Dedicated with all of my love, to Shannon.
8 Months Later
_
"Limo's here!" Alice hollered from the front room, "Get your asses out here, let's go!"
"Bella, don't even attempt to run in those shoes, you're going to kill yourself and then Edward will kill us and that would suck because our bridesmaid dresses are fuck hot." Rose reached out to grab my elbow as I teetered once in the ridiculous black shoes.
"I probably shouldn't wear these damn things." I muttered, "And yes, Edward is probably going to kill you both when he sees this getup you sausaged me into."
"Oh stop." Alice admonished as she handed me a small black purse, "We're going to have the best night ever. And Edward isn't going to be there so there will be no killing of the friends."
I took one last look in a long mirror on the back of Rose's bedroom door while Alice ran outside to speak with the driver. Edward would definitely be smashing heads in, or seriously contemplating it, if he saw me walk out of the house in this one. The rose gold, shimmery, mini dress covered my ass, that's about all it covered. My hair hung in long heavy waves down to my waist and Alice and Rose had both attacked my face with eye makeup and lipstick and the results were actually quite stunning. Which was a good thing because they were also going to do my makeup for the wedding in a few days.
I sighed and touched the ring on my finger. It had been eight months since Edward had asked me to marry him. A whirlwind of eight months, though. We decided to go to counseling together as a couple, to really get our shit straight before we made the lifelong commitment. There had been some real emotional sessions, but we came out on top and strong. We were a team now, it wasn't me versus the irrational anger of Edward. And it wasn't Edward versus the enabler in me. Were we perfect? No. Things were bound to go wrong here and there, but we were better equipped to handle the ups and downs in life together.
My phone chimed in my purse and I dug it out as I heard Alice run back into the house.
Hey, Baby. I'm gonna miss you tonight, you sure we can't ditch these fools and makeout on the couch instead?
You know there is nothing I'd rather be doing than making out with you on the couch, but our friends want to take us out. Are you okay?
Yeh, Sweetheart, I'm good. You do me a favor?
Anything.
You call or text me if you want me to come get you. Don't hesitate, Bella.
I will, I promise.
I know I shouldn't, but I worry.
I know you do, Edward. I promise to let you know if I need you. I love you.
I love you, Bella.
Have fun tonight . . . but not too much.
Trust me, I won't.
Okay, I gotta run, Alice is freaking out because the car is here.
Tell the midget to calm herself.
Edward.
Sorry. I'm trying here.
I know and I appreciate it. I love you! I'll message you later. MWAH
I love you. xo
"I'm coming!" I shouted down the hall as I shoved the phone back into my bag.
I wiggled into the back of the car between my two friends, Rose handed me a glass of champagne and grinned, "Here's to crazy love, great friends, and years of happiness."
I'd only met Rose about seven months earlier when she and Emmett reconnected, but it was an instant friendship that I was beyond grateful to have.
"Crazy love, great friends and happiness!" Alice and I laughed as we all sipped the bubbly drink.
. . . .
"So our first stop . . ." Alice grinned as the car pulled up in front of a little lingerie boutique.
"Shopping!" Rose grabbed my hand and pulled as she exited the car.
The glass door opened and a woman, dressed all in black, stepped out to greet us with a smile, "Welcome, ladies. Please, come in, browse and enjoy your shopping experience."
"Oh my god, did you guys rent a shop?" I looked around at the tables covered in lace and satin, drawers spilled forth with silky stockings, beautiful gowns billowed from padded hangers on walls.
"Well, we get two hours to drink champagne, try on pretties, and make purchases." Alice picked up two glasses of champagne and handed one to me, "Come on, let's get you something that will bring Edward to his knees and beg you to end his misery."
I browsed slowly, sipping my champagne, stopping in front of a display of a red lacy bustier.
"No. Nuh uh, this isn't right." Rose came up behind me, "You don't need the red." I turned to look at her, "Trust me?"
"Sure."
"Excellent!" Her crimson painted lips turned up, "Follow me, I found the perfect thing. Sweet, but definitely not innocent." She winked.
Rose stopped short in front of a display of frilly panties and teddies.
"Oh my god, it's perfect. Absolutely perfect, he'll die." I sat my glass down and reached for one of the teddies, a metallic grey blue color with a halter neckline that plunged down the front made of a soft cream colored lace. Flipping it over eagerly I held the garment up for inspection. Champagne colored ribbon laced up the lower back. It was exquisite.
"I have to have this." I breathed out a wistful sigh, "It's fit for a princess." I twisted the price tag in my fingers and chewed my lip. Not that I couldn't drop two hundred dollars, I just hadn't planned on doing it tonight.
