Happy Sunday everyone! I don't have too much to say, so please just enjoy!

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Esme and Carlisle were hosting the party at restaurant they completely rented out for the night. Carlisle wanted it at a place where they discreetly scanned for metal objects, such as guns. The place would also have a ton of security guards around so there'd be no way someone could hurt anyone.

We pulled into the parking garage where Edward, Carlisle, Emmett, and Jasper were waiting. Edward smiled widely when I stepped out of the car and walked over to me.

"Hello, beautiful," Edward said as he pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head.

"Thank you," I said. He looked over my head at Sue and Leah.

"I'm Edward Cullen," He said as he extended his hand towards them. "You two must be Sue and Leah. It's so great to finally meet the two of you. Bella speaks so highly of you."

Sue grabbed his hand. "It's nice to meet you too. I can't wait to get to know you better."

Edward grinned. "Of course. And how is your hotel? Are they treating you right?"

"The hotel is really nice." Leah said. "Probably the fanciest we've ever stayed in."

"That's good to hear. I wanted to make sure Bella's family was set up properly."

"Are we ready to go in?" Esme said.

"C-can I talk to Edward really quick?" I asked.

"Of course," Carlisle said. "We'll meet you in there."

After they got into the elevator, I turned to Edward.

"What was in the gift?" I asked. "The one that smelled horrible."

He was quiet for a few seconds. "Do you really want to know?"

I thought about it before nodding. "Yes, please tell me."

"It was a severed head."

I gasped. "A-a head? W-whose head?"

"James Hunter." Edward said as he pulled me into his arms. "I killed him last week and it seems someone found out. Tracked down his body and cut off his head."

I shuddered, pressing myself harder against him. "W-why would s-someone do t-that?"

"They're sending you a message," He kissed the top of my head. "They're saying that me killing James didn't scare them and they're not going to stop."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I pressed my face against his chest so he wouldn't see. His hand gently started rubbing my back.

"It's going to be okay." He said softly. "I know is seems scary, but I promise you Bella, it's going to be okay."

When I didn't answer, he continued.

"I'm already tracking it. We're going to figure out who sent it to you. And then I'm going to kill him." He said.

"I don't want to open anymore presents."

"Don't worry, I've had them shipped to a warehouse to be opened. The people there will record everything. And all you'll have to do is write the thank-you cards. Plus, they'll send you whatever you want to keep."

I nodded against his chest.

"There is one thing I need to warn you about tonight." He said. I looked up at him with wide eyes. "You're going to be given a bunch of money cards from everyone tonight. The people who weren't invited went ahead and sent their cards for you to open tonight."

"What are money cards?" I asked; I had a pretty good idea, but I could never be too sure.

"It's a tradition from your side of the family. The Swan women are given money from the wedding guests as a gesture of future good fortune. Even though you're becoming a Cullen, I still wanted to honor the Swan's traditions."

"I guess that's not so bad," I shrugged. "I can add it to my savings. Maybe I'll be able to pay for my own tutor."

"Oh darling, you'll be able to pay for ten tutors," He chuckled. "And I already told you I'm going to find you a good tutor. So, you can use that money on whatever you want."

"Do you think I'm going to get a lot of money?"

"Swan tradition states that guests don't give less than five thousand. Anything below that is an insult."

I nearly choked on the air I was breathing. "F-five thousand? T-that's too much!"

"Five thousand is nothing to our guests."

"What about the Clearwater's? Five thousand is way too much—."

"They're excluded from any wedding traditions like that. Don't worry." He said as he kissed the top of my head. "Now, let's go in and greet everyone."

I smiled as he pulled away and grabbed my hand. We headed to the elevators.

"So, who all is coming tonight?" I asked.

"My family, the Hales, Aro and his family. My grandmother. The Clearwater's. My aunt and her family. And a few other associates. It's not going to be as big as Alice's party."

"Good." I nodded. "The restaurant sounds nice."

