Forty-one
EPOV
I was so fucking nervous. I had no idea why I was so fucking nervous but I sure as hell was. Here I was in the groom's room in the back of the fucking church. I mean, the church, pacing back and forth and waiting to marry the woman I had been in love with for longer than I even realized I had been in love with her. Emmett and Jasper were sitting next to the wall, balancing their chairs on the hind legs, and watching as I paced back and forth. What if she didn't show up?
"She's going to show," laughed Emmett. I stopped pacing and looked back over at him.
"Did I ask that out loud?" Jasper and Emmett both laughed, falling forward so that their chairs had all four legs back on the ground.
"Yes, you did, Edward," chuckled Jasper. "Dude, there is no way in hell Bella is not coming tonight. She's so in love with you. Plus, Ali would probably kill her."
"True," I muttered, turning back to my pacing again.
The door to the room opened and Carlisle and Charlie came in, laughing to each other. My father came over and hugged me, hard. I slowly brought my arms up as I looked over at Emmett. He shrugged his shoulders and motioned that maybe Carlisle had been drinking. Of course, Charlie saw him and burst out laughing. Carlisle pulled away from me and looked over at him.
"Care to share what is so funny, Charlie?" asked Carlisle.
"Emmett thinks you're drunk off your ass cause you are hugging your boy," laughed Charlie, leaning against the wall behind him. "Oh, shit, that's funny."
"I am not drunk, Emmett Cullen," snorted my father, shaking his head. He looked back at me. "Bella shared some rather incredible news with us this morning."
"She did?" I asked, smiling.
"Yeah, there was a thing with Alice taking her food," said Carlisle. I winced.
"She didn't hurt Alice, did she?" I asked.
"Why would Bella hurt Alice?" asked Jasper, standing up. Emmett's brow was creased as he looked between us all.
"Well, normally, it's not a good idea to get between a pregnant woman and her food," I murmured. Emmett's mouth dropped open and Jasper's eyes flew wide. "Guys-"
"Bella's with child?" asked Emmett, standing up.
"Yes," I said, smiling. "We wanted to wait until she was further along before we told you, just in case something happened."
"You got Bella pregnant and now you are marrying her?" asked Jasper, nodding his head.
"Yes," I said.
"Please tell me that is not the only reason you are marrying her," he gritted out, teeth clenched tight. "Cause, goddamn it, Edward, she deserve better than that shit."
"Man, how can you even ask me that?" I snapped. "I fucking love her and I've wanted to marry her for months!"
"Ok, ok, I was just asking," muttered Jasper, putting his hands up.
"Sorry," I said, quietly. "I had to wait until she was ready. She's been through the asshole who forced her into too much and I am not about to do that to her. She was really freaked out about the baby, thinking I was going to hate her. I could never hate her, I love her so fucking much."
"Good," said Charlie. I looked over at him. "Because my baby girl, deserves that, Edward. She's terrified of somehow failing you and I know, in my heart I know, that you are going to take care of my daughter. You are going to treat her like princess, a queen, or I will kick your scrawny ass all over this town. Do you hear me?" he asked.
"You have my word, Charlie," I said, sincerely. "Bella and our baby are my life and I will not mistreat either of them."
"I believe you," he smiled. "Prove it to her."
Charlie turned and walked out of the room, leaving me with just my father, brother, and best friend. Emmett came over and placed his hand on my shoulder, clearing his throat as he said, "Congratulations, little Bro." He smiled and shook his head. "Hurt her and I'll help Charlie."
Emmett clapped me on the back and walked out, followed by Jasper who was laughing heartedly. Carlisle whistled and looked back at me. "I sure would hate to get on either of their bad sides," he chuckled.
"Me too," I muttered, raising my hands up to my hair. Carlisle grabbed my arms and stopped me before I ruined my hair.
"Alice will kill you if you mess your hair up," he said. "I don't really want to lose my son, and I'm pretty sure Bella doesn't want to lose you, either."
"Only pretty sure?" I asked.
"Eh, I'm just guessing," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Are you mad that we didn't tell you about the baby?" I asked. Carlisle laughed and shook his head.
"No, I'm more mad that I didn't figure it out," he sighed. "I'm a goddamn doctor. Here she's been sick as a dog, moody as hell, and I didn't think she could have been pregnant."
"It's been rough for her," I murmured.
"It'll get better," he smiled. "How far along is she?"
