Edward
"Emmett, you have to clean as well. I know it can be unpleasant, but it's all a part of the job," I explain countless times.
"But can't it be done in another way. I mean cutting people up … it turns my stomach," Emmett whines.
"Yes, there are other ways; you can feed them to the pigs, pour acid on the body, sometimes you're told to leave the body somewhere," I answer. "Emmett, I've had to do the cleaning as well. When we get back to the states, I intend to find out what's going on, and if need be, I'll kill our half-brother. There is no way I'm letting him take over. I assume you want to be a part of the family business?"
"Of course, I do," Emmett replies.
"There is going to be so much to do once we get back to New York. It would have been a hell of a lot easier if dad was handing the business over to me, but I have a feeling it's going to be more like a war. At present, we have one crew and two capos without a crew behind us. God knows what Jasper has at his advantage," I explain.
"I don't like that Rose and Bella have had to learn so much to keep themselves safe," Emmett adds.
"Dude, you're still pissed that Bella is a better shot than you. Charlie might have been a dick before Bella left Forks, but he taught her well. Flavio says he hasn't had to teach Bella much," I chuckle.
"I'm still puzzled as to why they have been teaching Rose how to defend herself," Emmett mutters.
"Em, we've told you many times, you're not always going to be with her. We don't have enough people to have security for them or even a driver. If someone was to attack Rose, she stands a chance if she can defend herself. Now let's forget about everything; we have a busy day tomorrow," I say.
"Yes, I know you're getting married, and we have the ball to attend. How long are you and Bella going away for?" Emmett asks for the tenth time since we've gotten up.
"We are going to be away for two weeks staying in the Villa at the vineyard that Bella's family gave us as a wedding present," I reply.
"I'm glad that my Rosie will be coming home with me tomorrow night, I've missed her since she has been staying with Bells," Emmett says with a big grin on his face. "How do you feel about living in the same house as the boss while you're doing the horizontal shuffle with his granddaughter?"
"Em, please enough. I hope to go back to the states by the middle of February or the beginning of March. We have a lot of work to do; Nonno has to go through many steps to make sure everything goes smoothly," I sigh. "Good, we're here. I don't have to listen to you whine anymore."
Getting out of the car, I walk towards the door only to be hit at the back of my head by a snowball.
"What the fuck!" I yell as I brush the snow from my hair.
Looking around, I can't see where the snowball came from. That is until one hits me in the middle of my chest. I look to see someone hiding behind a shrub on the other side of the drive.
Another ball comes flying out of the shrub. I know I'm not in danger, as it is just an innocent snowball. I did what any good New Yorker would do; I grab some snow, make it into a ball, and throw it towards the shrub.
That's when I hear the giggle. It seems like my girl wants a war. I sprint behind another shrub and begin to make my snowballs.
"I hope you know how good I am, little girl," I yell.
"Bring it on. I'll have you know I was our elementary school champion at snowball fighting," Bella shouts back.
"Bella, that was a long time ago. How old were you?" I laugh.
"I was eight I'm sure it's still the same," Bella sniggers.
While she was distracted, I crept around the side of the shrub hands loaded with snowballs. I tried not to laugh as she was peaking around the shrub while I stood behind her.
I can't help it. I throw the snowballs one after another at Bella; she screams and I tackle her to the ground, tickling her sides.
"Edward, stop I surrender." Bella giggles.
"You're playing with the big boys now. Bella, I thought you were the Elementary school champion. You're letting your school down," I say as I have her pinned under me. I began to kiss her neck.
"Hey, don't knock it I was well respected in Forks for a long time," Bella whispers.
"I've missed you. We only managed to get time on our own when we were practicing our first dance. Do you know how embarrassing it was to act like I couldn't dance? My Nonno knows I can dance, and he thinks it's funny that I have to lie to spend time with you on our own," I whine.
"I know I'm sorry for not spending any time with you, but I've enjoyed getting to know my cousins. They have helped me with my wedding dress, and they have been teaching me the cultural way of having an Italian wedding," Bella replies.
Looking into her eyes, I can see a sparkle that used to always be there; Bella is healing. I gently kiss her.
"Edward let Bella up from the snow before she catches a cold," Rose shouts out of the door.
