Wow, this is the last part of the epilogue! I hope you enjoy as I had so much fun writing this part. Let me know your thoughts below! Edward's vows have some mention to the song lyrics :)
And with this love song to you
It's not a momentary phase
You are my life, I don't deserve you
But you love me just the same
And as the mirror says we're older
I want to look the other way
You are my life, my love, my only
And that's the one thing that won't change
I'll never stop trying
I'll never stop watching as you leave
I'll never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
I'll never stop holding your hand
I'll never stop opening your door
I'll never stop choosing you babe
I'll never get used to you
-Never Stop-SafetySuit
Ultimately, we decided to get married in September. While Alice was a flurry of worrying about planning a wedding in a relatively short time space, I wasn't. We hired the same photographer who took our pictures that day to do our wedding and engagement photos. At Alice's insistence, I hired a wedding planner since she instructed I shouldn't feel stressed about the organization of events on my wedding day.
I urged our wedding planner I didn't want anything elaborate, that I wanted simple. The night I told her, she was almost on a plane back to help me find a wedding dress. In April, we toured a few boutiques before I found my dress.
The dress was simple with a sweetheart neckline and over the shoulders straps. The satin dress clung to my hips and bust before flaring out into a tasteful train. My grandmother made my earrings which were turquoise while I wore boots underneath my dress from my grandmother. She was delighted I chose to incorporate our culture within the wedding day.
I found a counselor who worked with Dr. Cope's office as our marriage counselor. While a few of my friends snorted at the idea, Edward and I became a better couple because of the difficult conversations we had. Even if Edward was away for a game, he tried to Zoom in to sessions as much as he could.
I found a wedding venue within the mountains which allowed for a wedding ceremony with a stunning view. Esme was delighted when I let her help with wedding planning, as she was similar to a mother for me. Sue accompanied me on my final fitting.
Despite my school schedule, I managed to request time off for a week for a honeymoon. Edward insisted on helping plan the honeymoon since the man had a ridiculous amount of frequent flier miles. He helped me tremendously with planning for the day by calling caterers and going to tastings with me.
I insisted on having fewer than fifty guests which wasn't difficult because Sue and Charlie were the only family besides my grandparents I had. A week before the wedding, I laid down on Edward's bed, with a laptop before me. I was sending out last minute emails to vendors when Edward walked in to sit beside me.
"You look cute in glasses," he murmured, his lips twisting into a smile as he rested behind me.
"No wonder Alice was an anxious mess for months," I muttered into his chest. He kissed my forehead soothingly.
"I get to call you my wife in one whole week," he murmured.
"And you'll be my husband," I agreed, shutting my laptop as I moved into his embrace. My phone chirped with an incoming call as Edward groaned.
"Probably a wedding vendor," I assured him. I recognized the number immediately as Charlie's name lit up my screen. He was probably making sure he reserved the right place for a rehearsal dinner.
"Dad," I greeted. However, the uneasiness on the other line had me questioning.
"Bells, I don't know how to tell you this," he admitted. I shifted in Edward's arms as he peered down in concern at me.
"Just tell me, dad. If it's about the rehearsal dinner, don't worry Alice has some great places on call," I assured him. The unsteady breath he took next alerted he wasn't worried about that.
"Bella, your mom called me. I don't know how she got my number, but she called me this afternoon and wanted to meet with you," he said, his voice cracking. My hands dropped the phone on the bedspread as my mouth went agape.
After fourteen years she wanted to talk to me? Her timing was truly horrendous. I was about to get married in a week. I was a human ball of stress at this point. However, I did wonder about her intentions.
"B," Edward said, shaking me gently as his eyes met mine. I grabbed the phone from the comforter and cleared my throat.
"What did she say?" I asked him, taking deep breaths.
"She wanted to meet with you and asked where you were. She got an earful from me, Bells, because I know you're stressing about the wedding and the last thing I want to do is add more to your plate," Charlie rushed out. He wasn't adding anything to my plate, she was.
With my hands shaking, I clutched the phone tightly. I knew meeting her could get some closure, and I wanted to hear her out.
"I'll meet with her. Send me her number, Dad," I rushed out. Edward's eyes widened as Charlie breathed in sharply.
"Bells, you don't owe her anything," he reminded me.
"No, but I want to hear her out. I'm fine, Dad, I promise." I assured him, my voice calm and steady. Once we ended our phone call, I leaned back against Edward. Adrenaline pumped through me as I willed my breathing to stay steady.
"B, what's going on?" Edward asked, turning me to face him. I tried to have words come out of my mouth, but my mouth stayed open in shock.
"My mom wants to meet with me," I murmured at almost a whisper. Edward's eyebrows raised all the way to his forehead as he pressed me into his chest.
"What do you want to do?" He questioned. I leaned my face into my chest. Part of me wanted to flip her the bird and tell her to butt the hell out. However, I knew while I didn't owe her anything, she owed me an explanation.
"I'll meet with her," I replied. Edward stared at me like I had three heads as he grasped my forearms. His bewilderment dominated his face as his eyes searched mine.
"You shouldn't have any more added to your plate, B, and she doesn't deserve anything from you," he reminded me.
