A/N: Hey, everyone! I hope you've all had a joyous holiday season filled with love. My apologies for the long wait for this chapter, but hopefully you'll think it was worth it. *wink*

Huge thanks and fondles from Edward go to my awesome prereaders, Keye, Sandy, and Aleea.

As always, my awesome betas, Katmom and SassySue (chayasara), smoooooth out my words and make awesome suggestions to make the story flow better. I'm a lucky, lucky (spoiled) gal. Mwah!

Chapter 31

~Until I Exist No More~

I have looked into your eyes with my eyes.

I have put my heart near your heart.

~Pope John XXIII

My teeth sink into the neck of a buck, my iron hold wrestling him into submission, and I drink him dry before going after another. No images accompany either feeding.

Alice brought me hunting. Since the nearest neighbor is several miles away, we can take down some nearby animals without a problem.

"Have I mentioned lately how much I hate this watered-down slop?" I ask, swiping my mouth with the back of one hand.

"It's not that bad, Edward. You always were a drama boy, though." Alice stares off into the distance as she answers, a faraway look in her eyes.

"Your mate is the original drama boy, not me. Excuse me if I'm a vampire and enjoy the sweet bouquet of my natural food source."

Alice's head swivels my way, her eyes boring into me in that way she has—the one that makes you think she's the mind reader and can see right through your façade. "Do you enjoy taking lives, Edward?"

My ire rises to the surface once again. Why must I be continually challenged about the way I choose to live my life? Without thinking about it, I pounce on Alice, pinning her to the ground. Her wide eyes tell me I took her completely by surprise, too.

I lean my face down until we're nose to nose and glare at her. "You have no idea what it does to me when I kill an animal. Aside from the substandard, watered-down taste, I have to witness the last images in their minds. This is the most carefree meal I've experienced in decades—only because I still can't read thoughts. So don't you dare start on me with the high and mighty Cullen code of conduct."

A feral growl rips out of me as I leap over her and slam into a tree. There's a mighty crack and rush of air as it tips and a muffled boom as it lands on a bed of pine needles and moisture softened earth. Now I want to run—what I do best when I feel cornered or judged—but thoughts of Isabella cause me to hesitate.

"Wait." Alice sits up slowly with a hand to her forehead. "I'm sorry, Edward. This isn't why I wanted to come out here, and . . . I was out of line. Why didn't you ever say what feeding on animals does to you?"

"Why should I have to explain myself?" I counter, my voice dripping with disgust. I face away from her and stare into the silent woods—all the animals fled the area while we dined on their kin.

"This isn't going the way I hoped it would. Aside from feeding, I wanted to discuss something with you privately."

"Oh?" I still refuse to look at her.

"Well, Isabella should be ready to be turned in a few days . . . and I thought you might want to have the ceremony first."

"Ceremony?"

"You did ask her to marry you."

That I did, and Isabella was concerned because she was already "legally" married to that asshole Hunter. A smile spreads across my face, the tension leaching from my body. "Yes."

"No time like the present. I found a beautiful clearing out past those trees."

"I have no ring to put on her finger. We have no wedding clothes." Not that those things matter. All we really need is the two of us and our intention.

"Look who you're talking to, Edward! It's all arranged." She pulls a familiar blue velvet box from her pocket—my mother's ring—and places it in my hand. "I brought a tux for you, and a beautiful dress for Isabella."

I'm not even sure why I kept my mother's ring all these years. I certainly never expected to place it on a woman's finger as I vowed to love and protect her for all of eternity. It's the only thing I have left of my human mother; even my memories have faded to mere shadows.

"Thank you, Ali." I close my fist around the plushness of the box and offer my sister a genuine smile. "I'm a bit rusty when it comes to your magic."

When we get back to the cabin, Isabella is sitting on the couch playing Gin with Rosalie. I'm glad they've grown close, more for Rose's sake than Isabella's. My sister can be a sour, bitter creature. It's fortunate vampires don't get wrinkles because Rose would surely have deep furrows around her mouth from that pinched "sucking lemons" look she does so well.

I head upstairs and lounge on the bed, listening to them continue their card game. The open velvet box rests on my stomach. My mother's ring is nestled within, gleaming brilliantly, a symbol of my eternal love for Isabella.

Eventually, she seeks me out, wandering into the room with a curious expression on her beautiful face. I slide the box under the pillow and prop my head in my hand.

