Love at First Sight

Disclaimer- I do not own Twilight. All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter 36 Wedding Day

BPOV

I woke bright eyed and bushy tailed; ready to face this most important day in my life. I had a quick shower and rushed downstairs. Charlie was having breakfast when I got to the kitchen.

"You're picking up the Mr. Weber and the boys at 3:30," I reminded him. Angela's dad is a minister so we're using him for the ceremony. Her little brothers are going to be the ring bearers. We don't know any little girls – which totally frustrated Alice because she wanted a flower girl but having two ring bearers made up for that. One of the boys will carry my ring and the other will have Edward's. We wanted Mr. Weber there early so we could go through the order for the ceremony and Alice wanted the boys to practice since we didn't have a rehearsal. Angela and her Mom will get a ride with Ben and his family.

"I don't have that much to do today besides bringing the minister, Bells. I'm not likely to forget my only job." Charlie had taken the entire day off for the wedding, and he was definitely at loose ends. Now and then, his eyes flickered furtively to the closet under the stairs, where he kept his fishing gear.

"That's not your only job. You also have to be dressed and presentable." He scowled into his cereal bowl and muttered the words "monkey suit" under his breath.

"If you didn't want to stay home all day, you should have gone with the Cullens." I reminded him.

There was a brisk tapping on the front door. I ducked in to kiss the top of his head as I passed—he blushed and harrumphed — and then continued on to get the door for my best girlfriend and sister.

"Morning Alice, did you get everything done?"

"Good morning Sleeping Beauty. You see, one pair of Cullen arms are just as good as the other." She joked.

I mock punched her in the arm. I don't need to break my hand on the day of my wedding. As we drove to the house she updated me on her activities. The whole family was put to work since last night. My mom arrived early this morning to help.

The ceremony area was almost complete; the tables for the reception were done. The trees were decorated. The lounge area was prepared and the furniture was uncovered.

"I even had time to decorate inside the house." Alice told me proudly.

We pulled into the drive and I noticed the addition. Along with the thousands of twinkling lights around the trees she'd added huge white satin bows.

"Alice, that's lovely."

"Only the best for you and Edward." She said with a big smile.

She pulled into the cavernous garage and I was immediately assailed by the scent.

"What is that?" I wondered as we entered the house.

"Is it too much?" Alice's voice was abruptly worried. "I hope I got it right."

"It smells wonderful!" I assured her—almost intoxicating, but not at all overwhelming, the balance of the different fragrances was subtle and flawless.

"Orange blossoms…lilac….and something else—am I right?"

"Very good, Bella. You only missed the freesia." I turned the corner into the living room and I was astonished at the sight.

I gazed at the profusion of white blossoms that hung in garlands from everything in the room that wasn't alive, dripping with long lines of white gossamer ribbons.

I couldn't resist hugging her. "Alice it's perfect."

We both stood there looking at the room from all angles, totally absorbed, until a flash broke my trance. Yes, the day has begun; the most important day of my life. While we were turning around, I noticed that the entrance was also decorated.

"Come," Alice was dragging me to the patio doors. "I'll show you how everything turned out." We all trouped out like a parade.

We went outside and turned right. Once we turned the corner of the house, I had to stop to take it all in. The backyard was completely transformed. I was amazed at all their hard work. This was a massive undertaking. I looked around and saw my mom standing on the side with Rosalie and Esme. They came to join us, giving me hugs and kissed and posing for pictures with me.

"Mom, I'm surprised you made it this early, I thought you were coming over later."

"Sweetie, my little girl is getting married. I want to spend as much time as I can with you today."

"I'm glad you're here."

I took in the structure nearest to me. It looked as if a huge rectangle was cut into two sections. The dining area and the dance floor were sharing the same platform while the lounge area was along the back of both. Each area was done in a different style; yet it all blended somehow. I decided to start with the dining area since it was the closest to me.

The tables were covered in white. On each table was a perfusion of colorful roses, at least 2 dozens in each bouquet. The bouquets were in beautiful lead crystal vases – more like punch bowls – dripping with crystal teardrops. Around each vase, were white votive candles in clear glass and lead crystal hurricane styled candle stands with small white pillar candles. At the corners were more elaborate bouquets on stands and a smaller bouquet on the card table. The whole place looked very cheerful and smelled divine. It's amazing how she pulled the colors I gave her into this spectacular dining area.