"Edward, I deserve peace. I'm not scared of her." I reminded him. He let out a breath as he composed himself.
"If this is what you want, B, I'll support it. I just can't stand the thought of her hurting you more than she already has," he admitted. My lips drew upwards into a smile at his worry as I ran a hand through my hair.
"I'll be okay and I'll have Rose close if anything goes haywire," I promised him. His head rested in my hand as he let out a breath before pulling me into the safety of his arms.
Alice and Rose questioned my sanity when I told them I was meeting with my mother at a coffee shop in Phoenix three days before my wedding. Edward was at his house with me as I tried on outfit after outfit before finding a skort and a striped short-sleeve shirt.
"B, are you sure this is a good idea? It's not too late to back out," he reminded me as I ran a hand through my hair.
"I'll be fine, Edward. Stop worrying," I assured him as I reached for his hands. He let out a breath as he'd been stressing about the meeting more than I had.
"Be safe, sweetheart. Call me when you're on your way home," he said, kissing my forehead. I reached up to kiss his lips which he eagerly reciprocated.
"I love you, Edward. Don't pace holes into the ground waiting for me," I said pointedly at me. He sighed as he bobbed his head in defeat.
"I love you more," he said before releasing me. On the short drive to the coffee shop I felt my stomach churn. What would she be like? In my mind she was always the woman with long black braids and curious light brown eyes.
As I parked my car in a parallel parking spot, I searched the patio for anyone who could look like her. When I came up empty, I pulled myself out of the car before crossing the street. I ordered myself a coffee, hoping that would calm me down even though I knew full well caffeine was a stimulant. I gripped my iced coffee as my eyes searched for her. What if she stood me up? It wouldn't be totally out of the realms of believability. The woman stood me up for fourteen years of my life.
My eyes caught sight of a woman in a long skirt with tiers and a white razor back top. Her hair fell into ringlets just like mine although gray streaked through. Her skin was caramel colored just like mine and her eyes were the same as I remembered. She looked thinner than I remembered as a smile wound across her full lips.
I walked towards her, grateful the ground was flat underneath me as I sat down at a table. She sat across me and looked like she was going to lean in for a hug, but resisted as she studied my expression.
"Bella," she said, her voice just as I remembered it. I let an involuntary wince as the way her lips said my name, the same way she did in all of my dreams. I wasn't sure what to call her.
I merely nodded at her, pursing my lips into a firm line.
"You are so beautiful, she'at'eed," she whispered. I nearly shattered at the word for sweetheart she called me as a child. I twitched as I mustered a smile.
"Thank you," I murmured. I cleared my throat, clutching my hands in my lap.
"How are you?" She asked, curiosity blooming in her tone. I nearly spit out my coffee at her words, she wanted to ask how I was after she left fourteen years ago without any concern for my wellbeing.
"I don't think that's a fair question right now, Renee," I said, as her eyes glimmered with sadness at mention of her name.
"I owe you an apology. No probably more than that. Bella, I wasn't right when I left you and Charlie. I was addicted to coke and I wanted to feel that high more than anything and that wasn't fair to you. I was sick, Bella," she admitted.
Her words didn't come with a punch as I expected them too. Instead, I nodded, as I met her eyes. I wasn't sure what words she was looking for me to say. She was addicted to cocaine and had an alcohol addiction, that wasn't a surprise.
"You were a child and you couldn't understand that. I know I abandoned any rights to being your mother when I left you fourteen years ago, but I'm so sorry for the hurt I caused. I went into a rehab program ten years ago and I started going to counseling," she confessed. I was glad she went to get the help she needed.
"Can I ask you a question?" I asked her, and she looked bemused for a moment as she nodded.
"Anything," she promised.
"What did you do after you left? Where did you go?" I questioned. Her lips turned downwards as she sighed heavily. She sent me post cards for a few years from different places in the US, but they stopped soon after.
"I ran off to my dealer, Bella. I went all over the United States before settling in Nevada. I went around the US, I made money as a prostitute for a bit for more drugs. I did anything I could before I got busted for prostitution. I started a treatment program and the withdrawal was terrible," she admitted, a frown on her face. She expected me to flinch with the word prostitution, but truthfully I was painfully aware how many women relied on it for that reason alone. I also knew how many women were trafficked, which made me sick to my core.
"You weren't trafficked, were you?" I asked sympathetically. She looked taken aback as she shook her head.
"No, I was lucky. I went to counseling, I got a job at a soup kitchen before I became a waitress. I found a place of my own before I started working my way up as a receptionist. I now work as a book keeper at a local plumbing company. I make enough money to pay the bills," she confessed. I was happy she was able to get herself out and get the help she needed.
"That's good," I said as she waited for my response with baited breath.
"I've been clean for ten years now, Bella," she told me. I believed her. However, I wasn't about to redeem her actions. She had to face the consequences of her actions, even if I already forgave her.
"Good for you," I murmured. Her eyes pleaded with mine as she shifted in her seat. She wanted to know about me and part of me questioned if I could give her that. I couldn't let myself be vulnerable with her yet, not after she broke my heart.
