Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I own an active and naughty imagination. Rated M for lemony goodness. Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight are owned by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The original content, ideas, and intellectual property of this story are owned by PeppahLouie. Plagiarism is theft – so please no copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without express written authorization. ©2011 PeppahLouie. All rights reserved worldwide.

CHAPTER 43 – EPILOGUE

Alice

"So, Bella, where did you and my brother go last night? Rose said you two abandoned the others."

Oh wow, look at that blush! They were up to something naughty, I know it.

"Um, we just, you know... uh, we rented costumes from the hotel and went to a party at a nightclub down the street. How about you, Alice? How was your anniversary ceremony?"

Oh nice try, Bells. I'll get it out of you eventually! Taking a moment to top up our coffees and pour some fresh pineapple juice, I recount a short and censored version of our evening on the beach. "Jasper and I renewed our vows to each other, as we have done every year, and then we made love in the moonlight. It was beautiful... the surf was glowing, there was the lightest of breezes, and it was so warm."

Smiling brightly, Bella replies, "That sounds wonderful, Alice! But..."

"But what?"

She giggles. "Didn't you get sand in your crack?"

"Who got sand in their crack now?" Rose plops down into the chair next to Bella's bench.

"Ali and Jazz, when they got down and dirty on the beach last night."

"Nope, no sand... we had a big blanket and there was a nice, grassy patch right on the water." I chirp. "But do tell, Bella, where did you and Edward get funky last night?"

Rose spins to Bella. "What? I wondered why you guys disappeared last night... you didn't even tell us where you were going! What were you two up to?"

More deep blushing, but look at that grin!

"Er... we, um..."

"We went out dancing, that's all." Edward strolls out on the lanai and leans down to kiss Bella good morning before settling next to her on the bench. "Hey, Señorita. You're rather... radiant... this morning."

Bella giggles again, but this time it's deeper, a little throaty... and the look they're giving each other! Oh, I have a feeling there's a good story behind this.

"Señorita?" Rose asks.

"Uh..." poor Bella is completely dazzled by the eye-sexin' she's getting from my big brother. "I dressed up in a Mexican peasant girl costume for, you know, Halloween."

I turn to Edward. "And what did you dress up as, Edley?"

Giving Bella the look a starving man would give a juicy steak, he responds with twinkling eyes and a smirk, "Zorro."

"Ohmygod, you two totally got funky in a bar!"

Jesus, Rose and I just said exactly the same thing. "Rose, you owe me a Mai Tai!"

Edward regards us with classic nonchalance, but Bella is blushing like crazy and looking anywhere but at Rose or me.

"Mai Tais for breakfast? Bring it on!" Emmett wanders to our table and leans down to kiss Rosalie's earlobe, eliciting a squeal, and Jasper is right behind him.

I feel his warm breath on my neck before he murmurs in my ear, his gravelly morning voice making making my toes curl. "Good mornin' my sweet darlin', my love and my wife."

"Good morning my wonderful husband. Thank you for another perfect anniversary yesterday."

"Oh, you are most kindly welcome, Mary Alice Whitlock."

"What's this now?" Edward and Emmett ask simultaneously.

"Dude, you owe me a Mai Tai!" Em booms.

"Don't be such a girl, Em. Jesus, at least say I owe you a beer." Edward punches our older brother in the shoulder.

"Fuck off Edward, I'm secure enough in my masculinity to admit I like a fruity drink." Em makes to pull Edward into a headlock, but he's not fast enough. Edward is on his game this morning... something has energized him.

"Emmett, language!" Poor Em, Mom always catches him dropping the f-bomb.

"Jeez, Mom! What, have you got f-word radar or something?"

"Did I hear someone call my little girl Mary Alice Whitlock?" Dad asks from over Mom's shoulder as he slides his arms around her waist.

Jazz just beams, so I answer. "Yes, I have decided to legally change my surname to Whitlock... to Cullen hyphen Whitlock, actually. Oh, and look!" I hold up Jasper's and my left hands to show off the most conventional thing that's ever occurred in our relationship. "We have real wedding rings now, blessed by the Tiki gods!" I giggle and Jazz kisses my cheek, grinning. I notice an inquisitive look cross Edward's face, but it disappears quickly; I sense he'll have questions for me later.

"So!" Rose looks around excitedly. "Who's up for some shopping to buy grass skirts for the celebration luau tonight?"

After breakfast, Edward asks me to take a stroll with him on the beach, ostensibly to have a chat about his honeymoon plans which happen to be secret from Bella, while the men head off to rent SeaDoos for a couple of hours and the ladies prepare to attack the shops.

"So, Ali-cat..." he seems a little uncomfortable, and I think I know what's coming.

"Yes, big bro?"

"Forgive me for being so bold... but I happen to love you an awful fucking lot." He stops and looks at me, the gentle breeze tossing his hair over his forehead.

"I love you too, Edward, immeasurably."

He sort of chuckles in combination with a heavy exhale of breath. "Tinkerbell, I just want to make sure you're safe and sound... financially."

Do I know my brother?

"Edward, it's really sweet of you to be concerned..."

"Look, Ali," he interjects, "I think Jasper is... well, he's Mister Fucking A. Awesome, you know? But, I just want to make sure you're protected... legally."

How to explain this?

"Edward..." I stop and wait for him to stop too. "I am one-hundred percent protected. Jasper has no legal claims on me or my assets... none at all. On the books, I'm single."

He doesn't speak, but his questioning look compels me to explain further.

"Jazz... well, let's just say that his email address is a reflection of his life's philosophy... or necessity, as it were."

Edward's eyebrows crinkle. "Undertheradar?"

I nod. "Yes. Jasper, by design, lives under the radar, in all ways. He told me you checked out his fingerprints... or lack thereof?"

He nods, looking a little uncomfortable.

"Yes, well... can you please just be satisfied with the fact that Jasper has no legal grounds to ever make a claim for my trust money? In fact, he is trusting me to manage all of his financial affairs both stateside and offshore."

"Are you serious, Alice?" Edward asks.

I nod. "Deadly, Edward. Legally, Jasper has virtually no net worth. He has very little economic or social presence at all. Everything he does is..."

"Under the radar..."

"Exactly."

He blows out some air and squints down the beach, then glances back sideways at me through crinkled eyes with a sweet, loving grin. "So, you're covered, then."

I smile and nod. "Yeah, I'm covered."

He pulls me into a hug that ends in a playful headlock and noogie, and then takes my hand and turns us to walk back toward the hotel. "So, about my honeymoon..."

Bella

"New York?" I squeak as I glance over at my best friend/soon to be sister-in-law.

"YES!" Alice is bouncing again, making my car shake. It's a good thing we're at a stoplight.

"You want to go to New York for my bachelorette party?"

"YES!"

"The bachelorette party that I don't even want to have because I have absolutely nothing to lament about leaving my single life behind and marrying your brother?"

"Bells! It's a shopping party... in NEW YORK!"

Well, I guess I really can't argue with that. The light turns green and I take off.

We've just left the restaurant and lofts. It's been almost two months since the fire. At first we thought the repair would be relatively quick... but then Alice suggested a complete rebuild of both the restaurant layout and the lofts. With the fall being a slow time for business anyway, Edward agreed with her idea. The owner of the gym downstairs had decided to close and reopen in a new location anyway, so there was really nothing to lose by doing a major overhaul.

Of course, then came the meetings with the architects and designers. What was originally going to be a small job turned into a construction project that required public input and city council approval. The projections currently put completion at some time in mid-January. Today, we met the designers to choose floor tile. Edward wanted me to stand in for him, saying he trusted our judgement. He's been quite mysterious in the last week or so, with either very late night or early morning private phone calls, and more than one meeting with the critic Liam Kelly. He tells me it's a surprise, so I assume it has something to do with our honeymoon. I try to not bug him about it, but the curiosity is killing me.

I've suggested looking at houses, but Edward has asked if we should consider another year or two above Wild, especially since the lofts are now going to be more equitably divided, with each having a master and spare bedroom and a den. I guess he has a point...

Alice's throat clearing draws me back from my wandering thoughts.

"Shopping trip? New York?" Her eyes are popping out of her head.

With a sigh, I relinquish. "Sure, okay... when?"

"The weekend before Thanksgiving... that's in two weeks."

"What? But Alice, we literally just got back from Hawaii!" And what a trip that was... best Halloween ever. I smile at the memory.

"Yeah, so? That was for Jazz and me... it was entirely different. And besides, the boys are taking Edward away for that weekend too, for his bachelor party."

"Oh? Where are they taking him?" A small twinge of... anxiety?... makes itself known.

"Emmett and Jasper won't say! And they won't tell Dad either, because they know he'll cave and tell Mom. But don't worry about them... we've got The Big Apple to look forward to!"

"Jeez, it all seems so... decadent."

"Don't be ridiculous, Bella. Have you ever been to New York?"

"No... I'd only ever been to Oregon, California and Arizona before Edward took me to Vancouver at the end of September. And now I've also been to Hawaii, and you want to take me to New York, and Edward... Edward won't tell me where's he's taking me for our honeymoon, but he was relieved to find out my passport was current when we went to Vancouver. God only knows where we could end up for New Years!"

"I you hadn't travelled outside the country, why is your passport current?"

"Oh... because Renee and Phil were talking about send Jake and me on a Caribbean cruise after the wedding. Of course, it never happened – they had no money." That's a topic I'd rather leave right there. "So, Ali-cat... what do you know about Edward's plans for our honeymoon?

"Ah, well... the only thing I can say there is that I will make sure your honeymoon wardrobe is appropriate."

"You're packing my honeymoon clothes?"

"Yes."

"And I don't get a say in this?"

"Nope."

"Well, what do I get a say in?"

"Hmm... let's see... how about your travelling ensemble? Oh, and your wedding night lingerie. In fact, you can pick out all of your lingerie. In New York!"

Argh.

"And you know what, Bella? There's still the little matter of a long unfulfilled agreement that you and I made way back when you first came to Seattle."

What is she talking about? I give her a look that says just that.