"Very well then." Alice plucked the lingerie from my fingers, "This is your size?"
"Yes, but where are you going?"
"Don't worry, Bells. Rose and I got this. It's our gift to you." Alice turned on her heel and walked across the room, "Don't you need a garter? Perhaps two? One for Edward to find later?"
Two garters, two panty sets and three glasses of champagne later, we crawled back into the limo.
"Now what? And I pray you all say food, because I am in desperate need."
"We have reservations for that little steak place you like so much." Alice said while scanning her phone screen.
"Have I told you how much I love you girls?"
xEx
"I know Bella said I have to hang out with you fuckers tonight, but I really don't want to."
"Dude. The girls are going to kill us if they find out we let you sit at home for the night like a little bitch." Emmett looked down at his phone, "Plus we have to get you in for one last fitting before we eat."
"He's right, man. We promised Bella we'd get that fitting out of the way. You wanna ditch us after that, fine, but I think sitting at home wondering what she's doing isn't going to improve your mood." Even though Jasper made a good point, it didn't mean I had to acknowledge it. We may not have always seen eye to eye, but he was turning out to be not so bad. Super fucking chill guy, almost gave me the heebie jeebies. You know someone that chill has got some fucked up shit going on inside.
"Did you know that chicks go to strip clubs for bachelorette parties?" My inner rambling was driving me insane. Just imagining Bella sitting on a darkened stage with strange dick in her face made me want to come unhinged.
Emmett glanced down at me, "No strip joints, man. Rosie said they were going shopping, then to dinner and out to get some drinks and dancing."
"Dancing?" I felt my eyebrow hit my hairline.
"Chill. She's yours, Edward. No need to worry." Jasper sat down next to me at the kitchen table. The exact table I'd laid Bella out on earlier in the morning and proceeded to give her three orgasms before she begged me to stop. My cock stirred at the memory, pushing against the button fly of my jeans.
"I'm not worried she's going to leave me." Much.
. . . . .
The suit I had picked for the wedding was navy with a silver grey tie and white shirt. Bella had asked me what I was comfortable in and the planning would go from there. She was still putting me first, even when I tried to tell her that she could pick everything including my suit. I just wanted everything to be perfect for her. She had been with me for the last fitting and even though the pants had still been pinned up, the jacket still hadn't been fully put together, the sweetness in her eyes had brought about an intense ache in my heart. She looked so happy, so pleased and so lovely.
My jaw tensed as I tried on the now finished suit, the tie slipped through its loop easily, I adjusted the knot, tugged on the sleeves of the jacket and stepped back.
"Not bad, Cullen." Emmett whistled and grinned at me in the reflection of the mirror, "You do that getup justice."
"Not too shabby." Jasper stood and did a walk around, his finger poked at a loose string near my shoulder, "This going to be fixed?" He raised an eyebrow in the direction of the tailor.
"Yes, Sir. Tonight we do the final fitting and make any last adjustments to the garment so that it will be ready before the wedding date."
Jasper must have been pleased with this answer because he nodded once and sat back down in the brown leather chair he'd commandeered. Dude was so fucking chill it almost made shit awkward. I couldn't say it didn't hurt to have him around though, his attention to detail was more than appreciated.
We walked back out to Emmett's Jeep and I looked around, "Now what?"
"Food." Emmett unlocked the doors and Jasper and I climbed into the lifted vehicle, "Burgers or whatever you want, man."
"Burgers are good, beer is better." I let my head drop back in the seat and stared at the traffic on the street in front of us.
"Perfect. Burgers and beers it is." Emmett turned the ignition and the radio blared some Macklemore shit.
I turned to look at Jasper in the backseat, "You good with burgers?"
"Yup."
I eyed him speculatively for a moment. His beard had gotten pretty lumberjack as of late, his eyes were hidden behind a pair of aviators and his long blond hair was pulled back in a douche poof, man bun.
"You okay, man? Seriously, you've always been chill, but you're on a whole new level here."
"Just been a long week."
Emmett glanced at him in the rearview mirror, "Everything good with Alice?"
Sometimes I wondered how he dealt with her, she was such a spazzy midget. But hey, to each his own, I mean, look at Bella, she was with me and I'm sure there were plenty of people who wondered how in the fuck she dealt with me.
"Alice is great."
Huh. That sounded like a load of crap to me, but I wasn't going to push to hear about this sap story. If dude wanted to open up, fine, but I wasn't about pulling teeth.
"Cool." I turned back and caught Em's eye, he shrugged and we drove the rest of the way to dinner with music blaring.
xBx
"Margaritas!" Alice announced joyfully as the waitress set our drinks on the table. She'd been above and beyond her normal peppy self and I watched in concern as she drained half of her drink in one gulp.
