Hello again!
Guess what?! It's WEDDING DAY!
Chapter 17
BPOV
The morning of our wedding was here before we knew it. We've been vampires for a little over a year now. And Olivia will 'officially' be one in a couple of months. Even though she looks like she'll be five.
It amazes me, how much she's grown in just a year. I miss being able to hold her, and feed her, and give her a bath. Although we still help her with her baths, she is adamant about taking them herself. She's becoming this little independent girl. And I don't know if I'm ready for that.
Surprisingly, she took to some human food when she tried it for the first time. At first, she was a little wary of it, but once she tried a few different things, she found that she could tolerate it. Apples were her favorite thing. She always had to have one with whatever she decided to eat, if she wasn't hunting with us.
And now, we're all running around, getting ready for mine and Edward's wedding.
Carlisle was going to perform the ceremony for us, since we were still considered dead. Obviously, we weren't able to be around anyone we used to know, regardless. Eventually, we'll have to relocate, so no one sees me or Edward. We've been in 'hiding', so to speak. The rest of the family decided to wait to move until it would be deemed acceptable, since Carlisle and Rose had been linked to us before our 'deaths', and we were considered missing, but presumed dead.
Carlisle mentioned heading back to Colorado. Which I was so excited about. I've never been there, and I couldn't wait to see how beautiful it was.
The reason it took us so long to get to this point, was because we were waiting on papers. We wanted to keep our original names, but would be too conspicuous if Isabella Swan and Edward Masen showed up married out of the blue, when they're supposed to be dead. So what we did was change my name to Masen, and Edward's to Cullen. Either way, we were going to become Cullens, so it only made sense to change it now. But we both knew we would still go by Isabella Marie Swan Masen Cullen, and Edward Anthony Masen Cullen. Long, I know. But that's how we wanted it. I still wanted Edward's original surname, along with our new one. And Edward supported me in my choice.
Rose actually told us after we had talked to them about this, that she did the same thing. Her full name ended up being Rosalie Lillian Hale King Cullen. She didn't like the surname from her ex-husband, but she kept it as an option when they moved around and they wanted a change. And it works for her.
Olivia was sitting on our bed, with Monkey at her side, playing dress up with her doll so that the doll was ready for the wedding too.
Very important, obviously.
Monkey has become very attached to her and is always keeping an eye on her.
While she was out in our room, Alice, Rose and I were in our bathroom, trying to get me ready.
I wasn't nervous. Not at all. I've been waiting for this ever since I met Edward on campus that day. I didn't know it at the time, but I wanted this. How he made me feel like I was the most important person in the world from the very beginning, and how he made my heart race. I knew I wanted it then.
Alice was putting the last touches to my hair while Rose was doing my make-up.
"Bells. It's time to get your dress on." Alice said in my ear. I didn't even realize that I had spaced out there for a minute, because they were both done. And when I looked in the mirror, I looked so incredibly beautiful.
Rose went super light with the makeup. Not too much was put on, but she did put on some brown eye shadow to accent my eyes. She also added a little powder and some light pink lipstick. Alice did a simple, but elegant up-do that made me feel like I was back in the early 1900's. It was stunning.
I smiled at both of them in the mirror, then turn and hugged both of them.
Alice held out my dress for me, and I stepped into it. She pulled it up around me and Rose helped hold it in place. It was such a simple dress, but utterly beautiful. It was all flowing chiffon material, strapless, with an empire waist. And the fabric just flowed straight down into an A-line to the floor.
"It's a damn shame I'm only going to wear this once. It's a gorgeous dress." I said to them.
"Well it's not like you guys can't get married again. We've done it several times." Rose said, and I was a little shocked.
"Huh?" I asked dumbly.
"We get married again once a decade. Just to renew our vows and such. Alice and Jasper do too, but they do it every other decade. Esme and Carlisle don't, though. Even though we're mates, the renewing of vows makes us feel reconnected. Being together for so long, it keeps things fresh." Rose explained.
"Wow. Well, I'm only planning on the one, but in ten years, if I decide I want to do this again, I'll tell you, you were right." I smiled at her and she winked back.
"Alright, you two. Break it up. We've got a wedding to get downstairs to. And a little girl that I doubt is finished getting ready…" Alice said the last part where Olivia could hear it, and a second later, Livy was standing in front of us.
"Mommy, you look so pretty. You look like a princess." Olivia said, looking at me in awe.
"Aww, thank you, sweet girl. But Aunt Alice and Aunt Rose need to help you get ready, so let them put your dress on, so we can get downstairs to see daddy." I leaned down and kissed her.