"All those months ago, on our first shopping spree in Neimans, you promised, and I quote: 'I'll make you a deal. In three months time, if I haven't fallen or twisted an ankle, I will come back here with you and buy a pair of Manolos. And they won't necessarily have to be on sale.' Unquote."

Holy crap, she's right. "Alice, you have an amazing memory... scary, but amazing."

She's nodding excitedly. "I know! But, I'll tell you what. I'm willing to transfer that little deal to New York, and it doesn't have to be Manolos as long as they're designer – although if we're in New York then we should definitely try to do Carrie proud and go for the Manolos – and they can be your wedding shoes! What do you think?"

I can't help but smile. "I think that sounds perfect, Ali-cat."

I pull my sleek Volvo C70 hardtop convertible to a stop in front of Emmett and Rose's house and follow Alice inside. Rose and Em are still at work, and Edward and Jasper are still at the gym.

"Tea?" Alice asks.

"Yes, please," I answer. She puts on the kettle and says she'll be right back. As I listen to her footsteps retreat up the stairs, I wander to the living room and look out the huge picture window at Lake Washington in the distance and my car in the foreground, parked at the curb.

Exactly three days after our engagement party, Edward woke me up early with "come and see!" He was like a kid at Christmas, his excitement infectious; so I dressed quickly and followed him down the stairs and out the front door to the driveway. And there, in the overcast and drizzle of that September morning, was a brand new, sexy silver Volvo C70 convertible.

"Happy Engagement, baby," he whispered into my ear as he slipped his arms around me from behind. I stood agape, staring at the beautiful car. Then he said, "It's a standard, like your truck," and I might have started to cry a little.

"How did you know?" I asked as I turned into his embrace.

"Because you wear your emotions on your face, my love. You downplayed it, but I knew at the dealership last week that you fell in love with this car. You know, I should thank you because you make it very easy for me to give you the things you want."

Smug, grinning, fiancé jerk. Okay, he's not a jerk... but I was feeling exposed. And emotional.

"Edward, you have to stop giving me such expensive things... I can't reciprocate." Yes I have some money, but it's invested, and there's retirement to think about...

"Isabella Cul... Swan. What's mine is yours, and that's all there is to it. Now take me for a ride in your spankin' new convertible. Only, maybe leave the top up today, hm?"

That afternoon, Billy Black died, and two days later we were driving my new car to Forks for his funeral. It would take place on the fall equinox – the end of summer marking the end of his life. But I found I couldn't cry hard for him because I sincerely believed he was now happier than he had been in a very long time.

At a gathering that night, I asked Jared if he would give me away at my wedding. A tear or two spilled from his eyes as he embraced me and said he would be honoured.

Edward and I stayed at my house and slept in my old room. It turned out that he had asked Jared to recreate the room as closely as possible to the original, only he upsized to a double bed. It was quite easy for Edward to arrange... as my closest and most trusted friend in Forks, I had given Jared keys to my house and cabin.

It was wonderful, sharing my room with him, cuddling into his warm embrace in the comforting familiarity of my childhood haven. We made the sweetest, most gentle love that night.

On the way back to Seattle, Edward said we should hang a left. "Come on, baby... let's go to Vancouver for a few days. There's a great zoo, a beautiful aquarium with a new baby beluga, Stanley Park is fantastic, and they've got some absolutely amazing restaurants."

"But Edward, what about my course?"

"I thought you switched over to an online course... and didn't you tell me just yesterday that you were already three weeks ahead?"

And just like that we were off to Canada's third largest city. And he was right, bless him. The zoo was incredible, especially the very interactive and inquisitive young giraffe. I was mesmerized by the small herd of zebras, and astonished to learn that the huge, regal male lion was in fact severely pussy-whipped by his harem of three females. When Edward quipped that the lion must be a Cullen, I smacked his ass and didn't speak to him for at least three minutes... yeah, that's how long I can hold out when it comes to punishing my man.

The aquarium was even more impressive, largely due to the belugas, who were so communicative and expressive, I felt as though they could read my thoughts. We stood there, hand in hand, in front of the glass wall as they twirled gracefully before us, white ghosts stopping every now and then to size us up. They were truly magical to behold. On the same day, we travelled just north of the city to a huge gorge spanned by a suspension bridge. It was a little scary to walk across, not in any small part due to a group of squealing teenage fangirls who were there to visit a spot where a very poignant scene from some big Hollywood blockbuster romance had been filmed.

On our final day, we went to Granville Island near downtown Vancouver, a large, impressive marketplace with permanent retailers and day vendors. We perused all manner of spices, meats, produce, baked goods, and wonderful arts and crafts. There were street performers aplenty and we spent a wonderful couple of hours enjoying various musicians, jugglers and magicians. We lunched on artisan and cultural food offerings, and picked out souvenirs for the family back home. That night, Edward took me to one of the city's finest seafood restaurants followed by a Kings of Leon concert. The oysters were outstanding, and so was the crazy horny sex that might have started a little inappropriately at the concert and exploded into an all-nighter when we got back to our hotel room. Mmm...

"Bella? Hey girlfriend, where were you?" Alice passes me my tea. "You looked a million miles away."

I smile happily. "Oh, Alice... I was just remembering our mini-vacation to Vancouver. It was so sweet of Edward to take me there... to help me put the whole Renee incident and Billy's passing behind me."

She grins. "Yep, my brother is quite a special guy. And you're a very special girl. That's why you two belong together, Bells. I know I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again many more times, but you and Edward were meant for each other. I know it as surely as I know the sun will rise again tomorrow morning."

HONK, HONK

"Ooh!" Alice squeals. "That's Rose! She's come home early so we can do your first wedding dress fitting while Edward isn't around!"

"Oh my god, really? It's ready for a fitting?" Excitement leaps in my belly and I feel like a little girl who's about to get her first Barbie evening gown.

Alice nods exuberantly as the front door opens.

"Hellooo? Bella? Alice?" Rose calls out.

"We're in here!" Alice and I answer in tandem.

She walks into the living room carrying a large garment bag. "Well, Bella... are you ready for your first look?"

Oh dear... I seem to have acquired Alice's pogo stick! "Ohmygosh yes! I'm so excited!"

We skip down the hall to Rose's studio where she hangs the bag on a tall coat tree, unzips it, and pulls the covering away. "Tah-dah!"

I'm speechless. Before me is the most beautiful, almost glowing, white satin dress. It's sleeveless with a flattering v-neck, a fitted bodice, and a classic but simple ball gown-style skirt.

"Well?" Alice is beside herself. "What do you think?"

I look from Alice's beaming smile to Rosalie's worried expression, and finally muster the

words. "Oh Rose... it's... it's so beautiful!"

Relief washes over her features as she reaches out to pull me closer... and that's when I see there are, literally, dozens of small crystal snowflakes with pale blue centres hand sewn into the skirt. It's exquisite.

"They're Swarovski," Alice explains. "Rosie and I have been hand-stitching them on at night. We thought the blue centres would tie in nicely to your wedding band."

Ah, of course... my wedding band is alternating diamonds and sapphires set in platinum.

"I can't believe you're going to such lengths for me," I all but whisper, mesmerized by the handiwork involved.

"And why the hell not?" Rose asks. "Alice is your Matron of Honour and I'm your Bridesmaid. Of course we're going to do everything we can to make this wedding as special as possible!"

"I love you guys... so fucking much..." I can't help the tears, the dress is unbelievable. Rose has kept it simple and elegant, as I requested, but still managed to make it look magical... princess magical.

"We love you too, sweetie," Alice says as she pulls me into a three-way hug with Rose.

"Okay, let's try it on before the boys get home."

Edward

All the arrangements are made for our honeymoon, but I can't help second-guessing myself. Although, Jasper and Mom, both sworn to secrecy, firmly believe Bella will be fine with it.

Mom looked at me over the rim of her coffee. "It's a good move for you two, darling, and really, it's only an extended vacation. I'm sure Bella will be thrilled for such a fun adventure!"

And Jasper... "I really think Bells will love the idea, Edward. I mean, it's not permanent. And Alice and I are going to do some extended traveling around Europe in the new year, so we'll be able to visit you very few weeks for a while."

It's such a great deal, a wonderful opportunity. She'll want it... of course she will.

"Hey, man." Jasper pulls me back to reality.

"Yeah?"

"I think you've maxed out on a safe number of reps on that machine. You want to switch?"

Shit. I completely lost track.

"You're thinking about the honeymoon again, aren't you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

He taps his temple and grins. "It is to me."

.~.~.~.

My phone buzzes and I whip it out, ignoring Emmett's eye roll.

Where did they take you? -B

Vegas -E

What are you doing? -B

Watching Celine Dion -E

What? -B

Em wanted to see Cher, then he found out she wasn't playing anymore! He pitched a fit – it was quite funny. We went to this show instead. -E

Ahh... Where are you taking me for our honeymoon? -B

Nice try, Sneaky Girl, but no cigar -E

Oh well... can't blame me for trying -B

Yes I can :) What did you do today? -E

Duh... shopped. You? -B

Duh... gambled -E

You're not going to go to a brothel, are you? -B

Isabella Swan... if I wasn't laughing so hard, I might actually be insulted by that question! -E

Oh -B

Sweetheart, you're not really afraid I would do something so ridiculous, are you? -E

No... of course not. Stupid internet and stupid bachelor party stories -B

Baby, how could I even entertain the idea? -E

(shrug) -B

Bella, my love, you're the only woman in my world. Sure, there are female people, but you are the only woman I see -E

I know -B

Are you missing me, my sweet girl? -E

Yes, so much! -B

Aw, baby, I miss you too. It actually sort of aches... I guess that sounds silly -E

Um, no... I ache too, Edward -B

Really? Hey, what's the midpoint between NYC and Vegas? We could meet :) -E

Alice would kill us! -B

So would Em -E

We'll be home together in two days. Can you last until then? -B

Can you? -E

I can try -B

Me too -E

I love you, Edward Cullen -B

As I love you, Isabella Swan, soon to be Cullen :D -E

:D Goodnight (kiss) -B

Mmm... thank you baby, and right back at you (kiss) -E

.~.

"They've been lingerie shopping, Em."

I'm trying to smooth things over with him because he's pissed at me for 'inciting to overthrow him'.

