Sorry for the delay, currently traversing the western plains and that means wifi is spotty at best. Catch you later this week!

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 8

The morning of their departure, Bella was up early. She'd packed a small trunk with a few days' outfits and her dresses to sell, the gift a separate bundle sitting on top. She flagged down Mr. Miller and asked him about transporting the items to the McCarty's carriage; he was eager to send two of his boys. They navigated the stairs and were quick to take the trunk and return for the gift.

With that taken care of, Bella finished packing her carpet bag while she waited for Edward to arrive. The late March morning was chilled, but not as cold as the weather had been just a week earlier. The thought of late snows by her standards hadn't prepared her for what was a mild winter. She was just folding her shawl when Angela called her down from the back room.

Bella descended from her apartment and was happy to see Edward waiting beside her sister. "Mrs. Black, are you ready to see Golden City and all it has to offer?"

"I am, Marshal Cullen."

"You two behave yourselves, or Sam will be in charge for far longer than the weekend," Angela joked.

"Always," Edward said as he offered Bella his arm.

They met with the McCartys at the livery and soon Rosalie and Bella were seated in the back, while the men took the front seat. It was a few hours' ride in which Bella read while Rosalie worked on some knitting.

When they arrived in Golden City, Emmett dropped the others at the hotel to get their rooms while he took the carriage to the livery.

Bella was taken up to her room with Rosalie, while Edward made arrangements for an early supper, since he and Emmett would likely be visiting with Jasper after that. Bella unpacked the dresses she'd brought, then she and Rosalie went down to the tailor's shop to sell them.

The owner was quite pleased with the dresses and made Bella an offer for them. Having Eastern dresses, even gently worn ones, would elevate her shop; she was happy to pay for the privilege. Bella looked at some of the items on display and promised they would be back the next day.

The women arrived back at the hotel and enjoyed their meal together with the men. It was one of the first times Bella had spent any real time with Emmett and she found him to be a warm man. It was clear he adored Rosalie and it made Bella ache for what she'd missed out on.

Emmett and Edward left them to celebrate with the bridegroom before his big day, so the women returned to their rooms to unpack and let their dresses hang to ease the wrinkles.

Bella had one of the chambermaids bring her the iron when she dropped off the pitcher of water for the basin and she managed to work out the worst of the wrinkles, making her feel much better about how she would look come morning.

Bella enjoyed a quiet evening but her mind kept going over things, unable to settle. This was what allowed her to hear the knock and her name whispered several hours later. She stood up and wrapped her thick robe around her as she went to the door, curious as to why Edward would be disturbing her so late at night. She cracked the door open, shocked when Edward pushed his way into the room and kissed her.

Edward's arms went around her waist like vices and his lips were insistent against hers. It was the first time he'd ever kissed her properly, but the manner of it was far from proper. She felt every inch of his hard body against her. Suddenly the robe felt paper thin as it offered her no protection. He tasted of whiskey and reeked of cigar smoke, the combination not one she cared for.

A voice calling Edward's name out in the hall distracted him long enough for him to return to the hallway. Bella seized the opportunity to close and latch the door, removing her robe and burrowing under the covers.

The next morning, Edward sat with the McCartys in the hotel's restaurant. The waitress came over to take their order, but Edward stopped her. "We're waiting for one more person to join us."

"Mrs. Black ordered her breakfast to be sent up to her room and asked that Mrs. McCarty be informed that she'll meet her later."

"Thank you for passing that along," Rosalie said and began ordering their meal.

Edward ate, but found it difficult to concentrate when his concern was on Bella. He couldn't help but wonder what was wrong this morning.

Once the meal was done, Rosalie went to check on her friend while the men retired to Edward's room. It wasn't long before Rosalie burst in, her anger clear.

"What did you do?" Rosalie growled.

Edward was shocked to see her anger directed at him. "I don't have any idea what you're talking about."

"Emmett, where did you leave this buffoon last night?"

"We came back to the hotel and he ran ahead of us. Peter had to call for him to help us get Jasper up to his room. Why? What happened?"

"It seems your brilliant cousin barged into Mrs. Black's room last night and planted a rather forceful first kiss on her. The poor girl is all out of sorts."

"I don't remember that," Edward muttered.

"Maybe because you were half in the bottle last night. Don't think I didn't notice how much coffee you drank at breakfast."

"I need to make this right," Edward stood, but Rosalie grabbed his arm.

"What you need to do is give her some space. She will still attend the wedding, so I would suggest you find a way to make it up to her. She's a sweet young woman, but this is her first time being pursued and last night frightened her a little."

Edward tugged on his hair, his anxiety through the roof. "Will you two be shopping today as planned?"

"Yes."

"All right. I'll leave her in your capable hands. Try not to toss me to the curb."

"I'll do my best," Rosalie kissed Edward on the cheek and pulled at his elbow, removing the one hand from his hair.

Rosalie returned to Bella's room and the pair quickly exited the hotel. Shopping was a welcome distraction for Bella, and as she purchased an assortment of items she wasn't able to get in Rosewood, the knot in her stomach eased.

They were just returning to the hotel to clean up before the wedding, when one of the chambermaids exited Bella's room. She offered her assistance, but Bella promised they would be fine.

What had Bella perplexed as she entered the room was the overly floral scent. But the mystery was soon solved when she turned to see a large bouquet and what appeared to be a note.

