I loved Alice more than life itself but sometimes she bugged the shit out me. Instead of doing things the way I wanted but she always got her way. I gave in every damn time and all it did was make me miserable. I did not have the heart to tell her to back the fuck off.
"Bella I took you to those dances so you could see the person you really are. You really don't give yourself as everyone else sees you. I am sure Edward would have loved to dance with you all night." She raised her eyebrows at me.
"Alice I am sorry but Edward has a lot to prove to me. I am not going to swoon over him just because he became human. In my eyes he is still an ass." I took a drink of my coffee and waited for her comment on that one.
"Bella give him a chance you might be surprised to who and what he is." she put her hands in her lap and bit her lip while looking at me. There was that look she used on me. This time I was not going to give in so easily.
"Alice for once please back off. I have the Taste of Oregon this next weekend and the Palmer wedding after that." I was beginning to yawn and put my head down on the table.
"Bella just remember we all need a balanced life please don't make work your life ok? I know how you are on this but what about your birthday? It is coming up soon. "She tapped my head making sure I was still awake.
"Alice to tired to think about birthday. Let me get some sleep and I will let you know on that ok." I got up and kissed her head. I left the coffee cup there and I barely made it to my bed. Sleep found me and the dreams were finally happy ones. Not the nightmares I have been living for the past years.