"Em, Dad and Jasper agree with me... come on, man. It'll be fantastic. Dad's booking the four corner suites on the top floor, and Mom will arrange for all of their things to be moved. Just imagine the fashion show Rosie will put on for you in front of the floor to ceiling windows with the New York skyline in the background." He shrugs, somewhat placated at the thought. Although I'm imagining my own private fashion show...

We arrived at McCarran Airport a half hour ago, after Jasper managed to get us on the next flight to LaGuardia. Mom confirmed that Bella is missing me as badly as I'm missing her and that the very best thing I could do would be to come join her. Jasper was all for it, being just as much a fool in love, and Emmett wasted no time in telling him he is just as pussy-whipped as Dad and I.

"Em?" Jasper leans over to whisper while Dad finishes on the phone. "Alice told me Rosalie bought a lacy red garter set with black fishnet stockings."

His eyes widen and he loosens his collar, so I dive in for the kill. "And a super-tight, super-short, black spandex tube dress."

"How much longer before we board?" is Emmett's pained response.

As our cab makes its way across the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, I receive a text from my girl updating me on her day.

OMG we just found a beautiful cathedral veil in a rare vintage store in midtown Manhattan! -B

I can't wait to see it -E

Alice says you're not allowed until the wedding -B

Damn. What about lingerie? Can I see some of that? -E

Not any of the pieces for our honeymoon... but you can definitely see the naughty little number I got for when we get back to Seattle -B

Shwing, baby (growl). So, what are your plans for the rest of the day? -E

We're just hitting a designer shoe store. Alice is vibrating LOL! What about you? -B

I check my watch. Hm, it's one o'clock in Vegas.

Going to get something to eat, then check out the hotel's amenities. Maybe I'll work out -E

No gambling today? -B

That will come a little later ;) -E

Ha ha – gotta go. Alice just spotted the perfect blue Manolos! See you later, babe -B

Oh my girl, you have no idea how true that statement is...

Bella

"Okay, so my wedding shoes aren't Manolos... but yours are!" I am trying to placate Alice. I ended up choosing a pair of gorgeous white Yves Saint Laurent satin peep toe pumps and shoe clips of blue crystal snowflakes. "They will match your dresses perfectly!"

"I know," Alice concedes. "And the Yves Saint Laurent pumps were definitely the best choice for you... they're perfect."

"But ohmygosh, Bella, the veil!" Rose gushes. "It's exquisite!"

Our cab stops in front of the hotel and the cabbie jumps out to retrieve our bags from the trunk. Esme pays him and turns to us. "Is everyone ready for a hell of a night?"

"Why?" I ask suspiciously. "What's planned?"

"You'll have to wait and see." she answers mysteriously. "And that applies to all of you!"

I am trying to figure out what Esme has planned when one of the hotel desk staff jumps in our path as we head for the elevators.

"Miss Swan? Er, we've upgraded your room to a corner suit on the thirty-fifth floor overlooking Central Park." Then he looks up to my companions. "Actually, we've upgraded all of you. Uh, here are your new keycards."

"Separate rooms?" I ask. "What about our belongings?"

"Oh... um, all of your things have been transferred to your new rooms." With that, having passed out our key cards, the desk clerk scurries away before I can question him further.

"Well..." I turn to Alice, Rose and Esme, "that's weird. I was rather looking forward to another slumber party night!"

"Me too," Rose agrees.

"Well," Esme offers, "we can still have a slumber party... if you want to..."

I look at her questioningly, but she has pressed the elevator button and is watching the floor indicator intently.

When we step off the elevator, it's clear that two of us should head to the left and two to the right.

"I looks like you and I go this way, Bella." Esme takes my elbow and turns me to the left.

"Okay...? Uh, Alice and Rose? I'll text you in a few."

I catch them nod at me just before Esme pulls me around a corner.

"Um, Esme? What's the rush?" I ask carefully, not wanting to insult her in any way.

"Oh Bella, darling, there's no rush per se... I just figure the sooner we get to our new rooms, the sooner our evening can begin."

There's something going on here.

"Esme? What's going..."

"Oh! Here we are... your suite. I'll just leave you to settle in... we can get together later... if you want."

And just like that, my future mother-in-law disappears down the next corridor.

Shaking my head at her weirdness, and indeed at the weirdness of the last fifteen minutes, I insert the keycard and push open the door.

I am met with the sweetest scent – vanilla – and the soft glow of candles... literally dozens of them of every shape and size, everywhere... maybe even hundreds of them.

"What the hell?" I ask myself as I wander further into the suite.

The sultry beat of an oh-so-familiar Exile song greets me as I cross the living area. I can sense it's coming from a steamy washroom, and tingles literally shoot all over my body as I quickly realize what... or rather, who... has intervened on our weekend.

When I get home, babe
Gonna light your fire
All day, I've been thinkin' about you, babe
You're my one desire

Gonna wrap my arms around you
Hold you close to me
Oh, babe, I wanna taste your lips
I wanna fill your fantasy, yeah

I drop my bags and run toward the music and heaven. "Edward?"

I don't what I'd do without you, babe
Don't know where I'd be
You're not just another lover
No, you're everything to me

"Surprise, baby..." he murmurs as I burst into the bathroom, finding him stretched out in a huge jacuzzi tub; oh, he is the best thing I've ever seen. On a small tray, there's champagne in an ice bucket, flutes and what looks to be an assortment of chocolate-covered fresh fruit... I vaguely register pineapple, strawberries and cherries with long stems.

I've never disrobed so fast in my life... but I do hesitate for the briefest of moments and perform a pirouette so Edward can ogle me in the new navy lace bra and panty set I bought yesterday – his sharp intake of breath confirms his appreciation – before I strip that off too. And, oh yes! I am freshly waxed and manicured and feeling very goddess-like.

His fiery green eyes bore into mine as I step into the tub. Just finding him here and undressing for him have made me so ready... boldly, I straddle him and sink down onto his rigid cock, taking him all the way in as we both hiss and moan in relief.

Stay with me, lay with me
Holding me, loving me, baby
Here with me, near with me
Feeling you close to me, baby
So show me, show me ev'rything you do
'Cause baby, no one does it quite like you

"God, I missed you sweetheart," he whispers as he reaches out and pulls me closer, his hands settling on my waist. We're staring at each other, falling in love over and over again... and as my arms snake slowly around his neck and I begin to roll my hips, he groans and begs, "Fucking kiss me, Isabella."

And I do.

.~.

"Did Emmett get mad?" I ask as Edward pours more champagne.

Mmm... his deep chuckle sends waves of desire through me. "Yeah, for a little while... until Jasper told him about the black and red lingerie Rose bought yesterday. Apparently Alice gave him a thorough description of that little spree of yours." He grins down at me and passes me my drink. "And I might have embellished by adding that she picked up a short, tight, black spandex tube dress... and that she could give him a fashion show in front of the floor to ceiling windows with the New York skyline in the background. Thank you, by the way, for telling me about her dress... I think it's what tipped the scales for him."

I take a bite of the pineapple spear he holds up to my mouth, and then watch, entranced, as he takes a bite too. Oh god... I've got to lick that dribble of juice... mmm...

"Jesus, Edward... you make chocolate taste better," I moan as I swallow and watch his sexy mouth.

"Well, as much as I wish that were the case, this in fact happens to be one of the very best chocolates in the world, some would argue the best... it's Amedei, from Italy."

"Ooh... I've heard of that. Wow, I feel so decadent!" I smile as I reach for a cherry... of course, it's been pitted before being dipped.

"Only the very best for you, my angel."

Several minutes pass in silence as we hold each other and listen to more sweet music.

"This is a wonderful playlist, Edward... is it the one from Forks?"

"Y...esss... sort of." He gives me his sexy smirk and I have to ask.

"What do you mean, sort of?"

"Well, it's based on Forks, but I've added to it. I think of it as my Making Love to Bella playlist."

"Oh!" I blush and lose myself in his hungry eyes. Yes, now that I think of it, there are definitely songs on there that we didn't hear in Forks... like the one that starts to play now. "Magnet and Steel?" I ask. "Wow, you really do like the old ones."

"I like all kinds and all eras. Just wait until you hear my other Bella playlist." His grin is mischievous now.

"What's it called?" I'm dying to know.

"Well, on my iPod, it's called Three, but in my head, it's called Fucking Bella."

Oh my...

I swallow. "Do you think we might get to hear that one... soon?"

"I think that could definitely be arranged..." he swoops down to kiss me soundly and I twist to climb back into his lap, "...however, my love, I think we should get out of this tub before we completely prunify."

My plan thwarted, I grumble as he steps carefully out of the tub, the water running in rivulets down over his fine ass. "Is that even a word?"

Laughing, he wraps a towel around his waist and holds up a huge, fluffy one for me. "Probably not, but I didn't use it in Scrabble, so I'm really not all that worried about it!"

He pulls me into his arms back on and plants a trail of soft kisses across my shoulder and up my neck, then he gently takes my earlobe in his teeth.

"Why don't you let me take you out to dinner, your choice but hopefully somewhere worthy of your beauty, and then we'll see about number Three a little later, hm?"

Just as I'm about to answer in the affirmative, Flight of the Bumblebee begins ringing through the suite. I run to find my phone in my purse, which I had abandoned in the living room with my day's purchases.

"Hi Alice!"

"Bella! Don't you dare let him talk you into any dinner plans! I've got a surprise that I booked two months ago, and thankfully, there's enough room to let these crazy men of ours come along. Now, let me talk to my brother for a minute."

"You've been foiled," I whisper to Edward as I hand him my phone. He wanders off to look out the window as he listens to Alice, so I pick up my bags and bring them to the bedroom that I haven't even seen yet.

"Wow," I say to myself as I make my way to the enormous, luxuriously dressed canopy bed.

"Wow, indeed, baby." He comes up behind me and rests his chin on my shoulder. "Okay, so Alice's surprise is fucking amazing and we simply have to do it. She said to tell you to wear your Nicole Miller dress, Jimmy Choo sandals and the jewelry I gave you for the benefit."

I giggle. "Alice is a fashion force of nature."

