Chapter 49: Where were you during the Moon Launch?
Disclaimer: I don't own anything Twilight related. And fair warning about half this chapter is one giant lemon.
****Thanks to LSU15 for betaing!****
We were staying at a bed and breakfast that was across street from an Inn with a restaurant inside; a perfect place for our reception according to our parents, but we were wary. With a PI following us for so long, we were sure he'd figure out we had left soon enough and the thought of him catching up to us had us on edge. Staying hidden and keeping everything low key was important.
Since I didn't have the beach wedding I dreamt of, I wanted something special for Edward, Chris and I and the restaurant wasn't what we would have chosen, had we had the time to plan.
"What do you think?" Edward asked, as Renee and Esme keep talking about the merits of the restaurant at the Inn.
"To be honest, it's not what I hoped for," I told him, shifting Chris on my hip. For one thing the place had a ritzy vibe to it. It wasn't the type of place one would take a baby and we didn't have a babysitter we could trust. Chris was going to be part of the celebration and I'd be damned if I was hiding him for any reason. Everyone was going to be a part of this day.
Renee and Esme stopped. "I'm sorry dear, where would you like to have the reception?" Mother asked.
"Is there a place we could go that would be more private? One where we might avoid any attention?"
"Oh! I should have thought of that bed and breakfast has a lovely garden," Esme exclaimed. "Would that be better sweetie?"
I brightened at the idea. The beach was out, but the idea of starting our married life together in a lovely garden was just as appealing, fairy-tale like.
"What do you think?" I asked Edward who was smiling at me.
"Your face is lit up like a Christmas tree – absolutely," Edward hugged me close, kissing my forehead.
***AMW***
Rose, Kate, and Tanya left us to see to the details. I went to my parents' room to get cleaned up while Edward took Chris to rest for a bit in our honeymoon suite. We were all exhausted from lack of sleep and the excitement of fleeing New York.
My parents were going to take Chris with them this evening, after making them promise they would get me if Chris needed anything. I doubted he would, Chris had been sleeping through the night since he was eight months old.
My dad and the rest of the guys were watching the news coverage of the moon launch in the main room of my parents room, while I commandeered their bedroom and ensuite .
We had missed it this morning due to our impromptu train ride and in the years to come, I would wonder how many people were having their own personal crisis while man was racing to the moon.
Of course, our reprieve would be short-lived; when we went back to New York there would be hell to pay, but in that moment we could finally shed some of the paranoia that had been hanging over our heads like a dark cloud.
We were married and no could say we weren't a proper family ever again. Tanya promised to have the adoption petition ready for the court hearing.
I poured hot water into the tub so I could take a quick bath in the claw foot tub. There was lavender oil in the vanity and I added a couple of drops in the water. The comforting smell quickly filling the room.
After removing my dress and carefully laying it on my parent's bed, I slowly sunk into the hot water, taking a rolled towel so I could rest my head. I felt better immediately.
I wasn't sure if being clean and relaxed made me feel more human or the fact Kate had kindly given me some essentials like underwear and extra clothes since I hadn't been able to bring mine. Kate was a Godsend and although she and Edward still had some issues to work through, she was becoming an intricate part in my life and would remain that way for decades to come.
After relaxing a while, I began washing the grime of traveling off my body. It was more than just grime though; I was washing away my past, my hurt, my pain and doubt, and I was ready to start my marriage a new woman. There was no room for the ugliness in my past or the evil people in my near future; today was about my husband and our family.
The water started to cool quickly and although I would love to spend an hour soaking and maybe taking a small nap, I knew it was time to get out and dressed for our dinner drying off I thought it was a pity they hadn't thought of a way to keep water hot permanently. Then I felt bad when I thought of the soldiers in Vietnam who were deprived of this simple pleasure.
Jake, of course, came to mind. As much as I loved my brother I tried to will him out of my mind for this moment. I knew in my heart that he and Nessie would be happy for us, if they were here. And while there was a place for them in this day, I wanted to remember our happier times together. Happy times like when they visited me in San Francisco or seeing them pledge their love for each other at their own wedding or when Jake made me that dollhouse. Those were times I wanted to remember today.
