Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. All rights to You Had Me From Hello owned by Kenny Chesney. No copyright infringement is intended. The original plot and storyline of Never Enough, however, belong to me. Please be nice and don't copy or translate without permission. Thank you.
My everlasting love to my betas, Iadorepugs and Cullen_Crazy01, and special thanks to this chapter's guest beta, PixieKat7. You ladies make my heart smile :)
I hope you remembered your invitations, because it's time for a wedding!
Chapter 37
All around me, people were scurrying from one place to another, taking care of last-minute details, while I stood to the side, 'out-of-the-way'. I had given up offering to help. The last time I had tried, Alice had threatened to tie me down, wrinkles to my dress be damned. The ceremony was due to start in twenty minutes, and I was nearly vibrating with excitement.
The morning had passed both too quickly and maddeningly slowly. The women had taken over the interior of Marcus and Dee's home to get ready, while the men were readying themselves at Caius and Thena's cottage in the woods. I had not seen Edward since just after the rehearsal last night, when Emmett and Jasper had literally pried him from my arms at Alice's command, but I had awoken to the reassuring buzz of my cell phone and a beautiful text message from my soon-to-be husband. Good morning my love. This is the last morning you will wake without me by your side. I can hardly wait. Six hours and counting…
Blinking past the tears in my eyes, I had hit the reply button on my phone. And no longer will we be forced to go our separate ways at the end of the day. The first day of our life together starts in five hours and fifty-eight minutes. I love you…
Alice had the entire day planned down to the second, of course. Hair and makeup for the bridal party and mothers—after we'd had massages, manicures and pedicures yesterday, in lieu of a bachelorette party. It was very interesting to me to watch Renee and Sue interact. I couldn't remember Charlie and Renee together, and I certainly couldn't picture it now. Renee and Sue were as opposite as could be, but they had struck up a friendship over the last several days that baffled all three of us—me, Charlie, and Renee's husband Phil. Esme and Dee found them both quite delightful, and all four of them had sat around late into the night last night drinking Dee's homemade Sangria and exchanging rather colorful stories that I wished I hadn't heard about my father, step-father, father-in-law, and uncle-in-law.
Alice breezed by, reaching out and squeezing my hand. "Fifteen minutes, Bella. I just saw your groom, and he looks just as happy as you do."
I smiled at that, and Sarah caught my eye from across the room, where she was pinning a flower on Will's vest. My smile became a little teary at the sight of my kids standing together. They looked so amazing, and so happy for me, that my heart was full to overflowing. I simply had never been happier in my entire life.
"No tears, Bella, or the wedding Nazi will make you do your makeup again," Rosalie teased softly in my ear, handing me a tissue.
I smiled up at her and dabbed at the corner of my eyes, catching the drops before they could fall. "All right, but I make no promises for when I see Edward." And I was dying to see him.
"Well, he's just about crawling out of his skin in anticipation to see you. I told him you're worth the wait," Angela said with a wink, and I blushed.
"Of course she's worth the wait. She looks perfect," Sarah said, joining us.
Having been married before, both Edward and I had wanted to keep things fairly simple. That had been easier said than done once I had started dress shopping. Despite the myriad of options available to brides now, I had felt they were all too formal for what I wanted, and I actually ended up with a bridesmaid gown as my wedding dress. As a matter of fact, I ended up with the very same dress as my bridesmaids, although with Alice's suggested alterations, it was difficult to tell that our dresses were the same original design.
My dress was actually quite similar in design to the New Year's Eve dress Alice had chosen for me. It was floor-length, with a long, flowing skirt that fell from a slightly empire waist into a simple train in the back. Instead of an ivory or blush color as suggested by the shop owner, I had chosen a pale blue, with a subtle sheen to the fabric. Even though it was sleeveless, something I had originally balked at, I loved the delicate braided straps that flowed from the v-neckline and then crisscrossed over my shoulders and back. Originally the dress had no adornment other than the intricate straps, however when we had chosen the colors of the attendant's dresses, the owner of the shop had shown me some beautiful beaded ribbon that was exactly the color of the dresses that the ladies were going to wear. I chose to have the waist and hemline of my dress embellished with the ribbon and colored beadwork, which included a beautiful blue topaz and a rich sapphire interspersed with clear crystals that shimmered in the light.