Whatever it was that she was dealing with, she was apparently happy to drown it in tequila.
"You okay, Alice?" Her bright blue eyes met mine, thick black lashes blinked once. Rose leaned in on her elbows a slight frown maring her beauty pageant worthy face.
"I'm fine." Her pink nails tapped at her glass, "Why would you think differently?"
Rose took the lead, "Um, because we all know you're a bit excitable, but tonight you're over the top. Not to mention you've had four glasses of champagne and just about plowed through that margarita in one sip." Rose tilted her head and eyed me before looking back to Alice.
"I'm fine. It's Bella's night! We should not be worried about anything in the world other than having fun." Alice's smile was Cheshire Cat huge and faker than the boobs on our waitress.
"Not gonna let it go, Alice. I know you want to have fun tonight, for me, but I'm still your best friend and I know that something is going on and I won't rest until I know what it is."
"Fine. But not tonight." Alice worried the linen napkin between her fingers. "We can talk tomorrow."
I sighed and glanced again at Rose who shrugged, "Fine. Tomorrow. But I'm not letting you off the hook."
"And neither am I." Rose added as she squeezed a lime wedge into her glass.
. . . . . .
We spent a good two hours at dinner, laughing and discussing wedding details. Alice chilled on the alcohol and ordered water and started to relax and act more like her old self as soon as the conversation was flowing.
Not going to lie, I was truly worried about her. She wasn't the type to binge drink or hide when she had something going on in her life. I knew I'd have to pry it out of her though, I had a hard time believing her when she said she'd open up after tonight was over. If she wasn't going to talk, I wasn't going to dwell too hard on it though.
"Ready to pay the bill and hit the dance floor?" Alice grinned and plunked her credit card down on top of the bill.
"So ready!" Rose lifted her phone camera and swiped red gloss over her lips. "Selfie for Em." Alice and I stared as she fluffed her hair and pouted her lips like a pro, "Blow job." The camera clicked and Alice and I laughed.
"What?" Rose flipped the phone around so we could see her photo, not gonna lie, it was hot. "Listen, if you want to send a sexy photo to your man, you gotta be thinking that way. Emmett is going to be at home harder than a jackhammer tonight." Rose winked at us as she texted the photo out. "Up your game, ladies, your men need a little reminder now and then about what's coming home to them."
"Alright, let me try it." I grabbed my phone and turned the camera on myself, "Oh my god! No! That was bad, double chin and all." I laughed and fumbled the phone for a minute before holding it up to my face. I attempted a pout and batted my lashes, "Blow job." The words tripped over my tongue and I took the photo.
"Huh." I looked at the selfie and lifted my eyebrows.
"Let's see it!" Alice reached across me to grab my phone, took one look and lost her shit laughing. "Oh my god, Bella. Send this! Send. This. Now." She turned the screen toward Rose who let out a long whistle.
"Girl, we need to work on your selfie game, but I agree, send that shit. Classic Bella."
"I don't know. I look like I'm having a hard time controlling my face." I stared at the photo and started laughing. "Okay, I'm sending it."
Thinking about you! Xoxox
I tossed the phone back in my purse and finished my iced tea. "Ready when you guys are."
...
We got to the club and waited for the bouncer to let us in, the air was getting a little chilly, so the three of us were doing the cold dance, you know, bouncing on your toes, rubbing your hands over your arms and trying to maintain a decent amount of conversation so we weren't too overwhelmed by the cool night air.
"I have to pee." Alice groaned and tossed her head back.
"I bet we're in in the next five minutes." Rose stepped out of line and eyed the bouncer at the door, very casually she left us, making her way up the sidewalk and started a conversation with the giant man at the door, she laughed, then turned and pointed toward Alice and me, waving us to come up.
"Thank you so much, Alec. We truly appreciate your kindness." Rose blew the bouncer a kiss over her shoulder and we entered the club.
"Bathroom first! Then drinks." Alice grabbed my hand and the three of us wove our way through the small crowd of people milling about with drinks.
"You know, this is the bar where Edward and I sort of got back together." I waited on Alice to finish using the toilet.
"Same for me and Em." Rose smiled, "This is a good place to celebrate your upcoming nuptials."
"I chose it for a reason." Alice announced as she came out of the stall and moved to wash her hands, "It's got a good vibe. We need good vibes." She dabbed gloss on her lips and swung back to us, "Let's go grab a drink and people watch."
...