"I haven't tried it but my mom raves about it. It should be delicious. Which is good because I am starved." He said.

"You're always hungry." I giggled.

"Not true," He said as he gave me a playful look which I returned. He laughed. "Alright, fine. I am always hungry, but I love food."

When the elevator doors opened, we were thrusted into a room full of people who cheered so loudly it made me jump. Edward placed his hand on my lower back and walked us into the room as he smiled at everyone.

The people closest to us started giving me envelopes. I tried to thank everyone, but there were so many of them being given to me that I was having a hard time keeping track of who gave me what.

It took us about ten minutes to get to the family table. There wasn't as many people here as there were at Alice's party, but there were still a lot of people. Familiar faces came up to us just as we sat.

"Sweet Bella," Aro chirped as he sat a flat rectangular box in front of me. "I got you a little something to celebrate your upcoming wedding and to honor your father's heritage."

I stared at the box for a moment before looking up at him and smiling.

"Thank you, Aro."

"Please open it," Sulpicia said with an eyeroll. "He's been going on and on about it all day. He needs to make sure he gave you the most."

Aro laughed. "That is not true, Picia."

I nodded and tentatively opened the box. Edward was rubbing my back as I pulled the top off.

Inside of the box were stacks of hundred-dollar bills. I looked up at Aro with raised brows.

"There is fifty-thousand in there," He smiled proudly. "Now don't you use that money for anything boring. I expect you to use it for something fun, like a fun shopping spree or a little weekend getaway."

"Oh, wow," I said. "A-Aro this is uh so nice."

He laughed. "Of course, it's the least I can do. I was trying to get your other uncles here, but I haven't heard from Marcus and Caius is being completely stubborn. Which reminds me that the three of us need to have a serious discussion later on. But I won't ruin tonight's festivities."

Edward smiled at Aro. "Of course, Aro."

"Thank you." I smiled as I put the lid back onto the box for a waiter to put away.

As Emmett clinked his glass to get everyone's attention, Aro and his family went to their table.

"Uh, hi everyone," Emmett smiled once everyone quieted and looked to him. "As the best man, I just wanted to say a few words about my cousin Edward. Well, I'm only a couple years older than Edward so, in a way, he was like the little brother I never had. We're about as close as brothers could be. I probably know everything about Edward." He paused, nodding slightly, and smiling softly. "He has always been there for me. Through every situation, he's always been the first one there for me. When my parents died, Edward took a whole month off from school to stay with me and help me. I don't think I would've gotten through that time without him. And he was there for me through another situation that I just won't talk about, but he knows. I don't say it a lot, but thanks man. You've saved me quite a few times and I'm sure you'll save me again. I think that quality in Edward is what is going to make him a great husband. Edward is always there for the people he cares about. Bella, you don't have anything to worry about. He's going to always be there for you, no matter what. I know you guys are going to have an incredible marriage." His lifted his glass high. "Go mbeannaí an pátrún Iósaef do phósadh le grá, le rathúnas agus le go leor gnéis." Carlisle and Edward shook their heads as they laughed. "Déan bród orainn."

I followed Edward's lead and lifted my glass to toast. Once everyone stopped toasting, I leaned toward Edward.

"What did Emmett say?" I asked.

"He said, 'May the patron saint Joseph bless your marriage with love, prosperity, and lots of sex. Make us proud.' In Irish. He improved the last part, it's supposed to be love, prosperity, and children."

"Oh," I nodded. "Well, the rest of it was sweet."

Alice took Emmett's place and got everyone's attention. She was holding a glass of wine and swaying slightly. Jasper was standing nearby, watching her wearily.

"Hello everyone!" She said loudly. "It's so nice that all of you came to celebrate with us! Woo! Go Edward and Bella. Marriage, wow. Such a big step in a relationship. And to think you two only met a couple—," Jasper jumped forward and stopped her before she said anything else. I now realized that Alice was very drunk. "Whoops." She snorted a giggle. "Let me try that it again—." She ended in a gag. Jasper grabbed her and pushed ran her into the nearest bathroom.

