Disclaimer: Not mine…um, and Bella's "present" isn't mine either…
A/N: Thank you for reading & reviewing! I had a brief panic attack, thinking I lost my flash drive that I save all my work on. Not only my FF work, but my fricking outline for my thesis is on there too. Thank the lord I found it. My posting times might seem weird now since I'm back in the 808 which I'm pretty sure is the last time zone in the world.
Okay…onward to Bella's answer! Not like you all don't know anyway… :-P
Songs for this chapter: True Love Way, Closer, I Want You –all by Kings of Leon
Chapter 36
EPOV
September 13th
"Edward…"
"Bella…" I sighed.
"Yes…"
I pulled her closer against my body and pressed my lips to hers, our tongues slowly dancing with each other.
Yes. She said yes. It was the single most beautiful word I think I had ever heard, and quite possibly now my favorite in the English language.
"Say it again," I murmured against her lips.
Bella moaned loudly, her arms wrapping around my shoulders tighter as she pulled her body closer to mine with her leg thrown over my hip.
"Yes Edward…Oh God yes…" Bella moaned loudly.
Hopefully she wouldn't tire of my requests for her to repeat the simple three letter word over and over. One of my hands trailed down her back, following the curve of her delectable ass and hitching her leg higher over my hips. I groaned as I felt myself sink even deeper into her. Side by side was a new position for us, one I don't think Bella will be protesting against in the future. I had seen her hesitancy at first, not only because it had been three long weeks since we had been together, but because this was something new in terms of our sexual relationship. However, it didn't take long for Bella to transform back into the goddess she had become before that tortuous bout with pneumonia. My girl, my fiancé, was back, and she was celebrating our engagement with as much fervor, if not more, than I was.
My lips found their way to her neck as Bella continued to make the noises that drove me wild, and her little hands continued to pulse pleasure through my body, scratching along my scalp and pulling my hair. As I closed my eyes and lost myself to my senses, all I could see was the moment that she said yes.
"Marry me Bella."
My heart was thundering away in my chest as I watched the tears pour down her cheeks. I never liked to see Bella cry, and right now I was so nervous her tears were a bad sign, that I thought I was going to throw up if she didn't answer me within the next ten seconds. My breath caught in my throat as Bella reached a shaky hand towards the black velvet box between us and let her fingers barely skim over my Grandmother's ring that lay nestled there.
"Yes…"
It was so soft I wasn't sure if it was just my ears playing tricks on me. My heart and brain couldn't take that chance.
"Bella?"
Her soft brown eyes met mine and I swear my heart actually did one of those fabled skips of a beat. I was completely floored by the love I saw in her eyes.
"Yes," She said louder, reaching up to swipe at the tears on her cheeks.
"Yes," She said again, even loud as her face broke out into a wide grin, "Yes Edward! Nothing would make me happier!"
I forgot about the box in between and immediately closed the distance between us, crushing my lips to hers. Bella moaned loudly and I hissed as the ring pressed uncomfortably against my ribs. Pulling back, Bella giggled as I rubbed the spot where the symbol of my love for her had jabbed me.
"You'll be my wife?" I said softly, needing to assured of her answer one more time to make sure I wasn't imagining things.
"Yes Edward," Bella smiled, her left hand reaching forward and cupping my cheek.
Taking her hand in mine, I brought it to my lips, placing a kiss in her palm and then on each one of her fingertips and knuckles. I hadn't even thought about resizing the ring or if it would even fit as I drew it out of the box and prepared to place it on Bella's finger. I was mentally praying to God that it would the entire time I slowly slipped it down Bella's thin finger, and I sighed in relief when it sat perfectly at the bottom. The ring was Bella's exact size, meant for her to wear. Gran was going to be ecstatic when I told her.
"Edward, it's so beautiful…" Bella gasped softly, lifting her hand to get a better look at it. I saw her forehead crinkle in thought.
"This must have cost so much…" She frowned.
"It was my Gran's," I whispered before placing a kiss on Bella's forehead.
She gasped loudly and pulled back to look at me.
"Edward! I can't…this…it's…" she stuttered.
"Bella," I smiled, "Gran gave it to me the last time I was in New York. She will be so honored to know that you're wearing her ring."
"But…but it was from your Grandfather. Surely she'll want to keep it?"
"She'll be happy knowing that it's you who is wearing it now Bella," I said, my fingertips grazing the ring that now rested on her hand.
