Chapter 37: The Dress and Wedding Preparations

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

I got my first flamer…Apparently I pissed someone off with the last chapter. So, I apologize for the way it played out, if it offended you. I'm strangely proud of the fact that I got flamed…is that wrong?

Chapter 37: The Dress and Wedding Preparations

"Isabella Marie Swan, you've procrastinated long enough. We're going to After Twilight Designs and getting your dress," Alice said. "Right, Rose?"

"Right. Even Esme's coming," Rose said.

I was sitting in the guest house at Carlisle and Esme's. Edward didn't want us moving back to the house until he had an alarm installed and the window had been repaired. I was getting antsy to return to my house. However, I understood Edward's trepidation. Hell, I was still freaked out. I hadn't had a good night's sleep since the night of the brick. Neither had Edward. "But, I'm comfortable," I whined. I was wearing a pair of Edward's sleep pants and his Dartmouth hoodie.

"Suck it up, Swan," Rose said as she tugged on my hand. I got up and was promptly shoved into the bathroom. I got dressed in the clothes that were laid on the counter. I brushed my hair and put on some makeup before I left the bathroom. Esme had joined Rose and Alice. She was holding baby EJ and cooing to her grandson.

"Guess what, little man? We're getting Auntie Bella a wedding dress today," Alice said to her son, kissing his head. "And it's going to have to be off the rack since she's slacked off."

"Alice, be nice to Bella. She's had it rough the past few days," Esme admonished.

"Please, Mom. Bella just hates shopping," Alice said.

"It's true. Shopping is eeeeeeeeeeevil," I said, wiggling my fingers. "EJ, your mom will always have this illness. She's a shopaholic. I think there's a twelve step program for that."

"Shut it." Alice took EJ from Esme's arms and loaded him into the stroller. We all got into her car and we drove to After Twilight Designs. Gianna was standing in the door with a huge grin on her face. Alice turned to her. "This one is getting married. She wants a pale blue dress. It's a beach wedding."

"Oh, sounds lovely. Let me pull a few dresses. Have a seat, okay?" Gianna said with a wink. She reached for me and dragged me back to the dressing room. "Do you have a strapless bra?"

"I'm wearing it," I said with a tired grin.

"Good. I'll be back. Take off your clothes and put on this," Gianna said as she handed me a robe. I removed my jeans and sweater. I was not happy with my body today. I felt very bloated and I struggled to button my jeans. This is why I wanted to stay in Edward's sleep pants. They are comfortable. Little restrictions. Damn it. Gianna returned a little bit later with an armful of dresses. I chose a few in the pile that I immediately detested. I didn't want a strapless dress. So, all of those were out. That left me three dresses. I tried on the first one: a chiffon dress that had a Grecian feel to it. I slipped it over my body and liked the shape of the dress. However, it was too casual. I walked out to the girls and EJ. He immediately started crying.

"EJ hates it. So, this is a no," I snorted.

"I agree with my son. It's bad. Next," Alice demanded. Gianna helped me into the next dress. It was a more structured dress. It had a ribbon like top and was one shouldered. It looked to be more gray than light blue. I wrinkled my nose and shook my head.

"Don't even want to show them?"

"No. The color is icky."

"It does look like dirty dishwater. Next," Gianna giggled. She unzipped me from that dress and held up a brighter blue dress. It was the color of blue topaz and it looked different. It was strapless, but had a single strap of large flowers. It also had an empire waist and a chiffon overlay. It was pretty, but it did cry 'wedding.' We zipped it up and headed out. Alice liked it. Rose hated it. Esme was in the middle. EJ babbled incoherently. I liked his response the best.

"I have one more. It's white, but I think it'll take the cake," Gianna said confidently. "Save the best for last."

We went back to the dressing room and Gianna held out a white dress with a floral design on the one shoulder. It had shades of blue, ivory, silver and white in the flowers. It was also an empire waist and chiffon, but it was so much more elegant than any of the other dresses. Gianna zipped me up and patted my shoulders. "This is it, Bella."

I floated to the front of the store where I was greeted with a chorus of gasps. Esme started crying. Rose gave me a hug. And if she wasn't nursing EJ, Alice would have jumped for joy. I found my wedding dress. It was perfect and I couldn't wait to wear it to walk down the aisle to Edward. Gianna squealed and dragged me back to the dressing room. She helped me out of my dress and let me get changed. I tugged on my jeans, sucking in my gut as I buttoned them. I really need to go on a diet. Jeez! I walked back out front to get my purse to pay for my dress. However, Esme's missing.

"Um, Elf? Where's Esme?"

"Buying your dress," Alice said simply as she burped EJ.