"Washington Apple, please." I leaned into the bar and shouted over the music. Alice was sipping a martini and Rose had a beer. The people watching was fantastic tonight. We'd already seen a guy dressed as Waldo dancing with a girl dressed as Princess Peach, you know, the character from the Mario games, and a group of women who were also out for a bachelorette party, dressed as Disney princesses. I'd always wanted to dress up as Snow White, she was always my favorite princess. Maybe for Halloween this year I could talk Edward into being my prince.
The three of us wandered over to a tall bar table and grabbed seats to finish our drinks. Alice and Rose were busy talking about an upcoming fashion show, so I took the opportunity to fish my phone out of my purse to check messages.
I can't wait to have that face back home in a few hours. Out with the guys. Jasper is fucking weird as shit.
We're at the bar having some drinks, having fun. Alice has been weird tonight too. I don't want to worry about it, but you know me.
I do know you. Just let it go for tonight, babe. Enjoy yourself, but not too much. ;) I miss you. I'm gonna spread you out across the table again when you get home. I need a snack.
I could feel my face heat up and knew my ears would be tipped pink, my thighs automatically squeezed together.
You're thinking about it, aren't you? Letting me lick you until you cum. Fuck. My dick is so hard now and I'm in public. I might have to come find you.
My breath caught in my throat and I glanced at Rose and Alice who were still sipping drinks and deep in conversation, Alice's hands waving around in excitement.
I can't wait to get home to you. Now stop before I have to excuse myself to the bathroom.
Send pics.
Stop. I'm not sending you pics.
I decided a selfie would be okay, but this time I didn't try to be sexy as that was a complete disaster. I just smiled and sent the picture.
You are gorgeous, baby. I'm the luckiest guy. So sweet and beautiful. I love you. Be safe.
I love you, too. And I'm just as lucky. xoxo Be good.
I dropped my phone back into my purse before another message could come through and draw my attention away from my friends even more.
"Alright, I know you're not a dancer, Bells, but we are going to move this to the floor. You can just stand and bop at us." Rose pointed at me and finished her beer.
"I'm okay with bopping." I laughed as Alice demonstrated for us the most awkward looking dance; bending her knees and bouncing.
Rose grabbed my hand and the three of us left our empty drinks behind to head for the dancefloor as an old OutKast song came on. The base thrummed in my chest as we wiggled our way toward the center of the room.
Groups of people swayed and moved like waves in the ocean. Every once in a while another girl would join our small group and we'd all sing and laugh like old friends.
"I'm sorry Ms. Jackson..!" Alice threw her hands in the air and shook her butt in my direction. The heels I was wearing were stupid tall and the alcohol wasn't helping my balance.
I jumped when a hand wrapped around my waist and laughed when Rose pressed against my back and yelled, "Just wiggle, like this." She moved my hips and we laughed. "Pretend you're having sex with Edward, that's all you have to do, roll your hips and shake your ass a little."
I loved being with my girlfriends, I enjoyed their company and that they always included me even when they knew I'd probably look like an ass.
The three of us danced through a few songs before Alice excused herself to get a drink.
"What the hell is with her?" Rose leaned into my ear, "I'm worried. And I swear to god I'll kick Jasper in his balls if he's fucking with her."
I shrugged and leaned into her, "I honestly don't know. She's never this quiet about anything. I just hope that she's okay. Edward said Jasper was being weird tonight too." I shrugged, watching Alice at the smaller bar ordering a beer. Whatever they were going through, I just hoped it wasn't about to break my best friend's heart.
"AHH! I love this song!" I started moving, ignoring the wobble in my shoes and singing loud. My arms went up in the air as I sang along, "Biggie Biggie Biggie can't you see sometimes your words just hypnotize me. And I just love your flashy ways, guess that's why they broke, and you're so paid."
I closed my eyes and just let my body move with the beat. This was the most I'd ever danced in public, the drinks were definitely helping me to relax, no more bopping for this girl. I laughed to myself and danced with Rose.
"Hey! How's it going?"
Turning I saw two guys standing next to Rose and I, still no sign of Alice.
I tossed a quick, "Hey" at him and turned back to Rose who was wearing a warning sign on her face. I was surprised they hadn't walked away by now, Rose has the most epic fuck off face. I wish mine was that good, but I typically just look more irritated than badass.
"Mind if we join you ladies?" The taller one was staring at Rose like he wanted to eat her and it made my stomach twist a little, just a little because I knew Rose could handle herself. If Emmett saw the look on that guy's face though, dead city.
"This is girl's night, so no boys." I slowly moved closer to Rose while Black Keys played in the background.
"Awww, that's a shame. Such beautiful ladies." The stocky dark haired guy tilted his head at me and smiled. His neck was so thick I wondered if he had been a football player.
"Super taken." I shouted over the drums, showing my hand and the ring that glittered under the lights.