"How long were they married?" Bella asked softly.
"Nearly forty five years," I smiled, remembering when I was a little boy, no more than 5 years old, and my grandfather already giving me a lecture on how I was to treat my future wife with nothing but love and respect.
"Then I hope for at least that long with you," Bella whispered, "Forever doesn't even sound like long enough."
"Mmmm…forever," I murmured, leaning in and brushing my lips across her cheek. Remembering the box between us I kept pressing kisses against Bella's lips as I leaned past her and placed the box on the bedside table.
Without really thinking, my movement had caused us to press together closely and loud moans to leave our lips. Our kisses had started out slow and soft at first, but quickly escalated, our hands roaming each other's bodies. I shivered as I felt the coolness from the band on her finger press against my skin. Bella had said yes.
I was brought back to the present by Bella's near scream of my name and I groaned loudly into her neck as I felt her orgasm rip through her, her body trembling against my own. My slow movement of my hips and our close proximity in this position was heavenly and filled with soft kisses and words as we celebrated our engagement. I kept my movements small and slow as Bella rode out wave after wave of pleasure, her nails digging in to my shoulders and her lips crying out and pressing against my own.
"Edward…I…." Bella panted, her hands tugging at my shoulders. I got the message and slowly rolled Bella onto her back as I rested above her on my elbows, still pressed deeply inside her warmth.
I sighed, knowing that this was absolute heaven, and that the only way this could be any better was if Bella was my wife. Placing soft kisses around her cheeks and face, I remained still as long as I could before a certain part of my anatomy began to greatly protest its stationary position surrounded tightly by intense warmth. My hips moved slowly as Bella's eyes fluttered open and found mine. She sighed, completely sated and happy.
"I love Edward…Oh God I love you…" She murmured as her hands began to roam my chest, abdomen, and back. I groaned, my body getting closer and closer to that edge and every nerve hyper aware of Bella's body. She tugged on my shoulders and I leaned my weight down against her, pressing my lips to hers. Bella moaned and her hands found their way back into my hair, tugging on the long strands.
"Bella…" I moaned, the pace of my hips quickening and I buried my face in her neck.
Her noises were beginning to start again…the moans of my name, the whimpers, the soft cries…my pace picked up again and I felt Bella's lips press against my ear.
"More Edward…" She moaned quietly, "Harder…please…"
I moaned in return loudly, pushing myself back up so that I could look at her. Before she got sick, Bella had become more vocal and more sure about telling me what she wanted and what felt good for her. It was such a fucking turn on. Leaning up on my left elbow, I gripped Bella's hip with my right hand and thrust into her harder.
"Oh yes!" She cried out, her nails biting into the skin of my shoulder.
I groaned her name loudly, knowing it wouldn't be long now. The combination of her nails digging into my skin in approval and that three letter word which I adored, drove my body to find its release quicker. Frantic thrusts and loud moans was all it took, and soon I was roaring out Bella's name with one final hard thrust, feeling her clamp down around me again. I collapsed on her chest, absolutely spent.
"I love you Edward," Bella panted heavily, her hands slowly running through my hair, "I love you so much…"
I was barely able to manage pressing a kiss to the side of her neck before I rolled us over, knowing my much larger frame was crushing hers. When I finally opened my eyes and felt like my breathing was back under control, I was met with the happiest of smiles. Bella reached out and traced my cheek softly.
"I can't wait to be your wife," she whispered, "This is the best gift anyone has ever given me."
"It's a beautiful ring," I smiled, finding her left hand and bringing it up to my lips, "I can't wait to be your husband."
Bella smiled, "The ring's not the gift. You are Edward. You're giving me forever with you by my side. You're giving me your love and your promise. There's no greater gift than that."
I felt like my heart was going to burst into pieces at her words.
"You give me more than you know love," I whispered, "I promise every day to be the man that you deserve, to be worthy of the gift of having you in my life."
"You're going to make me cry again," Bella sort of sniffle coughed.
"I love you Isabella Swan," I smiled, "I can't wait until the day I can say 'Cullen' instead. Happy birthday my love."
"Thank you Edward," Bella sighed, leaning up and pressing a soft kiss to my lips, "I love you too."
I swear to God, Alice's squeals are going to make everyone in Seattle deaf someday. I watched from the balcony door as everyone swarmed around Bella, Alice having spotted the ring on her finger. Bella and I had almost been late in receiving the caterer that Alec and Jane had hired for Bella's birthday lunch. We spent all of the wee hours of this morning making love and just celebrating being together. I knew I was probably going to be regretting it later during the game tonight, but I really couldn't have cared less. The love of my life had agreed to marry me and spend forever with me.