"Hey." Her lips curve into a smile as she climbs onto the bed and straddles me.

"Hey."

Warm fingers slip beneath my T-shirt, moving with slow deliberateness over my rib cage. She explores each ridge as if it's a new and interesting discovery. When she finishes, she leans down until our stomachs touch and presses kisses along the neckline of my shirt. My hands smooth over her curves until I have her perfect ass cradled in my palms.

Isabella's soft lips travel up the side of my neck and she whispers, "My blood results are closer. Rose thinks another few days . . ."

"That's wonderful news." My hands knead her soft cheeks before traveling up her back to slide into her silken hair, urging her head up until she's looking me in the eye. "You won't have to worry about being sick anymore."

"I'll be yours forever." Isabella caresses my face, a question forming in the liquid sable of her eyes. "Will you . . . can you be the one?"

"Yes. If it's what you want, I'd be honored."

"Good! It's settled then."

"There is something else."

"Okay."

I roll us over and sit her on the edge of the bed with me kneeling on the floor. I reach under the pillow for the ring. "Isabella Marie Swan, would you do me the honor of marrying me tomorrow?" The open box rests in the palm of my outstretched hand.

Isabella gasps, staring at my mother's ring; the sparkle of it reflects at me from her eyes. "Oh, Edward! It's beautiful."

I take her hand in mine and slip it on her finger. It fits perfectly as if it was made for her. "This was my human mother's ring. It's all I have left of her. I'm not sure why I kept it all these years—I never really believed I'd find you."

"Wait . . . did you say tomorrow?"

I smile. "I did."

Isabella giggles. "I don't have a dress or shoes or a bouquet."

"Yes, you do." I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it. "Ali's thought of everything, and this is a beautiful place for a wedding. My only regret is that Hannah can't be our flower girl. So, will you . . . be my wife?"

"Yes, of course!" she squeals, launching herself off the bed and into my arms. I allow her to push me onto my back where she proceeds to cover my face with kisses.

"If I didn't know better—" the flow of my words is interrupted for a moment by her lips "—I'd think you were excited."

~*RK*~

A gentle breeze ruffles the blades of grass. It makes its way over the ground, ripples over the expensive fabric of my black tux, and caresses my face like a lover. I've been standing here forever with Rosalie, waiting for Alice to escort my bride into the clearing—well, really only two hours, fourteen minutes, and thirty-four seconds, but who's counting? I was banned from the cabin hours ago, so Alice could get Isabella ready—bathing, hair, makeup, dressing . . .

"Relax, Edward. They'll be here any moment." Rose smirks as I wedge a finger under my bow tie. "Stop fidgeting!"

I ignore her.

Mid-afternoon sun casts dappled patterns over the runners Alice laid out for Isabella to walk on since the ground is still saturated and muddy in many spots. I continue to pace back and forth in my shiny black shoes, running a hand through my hair every so often.

Finally, I hear Alice and Isabella heading our way through the trees. Isabella is giggling uncontrollably, a refreshingly wonderful sound, but not necessarily what a groom expects to hear when his bride is approaching the altar.

The two of them burst from between two pine trees, moving far faster than humanly possible. Isabella is cradled in Alice's arms, hugging my sister about the neck and laughing. It's an absurd image, especially since they're both dressed for a wedding.

The laughter abruptly converts into a strangled sound as Isabella's eyes meet mine. "Oh, no! Alice, put me down! Dear God, how embarrassing." She holds her bouquet of flowers up in front of her beautiful face but not before a telltale blush begins to stain her cheeks. She gasps and peeks over the top of the blooms, her brown eyes bright. "Edward . . . you look ravishing."

I smile behind my hand. "Ravishing, huh?" She's absurd and utterly adorable—and have I mentioned, all mine?

Alice sets her down on the end of the runner, and I forget all about their strange laughter-filled trip through the woods. Isabella stands there blushing while I rake my eyes over her, and time seems to stop. The dress fits every curve like a second skin, sweeping down to a gentle flare at her ankles. A small slit up the front shows off her shapely legs and a pair of strappy high heels. The color of her dress can only be described as pink champagne, and swaths of clear beading span the bodice, thinning to delicate swirls down the skirt and edge along the slit and hem. Mahogany waves of hair cascade over her shoulders, held back by a braid on each side adorned by fresh wildflowers. Her makeup is subtle but expertly applied, highlighting her natural beauty.