Around the entire structure were pillars which supported a peaked frame that covered both the dining area and the dance floor. The difference was that hanging from the center of the dining area was hundreds of yards of white gossamer fabric; making the space look like an exotic tent. Crowning all this was a crystal chandelier. It took me a while to absorb all this. I walked through the whole area looking at it from different angles.

"I admit I was a little worried about the colors I gave you to work with but this is beautiful. The colors of the roses, the crystal and the candles all work well together."

"Yes, it does and when the candles are lit, the flames will shimmer off the crystals and look magical."

"Are you using different color schemes for each area?" I realized what she was doing, the inside of the house was mostly white flowers and the tables had all the colored roses I asked her to use except one.

"Yes, I was having fun with the colors you wanted and I thought this was the best way to showcase them."

Once again I'm amazed.

The lounge area was covered with white canvas like a tent but the sides were opened. Again she used white gossamer fabric but here it flowed from under the canvas roof and gathered at the four posts holding it up. It was beautiful and intimate. There were fairy lights around the roof and a beautiful small chandelier was hung from the center waiting to be turned on tonight. The area had 4 white couches; one on each side. Between the couches were black chairs with comfy looking pillows. There were 3 tables in the middle, two with candle sticks and one in the middle with two vases.

"Alice it's perfect but why are the vases empty?"

"I plan to put Rosalie and my bouquets in the vases to add some color to the area."

"Isn't she amazing?" I asked. I turned to see the incredulous look on my mom's face.

"I know but thanks for the acknowledgement." We all laughed.

It would be a great place to relax after eating or between dancing. Small groups could gather at the ends or a large group could take up the whole section. I estimated 24 people could sit comfortably in this area. There were even end tables. Two had chess pieces and others had ice buckets for champagne or other bottles. There was also enough room to bring chairs over from the reception area after dinner.

From this area you could stay on the platform and walk to the dining area or dance floor or you could walk unto the grass to enjoy the natural beauty of the trees surrounding the area. You could even glimpse the river from here. There was a mini bar under a clump of nearby trees, a few random chairs and white Japanese lanterns hanging from the trees. It would be beautiful tonight. Around the lounge area were black carpet runners.

We walked over to the dance floor which was made up of laminated wood tiles. I wondered why she didn't have the guys sand and vanish the wooded platform she laid down but I wasn't about to question her when I saw how beautiful it looked.

There were two white sofas at one edge opposite the lounge area. These were decorated with vibrant orange and green throw pillows. Orange and white Japanese lanterns were hung from the roof. Unlike the dining area you could see the roof of the structure – the roof was glass. White gossamer fabric was gathered at intervals around the frame.

Seeing this area with the backdrop of the trees was spectacular. Tonight when the lights were lit, the whole backyard will look just magical – a little piece of paradise in the woods. Like mythical creatures coming out to play at night. She just keeps extending the fairy tale theme.

"Alice, how did you decide between leaving this part of the roof exposed and covering the dining area?"

"It's a full moon tonight. This way we could get the full benefit of the moonlight while we dance – dancing under the moon and the stars. What could be more romantic?"

"OMG" I wanted to jump up and down and clap my hands like a little kid. I was grinning from ear to ear.

"The fabric from the other side could be removed easily and some of the tables and chairs removed if we need more dancing room." She explained.

"I'm amazed. Seeing the whole area transformed from grass and bush to this; it's just phenomenal and to think I thought I was keeping things simple by insisting we have the wedding at the house." I joked.

The main bar was set up between the reception area and the dance floor with access from both sides. No wonder it took so many days to get this built. The white fabric was used in each of the sections that along with the black carpet, the green from the carpet in the lounge area tying in with the pillows in the dance area. It all worked.

"Do you want to see the ceremony site now or later?"

"Ceremony site Alice. If it looks anything like what I've seen already, it will be more like a set for a wedding in a movie, a very expensive, exclusive 1920s wedding in Hollywood." I said with a laugh. "I guess I should look at it now so I don't get too overwhelmed while walking down the aisle. I wouldn't be able to enjoy it as much then."

The ceremony area was on the other side of the house. It looked awesome – it was decorated with lavender and white roses plus other flowers and greenery. Lavender and white fabric draped along the aisle – with candelabras holding bouquets of roses and hanging candles at intervals. There were tall old trees surrounding the area and I saw candles hanging from the branches. The arch at the end of the aisle was also decorated with flowers and lavender and white draped fabric. Just like the dance floor, it all looked very magical against the backdrop of the forest. It was almost like our meadow.