Not only were we celebrating the day Bella came into this world, but also the day we committed ourselves to each other. Well…maybe it wasn't quite as legally bonding as marriage, but it was close enough right?
"So my girl said yes huh?"
I was somewhat startled as Charlie came up from inside the apartment behind me and leaned up against the door next to me. I didn't tell Bella that yesterday afternoon, right after the game, I had flown in a private jet to Port Angeles and driven to Forks to have dinner with Charlie and Sue. It might have seemed old fashioned, but I knew this was something all the men in my family would have insisted that I do. I braved dinner with Chief Swan and his…lady friend…to ask him for permission to marry Bella.
I was a nervous wreck the whole meal, and I think Sue knew what was going on because when I finally stuttered out the question, she simply smirked, not surprised at all. Charlie on the other hand looked like he was turning purple. I seriously thought he might shoot me…or worse, tell me no. That seriously would've hurt me more than a gunshot. Finally after what seemed like forever, Sue placed a hand on Charlie's and he finally responded. I got a stern lecture about Bella's happiness and safety, which included an agreement to let Charlie shoot me on sight if I ever hurt her. In the end, Chief Swan left me with the words:
"She loves you. If saying yes makes her happy, than who am I to get in her way?"
I simply nodded in response to Charlie's question in the present time. All of the women were gushing over the ring and I overheard my mother explaining that it belonged to my Gran.
"She looks so happy," Charlie continued, his gaze never meeting mine and remaining on his daughter.
"It's what I live for, Sir," I sighed contentedly, "To make her happy every minute of every day."
"Can I ask you a favor Edward?"
I turned to look at him, finding Charlie Swan giving me a stern, police chief, worthy stare. I swallowed heavily and nodded.
"Can you keep this out of the press for a while? I don't want them ruining this for the two of you, and I also don't want Bella's mother ruining this for her either."
"We planned to keep it quiet," I whispered, "The press hasn't really been bothering Bella lately. Most of it is about my career and next year."
I saw Charlie nod his head from the corner of my eye.
"Well, my baby's been through a lot. She's strong, stronger than she's ever been…but her mother's always had the ability to bring her down. I'd hate to see her do it now."
"She's never really told me about Renee, Sir."
Charlie sighed heavily, "That's not my story to tell boy, and not one that needs to be heard right now. She's so happy."
"She's been pretty successful at avoiding Renee so far," I commented, remembering back to the beginning of our relationship when the press was really hounding Bella.
I heard Charlie practically snort, "That woman is something else."
It was all he offered me in terms of the infamous Renee Dwyer, and I knew the conversation was over. If Bella was ever ready to tell me about her, she would. I knew she had called Bella a few times in the past months, but Bella never answered her. Hopefully when the news about our engagement broke, she wouldn't do anything to ruin Bella's happiness.
Bella was all smiles as she stood next to Alice and Rosalie. I mentally groaned, betting that Alice would be roping Bella into all kinds of crazy wedding stores or whatever it was she was doing planning her own nuptials for February. All I wanted was something simple and small, away from the world and prying eyes. I didn't want a big fanfare or anything…but then again, I wasn't a girl and I never planned out a fairy tale wedding. I was pretty sure Bella wasn't the type to want a princess-like, happily ever after, grand wedding. I prayed she was on the same page as me.
After we serenaded Bella with a terribly off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday" (thanks to Emmett), we feasted on the wonderful food that was provided by a catering company that Jane had hunted down. It was so good, Alice was now considering using them to cater her wedding. Since Emmett and I had to leave for the game in an hour, Bella began to open her presents, blushing profusely when Rosalie hinted that Bella needed to open the present from she and Emmett in private. Emmett's wolf whistle didn't help any and for once, Charlie's angry eye was not directed at me. However, I was insanely curious now about just what Rosalie and Emmett may have bought her.
"Consider it an engagement present as well," Rosalie smirked. That did nothing to help the color of Charlie's face.
"Open ours next," My mother quickly stepped forward, clearly hoping to change the subject.
I had no clue what my parents had gotten Bella and I looked on with interest as she tore into the envelope my mother handed her.
"Oh Esme! Carlisle! This…this is too much!" Bella cried. In her hands I spied what looked like airplane tickets…two of them.