Apparently dude took it to mean I wanted to dance, he grabbed my hand and pulled me away from Rose faster than I could blink. Big guy moved in front of Rose and that's all I saw of her.
"Let go of my hand, please." I pulled hard causing the guy to stumble a little, he looked back at me and grinned. His teeth were white and insanely straight, and they creeped me the hell out.
"Let's have some fun."
"Fuck you. Let go!" I pulled my foot back and kicked him in the back of his knee. Thank you, fashion gods for putting me in these shoes tonight, maximum pointed toe into his leg brought him to a stop.
"Fuck, lady. I just wanted to have some fun. You don't have to be a bitch!" He spat the words at me.
From behind me I heard yelling in the crowd and figured Rose had laid the big guy out, now I just needed to get this asshole to let go of my damn fingers that were being crushed between his.
A blur of movement caught my eye and my hand was free.
"Fucking call her a bitch again, I will fucking kill you." Edward was standing between me and the guy who had been holding my hand. "Fucking touch her, I fucking dare you." I realised that Edward was holding the guy by the front of his shirt and had dragged him in close to his face.
Walk the Moon played in the background of this very surreal scene that was playing out in front of me. How did Edward get here? How did he know we were here? Where the fuck was Alice?
"Edward." I reached out and put a hand on his arm. He was vibrating with anger, his chest heaved and his face was murderous. "Baby, let's go home. Come on."
Now, I had seen Edward angry before, many times, but I had never seen him this messed up. His arm was rock hard and the guy he was holding on to looked like he was about to shit his pants. I'd probably shit my pants too if I were him. Edward was scary because he wasn't afraid of being hit, he didn't care if he bled or bruised, and that made him downright frightening.
"Baby, I'm fine. I'm okay. Let's go home and have a snack." This got his attention, he turned his head toward me, his dark eyes blinking in the flashing lights.
"Bella." He looked back at the guy he still held onto, "You're a piece of shit." He let go of him with a little shove and the guy fell on the floor, turned, got up and walked away quickly.
xEx
Bella sent me that selfie picture and I just had to get my hands on her. I knew it was supposed to be a night out for her and the girls, but shit. She's just so damn perfect and cute and sweet. I needed to see her, even if I didn't talk to her. I recognised the bar they were at from the background of the photo she had sent, and talked Emmett and Jasper into going over for a beer.
As soon as we walked in, Jasper scanned the room and bowed out when he found Alice at the small beer bar closest to where the masses were sweating on each other.
"For real with that guy." Emmett shouted over the music and we worked our way to the bar.
"Scotch on the rocks, coke for my driver." I handed over a wad of cash, "Keep the tip."
Emmett and I sat at the bar, my eyes roaming the heads and bodies of people dancing. I saw Bella and Rose together, Bella had her hands in the air, eyes closed, her body swayed with the beat and I made a mental note to add the song that was playing to my phone. My eyes dragged down her body, she was wearing a dress I had never seen before. It was tiny, it was glittery, and her ass looked fantastic in it, as a matter of fact, her ass was almost hanging out of it. As I fantasized about what was to come tonight, I adjusted myself accordingly.
"What the fuck." Emmett growled next to me, pushing his drink away.
I brought my gaze back to the girls, just in time to see some clueless bastard grab Bella's hand. Emmett was up and hulking his way through the crowd toward Rose and I made a beeline for Bella. Heat built in my chest, watching her being dragged off, she must have done something because he stumbled and called her a bitch.
I snapped.
...
"You okay?" We stood outside the bar and I draped my jacket over Bella's bare shoulders.
"Yeh. I'm okay. How about you?"
Her brown eyes looked so sad and worried. Fuck, my heart was about to burst.
"I'm okay. I promise, Bells. I just .." I pulled my hair tight between my fingers and let out a heavy breath. "I snapped. I don't know. I just saw you trying to get away, I saw him pulling you and he called you a bitch and I snapped."
Bella's hand wrapped around mine, "But you stopped. And you didn't hit him."
"I wanted to. Fuck I wanted to lay him out. I wanted to watch him hit the floor." What the fuck was wrong with me? Why did I want that so much?
"I think it's normal to feel that way when someone you love is in a bad situation." She placed one cool hand on the side of my face, "But you didn't give in to that anger and you controlled yourself and you listened to me."
"Come on, the car is here for us, we can talk more when we get home." She dragged me to the limo that the girls had rented for the evening. Emmett had taken Rose home in the Jeep and Jasper and Alice hadn't been seen since we arrived, we just assumed they grabbed a cab. Whatever was going on between the two of them, they obviously didn't want to drag us into it.
