Hello everyone! I have to say I am SO sorry for how long this hiatus was. I can assure you it was not intentional, but necessary. Aside from a very busy school schedule, I have been having major writer's block on how to get to the next part of the story, and how best to do it. I do hope you enjoy this chapter, as it is much longer than a normal one, though it may not be my best writing!
Chapter 42: The Big Day
The poke in her arm was the last straw.
Faster than a normal human, but not fast enough for them to not see it coming, Edythe reached to her bedside table, taking the water bottle that had been innocently sitting there and threw it with all her force at her siblings, who quickly darted from the door and out of range. The plastic bottle hit the door with a thud before falling to the floor.
"Mom," Edythe heard the overdramatic whine in Eleanor's voice, "Edythe's throwing things in the house." Ignoring their voices, the human in question curled closer into her blankets, trying to fall back into the peaceful sleep she had been so rudely awoken from. But, unfortunately, she was not unconscious enough that she did not hear the rest of the conversation.
"I asked you to wake her, not antagonize her," Carine said disapprovingly.
"That's basically the same thing," Jessamine pointed out, "She's miserable in the morning; she always has been."
"That's because you all harassed her from the very beginning," another voice said that Edythe recognized as Beau's. "You created that little monster years ago."
"But it's so fun to get under her skin," Eleanor snickered.
"She needs to get up, and you know she won't listen with simple words, Carine," Jess said.
"She always has for Earnest and I," Carine countered and Edythe knew her mother well enough to know she was probably raising an eyebrow. But she wasn't able to hear the rest of the conversation, as she suddenly screamed in surprise.
She bolted upright, practically jumping away as her eyes caught Sky standing beside her bed, the unscrewed bottle cap in one hand and the now half-full water bottle in the other.
"Rise and shine," she said brightly with a smirk. "Time to get up and get ready. We have things to do." Edythe glared at her balefully, but the woman just laughed. As she did, Edythe saw as her sisters and mother stepped into the room, watching the scene with combinations of humor and hilarity.
"Rude," Edythe muttered as she reached to ring out her wet hair.
"Hey, I was debating on flipping the mattress, but I decided against it. I don't want Mama Bear mad at me so early in the morning," the blonde said lightly, indicating Carine with a head gesture. "And you need to shower regardless, now that you're alert." Edythe glared once more before conceding, pulling herself to the edge of the bed and heading for the bathroom.
Edythe showered and dressed quickly, moving swiftly to meet the women in the kitchen. Sky and Amanda were there, nursing cups of coffee at the breakfast bar as they chatted absently with the Cullens. When she appeared, their attention turned to her.
"Ah, the woman of the hour," Amanda teased and Edythe rolled her eyes. Carine stepped forward, handing Edythe something warm and baked wrapped in a napkin.
"Here, Earnest prepared something to go. You can eat on the way; we're running later than I'd like," she said. Edythe took it and followed her, Sky, Amanda, Jessamine, and Eleanor to the garage. In minutes, they were settled in the cars and on their way.
The bridal salon was only a hour north of Ithaca, small but with a large selection, one Edythe did not fully appreciate until she set foot in the large area. White fabric and crystals surrounded her on all sides; there had be thousands of dresses on the floor, at least. She was immediately escorted by a stylist to one of the back dressing rooms while her entourage were brought to a secluded section with couches and champagne at the ready.
Her stylist's name was Maureen, an older but experienced-looking woman who professionally instructed her to change into one of the pale blue robes, excusing herself. After Edythe was decent, the woman returned and started to ask her questions, wanting to know about the wedding, everything from the the theme, location, to the groom. Edythe gave her as much information as she could, which was noted down on Maureen's pad.
"And when is the date?" the woman asked.
"July twentieth," Edythe answered promptly, fighting a smile. The wedding date had been set as the second anniversary of her change from vampire to human. It seemed fitting to her, as well as Beau, for their wedding to share the date. Maureen then asked about her style, what types of dresses she liked. Edythe tried to answer as best she could, but she was not completely sure what she wanted or liked.
The only wedding dresses she had been near were her sisters' and mother's; while Jessamine and Carine each had only one ceremony, Eleanor had had many, the most recent in the early eighties. Edythe doubted any of those styles would still be sold in stores today, not that she partially cared for them anyway.
Maureen waved off Edythe's apology for not having more specific information, assuring her she would back with a variety of styles for her to try. And she definitely did. Edythe found herself in a flurry of trying on dresses, people asking her what she thought, moving back and forth between the dressing room and where her family and the Thompsons sat. They complimented her on the dresses she actually came out in, trying to help her figure out what she wanted and what she didn't want. But for every dress she showed them, she tried on three more that she didn't even bother leaving the dressing room in.