Most of the 999 roses I asked her to use were in this area. She concentrated on the lavender for the ceremony while the more vibrant colors – dark pink, red and orange were used at the reception area.

Through it all, the photographers were snapping pictures. I had to sit at one of the tables, on a couch in the lounge area and the big sofa on the edge of the dance floor. I had pictures with all combinations of my mom, Esme, Alice and Rosalie but I refused to take any at the ceremony site. I wanted my first picture in this area to be of me walking towards Edward. I was giddy with excitement. I was counting the hours until 5 PM when I get to walk down the aisle, seeing Edward standing at the end waiting for me.

Finally Alice whisked me back inside and upstairs to my room and straight to the bathroom. My mom came with us, we entered the bath and it was decorated just like the first day Edward and I made love – I'll never make it through this day without shedding a tear. She flew around the room lighting the candles. I heard my mom gasp. Even after all the month of wedding planning, this surprised her.

"Alice you did this?' she asked.

"It was Edward's idea. He knows how much Bella loves baths and he wanted this one to be special." I'm glad she didn't tell her the significance of the rose petals and the candles.

Alice put Edward's iPod on the stand and piano music floated out as I got into the tub filled with scented bubbles, then she gave me a card and left. I recognized Edward's handwriting on the envelope. My mom said she was going to see if Esme needed help with anything. I think she just wanted to give me privacy.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

To my wife to be, my darling brown eyed beauty,

I am counting the hours until I hear you say I Do and I'm eager to say the words too. I know you're relaxing in the bath, and I wanted it to look the same way it did on that first day we became one. Today by exchanging vows, we would be joining ourselves inextricably. I created this piece for you to show you how happy you've made me. While I was creating it, I was thinking of your smile and sunshine and how you've brought light and laughter into my life – giving me a reason to live.

My life is full of fun with you by my side. Here's hoping that we keep smiling throughout. It's wonderful to feel that we're made for each other. In you I've found my soul mate.

I hope this piece of music will bring a smile on your face. Lighten the mood a little for you. I love you.

Your husband to be – a few hours and counting.

Edward

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Edward couldn't see me before the ceremony so Carlisle took the guys to play golf. They invited Charlie but he turned them down. He said he didn't know anything about golf. Charlie is set in his ways. If it was fishing or baseball, then he would have been there with bells on.

Esme offered the garage apartment to Renee again but since Phil is with her this time, she decided to stay at the hotel promising to use the apartment whenever she came back by herself. This worked out great for Alice. Since the garage apartment was empty, she insisted on the Cullen men using it to get dressed. She doesn't trust Edward not to peek into someone's mind to get a look at me before the ceremony.

When he gets back, there will be a gift from me waiting for him. I bought him a watch from Cartier. While we were on the site looking for a gift for Carlisle – he decided on the platinum ballon bleu watch – I saw some irresistible watches on their site. I went back and ordered him the Large Cartier Santos Demoiselle Diamond Watch - white gold with diamonds around the face. Calling this a watch is an insult; it is more like a jeweled bracelet. I smiled as I thought of what I wrote to him.

To my darling Edward,

You are many things and all things to me. When I need someone to relax with, have fun with, talk things over with, just to be with...you are my friend. When I need someone to share my desires with, someone to hold, someone who makes me feel fulfilled...you are my lover. But above all, you are my life...always by my side, sharing my joys and sorrows, making my days complete... filling my heart with love.

I can't wait for our vows. I'm starting to understand why a wedding was so important to you. There's a thrill that goes throw me every time I think of you as my husband. I'm looking forward to spending eternity by your side as your wife, your best friend and your lover.

Your wife, (I already feel like your wife)

Isabella Marie Cullen

On the gift card for his watch I wrote - Here's something that reminds me of you, it sparkles.

For my mom, I made a mini disc of the song – Mama's song – by Carrie Underwood and put it in her ring box. I had Edward write the lyrics on a card which I'm pasting into her scrapbook. It was her idea for me to keep a scrapbook for senior year so I'm just extending the concept by adding pictures of myself growing up. This is very similar to the video Carrie made for this song – life imitating art.