My time was up around 5:30 when there was a knock on the door. I had just put on my wedding dress and was reapplying my make-up. My hair was left down, any other hair style seemed tedious. I opened the door and came face to face with Edward.
"You look beautiful, wife," he said, leaning down to kiss me. "I love you Bella."
"I love you too. I know we didn't have time to plan this, but I never asked if you're happy. Are you?"
"I told you before I just wanted you to have my name, the rest was semantics. I'm just sorry that we couldn't get married on the beach like we talked about, and I can't take you on a proper honeymoon. Remember Rome?"
I laughed remembering last year when we were at the Grand Canyon and he said we would take me to Rome for our honeymoon. Who knew then we would get married?
"We'll get there and Paris too," he promised.
"I know we will; we have all the time in the world," I replied.
The day after my first wedding, when I was informed we would be going to our apartment two blocks from the Plaza instead of our honeymoon, James had said the same thing when in a brief moment of rebellion I had been upset about missing our trip for his job. At the time I didn't believe him, but I accepted it because it was my role as James' wife.
But hearing Edward tell me we'd go one day, I believed him wholeheartedly. I had faith in him beyond comprehension and while it scared me at times, it was also the reason I knew we were meant to be here, together.
"You ready Mrs. Cullen?" Nodding at his sweet face, Edward took my elbow as we made our way out the old colonial room, down the oak staircase to the back of the house and into a fairytale garden. I gasped at how beautiful it was. Edward smiled, looking down at me as we walked through the garden; our family and friends clapping for us.
"Congratulations Bella and Edward," We heard as we walked through impromptu decorations. Mother, Esme, Rose and Tanya had clearly outdone themselves.
The garden had several wooden posts that formed a grid, ivy woven throughout to make a canopy. Gardenias, lilies, and rose bushes framed the patio. There were mason jars with tea lights and twinkle lights hung around the canopy. A large table set up for us was in the middle of the canopy, decorated with beautiful flower arrangements. They included a high chair for Chris, clearly thinking of everything we would want.
The china was plain white against an ivory tablecloth and blue flowered napkins. Candles were placed around the table except where Chris was sitting. It was so beautiful and exactly what I would have picked if I had planned it myself.
The chocolate cake my father had been craving sat on a small table behind where Edward and I were sitting. A couple of bottles of champagne were placed on either end of the table. There were even place cards written in Rose's handwriting.
"Thank you so much," I choked up.
Chris' "mama and dada" warmed my heart. I took him from my father's arms, hugging him close to my chest. Kissing his cheeks caused his giggles to break free, it was perfect.
"It was our pleasure," Rose hugging me and then leaned in closer, "We didn't have enough time to throw you a bridal shower so we're going to plan something afterwards."
"Don't be silly," I told her, "You flew all the way across the country. That's more than enough."
"Every bride should have a something special," she said, "We know how much you love being the center of attention and Tanya and I do enjoy embarrassing you. Even if it's only for a little while."
"Consider it payment for legal services," Tanya teased.
"Whatever," I said blushing.
Edward was talking to Jasper and Garrett; apparently they had something in mind too. Since Garrett was involved, I was sure that it wouldn't be too horrific or include pot or strippers or some other form of debauchery.
Jasper looked better than he did this morning. He shaved his beard and was wearing one of Garrett's suits, but still had that dangerous vibe going on and I'm not sure if that would ever change. I only hoped he found what he wanted in life like Edward did. He just seemed to be taking the scenic route to get there.
Since we were avoiding the traditional receiving line and appetizer session as seen in other weddings, and the fact we had Chris with us, we started dinner immediately. Mother and Esme opted to have Chris sit with them so Edward and I could spend time enjoying our meal and our friends.
Dinner was fairly simple given the time constraints we had, but it was wonderful nonetheless. Salad and soup followed by a main course of lemon herb chicken and spring potatoes. Champagne was served and everyone's glass was kept full thanks to attentive waiters.