My father chuckled and my mother waved Bella's words off with her hand.
"Nonsense Bella. You deserve it and Edward mentioned you had never been to New York City. Consider it an engagement present as well. You can redeem the tickets at any time."
"Thank you Mom, Dad," I smiled.
"If it wasn't us son, you know your grandmother would've done the same. She can't wait to meet Bella," My father smiled.
Bella continued to stutter and blush and insist that her presents from everyone were too much, but at least there was nothing else that caused Charlie's face to turn purple. Alice and Jasper had picked out Bella clothes and also a set of cooking books (obviously the books were Jasper's touch). Charlie and Sue bought Bella some sort of state of the art stand mixer or something for the new house. I had no idea what it was, but it made Bella squeal and clap like Alice, so it had to be something good. When all of the presents were open, Emmett and I had to get ready to head out to the game. Everyone headed out on to the balcony, giving Bella and I some privacy to say goodbye. Even Emmett left us alone.
I placed a soft kiss on Bella's lips and rested my forehead against hers, "You get your other present tonight after we come home from the game."
"I don't know that anything could top this morning's gift Edward," Bella murmured as she nuzzled my neck, "You've given me everything I could ever want."
"Mmmm…well this is something I've been hanging on to for a while now too."
Bella giggled softly, "Oh Edward…should I be expecting an Easter theme? Maybe Fourth of July?"
"Quiet you!" I said as I tickled her sides.
"Stop!" Bella squealed trying to escape my grasp. She slumped against my body in defeat, my fingers ceasing their attack.
I pressed my lips to her neck and sighed, hugging her to me tightly. Her own thin arms wrapped around my hips, and I jumped when her hand patted my butt lightly.
"Get going mister. I'll see you on the field tonight."
"Love you," I murmured against her lips, before pressing them firmly against hers.
I finally ripped myself away, a wide smile on my face as I walked out the door and heard Bella shout, "Love you more!" behind me.
As I held Bella in my arms in the elevator, my muscles in my shoulders were quite upset with me for making love to Bella until nearly sunrise this morning and then having to play a game later. I hadn't played terribly tonight, but I certainly wasn't up to par, my body obviously exhausted. Emmett couldn't stop laughing in the dugout, making quiet comments in my ear about "sextracurricular activities" this morning. We won the opening game of the series against the Red Sox, and I had a feeling that tomorrow I might still be dragging.
Bella was all smiles as she held my hand and walked into the apartment. Since everyone was up in one of the boxes tonight, the press (or anyone else for that matter) wasn't able to catch sight of the dazzling ring on Bella's finger. Alec and Jane had been monitoring the press situation, and it appeared that all of the paparazzi had descended upon Louisiana, supposedly where some huge vampire franchise was filming its final movie. I was relieved…hopefully we could keep this to just ourselves for a while.
I smiled as Bella walked in front of me, her ample hips swaying, covered in those jeans that looked like they were painted on. What always drove me wild was when she would wear my jersey on top. I loved seeing my name on her back. She was about to head to the bedroom when I pulled her towards the piano.
"Edward, what are you doing?" Bella asked as I pushed her to sit on the bench.
"Just wait here," I smiled, "It's time for me to give you your other present."
Bella grimaced slightly at the word "present" and I chuckled as I went into my office. I didn't bother to glance at the things I had on the walls. Tonight was not the time to be thinking about those kinds of decisions.
I heard Bella gasp loudly when I walked back into the room with what I needed.
"I really want to say that I remember you telling me that you played the guitar…"
I chuckled as I pulled a chair over from the dining room table.
"Oh my God…Edward…" Bella whispered, and I knew she guessed what her present was.
"I've been working on this for a long time," I said softly, strumming the strings lightly, "I just never knew when or if I would ever sing it for you. I started writing this when I knew that I was starting to fall in love with you, when I realized what love truly was. You showed that to me Bella. You made me believe in happily ever after."
I started playing the chords softly.
"Edward…"
"This is for you my Bella."
I started the chords over and began to hum, before the words that described the moment that I even dared to hope that Bella might love a man like me back.
Take me where I've never been,
Help me on my feet again.
Show me that good things come to those who wait.
Tell me I'm not on my own.
Tell me I won't be alone.
Tell me what I'm feelin' isn't some mistake.
'cause if anyone can make me fall in love,
You can.
Save me from myself, you can.
And it's you and no one else.