For Charlie, I made a large shadow box. Edward's lawyer got Charlie's favorite Mariner player – some Japanese player whose name I don't remember now – to autograph the program from the day we went to the game. That along with our tickets, an autographed baseball card, pictures we took at the stadium and other memorabilia from that day, were all expertly mounted inside the box. There are hooks at the back of the box so he could display it on the living room wall.

Edward is giving Esme a ring box like my Mom's and Carlisle is getting his watch. We haven't decided if to give our parents their gifts before the ceremony or at the end of the reception. I know it's going to be emotional so it's best to wait.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I got out of the bath, wrapped myself in a soft comfy bath robe so Alice could work her magic on me. I wanted to look my best for Edward.

She had a surprise waiting for me.

"Edward wanted you to have this before you got dressed."

It was a necklace. It had a heart shaped diamond to match my charm.

I looked at the card – My heart belongs to you.

I tried valiantly not to cry. Again I marveled at how similar we were; both of us giving the other diamonds – going back to that first day in the meadow. The first day I saw him sparkling in the sun and mentioned that his skin looked like diamonds. We wouldn't be getting married today if he didn't trust me enough to reveal himself or if I didn't love him enough to accept him for what he was – instinctively knowing that he would never hurt me.

Renee came back with a tray off food Esme sent up for me. We sat together on my bed shared the food.

"Bella, you are absolutely glowing."

"This is what I've been waiting on since prom night last year. I never thought I would want this but being with Edward has made me want things I never dreamed of before. Sometimes I think I'm dreaming and I'll wake up and realize that it's not real."

"You are both so lucky. I know I've told you before but what you and Edward have at your age is very special. I want only the best for both of you."

"Oh mom, stop. You're going to make me cry." If I start crying now, there would be no stopping the tears for the rest of the day. I changed the subject and we talked about her trip.

At least I waxed and had my nails done at the spa so it was just doing my hair and makeup before I got dressed so Alice let me relax on the bed while she went to check on things outside. This gave me some additional time to spend with my mom.

After Alice came back my mom left to get dressed. She positioned me with my back to the mirror and started working on me. Rosalie glided through the bathroom door in a shimmery silver gown with her golden hair piled up in a soft crown on top of her head. She was so beautiful.

"Do you want some help? I could do her hair."

"Sure," Alice said easily. "You can start braiding. I want it intricate. The veil goes here, underneath." Her hands started combing through my hair, hefting it, twisting it, illustrating in detail what she wanted. When she was done, Rosalie's hands replaced hers, shaping my hair with a feather-light touch. Alice moved back to my face.

Hours later, they were finally done. I had almost fallen asleep; the rhythms of their fingers were very relaxing. I was perfumed from top to toe, my hair was braided and I was made up like a movie star.

Once Rosalie received Alice's commendation on my hair, she was sent off to retrieve my dress and get my mom.

Downstairs, I could faintly hear the door opening and closing over and over. Voices would float up and fade away as the guest made their way outside to get ready for the ceremony.

"Alice, I thought Mr. Weber was coming early."

"Yes he and the boys got here early as planned. Esme went through the program with him and showed the little boys where they have to sit until it's time for them to walk down the aisle with the boxes. He spoke to Edward and the table was set up under the arch for the candles." She replied as she put on my necklace from Edward. I'm wearing it inside my dress, this symbol of his heart next to mine.

My mom helped as Alice eased the dress over my hair and makeup. My knees shook so badly as she fastened the long line of pearl buttons up my back that the satin quivered in little wavelets down to the floor. I don't know where the nerves came from.

"Oh, Bella!" she squealed. "Oh, honey, you're so beautiful! Oh, I'm going to cry! Alice, you're amazing! You guys should go into business as wedding planners." She continued without stopping to breathe.

"Where did you find this dress? It's gorgeous! So graceful, so elegant. Bella, you look like you just stepped out of an Austen movie. Such a creative idea, designing the theme around Bella's ring. So romantic! To think it's been in Edward's family since the eighteen hundreds!"

The dress wasn't actually centered around the ring, but on Edward himself.

"I have to get dressed now." Alice skipped out the room and left me with my mom. Who kept telling me how beautiful I looked.

The photographer took a few pictures of me and my mom, then left. I could hear the soft strains of music signaling the start of the ceremony.