"I talked to Charlie briefly," she murmured, a slight smile on her lips. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that conversation. Knowing Charlie, he was a perfect gentleman and didn't cuss her out or scream at her. If I were in his shoes, I'm not sure I could've behaved with the grace he did.
"You owe him a hell of an apology," I said with a sigh. Her lips turned downwards as she nodded.
"You're right, I do. But I had to see what you look like now. I've wondered for so many years," she admitted. I nearly scoffed at her words, if she really wanted to know me she could've picked up the phone.
"You could've picked up the phone and call," I reminded her. Communication was a two way street and she failed to show up for me. Her eyes were downcast for a moment before she pursed her lips.
"I felt so ashamed for so many years. I told everyone about you, how I wanted to get clean to be somebody in my daughter's eyes. I was so young when I had you, Bella. I had no idea how to be a mother, and you were so good to me. You were such a quiet baby, and such a sweet child," she said, her eyes tracing the wooden floors beneath us.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I attempted to regulate my breathing. She already was somebody in my eyes, she was my mother. Her actions were guided and heavily influenced by her addiction. However, her apologizing didn't license her to cut me out of her life.
"I dreamed about you for so many years. I wondered if I did something wrong, and I wondered if you would ever come back," I said, opening the floodgates. She opened up her mouth to respond but I threw her a look to let me continue. If I didn't get it out now, I worried I never would. My mind flickered back to the many nights I spent peeking out from a crack in the door to see my dad sitting on the couch after he turned the porch light on.
"And watching Charlie every single night sit up and wait for you was hell. He loved you, Renee, and after all you did to him I'm not sure I could. I was so angry with you, I wasn't sure if I could look you in the eye. You weren't there to help me with my hair on prom night. You weren't there for softball games, or my college graduation…" I murmured, catching my breath.
"I wasn't sure if I could ever see you again, but after college I allowed myself to see you again if I ever got the chance. I forgive you, Renee, so if you're looking for that you found it. If that's all you want, you can leave now," I said, meeting her eyes. Her eyes widened as she took in my words, but she didn't leave the table.
"How did you?" She asked, curiously.
"Forgive you? I'm a school counselor and I know holding onto anger and pain is a natural way to hurt after you've been hurt. But I know I deserve peace, which is why I chose to forgive you," I responded. Forgiveness didn't negate the action that happened or the pain caused by the action, but it set the hurt person free.
Her eyes, swimming with tears met mine as I bobbed my head. I knew my forgiveness was a huge moment for her.
"My forgiveness doesn't mean I'm going to let you back into my life. But it means you have a way to," I explained. She nodded her head in understanding.
"Thank you," she murmured. I pursed my lips as I stared at the woman before me. Her face looked more wrinkled with lines of worry and pain on her face. I didn't see it before, but I saw the shame she carried.
"You're welcome. I'm getting married in three days, and I would invite you to the wedding, but I don't want Charlie to be uncomfortable," I explained. She gaped at me for a moment.
"Bella…" she began, but I cut her off.
"I'm not ready yet. You have my number and you can text me a week later, because I'll be back in Phoenix by then," I said. I wanted to put the ball in her court instead of me reaching out. She had to prove she wanted a spot in my life again, and she had to work for it. She had to earn my trust again.
"Thank you. Congratulations," she said with a smile.
"Renee, it was good to see you," I said as I reached for my purse. I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold myself together and the last thing I wanted was for me to show her that part of myself yet.
"Bella, it was wonderful to see you. Thank you for agreeing to see me," she murmured. She reached for a hug, but I gave her a handshake. I would shatter if I was back in her arms. Although she was disappointed, she shook my hand as she watched me walk out of the coffee shop.
Once I was in the safety of my car, I sent a text back to Rose and Alice to let them know I was okay. They still weren't convinced she wasn't an axe murder. As I maneuvered out of my parking spot, I saw text bubbles pop up to let me know Alice was typing.
However, I kept my eyes trained on the road as I blinked back tears. I wasn't sad to see her, but the emotional release was the source of my tears. Seeing her after so many years of wondering and nights wondering if I was enough had my eyes swirling with tears.
When I reached the driveway, I sat in my car for a moment as tears poured down my cheeks. My shoulders shook as I finally let myself go. As I battled for breath between sobs, I heard my car door open as Edward's warm arms encircled me. He didn't say a word as he carried me inside before depositing me on our bed.
He laid me back against the pillows as he took my shoes off for me before his arms enveloped me as my face pressed into his chest. Sobs quaked through me as his fingers ran through my hair soothingly. I cuddled closer to him as I wasn't sure how much time passed as I drifted into sleep.
I woke up to the sound of Edward's voice.
"I don't know Ali, I watched her sit in her car for ten minutes and then I carried her inside. She cried in my arms and didn't say a word. Watching her like that…broke my heart. I hate that she hurt her like this. I wish I talked her out of seeing her because seeing her like this…" he murmured, with shaky breaths. I peered my eyes open as I watched him pace in the hallway.
"I know, I'll tell her to call you when she's ready. I love you, Ali," Edward murmured, as his hands dropped from where he was tearing his hair out.
"Don't tear your hair out before the wedding," I chastised shakily. Like a shot, Edward sprinted to me as he bounded on the bed. His worried eyes searched mine.