Edythe's anxiety started to climb as time went on, her confusion and frustration starting to overwhelm her. Maureen was amicable and understanding, giving her space when she asked to be left alone for a few minutes. She stood with her back against the full-length mirror, staring at nothing as her mind spun, trying to piece together something.
"She's feeling frustrated, and upset," Jessamine murmured quietly, too low for the other patrons in the business to hear. Carine nodded quietly, her thumb grazing the rim of the half-empty champagne glass she held. She was able to formulate her own conclusions about Edythe's distress without her empathic daughter's input; she could see the change in Edythe's expression, a change she saw more often than she preferred.
"She doesn't know what she wants," Eleanor added with a frown, "She's stressing herself out."
"I'm going to go talk to her," Carine decided, placing her glass on the table besides the sofa. Edythe was surprised then when there was a quiet knock on the dressing room door, her head turning to see Carine slide through a crack in the door before closing it firmly. The vampire moved toward her swiftly, her creator seeing the conflict in her eyes. Carine moved to place her hands on Edythe's shoulders, running them down her arms.
"Darling, we can see you're frustrated. What is troubling you?" she asked. Edythe glanced away.
"I…I don't know. I guess…I don't know what I don't know," she murmured. She glanced at the gowns hanging on their velvet hangers and felt her frustration seemed to heighten. Carine heard the unsteadiness of her heart rate and gently brushed her hair back from her face and fit her hand to Edythe's cheek. She brushed a stray tear away from under Edythe's eye.
"Sweetheart, this isn't meant to be upsetting," Carine told her. "You're supposed to enjoy this."
"I'm trying, but I don't think I'm being very helpful with narrowing anything down. Everyone is trying to help and I'm trying to take what they're saying…" Carine hushed her as she began to ramble, her hand moving down to squeeze Edythe's fingers. Edythe took a deep breath to collect herself, and Carine waited patiently for her to speak.
"The dresses are beautiful but none of them…" Edythe trailed off.
"Feel like you," Carine finished. Edythe nodded, her eyes finally moving from the heaps of fabric to her mother's face. It was tender, compassionate as always and she felt a wave of the familiar calm she felt in Carine's presence.
"Let's try something a little simpler," the matriarch proposed. "Did you like the feeling of a lot of fabric, or did you prefer less layers?"
"Less," Edythe answered almost immediately, "I felt like I was drowning." Carine nodded with a smile.
"Okay. Did you have any aversion to a certain style, like strapless or long-sleeve?" she prompted, and Edythe shook her head.
"I don't think I have an aversion, but I want to be able to move my arms comfortably," she said.
Carine asked a couple more questions, to which Edythe gave answers the best she could.
"Okay. I have an idea; let me speak to the stylist. Wait here," Carine said before leaving the room. Edythe sat in the single fabric chair silently, unsure what Carine was going to do. After about fifteen minutes, Maureen returned with more dresses, but also flanked by two assistants, who removed the dresses Edythe had already shot down or were waiting to be tried next.
"All right, honey," Maureen said, "I spoke to your mother, and she and your sisters pooled together to find a few dresses they think you'll like." Edythe nodded and glanced at the new options. She was glad the poof of the ball gowns were gone and she leafed through the small and manageable selection. Maureen stood dutifully as Edythe examined them, watching as she paused on the second dress.
"Can I try this one first?" she asked.
"Of course," the stylist assented, taking it off its hanger as Edythe stepped out of her robe.
Edythe didn't look in the mirror until Maureen was doing up the buttons; the dress was in her size, so there was no need for the metallic clamps for it to fit her figure. It was a Queen Anne neckline with a sweetheart bodice, a plain white satin underlay with embroidered lace tastefully placed over it. The thin sleeves were made of the same material, clasping just behind her neck. The lace on the bodice transitioned perfectly into the simple but elegant skirt, a fanback style made of soft, flowing crepe. The fabric ruffled slightly at the end and draped around her figure beautifully.
The part that surprised Edythe the most was the back; it was completely sheer, with matching lace detailing traveling seamlessly from the bodice on the front behind and up her back, the simple white buttons perfectly aligned with her spine. The lace ended just above her hips, where it moved into the skirt, completing the garment elegantly.