I concentrated on my breathing, counting each movement of my lungs, and stared at the patterns that the bathroom light made on the shiny fabric of my skirt. When I finally looked into the mirror, I stood staring at the dark-haired beauty looking back at me. Her skin was cream and roses, her eyes were huge with excitement and framed with thick lashes. The narrow sheath of the shimmering white dress flared out subtly at the train almost like an inverted calla lily, cut so skillfully that her body looked elegant and graceful. All the changes I went through since I met Edward were culminated into this perfect vision. I was ready for my future, ready to start my life with Edward. Suddenly all the nerves disappeared. I knew what I wanted. All I had to do was walk down the aisle to get it.

Alice came back looking gorgeous as usual; in a dress that flowed down her slender body like a silvery waterfall.

"Alice—wow."

"It's nothing. No one will be looking at me today. Not while you're in the room."

There was a loud, gruff throat-clearing in the doorway.

"Renée, Esme said it's time you got settled down there," Charlie said.

"Well, Charlie, don't you look dashing!" Renée said in a tone that was almost shocked. That might have explained the crustiness of Charlie's answer.

"Alice got to me."

"Is it really time already?" Renée said to herself. "This has all gone so fast. I feel dizzy."

"Give me a hug before I go down," Renée insisted. "Carefully now, don't tear anything."

She squeezed me gently around the waist, then wheeled for the door, only to complete the spin and face me again.

"Oh goodness, I almost forgot! Charlie, where's the box?"

My dad rummaged in his pockets for a minute and then produced a small white box, which he handed to Renée. Renée lifted the lid and held it out to me.

"Something blue," she said.

"Something old, too. They were your Grandma Swan's," Charlie added. "We had a jeweler replace the paste stones with sapphires."

Inside the box were two heavy silver hair combs. Dark blue sapphires were clustered into intricate floral shapes atop the teeth.

My throat got all thick. "Mom, Dad…you shouldn't have."

Alice stepped up and quickly slid both combs into my hair under the edge of the thick braids. "That's something old and something blue," Alice mused, taking a few steps back to admire me. "And your dress is new…so here—" She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and gave it to me.

"All bases are covered, now. You are officially perfect." With a little self-congratulatory smile, she turned to my parents. "Renée, you need to get downstairs."

"Yes, ma'am." Renée blew me a kiss and hurried out the door.

"Charlie, would you grab the flowers, please? I'll help Bella with her dress and help her down the stairs. We'll meet you by the door." She waited for Charlie to leave then carried me down the three flights of stairs. The music got louder as we made our way down.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

The choir started singing "Endless Love"

"It's my turn," Alice chimed. She began a slow, graceful dance down the aisle. After she took her place, the piano started the familiar, Wagner's traditional march surrounded by a flood of embellishments. A sudden fanfare trilled through the soaring music. I recognized my cue.

"Bells, we're up to bat."

"Don't let me fall, Dad," I whispered. Charlie pulled my hand through his arm and then grasped it tightly.

One step at a time, I told myself as we began to walking to the slow tempo of the march. I could hear the murmurs and rustling of the audience as I came into view. Blood flooded my cheeks at the sound; of course I could be counted on to be the blushing bride. I tuned out everything except the sight of Edward standing before the arch at the end of the aisle waiting for me.

I was looking at him. He was my beacon. I was barely conscious that Carlisle stood by his side, and Angela's father behind them both. I didn't see my mother where she must have been sitting in the front row, or my new family, or any of the guests—they would have to wait 'til later.

All I really saw was Edward's face; it filled my vision and overwhelmed my mind.

His eyes were a buttery, burning gold; his perfect face was almost severe with the depth of his emotion. And then, as he met my awed gaze, he broke into a breathtaking smile of exultation.

Suddenly, it was only the pressure of Charlie's hand on mine that kept me from sprinting headlong down the aisle. The march was too slow as I struggled to pace my steps to its rhythm. And then, at last, at last, I was there.

Edward held out his hand. Charlie took my hand and, in a symbol as old as the world, placed it in Edward's. I touched the cool miracle of his skin, and I was home.

Angela left her seat and stood next to her father. She recited - Sonnet XII by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Indeed this very love which is my boast,
And which, when rising up from breast to brow,
Doth crown me with a ruby large enow
To draw men's eyes and prove the inner cost, -
This love even, all my worth, to the uttermost,
I should not love withal, unless that thou
Hadst set me an example, shown me how,
When first thine earnest eyes with mine were crossed,
And love called love. And thus, I cannot speak
Of love even, as a good thing of my own:
Thy soul hath snatched up mine all faint and weak,
And placed it by thee on a golden throne, -
And that I love (O soul, we must be meek!)
Is by thee only, whom I love alone.