I walked out to our room, and there was a knock at the door. I walked over to it and opened it to see Carlisle.
"Wow, Bella. You look so beautiful. Edward really is lucky. Are you all almost ready? He's getting anxious down there. Jasper's trying to calm him down a bit before he turns into a complete nervous wreck." He laughed.
I shook my head. Of course he's nervous. We're only mates, which have a very powerful child together, and can't be away from each other for very long. I can see exactly why he's nervous…
Cue the eyeroll…
"He's going to pull all of his hair out if he keeps running his hands through it like I know he's doing right now." I said.
"I am not, Bells!" I heard from downstairs. Then heard the snickers from Emmett and Jasper, then the smack to the back of the head that I'm sure Edward landed on one of them.
"Right. And stop hitting your brothers! This is our wedding! I don't want any rough housing going on!" I said down the stairs, where I knew they could hear me.
"TOO LATE, BELLS!" Emmett and Jasper yelled back up.
"Jesus take the wheel." I muttered, burying my face in my hand.
"I heard that, twinkle toes!" Emmett yelled up.
"Alright, that's enough! Go get in your places, so I can get married!" I yelled at them.
Why didn't I get a normal wedding planner again? Oh right, we're vampires, and Alice took over everything…
I was now standing at the back door with Carlisle beside me, ready to go out to my husband. I watched as Olivia walked down the stairs with a little basket in her hands, tossing white rose petals along the path to the archway that had been setup. The archway was magnificent, by the way. It was mostly tree branches with white and purple flowers all over the place.
Olivia was wearing a miniature version of my dress, but in lavender, and it was just so adorably cute on her. And with her bronze hair flowing down her back, she was a complete vision.
Once she was done tossing the flowers, Carlisle squeezed my hand to see if I was ready. I looked up at him and he had a look of pride on his face.
"Thank you for doing this for me, dad." I told him with so much emotion. I know he could never truly replace my biological dad, but he was a great father figure to all of us. And he loved me like I was his own daughter. It made me feel special and honored.
"Thank you for asking me, sweetheart. You and Edward know you're our children now too, so anything I can do to help, I'll jump at the chance. You know I'd do anything for my children. And my granddaughter." He said, then leaned down and kissed my cheek.
Shit, am I glad I can't cry today.
Carlisle and I walked down the stairs, and along the path that went almost to the stream. I could see Edward standing under the archway, with Olivia beside him, waiting for me. I never took my eyes off of him. I couldn't. This is what we had been waiting for since the night our lives changed, forever. One stalled car on the side of the road brought us to this wonderful family. We had sisters, brothers and parents now, and they loved us just as much as we loved them. We have our beautiful little girl that has grown so much already. We had what we'd always dreamed of. A huge family.
And now, we're getting married.
We made our way further down the path, and we stopped under the archway, where Edward was.
Carlisle took my hand and put it in Edward's, and then took his spot in front of us.
"Since it's just family here, I'm going to skip most of the formalities. We're here today, to not only share in the union of a husband and wife, but mates as well. The two of you have been together, long before your change. That bond only grew once you became vampires. Today, you will finally join that last piece of the puzzle that comes with your eternal love, and the Holy Father. I know you both want to say something to each other, so I'll let you do that now. Bella, dear." Carlisle stated.
I cleared my throat to begin. "Edward, when you ran into me that first day, I had no clue we'd end up together. But I have never been more grateful for my clumsiness, than I was that day. You were so wonderful to me. You've never made me feel less than beautiful… You were there for me when my dad died, and you held me together. That day in the attic, I knew that I couldn't live without you in my life, and that I wanted you forever. And here we are, with forever, literally, in front of us. You gave me love, devotion, care, a shoulder to cry on, companionship, a life that I probably would have never gone after on my own, and a beautiful daughter. I can never thank you enough for coming into my life. I love you so very much." I said with all the love and passion I had in me.
I saw Edward swallow, like he had a lump in his throat. Then stared straight into my eyes.
"My beautiful Bella. I couldn't believe how lucky I've been in the past few years. I knew when you said yes to going out with me, that I had never met anyone quite like you. You were completely different than all the other college girls that hit on me. You were the one that was a no B.S. type, that didn't care if someone told you off, because you would put them in their place. You were strong, and always gave as good as you got. But you were also very shy, sometimes. Like when I asked you to marry me. You didn't want to be the center of attention, but you took it with stride. You're the mother of our daughter, you're the best friend I've ever had, the great love of my life. I wanted forever with you before, but now, it seems to be truer than I ever thought. I'll never stop loving you, even if I become a pile of ashes."