Isabella's heart beats faster, her breaths harsh. "Say something."

Her voice startles me, and I realize I've been drinking her in and enjoying the view without offering any feedback. "You're breathtaking. A goddess." I hold my hand out, inviting her to join me.

Alice offers her arm, and the two of them move toward me way too slowly for my taste. With five feet to spare, I meet them and take Isabella's hand in mine and lead her the rest of the way to where Rose stands waiting. We face each other.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to unite these mates for eternity," Rose begins. "Do you, Edward Masen, take Isabella Marie Swan to be your mate and wife? Will you love and cherish her until the stars fall from the sky, putting her before all others?"

"I will."

"Do you, Isabella Marie Swan, take Edward Masen to be your mate and husband? Will you love and cherish him until the stars fall from the sky, putting him before all others?"

"I will." Isabella smiles up at me with love shining in her eyes.

"Is there anything you'd like to say to one another?" Rose asks.

"Yes." I squeeze her hands, rubbing my thumb over the ring that now encircles her finger. "Isabella, before finding you, my life was an empty husk. I was apathetic and ornery—some might argue that I still am—and had no real direction. Your zest for life, remarkable faith in the direst of circumstances, and love for your child have given me a sense of hope I haven't experienced since becoming what I am. It's the ultimate in selfishness, but I can't wait to have you by my side for all of eternity. I vow to love, honor, and protect you until I exist no more." I lift her left hand and place a kiss on the back of it. The scent of her blush is enticing, the shade of pink that rises to her skin delectable, and I can't resist trailing an index finger over the apple of one cheek.

"Edward, I felt drawn to you from the moment we met, though I didn't understand why at first. The thought of you dying sent pain slicing through my heart, and I had no choice but to save you. You sacrificed everything for me, put yourself in harm's way to try to protect me and Hannah. No matter how many centuries we might be together, I will never forget who you are." She reaches out to lay a hand over my heart, and a tear slides down her cheek. "You are my knight in shining armor, my one true love, and I vow to love, honor, and protect you until I exist no more."

I use the pad of my thumb to wipe away the tear. Love for her overwhelms me, every cell filled to bursting.

"I just wish Hannah could have been here," she whispers.

Alice dances forward with her cell phone. "She's here in spirit. I was going to wait until later to show you this, but . . ."

She plays a video that was recorded in Sue's backyard.

The camera focuses in on Hannah, and Sue whispers, "Go ahead, honey."

Hannah skips close to the screen with a huge smile on her face. "I love you, mama and Edwood. Happy wedding day!"

The video freezes on Hannah's smiling face.

Isabella runs a finger over the screen tenderly. "Oh, my baby. Mommy will always make sure you're taken care of, no matter what."

"So will I," I promise. "I'll always be there for both of you."

"I know." Isabella smiles up at me before turning to Alice. "That was the best wedding present ever. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Alice steps back so we can continue.

"Rose?" I prompt impatiently.

Rosalie swallows around the lump in her throat. "By the power of your love, you are now husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

In one swift movement, I scoop Isabella into my arms, toss the bouquet at Alice, and take off through the woods. Isabella barely has time for a gasp of surprise before my lips are on hers. I'm a vampire; I can run through the woods at breakneck speed while kissing my bride. My sisters will be disappointed at our impromptu departure, but they'll have to get over it. I want the first kiss all to myself.

We reach another clearing closer to the cabin, and I press Isabella back against a blanket I laid out on the grass earlier, knowing she'd freak out about her dress otherwise. There's an ice bucket with a chilled bottle of champagne resting in the grass beside it. Alice.

My lips find Isabella's ripe and ready. She doesn't stop me to ask why we're in the middle of a field on a blanket in our wedding clothes or why I whisked her away from my sisters so abruptly. She tangles her fingers in my hair and kisses me back with abandon, pressing her body closer to mine.

"Isabella Masen," I say with pride and smile down at her.

"I love the way that sounds. It's an honor to take your name." Her warm fingers caress my face lovingly.

"Some champagne, Mrs. Masen?" I query, helping her sit up.

I pop the cork and pour us both a flute. Isabella seems surprised, but I simply smile—I can endure a little bubbly for her.

"To an eternity of happiness and love." Our glasses clink together, and we both laugh as our arms entwine, and we drink from the delicate glasses. The fizzing alcohol tickles my nose and throat as it goes down.