Jasper had a goofy look on his face as we sat down to eat. One that I usually associated with pot smoking. I wasn't close enough to him to smell pot on him, but I could tell that Edward was watching him closely. Interestingly, I noticed that Tanya was looking at him too. More like a cat staring at a canary. And it seemed Jasper was staring at her right back with a prolonged wink and goofy grin.
Oh, I thought, immediately followed by, gross. I decided I didn't want to know. I knew Tanya rarely dated and she had no desire to remarry, but I guess there were itches needed to be scratched and if you were looking for someone with no strings to fulfill that role, I guess Jasper was your guy.
He was single, handsome, and clearly drifting from one place to the next. He wasn't looking for anything serious and from what he said, he would be leaving soon. Whatever Tanya was doing, I hoped she was safe. And on a more selfish note, I hope she stayed focused on my case. I know she had a life beyond me versus the McCarty's, but this was too important to me to not be my main concern when it came to everyone fighting on our behalf.
Other than that awkward moment between Jasper and Tanya, we had a lovely dinner. There was plenty of champagne for people to toast the new Mr. and and given how amusing it was for them to see me blush, there were a lot of toasts. Even Mother was giggling at everything by the time dinner was finished.
"Do you think we need to take Chris for the night?" I stage whispered to Edward, but started giggling when he pointed out everyone could hear me. I wasn't exactly Miss. Sober 1969 and drunk Bella was a loud Bella.
Edward chuckled at my drunken behavior. "I think he'll be fine for one night and your father seems okay. Besides Chris looks out for the count."
I looked over and realized that someone had moved Chris to a pram. He was currently snoozing away. It had been a long day for the poor little guy. My new nephews were busy looking at their new cousin.
"Can we play with him Auntie Bella?" Trevor asked. Trevor was five and as cute as a button.
"Sure," I hiccupped a little, earning a guffaw from Emmett who could drink almost anyone under the table; the exception being Jasper.
"In the morning boys," Garrett said jovially.
"Ah nuts," Josh, Kate's other son said. He was three and followed his brother everywhere wanting to do everything he did.
The adults laughed as the two quickly lost interest in Chris and ran off to catch fireflies. After dinner we took a small break from food and drink. The ladies pulled me aside to give me a present, a "trousseau".
"We didn't have a lot of time so we ran back to Maeve's after you got married," Rose explained giving me a delicate looking bag.
I peeked inside and realized it was a bridal set. Weddings might not do it for me, but lingerie did. I had a lot of fun dressing up for Edward. This was a pure white lace nightie, not unlike the one I had worn in Arizona. We were going to have a lot of fun with this tonight.
Tanya burst out laughing at my reaction.
"What's so funny?" Kate asked.
"Bella must really drunk if she isn't blushing about the nightie," she explained, "She looks like she's plotting things to do to Edward."
Esme and Rose both laughed and my very prim and proper mother giggled a little. Renee must have been drunk to not be scandalized by talk of sex; particularly me having sex.
"Where is my wife?" I heard Edward say. Just before I turned to say "I'm here", I felt two strong arms wrap around me from behind. He smelled funny, like sweet tobacco.
"Edward are you smoking?" I asked, pouting like a 3 year old.
He chuckled, "Cigars baby, that's all. Garrett had some. Just this one time, I promise."
"I believe you," I told him in a singsong voice and gave him a sloppy kiss.
"I think we should cut the cake so we can enjoy our wedding night," he bent down, lowering his voice for the last part. And in case,I didn't get his meaning, he slapped my ass in front of everyone. I think he was a little drunk too.
Rose and Tanya laughed loudly, Kate and Esme looked away like they didn't see anything and my mother looked mildly shocked which caused me to laugh so hard I thought I was going to pass out. After I got control over my hysterics, I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "What? We're married we now and have a li-li-license for this."
That set everyone off laughing again. To this day, it's a miracle we didn't wake up Chris..