"Almost eleven weeks," I said, smiling. "It's been so damn crazy, Dad, but I am already in love with that baby."
"It doesn't take long," he chuckled. He placed his hand on my shoulder. "Edward, I'm not one for sentimental shit at all, but I wanted to tell you that I am so proud of you. You're a good man. I know that whatever happened before you came back was hard, but Bella saved you, too. I just want you to be happy, son," said Carlisle, blinking back his tears.
I took a deep breath. "Dad, I love her so much," I murmured. "She thinks I've done so much for her but, it was all her. All her. I just…"
"I know," whispered Carlisle. "I feel the same way about your mom, Edward. The same way."
Carlisle and I didn't say anything else as we headed out to the sanctuary. My nerves were running in full speed but I was also so excited. Emmett was sitting in the front pew with Rose. It was clear that they loved each other, and after what she told me about that asshole she used to be with, I knew he would be good to her. Rose deserved someone like Emmett. Carlisle moved over and slipped his arm around my mother, leaning in and kissing her cheek.
Jasper was sitting next Alice, who was beaming. As annoying as my little sister was, I loved her. She had a good heart and loved her family, all of her family, so much. She literally hurt when we hurt. Garrett and Kate were sitting behind them, next to Tyler and Lauren. They had all proven to be good friends to Bella and to me.
I moved over and stood in front of Reverend Weber, smiling at him. He merely nodded his head as the music started playing. Instinctively, I looked back at the back of the church. There she was, arm wrapped around her father's. My Isabella. She looked amazing and she had the most breathtaking smile on her face. My nerves disappeared as Charlie walked her down the aisle to me, placing her hand in mine.
He reached out and shook my head, silently telling me that he was happy for us, and that he would kill me if I ever hurt her. I shook his hand back, acknowledging both the threat and his approval. He moved over and stood next to my mother. Bella smiled at me as we turned and faced Reverend Weber.
However, before he could say anything, the back door to the church opened. We all looked back and I felt the bile rise up in my throat. The only person I had hoped I would never see again, was barging into my wedding. I could feel my face turning bright red, not from embarrassment or even humiliation but from pure anger.
"Edward, don't!" yelled Jessica. "You can't marry her."
I could feel Bella's eyes boring into me as she looked from Jessica and up to me. "Who is that?" she asked.
"Jessica," I gritted. Bella inhaled deeply as she looked over at her. I pulled Bella behind as I turned and looked at Jessica. "Get out of here."
"Edward, look, I know-"
"You know nothing, Jessica," I spat. "You come barging in here on my wedding day, and tell me not to marry the woman I am in love with."
"You love me," insisted Jessica, stepping forward. Alice sprang out of the pews, like a fucking ninja, and blocked her way.
"Get the fuck away from my brother, bitch," she sneered. Alice looked over her shoulder at Reverend Weber. "Sorry, Rev, but someone needs to tell this bitch how it is."
"I'm not here," Reverend Weber muttered, sitting back in one the seats behind him. "Carry on."
"Edward, we need to talk," said Jessica, putting her hands up. "I know I made some mistakes-"
"Mistakes," I laughed, harshly. "Mistakes is kind of an understatement, Jessica. I found you in our apartment, riding some fucking kid on our fucking couch," I hissed. Jessica flinched and I could feel everyone looking back at me. I hadn't told anyone other than Bella what had happened between me and Jessica. My eyes fluttered to a close with I felt Bella slip her hand into mine. "I want you to leave now, Jessica. Don't ever come back here, again. Don't come near me, or my wife, or my family, ever again."
"Edward-" She started.
"He said to leave, you stupid bitch," snapped Bella, stepping out from behind me. Jessica glared at her. "You've done enough fucking damage to him. I am really not in the mood to listen to your shit so get the fuck out of here before I kick your fake ass!"
"Who the hell do you think you are?" snapped Jessica.
"Jessica-"
"I'm his life," snapped Bella, interrupting me.
"I was once, too," she muttered.
"No, you weren't," I said. Jessica snapped her eyes over to me, gasping. "You were nothing more than someone I was settling for. I almost made the biggest mistake of my life by marrying you, Jessica. The fact that you could so easily throw me away like that…Bella would never do that to me."
"You don't know that," grumbled Jessica.
"I do," I said, slipping my arm around Bella's waist. "She saved me. I was nothing when she came to me, because of you. You have no idea how hurt I was that you could throw away all our time together. She doesn't care that I didn't want to go to medical school. She loves that I loved teaching, that I love standing in front of my classroom and teaching those kids. She loves me for me, and not who you think I should have been. Quite honestly, I give a fucking shit what you want anymore. I have the woman I was supposed to be with. You can go to hell."