Emmett and Jasper were nearly falling over with laughter while Esme was jumping to her feet to run after them.

When Carlisle stood the soft laughter died and he had everyone's attention.

"Well, that was certainly something," He chuckled softly. "Since my sweet daughter is feeling under the weather, I'll say a few words on Edward and Bella's behalf. I met both Edward and Bella on the days that they were born. I was good friends with Bella's parents, and our hope was that Bella and Edward would grow to love one another dearly. The relationship these two have shared has seemed a bit sudden and rushed, but nonetheless, I know the both of them will prove to be great partners in the relationship. I have confidence in that. I want to wish you two nothing but the best of luck as you grow together. Marriage is not the end of anything, but the beginning of something beautiful. For Esme and me we took our marriage as an opportunity to better ourselves. For the last twenty-four years, we've pushed each other. We've supported each other. And above all, we've loved and respected each other throughout the years" He raised his glass as he looked at the two of us. "To your futures. I know the two of you will make us very proud."

"And to add to Carlisle's speech," Esme said as she walked out of the bathroom she had raced into after Alice. "Carlisle and I wanted to give the two of you a gift that would help you establish yourselves."

"I didn't forget dearest, I was waiting for you," He smiled at her. "But yes, Esme and I have a gift for the two of you. One of the most important things newlyweds must have, is a very strong foundation and that is a house. So—."

"So Carlisle and I wanted to buy your first home for you." Esme said excitedly, causing Carlisle to laugh.

"Yes, we wanted to buy your first home after the wedding. We have several houses picked out that we think you'll like." Carlisle wrapped his arm around Esme's shoulders.

"Oh wow," Edward smiled as he put a hand on my back. "That sounds fantastic. Thanks you guys."

"Of course," Esme said as they both walked up to us to hug us. "We love you two so much. We want you to have the best start."

"Thank you, Esme." I said as she hugged me.

"That's great dad," He said as Carlisle kissed the top of his head. "It's awesome."

They took their seats again as dinner was served. It was different set up from Alice's party, which was nice because I didn't have to remember all of the silverware usage.

"Are you having a nice time?" Edward asked as the waiters took our dinner plates.

I smiled at him. "Yeah, it's been nice."

"Are you excited for tomorrow?" He asked. "Wedding dress shopping is a big deal."

"Yeah, I know. I think I'm excited. I don't really know what kind of dress I want."

"That's alright. You have all day—son of a bitch," Edward said as his eyes widened. I turned my head to follow his gaze, but he grabbed my shoulders. "Come on. Let's go talk for a minute."

"Edward what's wrong?" He roughly pulled me out of the seat; rougher than he had ever been with me which scared me.

He dragged me into the hallway outside of the restaurant. Once he stopped, I quickly jerked away from him and backed into the wall, staring at him with wide eyes.

He looked confused for a moment before raising his hands, palms forward.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be so rough. I just had to get you out of there before you saw him."

"Saw who?"

Esme was out of the door with Emmett close on her heels.

"Are you alright?" Esme asked me.

"She didn't see him."

"See who?" I asked.

The three of them exchanged a look.

"Caius showed up." Edward finally said.

I felt my heart jam in my throat. My eyes widened even more, and my palms became soaked with sweat. I started looking around wildly for an escape route.

"Mom make us an excuse. Bella let's get out—." Edward started to say, but Carlisle stopped him.

"No, the two of you cannot leave." He said sternly. "If you do, not only will Caius's suspicions rise but so will Aro's. I don't have enough evidence to present to Aro yet. Things could become very bad."

"I-I'm not s-staying." I said as I wildly shook my head. "I'm not doing it. Y-You can't make me."

Carlisle's eyes softened. "I'm sorry Bella. I know this isn't fair, but you have to think of this in the long run. Caius needs to be eliminated and I can't do that without building a case to Aro. If I act now, then I could start a war."

