"Edward, why are you so worried?"

"Why shouldn't I be?" he countered.

Bella looked out the limousine window, watching the wet downtown streets pass by. "The bride and groom aren't worried."

He snorted. "Like hell they aren't."

Turning back to her husband, she squeezed his hand and watched the frown between his brows deepen. "They're happy. It's a day of celebration, not one of stress."

With his free hand, Edward pinched the bridge of his nose. "Bella, my father and sister are in the wind. The Santiagos have pinned targets to our backs. Emmett is terrified that Rose is now on their list. I can only fake it for so long; this is my one chance to drop the mask."

"I know." Shifting, Bella hiked the hem of her dress up her thighs and climbed onto his lap. "I don't want you to pretend for me, I just want you to realize we've taken all the precautions we can."

"Do you know what happened to the mobster Lucky Luciano?" At her head shake, he continued. "They killed his girl by mistake, thinking it was him lying in bed under the covers." Edward framed her face between his hands, his elegant fingers threading through the hair at her temples. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"You'll never have to find out."

More and more, Edward was letting his feelings out. He hadn't specifically said he loved her, but she thought he was heading in that direction. Perhaps he'd only recently discovered it, or perhaps he wasn't quite there but was close. She'd hoped the wedding would be the perfect opportunity for declarations, but he was entirely too tense. Emmett and Rose had said their vows at St. James Cathedral without incident, and now they were on their way to the reception at a nearby hotel.

"I don't enjoy being off our home turf. Anything could happen."

She leaned down, pressing her lips to his in a brief kiss. "If it does, then we'll handle it."

With his face so close, Bella could make out the flecks of blue and gold in his eyes. Everything darkened when he focused on her until the emerald shade morphed into something akin to the pine trees surrounding their home. His skin was warm on her face, his fingers gentle as he tilted their heads to envelope her. That was the sensation he evoked; wrapped up in him, secluded and secure. When he opened his mouth and gasped a breath, she reciprocated in order to tangle their tongues.

Only the high-pitched screech of Quinn could pierce through their haze. Settling back on Edward's lap, she turned her head to grin at their son in his car seat. "Brat."

Chuckling, Edward moved his hands to her ass to hold her in place. "He's a cockblocker."

"Probably always will be." Bella refocused on Edward's face, watching the mask slip back in place. "We're almost there, anyway."

Sighing, he assisted her in returning to her seat. "Please tell me if you see anybody suspicious. I won't take any chances today."

"Half the people at the event will be unknown to me, Edward."

"I know, but use your instincts. They're remarkable."

Nodding, she slipped her hand into his and held on. "I promise."

They entered the ballroom together, Quinn on Edward's hip. Adjusting the top of her strapless dress, Bella searched for any sight of Rose. Edward didn't drop the possessive arm wrapped around her shoulders, but she didn't mind. After scanning the crowd, she found Jasper standing with a man she didn't recognize.

"Who is that with Jasper?"

Edward regarded the two men. "That's Eleazar Denali."

Bella sucked in a sharp breath. "You invited a rival Family to the wedding?"

"It was Emmett's idea, and I thought he told you."

"But . . . why?" Trying not to stare, Bella glanced discreetly in their direction. Eleazar was older than Jasper by what appeared to be more than a decade. Black hair curled around his ears, mixed with just a bit of gray to give him a distinguished countenance. His stature was strong, tall, and slender with long limbs.

Stepping further into the room, Edward led her in the direction of Eleazar and Jasper. "They want to make an alliance."

"Okay, but how does that translate into putting this much trust in them?"

"It turns out they never wanted an alliance with the Volturis, but Aro forced their hand. Eleazar and his brother, Afton, offered to defer to us."

"So, you'd be their boss?"

"In a manner of speaking," he murmured, drawing to a stop beside Jasper.

"Mr. Cullen." The stranger extended his hand, a delighted smile on his face. "And this stunning woman can only be Mrs. Cullen."

"Eleazar Denali, this is my wife, Bella."

She shook his hand, and Quinn squealed, bouncing in Edward's hold.

"And this is our son, Quinn Cullen."

The smile on Eleazar's face heightened until it was bright enough to light up the room. "I adore bambinos." He held out his hands, and Bella felt her heart stop momentarily when Quinn reached for the man.

With what seemed to be understanding, Edward gripped Bella's hand and pulled her against his body. "Babies have a sixth sense, don't you think, Bella?"

She had to run her tongue around the inside of her mouth to unstick her lips before she could speak. When no sound escaped her open mouth, she merely nodded.

Quinn drooled on Eleazar and grabbed a handful of his hair. Eleazar continued smiling at him. "I have two daughters, myself, and I have to admit I'm waiting for the day they're old enough to give me grandchildren."

Edward smiled easily. "How old are they now?"

"Oh, Tanya is twelve and Irina is fourteen. As much as I want them to remain children, I know it would behoove me to see them well-matched."

"It's a difficult decision to make," Jasper interjected.

