I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
Chapter 36: Long Night and Big Day (BPOV)
I went back downstairs and saw that Alice and blankets and pillows in the living room.
The others were already their. Rose was wearing a red baby doll style silk nightgown with puff sleeves with ruffle trim. Esme was in a simple white cotton night gown. Alice was wearing bright pink strap tank with lounge pants that were a pink leopard print pattern. I was in the same blue pajamas from the other night.
"Get comfortable and we'll start reading again," the pixie chirped.
Once I was settled, she handed me the book.
"Okay, this next chapter is called Long Night," I started to instantly blush. Apparently Edward and book Bella were getting very hot and heavy on my bed. The more and more I read the more I blushed. This time I didn't have Edward's chest to hide in; however the plus was Emmett wasn't here. The other girls were giggling.
"And this is why I suggested Emmett shouldn't be here," Alice laughed.
"Bella, I don't think I have ever met anyone who blushes more than you do," Rose giggled.
"Gee, thanks," I sighed blushing more.
"Just remember, Bella, it is okay to think you're a lottery winner for getting Edward, but at the same time its okay for Edward to feel the same way. You both bring out the best in each other," Esme smiled at me.
"He definitely smiles more now that you entered the picture," Alice beamed.
"He is defiantly more tolerable," Rose grinned.
I tried to read more. It seemed that Edward and book Bella were very intimate in this chapter. Apparently he has agreed to 'practicing', and I in particular, was looking forward to that part of our future. Although, I was increasing jealous that my bookself keeps seeing him without a shirt and I have yet to see that. I wonder if I could hide his shirts on him. Alice started laughing.
"Won't work. He would just borrow one of Jasper's." She continued to laugh.
"There is no way Emmett and Jasper are going to let him out of the bachelor party," Alice giggled.
"What do they do?" I was nervous in asking.
"Hunting," they answered while rolling their eyes. I didn't see how that would be different then any other hunting trip.
"I'm sure you're not saddened by all this practicing that you two are doing," Alice giggled at thought of my nearly sleepless nights.
"Definitely not. I just hope it works," I blushed.
The chapter went on with Edward wanting to make sure that I was ready.
"Yes, I'm sure that your parents will miss you very much," Esme smiled sadly.
"They will be the hardest part about the change," I said sadly.
"Make sure you spend time with them now then," Alice said. Rose remained quiet; I wasn't sure how she felt about me becoming a vampire now.
"Why does he keep bringing Mike into the equation?" I wrinkled my nose.
"Because he is symbolic of the typical all American boy," Rose shuddered.
"There has to be better choices than Mike, though, and be human," Alice was questioned.
"Be nice girls," Esme scolded half-heartedly.
"That is being nice," we said at the same time, then laughed.
"For someone who is highly moral, he wishes he knocked me up before the wedding?" I shook my head slightly mortified.
"I think he wishes more that he can give you children," Rose said softly, not looking at me.
"Even if he could give me a baby, we would be too young. I think we are too young to be getting married, let alone to have a baby," I answered.
"But, it is the idea you would be giving up any chance when your changed," Esme replied.
"I would still be giving up any chance since I would only want to be with Edward. Could any of you have a baby now that didn't come from your mates?" Esme and Alice immediately shook her head; Rose after a moment did too.
Book Bella gave similar reasons for not having a baby and threaten to call his brothers if he was going to continue to mope. Directly after Emmett and Jasper appeared on the scene.
"You could win a tug-o-war against Emmett after you're a vampire, but I still wouldn't use Edward. A rope or steel cable would be a better option," Rose giggled.
"I just hope they don't wake Charlie and I have to explain why three guys are in my room," I giggled with others.
"That and you would have to explain why Edward didn't have his shirt on," Rose giggled.
"I really don't think you will have to worry about them being late. Alice will have their butts if they do," Esme smirked and Alice just grinned.
"Of course, my sweetie is going to be the one reassuring you," Alice said highly of Jasper.
Rose and Alice growled at the idea of the boys going to a strip club.
"Well, at least I can trust Jasper to tell me the truth," I smiled wryly at Jasper being honest with me, while Emmett wanted to give me a hard time.
"I don't think you would have to be worried about a strip club with both Edward and Jasper's abilities, they would never be able to enjoy it," Alice smirked looking at Rose, who scowled. Probably thinking Emmett wouldn't mind going into one.
After the boys left, my bookself nerves came back.