Edythe stared at herself as Maureen finished doing up the dress, noticing that though the back was sheer, her scar was not visible. She shifted slightly and the dress moved with her effortlessly. There was a long minute as the stylist allowed her to take her reflection in before suggesting moving to the front to show the others. Edythe agreed and gathered the front of the skirt.
Her entourage heard her approach and turned as she made toward them, but she refused to meet their gazes until she had stepped up onto the platform. Maureen adjusted the skirt around her before she finally looked at their reflections. They were smiling quietly, as they had with the last dozen dresses.
"It looks beautiful on you," Amanda commented first, and the others nodded or murmured in agreement.
"It's very comfortable," Edythe said, "Though I thought I wouldn't like the back so much."
"You can't see the scar," Sky assured her. Edythe nodded.
"What is it about this dress that you like?" Maureen asked diplomatically.
"The lace, the neckline, the skirt style and fabric, the sleeves…" Edythe said, touching each part as she spoke. She didn't provide in depth explanation of what she liked, but Maureen didn't prompt her.
"I can tell you like this significantly more than anything else you've tried," Maureen noted. Edythe nodded in agreement, not completely able to take her eyes off the dress in the mirror.
"The real question is do you like it enough to wear it on your wedding day?" Amanda pointed out.
Edythe didn't answer immediately, contemplating.
"I think I want to try the other ones first before I make any decisions," she said definitely. Maureen nodded and helped her step down from the platform, ushering her off to the dressing rooms once more. She dutifully changed out of the gown and tried each of the others. This set was definitely closer to what she had been looking for than the other dozen or so she had tried earlier. They were more akin to traditional wedding gowns, though with a modern flair that vintage dresses simply could not provide.
Edythe realized how much of her taste was governed by the time which she grew up in, how much the 1920's were alluded to in the dresses her family had chosen for her. It seemed they seemed to see her preference before she did. But despite their similar essence, Edythe could not find it in herself to think much of the other four dresses Maureen had her try. The stylist simply helped her change, stood quietly for Edythe to observe herself in the mirror for a minute, before helping Edythe remove the garment and move to the next.
After she had gone through them all again, Maureen offered the first dress once more. Edythe nodded immediately and, as Maureen helped her into it, she sensed the comfort in the dress was not just because of the fabric. The familiar walk from the dressing room to the platform was not as hesitant now, and her family watched as she moved to stand before them once more.
"I think she's made a decision," Amanda said with sly smile as all eyes followed to where Edythe stopped in front of them. Edythe smiled, and it was a genuine gesture, the first since she started trying on dresses.
"She couldn't stop thinking about this one," Maureen said with her own smile. "She practically jumped at the chance to wear it again."
"That sounds about right to me," Jessamine said before looking over to Edythe.
"Is this the one you want?" she asked, tasting her sister's emotions from the couch as Edythe deliberated for moment.
"Yes," the bride-to-be said, "This one feels like me. I love everything about it."
Her guests cheered genially at her words, a small round of applause coursing through them.
"Do you want to guess who picked this dress out for you?" Maureen asked as she reached under Edythe's arm to make a note of the tag number. Edythe had suspected, so it only took her a half second to respond.
"Mom?" she asked, her green eyes meeting Carine's in the mirror. Her mother smiled and nodded.
"Mother knows best," Amanda teased, to which the human doctor laughed lightly.
"She just knows me too well," Edythe said as Eleanor moved to stand besides her and help her get her shoes on. The simple white heels matched the dress perfectly. Maureen held Edythe's arm steady to keep her balanced as Eleanor slipped them onto Edythe's feet. As she stood up, she commented.
"I would hope so. She has known you practically your entire life," she said. Edythe grinned for a moment before Eleanor reached forward with her hand, her palm parallel to the ground as she gestured between the top of Edythe's head and herself.
"I think this is the closest you have ever been to me, height-wise," Eleanor teased.
"Almost," Edythe countered, "I'm five eight with the heels."
"You wish, Edy," Jessamine countered, "Those are four inches. And you're not that tall."
"Nuh uh. You will always be the little sister, no matter how old you are," Eleanor added with a tease, poking Edythe gently in the ribs. Edythe tried to dodge the jab unsuccessfully, but could not help a giggle.
"Yeah, five four is being generous, kiddo," Sky added, "You're maybe a hundred pounds soaking wet…maybe. And considering you don't look anorexic, there's no way you're that height." Edythe fought the urge to stick her tongue out at them, settling for rolling her eyes. As she did so, Carine stood, moving forward to touch Edythe's cheek.
"You look beautiful, darling," she murmured and Edythe could see Carine was suppressing her own emotions beneath her calm demeanor. Maureen did not speak during the exchanges, but eventually intervened.