"I'm not a fan of arranged marriages, so I've refrained." Eleazar handed Quinn over to Bella, whose entire body relaxed at the solid feel of him in her arms. "The Volturis pushed us to make such arrangements and weren't pleased with me for refusing."

"They took so much from you, Eleazar." Edward rested his hand on the other man's shoulder. "But now you're free."

"I know I have you to thank for that." At Edward's raised eyebrow, Eleazar continued. "Oh, there's no evidence, son, but I just know. And I will forever be in your debt."

"The difference between us and the Volturis is we won't demand shares of your earnings or pacts of any nature. I don't want you to bow down to me, I want you to walk beside me."

Bella beamed at Edward's statement. If anyone could make a new alliance work, it would be him.

"Since the bride and groom have joined us, let's put business aside for now," Eleazar commented. "We have time to hammer out the details, my friend."

Edward clapped Eleazar on the shoulder, and they turned as one to face the entrance of the room. They announced Emmett and Rose as the new Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, and Bella had a moment to be excited that she and her dear friend shared the same last name. Rose was radiant, and Bella didn't think Emmett had stopped smiling the entire day. They deserved the happiness they'd found together.

Everyone took their seats at the various tables, Edward and Bella to the left of the happy couple, and Jasper on the right. Rose's parents sat to Bella's left, Mrs. Hale helping to entertain Quinn. Nobody had mentioned the missing family members, but their absence left a glaring hole.

Clinking a spoon against his glass, Edward stood and addressed the crowd. "Emmett came to live with us at the age of eight. Since then, I've considered him my brother. I admit I had doubts when he introduced us to Rose. What I didn't know then was how much she would come to mean to my family. She is warm, bright, and a great friend to my wife and myself. Most importantly, she is the perfect life partner for my cousin, my brother, Emmett." He lifted his glass in their direction. "May God be with you and bless you. May you feel no rain, for each of you will be a shelter to the other. May the meaning of this hour be fulfilled through the days and years to come. Merry met, and merry part, I drink to thee with all my heart. Sláinte."

Tears formed in Bella's eyes as she lifted her glass in a toast and drank. Edward's previous nerves must have rubbed off on her because she began to feel anxious at the stares from the people seated with Eleazar Denali. She wanted to trust Eleazar, and he certainly gave off an air of trustworthiness, but she was scared to let her guard down. She drank more champagne, hoping to settle the nervous butterflies in her stomach. Something wasn't right, but she didn't know what.

"Bella, I'll watch little Quinny if you want to dance with your husband," Mrs. Hale offered.

Bella's smile was weak. "Thanks, maybe I'll take you up on that."

Edward must have overheard. "I think it's an excellent idea, Bella."

With her stomach in her toes, Bella accepted his hand, and they moved to the dance floor. She snagged another glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

"Are you all right?"

After gulping the contents of the glass, she smiled more broadly. "Sure."

"I'm the one who's supposed to be uneasy, not you." Edward pulled her close against him, his lips at her ear. "What's wrong?"

"I don't carry quite the same amount of trust for the Denalis as you."

"I believe they're sincere, Bella."

"Clearly, since you handed my son over to a man who could so easily be our enemy." She clenched his lapels in her fists. "I can't describe how that felt."

"He isn't Riley, and there's a room full of people."

When another waiter walked by with a tray of champagne, Bella gave him her empty flute and took a new one. "Doesn't mean I liked it."

Edward tried to tug the glass out of her hand, but she managed to finish it before he could. "Getting drunk and making a scene isn't the answer."

"I'm trying to get drunk so I don't make a scene."

He set the glass on the nearest table and moved her to the middle of the dance floor. "Just sway with me."

For a few minutes, it felt like heaven to be in his embrace. He smelled amazing, he looked amazing, and her nerves were calming down. Until he spun her into a dip, and her stomach revolted.

"I don't feel very well."

Edward straightened her. "Let's find the bathroom."

"I won't throw up five minutes after drinking," she protested, but her abdomen clenched. "Fuck, that hurt."

Both bronze eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "I don't think I've ever heard you say that word."

"Edward, something's wrong." She clutched his arm, and soon he was more carrying her than she was walking.

"What the fuck?" he muttered.

"I can't feel my feet," she mumbled. "Or my hands."

"Goddammit." Bending, Edward scooped Bella up and ran for the front desk. "I need you to call 911!"

The woman taking late check-ins frowned at them. "Sir, what's wrong?"

With horrific clarity, Bella's eyes widened. "Rose!"

"Mother of fuck. Shut down that wedding reception right now! I need all your employees held in a conference room, no exceptions. Nobody leaves!" he barked.

"I'm gonna be sick."

The receptionist stuck a trash can under Bella's face just in time. All Edward could do was murmur in her ear and wipe the hair off her clammy face. "Where the fuck is the ambulance?"

The concierge looked flustered, a cell phone pressed to his ear. "They said they'll be here in less than five minutes, sir."

"That's not good enough."

Bella slumped against his chest. "I'll be fine."

"You better be." He kissed her temple.

"The others?" she croaked.