****AMW****
The dessert didn't last long, fortunately. Everyone was tired and ready to settle in for the night, and although Edward and I were tired as well, we were also drunk and horny. The minute we cut the cake and had a last toast, Edward grabbed me and wished everyone a good night while ushering me upstairs.
We giggled, acting like a couple of teenagers sneaking off to be alone. We stopped and kissed every couple minutes. With the stress of the last few days, we needed each other in that way people who deeply loved each other needed to feel comfort, safety and unconditional love.
When we made it to the door, Edward handed me the key. I turned the door to try to get the key to work as Edward started to run his hands up and down my body. His hands stopping at my stomach, then making lazy circles up to my breasts. I could feel his touch everywhere. I moaned a little and we hadn't made it out of the hallway or removed any clothes.
"Get the key in," Edward commanded as he nibbled my earlobe.I moaned again as I finally got the door open. He stopped what he was doing and swept me up in arms.
"What are you doing?" I panted, confused, I thought he would have pushed me against the wall and started removing my clothes as quickly as possible.
"We're married, it's tradition for the groom to carry the bridge over the threshold," he minded me.
I giggled, "You're right, we scream tradition."
"Trust me, tradition is not going to be what we're screaming tonight," he told me with a devilish grin. Edward kicked the thick oak door closed, carrying me to the bed and lowering me to the mattress.
"Undress me," I demanded, turning over so he could reach my zipper.
"One minute," Edward replied, flipping me back over, grabbing my thighs apart. Without warning, he pushed up my dress, ripped off my panties and put his mouth on me. "Oh," I moaned loudly, not caring who heard me.
Edward teased me tracing my slit with his tongue, starting with my clit and moving all the way down to my opening. My stomach tightened as he continued. Instead of fondling my breasts like I normally did, they were covered by my dress, so I grabbed his head, guiding him as he brought me closer to orgasm. I could feel myself starting to come, my legs instinctively closing around his head.
Edward gripped my legs, keeping them apart. His beard scraping the insides of my thighs as his tongue lapped my center. The more he licked, the more sensitive my clit became, my nipples were pressing against my bra. I removed one of my hands and rubbed the bodice of my dress against my nipples and moaned again. What I wanted was Edward's mouth on them. Which was unfortunate because I also wanted his mouth on my clit as well. Sacrifices.
He released my thighs and inserted a finger into me as he continued to lick my clit, rougher and more determined. I could feel my orgasm within reach.
"Edward," I started to scream. I could feel his grin as he continued to lick and suck me, adding another finger.
He curled his fingers and that was all it took; I clamped down hard around his fingers. He continued to move his finger slowly, rubbing my g-spot to prolong my orgasm.
As I came down, Edward moved up my body and crouched over to me to look down at me. "Did that take edge off," he teased.
You would think that coming like that would have made me boneless and normally it would have, but not tonight. Tonight, whether it was the combination of stress and liquor or excitement over my new life, I knew the edge wasn't taken off enough.
"Kiss me," I demanded, taking his face in my hands.
"With pleasure," he growled, pulling me up on my knees, crushing his lips to my mine, demanding access to my mouth with this tongue. Eagerly, I opened my mouth, letting him.
We stayed like that, on the bed, pressed against each other, kissing, loving each other. It felt amazing, just being together, husband and wife. But it wasn't enough, not for us. We needed more.
I moved hands down Edward's back feeling his beautiful sculpted shoulders, down to his butt. He did the same with me, moving his hands down my back to the hem of dress. He reached under to feel the slope of my ass, bare from earlier. He massaged my bottom, almost tenderly to make up for his earlier eagerness. He teased my entranced again, to see if I was ready to go again. I was more than ready for him.
Edward removed his hands from my ass, reaching for the zipper on my dress. He pulled it down gently, careful not ruin it. We finally broke apart for a moment and just stared at each other in wonder.
"You were so beautiful in this dress. When I saw you in it you looked like an angel. I'll never forget that moment until the day I die," he pledged, resting our heads together.
"I'll never forget one moment of today either. I love you, Edward. Today was the best day of my life."