"She is... and don't think I didn't get told what to wear as well. She packed for me for this weekend... I'm starting to wonder if she didn't already know that we would end up here with you ladies."

Alice

I booked this two months ago, the week after the birthday/engagement party, and I'll be damned if Edward is going to ruin it! It's a good thing I knew he and the boys would crack and come to find us. But I had to do some serious arguing with Edward, finally relenting and telling him what my surprise was, in order to get him to share himself and Bella with us tonight.

Everyone is so curious about my plans for dinner! Jasper ordered a limo with champagne to take us from our Fifth Avenue hotel in the Upper East Side to the address in Midtown I gave him, and he, Emmett and Dad have made bets on where we're going. The thing is, they're all wrong! Seeing as none of us really know New York, they don't have a clue where any given restaurant might be. Dad has guessed The Four Seasons while Jasper figures Le Cirque because he's heard me mention it before. Emmett, on the other hand, thinks we're heading to one of Mario Batali's several restaurants. He's wrong, but closer than Dad and Jazz. To be safe, I've banned cell phones until we arrive so they can't Google the address.

Mom and Rose have agreed that they don't really care where we end up. They had fun getting all dressed up and would be happy with a hot dog cart by The Met. Bella... well, Bella doesn't really seem to be on this planet at the moment. She and Edward are in their own little bubble, totally in love and oblivious to anything other than each other. At least she was able to tear herself away form him long enough to get dressed and made up. She looks absolutely fucking fantastic, but I think it's due in some part to the crazy glow Edward's presence seems to have evoked in her.

"Bella?" I address her. Nope... completely unaware. I drain my glass and kick her shin. "BELLA!"

She startles comically and almost spills her champagne. Whoops...

"Drink up, girlfriend. We're almost there. You too, Edward."

Smiling at each other, they down their drinks just as the limo pulls to a stop. Everyone turns to look out the window, but Bella is the first to speak.

"NO WAY!"

She looks back at me, her eyes popping out of her head, and I nod excitedly. "I know you like his shows, and he is a hell of a chef..."

"Fuckin' A!" Emmett blurts.

"Emmett, language!" Mom chastises as she smacks him lightly on the back of his head, although his outburst is entirely appropriate, considering where we are.

Rose is smiling happily. "This is an awesome surprise, Ali-cat! How did you manage to double our reservation if you had to book this two months ago?"

I beam. "Because we're sitting at the Chef's Table, which accommodates eight, and I sort of... knew... that these poor sods, well, make that this poor sod," I nod toward Edward," wouldn't make it through the weekend without coming to join us. So I booked the entire table!"

Jasper chuckles and leans in to my ear. "You did real good, darlin', although..." he looks and nods toward Bella, "you might have broken your brother's fiancée."

Edward

Okay... maybe I'm a little jealous. Bella is absolutely agog at the fact that we're dining at the Chef's Table at Gordon Ramsay At The London... pretentious fuck. Thank god he's not actually here tonight... I'd hate to get arrested for messing up his ugly face. What the fuck do women see in that guy, anyway? He looks like... like... like an old shoe, for fuck's sake... like an old shoe that's been folded up and wedged under an elephant's ass for three years.

Of course, the food is amazing. Bastard.

Why is Bella spending so much time looking at that picture of him, anyway?

Yeah, I'm cranky. I don't want her this excited over anyone else but me. Is that so bad?

Fuck.

Fucking stupid Scottish soccer chef.

"Edward?"

I turn to look at her and answer her coldly, "Yes?"

Her eyes widen. That's right, Miss Swan. I'm pissed.

"Um... I was just wondering if you might want to incorporate a Chef's Table in a similar way when you reopen Wild? I've, er, been looking at that picture of Chef Ramsay up there and picturing you instead. You would look so good in a pose like that."

Jasper's loud laugh draws my eye. He's chuckling and shaking his head at me, and I realize he must have been feeling my mood swing and anger, and guessed the reason for it. Jeez, I'm a nutcase.

Softening my eyes and voice, I look back to my angel. "Uh, I don't really know, babe. I've never given it serious consideration."

She smiles adoringly at me and reaches up to cup my cheek, showing me yet again that I'm the centre of her world. "I think it would be an awesome addition." Then she scowls. "Except that bitch Chelsea Afton would probably show up every damned week and flash her gnarly old nipples at you."

I bark a laugh at our old joke and pull her into my arms, relishing her warm curves and sweet scent. "Oh baby, you would be my exclusive server, and I know you can protect me from her and her nasty nipples."

.~.~.~.

When did I turn into such a wuss? I'm so fucking needy, I can't keep my hands off my Bella. I want her tucked into my side, in my arms, on my lap... I want my lips permanently attached to her amazing, soft, creamy skin...

She's just so damned exquisite in this shiny, soft gold dress... and her shoulders are bare. God, I love her shoulders, and her beautiful collarbone that's just peeking out from behind the fabric below her neck... and fuck me, her neck...

After dinner at Ramsay's – which, I have to admit, was fucking excellent, even if I did have some strange sort of weird, mental moment – we all stroll down the street a ways to an upscale nightclub. Jasper tips the doorman and gets us in ahead of the lineup, and once inside, Bella tugs me straight out to the dance floor.

"Hold me, Edward, and move me to the music," she murmurs into my ear, and I am lost to her. I don't even know what 's playing... all I know was that I am holding the most perfect creature in the world and that she is all mine... forever.

We dance slowly, wrapped up in each other for what seems like hours, regardless of the tempo. Of course, my ever-present erection has joined us for the evening, and I know Bella's enjoying it because she has kept herself firmly pressed against me for the entire time we've been dancing... and she's been moaning, maybe even whimpering a little, especially when I gently thrust against her.

I glance over at Jasper, who's standing at our table waiting for Alice to get back from the washroom, and he's looking sort of... desperate? Then I realize that Bella and I must be emanating all kinds of lustful emotions. But his eyes are locked on Rose and Emmett, who are looking fairly damned horny too. Whoa... I thought people only danced like that at Luna. Then I catch Dad in the corner of my eye and I rotate Bella so I can see what he and Mom are up to. Holy shit, I need eye bleach.

Well there's one thing for certain... love is in the air.

Out of the blue, my cell phone buzzes. As I retrieve it from my breast pocket, I note that Dad, Emmett and Jasper are all pulling theirs out too.

AliceC - It's time to go back to the hotel... limo out front in 5 min.

Thank god. I can't wait to get my angel alone.

The ride back to the hotel is an exercise in sexual tension; it's all I can do not to hump Bella like a horny dog. My cock is literally aching... if the big guy could speak, he'd be roaring like a frustrated lion.

The elevator is worse... thirty something floors, all eight of us too tongue-tied to even speak.

We part with utterances of "See you tomorrow" and "Later," and I practically drag Bella to our suite. Her hand is down my pants faster than I can unzip her dress and she pulls me to one of the windows overlooking Central Park. Dark and glassy with lust, her eyes bore into mine as she places my hands flat against the glass on either side of her head and then sinks to her knees between me and the window.

"Isabella," I rasp, "won't people outside be able to see?" Not that I really give a flying fuck at this moment.

She delivers a long, hot lick to my cock before shaking her head. "The windows are coated... complete privacy... I checked. Now look out while the city buzzes, every last person out there completely oblivious to the fact that you're watching them while getting a blow-job," and then – holy fuck – I'm balls deep in her mouth, my tip partway down her throat, and she's moaning and squeezing my ass, and sucking...

"Jesusfuckingchrist..."

"Mmm..." she hums and moans around me, devouring me, the hot wetness of her mouth sheathing me perfectly. I thrust a little, unable to control my hips entirely, and she squeezes tighter on my ass, showing me how much she can take.

"God, Bella... you have a fucking amazing mouth, baby... I can't hold out... you're going to make me... ungh... FUCK, YESSSS..."

I ejaculate down her throat and she swallows every bit, milking me for as much as I can give. Jesus, my knees are weak.

I contemplate collapsing to the floor, but she slithers to her feet to give me a searing kiss. God, my taste on her... I groan and pull her tightly against me, and we continue to hungrily attack each others mouths.

"Undress me," she whispers against my lips. I reach to the zipper of her dress and pull it down to her waist, then push her dress off to a puddle of shimmery gold on the floor. She steps out of it and kicks it to the side.

"You're breathtaking," I mutter, ogling her strapless white lace bra and matching panties. I unhasp her bra with one hand and pull it away, dropping it next to her dress. "Your tits are works of art, Isabella. Fucking exquisite." I squeeze and suckle each in turn, then she places had hands on my shoulders and pushes down.

"I want your mouth on me, Edward."

"That makes two of us, baby." I lower to my knees and pull her against me, burying my face in her lace-covered pussy, playfully nipping her labia and making her purr and groan at the same time. It's time to feast...

I pull her panties down and off in a smooth movement and lift her leg over my shoulder. Jesus, her scent... her soft, smooth lips.. her swollen clit... all mine. "I'm the luckiest fucker on earth," I moan into her pussy before I give her a long, slow lick.

"Oh god... and I'm the luckiest bitch..." she answers as she winds her fingers into my hair and holds my face firmly against her. I stay there on my knees for a long time, licking, sucking and fingering my goddess, bringing her to the brink of orgasm over and over, but keeping her just shy of the finish line.

"Edward, why are you torturing me?" she finally cries. That's what I was waiting for... I reach up with one hand and pinch her nipple, at the same time curling my fingers across her G-spot and sucking on her clit.

"FUUUUCK!" she screams, and I flatten my tongue to press hard on her swollen nerve bundle as she squeezes her legs tight around my hand. Christ, I love that feeling.

Bella

Edward fucked me into oblivion last night... and I can't get this ridiculous grin off my face. After we got back from dinner and dancing, and I attacked him like some horny porn star against the living room window, he picked me up and carried me to the bedroom where he literally threw me onto the bed and ravished me most thoroughly to his 'Fucking Bella' playlist. Bolero is my new favourite classical piece... Ravel was a genius. So are Quiet Riot, Daft Punk and Def Leppard. It was sheer and utter blissful fucking heaven... I giggle at my unintentional pun and look up to the counter where he is paying for our breakfast – toasted everything bagels with butter and cream cheese and, of course, coffee. We woke up famished – it's no wonder why – and promptly showered so Edward could take me to this place, his favourite New York bakery.