I studied my reflection in the mirror, happy with the delicate upsweep of my hair that Kate had perfected this morning. I loved the subtle sparkle from the combs Carlisle and Esme had surprised me with that held my veil in place, inlaid with sapphire and blue topaz gems that matched the beadwork of my dress. I had not originally planned to wear a veil, but my mind kept returning to the line from the song Edward had sung when he proposed—I'll take my trembling fingers, and I'll lift up your veil. I wanted to share that experience with him, and the veil complimented the dress nicely.
My bridesmaids, Alice, Rosalie and Angela, wore a slightly different version of the dress in the blue topaz color of the beading on my dress. The bodice of their dresses was more fitted than mine and the skirt fell to just above their knees. Their dresses were also simpler than mine, without the embellishments, and their straps did not crisscross in the back. Angela and Rosalie wore their hair up, while Alice wore her shorter style curled softly, framing her face and making her gray eyes seem immense.
Sarah, my maid-of-honor, wore the same dress as my bridesmaids, but in the dark sapphire blue shade of the beading on my dress that looked beautiful against her warm skin tone. Her long hair was pulled in a low, sleek ponytail to one side and draped over her shoulder. It was almost scary to me how grown up she looked.
My eyes strayed once again to Will, who was tapping his toes nervously. I had asked Sarah and Will to escort me down the aisle, where they would then take up their stations to act as Maid of Honor and Best Man. Will had been astonished when Edward had asked him, and not Emmett or Jasper, to be his Best Man. He looked just as grown up as his sister did, in his long-sleeved snowy white shirt, black-on-black patterned vest and a silky black tie that matched the rest of the groomsmen. I watched as he ran his fingers through his hair, smiling fondly at the habit he seemed to be picking up from spending so much time around Edward.
Alice re-entered the room and all eyes turned to her. She looked over at me with a bright smile. "Are you ready to go out there and become Mrs. Cullen?" she asked.
"Absolutely," I said with conviction, not feeling nervous at all.
"That's the same thing that Edward said when I asked him if he was ready to make you Mrs. Cullen," Alice said, and I felt my heart flutter, not with nervousness, but with anticipation.
"Then let's do this!" Will said, pumping his fist, and we all laughed.
Alice had us all line up by the door in the order we would proceed down the aisle...or across the lawn in our case. As we walked down the hallway toward the front door, I could hear the faint sound of music growing louder from outside, and felt the tempo of my heartbeat pick up with each step I took.
When we reached the front door, Will held the door open for all of us. I could see the rest of the groomsmen waiting on the veranda. Each of the bridesmaids found their groomsmen, Rosalie and Emmett, Alice and Jasper, and Angela and Edward's cousin Garrett. Alice took a moment to check each groomsman's boutonnière – a single gardenia blossom wrapped in sapphire ribbon. She then handed each bridesmaid her bouquet – a small nosegay of gardenia blossoms, while Kate checked everyone's dresses and hair. Kate adjusted one of my combs and then gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before heading down the steps to join the gathering of family and friends waiting for us in the yard.
Alice squeezed my hands before placing my bouquet, a slightly larger version of what my friends carried, into my hands. We exchanged easy smiles before she took Jasper's arm.
I lifted my hand to position my veil, but Will stopped me. He stepped forward and wrapped me in his arms, and Sarah followed suit. "We love you, Mom," he whispered huskily.
"And we couldn't be happier for you and Edward, and for us," Sarah said.
I hugged them both back fiercely. "I love you guys so much and so does Edward."
"We know," Will said, pulling back. He and Sarah each pressed a kiss to my cheek, and then he carefully lifted my veil and placed it over my face.
I straightened my shoulders and smiled at the both of them. "All right, let's do this!" I said, mimicking Will's earlier words.
I watched as each of my attendants walked down the stairs and across the lawn in the early summer sunshine toward the family and friends that were waiting to celebrate with us. It was an absolutely beautiful day, with a light breeze blowing and not a cloud in the sky. I watched as first Angela, then Alice, and finally Rosalie crossed the lawn, before it was our turn.
I walked side by side with Will and Sarah, my eyes seeking out familiar faces as we approached the crowd, Edward still hidden from my view at the front. Charlie and Sue were beaming at us, as were Phil and Renee. Holly, Embry and their little girl Carson smiled at us. Carlisle and Esme, who was already dabbing at the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief, were on the other side. I recognized every face in the crowd, but I was becoming impatient to see my groom, when suddenly he stepped into view.