"I think one thing is missing from this picture," she said before bustling away.
"Close your eyes, Edythe," Jessamine told her. Edythe obeyed, though begrudgingly. Moments later, she felt as Maureen gently placed something on her head, fabric brushing against her arm. When she was told she could open her eyes, Edythe did and her hand went to her mouth as she looked at herself in the mirror.
The veil was nearly as sheer as the back of the dress, but the edges were wrapped in a lace similar to that on her bodice. The piece framed her face and fell down over her, completing the look. There was a jewel headpiece secured in her hair, matching the gown and veil perfectly.
She murmured a low curse as the tears she had been trying so hard to fight back began to fall. Her family chuckled at the outburst, but she could see from looking at them that they were fighting their own waterworks. Carine's eyes were glassy with prisoned tears, but she reached out, leaning down to press her lips to Edythe's cheek, smoothing the tears away.
"Welp, Edythe's crying, we're all crying, I guess it was a success then," Sky said with a slight hiccup. Though her face was not wet, her throat was clogged with emotion. The group laughed at the comment, Edythe reaching up to wipe at her face. When she looked up though, she had one more reason to cry.
Earnest stood just off to the side, having just arrived; Archie had sent him ahead as he, Royal, and Beau had finished with their own garment shopping for the wedding. Earnest had acquiesced immediately, not understanding Archie's intentions until he was in the middle of a pre-determined vision. Now, as he laid his eyes on Edythe in the dress and veil, his heart tightened in a way that was both familiar and unnerving. Seeing his little girl in her wedding dress seemed to resolve much of the desires he wanted for Edythe, his second daughter, his hopes finally coming to fruition.
And Edythe could see it in his eyes, and there was no need to be able to read his mind.
"Dad," she murmured. Carine turned as she spoke, her own emotions heightening as her husband moved forward to take Edythe in his arms. He pressed his lips to her forehead, murmuring quietly in her ear that the stylist could not make out.
"Sweetheart, you look absolutely breathtaking," he breathed, still working through his emotions in order to try to relay to her what he saw. "Beau is going to be knocked off his feet." Edythe smiled at the mention of her fiancé, and the happiness in her features seemed to be contagious—maybe it was, with Jessamine there. Regardless, all of them were glad to see the distress removed from Edythe's face. And that emotion stayed strong even after she finally changed out of the dress, the order was placed, and the fitting date was set. As they made toward the car, they spoke about more plans that needed to be ironed out.
"Only fifty three days until there's a new official Cullen," Jessamine said with a wry smile as they walked. Edythe laughed.
"I'm glad you two aren't going along with the traditional though archaic and, some may argue, misogynistic custom of taking the husband's name," Amanda said casually. Edythe shrugged.
"Beau kind of made the assumption and I don't really mind. Besides, that's what Earnest did," she said, deliberately leaving out the fact that Archie did the same.
"You know that means though you're going to have to spend the rest of your life trying to figure which Dr. Cullen they're referring to?" Amanda prompted, with one eyebrow raised. Edythe frowned at her, only half joking.
"That's assuming I'll even go by that," she countered.
"Oh, you will. You get used to it eventually," Amanda said casually. "You two should start your own side business, treating humans and animals. It'd make for a great TV show." Carine and Edythe laughed, the coven leader shaking her head slightly at the suggestion.
"How did you two decide to take Amanda's name?" Eleanor asked curiously.
"We flipped a coin," Sky said noncommittally. Eleanor snorted.
"It's true. It was just after the Supreme Court ruling, so we went to the courthouse and they asked. We had never thought about it so we flipped a coin," Amanda added with a shrug. "I think it turned out better that way, regardless." Sky nodded wordlessly in agreement.
"You two are so casual," Carine said. The two women considered that then shrugged.
"It's what you do in the marriage that makes the relationship, not what you do leading up to and during the wedding. You want to have a wedding, then of course, do what makes you happy. But it's ultimately one day in your life that is set up for what is supposed to be a lifetime with the person you love. We have just never been into it, and we had been living together, for all intents and purposes married, long before it was legalized. So it means something different to us. Just as your wedding means so much to you and Beau." Amanda said to Edythe.
"We didn't had a traditional wedding, to go along with our not-so-traditional marriage," her wife added, "I wore sweatpants to the courthouse, so anything above that, you're already doing better than us. But this is fun too. I'm just glad I don't have to pay for it." Edythe laughed at her comment as they finally reached the Mercedes, ducking her head as she got in to head home.