I pulled Bella into my chest and headed to one of the side rooms off the sanctuary, leaving Jessica standing there gaping at me. Bella slipped her arms around me. I shut the door behind us, pulling her into my chest and closing my eyes. Our perfect moment had been ruined by that crazy ass bitch. Story of our fucking lives, I guess.
"Baby, I am so fucking sorry," I whispered. Bella pulled back and looked up at me.
"Why are you sorry?" she asked. "You didn't tell that bitch to come here, did you?"
"No, but-"
"There are no buts, Edward," smiled Bella. "She got jealous because she realized that you had moved on and she was alone. She thought she could come in and try to get you back but, Baby, your ass is mine and nobody is taking you from me."
"My ass is totally yours," I chuckled, leaning my forehead down on hers. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you," she whispered. "I really want to fuck you against the wall. Is that wrong?"
"Yes, only because we are in the church," I murmured. "I fully intend of fucking against the wall we when we get home."
"I suppose that will work," she sighed.
I leaned down, capturing her lips with mine and it was like time stood still. As our mouths moved against each others, there was just Edward and Bella. No crazy ex-girlfriends, no psychos except for the people we called our family. It was just us and were going to get through this little obstacle and every other thing thrown at us. This was nothing.
"Whoa," said Emmett. I pulled my lips from Bella's and looked over to see my brother standing in the doorway, trying his hardest to advert his eyes from us. "We got rid of the trash and we were wondering if we were going to have a wedding or…"
"Yes, we are having a wedding," smiled Bella. Emmett sighed in relief as he looked up at her.
"Good, cause Alice and Esme threatened to go find that little bitch and beat her ass if you two decided not to get married," he chuckled.
"As tempting as that is," giggled Bella, grabbing my hands. "Let's not keep them waiting."
I laughed with her as we followed Emmett back out to the sanctuary. Charlie and Carlisle were talking to Reverend Weber, while Rose had her arms around both Esme and Alice. It think she was trying to keep them from running after Jessica and beating her ass. Part of me, wanted to let them. Garrett, Kate, Tyler, and Lauren were just sitting there, clearly unsure of what to say or do. Emmett cleared his throat as Jasper came back into the sanctuary, nodding his head over at my brother. I thought about asking what that was about, but opted not to. There were just some things that weren't worth asking. Everyone looked over at me and Bella, with caution written on all their faces.
"Is everything ok?" asked Charlie, stepping away from Reverend Weber. "Bella?"
"Everything is fine, Dad," she said, leaning into me. "It's not perfect like we wanted but it's still great."
"Are we still having a wedding?" asked Esme, fretfully.
"Bella and I are still getting married," I said. I looked over at Reverend Weber. "As long as you are still willing to marry us."
"Of course I will," he smiled. "Let's get started."
As everyone moved back to their seats, smiles on their faces, Bella and I moved back so that we were standing in front of Reverend Weber. I brought Bella's hand up to my lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Reverend Weber cleared his throat and we looked up at him.
"We are gathered here today…."
-)&(-
"Oh my god, then Bella came running out of the school, screaming her head off about how the numbers were trying to eat her," laughed Kate, leaning back in her seat. We were all laughing, even Bella, who had her head buried in my chest. "I didn't think we were ever going to get her back into the school."
"I don't care what you say, they were after me," smiled Bella, looking back at Kate. "Besides, I blame you, Katie, for giving me way too much coffee."
"You were the one who said you had to study all night for the SAT's," she smirked. I laughed and shook my head.
"I don't know why you are laughing, Edward," said Esme, giving me a look. "Do I need to tell everyone about the phone I got after your first midterm at UT?"
"No," I groaned, ducking me head.
"YES!" screamed Bella, Alice, Rose, Kate, and Lauren.
I rolled my eyes at everyone as I picked up my glass of water, taking a small sip. We were sitting in the dining room at Carlisle and Esme's house, enjoying the delicious meal that Alice had arranged for us. My wife was nestled up next to me, arm looped through mine and a smile on her face. We had officially been married for three whole, blissful hours. She looked up at me, blushing a rosy pink.
"Ok, so it was at the first part of November, and I was in the middle of class when my cell phone went off," started Esme. I closed my head, ducking my head.