Edward stole my breath away. He was wearing the same white shirt and black pants as his groomsmen, but his vest was the same pale blue as my dress, with a deep sapphire blue tie. It appeared that someone had attempted to tame his hair, probably Kate making a last-ditch effort after she had finished with the bridesmaids. But he had run his fingers through it a few times since, giving it that wonderfully rumpled look that I loved so much.
"Bella," Edward breathed as I drew near, and I smiled shyly at the reverence in his voice. Marcus, a retired Judge who had been absolutely thrilled when we asked him to perform the ceremony. waited until the crowd quieted down to start.
"Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Edward and Bella a very important moment in their lives. In the time they have been together, their love and understanding of one another has grown and matured, and they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife."
He turned and looked at Sarah and Will, who were standing off to my right side. "Who supports Bella in her marriage to Edward?"
Will and Sarah stepped forward. Will spoke clearly. "We do, her children, William and Sarah." Will shook Edward's hand, and Sarah pressed a kiss to his cheek, and then they both took their places among the attendants. I stepped forward and placed my left hand in Edward's right one, and we turned our attention to Marcus.
"As you know, I have known Edward his entire life. I have seen him at his best, his worst, and everything in between. I have to say, his best has been during the past nine months, since this wonderful woman and her family came into his life. When we discussed wedding vows, these two were very adamant that traditional vows were not for them. Edward and Bella have written their own vows, which I will ask them now to repeat for you." Marcus stepped back and nodded to the two of us.
I turned and handed my bouquet to Sarah, who smiled radiantly at me. I returned her smile and then turned to Edward, placing my hands in his. He took a deep breath as our eyes met, and began his vows. His voice was strong, clear and true, never once wavering as he spoke, loud enough for those gathered to hear, but his tone intimate enough for me to know that he was speaking for my benefit alone. I blinked back tears, not wanting to miss a second.
"Isabella Marie, I marry you today with my eyes wide open. You have helped me let go of the past, and embrace our future. Thank you for making me whole again. Because of you, I laugh, I smile, and I dare to dream again. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, caring for you, nurturing you, being there for you in all life has in store for us, and I vow to be true and faithful to you for as long as we both shall live."
I reached up and touched Edward's face gently with my fingertips before beginning my vows to him.
"Edward Anthony, on this first day of our life together, in the presence of our family and friends, I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for all the days of our lives. I give myself to you completely, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love."
Marcus cleared his throat and I jumped a little, startled by the interruption. I could hear light laughter around us, and I blushed. Edward winked at me and I smiled. Marcus turned to Will. "Do you have the rings?"
Will reached into the pocket of his vest and pulled out the matching platinum bands Edward and I had chosen and handed them to Marcus. Marcus handed Edward my band first. "Edward, as you place this ring on Bella's finger, please repeat after me. 'Bella, I give you this ring, in token and pledge, of my constant faith and devotion'."
Edward slid the ring on my finger, nestling it against my engagement ring, repeating the words in a husky voice before lifting my hand to his lips and kissing my ring finger as he had when we became engaged. I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Marcus held out Edward's heavy platinum band to me. "Bella, as you place this ring on Edward's finger, please repeat after me. 'Edward, I give you this ring, in token and pledge, of my constant faith and devotion'."
I slowly moved the ring down Edward's ring finger, stating the pledge exactly as Marcus had instructed. I gripped Edward's hand tightly, loving the feel of the cool metal against his skin and the sight of my band on his finger.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Washington, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Edward, you may kiss your bride," Marcus said with a grin.
Edward reached forward, and with fingers that were indeed trembling, he lifted the edges of my veil. He cupped my jaw and whispered, "Mrs. Cullen," before pressing his lips to mine in a sweet but passionate kiss, and I wrapped my arms around his neck as the crowd around us started to cheer. I ignored the sound, opening my lips to Edward and moaning as his tongue caressed mine, his hand slipping around the back of my neck and pressing me closer to him.
Marcus called out above the crowd, "May I present to you all Edward and Isabella Cullen!" This time it was Edward who groaned as he pulled away, kissing the tip of my nose and making me giggle. Marcus was standing right behind us, his smile jubilant as he waited to congratulate us. "Bella, welcome to the family!" he said, engulfing me in a hug and kissing me on the cheek. He grabbed Edward in a hearty hug as well, slapping him on the back. "Well done, boy."