"It's the start of many," he said, pulling the bodice a little so I could free my arms. We made quick work of it together; my dress and bra, then his dress shirt and slacks. Edward lowered me back on the bed.
"I need to be inside you," he whispered, as he kissed my jawline and moved to my throat.
"Please," I whimpered as he moved lower to my breast, making my earlier wish come true as he took one nipple in his mouth, then the other.
Edward moved his hand down to my thigh and hitched it up over his hip. I could feel him at my entrance and with one thrust, he slammed into me.
"Oh," I moaned again, the feel of him inside me, full and complete.
"Fuck," he hissed as he stilled himself for a moment and started to move, long, deep strokes.
"More," I begged as Edward pulled me into a sitting position to change the angle.
"Grind yourself against me," he demanded, putting his hands on my hips to guide me.
"I'm gonna come," I warned him. Everything was so intense that I was tightening around him.
"Good," he said grinning, rubbing his thumb against my clit.
"Smug bastard," I hissed, deciding to give him a dose of his own medicine. I reached down to where we joined and scissored my fingers around his cock. Edward hissed at the feeling. I grinned at the power I had to make him lose control.
When my relationship started to get more serious with Edward, a friend suggested that I read some risque magazines to get ideas of what men enjoy in bed. I learned a few of things when I read them, one, the writers had to have been men because there was no way that most of the stuff they were talking about would get a woman off. However, there was a wealth of information about what men wanted, including the trick about the fingers and Edward really liked it.
The first time I tried and he had recovered from the shock, he was turned on that I was willing to try something completely out of my comfort zone. That led to other experimenting in bed as often as possible.
I could feel his cock getting harder and thicker as it slide between my fingers. I reached below us with my other hand and massaged his balls, pushing him over the edge.
"Bella," he moaned as we both came, him falling on top of me. We laid there for a moment, kissing slowly, Edward still inside of me.
I felt the sweat on our bodies, the deep ache inside me and when I moved a little, Edward was still pretty hard. He propped himself up on his elbows and looked at me shyly. "How do you feel?"
I brushed back a lock of hair that was curling on his forehead. "Really good."
He smiled and said, "I'm giving you a few minutes and we're going again."
I smiled back and flipped us over. He looked almost gleeful.
"Forget a few minutes," I told him, "Do you want me on top or take me from behind?"
"Surprise me."
***AMW***
The sun was rising. I was laying on Edward's chest, watching light begin to flood the room. Neither of us were asleep. We had been up all night talking, fucking and making love. We couldn't get enough of each other. One would think with the exhaustion of travel and the alcohol we consumed at dinner, we would have passed out at some point, but we were too energized about our marriage and creating a true family for Chris for the exhaustion to kick in.
I knew were going to pay for this later since sleeping in was at a premium, but we had never had a chance to be crazy like other young couples. We had gone from a few dates to being parents in the blink of an eye.
The sun hit the door and I followed it as it hit a small bag on the floor. I giggled realizing it was the bridal set that Rose and Tanya gave me that I promptly forgot in my lust to get my husband naked.
"What's so amusing?" Edward asked, making circles on my back.
"Tanya and Rose gave me some lingerie to wear for last night and I forgot about it," I told him.
Edward chuckled, "Hold onto it for our real honeymoon."
"Our real honeymoon?" I teased
"Yes remember I promised you Italy," Edward reminded me, "I meant it Bella, one day we'll go on a real honeymoon, once Chris is big enough to stay with our parents, the court case is resolved and the adoption goes through."
"That might be awhile Edward but –" then I realized some else I forgot.
I jumped out of bed and ran to my purse and looked through it frantically. "No, no, no," I said, panicking when I realized it wasn't there. "How could I be so stupid!"
"Bella, what's the matter?" Edward sat up, looking, concerned.
"I can't believe this," I dumped my purse out on the floor, like they would magically appear.
"Stop babe. Whatever it is, it can't be that bad," he said.