"What?" I darted to the rear of the store, only to be greeted with Esme holding a garment bag, filled with my wedding dress. Rose was holding another bag. She had a smirk on her model-like features. "You didn't."

"Oh, I did," Esme said conspiratorially. "Say 'thank you,' Bella."

"'Thank you, Bella,'" I sassed. Esme rolled her eyes and handed me the dress.

Rose handed me the other bag. "Courtesy of Royce King. Your lingerie, shoes and garter."

"Oh lord," I said, accepting my booty. I walked to the front of the store and Alice handed me her car keys. She said that we were going out to lunch, but I needed to drive. Alice wanted to finish nursing EJ in the backseat. We piled in and we drove to quiet café near Esme's house. We were seated immediately and ordered our food.

"So, have you spoken with the wedding planner at the resort?" Esme asked as soon as we got our drinks.

"Yeah. Everything is pretty much set. The only thing Edward and I need to do is to go to the local municipality to get our marriage license. We're doing that on the second day that we're there," I said as I sipped my coffee. "I can't wait."

"Me neither," Alice chirped. "You need some good news. Happy times. Enough of this drama."

"Well, find Mike and have him get arrested," I said sadly. "It's killing me. I'm in a constant state a nausea. I puked a few times this morning before you all dragged me to get my dress."

Esme felt my forehead. "You don't have a fever."

"It's just a nervous stomach. I'm fine," I said with a shrug. "Anyhow, Edward wanted me to tell you that he got us a block of rooms at the resort. You should be receiving our invitations in the mail. However, everyone who we want to come already knows. And has booked flights."

"I know that this is going to be small, but who is coming," Rose asked as she picked at her salad.

"Charlie and Sue. Carlisle and Esme. You and Emmett. Alice, Jasper and EJ. Angela and Ben. Rhonda and her husband. Ren and Jake. Cynthia and her boyfriend, Garrett, I think. And Kyle and Christina."

"Who are Cynthia, Kyle and Christina?" Rose asked.

"Cynthia is the charge nurse at Virginia Mason when Edward worked there. Kyle, Dr. Moore, is one of Edward's former co-workers from Virginia Mason and Christina is his wife," I explained. "I also invited Mrs. Cope and Mr. Merritt. Though, I highly doubt they're coming."

"I hope I can get into my bathing suit," Alice said as she ran her hands over her ever shrinking tummy. "I'm huge."

"Alice, don't make me hurt you," I said.

"Yes, Alice, you look remarkable for someone who had a baby three weeks ago," Esme chided. "I still haven't lost all of your baby weight. So, shut it."

"But, I want to be a MILF," Alice said.

"Trust me, Ali. You are," Rose giggled. Esme looked confused. "It's Mom I'd like to…"

"Oh! Mary Alice Whitlock, that is disgusting," Esme said, arching a perfectly sculpted brow.

"Mom, all of my friends that were guys and Edward's buddies thought you were a MILF," Alice said.

"What? Oh…OH!" Esme said as she blushed, hiding behind her napkin. "That's just wrong."

We all snickered and teased Esme relentlessly about her newly discovered MILF-status. The rest of our lunch was fun. Esme insisted on paying for us, even though we grumbled. Well, Rose and I grumbled. Alice just accepted it. We all piled into the car and drove back to Carlisle and Esme's.

Rose had to scurry out. She had a date with Emmett. Alice hung around for a little bit, nursing EJ. After she left, Esme took out some photo albums. She showed me some pictures of Edward as a baby. There was a cute one with Alice and Edward in the bathtub. Ah, the requisite bathtub shot. They both had shampoo Mohawks and goofy grins on their faces. They looked to be around four. Edward was so stinking cute. Esme then told me stories about Edward's parents. We ended up talking until both of our doctors came home from the hospital. It was nearly nine at night.

"What are you two doing?" Carlisle teased.

"Just showing Bella some pictures," Esme said with a wink.

"Oh GOD! Please tell me the Mohawk picture was not included," Edward groaned, hiding behind his hands.

"Oh, it was included. I think you need to resurrect that look," I giggled. "It was hot."

"Yeah, I'll do that for the wedding," Edward snorted. "Our pictures will fabulous!"

"Um, never mind," I said. "Let's not bring the Mohawk back."

"Good choice," Edward said, arching a brow. "Do you mind if I steal my fiancée?"

"Oh, no. I've been with her all day, monopolizing her time," Esme said with a wink. "I'm going to head to bed. Good night."

"Good night, Esme. Thank you again," I said. Edward took my hand and led me to the guest house. He unlocked the door and pushed me against it as he shut it. "Horny, Masen?"

"Always for you love," Edward said as he kissed my lips languidly. I pulled away, wrinkling my nose. "What?"