If I could wish upon tomorrow,
Tonight would never end.
If you asked me, I would follow.
But for now, I just pretend.
'cause if anyone can make me fall in love,
You can.
Baby, when you look at me,
Tell me, what do you see?
Are these the eyes of someone you could love?
'Cause everything that brought me here,
Well, now it all seems so clear.
Baby, you're the one that I've been dreamin' of.
'cause if anyone can make me fall in love,
You can.
Save me from myself, you can.
And it's you and no one else.
If I could wish upon tomorrow,
Tonight would never end.
If you asked me, I would follow.
But for now, I just pretend.
'cause if anyone can make me fall in love...
Only you can take me sailin' in your deepest eyes.
Bring me to my knees and make me cry.
And no one's ever done this,
Everything was just a lie.
And I know, yes I know...
This is where it all begins,
So tell me it'll never end.
I can't fool myself,
It's you and no one else.
If I could wish upon tomorrow,
Tonight would never end.
If you asked me, I would follow.
But for now, I just pretend.
Cause if anyone can make me fall in love,
You can.
Show me that good things come to those who wait...
I had barely even ended the chords before Bella showed me that good things also came to those who barely let their fiancé finish singing a song he composed for her. Bella almost knocked me out of my chair as she threw herself into my arms, pressing kisses all over my face.
"Edward…Edward…Edward…" Bella chanted between kisses. I tried to keep up but her lips were everywhere and all I could do was move my guitar out of the way as Bella clambered further onto my lap.
"That was amazing," Bella murmured against my lips, her arms wrapping around my neck.
Resting my guitar on the floor, I wrapped my arms around Bella's waist, pressing her tighter to me. Of course, even though I was exhausted, Bella's position in my lap had my cock standing at attention. I groaned as she grinded down on me.
"Bella…" I moaned, not sure if I could hold out much longer.
"Are you too tired?" Bella asked softly, pulling back and searching my eyes.
I couldn't help but smirk, "you've become insatiable Ms. Swan."
Bella grinned in return, running her fingers through my hair and leaning forward to whisper in my ear.
"It's still my birthday Edward…and we have three weeks we need to make up for."
She squealed as I stood up and starting walking us towards the bedroom. A mediocre showing against the Red Sox in this series would be so worth another night of worshiping my birthday girl and fiancé.
September 29th
I groaned as I leaned my head back against the hot tub's edge. The weather is Seattle was amazingly dry, but the temperature had definitely dropped. I figured the dry weather wasn't going to last much longer, and Bella suggested we make use of the hot tub before then. The hot water felt amazing against my muscles and I was relieved that we just finished our last away series of the season and would start our last home series against Oakland tomorrow. Then it was on to the playoffs. I sighed and closed my eyes.
The press on the road had been a little more aggressive than the press here in Seattle had been. Everyone was insisting on getting an answer from me about next year and beyond. I had finally become so fed up in Toronto that I said that I wouldn't be making any statements about my decision for the future until after the season was done. It was a decision I was sticking by and Alec and Jane were enforcing.
Though I delayed on answering questions about baseball, my thoughts were filled with images of marrying Bella and living in our house in Forks. It was going to be complete, with furniture and everything, in three weeks. I was trying to decide if I wanted to still be in the playoffs by then. I opened my eyes when I heard Bella's quiet squeak and the quick splashes of her getting into the hot tub.
"It's so cold out!" Bella exclaimed, immediately moving to my side.
I chuckled as I wrapped my arm around her.
"Well, it's definitely warmer in here now."
Seriously, I didn't know that the blue scraps of material that were barely covering her body could even qualify as a swimsuit. I made a mental note that she and I would also be taking a trip to somewhere warm during the off season. Hmmm…maybe Mexico…or Hawaii…
I was snapped out of my thoughts when Bella's nose trailed along my jaw and she nuzzled her face against my neck.
"How was the road trip?"
I sighed and wrapped my arms around Bella's body.
"Good…took the series against all three teams. We're probably going to play Boston in the first round of the playoffs."
"Mmmm…I've never been there either."
"I'll take you anywhere you want to go," I murmured against her hair.
Bella chuckled softly as she snuggled closer to me.
"What about you baby? What have you been doing while I was away?"
Bella sighed softly, "Um…well, since the house is finished, your Mom gave me a new assignment for work. Port Angeles wants to build a new library, so she and I are going to be working on it together."
"That's great Bella!" I smiled, liking that this was also sort of combining her love of books.
