Edward and I were pulling into the long, narrow driveway of the Cullen's house, Rosalie was outside washing her BMW. He parked the Volvo behind Rosalie's car, the windshield being misted by the spray from the hose.
"She's obsessed with that thing, I swear." Edward was glaring at Rosalie who was busy rinsing her car. He silently opened the driver's door and climbed out, me doing the same. He walked around the car to meet me, taking my hand the moment he did. Together we walked up the curved sidewalk to the front door, opening it, only to see Alice standing at the bottom stair, her usual grin painted on her face. Immediately, she grabbed my wrist, pulling me up the stairs. Edward had no choice but to let go of my hand.
"We won't be long, Edward." Alice called down from half way up the stairs. I nearly tripped on the last one, due to my clumsiness. She was dragging me into her room, which I've only seen once or twice. Her walls were painted a dark maroon red, furnished with a brown leather sofa, a wooden bookcase the size of one of her walls, and paintings and sculptures scattered on the walls and floor.
"Have a seat, Bella." She motioned me to sit on the long, leather sofa. I obeyed. I watched Alice as she gracefully glided across the room to a closet door, opening it to reveal shelves of junk and who knows what else. She opened a small chest hidden behind a tote bag. From the chest, she removed a tiny, dark blue velvet box. She kept it in her hand as she shut the closet door and returned to the sofa, standing in front of me. She held the small box in her delicate palm, holding it out to me. I took it from her, looking up to her face. She was still smiling. I lifted the top of the box, opening it slowly. Inside revealed a silver band with two gold ridges holding together a perfect row of five shimmering diamonds. Edward's wedding ring.
"Alice, it's lovely, but we really don't need rings to prove our love. Honestly."
"Oh please, Bella. What's a wedding without the rings?" I guess she was right. Even though Edward and had discussed it and decided that we wouldn't need them. "I'll keep it here for you. Our younger relative is flying here from Cincinnati. He's the ringbearer."
"Wow, Alice. You have this all planned out already, don't you?" There was nothing that I would have to do.
"I told you, Bella. You and Edward won't have to do a thing. You've already picked your maid of honor.." She batted her eyelashes at me. "and I helped Edward tell Jasper that he wasn't going to be the best man. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, Jasper could get pretty emotional."
"What about the bridesmaids and groomsmen?"
"I've already sent a special note to Jessica and Angela. They've both approved of it. I sure hope that's alright?"
"Of course, that's who I was planning anyway."
"Good, good. And Jasper is going to be a groomsmen along with our older cousin who's also flying in from Cincinatti."
"And the flowergirl?"
"Surprisingly.. Rosalie. She's the only other teenaged girl in our family. The only reason she said yes to the idea was because I allowed her to pick her own dress. She can be a good negotiator." I was surprised that Alice had so much for the wedding done. This was the first time I've heard about any of this.
"Well, I should get going home. Charlie has dinner ready." He had wanted me home for the last day, before I was a married woman. I had spent the past couple of weeks at home, never sleeping over at Edward's. Tonight was the last night before I moved into the Cullen's.
"Sure thing. See you tomorrow, bright and early. I'll be there to get you. You can't see Edward until the wedding." It was going to be hard not seeing him for most of the day.
"And what time is 'bright and early'?" I was afraid to hear her answer.
"Six?" She wrinkled her smooth forehead. I groaned.
"Six."
"Alright Bella, I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled at me as I stood up and hugged me in her iron grip. I hugged her back. I opened the door to Alice's room, surprised that Edward wasn't there trying to listen in on our conversation. I walked slowly down the stairs, careful not to trip. Edward was at the bottom step, waiting for me.
"I've got to get home. Charlie's waiting." He nodded his head and took my hand, leading me out the door and to the Volvo. Rosalie was still outside, waxing her BMW.
"See you tomorrow, Bella." She looked at me and smiled. One of the first times she ever had. I smiled back.
"Bye, Rosalie." Edward opened the passenger door for me and shut it once I got it. He walked over to the driver's side getting in, and started the car. The sounds roared through the tall trees above. He backed out of the driveway quickly, spinning out to face the road. He whipped past the trees along the road, the spedometer rising.
"Aren't you ever afraid of getting in an accident?" I gripped the edges of my seat.
"Of course not. I'm highly experienced." He chuckled, looking in my direction.
"Have you ever been in an accident?"
"Never." I wasn't surprised by that.
"You're just too perfect, aren't you?" He laughed again.
"It's possible." He took my hand in his. Soon enough, we were stopped in front of my house. The engine quietly humming. Edward and I got out of the Volvo, meeting at the beginning of the walkway leading to the front door. He took my hand and led me to the welcome mat. He turned to face me, taking my other hand as well.
"Tomorrow's the day." He smiled down at me.
"Indeed."
"I won't be coming to see you tonight, Alice won't let me. She says it's unclassy for the groom to see his bride before the wedding. How lame." I laughed at his slang. "So I will see you tomorrow, my love." He craned his neck to press his lips to mine, I wandered my hands up his back and clasped them around his neck. He had his hands on my waist. He pulled only an inch away.
"I love you."
"I love you, too." And he gave me one final kiss before releasing me. He took my hand and kissed it softly.
"Sweet dreams, my sweet Bella." And he let go of my hand, letting it drop to my side.
"Good night." Edward slowly made his way back to the Volvo, not looking back. Tomorrow, I would call him my husband.