"I'm sorry, that won't happen again. It was a lot seeing her," I admitted. Surprise colored his features as he looked down at me.
"Why are you apologizing, B? You're allowed to fall apart on me. I'm marrying for you for God's sake. We're partners," he said soothingly.
"I know, but to lose it without warning…" I argued.
"Is human. You're allowed to be human, B, you don't have to be superwoman all the time," he reminded me. I snuggled against his chest before letting out a sigh.
"I forgave her, you know," I muttered, shaking my head. His eyes met mine with question.
"Not because she deserves it, but because I deserve peace. She was happy to hear that. I didn't invite her to the wedding because I don't want to upset Charlie. He's dealing with enough," I explained. His eyes twisted into a worried expression.
"B, your big heart is one of the many reasons I love you. I hate seeing you hurt. Are you sure this is what you want?" He asked, and I nodded.
"Ball is in her court," I said with a shrug as he pulled me close to him.
The morning of my wedding day, I awoke to the sound of Alice jumping on my bed. Maintaining my bearings, my eyes fluttered open as I met her eyes.
"Good morning, beautiful bride! We got quite a schedule today and you're the star," Alice announced. Rose came through my bedroom door moments later as she leaned up against the door frame.
"She did let you sleep in an extra thirty minutes," Rose added. I praised whatever deity above that Alice allowed me to sleep. I was not a morning person, which is why I insisted on a later ceremony so I could sleep in more.
With a groan, I threw myself out of bed as I walked to the kitchen of the hotel. We decided to travel to Scottsdale for the view of the canyons for the reception and ceremony. I nearly cried when I saw the cup of coffee awaiting me on the kitchen counter along with a note.
As my fingers brushed the note between the plate and the table, I stared curiously at Rose and Alice who sat across from me. Alice fought a smile as she pushed the note into my hands.
"We had a visitor this morning. We had to keep him out," Rose giggled.
"He delivered your Starbucks order this morning and a note," Alice said with a proud smile on her face. My heart swelled in my chest at his kindness and care for me as I flipped the note over. I forgot how neat his handwriting was, compared to my high schooler's chicken scratch.
Good morning sweet Bella,
Hopefully now Alice let you sleep in and you have breakfast and the most important meal of the day for you-coffee. I think it's an understatement to say I'm excited about today. There aren't enough adjectives to explain perfectly how thrilled I am to be marrying you.
Our story wasn't easy and it won't be easy, but it's my favorite. I got to see you grow up from the girl with the adorable braces, the girl on the softball field, and the woman I fell in love with three years ago. I got to see you in all your phases and I loved you in all of them. Who knew after all this time you still got all my attention. I love every single thing about you: how you talk in your sleep, listen to songs on repeat (which drives me crazy) until you know every word, how you need a little space when you're hurt, the way your hair looks in the morning when you first wake up, and all the weird things you have in your coffee cup. I love the way I know that you're lying by the way your cheeks heat up and I love that I get to love you like no one does.
I'll see you at the altar, darling girl.
Your future husband,
Edward
I set the note down on the table as I wiped the stray tears from my eyes. He was nauseatingly perfect sometimes, and his love for me blew everything I thought I knew about love out of the water. He constantly thought about me and showed he cared with little details.
"He'll never stop trying, will he?" I asked with a chuckle. Rose shook her head a half smile spread across her lips.
"Nope, he's been trying his game since sixth grade," Alice chirped with a chuckle. I rolled my eyes as I heard a knock on the door. Esme came in, wearing a button down shirt and a pair of black leggings. She sprinted to me as she wrapped me in her arms.
"I'm so excited to finally call you my daughter," she murmured, pulling away to scan me. She squeezed me again before releasing me. She was consistently there for me since I was twelve years old, and for that I was eternally grateful for her.
"Thank you for being like a mom to me," I admitted. I jumped out of my seat after stuffing another egg muffin in my mouth to search in the suitcase for her mother of the groom gift. I opted for something simple, a gold necklace with a tree on it to thank her for creating the man I was going to marry.
I dashed out with the small green box, which I somehow managed to wrap in my haste yesterday morning. She smiled at me graciously before her eyes met mine.
"If I don't give it to you now I won't remember. Thank you for raising Edward into the man he is today," I explained. She took the box from me gently as her hands cautiously opened the box. She gasped as a wide smile broke across her face.
"This is beautiful, Bella. Thank you so much for loving him and I truly believe he's become a better man because he's met you," Esme admitted, pulling me close. Moments later, Alice and Rose practically ushered us out of the hotel with my suitcase. We were able to get ready at the venue, which meant I didn't have to make a transport later.
The venue itself was absolutely stunning. The ceremony space was in front of a knoll at the base of one of the canyon structures. The rich brown of the knoll looked beautiful with a fireplace in the center and two compotes with berry and green colored flowers and greenery surrounding. There were tea lights above and instead of a runner for the aisle, I chose a rug my grandmother made. She was delighted to have a role in the ceremony as well as make the embroidered boots I wore underneath my dress. We would get married underneath an wooden arbor surrounded by flowers and greenery.