Alice organized our attendants and we all walked back down the makeshift aisle and into the beautiful white tent that had been erected in the side yard, where we formed a receiving line. We were all handed glasses of champagne to sip while we greeted our guests. Once we had spoken with everyone, we went back outside for pictures, and by the time we returned to the tent, it was time for dinner to be served.
Esme and Dee had done an excellent job choosing the caterer. The food was incredible, and the staff was efficient and friendly. Everything was so well organized that even Alice, Kate, Dee and Esme were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the reception with the rest of us.
The biggest thing I had to worry about was wandering too far away from my husband. Invariably we would become separated while visiting with our guests, and someone would notice and start tapping their glass. It never took long for others to join in, and we would have to find one another across the crowded tent to fulfill the demands of our guests. Each time our kisses grew longer and hotter, and I knew that we wouldn't be able to hold out much longer at our own wedding reception.
While we cut the wedding cake and our guests were served pieces, the house band that played at Maria's on the weekend started tuning their instruments and warming up. I smiled at Alice as I slipped off my high heels and put on the flats she had brought me for dancing, and turned so that she could help me remove the veil from my hair and fasten up the train of my dress so that it wouldn't be stepped on during dancing.
The lead singer stepped up to the microphone and called out a greeting to everyone. "All right, let's have the bride and groom, Edward and Bella Cullen out here on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife!" There was applause from all around. Edward had been mysteriously silent about the choice of a song for our first dance. He had asked if I wanted any say in the selection, and I asked him to surprise me. I had loved all the songs he had chosen to sing to me during our courtship that I knew he would choose something equally as special for our wedding. The only thing he would tell me is it was not something he had already sung to me.
I was surprised when the band started up a slow tempo song with a distinct twang to it. "Country music?" I asked Edward, raising an eyebrow at him teasingly. I had grown used to his eclectic taste in music, but country was not a genre I was used to hearing on any of his playlists.
I was surprised when Edward blushed. "I know, not my usual choice, but in this case it was the words that spoke to me. This song is about how we met, Bella. How I felt the moment that I saw you, from the first moment that we spoke." He pulled me into his arms and placed a tender kiss on my temple, then started singing along with the words, his voice soft and husky, for my ears alone.
One word, that's all you said,
Something in your voice caused me to turn my head.
Your smile just captured me, you were in my future far as I could see.
And I don't know how it happened, but it happens still.
You ask me if I love you, if I always will
Well, you had me from hello
I felt love start to grow the moment I looked into your eyes,
You owned me, it was over from the start.
You completely stole my heart, and now you won't let go.
I never even had a chance you know?
You had me from hello
I felt tears start to form in my eyes. Edward was completely right. This was exactly how I had felt the moment I had returned to my seat at Maria's and found him sitting at our table. The way I felt when I had placed my hand in his when we were introduced. He had stolen my heart in that first moment, and I never wanted it back after. I stood on tiptoe and brushed my lips against his. He inhaled raggedly, lifting a hand to my face and brushing my cheek with his thumb as he began to sing the next verse.
Inside I built a wall so high around my heart, I thought I'd never fall.
One touch, you brought it down
The bricks of my defenses scattered on the ground
And I swore to me I wasn't going to love again
The last time was the last time I'd let someone in
Well, you had me from hello
I felt love start to grow the moment I looked into your eyes,
You owned me, it was over from the start.
You completely stole my heart, and now you won't let go.
I never even had a chance you know?
You had me from hello
This time I couldn't stop my tears from spilling over. The odds had been so stacked against us ending up here, together. Between my marriage ending only days before and Edward's jaded outlook from the way his own relationship had dissolved, neither one of us was in a happy place when we met. Rosalie's carefully planned meeting could have just as easily backfired if I had refused to leave the house, or if Edward hadn't joined us at the table. Both of us had built up our walls, determined not to be hurt again. Had Alice not asked what I planned to do with myself, had I not decided on a whim to throw out the bookstore idea, Edward and I never would have gotten to know one another working together on A New Page.
As the song wound down, applause sounded around us and Edward gently brushed the tears from my cheeks. "I have loved you from hello, and I will love you forever," Edward whispered, kissing me softly, both of us mindful to keep the kiss chaste and short as the song ended.