"You smell," I said.

"What? No, I don't," Edward said as he smelled his scrubs. "I had to shower at the hospital because we had a kiddo with the flu. My poor tie and dress shirt didn't survive."

"Well, shower again and then we can have some naked fun time," I said. Edward's head collapsed to his chin and he grumbled. "Do you want me to join you?" Edward looked up at me through his lashes and nodded enthusiastically. He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. I shrieked and pounded on his back as I was carried to the en suite. Edward placed me on my feet gently and he removed his scrubs, tossing his stethoscope, ID and wallet onto the counter. He then turned to me and slowly removed my sweater and jeans.

"Strapless bra?" Edward asked.

"Alice dragged me out today and we got my wedding dress," I said as I turned around, looking over my shoulder coyly. "Help?" Edward reached for my bra and released its clasp. I tossed the bra onto the floor and lowered my panties as Edward started the shower. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I could feel his excitement poke me in the ass. I wiggled a little bit, grinding my butt into his arousal. Edward snarled quietly and I giggled as I got into the shower. Edward followed me and caged me against the slate tile with his hands. "Ooooh, scary," I said sarcastically.

"Swan," he growled as he ran his nose along my jaw and down my neck. "I'm not aiming for 'scary.'"

"Okay, not scary," I said weakly. Edward's teeth grazed my earlobe and his hands traced down my wet body. "Definitely not scary. Hot."

"Sexy," Edward mumbled into my neck. "Gorgeous. Erotic. Exquisite. Mine."

"Holy shit," I said as I fisted my hands into his wet hair. Edward's mouth moves hungrily to mine and his tongue is pushed between my lips. Edward's hand moved to my breasts and he gently kneaded the pert nipples. His other hand moved to my leg and gently wraps it around his waist. I reach around his neck and pull his face closer to mine. My other hand is wrapped around his hips.

"Bella," Edward whispered as he removed his lips from mine. He slowly knelt down and looked up at me. With a devious smirk, he kisses my belly button. His tongue circles the small scar that I have just beneath it from when I had chicken pox. His tongue and lips leave a hot trail as he descends further down my body. "So beautiful." Edward threw one of my legs over his shoulder, baring my pussy for him. "Fuck," he breathed as he leaned in, pulling my clit between his teeth. I lean my head back and try to calm my breathing. "So wet, beautiful girl." Edward's tongue encircled my clit and he slipped a finger into my body.

"Oh, GOD!" I said as I rocked my hips against his hand. Edward supported me with his other hand and he went to town on my pussy. Edward's tongue is magical. His fingers are perfect. I'm coming within a few moments of Edward's ministrations. He hummed against my body as I arched off the wall of the bathroom. Edward's mouth was attached to my body as I rode out my high. He gently removed his fingers from my pussy and I reached for his hand. I sucked and licked his fingers clean.

"Holy fuck," Edward said as he stood up. With ease, he lifted my legs so I had them wrapped around waist. My back was against the bathroom wall. "Hold on, my love," Edward said as he sheathed himself in my body in one swift thrust. My arms wrap around his neck and we kiss as Edward managed to keep us up and thrusting at the same time. His hands are on my hips and guiding my body along his cock as he thrusts into me. "Shit, baby, I'm not going to last." Edward carried us to the small bench in the shower and sat down. I rocked against his arousal. Our lips danced with each other and I could feel him harden in my body. His cock twitched. I felt him spill into my body and he bit down on my shoulder as he did. "I really didn't plan this," Edward said sheepishly as he looked at me. "I just wanted to shower with you, but you were too tempting."

"Sure," I said as I stood up from his lap. My knees cracked and I frowned when Edward slipped out of my body. "Too old for shower sex."

"Why do you think I had to sit down?" Edward said, his cheeks blushing furiously. "I ain't no spring chicken."

"You and me both, Edward," I said, tugging his hand. We showered, washing each other's body with tender and care. We headed into the bedroom, dressing in our pajamas. I curled against Edward's chest and fell asleep quickly. However, the nightmares were as fierce as ever.

This really needs to stop.

xx AFS xx

The next few weeks flew by. Edward and I moved back into his house. Our house. Sorry. He had a security system installed and he changed all of the locks. I swear, the place was locked up tighter than Fort Knox. Rehearsals for my show were going well. Alice's maternity leave sub was awesome. She stepped into Alice's role as music director easily. It also helped that she had done the show previously. Before I even realized it, we were in the last week in March and spring break was quickly approaching.

Holy crap. I'm getting married in less than two weeks.