"These are the best bagels in the city, baby." I look up and smile at my soon-to-be husband.

"Good! I need sustenance... somebody wore me out last night." I wink at him as I bite into a bagel half. Ohmyholygod. How is it possible for a boiled and baked bread product to taste this good?

"We wore each other out, sweetheart." His eyes dart up to mine and he grins mischievously. "Wanna go again?"

"Hells, yeah!"

.~.~.~.

We arrive back in Edmonds to a message from Officer Hardwicke of the Seattle Police Department advising us that Alistair Wirry, Edward's line cook who helped Renee start the fire in the Wild kitchen, was finally released from hospital and taken immediately into custody. He has apparently suffered memory loss as the result of his head injury; his doctors have stated that he cannot remember any part of his employment at Wild at all, that in fact he has lost the last four and a half years.

Alice, Jasper, Edward and I discuss it with Carlisle and Esme, and we come to an agreement that if, after consulting with his doctors, Carlisle agrees that Alistair's memory loss is genuine, we will not push for a trial. How would justice be served, after all, if he is convicted and sentenced for a crime that, in his mind, he has never committed? We consider that there obviously exists the potential for him to commit a crime, but we also agree that there is no way to be sure he would again make the same decisions that led him down that destructive path. In the end we are all satisfied to accept whatever the court decides.

After dinner that night, Alice and I wander outside in search of our men. We find Edward and Jasper chatting and laughing by the pool house, both looking at some kind of animation on an iPad.

"What have you got there, guys?" Alice asks.

I half expected them to put it away and claim it was nothing, but to my utter surprise, Edward reaches for my hand and pulls me over to look at the display. It's a very lifelike graphic of a young blond, blue-eyed man... and he is posing for wedding pictures with... a goose?

"Oh. My. God." I look up at Edward. "Is this Mike Newton's online virtual persona?"

He chuckles, "Yep."

I glance to Alice at my side and she has a huge grin. "Jazz? Did you hack Mike Newton's account?"

Jasper blows some smoke rings from his sweet-smelling cigar. "Possibly."

I am starting to realize what they've done. "Did you guys replace me with a goose in Mike's alternate world?"

Edward raises an eyebrow at me and smirks deviously. "Yep."

Alice and I squeal together, "That's awesome!"

"Bells, you owe me a cosmo!"

I laugh at Alice, but then something occurs to me. "Jazz, at the gala, you said Mike was a loose cannon and seemed to be a danger. I'd forgotten about that after all the drama with my mother and Quil... but what's the deal with Mike now? Is he still someone I need to be afraid of?"

Edward answers me first. "Well, sweetheart, we're fairly certain Mike has changed his... tendencies."

"Yeah, Bells," Jasper nods, "Mr. Newton was paid a little visit by some... acquaintances... of mine back in October. Let's just say that after they allowed him to clean himself up and change his pants, he agreed that it would be in his best interest to drop any and all interest in you. He also knows he's being watched. I'm confidant that he's not going to step out of line again."

"I'm relieved to hear it, Jazz."

"And, if you'd like a little old-fashioned gossip..."

Alice bounces. "Yes, you know I'm not above gossip, Jasper! What have you got for us?"

With a gleam in his eye, Jasper continues. "Well, it seems that Mike contacted his ex-wife and asked her if they could get together to talk about working it out..."

What? Jeez, poor Jessica.

"...but she told him to take a long walk off a short pier – those were her exact words. It turns out that she and Eric Yorkie, an old schoolmate of yours, Bells..."

I nod, grinning at where this is going.

"...Ms. Stanley and Mr. Yorkie have become quite an item. Apparently, he always held a flame for her. By all accounts, he adores her and showers her with affection."

My heart swells with joy for Jessica. "Alice, did Jessica RSVP to the wedding invitation?"

Alice nods enthusiastically. "Yes! And she's bringing Eric!"

.~.

"For the love of all that's holy! What the hell is wrong with that boy?"

How odd to hear Carlisle so... put out?

"What's wrong, Dad?" Edward asks, concern showing in his furrowed brow.

Carrying his laptop, Carlisle marches from his study into the kitchen where Edward and I are cuddled together, sipping our morning coffee and feeding each other peanut butter toast.

"Emmett! Where does he find this stuff?" Carlisle asks, clearly exasperated. He places his computer on the table and spins it so just Edward can see what's got him so riled.

"Goatse?" Edward exclaims, wide-eyed. "Oh no..."

"What's a goat-see?" I ask.

Edward reaches out and slams the laptop closed. "Never you mind, sweetheart. It's not something you should ever see, trust me."

Carlisle glares at Edward. "You're familiar with this?"

Edward grimaces. "Only because Em sent it to me first, asking if I thought you'd be interested for your medical history lectures."

Now it's Carlisle's turn to be wide-eyed. "What? Oh, yes... I'm going to walk into my weekly lecture and talk about the man who apparently started a cult of people who pull their rectums wide open for... for... for what? Pleasure? Notoriety?"

"Hits?" Edward offers.

"Jesus christ!" Carlisle shakes his head and then looks up to my wide eyes – it's the first time I can remember hearing him swear. "Oh... I'm terribly sorry, Bella. That was quite rude of me."

Smiling, I assure him, "That's okay, Carlisle. I'm a big girl."

"The mail is here!" Esme calls as she glides in from the front hallway. "There are letters for both of you."

Edward grabs his up and stuffs it in his pocket, but not before I catch a glimpse.

"Air mail? Was that a British stamp, Edward?" I ask, knowing full well it's got something to do with a surprise he's working on, possibly our honeymoon.

"What? Oh, uh..." He looks down at the envelope in my hand. "Hey, that looks like your tax receipt from the Children's Help Line. You should file that with our papers right away so you don't lose it. You'll want that come spring."

Esme joins us at the table, placing a mug of coffee in front of Carlisle and wrapping her hands around her own. "Did you make a donation, Bella?" she asks.

Why I blush at this, I have no idea. "Um, yes. After we got back from Vancouver, I donated some money to the Children's Help Line, in memory of Makenna Woods. She was the..."

"... the teenage hitchhiker the police found in your truck," Carlisle finishes, a proud, gentle smile adorning his handsome face.

I nod. "Yes."

"Bella, that was an incredibly thoughtful act." Esme reaches out and takes my hand in her own, squeezing supportively. "I'm so proud of you."

There... that's why I blushed. "I didn't do it to make anyone proud... I just wanted to give her death, and her life, some meaning. She was a lost soul, and instead of helping her, Renee..." I shudder violently, feeling the tears well up again as they do every time I think too much about the poor girl my mother killed so callously.

Pulling me into his arms, Edward kisses my hair and cheek. "It's okay, sweetheart, and you did give her life meaning. Your donation was very generous and will go a long way to help other kids in trouble." I smile and tuck my head into the comfort of his neck.

After a few silent moments, Edward squeezes my shoulder. "Hey, why don't you let me take that receipt upstairs for you. I'm going to grab a shower."

I hand him the envelope and watch his beautiful form stroll toward the hall with his dad who is heading off to the office.

"Oh Bella," Esme draws my attention. "You are so in love with my son... it makes me want to sing every time I see you look at him. I'm so grateful you found each other."

I smile hugely. "Me too."

I decide this is a good time to ask the favour I've been thinking about.

"Um, Esme? Thanksgiving is this weekend, and I was wondering if you would permit me to take the lead on making dinner... I know it's probably terribly bold of me, but I so want to try out all the new Le Creuset pieces and new knives you all gave me for my birthday. I was saving them for when we move back to the loft, but I was admiring them the other day and I decided it's silly to wait. I want to use them and enjoy them, and what better time than a special family occasion? I really love cooking a big holiday dinner... I always cooked Thanksgiving dinner for Dad, Jake, Billy and a bunch of friends... and I really miss it..."

I had been utterly awestruck at the birthday/engagement party when all of the Cullens, including Jasper, presented me with about a thousand dollars worth of Le Creuset cast iron cookware, a square stoneware casserole with lid and a matching kettle and stockpot. It was all in Caribbean blue and the cast iron set consisted of a five quart Dutch oven, a three quart braisier, a large saucier with lid, a ten inch square skillet grill and twelve inch iron-handled skillet. I was further stunned when Edward pulled out a box for me to open. "I saved my gift for last, beautiful, just like you did with me." Inside was a breathtaking five piece professional knife set, complete with a sharpening steel. "They're hand-forged, Japanese steel, baby. A one-of-a-kind set... as unique as their new owner."

"Edward," I'd exclaimed, "it's too much!" only to be shushed and reminded that as my fiancé he had every right to bestow whatever gifts he liked upon me.

"Bella, my darling," with a big smile, Esme bounces in her seat and draws me back to the present. "I'd be thrilled for you to do our Thanksgiving dinner! I've already got a free-range, organically-raised turkey ordered, and a local ham. Is that okay?"

"Ohmygosh, Esme, that's perfect! So you don't mind not cooking for the family on Thanksgiving?"

"Not at all, my dear... it will give me much greater pleasure to give you the opportunity to take the helm. But, I hope you'll let me assist?"

I nod, "Of course!"

"Good, it's settled. Besides, with you and Edward deciding to have the wedding at Crystal Mountain, this house will be free and clear from post-wedding clutter, so I'll be cooking Christmas dinner for everyone! You know, it's such a perfect plan, for you and Edward to get married on December twenty-third and then spend Christmas with us before leaving for your honeymoon on the twenty-sixth. And I know how much Edward wanted snow... the only way to be sure of that around here is to be up in the mountains."

.~.~.~.

"Oh Bella! You look like a fairytale bride!" Alice is beside herself, bouncing next to me as we stand in front of the floor length mirror in the honeymoon suite.