I only drink a few sips, but Isabella drinks two glasses in quick succession. The effect is immediate—a radiant flush of her skin, loosening of her joints, and soft giggles as she slides her hands under my tux jacket and fumbles at the buttons on my shirt.

"Isabella . . ."

"It's our wedding night—er, afternoon." She giggles again.

"You're tipsy."

"No, no. I'm happy and relaxed. Big difference, husband." She leans in and kisses my Adam's apple as her fingers work my bow tie loose. Her lips find their way to the lobe of my ear. "Don't you want me?" she whispers, sucking it between them.

Primal urges ignite within me, and I'm tempted to strip her down and take her right here.

"Yes, of course I want you." Delicate fingers continue to work the buttons on my shirt as her tongue works my earlobe. "Guess I had the image of undressing you in the bedroom in mind."

"Oh, we'll do it there, too."

She pushes me back on the blanket and kneels beside me. Her warm mouth distracts me, and before long, my shirt is open and so are my trousers. The warmth of her fingers caresses my cock, and I groan. A cool breeze whips up, and I know I should stop this and bring her back to our bed.

"Isabella . . ."

"Don't, Edward." Her voice is stern, but her fingers continue to fondle me lovingly.

"It's chilly out here."

"I like it, and don't tell me I'll catch cold—because in a few days' time, that won't matter."

"I have no protection." That does matter. The last thing we need is for her to get pregnant again; it could muck up the delicate balance of her blood in unpredictable ways.

Isabella lifts her head and gazes down at me. "You know, if I wasn't aware of what a horn-dog you are, I'd think you were trying to avoid making it with me, Mr. Masen." A sly smile curls her lips in an enticing way, and she hikes her dress up to her thighs, tossing a leg over my hips to straddle me. "If that's all the objections you've got . . . let the festivities commence." Lifting one leg out slightly, she pulls a foil packet from under the white lacy garter that holds it in place. Right above a pair of . . . thigh highs. That's so hot.

"Oh, God."

She rips the packet open with her teeth and looks down at me coyly. "I rather think I'll be hearing 'Oh, Isabella' pretty soon." The scent of orange blossoms surrounds us as she sheathes me with the condom.

I slide my hands up her creamy thighs and underneath her wedding dress, encountering nothing but warm, silken skin. "No panties."

"No bra. Nothing to slow us down—just all your talking."

Isabella takes all of me inside her, tilting her joy-filled face up to the sky. She unfastens the clip that holds her hair together behind her head, and the braids fall forward to frame her face. A few wildflower petals rain down between us, but most of them remain tucked in the weave of the braids.

The snugness of her dress won't allow my roaming hands to reach past her hips, so I slip them from under her skirt and tug the off-the-shoulder neckline down until I can free her breasts, the dress pressing them together and pushing them forward. Isabella lets loose a soft "Oh . . ." as the cool air teases across them, awakening the rosy buds.

She spreads my shirt open and leans down to place a kiss on my bare chest. Soft waves of mahogany spill over my sensitive skin, and I rock my hips. I cup her face in my hands, guiding her mouth to mine. Her lips are soft, searing heat pressing to my own, and the hardened points of her nipples draw hot tingling patterns over my skin. Her hands seek purchase on my shoulders as she uses our joining to bring herself to the heights of pleasure, drawing me along for the ride.

Between kisses, I whisper, "Beautiful, bewitching . . . it's as if you cast a spell over me."

"No stronger than the one you cast over me."

We come together again, her lips parting on a sweet moan. My tongue entangles with the branding heat of hers, and I'm lost. The heat of her incinerates me at so many levels as we give and take until our passion collides and shatters, raining down around us in shards of ice and sparks of fire.

~*RK*~

A/N: In case I haven't said it often enough, each and every one of you is a gift to me. I appreciate your patience and willingness to keep reading even though I'm a sloo-oh-oh-oow updater. My readers rock the hardest! Mwah!

I originally planned to have other events happen in this chapter, but my characters had plans of their own. Hope you enjoyed the interlude. :-) Next chapter we'll be back to the drama.

The winner of Emmett's Party Pack Contest was 2muchtrouble. Wonder what Emmett will do with that party pack once these two no longer have need of it. Any suggestions? Water balloon fight anyone?

The next chapter is almost finished, and then I'll be cranking out the next installment of Speak Now. I've been asked by several readers about Broken Windows. My intention is to work on that after Speak Now.

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