"Mother," I muttered.
"Now, I normally wouldn't have my phone on but the weather had been bad and I was worried about Bella and Alice, who had gone to Wellington to play basketball. So I dug my phone out of my purse and there was my baby boy," smiled Esme.
"Mother," I said, again while everyone laughed at her calling me baby boy. She, however, just waved me off.
"I answered the phone and heard this sniffling," she continued. "I asked him what was wrong but he wouldn't say anything. After trying four times, I told him to just tell me already. He said that he had taken a midterm in his biology class and only made a ninety-three percent."
"It was a not a ninety-three," I said, defending myself as everyone looked over at me. "It was ninety-one."
"Cause those two points make all the difference, Eddie," laughed Kate.
"Kate, don't call me Eddie," I muttered.
Bella laughed and looked up at me, smiling widely. "You really freaked out over a getting an A minus on your midterm?" she asked.
"I did," I admitted. "I was young and stupid then."
"Compared to being the old and stupid man you are now," piped up Alice. She was leaning against Jasper, smiling as she held her wine glass in her hands.
"Exactly," I smirked.
"Ok, enough embarrassing stories." Charlie chuckled as he stood up, holding his beer up to us. "I would like to propose a toast." We all picked up our glasses, me and Bella holding sparkling white cider. "To Bella and Edward, who alone today proved that not even the skankiest of bitches can tear you apart."
"Dad," laughed Bella, shaking her head. "I can't believe you just said skankiest and bitch in my wedding toast."
Charlie waved her off and continued you on. "The two of you have shown us all how to fight for each other, how to let go of the pain that often holds us down, and to love each other," said Charlie. His lip trembled as he took a deep breath. "I'm proud to have you both as my children and, I call dibs on spoiling the grandchild."
"No way, Charlie Swan," laughed Esme, standing up. She looped her arm through his. "We get to share in spoiling duty."
"Ok, I can do that," smiled Charlie. "To Bella and Edward."
"To Bella and Edward," murmured everyone, raising their glasses to us. Bella and I turned to each other.
"To us," I whispered.
"To us," she whispered, back. I leaned in and captured her lips with mine, sighing at the contact. Bella smiled against my lips before pulling back. "I'm ready to go home."
"Me too," I whispered. Looking back at everyone, I found them all discretely looking away, even if they were all smiling to themselves. "Bella and I are heading home. Thank you all for coming today. For sticking with us through all the crap and, mostly, just being you."
"Aw, I'm going to cry," chuckled Emmett. I rolled my eyes as I stood up, bringing Bella up with me.
"Except for you, you ass," I smirked.
Emmett feigned hurt but Rose leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Based on the glazed over look on his face, it wasn't anything we wanted to hear. Everyone followed me and Bella out into the living room. Bella started hugging everyone, starting with Garrett and Kate, followed by Tyler and Lauren. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked over to see Emmett, smiling at my wife.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here for you more after you came back," he said, looking over at me. "If I had known…"
"I didn't want anyone to know," I murmured. "None of you liked her and I didn't want to be told that you were right."
"We would have," admitted Emmett, smiling. He looked back over at Bella, who was cuddled up with Alice and Rose. "She's been good for you, Edward. You've done amazing things for her, but I think she's done more for you."
"She has," I whispered. "Just like Rose has for you."
"I love her," murmured Emmett, looking at me. "I'm going to marry her and have babies with her. I am never letting her go."
"Good," I said, placing my hand on his shoulder. "Cause that woman deserves it all, Em."
"I know," he said, quietly.
As Bella made her way over to her father, Emmett headed over to Rose. He pulled her into his arms, bringing her as close he could. Rose melted into his arms and I knew they were going to have a long and happy life together. My attention shifted over to Bella, who was being hugged by Charlie. She had her head on his chest and they were laughing. It was nice to see them getting even closer than they already were.
"My darling boy, have I told you that I am proud of you?" asked Esme, sliding her arm in with mine.
"A few times over the years," I said, looking over at my mother.
"Good grades, academic and sport accomplishments are nothing compared to the pride I feel for you right now," she smiled. "Edward, not every man would do what you have done for that girl."
"I know that," I said, looking over at Bella. "But I needed her, Mom. Way more than she needed me."
"Perhaps," murmured Esme. She leaned in and kissed my check. "I love you, Edward. You are good man. You are going to be good husband to Bella. You are going to be an amazing father."