Rose steps to my other side, and I think we look like a dream... me in the centre in my elegant white dress, the skirt sparkling subtly from the artfully arranged crystal snowflakes and long cathedral veil of fine, delicate netting that reaches to the floor and fans out a little from my hemline, flanked by two beautiful bridesmaids in long, sapphire blue gowns, each with a crystal snowflake sewn into the wide waistband. Alec has given me another partial updo, leaving the back of my hair to fall in long, bouncy curls, and my veil is set right at the top of the back of my head. Rosalie's hair is in a sophisticated twisted updo, and Alice's is very similar to the style she wore on the night of the charity ball. Styling ours and the men's hair was Alec's wedding gift to me and Edward. "You're a truly beautiful bride, Bella. Thank you for inviting me and my family to your wedding," he said before he kissed us all on the cheek and left to join Heidi and the kids in the seating area.

A soft knock sounds at the door. "Can I come in?" Esme asks hesitantly, and I all but squeal, "Of course!"

"Oh, Bella," she practically sobs, "you look so beautiful!"

I take in her elegant silver-grey dress that is embroidered with a very pretty flower and leaf pattern, and the calla lily corsage with holly berries on her wrist. It's festive and perfect. "Esme, so do you!"

"Psh! Now... as promised, here are my pearl earrings and necklace for you to borrow." Rose pulls my hair and veil to the side so Alice can clasp the string around my neck, then they each put in an earring.

"Okay!" Rose adjusts my hair and veil. You've got your vintage veil – that's something old, and your dress, shoes and garter are something new."

Esme chips in, "The pearls are borrowed..."

"And your crystal snowflake shoe clips, plus the sapphires in your wedding band, are something blue!" Alice finishes.

"Not to mention my bridesmaids!" I giggle. Yes, I'm getting terribly giggly with my nervousness.

And it suddenly hits me. I'm going to marry Edward Cullen... on Christmas Eve. He's out there, waiting to take my hand, to make lifetime vows of love and loyalty... to me, Bella Swan. And then, he'll be my husband... and I'll be his wife. His wife! Oh jeez, I feel lightheaded.

"Bella?" Alice asks as I grip her arm. "Are you okay, sweetie? You're not having second thoughts, are you?"

"What?" I squeak. "NO! No, of course not, Alice. I'm just a little nervous."

Another knock comes to the door, and Jared pokes his head in, a happy, boyish smile on his face. "I was told all the gorgeous dames are in here... can I join the club?"

I giggle almost maniacally as he enters, carrying a box that holds our bouquets. "These just came out of the refrigerator. They're absolutely gorgeous... which one of you stunning ladies is responsible for the designs?"

Rose, Alice and I all point at Esme, who blushes. "Well, I'd better get back out there. Bella? I am so happy and proud to welcome you as my daughter-in-law." She embraces me gently and places a light kiss on my cheek. "I guess we'll talk again when you're Mrs. Cullen!"

"Thank you, Esme... for everything." My voice falters as my throat constricts. Oh no – I can't cry... not yet!

Esme leaves quietly and blinking back tears, I turn to Alice and Rose. "Well, it's just about time, Bells!" Alice chirps, passing Rose one of the two simple bouquets of white calla lilies with tiny, sparkling clear crystals glued to the tips and cedar greenery. Then she lifts out my bouquet and I gasp at its beauty. White calla lilies, roses, freesia and tulips are interspersed with red holly berries and trailing cedar.

"Oh my!" is all I can say.

"Esme has a way with flowers," Rose agrees.

"Ladies?" Jared interjects, "it's about that time."

Oh god.

Rose and Alice each grab one of my wrists – I have a steel grip on my bouquet. "We'll see you out there, Bella!" Rose whispers, leaning in to touch her cheek to mine.

"Just remember, Bells, it's Edward out there. The same man you've been waking up next to for five months now. There's no reason to be nervous." With a final, steady gaze into my eyes, Alice lets go of my wrist and smiles happily. "We'll see you in a few minutes, sister!"

As the door closes behind them, I turn to Jared who is smiling proudly. "Isabella Marie Swan, you are a beautiful bride."

I can't resist. "Again," I smirk.

He chuckles, "Yeah, but this time, for real and forever. Are you ready, my friend?"

"Yes. I think so... I, um..." I look around the suite, wondering if I've forgotten something.

"You nervous?" Jared asks.

I nod like a bobblehead doll. "Yeah... just a little."

He winks and reaches inside the breast of his jacket. "I can help with that." Grinning devilishly, Jared pulls out a small flask. "A little Cabo Wabo to toast the bride?"

"Jeez, Jared... I don't know. I don't want to stumble down the aisle."

"Just a mouthful, Bells. It'll calm your nerves."

I nod and take the flask from him. Mmm... the fiery burn is somehow very soothing.

"Whoa, Bella!" Jared pulls the flask from my hand. "I don't want you to stumble down the aisle either, you know!" He drains the flask and tosses it onto the bed, then pulls breath strips out of the same pocket.

"Here... you don't want the judge refusing to conduct the ceremony because you smell inebriated!"

I giggle, feeling ever so relaxed now. "Okay, JarJar... let's rock this joint!"

"Oh god, Bella... tell me I don't have to pour you into Edward's arms?"

I shake my head. "Nah, I'm good. I just feel much more settled now. The tequila is taking the edge off."

"Miss Cook, have you eaten today?"

I shake my head. "Nope... too nervous."

"Shit." He looks around the suite, spotting the complimentary gourmet gift basket on the dresser. "Thank god."

In a flash, Jared has ripped open a sleeve of melba toast and a small jar of cashew butter. He dips one of the toasts into the spread. "Here! Eat this!"

"Okay." I am feeling pretty hungry, now that I think about it, and I stuff the toast into my mouth. "Mmm..." I start to giggle.

"What?"

"This is funny... everyone, including Edward, is out there waiting for us, and we're here having a nosh on gourmet snacks! But it does taste a little weird, mixed with breath strips."

"Oh jeez!" Jared exclaims, passing me another toast. Then he grabs a tissue and wipes crumbs from my lips. "Okay... are you ready, Miss Cook?"

Am I?

"Yes." I state firmly. "Let's go. I have the man of my dreams to marry."

Edward

Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod...

"Dude, you gonna make it?" Emmett is sitting back against the bar, looking ridiculously relaxed.

I nod furiously. "Uh-huh, yeah... of course."

Jasper laughs out loud. "Are you sure, man? Because you're all kinds of tense and nervous at the moment."

I glare at them. "Well, let's see. I'm only... GETTING MARRIED in about five minutes."

Emmett jumps up and gets in my face. "Edward, little brother, I thought you wanted this. You'd better not be about to fuck up that amazing girl..."

Jesus christ. "Don't be an idiot Em... for fuck's sake. Of course I want this... I've never wanted anything as much as I want this. But that doesn't mean I'm not nervous. I mean, she's so damned amazing and perfect... do I even deserve her?"

"Of course you do, you silly boy." My mother's voice floats into the reception area where we are waiting before taking our places in front of the guests.

"Mom." I acknowledge her with deference, looking up to see Dad is with her.

"Edward, son... there's no need to be nervous. You and Bella have been living together for months. This is really just another day."

I laugh, loudly.

"Emmett? Pour your brother a shot of scotch."

Em jumps up and slides behind the bar, grabbing five whisky glasses and a bottle of Glenfiddich. He pours an ounce or so... maybe two... and then passes one to each of us. "To the bride and groom."

Even Mom downs it in one swallow.

Then Jasper hands me a packet of breath strips, and we head out to the main hall where our guests are seated. It's a small, intimate group – perfect for us.

Before they sit, Mom and Dad pull me into a hug. "We're proud of you, son."

Yeah, I'm proud of me, too.

And then Emmett is beside me and Jasper is beside him... and the string quartet begins to play a much slowed version of Vivaldi's Winter. I turn and look to the back of the hall...

I hear Emmett and then Jasper gasp behind me as Rose and Alice, glowing and beautiful, each begin their walk down the aisle. Time seems to stand still... I hold my breath waiting for Bella to appear.

She is ethereal... breathtaking... glorious. In my wildest imaginings, she didn't look as amazing as this. I feel my knees weaken. Everything around us becomes muted, fuzzy... except my Bella. She is crystal clear, approaching me so slowly. Our eyes are locked, her smile both angelic and carnal. Even now, in front of all these people and with the weight of the next few minutes pressing heavily on me, she makes my most basic desires jump up and take notice.

She is finally here and Jared places her hand in mine; the charge is still there, just like the first time we ever touched. My heart is beating harder than it ever has as every piece of my life falls perfectly into place. Some would say this ceremony and the paperwork afterwards is just a formality... I say it's the locking mechanism that fuses our rightful place in the universe as the couple, team, two-halves-become-whole that we were meant to be.

We agreed to stick with traditional vows... they are simple and perfect and say everything our witnesses need to hear. Our more personal vows, spoken during private moments of peace and joy and love and passion, will remain between us.

As I repeat the phrases offered by the judge, I do so with conviction and commitment. Never have I uttered more truthful words. Slipping the elegant diamond and sapphire band on her delicate finger becomes the most meaningful moment of my life.

When her voice rings clear and sure with those same words, and she pushes the wide platinum band into the place it will stay for the rest of my life and beyond, it takes all my self-control not to grab her up and spin around before the judge makes his declaration that we are finally and forever, husband and wife.

Kiss her? I want to consume her! Our eyes break contact for the first time since she appeared at the end of the aisle, and only because we both close them as our lips join to the hoots and hollers of our jubilant guests.

The signing is next and when I see her write Isabella Marie Cullen with the fancy feather pen, I have to bite back a whoop. Our photo session flies by... I follow instructions and never stop gazing and smiling at my incredible wife, my Mrs. Cullen. Then it's time for the banquet; the rectangular tables have been set in a circular layout that allows all thirty-six of us to interact easily. It's friendly and intimate, just the way we wanted.

My father rises to offer a toast to the happy couple and to officially welcome Bella to the family. His words are eloquent and perfect and I am so grateful to him and Mom for accepting and loving my wife.

The meal is excellent, and when I stand to thank everyone for sharing our special day, I also thank my mother for the fine job she did on the menu and the flowers. The decorations are beautiful, simple and elegant just as Bella requested, and I thank Alice and Rose for everything they did to make this the most wondrous day of our lives. Emmett is our MC, and he and Jasper created the reception playlist, and I thank them for their contribution and support.