Once we got into the resort space set up for weddings, Alice sat me down in an upholstered chair as Rose began Alice's make up. I heard a crisp knock on the door as Sue and my grandmother came in. While I opted not to wear my hair in braids as many brides did in the Navajo tradition, she was happy I opted not to cut my hair before the wedding. My grandmother embraced me before she sat down next to me to show me the jewelry she brought.
"These are beautiful," I said, looking at the turquoise drop earrings.
"They will look stunning on you," she agreed. She showed me the gold leaf bracelet I would wear on my wrist. Her eyes teared up as she looked at me. I told her about my meeting with my mother. Although she was deeply hurt she was not directly contacted, she urged to me pursue a relationship with Renee.
"Grandmother, thank you so much," I murmured. She smiled brightly at me as she squeezed my hands in hers.
"Thank you for including us. We are very grateful," she said, clasping my hands in hers. As Rose worked on Alice's make up, Esme sat on the other side of me.
"Are Sue and Charlie in okay?" Esme asked curiously. Sue and Charlie arrived the day of the rehearsal dinner, which we had take place within the resort.
"Yes, Sue texted me to let me know she was on her way and Charlie was with her. He wasn't too into staying with me while I got my hair done," I chuckled. She grinned as she shook her head.
"Sounds like Charlie. He has to be so excited for you," she commented. Although he never admitted it, he was excited for me to marry Edward. When we told him the news, his lips actually formed into a smile. Sue was ecstatic of course, offering her help for planning the wedding.
"He is," I agreed.
"Underneath that tough guy exterior is a big teddy bear," Rose commented. Alice opted for a light make up look with a neutral lip. Rose moved to Esme's make up next, because I was one of the last ones to get their make up finished.
The hair stylist we hired did my hair in a half up half down with ringlets cascading down my back. When my hair and make up was finished, I didn't look as artificial as I feared. Instead, I still managed to look like me.
Stepping into my dress, I felt a wave of emotions hit me. I never wore a wedding dress before or had an wedding ceremony in front of my friends or family. Instead, I felt the familiar butterflies I somehow always had when I was with Edward.
"Oh Bella, you look absolutely gorgeous," Esme said, her eyes tearing up as she scanned me front head to toe. My dress was incredibly simple without embellishments except for the back with a slight scoop and crystals lining the scoop. Buttons trailed down my back stopping before the train started. The train fell chapel length as the front didn't have embellishments with a simple scoop neckline. My grandmother helped me put on the earrings and the bracelets.
Sue came in to help with the veil, which fell to my finger tips and fell behind my hair. Once Charlie came in, he stifled back tears as he took me in.
"You look beautiful, Bells," he murmured, holding my hands in his. I held back my own tears as I squeezed my hand in his. Esme left moments later to be escorted down the aisle by Emmett. Emmett peeked his head in and whistled.
"Holy hell, Bells! Edward is gonna lose it!" He bellowed. Rosalie rolled her eyes as she pushed him out, urging for him to move it. I blushed before Alice and Rose both walked out to the processional, giving me a squeeze before shutting the door.
Soon, Charlie and I were the only ones left as the photographer flashed a few photographs of both of us. We left the get ready room as we neared the doors that connected us outdoors to the ceremony space.
Before he opened up the doors, my father looked pointedly at me with tears in his eyes.
"You'll always be my little girl," he murmured, shakily. I squeezed his arm in reassurance as I bobbed my head. I kissed his cheek before the ushers opened the doors wide. The bridal party made an arc around the arbor as the guests were seated in white chairs.
While Charlie's eyes trained steady on me, I searched for Edward's eyes as we walked down the aisle. As our gazes locked, I saw Edward do an audible gasp as he covered his mouth with both hands before a wide smile broke out across his lips. He looked incredibly handsome in his navy blue suit, as I fought back tears.
His eyes never wavered from mine as I saw them well up with tears as I grew closer. He wiped a few tears that managed to get free before returning to his signature smile. When we made it to the end of the aisle, Charlie placed my hand in his. Edward kissed my hand after thanking Charlie.
"Hi," I greeted him and he just beamed at me.
"Hi gorgeous," he murmured, squeezing my hands in his. Our officiant turned to us to read some quotes about marriage. In traditional Navajo ceremonies, the ceremony itself was very private and usually took place in their homes. The couples mixed corn together in a beautiful tradition to signify two people coming together. There were usually no photographs taken and a blessing was said afterwards.
However, we opted to incorporate Navajo elements including the final blessing. Our officiant turned to us as I was totally lost in Edward's gaze.
"Edward and Bella both wrote their own vows. Bella, would you say them now?" Our officiant asked and my shaky hands gripped the sheet of paper Alice handed me.
"Edward," I began, meeting his impenetrable gaze.
"These past two years of loving you have made me a better woman. Your endless patience for me, and your giving nature makes it impossible for me to stay mad at you for longer than ten seconds," I started, which earned a chuckle from him.
"Thank you for waiting for me. I had to grow up before I could be ready for a love like yours and the love we share together. You've been my best friend since I was twelve years old and I kept you on the sidelines of my heart until I could heal. I didn't know that love was about freedom and not control, and loving you is the freedom I didn't know I needed," I confessed, tears building in my eyes as I met his gaze. I never felt anything other than safety in his arms or in his gaze. I heard some sniffles behind us, but my gaze never wavered from his. He seemed to blink back tears of his own as he interlaced my fingers with his.