The band started the next song, and we parted as Will came to dance with me and Sarah with Edward. The four of us stayed in close proximity, laughing and talking over the music, smiling and posing for several pictures. Then there were dances with Charlie and Esme, Carlisle and Renee, the entire bridal party, and then finally everyone was invited out onto the dance floor. I teared up a little watching Sarah and Daniel dancing a slow song together, sighed happily watching Charlie shuffling awkwardly with Sue in his arms, and laughed watching Phil and Renee cut a rug, showing off their ballroom dancing skills. Carlisle and Esme gave them a run for their money, while Rosalie and Emmett dirty danced their way around the dance floor, making Edward cringe more than once when Emmett grinded against Rose's ass.
"Are you telling me that after seven, almost eight weeks of celibacy, you aren't interested in a little bump and grind yourself, Mr. Cullen?" I whispered in his ear, kissing his neck before nibbling on the lobe and giving his hair a playful tug.
"I think you already know the answer to that, Mrs. Cullen," he responded, tilting his hips toward me just the slightest bit as his lips captured mine. "I just don't think that the children that are present, including our own, need to witness our mating dance," he growled, glancing to the side. I turned, watching Sarah and Daniel dancing with a group of children that included Jasper and Alice's children, and Emmett and Rosalie's twins, who were doing an amazing imitation of their parent's dirty dance routine—it was obviously not the first time they had seen those particular dance moves. All around the dance floor we were surrounded by friends and family that we loved, but I just wanted to be with my husband. Alone.
Edward pulled me tightly into his embrace. "Is it time to leave yet?" he asked. It appeared he felt the same way.
"Yes," I said, my voice trembling with anticipation. "Let me find Alice."
"No need, I'm right here," she sang behind me. "I was just coming to tell you if you're waiting for a polite time to leave, that it was about an hour ago!" Now she tells us, the evil pixie!
"Well, we're ready now. All we need is the bouquet and garter toss, right?" I asked.
"Yes. I'll go let the band know, you guys go say your goodbyes to the kids and the parents, and I'll meet you near the stage. If I see anyone you need to see I'll send them your way."
Edward and I found Renee and Phil on our way and told them we'd see them tomorrow afternoon at Marcus' for a late lunch and gift opening, before heading to Vancouver to spend the rest of our honeymoon. Renee winked and hugged us and told us to have fun, making both Edward and I blush. Phil hugged us both and apologized for letting my mom have too much champagne, and we all laughed.
Charlie and Sue were next. We found them sitting at a table watching all the dancers. Sue had her eyes on Seth, and a mortified look on her face as he writhed on the dance floor looking like he'd been tasered. "I'm so sorry, you'd think he was raised by a pack of wolves," she said, shaking her head as Seth raised his head and howled along with the song.
"Raised by, no. Runs with, yes," I said, watching Paul, Jared and Embry all acting in the same goofy manner. "Just make sure none of them go into the woods, because I will not hesitate to shoot any one of them that wanders near my cabin tonight," I warned.
"Don't worry about them, Bells. Seth knows I've got my eyes on him," Charlie said. As if he could hear my dad, Seth looked up, his grin faltering momentarily at Charlie's stern look. Seth looked from me, to Edward, and then back at me again with a guilty look before quickly turning back to his friends. Charlie smiled at the two of us, shook Edward's hand and clapped him on the shoulder and then hugged me tightly. "Make one another happy, Bella," he whispered gruffly in my ear.
"We already do, Daddy," I whispered back, kissing his cheek. Sue gave both of us warm hugs and told us she would see us tomorrow.
Esme and Carlisle were near the stage, surrounded by all the younger children as Esme showed them how to do the chicken dance. The sight of Edward's beautiful, elegant, refined mother flapping her 'wings' and wiggling her way down made me giggle and smile, as did the sight of Carlisle standing behind her ogling her ass. He caught me watching him and shrugged his shoulders, gesturing at her bottom as if to say what's a man to do?. I burst out laughing.
"Do I even want to know?" Edward murmured close to my ear, his hands sliding high around my waist and near enough to my breasts to make my breath hitch and my thoughts turn to our wedding night, which I was becoming more and more anxious to begin.
"Not unless you want to know about the silent exchange your dad and I just had about your mom's ass," I teased him.
Edward groaned. "Nope, didn't want to know that. Got any brain bleach?"
I turned in his arms, trying to distract him. "C'mon, let's go say goodbye to your parents. Then I can take you home and make it all better, baby," I promised in a sultry voice, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw.
"Mmmm, it's going to take a lot of TLC, are you sure you're up for it?" he asked, grasping my hips and pulling me closer.