When it's time to cut the cake, I take Bella's hand and lead her to the small table in front of the window wall where, before the sun went down, brilliant orange sky sheathed Mount Rainier in shadow. As we hold the knife together and cut down into the chocolate fruitcake, I lean into her beautiful veil and whisper, "I love you, Mrs. Cullen."

She smiles up at me and kisses me softly. "As I love you, my husband."

Then we feed each other cake with giant snowflakes gently falling behind us, illuminated by outdoor lighting. It's just like I imagined it would be... magical.

It's time to party, and Emmett calls everyone to gather around as I lead Bella to the centre of the floor and pull her into my arms. It was the first song we ever danced to, and it still says it all for me. This time, however, we decided on the classic and timeless Etta James to serenade our first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Cullen.

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Ohh yeah yeah
At last

The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you

I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known

Ohh yeah yeah?
You smiled, you smiled

Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
for you are mine...

At Last

Then Bella dances with Dad and I dance with Mom, then she dances with Jared and I refuse to dance with Laurent, opting instead to "buy" him a drink. Emmett and Jasper take their turns, and I gush to Alice and then Rose about how thankful I am for them and everything they did to make this day perfect. Finally, however, I have to step in and claim my wife again... and this time I keep her.

Bella

My breath caught when I saw Edward standing there by Emmett and Jasper. He looked so incredibly handsome in his tuxedo with the long tails and silver cravat... and Em and Jazz matched my bridesmaids perfectly with their sapphire blue cravats. As Jared walked me past our guests, I vaguely registered the Clearwaters, the critic Liam Kelly, Deputy Mark and his wife Mel, Jessica and Eric, Leah and Paul? – wow, Carlisle and Esme's neighbours with the awesome eggs, Garrett and Katrina... but my focus was on the man of my dreams who looked equally focused on me, and I couldn't prevent my big silly smile. Never in the history of the world could any man have ever looked more handsome and perfect, and even though I was in a room full of people and the centre of attention, desire stirred deep within as I approached him.

When we joined hands, the ever-present tingle was there and it supercharged me. I spoke my vows without flaw, I didn't lose Edward's ring, and I managed to kiss him with perfect aim. Take that, psyche! I thought to myself after having dreamed last night of garbling my words, dropping his ring and falling flat on my face as I tried to grab it as it rolled away under a chair, and my lips landing on his nose when the judge said we could finally kiss as husband and wife.

Oh, and when we kissed... everything in my world aligned and locked into place, and I knew this would be forever.

As I signed our certificate, I was reminded of the very brief conversation I tried to have with Edward about something else I was willing to sign. "Isabella, I will not entertain the thought of a prenuptial agreement, and I am asking you, as a personal favour to me, your soul mate, to never, ever consider it again... okay, sweetheart?" So I didn't.

Our photographer was under strict instructions from myself to minimize the number of poses and shots, so our pictures only took a few minutes to complete. We were back, seated with our guests, within thirty minutes.

Emmett surprised me by being relatively tame in his role as MC, and I wondered if someone, possibly Esme, had threatened him with death and dismemberment if he got raunchy. Tears rolled down my cheeks when Carlisle toasted us and welcomed me to the family. He made sure to point out that his toast was only a formality, that in fact I had become an honorary member of the Cullen Clan years ago when we hadn't even met yet, by proxy of my father. Then Carlisle also toasted Charlie, and yes, more tears were shed.

Esme's menu choices were wonderful and I was grateful to the resort staff for working with her and making the adjustments she wanted. Her opinion on how much salt to add to gazpacho aside, she really is a great judge of good food.

When the sun set behind Mount Rainier, it was magical, and Edward held my hand as we watched the sky transition through pinks and oranges to grey and finally indigo. And then, as if by design – and I wonder if Alice didn't arrange for a snow machine to be places on the roof – it started to snow, and I remembered how Edward had told me about the scene he imagined so long ago, of us feeding each other wedding cake with the snow falling outside. I was thrilled we could make it come true.

Our first dance was perfect, the song and it's meaning special beyond words. After that, we were obliged to circulate and dance with as many guests as we could, but we always managed to touch or stop for a quick kiss between songs. My friends from Forks and La Push were over-the-moon happy for me, and Harry Clearwater spoke a quiet Quileute bridal blessing in my ear as we swayed to one of the many Frank Sinatra songs that Jasper had insisted make it into the playlist.

The dancing continued until ten, at which time Edward suggested people would soon want to start the two hour drive back to Seattle and Edmonds – between Rose and Em, Carlisle and Esme, Jared and Laurent, and Jessica, everyone from out of town had a place to stay tonight. Emmett called for everyone to gather around the gift table, where we thanked our guests for their generous donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in lieu of wedding gifts. When I threw my bouquet, Irina caught it, which was fitting, seeing as she and Kate are getting married in Vancouver on New Year's Eve.

Edward surprised the hell out of me when, at Emmett's and Jasper's urging, he removed my garter with his teeth! The whole time he was dragging it down my leg, which he did achingly slowly, his blazing green eyes were locked with mine, promising carnal delights that would no doubt continue well into the next day.

When he finally pulled it off my foot, caressing my ankle and sending waves of desire through me before replacing my shoe, he stood up and scrutinized the crowd. Then with a raised eyebrow and devilish look, he shot the thing right in Tyler's face, and I heard him mutter under his breath, "That's all you get, buddy." I chuckled that Edward would still be jealous of the crush that Tyler had on me when I first started at Wild. Noticing my laugh, Edward leaned in and whispered playfully, "Never underestimate the lengths I will go to to establish that you are mine, Mrs. Cullen."And more waves of desire... make that raw lust... shot through me.

We said goodnight to each individual guest as they left. Alec and Heidi each had a sleeping child on their shoulders, and when Alec asked how long it would be before we were carrying sleeping children, I looked at Edward and he looked at me, and we shrugged noncommittally. "Not for at least nine months!" Alice sang, saving us from the situation. We've discussed it, of course... and we both want a family to raise... we're just not sure exactly when we'll start that process.

When Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rose finally kissed and hugged us goodnight, I was good and ready for some alone time with my husband. As we watched the door close behind them, Edward turned to me and lifted my hand to his lips. "Are you ready for your wedding night, Mrs. Cullen?"

I nodded, because I couldn't find words, and he swept me up into his arms and kissed my lips gently. "Then let's go to our room."

When we were inside the door, Edward looked up to the mistletoe hanging from the decorative light fixture above the bed. "Oh, Mrs. Cullen, I hope you're prepared to be kissed."

"Are you?" I asked brazenly. And he chuckled as he set me down.

"You know it, baby. Now, can I help you out of your dress?"

"I'm counting on it, Mr. Cullen. But I have a peignoir that I bought especially for tonight... so you can help me out of my dress, but then you have to let me hop into the washroom to put on my negligee."

He groaned and kissed my shoulder as he unzipped the back of my dress, and his raspy voice sent shivers through me. "Whatever you desire, Mrs. Cullen. I am at your mercy."

I lifted my veil carefully off my head and placed it on the dresser, and then turned to face him. "And I want to help you out of your tuxedo, Mr. Cullen." I reached for his cravat and began to pull it free...

After he laid my dress carefully over one of the armchairs by the breakfast table, and ran his hands all over my body, which was at this point scantily clad in sheer white lace, Edward allowed me to remove his jacket, vest and shirt. And oh my... my husband shirtless in tuxedo pants was a sexy, sexy sight. As he popped the cork on the complimentary bottle of champagne, I kissed his neck and murmured, "I'll be back in a flash."

And that's how I got here, standing in the decadent, marble washroom of our honeymoon suite at a resort on Crystal Mountain, clad in a beautiful, soft white peignoir that's gathered at the princess waist and floats like a cloud when I move, and nervous as freakin' hell about stepping out that door and into the arms of my waiting husband.

To his credit, Edward has refrained from knocking to see when I'm coming out. I look at myself in the mirror, again. "Why the hell are you nervous, Bella?"

"Because I'm now Mrs. Cullen, silly."

"And how does that change anything?"

She's right. "You're right. It doesn't."

"Exactly. So, get your ass out there and show your husband how much you love him."

"Okay," I agree with myself. One last pat down of my hair, a straightening of my nighty... okay.

I open the door to the main suite, and discover that Edward has transformed the room into a cathedral of white candles. He is just finishing pouring our champagne, and he has opened a small bottle of caviar from the gourmet basket. His back stiffens as I walk slowly across the room.

"Wait."

I stop.

He turns, his eyes scanning me head to foot, his expression... hungry. "You're exquisite."

"Thank you," I whisper, and start toward him again. I place my left hand on his bare chest as he passes me a flute of champagne. The electricity is there, surging through our contact; he feels it too, I can tell.

Lifting his own glass, he toasts, "To Bella and Edward Cullen... and all that life awaits to bring to them."

We hold each others eyes as we take a sip. "Mmm, it's lovely," I offer.

"Yes, you are," he answers, taking my glass and placing it next to his on the little table. "Caviar, Mrs. Cullen?" he asks.

"Um... maybe not just now..." I answer as I reach for the button of his pants. "But I have a feeling," I unzip his fly and push the pants over his hips, "that we both might be... ravenous... a little later."

"Hmm..." he murmurs, "I'm feeling rather ravenous right now..." I grasp his erection and we both moan, "... but not for food..."

His face lowers to mine and he captures my lips... and the cosmic tumblers all fall back in place. I drag my fingernails down his chest as I squeeze his hard cock, and he growls as he digs his fingernails into my ass and trails his lips and teeth down my throat to my collarbone.

"Have I ever told you... I have a thing for your collarbone, Mrs. Cullen?"

I giggle. "Um, no... but I guessed as much."

I start to rub his arousal and he moans into my mouth. "I want to make love to my wife... I want to bury myself in your sweet pussy and pump you so hard that you scream for release... I want to..."

I cut him off, "Then shut up and do it, Mr. Cullen."

"Yes, ma'am."

And I screamed.

.~.~.~.