Alice had arranged to send out all of the invitations. Everyone responded that they were coming. Even Mrs. Cope and Mr. Merritt. Mrs. Cope, Sherrie, said that she wanted to practice for when she's retired. Enjoying the sun. I didn't blame her. I was looking forward to a week in the tropical paradise. This winter was absolutely brutal.

I had had my first set of interviews for Mrs. Cope's position. It had gone well. It was pretty much with the staff and a few other administrators in the district. I was told at the conclusion of my interview that I was invited for the second round of interviews. They would occur after spring break. It would be with the higher ups in the district: the superintendent and assistant superintendents. This is really happening. If I made it to the final round, it would be with the Board of Education.

I had received my graduate degree in administration leadership. Edward wanted me to walk across the stage. I rolled my eyes at the thought of doing another graduation ceremony. He made me promise that if I got my doctorate, I'd do the ceremony. The whole pomp and circumstance. I'd just get my doctorate so we'd have two Dr. Masens in the family.

All too soon, it was the Friday before spring break. Edward and I were in the bedroom. I had two huge suitcases on the floor. We were leaving for Cancun early tomorrow morning. In my suitcase was an entire new wardrobe, thanks to Alice, the clothes fairy. She said that my clothes were too big and I needed to get smaller ones. I didn't feel smaller. I still felt bloated and icky. My nervous stomach was not going away. Nightmares, yes. Nausea, no. I'd be a happy camper if I didn't feel like upchucking every morning.

"Edward, can you grab the plastic bag with the sunblock and aloe?" I yelled. Edward returned with the large plastic ziplock bag filled with our sun protection. "Thanks."

"Thank you for packing. I hate doing this shit," Edward said as he sank onto the floor gracefully. "If it were up to me, it'd be in a plastic garbage bag."

"I find that hard to believe. You have more clothes and style than me," I teased.

"Not anymore. Alice has given you quite a wardrobe," Edward smirked. "You are definitely stylish."

"Yeah, shabby, flabby chic," I said, tossing my hair over my shoulder.

"Isabella," Edward warned. "You are perfect."

"Sure, sure," I said shrugging my shoulders. I turned around and picked up my bathing suit. Or rather the bathing suit that Alice bought for me. "You've got to be kidding me."

"What?"

"A bikini? I never wore bikini before. Why would I start now?" I wailed.

"Because it makes your soon-to-be husband horny?" Edward said, waggling his brows.

"I'm too fat. Ugh! Now I'll have to get another bathing suit. I'll just buy it in Cancun," I growled.

"But Bella," Edward whined.

"I'll wear a tankini. Not a bikini. I'll look like a fucking beached whale," I said. "I'm so going to kill your sister."

"Aw, don't kill the Elf," Edward said. "She's just thinking about me."

"You are a horn dog," I said, arching my brow.

"Only for you, Bella. Only for you," he said as he leaned forward and kissed my lips. "A quickie?"

"No. I've got too much to do," I said. "You can make yourself useful and pull out our passports from the safe and check us into the airline so we don't have to wait in that insanely long line."

Edward gave me a salute and got up from the floor. I finished packing and decided to hop in the shower. The later I can sleep in, the better. It was horrible that our flight was leaving at seven in the morning. We have to be at the airport by four. That's just sick and depraved to be up that early. I mean, really. The only positive thing was that everyone from our family managed to get on the same flight. We were meeting at our house and taking a shuttle to the airport.

In order to fall asleep, I ended up taking some cold medicine. I crawled between the sheets and picked up one of my books from the nightstand. Edward came up and hauled his suitcase down the stairs. He left mine in the bedroom for last minute additions. He stripped off his clothes and laid his head down on my lap. "Are you excited?"

"Do you really need to ask that question?" I retorted. "Of course I'm excited."

"Do you have your dress?"

"Esme is bringing it. She didn't want you to see it," I said, running my fingers through his messy copper locks. "Bad luck and all."

"I'm certain you will be absolutely gorgeous in it," Edward said. "You're gorgeous all of the time. I love you, Bella."

"I love you, too, Edward. I can't believe that this is happening. We're getting married."

"In five days," Edward grinned. "You'll be Mrs. Isabella Masen."

"I love that," I said, smiling widely. I then yawned, flopping back on the pillows. "Okay, the cold medicine is working."

"Are you sick?"

"No. I just needed some assistance in sleeping," I said sheepishly. Edward rolled his eyes and tossed my book on to the nightstand. I turned off my light and curled up next to my fiancé. My soon-to-be husband. My life. I kissed his chest and nestled closer.

My love. My fresh start. In more ways than one.

A/N: Okay, so it wasn't wild monkey sex. But hot shower sex will have to suffice. Up next, Cancun and the wedding. Leave me love! XOXO!