"I promise to hold onto this day as times are tough knowing that I found the man who will push me to be my absolute best. I promise to listen to you, respect you, honor you, and most importantly love you fiercely. I choose to be yours, for the rest of my life ," I vowed, turning my eyes away from the sheet of paper in front of me. With shaky hands, I grasped the black tungsten band as I slid the ring on his left hand.
He squeezed my hands three times, which made my eyes water. His hand went to his pocket and he found a sheet of notebook paper.
"Bella, I've known you since I was twelve, and you shot me down every single time I tried," he murmured which earned a chuckle from the audience.
"But in those moments of rejection, you taught me to be the man I always wanted to be. These past few years, you've given me the gift of your heart, a gift I do not take lightly. Because words can't do it, I will show you for the rest of my life how much I love you," he continued his eyes fixed on me as if I was the reason the world spun. His hand took mine as he slid a gold diamond encrusted band that circled around my engagement ring.
"I promise to never stop holding your hand or opening your door. I promise to never stop trying. I promise to encourage you following your dreams and passions because it is what you unique and wonderful. I promise to help shoulder our challenges and walk beside you because there is nothing we can't face if we stand together. I promise to be your partner, not possessing you but working together as a part of a whole. I promise to choose you always and put you above all else and I will never get used to you," He said, his voice strong and steady as he put the vows back in his pocket to grasp both my hands in his.
"Bella and Edward selected a traditional Navajo blessing as they to read before I announce them husband and wife," our officiant said, reading from his notepad.
My grandparents met my eyes in the audience as I smiled at them.
"Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness. The new fire represents a new beginning – a new life and a new family. The fire should keep burning; you should stay together. You have lit the fire for life, until old age separates you," The officiant read before he spoke the words that bound Edward to me for life.
"By the power invested in me from the state of Arizona, I declare Edward and Bella husband and wife. You may kiss," the officiant announced. The response smile was blinding as Edward, with tears in his eyes took one hand to cup my cheek while the other sat low on my waist. I smiled up at him as he lowered his lips down to meet mine. His one hand stayed on my cheek as his hand on my waist tightened.
Too early for my liking, he pulled away to face the audience as he clasped my hand in his. I smiled so hard at him my cheeks hurt as he walked us down the aisle with cheers enveloping us. As we reached the end of the aisle, our guests went to cocktail hour while we took pictures.
Once we were alone with the photographer snapping photos of us against the canyons, Edward pulled me close to him to whisper in my ear.
"Finally I get you semi-alone for the next five minutes. You look absolutely beautiful, wife," he murmured in my ear. I pulled at the lapels of his jacket for a moment.
"You look pretty handsome yourself, husband," I replied, my fingers clutching his jacket. He looked down at me with such admiration and reverence I nearly lost my breath. As we finished photographs, we hustled to the wedding reception.
Edward insisted on carrying me in, which earned cheers from the crowd as we started our first dance. As the song began, Edward pulled me close. The world around us seemed to fade as I finally took a deep breath.
"At Alice's wedding I imagined what it would be like when it was our turn. When I got to see you in a white dress or in all your gorgeous colors. Promising before everyone I was going to love you for the rest of my life. And I'm here with you now, and I can't stop pinching myself," he admitted in my ear. Butterflies erupted in my stomach as I squeezed one of my hands in his.
"Your note this morning made me cry, you know," I whispered to him. He eyes shined into mine as his lips formed into a smile.
"Good tears," I assured him.
"I worry you never eat enough and it was hell not seeing you this morning," he admitted. I chuckled as he spun me around before resting me in his arms. Truthfully, waking up in an empty bed without him this morning was tough.
"It sucked not waking up to you, but seeing you now is worth it," I replied, which earned a wide grin as the music slowed behind us. He pressed us close together as he pressed a lingering kiss on my forehead.
Dancing with my dad caused waterworks for us both as Sue looked on, tears shining in her own eyes. Charlie's hands gripped mine as we awkwardly swayed back and forth.
"I've never seen you look so beautiful, you know," he murmured, as he wiped away tears falling down his cheeks. I giggled as I helped him wipe them away.
"Dad, thank you for watching after me all these years. You look pretty handsome you know," I murmured. Blush tinged his cheeks as he muttered something about a penguin suit. Esme and Edward danced gracefully around the floor in a waltz, which made Emmett roll his eyes. After dancing ended, we began our dinner with Edward making me promise we wouldn't make our rounds greeting other people until we both ate.
"Edward, your girl looks smoking hot tonight," Emmett said as he cut into his steak. Rosalie huffed as Emmett kissed her cheek.
"My girl looked like a smoke-show up there, though," he winked at Rose. Rose peered at both of us as she ate her salmon.
"Those vows were straight water works, though. Jesus," she swore as she shook her head. Edward squeezed my hand beside me.
"I'm so glad you got promoted from best friend to sister," Alice added, with a grin. Jasper's eyes grew wide before he spoke.