"Alice, you can't be serious! Me in a long dress with train and heels on those stairs," I was in an alarmed state as I pointed to the stairway.
"I'm sorry, but I kinda have to agree with her," Rose arched an eyebrow.
"You will be fine," Alice rolled her eyes dismissively.
Turns out book Bella was also worried about the Denali cousins, specifically Tanya.
"Well, since the wolves haven't killed Laurent, they shouldn't be a problem with wolves,' Alice noted.
"You really don't need to worry about Tanya either, dear. True, she did want Edward at one time, but she understands the true bonding of mates. She would be happy for you both." Esme helped calm my fears.
The chapter started going into the immortal children.
"Vampires were stealing babies, turning them into vampires?" I was horrified at the thought.
"It is truly sad," Esme was frowning.
"Those children would have no chance to grow up and live real lives," Rose looked as if she could cry.
I read Carlisle's description in the book of the events, including the connection to the Denali sisters.
"I can see why they would want to put an end to that; it sounds like it could get out of control, more than the newborn armies," I was still struck by the story.
The explanation changed at some point to a dream or should I say nightmare. I was surrounded by Volturi guard who were advance on a baby. When I went to protect the baby, I saw that the baby killed my love ones and friends. I shuddered as I closed the book.
"Jeesh, Bella, you and your dreams," Rose shuddered as well.
"Edward should have stayed with you to keep you calm," Esme looked worried.
"No, the groom isn't allowed to see the bride after midnight," Alice huffed.
"Alice, I don't think an old superstition is worth the poor girl's anxiety," Esme said softly.
"Well, Bella should just put herself in her happy place, instead of thinking of horrible things before going to sleep," Alice insisted.
"It's not like I can control my dreams, Alice," I explained to her. I handed the book to Rose.
"Bella?" Alice asked sweetly; I knew she wanted something.
"Alice," I said just as sweetly back.
"I know I'm not suppose to do any makeovers without asking, but could I braid your hair? Please," Alice asked.
"Are we talking just simply braiding, nothing else?" I asked suspiciously; she nodded.
"Oh, okay then," I agreed. She squealed and moved behind me and started sectioning my hair.
"This next chapter is called, Big Day." I noticed the other three had huge smiles on their faces. I had to admit I was excited for this part as well. The chapter started off from my bookself waking up from my nightmare from the last chapter.
"Leave it to Charlie to go fishing on my wedding day," I sighed fondly thinking of my father.
"Looks like Edward has to learn how to fish now," Alice had an evil grin on her face.
"Why?" Rose looked perplexed.
"Don't you know? Charlie has asked Edward to go fishing with him," Alice answered with a giggle.
"Well, I'm sure Emmett or Jasper could show him," Esme smiled.
"Edward has never fished before," I asked curiously.
"Not a past time for him when he was in Chicago. Emmett and Jasper did when they were human," Rose answered this time. I just learned something new about Edward.
"Are my makeovers really that bad?" Alice pouted.
"Well, the end results are usually good. But you tend to drag it out and tend to give me no option in them," I explained feeling guilty.
"So I can still do makeovers if I shorten the process?" She asked hopefully
"Maybe, but only if you ask first," I answered cautiously.
"Ugh! I hate secrets, why can't he tell me where he is taking me for the honeymoon?" I huffed.
"Probably so you can't complain that it is too extravagant," Rose snickered.
"You could try using the method you learned in the last book to get it out of him," Alice giggled.
"Or you could tell me," I told her sweetly.
"Nice try, but it wouldn't be my thing to tell," she smirked.
"Look at it this way, Bella. In reading this, you'll find out," Rose smiled. That was true.
"I'm amazed that you were able to keep the dress from Edward for so long." Esme admired Alice.
"Honestly, is that dress upstairs now?" I asked.
"Yes, alright, but I haven't been able to do my alterations to it yet. So you can't see it until it is done," Alice huffed.
"Why can't I see the decorations before? I will probably be too nervous and preoccupied trying not to fall down your stairs to notice," I whined.
"She does have a point, Alice. She is the bride. She should be able to see it before," Esme agreed with me.
"At least we know it smells beautiful," Rose suggested.
The chapter went on through Alice preparing me for the wedding. Rose was even helping. She was obviously looking gorgeous for the wedding.
"Thank you for your complement, Bella, but even I wouldn't want to upstage the bride on a wedding day. I'm sure all eyes are going to be on the bride, not me," Rose beamed. It was very sweet for her to say, but at the same time it reminded me that everyone would be staring at me. My bookself was surprised Rose was even helping out.