I rested my head on Bella's lap in the car. Her fingers twisted and twirled through my hair, her honey sweet perfume surrounded me and I felt a soothing calmness settling over me. My fingers dragged up her shin, down to her ankle, back up to her knee in a back and forth pattern.
The car dropped us off on the curb outside the apartment, hand in hand, we made our way up two flights, silent except for the shuffle of my boots and the clicking of her heels.
I unlocked the door and held it open for Bella to enter, she looked beautiful in her little dress with my too big leather jacket draped over her shoulders. She dropped her purse on the entry table and I locked the door. I followed through the dark apartment as she walked straight to the bedroom, flipped on a lamp, and dropped my jacket on a chair in the corner of the room. Slowly, she lowered the zipper at the side of the dress and I watched as the sparkly material slid down her body, her feet moved to side step the dress that was now a puddle on the floor and she turned to face me. She wore a pink strapless bra and matching panties and the damn shoes. My brain started to turn to mush.
"Edward." Her voice was soft, melting my heart.
I pulled my shirt off and kicked my boots into a corner with my socks. I zeroed in on the small tattoo at her hip and traced my finger over it through the lace, moving my finger over her hip, up the curve of her waist. I was mesmerised by the small chill bumps that bloomed across her pale skin as I skimmed her ribs with three fingertips.
"You looked beautiful tonight." My finger traced the side of her breast up toward her shoulder before resting at the pulse in her neck. "Your hair was all over the place, I wanted to run my hands through it. I wanted to dance with you, move with you. I'm putting that song on my phone so I can watch you dance at home."
"Any time you want." She smiled and my whole world righted itself. "I can't wait to marry you."
She reached up, her fingers sliding into the hair at the back of my head and tugged me into her mouth, her tongue tracing lines over my lips. I gripped her ass in my hands and lifted her until she wrapped her legs around my waist. I kissed her until she pulled back to catch her breath, I took the opportunity to nip at her throat, licking from the dip at the front to her jaw.
Turning I stepped toward the large bed and dropped Bella on top of the tangle of blankets and sheets. I crawled over her, my skin burning where hers touched my own, "I'm going to make you so happy. I promise."
My lips dropped to her throat, a sigh left her as she arched her neck inviting me to take more. Bella's hands ran through my hair twice, scratching at my scalp before she pulled my mouth to her own. I bit down on her pouty lower lip, running my tongue over it's pillowy softness. I could taste her lip gloss and alcohol.
"Washington apple." I murmured, and licked again at her lip. Bella's hips pressed against my own, her leg running over my jean covered calf. I could feel the heel of one of those sexy as sin shoes press insistently, moving closer to my ass.
"Impatient tonight, are we?"
"Always." Her smile was brief, her lips and teeth pulling at my neck, nails dragging across my back.
xBx
"Hold still." Alice hissed in my face while I twisted a tissue in my fingers. "You're going to look like a drunk panda bear if you keep moving." The brush she used on my eyelids swooshed back and forth, "I need to get the blending just right."
It was wedding day and I was holed up in a hotel room with Rose and Alice. We wore matching robes, mine in white, theirs in black, our names embroidered in pink on the front lapel, a bottle of champagne sat open on the windowsill and Rose had music playing over a speaker.
"Oh my god, I might vomit. Like, I truly might need to go puke." My stomach was so bubbly and anxious. I wasn't worried about the actual getting married to Edward part, but more about standing up in front of people and them looking at me.
"If you're gonna puke, do it now before we get you dressed. Be sure to brush and use mouthwash when you're done." Rose was always the practical one.
"Don't fucking tell her to puke!" Alice muttered. "As if we need something else to deal with."
"Sometimes you gotta purge to feel better. No shame." Rose inspected her fingernails and winked at me, knowing she was pressing Alice's buttons on purpose. No one wanted me puking tonight.
"I just don't do well with public speaking and people staring." I worried the tissue in my hands into shreds.
"Look," Alice put the brush down and took my clammy hands into her own, "This is for you and Edward. You don't have to speak any louder than you would if you two were alone. Who gives a shit if no one else can hear you. You and Edward are a team, all that matters is that you know he's got your back and you know he'd never let you fall." She took a deep breath and pushed my bangs aside, "Listen, Bells, people are going to watch. But it's only family. It's not strangers, and you know they all love you. You need to take the confidence that you feel in your relationship and wear that shit like a cape. We love you. Edward absolutely adores you. This is your day and we are here to support you" Alice straightened her shoulders and stared at me, a sadness rolled through her dark eyes, "Let's get you married."
And just like that, she wiped all of that emotion out of her eyes and hugged me, "I love you, Ali."