"It's our turn!" I squeal, pulling out six small wrapped boxes from a gift bag with snowflakes on it.

Edward and I hand them out, and Carlisle, Esme, Rose, Emmett, Alice and Jasper all unwrap them at the same time. They each pull out a small woven basket with a bird design.

"Each one of those baskets represents a donation to the Quileute Youth Centre in La Push." Edward explains.

"They're made of cedar," I add.

"This is really lovely," Esme exclaims. "Thank you, Bella and Edward. That's a very worthy cause, and close to home, too."

Alice giggles. "Those were some expensive roots, my brother. But the money ended up in a good place."

.~.~.~.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?"

We are stretched out in our first class seats on a transatlantic flight to London. Edward finally had to reveal our destination when we got to Sea-Tac, otherwise we would never have gotten through security.

"Why do you think Quil was able to remember the dreams of Charlie and Jake but I wasn't?"

He thinks for a moment. "You know, I had wondered that myself. And I think it's because Quil has a very... how to say this correctly... a very uncluttered mind."

"So you think it's because he's empty-headed and there was therefore nothing more important to occupy his brain?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I can live with that."

.~.~.~.

London at Christmastime is stunning. Especially from the view of our hotel room overlooking Hyde Park. In the four days before New Year's Eve, we explore all the major attractions: the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the London Eye, the Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Greenwich and the Royal Observatory. When Edward informs me where we will be ringing in the New Year, I sigh with relief because it is a laid back and comfortable place.

"I've always wanted to visit the Isle of Wight!" I exclaim as we pull onto the M3.

Edward glances over at me. "Oh yes? Why?"

"I once saw a movie that was filmed there. The area really reached out to me, you know? I felt an affinity to it. I guess I feel that toward all of England... it's probably from all the English literature I've read, from Thomas Hardy to Jane Austen.

Edward nods, a smirk spreading across his face. "So I guess I made a good choice in where to bring you for our honeymoon?"

I nod happily. "Absolutely! It's been wonderful... if not a little fast-paced."

"Yes... well things will probably slow down now."

We're silent for a while, and I watch the countryside fly by. Every now and again I look over at my husband, and marvel that he is really mine. I also wonder...

"How the hell do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Drive on the wrong side of the road."

"Oh..." he chuckles. "It's not that hard... you just have to think backwards."

I laugh loudly. "Jeez... I don't know if I could."

He winks at me. "Sure you could, my love. You can do anything you set your mind to."

When we arrive at the inn in Seaview and check-in, I notice there is a rather fancy looking restaurant next door. "Is that where we are spending New Year's Eve?" I ask.

"Yep," Edward smiles as he takes my hand and leads me to the stairs. A porter follows with our luggage.

I wander to a window that overlooks the ocean as Edward tips the attendant. After the door closes, he comes up behind me, slips has hands around my waist and kisses my neck. "It's a pretty view."

"Mm-hm," I agree.

"Not as pretty as you of course... but then, nothing is."

"Oh, Mr. Cullen..., I quip, "flattery will get you everywhere."

His chuckle is deep and sexy and makes me wet. "I know, Mrs. Cullen... I've been everywhere."

Oh my...

.~.

"A penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Cullen?"

Edward is propped up on his elbow, looking down at me snuggled under the duvet in our Seaview hotel room.

"I feel bad..."

His brow furrows and he asks, "Why, baby?"

"Because I miss our family... I kind of wish they were here to ring in the New Year with us tonight."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," I sigh.

"Well, what if I told you..."

He is cut off by my cell phone, which is ringing for the first time since we left Seattle. It's playing Flight of the Bumblebee.

"Alice?" I answer, ridiculously happy to hear her voice.

"Hi Bells! How is your honeymoon so far?"

"Oh, Alice... it's wonderful... it's like a dream! We're on the Isle of Wight for New Year's... I just wish..."

Edward chuckles.

"You wish what, Bella?" Emmett's voice chimes in.

"Um... I wish you were all here to celebrate the New Year with us?"

Rose's voice is next. "Why don't you look out the window, Bells!"

"NOOOO!" I squeal like a fangirl, jumping up from the bed and almost forgetting to pull my robe over my front. Edward falls back against the headboard laughing.

"YESSS!" I hear a group of voices answer as I hop to the window and look down to find Alice, Jasper, Rose, Emmett, Carlisle and Esme all standing on the lawn, all waving at me.

.~.

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne."

"Edward!"

"Yes, my darling wife?"

"I love Robbie Burns... he's awesome!"

He chuckles. "Who else do you love, my angel?"

"You! You're awesome!"

"I'm glad to hear it. Who else?"

"Ali-cat and Jazzy... they're awesome!"

"Yes they are. Anyone else?"

"Rosie and Em-em-emmm... they're awesome!"

"Absolutely. Anyone else?"

"Your mom and dad... they're the most awesome of all!"

"Why is that, sweetheart?"

"Because they made youuuuu... and you're awesome!"

"Thank you, baby. You're pretty awesome yourself. So... do you like it here, Bella?"

I nod. "Mm-hm!"

"Good, sweetheart, I'm glad"

.~.

"Happy New Year, baby."

Mmm... husband.

Wonderful husband.

Wonderful husband who made sure I took two Advil and drank a bottle of water before I went to sleep.

"Happy New Year, my wonderful husband."

"We're meeting everyone for New Year's dinner in that fancy restaurant next door, baby. We've got about an hour and a half before their service begins. Would you like to join me in the shower?"

Twist my rubber arm.

.~.

"Edward Cullen, you must be a magician," I sigh happily as he towel dries my hair from behind.

"Why is that, love?"

I lean back against his hard chest. "Because you managed to give me not one, not two, but three orgasms in the shower... while I was still hung over!"

He chuckles in that way that makes my insides turn to goo. "Well that's because my tongue knows you so well, baby."

Oh god. "Edward... you are seriously risking us being late for dinner."

"Oh. Well, I would normally not object to that in any way, but there is something I want to discuss with you... before dinner."

Wow... he looks very serious. "Okay," I agree, sitting on the edge of the bed, "shoot."

He sits beside me and takes my hand. "Bella, what if I told you that the owners of the fancy restaurant next door are wanting to take a six-month sabbatical, and are looking for a chef and a manager to take over the place while they're gone?"

Holy moly!

"And their hours are the same as Wild..."

Oh my god!

"And there is free accommodation in their executive beach house in Bembridge nearby..."

I'm biting my lip!

"And there is a huge demand from the local population for cooking lessons?"

Shit!

"And we can get ingredients here that we could only ever dream about back in Seattle."

I place my finger over his delicious lips.

"I would say, 'Holy moses, Edward, we totally need to spend six months running a fancy restaurant on the Isle of Wight!' And then I would kiss you senseless."

His smile is radiant. "Really?"

I nod excitedly. "Really! But what about Wild?"

"Well, Alice and Jazz are going to travel around Europe for a couple of months, and then go back to re-open Wild in the late spring. Garrett has already agreed to be acting Chef de Cuisine until we return. And we can confer on the menu over the internet whenever we want."

"Ohmygod. Ohmygod. Is this really happening?"

"Yep."

"And what was that about cooking lessons?"

"Well... Rose suggested you could easily teach elegant home cookery classes. You have a wonderful way with people... they're drawn to you, to your warmth and your sweet, caring nature."

I am now speechless.

Edward continues, a little nervously. "Um, Amun and Kebi, the owners and current chef and manager, want to return to their home in Egypt for a while. I found out about the opportunity from Liam, back at our engagement party, in fact. He recommended me, and with an endorsement from Eleazar, and believe it or not, the Volturi Brothers, Amun and Kebi were willing to take us on site unseen. Of course, they can still call it off if they're not happy with us, now that they've met us."

Oh jeez... I was more than a little loopy when Edward introduced me to them last night.

"And of course, we can pull out if we decide not to take it..."

I'm bouncing.

"Bella, did you borrow Alice's pogo stick?"

"Nope! I've developed my very own!"

A boyishly hopeful expression spreads over his face. "So does that mean..."

"YES!" I throw my arms around his neck. "Yes, Edward! Let's stay and run Amun and Kebi's restaurant for six months!"

His eyes blaze with love and excitement as he cups my face in his hands. "Are you sure, my sweet girl?"

"Oh Edward! I'm so sure! It's so exciting! And it's only six months, right? That's a perfect amount of time. And didn't you say Alice and Jasper are going to travel around Europe for a few months? They can come back and visit us. And maybe Rose and Em can come for a week, and your parents... hell, maybe even Jared and Laurent will visit!"

He's nodding and smiling. "It will go by like that!" He snaps his fingers and I grab his hand and pull it to my mouth to kiss it.

"We're really going to do this?" I ask excitedly.

"Yes, baby, if you're sure."

"I'M SURE!" I squeal, and then I jump on him, pushing him down to the mattress.

"Shall we seal the deal, Mrs. Cullen?" he growls.

"But what about dinner and the others," I ask, maybe not so innocently.

"They can wait, baby..."

.~.~.~.

A/N: See my profile for a link to pictures for the wedding.

Many thanks to my own personal beta, my incredibly supportive husband, shockwav.

And so we come to the end. I feel like Gandalf at the end of The Return of the King... I hope you enjoyed "my little story" that grew into epic proportions. I never set out to write a great saga... my intention all along was to present a story about a Bella and Edward who were drawn to each other and right for each other, and whose relationship would stand above the petty foolishness and crazy twists that life could throw at them.

I have written an outtake for Fandom For Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It's from Halloween night in Hawaii when Bella and Edward go out to a nightclub dressed as a Mexican peasant girl and Zorro... naughty times ensue. I'm also thinking of doing a "When Em Met Rose" outtake and a few recipes for this fandom effort, so I hope you will support it and purchase the file, especially after Rob's winning best vamp at the Teen Choice Awards and his adorable blood cancer speech. If there are any other outtakes you'd like to see in this fandom effort, please let me know in a review.

My next story will be an entirely different genre! It's tentative title is Brother Edward and it take place in very old, like Elizabethan, England. I'm not sure when it will be published, but I hope you will give it a chance when I am ready to publish it.

Well, I guess that's it. Peace out, babes.