Edward placed his hands on my shoulders and pulled my back against him. He then wrapped his arms tightly around me as I started to hyperventilate.

"Carlisle she can't. Look at her, she's a mess." Esme said as she stepped to me and wrapped her arms around me too. She placed her lips against the top of my head and started shushing me gently.

"She's going to have too." Carlisle said. "I'm sorry Bella. You need to pull it together."

I started shaking my head and jerking away from Esme and Edward.

"Let me go. I'm leaving." I managed to get out through heavy breaths.

"Bella?" I heard Sue said as the door opened. "Are you okay?"

"No I'm leaving," I said, closing my eyes. I just wanted to leave.

"Why? It's a nice party, aren't you having fun?"

"Not anymore." I said. "I just want to go home."

"Is it because of that man that walked in?" She said. "The blond one."

I tensed and closed my eyes. "I just want to leave." I said through my teeth.

"Do you want me to go punch him for you?" I heard Leah say. "I'll walk right up to him and just deck him right in the mouth."

"Why does he make you want to leave?" Sue asked softly to me.

"Could I have a moment with Bella, please everyone." Edward asked.

There was a bit of hesitation before everyone finally left. Edward placed his hands on my shoulders and spun me around to face him.

"Let's go."

My eyes opened. "W-what?"

"You want to leave?" He asked, eyebrow raised. "Let's go."

"B-but you d-dad."

He shrugged. "It's fine I'll deal with it."

"A-and everyone else?"

"We'll tell everyone you got sick like Alice. If they get suspicious, they get suspicious."

I started nodding. "Let's go. Please."

He placed an arm around me. "Come on, let's get the hell out of here."

Edward had quickly hustled me out of the building and into the car. Once we were a few miles away, I let out a long sigh of relief.

Edward chuckled and reached over placing his hand on my knee.

"Feel better?"

"A little bit." I nodded. "W-why did he come?"

"Probably to fuck with you." He said bluntly. "I didn't know my mom had—."

He sighed midsentence when his phone started ringing loudly. I knew it was his dad because his name popped up on the car's screen. I shrunk down in the seat.

"Dad—," Edward started but Carlisle was quicker.

"I can't believe you left!" He whispered-yelled. "You need to come back now, with Bella."

"Dad I'm not putting Bella through it, okay? She was freaking out. She wasn't going to be able to sit through the rest of the party with him around."

"How do you think this looks?" He asked. "Edward this could be bad. Very bad. Caius is going to get suspicious and he's going to assume Bella told us everything! He'll go into lockdown. He'll become defensive. We can't have that, not now. Come back right now!"

"No dad," Edward said firmly. "It'll be fine. Alice got sick. We're going to say Bella caught a bug too. That'll save Alice from embarrassment."

"Well since he showed up tonight what are you planning on doing for the actual wedding? I have a good feeling he'll show up to the wedding now, he was invited."

"We'll figure it out." He said. "Bella could take another one of those Xanax that Rose gave her to help her get through it. It'll be fine."

Carlisle sighed extremely heavily. "Am I on speaker?"

"Yeah, but dad—,"

"Bella," Carlisle addressed me. "Bella, I need you to understand something very important. You cannot run away from people. Have you ever seen Esme back down from anyone? Or Rosalie, or Alice? Have they ever cowered down to anyone?"

"N-no."

"You cannot be afraid of people. You cannot run away from people. If you're going to be Edward's wife, you need to learn how to hold you head up and be strong. Running away from everyone that scares you is unacceptable. The wedding and the rehearsal dinner is next week. I have no idea who will come to either event, but you can't run away. I'm putting my foot down. If I have to, I'll barricade every door and put a guard there specifically to keep you there. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes." I whispered.

"Why are you being such a dick? You know what Caius did to Bella. Why wouldn't she be scared?" Edward said.

"Edward, you know how important this is. Bella is a reflection of you. If she acts like a scared little girl all the time, then people will know they can hurt you through her. She needs to toughen up."