There was a knock at the door, "I'll get it, it's Em." Rose sauntered in her robe to the door and returned shortly after with a box and a card.
"For you, Bells." She placed the items on the table in front of me. I stared at Edward's elegant print on the envelope and felt my throat start to close up.
"Shit, she's gonna cry. Get the tissue." Alice shoved a wad of tissues into my hand, "Don't cry too much, we don't have a lot of time to fix your mascara."
"I'm not gonna cry. I'm okay." I breathed deep and reached for the card slipping the flap open. Inside was a hand drawn picture of Edward and I, holding hands. He was truly a great artist, he just never put it out there. I ran my fingers over the black lines and smiled.
Dear Bella,
Words can not express how lucky I feel today to be marrying my best friend. You've been my rock, even when you shouldn't have had to be. Your faith in me never wavered, even when you had every damn right to walk away and not look back.
I am forever blown away by your kindness, your beauty, and your heart. I will always love you. I will always want to make you smile. I will always support you and have your back.
I adore you, baby. Let's get married.
Love,
Edward
Slipping the card safely back into its envelope, I reached for the box. Tucked into the soft tissue paper was a thin silver chain, lifting it carefully, I noticed a small silver heart dangling with two gemstones, our birthstones.
"It's so pretty." I worried at my lower lip to keep the tears from escaping.
"Here, let me help you put it on." Rose gently took the jewelry from my hand and placed it around my neck while I held my hair back.
"It's perfect, Bella." Alice dabbed the corner of her eye and smiled. "He did so good."
I stared at my reflection for a brief moment, running a finger over the new necklace and smiled. My eyes met Rose's in the mirror, "And you gave Em the stuff for Edward?"
She nodded and smiled, "I did. And now," she clapped her hands together, "I think it's time to start getting dressed. Alice and I will slip into our clothes and then help you zip, tuck, and primp before we head out."
...
I had been waiting months to wear this dress. The simple v-neck, floor length dress was everything I had ever wanted. I chose an open back dress because it's lovely and two, it would drive Edward crazy. I never missed an opportunity to rile him up, because when Edward had to wait for it, the sex was always off the hook, that's what I wanted tonight. Crazy, bed breaking, wall shaking, sex. A chill ran up my spine at the thought.
Alice waved the two garters in my direction, "Give me that leg, pretty lady." She wagged her eyebrows at me and I laughed.
Alice slid the keeper garter up high on my thigh, it was a beautiful lace with champagne colored ribbon woven through and tied up in a bow. The smaller tossable one was made of just the champagne colored ribbon to match the color of the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen's ties.
I stood and shook the long dress out, even in heels, it puddled on the floor. I loved it. I kept staring as Rose made last minute adjustments to my hair, she had gathered all of it up into an impressive knot at the back of my neck. It looked soft and romantic, she had pinned the shit out of it before blasting it with a can of hairspray and adding sparkly hair clips.
"Okay, I think it's time!" Alice smiled and we all hugged again.
My phone buzzed on the table and Edward's face popped up.
I love you, baby. Can't wait to see your beautiful face.
I love you too, Edward. I can't wait to kiss you.
Hurry on down here, I'm ready to get to the kissing part.
I laughed, shaking my head.
On my way. xoxo
xEx
"Scotch on the rocks." I shouted to Jasper from the bathroom. Taking one last swipe with the razor, I rinsed my face and stared at myself in the mirror. I suppose if you didn't know me, I could be hard to look at. The scar on my eyebrow, one on my cheek and chin, could be a little off putting, the tattoos that covered a good portion of my body didn't help the situation. Bella loved me though and that's all I fucking cared about.
She had stayed here in the hotel last night with the girls and I already missed her. Em and Jasper crashed at our place and followed me over to the hotel this afternoon to check in.
Bella and I would be staying in a suite here tonight and off on an adventure through Oregon starting tomorrow. She would be mine and I would forever be hers.
I pulled my pants over the new boxer briefs Bella had bought for me, she said my ass looked good in them, I'll wear the damn things every day. I shrugged my arms into my dress shirt, tucking my undershirt into my pants and buckling the brown belt Jasper had helped me pick out to match my shoes.
"Hey, gotcha something from Bells." Emmett pointed to a small bag and note on the table.
"Thanks, man." I smiled at Bella's neat print.
"Rose looked so hot, man. I almost didn't come back. She was wearing this tiny robe and her.. "
I cut him off with a wave of my hand, "Stop. I don't need to hear about her.. stuff." I laughed.
I flipped Bella's note open.
Hi Edward,
I guess this is where I tell you how much I love you, but I hope you already know that I do. So much. You are my greatest love and my most favorite friend. I couldn't have asked for anyone more perfect to spend the rest of my life with.