"I can't wait until we are on our honeymoon," I grumble as I pull Bella up from the ground.
Wiping the snow from her coat, I kiss her before she will probably be pulled from me again. I made the most of our short time together. I swoop her up and carry her bridal style into the house.
Her Nonna was standing with mine, both having massive smiles on their faces.
"You two need to change; we need to be at the wedding rehearsal in a little under an hour. Your cousins are waiting in your room to help you get dressed, Bella," Atheodora says.
"Only twenty-four hours, then no one will steal you away from me," I whisper into her ear as I kiss her cheek.
~TTS~
The rehearsal seems to drag. I know I can't complain as Bella's Nonna has managed to persuade the Priest to forgo the Pre-Cana lessons. So, having to listen to the priest is only the polite thing to do. But some of the things he is saying aren't appropriate in front of our grandparents and families.
I know this is not the kind of wedding Bella wanted. I am happy she agreed to marry me, as it's the only way I can protect her enough to return to the states. I don't like to think Bella has just settled. I haven't discussed it with her, but I planned on giving her the wedding she had dreamt of as soon as it was possible.
"You look beautiful. I've never seen you wear green before. Is this another traditional thing?" I ask.
"Edward, are you that nervous that you're making small talk about my dress? But yes, it's another Italian wedding tradition," Bella giggles.
"No, I just thought while I have your attention, everyone would leave us alone. You are going all out on the Italian traditions," I observe.
"My Nonna has been so excited about this wedding. I want to make her happy. I am going along with anything she wants. I suppose I'm trying to put right what my momma took away from her," I reply. "Do you think I shouldn't be doing that?"
"As long as your happy doing that. I don't want you to settle to make everyone else happy. I'm fine with anything if I get to keep you in the end," I say. "I can't imagine what it was like for your Grandparents to have their only daughter just disappear like that. You're a wonderful granddaughter. Even my grandparents have said the same. Let's get into the restaurant and get this party started."
We were having the wedding rehearsal party at one of my uncle's restaurants in a banquet room at the back.
Bella is pulled from my arms as soon as we walk in the door.
"Thank you for being so patient with my family Edward. Everyone has been so happy to have a piece of Renata back. My wife is going to miss her once you return to the States. You might have to have a room ready at all times as I'm sure she will visit often," Giovanni offers.
"She will be very welcome once we have everything settled and in place. I'm just thankful that all your family has accepted her. I feared that not everyone would be happy to see her," I reply.
"I wouldn't have allowed that to happen," Giovanni presses.
As it is a tradition, my family hosts the wedding rehearsal dinner. I had only attended two other weddings in Italy, and I've been trying to remember all the things we are supposed to do.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, could I ask you to please take your seats," my Nonno Domenico requests.
I am grateful once again that I have Bella by my side. I lean over kissing her as I know that I will not get much of a chance once her cousins get their hands on her.
We are served some Bruschetta with our first glass of wine. I have just finished my plate when I see a guy pass Emmett a microphone. My stomach falls, what the fuck is he going to say.
"I had written two awesome speeches about my big brother. But I was told by my Nonno that I just had to read a toast. To hear the embarrassing things, I have to say about my big bro tomorrow, and by the look on some of your faces, you can't understand a word I'm saying. Per cent'anni or to us American's a hundred years," Emmett sighs.
"Thank goodness for that," I murmur.
I see everyone stand to hold up their glasses, repeating Per cent'anni.
The pasta is the next dish to be served. Then the dessert and the talking were constant; and loud. I hold Bella's hand throughout the meal. It seems like since I have found her again, I haven't been able to spend any time with her. She looks so happy, so I know I can never complain.
I stand and tap my glass, getting everyone's attention.
"I know it's probably not tradition the give out gifts to the bridal party in Italy. But we Americans hope you will indulge us this one tradition from back home," I announce. "In the states, we give gifts to say thank you to key people who are in the wedding party so if you will please indulge us, can I ask my Nonno and Nonna to come forward."
I can see the embarrassment on my Nonna face as she walks toward us.
"Thank you for all you have done for Emmett and me. I always hoped that we hadn't disappointed either of you or momma," I say.