She nodded, "I've been doing some sketches, but we don't need them until the middle of November."
"I'm sure it'll be beautiful baby."
She nodded silently and extended her hands in front of her, her hands skimming slightly along the top of the water. I couldn't see her face, but I could sense that she was thinking about something.
"Bella, what are you thinking about?"
When she turned to look at me she was biting her lip. Her eyes met mine and I felt like she was searching for something.
"I um…well, Alice dragged me shopping with her…"
My face scrunched up on confusion, "Okay…"
I didn't see why that was a big problem. Alice always dragged Bella shopping, and this was something that she had been doing since the day they met in college. I wasn't complaining though. Some of my favorite articles of Bella's clothing were apparently picked out by Alice, and I had to thank her for turning Bella towards those jeans that looked like they were painted on her legs. Our closet was full of those, and there was nothing better than Bella in those damn sexy jeans. And the dresses Alice had picked out for her? Dear lord…
"We went dress shopping."
HAH! And I was just thinking about the dresses that Bella already owned. There was one I was curious about that I spied recently in a clear garment bag. It was a deep purple color, and strapless was all I could tell, but I couldn't wait to see Bella in it.
"We went wedding dress shopping."
Oh. Well that was unexpected…yet I could feel the warmth from the thought of Bella walking down the aisle towards me in a gorgeous white dress spread through my body.
"Did she find her dress then?" I asked, looking up at Bella.
I saw her nod, her gaze focused on the water in front of her.
"I found one too," she whispered.
"What?" I blurted out, not even thinking about it.
Instead of being hurt, Bella started to ramble quickly.
"It was just that everyone always says that when you start shopping for a wedding dress it might take a while, but when you see the one that is meant for you, you'll just know. Like, prom dress shopping is training for that some day or something. Anyway, Alice dragged me with her and…"
I might have been sort of gapping at her as she spoke at Alice like speeds.
"Alice was trying dresses on and then she told me I might as well look instead of just looking like a bump on a log just waiting for her. So I started looking and then I saw this one that I thought was just gorgeous but I wasn't sure if it was going to fit or not because it looked too small for me but Alice made me try it on anyway and then I did and when I looked at myself I just…I just knew and I just bought it without even looking at the price. And oh my God Edward! I didn't even look at the price! Oh God! I just spent-"
I quickly clapped my hand over her mouth to silence her. Once she mentioned the word "price", the look in her eyes changed and I saw the look of panic start to take over.
"Breathe Bella."
I moved my hand away and couldn't help but chuckle as Bella took a big breath.
"I'm glad you found your dress," I smiled, smoothing a lock of hair behind her ear, "Price doesn't matter if it's 'the one' Bella. I can't wait to see you in it."
That was a freaking understatement. If I had my way, I'd throw on one of my black suits, get her in her dress and marry her at city hall. Bella bit her lip and it was driving me nuts. It was getting much hotter and much harder here in the hot tub…
"When do you want to get married?" Bella asked quietly.
I smirked, my recent thoughts making me do so, "well, when do you want to get married?"
Bella huffed, and responded maturely, "I asked you first."
I let out a loud sigh, "Honestly baby?"
She simply nodded at me.
"I don't want anything big or flashy. In all honesty I don't want a lot of attention or fuss. Our wedding should be about nothing but you and I. Is that something you would want?"
I bit my lip as I waited for Bella's answer. We still didn't discuss what she wanted in terms of our wedding.
"I don't want a big fuss either. That might sound silly when you see the dress…but I just wanted something that would make me look beautiful for you and no one else."
Bella bit her lip before continuing.
"And I don't want the media to get wind of it," She said, her voice sounding sad, "It's something I want to share with you and our families. I don't want to see pictures of our private moment plastered on the Internet and magazines."
I smiled, "So we're agreed, nothing big…just our families?"
I couldn't imagine Bella leaving Alice and Jasper out of it, but to my surprise she nodded.
"Are you sure?" my eyebrows shot up.
"Alice wouldn't be able to keep it quiet and she would want to make a bigger deal out of it than I would like. Jasper will forgive us if he doesn't get invited, and Rose and Emmett will too I think."
"Emmett will be okay with it," I nodded, "He'll just be happy to know we did what made us happy."
"And we're already living together, the house is going to be finished…I…I don't want to wait Edward. We've been through so much together, and I…I really don't see the point of us waiting any longer to make it official."
"Really?" I asked, louder than I intended.