Gah, now I'm REALLY glad I can't cry.
Carlisle took over again and asked for the rings. "Edward, place the ring on Bella's finger and repeat after me…"
And he did. He slid the ring on my finger and told me, "I, Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, take you, Isabella Marie Swan, to be my wife, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my lover from this day forward. In the presence of God, and our family, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you, to honor and respect you, and to cherish you for as long as we both exist." He then kissed my hand, over my ring.
The ring felt so right on my finger. It was supposed to be there.
"Bella, please take the ring and place it on Edward's finger and repeat after me, dear…" Carlisle told me.
I took the ring from him and slipped it on Edward's finger. "I, Isabella Marie Swan, take you, Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, to be my husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my lover from this day forward. In the presence of God, and our family, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you, to honor and respect you, and to cherish you for as long as we both exist." I repeated Edward's sentiment and kissed his hand over his ring, as well.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. Edward, you may kiss your bride." Carlisle said with a huge smile.
"With pleasure." Edward replied with a smirk and a gleam in his eyes.
Then he cupped my face and kissed me sweetly, swiping his tongue slightly over my bottom lip to let him in. And I did. But it wasn't crude or inappropriate. It was perfect. And I had to slide my hands into his hair. It's just a habit that I can't help.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Anthony Masen Cullen." Carlisle announced to our family, who decided to squeal, hoot and holler, and clap happily.
We turned to face our family and were embraced by each one of them.
After all of that, we had a small party to celebrate. We danced, sang, and joked around.
The family was going to take Olivia and go hunting after the wedding, so that Edward and I could have a 'wedding night'. It was actually really thoughtful of them.
"I'll see you in the morning, ok pretty girl?" I asked Olivia when they were getting ready to head out.
She nodded, hugged me tightly, and kissed my cheek before she did the same with Edward.
"Ok, so how far are you guys going out?" I asked, of course, being the protective mother.
"We'll probably hit just past the Canadian border. It'll take us a good hour or two, at least, to get there. I'll carry her on my back the whole time." Rose told me exactly what I needed.
I smiled at her and hugged her. She loves that little girl, so much.
"Ok, we'll see you guys when we get back. Don't tear the house down, please. I'd like to keep this one to come back to, one day." Esme told us as she was walking to the door.
The others followed and were gone without another word.
Edward turned to me with heated eyes. "Now, my beautiful wife, how about we… consummate this marriage the right way." he kissed my lips, firmly, then swept me up into his arms.
"You're kidding, right? We have a child, don't you think we've-" I started, but he stopped me with another kiss.
"Bella, indulge me, baby. I want to ravage your body tonight, as many times as I can." He said with a smirk, and then bolted upstairs to our room to make love to me… and I lost count of how many times…
It was the next week after the wedding that things started to get screwy.
Alice started getting these weird flashes in her head, but she couldn't figure out what they were from, or who.
She wasn't worried too much about it, at first. They were just snippets that didn't tell you much. I even made her show me. I couldn't make anything of it, either.
But one night when we were all playing games in the living room, apparently something happened.
Alice was sitting with Jasper and Emmett while they played video games; Edward was teaching Olivia how to play chess, which was the coolest thing you've ever seen. With both of them on even playing fields, they could actually play. Edward could play someone other than Alice now. Hah!
I was playing cards with Esme, while Carlisle was on his way home from the hospital after his shift.
Alice let out a loud gasp and stood up. Jasper stopped the game, and rushed over to where Alice was now pacing.
Edward was obviously looking at what she was seeing too, because he shot up.
"NO!" He roared, looking at Alice.
"Don't ask, I have no clue. There's only so much that I can tell from these visions." She defended.
"When?" Edward gritted out.
"A day... Maybe… And we can't run. They'll just track us. We don't have a choice." Alice said.
I hated when they did this shit. Probably as much as the others did when I'm about to do what I'm going to do, but right now, I don't care.
I walked over to Alice, touched her cheek and waited. I knew she couldn't hold out long on me.
My eyes widened when I saw her vision.
"Oh fuck…"
A/N: Dun dun dun! I told y'all there was more drama coming... Now, the question is, what the hell is it?!
If I've got time later, I'll try to update again. If not, I'll definitely update tomorrow! I've got family in town this weekend to celebrate Easter(yes i know it's not Easter yet, but with my family, with everyone being all over the place, we do our holidays whenever we can. This time we're doing it a week early), but I'll do what I can. No worries about waiting for more!