I give my Nonna a diamond necklace, and Nonno a vintage watch for his collection.
"This is for you, Emmett," I add as I hand him a box. Inside is a note and I'll give you the gift later. I don't think Nonno would be happy with me giving you a gun at dinner.
"Now it's my turn. I'm hoping that the gifts I'm giving to you Nonna will be okay. I'm nervous about this, but I think you will like it," Bella babbles.
"Isabella whatever you give your Nonna she will love," Giovanni reassures.
"Okay, this belonged to my momma; it has a picture of us both with a lock of my hair from when I was a baby. The inscription is in French it reads "Plus Que ma proper vie," which means 'More than my own life'," Bella informs.
"It's beautiful, thank you, Tesoro," Nonna sobs as she pulls Bella into a hug.
"Nonno, this is for you," Bella sniffs as she hands her Nonno a box. I know it contains a pair of cufflinks.
She then gives Sara, Rose, and a couple of other girls each a diamond necklace.
"I know this is probably not the right thing to do, and I'm not going to apologize. But since I've been here, Dio has had to drive me everywhere I go, and he must be sick of having to go into shops I know my dad would be embarrassed to enter. So please accept this small gift as a way of a thank you," Bella adds.
She hands him a small bag that contains a Luminor watch.
Dio appears embarrassed as he looks at his boss for approval. I see Giovanni give a small nod. I know this is Giovanni the Nonno, not Don Mancini permitting him to accept the gift.
"Grazie," Dio meekly nods as he accepts the gift.
"This is for you, Bella. It's a tradition in the states to give your future wife a piece of jewelry to wear on her wedding day. Momma had this diamond necklace that she wore at the last ball she attended. I know she would have given it to you herself if she was here," I declare.
"Edward, it's beautiful thank you for giving it to me," Bella gasps.
It isn't long before we say our goodbyes. Nonno had told me about another tradition. It seems Bella is doing the traditional thing. I am going to do a groom's tradition, and I am going to enjoy doing it.
~TTS~
I waved at the guards as I drove through the gates of Don Mancini's home. I can see the curtains twitching so I know he is watching. The guards are laughing at me. I am just glad Marcus has come with me, and he had stopped Emmett coming.
"Let's hear it then," Marcus chuckles as he passes my guitar to me.
I stand under Bella's window and start playing my guitar.
I thought this song was fitting with the toast that Emmett had given. I begin to sing A Thousand years.
"The day we met,
Frozen I held my breath
Right from the start
I knew that I'd found a home for my heart
Beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone?
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow.
That's when I see her at an open window with the biggest smile on her face. With Rose and her cousin, Sara standing by her side.
I continued to sing, not taking my eyes from hers.
The song finishes, and I see the window close, and her Nonno opens his window, telling me it's almost midnight, and it was bad luck to see the bride on her wedding day.
"Come on, Casanova, let's get you home; you have a big day tomorrow, and you need your beauty sleep," Marcus chuckles.
I am pleased that Bella enjoyed the song. I haven't played the guitar for so long, but it's like riding a bike you never forget.
~TTS~
Bella
"Bella, if you look into the mirror, you will have to take off your earrings and one of your shoes. Its bad luck if you don't," Sara informs me.
"Are you serious?" Rose asks.
"Yes, she is. Edward sent the wedding bouquet for you to carry. Is that your momma's dress it doesn't look anything like it," Nonna remarks.
"I hope you aren't upset with us. It's still the material," I panic.
"No Tesoro, it's beautiful. How did you manage to make it into such a small dress," Nonna gasps.
"We took it to bits. We took some of the crystals and made the dress into a fishtail dress. There was a lot of material. It's strapless and hugs all her curves in the right places, she has a tiny waist why not show it off. It has a small train as Bella doesn't feel confident enough to have it so heavy; she doesn't want to lose her balance. We used the net to make a wrap; she can slip it on to cover her shoulders in church. She can also wear it to the ball to cover up her scars. Then this is new. I made a cape with fur around the hood. It's freezing out there. Which is unusual for Italy," Jenna, one of Bella's cousins, explains.
"I love it. It suits you," Auntie Alessia says.
"That's what we thought mom," Sara adds.