Mr. Weber did the wedding readings. Then the choir sang "God Must Have Spent A little More Time On You".

Our vows were the simple, traditional words that had been spoken a million times, though never by a couple quite like us. We'd asked Mr. Weber to make only one small change. He obligingly traded the line "till death do us part" for the more appropriate "as long as we both shall live."

In that moment, as the minister said his part, my world, seemed to settle into its proper position. I looked into Edward's shining, triumphant eyes and knew that I was winning, too. Because nothing else mattered but that I could stay with him. I didn't realize I was crying until it was time to say the binding words.

"I do," I managed to choke out in a nearly unintelligible whisper, blinking my eyes clear so I could see his face.

When it was his turn to speak, the words rang clear and victorious.

"I do," he vowed.

Both ring bearers made their way down the aisle with our rings in their beautiful boxes. The boys were so adorable. Mr. Weber took the rings out of the boxes and blessed them. We exchanged rings, repeating the words after Mr. Weber. We wanted to include the lighting of the Unity Candle as part of our ceremony so after we lit the Candle and Mr. Weber said the blessings he declared us husband and wife. With the mandatory, "you may kiss your bride."

As soon as the announcement was made, a couple from the choir started singing. "From This Moment On".

Edward's hands reached up to cradle my face, carefully, as if it were as delicate as the lavender and white petals swaying above our heads. I tried to comprehend, through the film of tears blinding me, the surreal fact that this amazing person was mine. His golden eyes looked as if they would have tears, too, if such a thing were not impossible. He bent his head toward mine, and I stretched up on the tips of my toes, throwing my arms— bouquet and all—around his neck.

He kissed me tenderly, adoringly; I forgot the crowd, the place, the time, the reason…only remembering that he loved me, that he wanted me, that I was his.

He began the kiss, and he had to end it; I clung to him, ignoring the titters and the throat-clearing in the audience. Finally, his hands restrained my face and he pulled back—too soon—to look at me. On the surface his sudden smile was amused, almost a smirk. But underneath his momentary entertainment at my public exhibition was a deep joy that echoed my own. After the kiss, we stared in each other's eyes until the song ended.

After the song, Mr. Weber presented the new Mr. And Mrs. Edward Cullen to our family and friends.

The crowd erupted into applause, as he turned our bodies to face our friends and family. I couldn't look away from his face to see them.

We made our way down the aisle to the sound of Alice singing "Ever Ever After". We were showered with rice, rose petals and bubbles. Most of the rice went wide, but someone, probably Emmett, threw with uncanny precision and I caught a lot of the ricochets off Edward's back.

At the end of the aisle, my mother's arms were the first to find me, her tear-streaked face the first thing I saw when I finally tore my eyes unwillingly from Edward. We were hugged, kissed, embraced and congratulated by everyone. I was handed through the crowd, passed from embrace to embrace, only vaguely aware of who held me, my attention centered on Edward's hand clutched tightly in my own. I did recognize the difference between the soft, warm hugs of my human friends and the gentle, cool embraces of my new family.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The ceremony had lasted exactly the right amount of time, allowing the sun to set behind the trees. The guests were led to the reception where the cocktail hour will begin, while the photographer took pictures of the bridal party and the parents. This was a perfect place for our pictures. Besides the family - which included Tanya and her sisters - we got pictures with Mr. Weber, Angela and the boys. Then we turned in the direction of the setting sun taking advantage of the beautiful evening sky before I was ushered inside to change.

Edward insisted on his "husbandly duties" of taking me out of my wedding dress. He wanted the pleasure of undressing me all to himself. He tortured me with kisses and gentle caresses of his fingers as he took his time unbuttoning my dress. When I stepped out of the dress in my, thigh highs and heels, he growled. Maybe it was the gather belt that was holding up my thigh highs.

"I don't know if I could last all night knowing you're wearing that thing." He muttered.

"What's with you and underwear?" I tried to make a joke to break the sexual tension in the room. Remembering his reaction to my corset last prom night, I decided to wear the same one to surprise him tonight.

After a long searing kiss, he pulled himself away. We were both shaken. He got me a robe and opened the door to let Alice, my mom and Esme into the room. The three of them quickly had me dressed and ready for the second phase of the evening. I was grateful when someone pulled the pins out of my hair and let it fall loose down my back, wavy from the braids, saving me from a hairpin headache later.