"Well it feels like you're up for it, Mr. Cullen," I purred slyly, feeling him hard against me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and swiveled my hips against his, pretending to dance when I was merely using it as an excuse to rub our bodies together. We seriously needed to be out of here and together…alone…now!
"Jesus, Bella, you have no idea," he said in a hoarse voice, leaning down and capturing my lips in a hot kiss, wrapping his arms tighter around me, his hands ghosting over the top of my ass. I sucked forcefully on his bottom lip, groaning as he nipped my upper lip before his tongue stroked hungrily against mine.
"All right, it looks like we better get to the bouquet and garter toss before the bride and groom start their honeymoon on the dance floor!" the band's lead singer called into the microphone, and the crowd around us laughed and applauded, with a few loud wolf whistles thrown in for good measure. Edward cursed under his breath as we reluctantly drew apart and I fought the smile and blush getting caught brought to my face.
Alice beckoned us up onto the stage, where there was a chair waiting for me. The band started a rather risqué sounding instrumental number as I carefully raised my dress to my knee and Edward knelt before me, nuzzling my knee with his nose and lips, his fingers sliding up my leg to search for my garter. His left hand found the garter an inch or two above my knee and stopped there, while his right hand continued to climb my inner thigh, swirling against my smooth skin, his eyes locked with mine and his crooked smile naughty as his tongue swept along the inside of my lower thigh. I clamped my legs together and glared at him. He raised his eyebrows innocently and withdrew both hands, spinning the garter on his index finger.
I stood, perhaps a little too quickly on my wobbly legs and Edward smiled and growled in my ear as he had to catch me. Alice handed me a small nosegay of flowers, and then took over the microphone to tell all the single women in the crowd to come forward. The band started to play 'Single Ladies' by Beyonce and I watched as girls of all ages came onto the floor, including all of our nieces and nephews. Edward frowned when Sarah jostled her way to the front of the crowd. "Throw it hard," he instructed me, and I laughed.
I turned my back to the crowd and covered my eyes, and tossed it on the count of three. I laughed hysterically when Billi, my friend and favorite bookstore employee, stood there with a stunned look on her face and the bouquet in her hands. She had met a younger man a few weeks ago at the grocery store and they had been enjoying getting to know one another, but she was terrified of moving too quickly. She saw me laughing and flipped me off, which only made me laugh harder.
Alice announced for all the single men to make their way to the dance floor, finally resorting to calling out names when several of them tried to slink away. Seth stood toward the back with his hands in his pockets, as did several of his single friends. Daniel stood uncomfortably off to the side with his hands behind his back, glancing awkwardly at Edward as if he'd rather be anywhere but there. This time I was the one who remarked, "Throw it anywhere but to the side."
Edward closed his eyes and put it on his finger like a rubber band, then swung back and forth, before shooting it straight back. The crowd burst into raucous laughter when it landed directly on Seth's head and stayed there even when he shook his head slightly.
Carlisle and Esme joined us when we exited the stage, giving us both hugs and kisses to the cheek as they bid us a good night. Behind them stood Sarah and Will, who both engulfed me in a huge hug that I returned with as much strength as I could. "Thank you so much for making this day so perfect for me," I told them.
"For us," Edward said, wrapping his arms around us, kissing both of them on the temple, and grinning when they both opened their arms to allow him into the embrace. The four of us stood that way for several moments, our heads pressed together.
"Go, we've got some partying to do, and you're cramping our style," Sarah teased, kissing my cheek and ruffling Edward's hair at the same time.
"All right. I love you guys. If you need anything, we've got our cell phones, and…"
"Seriously? What the hell could we possibly need that would be worth interrupting your wedding night, Mom?" Will asked, rolling his eyes. "Go. We'll see you tomorrow. And we love you too." I watched the two of them walk away, Will seeking out Braden and the rest of his friends, and Sarah returning to Daniel standing nearby.
Finally, we were alone. Edward held his arm out to me, his eyes warm. "You heard them, Mrs. Cullen. Let's go."
What? No wedding night? But this is the last chapter, right? WRONG! Yeah, I'm too wordy, and I wanted to share the whole wedding day instead of glossing over, so the next chapter is going to be the wedding night. Hope I've still got some readers around that are interested in reading about it after all the posting delays and the sexbargo.
As always, if there was anything that made you smile, laugh, sigh or even growl in frustration, I'd love to hear about it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read.
~ GM