"No, let's get down to the last bit before we leave. This veil has been passed down to three generations of the family. You are the fourth. I have made a small rip in it for good luck. The veil can represent your something old," Nonna starts.
"Your dress is new," Alessia offers.
"You can borrow my earrings," Nonna excitedly says as she rushes out of the room.
"The last thing is the garter. Jenna and I went to give you this. It has a blue bow on it, so that's your something blue. Edward has to take it off your leg and throw it into the crowd. Is that something you do in America?" Sara asks.
"Yes, it is. Do you throw the bouquet here?" Rose inquires.
"Yes, to the single ladies," Jenna answers with a twinkle in her eye.
"Does that mean you want Bella to throw it your way?" Rose laughs.
"It would be nice to be the next one to get married," Jenna replies.
I hear someone clear their throat. "Is it safe to come in?" Nonno asks.
"Yes, come in," I yell.
"You look beautiful and so much like your momma. Ladies, cars are waiting for you. Please be careful as it seems some of our guests have come early for the ball. My men are trying to keep them away from the church," Nonno advises.
"Not a problem," Nonna answers as she kisses Nonno goodbye.
"Well, Bella, are you ready for this big step?" Nonno asks.
"Of course, I am. I've never been surer about anything in my life," I answer.
Nonno helps me down the stairs and into the car.
"Now I have to tell you Paolo will be at the wedding. He had to come for appearance; it would look bad if one of the cartels was missing. I told him he is not to approach you. I would not think twice about shooting him," Nonno explains.
"What about his wife and that other woman?" I gasp.
"You don't need to worry about them anymore. We are at the church. Do you remember the next tradition? We will tie a ribbon to the church door for you to cut. It is a symbol of the bond between you both," Nonno declares. "Isabella, I'd like to thank you for letting your Nonna have all the traditions that are a part of our culture. I'm sure you would have preferred things done in your culture. Also, not many children that haven't grown up in a strict Catholic home would have a wedding mass; it means a lot to us both."
"I don't mind. I'm just glad that I've been accepted by the family," I reply. "I just want you to do one thing for me, Nonno?"
"What's that Tesoro?" questions Nonno.
"Don't let me fall. It's been a while since I haven't used a cane, although I've been practicing I don't want to make a fool of myself," I answer.
"I'll always be there to catch you if ever you fall," he reiterates.
We can hear the music start to play, and I know that it is time for Edward to walk his Nonna to her seat.
"You ready?" Nonno asks as he puts the veil over my face.
"More than ready," I answer as we walk through the church door.
I am grateful the church is small, so the aisle is too. I can see Edward standing to the side of the altar, where the service is going to begin. He looks like a runway model, which makes me feel how lucky I am that he even gives me a second glance.
Nonno smiles at me as he lifts my veil, and then passes my hand to Edward. Giving him a, 'you had better look after her or I am coming after you' look.
I knew the service is going to be over an hour-long, and they have given me a chair if my leg becomes uncomfortable. But I am determined to stand.
Before I realize it, we are up to the part of the service I have been waiting for. Although I wouldn't admit it to my Nonna, I wanted to write my vows. But I'll go with anything as long as I get to keep Edward.
The Priest begins.
Edward and Isabella, have you come here to enter into this marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?
We both answer I have.
Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?
I am.
Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?
I am.
Now take each other's right hand, and repeat your vows
I, Edward Anthony Cullen, take you, Isabella Marie Swan, to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.
I Isabella Marie Swan, take you, Edward Anthony Cullen, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.
The priest blesses the rings and then passes one to Edward.
Isabella, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.
Next he passes one to me.
Edward, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.
After a few more readings I am pleased when I hear the Priest say
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
With a smile on his face, Edward pulls me into his arms and gives me first a chase kiss. Then he deepens the kiss until we hear the priest clear his throat.
Go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life.
The music begins, and Edward leads me down the aisle where Dio passes us a pair of scissors, and we cut the ribbon on the church door.
As the door opens, I know I get to keep Edward forever and whatever we find when we get back to the States, we will face it together.
Thank you to my pre-readers Klcivinski for reading through the chapter.
Also, my brilliant beta EdwardsFirstKiss for giving up her time to make this chapter readable.
Any mistakes are mine.