"I don't know." Edward looked overwhelmed, and she realized it was the first time she'd seen him so unsure. "What can you tell me about the caterers?" he asked the concierge.

"I-I don't know."

"Shit, I need Jasper." Edward craned his neck, shifting Bella's weight. "There he comes."

Jasper's long stride ate up the space between them. "Edward, what is it?"

"She's been poisoned. Shut this place down and lock it up tighter than a nun's cunt."

Bella wanted to hit him for that remark, but she couldn't feel her arms. "Edward," she whimpered as another pain hit her.

He met her gaze, false reassurance morphing his face into a marble façade. "I'm so sorry you're in pain."

"Not your fault."

"It must be the champagne." Edward focused on Jasper. "Make sure no one else drinks it."

Jasper scurried off to fulfill Edward's orders, and a pair of EMTs came in the front doors. "What's going on?"

"I think she was poisoned. All she's had is champagne."

"Symptoms?"

"Um, she can't feel her hands and feet, and stomach cramps."

The last thing she remembered was the devastation on Edward's beautiful face before she passed out.

When next she woke, her body felt abused. Edward had a death grip on her hand, and she lay in a hospital bed hooked to several machines. "Edward?" Her voice was scratchy. Her body was on fire.

He jumped up, looking terrified. "Bella!"

"Thirsty."

"Hold on." He pressed the call button, and she closed her eyes again. "Someone laced the champagne with poison."

All she could manage was a tiny nod. She'd figured as much while they waited for the ambulance.

"Quinn is at the house with Emmett and Rose. Everyone has been treated, but only one other person ingested as much as you."

"Prognosis?"

"You'll be fine, but they'll put you on meds for a long time to be certain there aren't any lasting effects."

The door opened, and a nurse bustled in. "What can I do for you?"

"Is she allowed a drink of water?"

"Sure, sweetheart."

The nurse left and came back with a cup which she handed to Bella after raising the head of the bed. "Drink slow."

Sitting up felt uncomfortable. "What did they do to me?" she asked after she drank.

"Pumped your stomach. They had to use Prussian Blue, a dye used for paint, because the metal attracts the poison from the thallium and helps it pass through the body."

"Ouch."

The nurse left, and Edward put his face in his hands. "I can't tell you how sorry I am."

"Did you poison the champagne?"

His head snapped up. "What? No, of course not."

"Then don't apologize to me."

"It's still my fault, Bella. I brought you here, I corrupted you. I put you in harm's way!"

"Last time I checked, personal responsibility is still a thing. I made those choices for myself, not you." She watched him for a few minutes. "Who did it?"

Staring at the floor, he replied, "No idea."

"Was it the Denalis?"

He shook his head. "Doesn't look like it. We've had a detail on them for a few weeks, and nothing suggests they had the opportunity."

"Then who?"

"The Santiagos, I guess."

"Or Carlisle."

Lifting his head, he locked her in place with his intense gaze. "You think my father intended to poison almost his entire family?"

She didn't back down, no matter how furious he became. "At this point, I don't think he'd hesitate."

There was silence for a long time while his jaw clenched and relaxed. Edward finally broke the staring contest, and she rested back against the pillow, wrung out and exhausted.

"It feels like they did more than pump my stomach."

Edward picked up her hand. "How much pain are you in?"

"It's hard to describe, but it reminds me of a pain I had when I was carrying Quinn. Low and dull. And insistent."

"That doesn't sound right."

The door opened again, and a man in a lab coat walked in with a file in his hands. "Mrs. Cullen, I have some test results here."

Nothing he said next made any sense, but her brain latched onto the word pregnant. "How is that possible? I'm on birth control."

"Sometimes a pregnancy still occurs."

"But what will happen now?" Edward asked. "She's ill."

The pain in her abdomen collided with the knowledge, and she gasped. "Edward."

"What is it?"

The doctor shook his head sadly. "I feared this might be the case when I saw your results."

"What the hell are you saying?" Edward shouted. "What's wrong with her?"

Tears fell in her lap when she raised her head to look into Edward's eyes. Everything was about to change. "I'm having a miscarriage."

So, um... this was never in my plans. The notes in my outline just said something needed to happen to one of them to act as the final straw. I kept thinking of the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones, but obviously I wasn't going to kill everyone off. The ending of this chapter came to me as I wrote the last few paragraphs.

Sláinte~ an Irish toast to good health.

Here's the entire traditional Irish wedding toast:

May the meaning of this hour be fulfilled through the days and years to come. May the love of this man and this woman, their unity of spirit, grow deeper and stronger in the uncertainties and changes of life they will share. May their love reach out to the love of all, that their lives may bless all whose lives they touch. May they find comfort together in shared hours of shadow, as well as in the bright sunshine of joy. May they be to each other both strong and gentle. May God be with you and bless you, may you see your children's children. May the wind be always at your back, may the warm rays of sun fall upon your home. May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more. May you feel no rain, for each of you will be a shelter to the other. May the meaning of this hour be fulfilled through the days and years to come. Merry met, and merry part, I drink to thee with all my heart.