"I'll give you a few moments while I gather my clothes so we can prepare for the wedding," Rosalie said and slipped out of the room.

Bella approached the bountiful arrangement and took a moment to admire it before she read the card tucked within.

My Dear Bella,

I'm deeply sorry that my brash actions last night caused you discomfort. It was never my intention. If I'm being completely honest, I don't have a memory of my actions, but that only makes it worse. I hope you will allow me to try and make amends for my behavior. Though if you cannot, I will not fight you on this, no matter how much it would pain me to lose the pleasure of your company.

Your Humble Servant,

E. Cullen

Bella read over the words several times before tucking the card away at the sound of Rosalie's knock.

The women readied themselves for the wedding and when it was time to head for the church, Edward was not with Emmett. Bella looked confused, but Emmett explained as he offered both women his arm.

"Edward wanted to make sure we had a seat at the church."

The walk to the church was short and soon they found their way to the pew Edward had saved for them. Rosalie paused, letting Bella choose if she wanted to sit beside Edward or not. Bella slid into the row and took a seat beside Edward. She saw his sigh of relief as the McCartys took their seats.

Edward kept his attention on the front of the church, but his eyes drifted to the vision beside him from time to time. When they reached the part of the vows where Jasper promised to love Mary Alice "as long as they both shall live," he noticed the way Bella's hand shook. In a moment of bravery, he reached for her hand, covering hers with his own. To his relief, she grasped his hand and they held onto one another for the remainder of the ceremony.

They returned to the hotel, where the restaurant had been transformed into a venue for the wedding reception. Tables lined the wall and the center was open for those who wished to dance.

Edward threaded Bella's arm through his as they waited in line to speak to the happy couple. After Rosalie and Emmett finished, Mary Alice practically pounced on them.

"Alice, this is Bella Black. Bella, this is Mary Alice Whitlock," Edward introduced.

"Mrs. Black, thank you so much for coming to our wedding. I'm thrilled to meet the woman who has captured Marshal Cullen's heart."

"Thank you, Mrs. Whitlock. I look forward to getting to know you better. And I have a gift for you, I gave it to the hotel manager before we left for the wedding."

"We received it, thank you."

"Ma'am, glad you came out to Golden City for our celebration," Sheriff Whitlock added.

Edward led Bella to their table and they enjoyed the meal before the celebration truly began.

Alice and Jasper were the first to take the floor, but soon other couples joined them. Edward was waved over by another deputy, which left Bella alone at the table. After a few songs, Edward had still not returned, so when Emmett offered to dance with Bella, she accepted.

Once she was on the floor, the widow became a popular partner. The restaurant was crowded and the crush of people left Bella feeling a bit flushed. She stepped out onto the verandah, trying to cool off. It was only a few minutes before Bella heard the distinct sound of Edward's boot on the hardwood.

"Is there room for anyone else out here?" he asked cautiously.

"There is," she responded. The air between them was tense. Bella knew she needed to ease it. "Thank you for the flowers and the card. They were both lovely."

Edward turned to Bella and grasped one of her hands in his. "I meant every word, Bella. I'm not one to overindulge, but we were all carrying on last night. Before I knew it, I'd lost control a bit. You have to know that I would never disrespect you in my right mind, and all you need to do is say the word and I'll never touch a bottle of whiskey again."

Bella sighed heavily, needing to say what she was thinking correctly. "I know you would never purposefully cause me harm, but I need you to understand what was so horrid to me about last night.

"There is an assumption about widows that because we've been married, we're experienced in bed. But you know how short my first marriage was and how that one night was my only time. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been kissed. To have our first kiss be so forceful and something you can't even remember …" she stuttered.

Edward took the opportunity presented by Bella's unfinished thought to reassure her. "Don't cry, Dear Heart. I cannot undo what has passed, and if you wish to end this courtship, I'll abide by your wishes. But if you can give me your forgiveness, I will work every day to show how precious you are to me."

"I don't want this to be the end of us," she whispered. "I believe you when you say you are sorry for your behavior, so I can forgive you. But you scared me. I will not live in fear of the man I'm supposed to love."

"I don't want you to fear me either. That is what hurts the most. I want to be your haven from troubling times, not the cause."

Bella took a cleansing breath and reached out to take his hand again. "I can see this has torn you up and I don't want to punish you for one momentary lapse. I think I'm ready to return to the celebration."

"Well, if that is the case, may I have the next dance?"

Bella took his offered hand and they returned to the party.

The rest of the evening was pleasant. By the time they retired, Bella felt like a part of their little circle. Peter and Jasper had a similar relationship as Edward and Emmett, being deputy and boss, and Charlotte and Mary Alice made Bella feel better about being with a lawman. They leaned on each other; as they spoke of assisting each other when the need arose, Bella understood what Edward's role in the community at large was.

Bella was about to step away when Alice pulled her into another hug. "I look forward to dancing at your own wedding soon. Please write to me in the meantime so we can get to know one another better."

"I will. And enjoy your wedded bliss."

The two couples moved upstairs. Once Bella was safely locked away in her room, she changed out of her dress and began to pack what wouldn't be needed come morning. Their plan was to leave after breakfast, and she didn't want to hold them up.

It wasn't long before her hair was braided and she settled into her bed, dreaming of what the spring would bring.