Now I'm starting to regret not leaving the reception early to start our honeymoon. Edward really has me worked up with his teasing. I smiled at his reaction, served him right for insisting or rather demanding that he undress me himself. I know if our moms were not on the way up, he would still be here and we would have made a very late appearance to our reception.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Ladies and gentlemen put your hands together for Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen. We walked around the corner, to thunderous applause as we made our way to the middle of the dance floor. The DJ was playing - When I Look Into Your Eyes - Bon Jovi. That song was so perfect because we really spent so much time staring into each other's eyes. While everyone was clapping after the dance, the DJ started - Stealing Cinderella - Chuck Wicks - Edward & I started dancing again, halfway through the song he brought me over to Charlie and I finished the dance with him. This led to our father daughter dance. I chose - I Loved Her First – Heartland.

"I'm going to miss you at home Bells but I see how happy you are and I wish you all the best. Edward is a luck man to have won your heart."

I spoke through a tight throat, trying to make a joke of it. "I feel just horrible, leaving you to cook for yourself—it's practically criminal negligence. You could arrest me."

He grinned. "I suppose I'll survive the food. Just call me whenever you can."

"I promise."

"The Cullens really know how to throw a party. All of Forks will be talking about this for a long time."

"Alice is an unstoppable force of nature." I shook my head and smiled fondly. The little minx could be so irresistible.

Charlie walked me to my table when the song ended.

"This next song is for the mother son dance but the groom wants to dedicate it to both his parents - Esme and Carlisle Cullen."

You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban started and like everyone else, I watched in awe as Edward and Esme spun around like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

After that, dinner started. Then all the standard traditions were kept. I was blinded by flashbulbs as we held the knives over our spectacular cakes to the strains of I Knew I Loved You Before I met You – Savage Garden. We took turns shoving cake in each other's faces; Edward manfully swallowed his portion as I watched in disbelief.

While our gests were eating their cake and other desserts, the DJ played I Promise - CeCe Winans - for the bridal party dance. We thought this was a good time since The Cullens don't eat anyway. After the dance, Edward and I walked around and thank everyone for coming to share this special day with us.

For the bouquet tossing The DJ called all the single ladies to the floor. I wanted to spice things up so he was playing - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyoncé. I threw my bouquet with atypical skill, right into Angela's surprised hands.

Emmett and Jasper howled with laughter at my blush while Edward removed my garter very carefully with his teeth. With a quick wink at me, he shot it straight into Mike Newton's face.

When the next song started, Edward pulled me into his arms; I went willingly, just happy to have him holding me again. We twirled effortlessly under the glow of a canopy of lights and the bright flashes from the cameras.

"Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?" he whispered in my ear.

I laughed. "That will take a while to get used to."

"We have a while," he reminded me, his voice exultant, and he leaned down to kiss me while we danced. Cameras clicked feverishly.

It seemed like I danced with everyone. It was good to see all my old friends, but I really wanted to be with Edward more than anything else. I was happy when he finally cut in, just half a minute after a new dance started.

"Still not that fond of Mike, eh?" I commented as Edward whirled me away from him.

"Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. He's lucky I didn't kick him out. Or worse."

"Yeah, right."

"Have you had a chance to look at yourself?"

"Yes, why?"

"Then you should realize how utterly, heart-breakingly beautiful you are tonight. I'm not surprised Mike's having difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman."

"You are very biased, you know."

"You are my wife – I love the sound of that. My wife. Of course I think you're the most beautiful woman on the planet. You'll always be the most beautiful woman to me" We kissed again.

I took deep breath to calm my heart and smiled. "I love you."

He smiled in return. "That's why we're here."

"I could get used to this," I said and I pressed myself to him even tighter—"of never having to let you go."

"Never," he promised, and he leaned down to kiss me.

It was a serious kind of kiss—intense, slow but building.…

I'd pretty much forgotten where I was when I heard Emmett.

"You're monopolizing the bride," Emmett said, coming up behind Edward's shoulder. "Let me dance with my little sister. This is my last chance to make her blush for weeks." He laughed loudly.

Edward and I danced the bride and groom's last dance to - I've had the time of my life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes. We practiced for this and it turned out just the way we practiced. We didn't do the lift because my dancing skills may have improved tremendously since I met Edward but I was not that good yet. At the end of the dance, our siblings joined us on the dance floor.