"Thank you, Mom," I whispered, feeling the tears building in my eyes.
"Are you ready?" asked Bella, sliding back into my arms.
"Yes," I murmured. "More than ready."
Bella smiled as she leaned up and kissed me, quickly, before we headed out to my car. I shook my head at the cheesy decorations that covered my car; the streamers, tin cans tied to the bumper, and the shoe polish on the windows that announced to the world that Bella and I were married. Somehow, I knew this was Emmett and Jasper's doing and I couldn't find it in myself to be mad at them.
I helped Bella into the front seat of the car and ran around to my side. Climbing in, I noticed all our family and friends on the porch, watching us as we headed home for our first night together as man and wife. Bella looked over and waved at them all, before turned back to me. She had tears swimming in her eyes but I knew they were tears of joy and happiness.
I reached over and grabbed her hand, bringing it up to my lips. She smiled as I shifted the car into drive and we headed home. I pulled into our driveway a few minutes later, feeling happy and nervous for some reason. Trying to shake off those nerves, I climbed out of the car and headed around to help my wife out. Bella placed her hand into my, and helped her out.
We made our way into the house, locking the front door behind us. Without saying anything, we headed into the bedroom, kicking off our shoes and turning to face one another. I suddenly felt like a virgin, planning on making love for the first time. Bella reached up to take off the gold locket from around her neck but I reached out and stopped her.
"Let me," I murmured.
She merely smiled and turned around. I ran my hands over her shoulders and grasped the clasp in between my fingers. Bella shivered but I knew it had nothing to do with being cold. I removed the locket, laying on top of the dresser and lowered my lips down onto her neck, slowly moving them up until I reached her ear.
"You look so fucking amazing," I whispered.
"Edward," she moaned, letting her head fall back on my shoulder.
I ran my hands down her arms, lifting them up and wrapping them around my neck. Her fingers automatically wove themselves in my hair and it was my turn to shiver. I turned my lips back to her neck as I brought my hands down her side and back of her dress. Slowly lowering the zipper, I let the dress pool at her feet. Looking at her through the mirror that stood in the corner of our room, my breath caught in my chest. She looked beautiful. Her eyes met mine and she smiled, wickedly.
"I believe, Mr. Cullen, that you promised to do something to me that consisted of me against a wall, didn't you?" she asked, seductively. My cock twitched against the front of my pants.
"I did," I murmured, reaching up and released the clasp on her bra, letting it fall to the floor at her feet. Her nipples were peaked and hard. I brought my hands around, rubbing her sensitive nipples under my fingers.
"Edward," she moaned, pushing her breasts into my hands. "Please."
"Please, what, Baby?" I asked, nipping on her skin. "Tell me what you want."
"You," she cried. "Just you."
"You have me," I whispered, spinning her around.
In what can only be explained as a flurry, I tore off my suit, tossing it carelessly around the room, until I was standing in front of her butt naked. I pressed Bella into the wall behind her and gripped the side of her panties, pulling them down slowly. I dropped them on the floor and looked up at her. She was watching me with hooded eyes, lust and love shining out of her. I pulled her leg up, placing it on my shoulder and brought my mouth down onto her pussy.
Bella moaned, grinding herself down on my tongue. She was wet, dripping for me and I was lapping up as much as I could of her. She reached down and gripped my hair in her hands, pulling hard. That only egged me on, knowing that I was pushing her over the edge. Bella began whimpering and I could tell she was getting close. I sucked her clit into my mouth, and bit down just enough to bring her pleasure.
"OH FUCK," she screamed, releasing my hair only to hit the wall behind her as she came hard.
I savored everything she gave me, letting her pour into mouth before I stood up and pressed myself against her. Bella moaned as she leaned in and kissed me, tasting herself on me. I gripped her hips in my hands, lifting her off the ground. She wrapped her legs around my waist. My cock was nestles just outside of her wet sex, begging to be let in. I pulled my lips from hers.
"I love you, Mrs. Cullen," I murmured, sliding into her.
"Oh, God, I love you, too!" she cried out.
As always, she was warm around me, tight and just perfect. Our bodies moved with each others, making the other moan or whimper with need. Our hearts were connected, even if they sat in separate chests. I grabbed Bella's hand, lacing my fingers in with hers and holding it above her head as I moved in and out of her, loving her. As our bodies shook, with our mutual releases, we slid to the floor with our bodies still wrapped around each other. I was wrapped in the arms of my wife, my soul mate, my everything.