"I know I haven't been nice to you in the past. But, I do accept you as family now. I also realize in these books I may be guilty in areas of trying to decide how you should live your life too. I want you to know I think Edward was right the other day; just don't tell him I said that. It is your life. You have the right to decide how to live it," she said softly.
"Thank you, Rose." I gave her a smile.
"You poor girl, you're so nervous. Perhaps we should've sent Emmett to pick up her mother and step father and had Jasper on hand to help her calm down." Esme looked at me in a motherly fashion, concerned how nervous I was before the wedding.
"I still can't get over my mothers reaction. I never dreamed she would take it so well that she would love helping with the planning. All I heard for years was what a mistake it would be." I was still beside myself over my mother's reaction. She seemed to be having a field day getting ready for my wedding.
"Well, it has to help some of your fears of getting married." Esme smiled.
"Knowing that they will know she is happy with Edward, and they are happy for her; is help. I'm glad my bookself is leaving them in a good resolve. It's what I wanted," I admitted.
"So I can blame all your dislike for getting dressed up and parties solely on Charlie, I see," Alice teasingly remarked after Charlie was disgruntled about being so dressed up.
"My grandmother's combs sound so lovely." I was touched by the gift that allowed having a part of my grandmother with me that day.
"They will look very lovely in your hair too," Rose complimented me.
"Wouldn't it been easier to put the garter before the dress?" I asked, thinking about my balance issues.
"I'm not going to let you fall." Alice rolled her eyes, but smiled. She finished my braid and flipped it over my shoulder. She was now looking at Rose with a similar pout she gives me.
"Fine," Rose huffed, but soon smirked when Alice bounced over behind her to start braiding her hair.
Book Bella was still nervous as the wedding was about to start. Alice was trying to get her to focus on the fact that Edward was waiting downstairs.
"Remind me to apologize to Jasper in advance for all my nerves," I sighed feeling bad for the pain my bookself must have been putting him through he book.
"I'm sure he is doing okay if he is near Edward. Edward is probably so happy he would be counterbalancing you." Alice winked at me.
"Bella, you should be looking up and not at your feet going down the stairs for the pictures," Alice whined.
"I don't want to fall," I told her.
"You're not going to fall. Charlie has you anyways." Alice rolled her eyes looking amused. I wished I could trust her but it isn't like I was going to make a conscious decision to fall.
Book Bella's nervousness ceased once she saw Edward. Edward was looking very handsome and he was very happy. My bookself suddenly was more than eager to get married.
"The wedding sounds like it will be beautiful Alice." Esme smile at her; I nodded in agreement.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Carlisle is bestman but for some reason I thought he would have chosen Emmett," Rose commented.
"He probably didn't want to choose between Jasper and Emmett," I suggested.
"Or I might have seen Emmett not behaving himself and wouldn't allow it to happen," Alice smirked.
"I still think it would be neat to have Emmett marry us. He did, after all, get his license for it," I stated knowing it would irk Alice, she did glare at me.
"Carlisle or Jasper would be better for that roll, if it had to be a family member," she said in all seriousness.
"Emmett can be serious when he needs to be," Rose defended her husband. The rest of us just looked at her. "Well he can," she insisted.
"Looks as if someone is happy after all about getting married," Rose giggled and I blushed even more. It was very apparent that my bookself was very happy to be getting married to Edward now.
"He is going to gloat that he was right. And it didn't even take fifty years," Alice giggled.
"Enough girls," Esme tried to be stern, but she was smiling too.
"Make sure the makeup is waterproof," Alice muttered to herself as we heard my bookself was crying during the vows; I blushed pink.
By the time we reached the part where the groom kissed the bride, I had tears in my eyes. It seems that getting married to Edward would be a good thing. My parents are going to be okay with me. We would both be happy. There was really no reason to say no. Except, I wasn't ready to say yes yet, when Alice could spill it to Edward. He should be the first to know when I made that decision.
The chapter ended with everyone congratulating us.
"That sounds like a beautiful wedding," Esme sniffed.
Rose and Alice nodded in agreement.
"It does sound like Alice and Esme did a wonderful job," I smiled. I pulled out my cell and sent a quick text to Edward.
B: I love you! I didn't have to wait long for response.
E: As I love you!
I smiled as I placed the phone on the table. Less than twelve hours to go. I could do that right.
A/N: Thank you for all reviews. Poll will close by the end of the weekend.