"Now we are all related," he commented. Laughter erupted at our table before toasts began. Emmett's toast made Edward turn beet red while Alice and Rose's toast made me tear up too many times to count. However, Charlie's toast was short and sweet and managed to make me tear up as he expressed how proud he was of both of us. Edward drew circles on the exposed areas of my back which had me distracted the entire time during the toasts.
As we finished our dinner, Edward insisted on spinning me around the dance floor. As the night wore on, I evolved to laying my head against his chest in exhaustion as he pulled me close. He ran his fingers through my hair as we watched our friends tear up the dance floor as Emmett and Rose drunk danced which had us in fits of laughter.
Sometime later, I felt Edward pull my hands as Alice whispered we were finishing with the sparkler exit. People lined the reception space as sparklers went off around us as we ran hand in hand under the sparkler.
Before he opened up my door, he pressed his lips down on mine. Once he had me safely in the car, I undid my boots as I leaned against the leather seats. His hands found mine as the driver began driving us to our hotel for the night before we set off the next morning for our highly secret honeymoon destination.
Edward practically carried me to our room, which had a large king sized bed in the center with champagne colored sheets. There was a bucket of champagne on the bed with two glasses.
He let out a deep sigh as he released be before finding the bottle of red wine in the bucket. Meanwhile, I fiddled with the pins in my hair in the mirror. How could one head of hair require so many pins? My hands grew tired from pulling them out as I felt Edward come up from behind me as he placed his hands on the sides of the bathroom counter.
"Can I help?" He asked thoughtfully.
"I've already counted fifty," I said with a tired sigh and a nod. His lips turned into a smile as his hands gently massaged my hair to find hidden pins.
"Did you ever brush Alice's hair?" I asked him curiously. He raised an eyebrow as he shook his head.
"No, why?" He asked as he pulled out another pin to place on the counter. He was always gentle and never pulled on my hair.
"You're just really gentle when you brush my hair and now," I replied, with a shrug. Edward leaned down to kiss the crown of my head as his hands migrated to my shoulders to give them a squeeze.
"I've always loved brushing your hair, B, it's beautiful and the last thing I want to do is hurt you," he responded as he pulled the last pin from my hair before I fluffed my hair as it fell into messy ringlets down my back. I smiled into his embrace as he played with the spaghetti straps on my shoulder.
"You took my breath away today, B. Do you understand how it took everything in me not to just carry you off when you walked towards me like some sort of goddess from my dreams?" Edward questioned as his lips went to my ear.
"I wouldn't have stopped you," I quipped. His shoulders shook with laughter as his fingers found the buttons right below my butt.
"Your ass in this dress," he moaned as he kissed my shoulders. I felt tingles erupt through me as his fingers began unbuttoning the buttons on my dress with care. After about six buttons he groaned in frustration.
"I love how these look, but dammit this has to require unbelievable coordination to do this," he murmured with a chuckle. I leaned into him as I began to unbutton the line of buttons on his white shirt before I pushed off his coat.
"I already have a head start on you," I giggled, gesturing to his shirtless form. Effortlessly, Edward pivoted us to the bed as he worked on the last set of buttons before the dress slid down me.
His eyes darkened as he stifled a moan when he saw the white bustier beneath. His hands went to the top as they skimmed the edges before they found the fasteners behind.
"You're so damn sexy, if I'd known this is what you had on underneath..." he muttered, his eyes growing dark with desire as I interrupted him to push us both on the bed as he kissed me back with vigor. His hands went everywhere they could reach before he released me from the bustier.
His wedding band felt cold as his hands dipped to my barely there underwear as they came off next. I undid his belt buckle pulling his pants to the ground as he leaned over me. He laid one hand behind my head as he moved me so I was laying on a pillow below him.
Edward's eyes searched mine before they drifted to my naked form as he let out a groan again.
"You are such a damn vision, baby, so beautiful," he murmured as his lips met my collar bone before swirling around my nipple. I gasped as his hands played with my breast and nipples before dipping down to my belly button.
"This time I'll take my time with you, sweetheart, but next time..." he murmured before he kissed my stomach. My stomach flipped as fire engulfed where his lips went. I felt my breath hitch as his lips went where I needed him the most.
As I let out a cry of pleasure, his lips strayed to my thighs where he left kisses. He murmured something before his eyes strayed up to me. One hand splayed across my stomach to hold me so I didn't squirm away as his lips pressed kisses to my clit.
After only a few seconds, I screamed out after a wave of pleasure quaked through me. He kissed his way up my body before he lined himself up with me. As he pushed into me, tears invaded my vision.
Making love to my husband for the first time was more powerful because of what the physical act represented. We were truly united in every way now, and that never ceased to amaze me. I marveled at the man above me as he thrusted slowly into me.
"I love you so much, Bella Swan Cullen," he said, pressing a kiss into each one of my fingers. I felt warmth spread through me as his thrusts increased in intensity. His eyes closed as he kissed my collarbones and his hands splayed across my hips.
With frenzied thrusts, he exploded around me as he pinched my clit which sent me over the edge. I wrapped my arms around his neck as I pressed kisses into every available area I could reach.