You make me so incredibly happy. I feel so special when I'm with you. I can't wait to put a ring on it and make it official.
I love you to the moon,
Bella
The lump in my throat threw me off, this woman just owned my soul. I folded the note into a square and put it in my pocket. I'd have to put that in my wallet after tonight. I dumped the contents of the small bag onto the table; two small boxes, same size, sat in front of me.
I picked up the first one and opened it, laughing. In the box was a silver tie tack shaped like a pair of brass knuckles . If that didn't fuck with my heart right there. Crazy Bella, always keeping me on my toes.
I opened the second box to a pair of cufflinks. These were silver as well, but they were round and each held a sixpence, one was heads, the other tails. It matched an old necklace that Bella used to wear. She would always tell me that the sixpence meant good luck and she would leave it with me when she knew I was in need. As a matter of fact... I turned and walked back to the bathroom and dug through my travel bag and there it was, I had noticed it earlier when I went to get my toothbrush. She must have dropped it in before she left with the girls.
I looped the chain over my head and smiled.
"Alright, enough fucking off in there, man. We need to get ready, Bella will never forgive us if we don't have you ready to go." Jasper poked his head into the bathroom. He'd cleaned up his beard a bit, but he still had his hair pulled back in that man bun shit.
Both he and Emmett were wearing the same shade of blue as me, but with some champagne colored accents instead of silver-grey that Bella had chosen for me. Apparently they had to match the girls. Whatever Bella wanted, I only had eyes for her, the rest of them could be wearing potato sacks for all I cared.
"Hey." I called to Jasper, he turned back to face me, "Before you go, I just wanted to thank you for being cool and for all this shit you've done. I've got you, no matter what." And I meant it. Some shit was going on between him and Alice and I wanted him to know that he'd always be welcome where I was concerned.
"Thanks man, I appreciate that." He nodded and dipped out.
...
I stood with Emmett next to me and Jasper ready to marry us, in a garden as the sun was going down. Alice and Rose stood opposite, both of them smiling encouragingly at me when they came up the aisle.
Large candles were lit all over the place and strings of white lights were criss crossed from trees. Planters full of crazy looking wildflowers were strategically placed on either side of the grassy aisle Bella would walk down.
I twisted the cuff link at my left wrist, tapped my foot nervously on the grass, and ground my molars until I thought my jaw would splinter.
"Holy fuck."
Bella stood at the far end of the garden, my heart thudded in my chest and all I could hear was the loud whooshing sound of blood in my ears. I was not prepared for the flood of emotions that washed over and through me. I had never fought so hard not to cry. She was moving so slowly, I wanted to run and grab her up, kiss her until we both couldn't see straight and call it good.
Our eyes locked and I was wasted. She worried at her top lip with her teeth and then licked her lips. She was hands down the most beautiful woman I had ever in my life laid my eyes on.
"Edward." Charlie nodded once and kissed Bella on the cheek and stepped back to take a seat next to Bella's mom.
Bella placed her hand in my own and squeezed tightly. Her dark eyes filled with a tender softness that was killing me.
"You look so handsome." She whispered and a nervous laugh escaped.
"You look so fucking beautiful, I'm at a loss for words right now, so just know that I love you."
Our fingers twisted together as Jasper started the ceremony.
xBx
"I do."
The two most important words I'd ever speak. A tear rolled down my cheek and I smiled up at Edward.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the Groom." Jasper winked at me and I laughed.
Edward's hand wrapped around the back of my neck, pulling me into his smile.
"God I love you so much." His teeth nipped at my lips.
"I love you, too." Edward's mouth covered mine and our friends and family all sent up cheers and whoops of joy.
Turning, Edward lifted me into his arms and strolled down the aisle while everyone clapped.
"Damn, we did it. Holy shit. I thought I was going to pass out. You looked so fucking stunning walking toward me and I just thought, 'Holy shit, she's gonna let me marry her'." Edward set me on my feet just outside the room that was setup for our celebration. His hands cupped my face and his eyes met mine.
"Thank you, Bella. Thank you so much for believing in me and us. For not giving up on me. I have never been happier in all my life than I was when you said you'd be mine forever. You are my everything."
My heart rolled in my chest at his confession. I would never get over the beauty he brought to my world.
"Edward." I had to clear my throat for fear of crying, "You are everything beautiful and wonderful and lovely in my world. I'm so glad we are doing life together. There is no one else in this entire world I'd rather have by my side."
Leaning up, I kissed him, my husband. My forever.
.xOx.
Song I love...
Civil Twilight - "Next To Me"