Bella's face dropped but before she could get any words out I started speaking.
"Bella, I don't want to wait either. We both just laid out good reasons as to why we should just do something quiet and private, and I don't see the point in waiting either."
"Really?" Bella exclaimed, her face lighting back up.
"Baby…I would've married you yesterday if I could've."
Bella's lips met mine eagerly as her hands splashed water around in their path to cup my cheeks.
"I love you," Bella whispered against my lips, "Can we just go to city hall? You in your suit and me in my dress?"
I sighed and pressed my lips to her forehead.
"Baby, I don't think we'll be able to avoid the media circus if we go down to city hall. Especially since I bet your dress makes you look so gorgeous that everyone will be staring at you anyway."
Bella sighed heavily in return and leaned back against me, nodding her head against my neck. I sighed in return and let my head rest back against the edge of the tub. How would we get married without alerting the media? It would likely take a lot of work on our part, and I would have to enlist the help of Alec and Jane to make sure that things were kept quiet. The thought of eloping crossed my mind, but even though Bella wanted something very small, I thought she deserved more than some guy dressed up as Elvis presiding over the ceremony.
"Edward…how much time do you have off between the last game of the season and the first game of the play offs?"
"Um…" I thought for a moment, a little puzzled by Bella's question, "I think we play on Sunday, have Monday off, Tuesday will just be meetings and some drills in the late afternoon. The first play off game will be Wednesday night in Seattle."
"Hmmm…" Bella hummed.
"What are you thinking about baby?" I leaned forward, whispering in her ear.
"My Dad's friend, Billy Black…he's a pastor, and lives down in La Push. I'm sure he'd be willing to perform the ceremony for us. Unless there's another religious denomination you would like."
"Uh, no, no…that sounds fine…" I said, a little lost as to where Bella was going with this.
"Edward," Bella whispered, "What if we got married at the house?"
"In Forks?"
Bella nodded, "We could keep it private that way, and Billy would never say anything to the press or anyone. We could have your parents, my dad, Sue, and the dogs there. Do you think your Gran would be able to get here?"
I couldn't help but smile, "What is going on in that brain of yours beautiful girl?"
"Edward…I know it's soon, but…but what if we got married on Monday?"
"What?" I nearly sputtered out, still trying to get it through my head that Bella wanted to marry me just as much as I wanted to marry her.
"Monday, on your day off…" Bella paused and bit her lip, "Let's get married in Forks."
"I…I…" I stuttered, "Seriously?"
"Is it…is it too fast? We can wait until the season is over…" Bella said, trying in vain to keep the disappointment from showing on her face.
"Bella, love, this all sounds too good to be true."
"What?"
"Everything," I murmured, "Everything I've ever wanted is coming true…I feel like it's all to good to be real. Marrying you, going to the play offs…the best of the two worlds I live in. Tell me this is really happening baby."
Bella's face spread into a wide grin, "The baseball stuff is really happening, and the wedding stuff can happen if you want it to."
"Let's make it happen," I grinned.
"Really?" Bella beamed.
"I'll call Alec and Jane…we'll make it happen. No paparazzi, no media circus…just us love," I whispered, leaning forward and pressing a kiss against Bella's lips.
"We're going to get married on Monday?" Bella grinned, her smile wide.
"We're getting married on Monday."
Well? Yes? No? Who saw that coming huh? Oh, and Edward's "present" is the song "You Can" by David Archuleta
#1. Meh…maybe it seems like a gamble to have them getting married on the fly like that, but I wanted to do something that I haven't read before, and like Bella said, they've already been through so much so why wait? Not to say there isn't something very big still to come at them…
#2. For the first time in my life when I stepped off the plane and inhaled the Honolulu air, I had to agree with the question that Rob Pattinson, Sam Bradley, and every single other British person I have ever met has asked me: "Why would you ever leave Hawaii?" It's good to be home. :-D
#3. OME…Is it really only TWO weeks until "Eclipse"? I am all for Team Edward, but as eternally_addicted knows all too well, I am all for Team Jasper and Team Seth. I'm going to have to try my hardest not to scream when we see Seth for the first time (not that I have a crush on BooBoo, but I love the character of Seth).
#4. Well, let me know what you guys thought, good or bad, pretty please? I'm going to start to try posting teasers on my website in the blog section every Monday. We'll see how I do. For the wedding, Edward or Bella's POV? I'm sort of feeling Edward again on this one…