As predicted, some of the guests started leaving after that. We thanked everyone again, for joining our celebration and ensured they had their cake and other favors.

For the next few hours, all the young people kicked up their heels and partied like it was 1999. It was a wonderful day and an even more spectacular night. Sometime after midnight, Save The Last Dance For Me - Michael Buble started. Edward and I started walking towards each other. This was the last dance for the night. By this time, the only remaining adults were our parents. After our friends left, with plans of meeting back here for the holidays, and promises to email each other, we were left with just the immediate family. Edward went upstairs for the gifts for our parents. Needless to say it was very emotional for us all. Then it was time to say goodbye.

We walked my parents and Phil to the cruiser - Charlie offered to drop them at their hotel.

"You have to visit me and Phil very, very soon. It's your turn to go south—see the sun for once," Renée said.

"It didn't rain today," I reminded her, avoiding her request.

"A miracle."

"I love you, Mom," I whispered."I'm so glad you have Phil. Take care of each other."

"I love you, too, Bella, honey."

"Oh, Dad!"

I hugged him around the waist, tears streaming again—I was crying so much tonight. He patted my back. It was hard to talk about love with Charlie—we were so much alike, always reverting to trivial things to avoid embarrassing emotional displays. But this was no time for being self-conscious.

"I love you forever, Dad," I told him."

"You, too, Bells. Always have, always will."

I kissed his cheek at the same time that he kissed mine.

"Call me," he said.

"Soon," I promised.

Edward squeezed my hand as I watched them drive away.

"I love you," he said.

I leaned my head against his arm. "That's why we're here," I quoted him.

He kissed my hair and pulled me into his arms.

Then it was time for us to leave. I still had no clue where we were going.

"Everything's ready," Alice said. "Your suitcases are in the car—Jasper's bringing it around."

The car was decorated with more flowers that trailed in streamers along its length, and long gossamer ribbons that were tied to a dozen shoes—designer shoes that looked brand-new—dangling behind the bumper.

Alice shoved the beribboned key in my hand. "That's to open your wedding present," she trilled.

"Where is it?" I was puzzled by the weird way they were acting.

"Edward knows." Alice said.

"Enjoy your gift," Rosalie said. "It's from all of us. Esme especially."

After hugs and kissed, we got in the car and Edward drove to the main road, then he turned into a drive I never noticed before. It was almost overgrown. He drove deep into the forest, along a tiny path. He stopped, helped me out of the car and carried me a few yards.

I stared into the violet dark. There, nestled into a small clearing in the forest, was a tiny stone cottage, lavender gray in the light of the moon. It belonged here so absolutely that it seemed as if it must have grown from the rock, a natural formation. Honeysuckle climbed up one wall like a lattice, winding all the way up and over the thick wooden shingles. Late summer roses bloomed in a handkerchief-sized garden under the dark, deep-set windows. There was a little path of flat stones, amethyst in the night, that led up to the quaint arched wooden door.

I curled my hand around the key I held, shocked. "What do you think?" He whispered, his soft voice fit with the perfect quiet of the storybook scene.

I opened my mouth but said nothing.

"Esme thought we might like a place of our own, to have privacy whenever we come visit from school but she didn't want us too far away," Edward murmured. "And she loves any excuse to renovate. This little place has been crumbling away out here for at least a hundred years."

I continued staring, mouth gaping like a fish. I wasn't too off base when I thought they they had enough materials to build a house.

"Don't you like it?

"Shh!" I managed.

"They're giving me a house for my wedding present?" I whispered.

"Us," Edward corrected. "And it's no more than a cottage. I think the word house implies more legroom."

"No knocking my house," I whispered to him.

"Why didn't they come?"

"Alone time is their other gift. It is our wedding night."

"Oh."

That was all it took to make the house disappear. We could have been anywhere. I didn't see the trees or the stones or moon or the stars. It was just Edward.

A/N:

I barely finished this in time to post today. Excuse any errors. I'll post pictures and a copy of the wedding program on the LAFS website over the weekend. Remember to take out the spaces. https :/ sites. google. com/ site/ deslyncullen/

Some of the words to Bella's card to Edward were found in the Hallmark card maker software.

Two lines at the end of Edward's card – part about being soul mates was taken from – h t t p:/ w w w. /-To+My+Wife+on+our+Wedding+Day-greeting+card-418218