"Alright dad," Edward said in a snippy tone.

"You two need to speak with Aro quickly. He's been wondering why we're rushing the wedding."

"It's fine. Let him wonder." Edward said.

"It's not fine. What do you think will happen when he starts digging? He's going to realize we're digging and he's going to ask even more questions. If he figures out we're investigating his brother he's not going to take that lightly."

"Alright dad, we know." Edward said. "I'll arrange to have dinner with him tomorrow. Bella and I will speak with him."

"Get it done." Carlisle said. "I'll make an excuse for you tonight. But I expect the both of you to stay for the duration of every upcoming party. Understand?"

"Yes." Edward and I said at the same time.

"Good." He said before hanging up.

I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. Part of me was shaming the other part of me for being scared. I should just suck it up and go back.

"Don't worry about it," Edward said. "My dad will get over it. He's sort of a softie. He won't stay mad, and he'll probably call you tomorrow morning an apologize."

"Maybe we should go back." I whispered.

"No, we're already home." He said as he pulled into the garage of my apartment. "You want me to run to the store and get some junk food? We could watch a movie."

"I-I just kind of want to go to bed." I said as I looked over at him and smiled softly. "Thanks for trying to make me feel better."

He smiled widely. "That's my job. Well, my soon-to-be job since we're getting married Saturday."

"You're good at it." I said as I opened the door. "Thank you for helping me escape."

"Anytime." He grinned. "Let me walk you to the door."

Edward and I walked up to the apartment and stood outside of the door.

"Thanks." I smiled.

He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. "Have a good night. And if you need anything, please call."

When he tried to pull away, I grabbed his arm. He paused, his face a few inches above mine.

"What's wrong?" He whispered.

"I-I t-think I want to k-kiss you." I whispered back. "B-but I'm not s-sure."

He chuckled softly. "Okay. Well, should I just kiss you then?"

I opened my mouth but then closed it, unsure. "I-I don't want our first kiss to be at the wedding… in front of people. It's a lot of pres—."

He quickly grabbed my chin and pressed his lips against mine. I squeaked in surprise and started to pull away from him, but the butterflies in my stomach stopped me. After recovering from the surprise, I placed my hands on his chest and leaned into him.

His wrapped his arm around my body, his hands resting against the small of my back. I closed my eyes and leaned even farther into him.

Both my heart and my stomach were fluttering with excitement. I thought I'd be more nervous but surprisingly, I wasn't. I was enjoying the kiss. A lot. I had never enjoyed physical touch this much. Something weird was happening to me. I was leaning even further into Edward so I could feel his body.

Even stranger, I felt my lower region heating up in a way I had never felt before. I wanted to do more but I wasn't sure what. When I pressed my lower half against his, I suddenly realized what it was I wanted to do, and I was shocked at myself. This was a feeling I had never had before.

He pulled away chuckling. He rested his forehead against mine still holding me closely.

"Was that okay?" He asked softly.

I nodded, unable to speak. I opened my eyes to stare into his. His eyes were so beautiful. An electric green that I had never seen before. And his muscles; even under his shirt I could feel his firm muscular arms. His face was so beautiful. Edward was beautiful. Oh my gosh he was so beautiful.

He pulled away slightly. "I should let you go to bed. It's a big day tomorrow. Wedding dress shopping."

"Oh yeah," I chuckled softly as I forced myself to let him go. "Yeah. I need to pick a dress."

He kissed my forehead. "You'll have a lot of fun. And pick something you really like, okay?"

"I will." I smiled. "Thanks, again. For getting me out of there. Thanks."

"You don't ever have to worry; I'll always be there to protect you. Good night."

I smiled widely. "Good night."

Hopefully this'll get you through to next Sunday! Unfortunately, my updates will only be on Sunday's now because I got a new job that takes up 95% of my time. And I have to split the other 5% with studying and writing this story. I hope you liked this sweet chapter. If you have any time, leave me a little review! Have a wonderful week!