"Oh yeah?" I replied, feeling a little snarky and then my mood changed to fearful, "You're going to think differently in a minute. My pills aren't here."
"Oh that?" Edward said, "We can you get some aspirin if you're hung over. I'm sure they have some downstairs."
"No Edward," I replied both amused and upset at the same time, "My birth control pills."
"Oh," he said, understanding why I was so upset. "Okay well it's not the end of the world. It's not like you can get pregnant from one night, women forget them all the time."
Yeah, I thought, women forget them all the time.
Edward continued, "And if you get pregnant, big deal. Chris gets a little brother or sister earlier than we thought."
"But we have plans," I mumbled.
"Yes and I know the timing isn't greatest but we'll make it work," Edward told me, "We're together and I'll be here to hold your hair if you get sick, go to every doctor appointment. We're a family, we have been for a while. I love you and I'm here...sickness and health, remember?"
I nodded as he hugged me. He had been there with me for the past year with Chris. I knew he would be there if I was pregnant; married or not.
"I'm so sorry Edward, I should have been more careful."
"Hey it wasn't like I stopped to asked if you brought them. We were both in a hurry yesterday. You could blame me. I should have asked if we needed rubbers, but life happens and we can tackle anything together. Besides, I'd love to have a baby with you," he hugged me to his chest. "I want a baby with you, be it in nine months or a few years."
"Okay," I said hoping what he was saying was true. Edward had been my partner, friend, lover for over year and I knew we'd be fine. Unlike a few minutes ago, I had a good feeling about this and I knew that together we were unstoppable.
"Wanna tempt fate again? he teased, sensing my mood.
"As much as I'd like to," I said dropping down to my knees, taking his cock in my hand, "Let's not. I won a jackpot in Vegas, but knowingly having unprotected sex seems like a slap in Lady Luck's face." I took Edward's cock in my mouth took.
"Oh Bella," he breathed as he put his hands in my hair. I made a few more licks and then had an idea.
With a loud pop, I looked at him. Edward was panting, "Did you change your mind making love?"
"No, I want to try something, If you lie on the bed while I suck you off do you think you can fuck me with your fingers?" I was wet from sucking him and just thinking about trying something new.
"Hell yeah," Edward said with a wicked grin. He grabbed my hand and dragged me to the bed. Lying down he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me on him. I squealed a little as we positioned ourselves. Edward put his fingers in me after giving me a couple of licks, I put his cock back in my mouth and used my hands to massage his balls.
Edward rubbed the heel of his hand against my clit to stimulate me, like I would do if I was on top riding him. It was the most erotic sensation. I felt so full with his cock in my mouth and his fingers in me.
"Oh God, please don't stop," he all but begged me as I deep throated him. His cock grew in my mouth, a sign he was getting close..
"Fuck," he hissed and add more pressure to my clit. His finger found my g-spot and rubbed it with sure strokes. I couldn't help but moan around him which turned him on even more.
"Shit Bella," he said, as his cock started to twitch. I knew he was going to come soon. I moved my hips more to fuck his fingers, determined to come with him. Edward surprised me and replaced his fingers with his tongue and I was gone. Edward followed, releasing down my throat. I let his cock slide out of my mouth and turned to lay on his chest. He looked at me with such tenderness I felt like I would burst with the love I had for him.
"Shower?" I asked, getting anxious to see Chris.
"Shower," he nodded, taking my hand and leading me to the bathroom. It was time to get ready and see what today had in store for this new family.
AN: Yeah – I know this isn't a court scene but that's coming next chapter – promise. You can't have a wedding without a wedding night and I thought they deserved one. Hence this lemon that took a life of its own. And I thought Bella should have a moment to let loose a little hence the drinking. And no, it's not a regular occurrence. But I thought it was pretty cool for them to share their anniversary with the Apollo 11 launch. As the actual landing was during the weekend, I couldn't make it fly with a city hall landing.
Sorry about the delay in posting - my job has been knee deep in survey preparation for the few weeks. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read/review/favorite/follow this story! Next chapter is the court scene!