"I love you, Edward," I murmured in his ear. He kissed me as he flipped us over so I leaned on his chest. I giggled as I looked at the bucket of wine, long forgotten.
"I guess we did this backwards, didn't we?" He questioned, an impish smile on his lips. I shook my head, firmly believing we needed to come together first.
"No, I like that we had sex first." I argued. His laughter vibrated in his chest as he pressed his lips to my sweaty forehead. I got up from the bed, locating a stray white shirt to throw on as I located the bottle of wine to pour us both a glass.
"I'm always up for making love to you," he said as he watched me pour two glasses before offering one.
"You have the privilege for the rest of your life," I reminded him.
"Well aware, sweet girl and very excited," he said, as I bounded back to my spot next to him, intertwining my hands with his.
"Kinda naughty we're drinking wine on the bed, huh?" I asked with a grin.
"As long as we don't spill no one will know," he agreed with a chuckle as we took sips of our glasses. This was my favorite part of the day, laying in bed next to him deliriously happy. I knew stumbling blocks would come our way and storms would shake us, but I believed in the two people who made their promises to each other.
"So you're really not gonna tell me where we're going huh?" I asked him, quirking an eyebrow. He was so keen on keeping it a secret from me, or a surprise as he phrased it.
"No dungeons?" I asked.
"Kinky, but no, no dungeons love," he chuckled as he traced a hand through my hair.
"I'm excited to finally put my personal days to good use," I said, stifling a laugh. I hardly took any days off even doctor's appointments and sick days I didn't take off. Edward's mouth twisted into a frown.
"The last time you did you ended up in an ER," he said, with a pronounced frown. He did come to the rescue that day with carting me off to the emergency room while I was tossing my cookies.
"You came in for the save," I reminded him. His lips turned upwards as he placed his glass on the bedside table as he wrapped his arms around me. I placed my glass on the table as I laid my head on his chest.
Sometime later after peaceful silence, he played with the hem of the tee shirt I wore as a playful expression took over his face. I peered at him with curiosity as his lips met mine. I knew exactly what he wanted, and luckily he was still naked.
"Round two, gorgeous wife," he murmured before he flipped us over again.
Shuffling feet woke me up as I blearily threw my hand across my face. I blinked a few times as I saw Edward, already fully dressed with two cups of coffee in his hands along with bags for our breakfast. Did I mention how much I love this man?
I threw myself off the bed, stumbling around in his tee shirt. An easy grin spread across his face as he took me in. He was already dressed in khaki shorts and a blue striped shirt.
"Breakfast," he said, setting the food and our coffees down on the small cafe table on the side of the room. I sat down across from him as I reached for the coffee cup.
"You're already crushing the husband game," I said with a smirk after I took a sip of coffee. He shook with laughter as he took a bite out of his egg sand-which.
"We have an early flight today, so I figure I'd win back some points for waking you up early," he said with a shrug. I squeezed his hand spread across the table as I took a bite out of the breakfast sandwich.
"You won back any points deducted," I assured him. He cracked a smile as we ate the rest of our breakfast for the first time as husband and wife. Somehow, we made it to the airport on time to get through customs.
He handed me my ticket as I peered down at the destination. Excitement overtook me as I realized our honeymoon was in Italy, one of the places I hadn't been yet. I busted out in a grin as I wrapped my arms around him, forgetting my bags for a moment.
He caught me as I stumbled, pulling back to look me in the eye.
"Edward, Italy is incredible. I'm so excited," I said with exuberance. A mega watt grin overtook his lips as he kissed my forehead.
"I'm glad you approve, my love. This is a long flight, so you may have to take two rounds of Dramamine," he murmured as he set me on my feet before walking beside me. The motion sickness was worth it to tour Northern Italy and wine country.
"You sent me to a country that sole purpose on Earth is to provide me wine, Dramamine is worth it," I assured him. He shook his head as we made it to the terminal while we awaited boarding.
"I'm pretty sure Italy also has a rich history and beautiful artwork, but yes B, wine is the top of the list," he remarked. He squeezed his hand in mine as the stewardess called over the intercom that our flight was boarding. With his hand in mine as we walked into the plane, I was so thrilled to be beside him.
He could be anywhere in the world and with anyone, and he chose to be with me. I would never get over the fact he chose to be with me, or how incredibly lucky I was to love someone like him. A few years ago, I would have balked at the idea of being married again or finding a man as remarkable as he was.
But, that girl had to grow up to meet the man and the love she was meant for. The man beside me waited years for me to grow into the love he could give and we could share, and I didn't take that for granted.
Life threw me a change up when I saw him on that May day, but I matured enough to realize what was in front of me all along. I didn't have to change who I was to be with him, more importantly the man transformed to me to be better. He squeezed my hand as we buckled our seat belts.
"Ready?" His emerald orbs met mine as my favorite smile spread across his lips. My hands grasped at his as I mustered a smile knowing I was more than just ready for the plane ride with him, I was ready to start our forever.
And that's it folks! I'm planning on writing a future take in a bit, but it's still in progress. I'll mark this one complete even though I never know when the plot bunny hops around again.
Thank you for reading as this story is very close to my heart. Please leave a review to let me know your thoughts!