"You're such an aggressive maid of honor," Edythe said teasingly.
"To match the equally needy, high-maintenance bride," Eleanor retorted with her own smile.
"Hey, how many weddings have Jess and I had to do for you?" the redhead countered with a raised eyebrow.
"She has a fair point, Eleanor," a new voice said and the two girls looked over as Carine slid into the room. She was wearing the deep green robe that was a shade darker than Eleanor's. Jessamine stood behind the bride in the same bridesmaid robe as her sister, working to pull Edythe's hair up. The human was toying with the straps on her own pure white wrap, the nerves starting to get the better of her. She felt another wave of soothing calm from Jess, but after half a dozen times, it wasn't hard for its effects to have minimal success.
Carine moved to where her daughters were clustered around the mirror in Edythe's bathroom, kneeling down to Edythe's eye level.
"All is well, Edythe," she said, "Everything is going according to schedule. Try to relax, sweetheart. We have it handled." Edythe tried to nod, reaching forward to grasp her mother's hand tightly. The matriarch ran her thumb soothingly across the back of Edythe's palm, trying to ease her tension.
Edythe knew she didn't really have a reason to be nervous; she trusted her family to carry everything out as they had planned. But still she was on edge, and it didn't help that it had been approaching twenty-four hours that she and Beau had been separated.
The newlyweds-to-be had originally tried to argue this particular tradition, but Archie would not be swayed, assuring them both it would be worth it in the end. And so at four on the dot yesterday afternoon, Jessamine and Eleanor had intervened and practically dragged Edythe away from Beau, leaving bride and groom to be pseudo-prisoners by their bridal party for the better part of the last day.
Now, Edythe was at her sisters' mercy as they got her ready, all the while trying to keep her relaxed. Charlotte had given her a massage that morning at home, an actual relaxing one rather than the deep tissue therapy she was accustomed to. As she was practically trapped in her and Beau's room, Edythe was given updates.
Beau's parents had arrived yesterday morning, and Edythe and Beau had spent brunch with them. Charlie and Renee seemed happy enough, despite feelings about their own marriage and the breadth of time since they had been in the same vicinity of each other. While Charlie had stayed aloof and awkwardly out of place, Renee had attempted to help, but only resulted in heightened anxiety for both bride and groom. Amanda and Sky were the ones who had generously dedicated the past few hours entertaining Edythe's future mother-in-law to keep her away from the youngest Cullen.
Renee was surprised at Amanda's presence; she remembered her from when she had babysat Beau, but did not seem to recall Beau's comment that she had been the one to offer Edythe and he jobs and was a substantial part of Edythe's academic path now. Remembering Amanda and Sky's comments about Renee, Carine was even more thankful for them occupying her to keep Edythe's nerves down.
As if knowing what she was musing about, the door opened again and Amanda stepped inside. She was wearing a deep brown asymmetrical piece that suited her beautifully. It contrasted the color of Jessamine and Eleanor's bridesmaid dresses, deep emerald green hued with a sweetheart neckline, off the shoulder sleeves, and an empire waist that flowed into an A-line skirt. They were currently hung about the room, along with Carine's dress. Now, the mother of the bride changed, not bothering to hide her speed that Amanda deliberately ignored.
As they prepared, Edythe knew it was getting closer and her heart rate was not as steady. None of them had allowed her to look at a clock all day, knowing that all she would do is stare at it. But she knew time was passing. Now, the veterinarian took in Edythe's expression.
"You want me to chain him to the altar?" she asked, "Neither Sky or I will mind if it makes you feel better." Edythe tried to laugh, but it was short and high-pitched. Jessamine took a second to pause her work to squeeze Edythe's shoulders comfortingly.
"He's still in the house, Edy," she told him, "Archie has him. And he is almost as much of a wreck as you are. You're both fine." With the last part, she pushed another wave of calm at her, a little more forcefully. Edythe smiled as her body relaxed without her total consent, knowing without being privy to Jess' mind that she sent a similar wave to Beau one floor below. Edythe took a deep breath, trying to center herself, and found her mother besides her once more.
"You're both here, and that's all we really need," Carine reminded her. Edythe nodded, trying to focus on their words and working to allow them to comfort her. She lifted her chin at Eleanor's instruction, letting her continue adding the light makeup to her face. She had never been a fan of makeup, never really needing it as a vampire nor having much desire now. All the women had assured her she didn't need it to improve her beauty, but only to highlight certain areas for the purpose of weak human eyes and for the photographer. There was only a light sheen of shadow over her eyelids and barely there mascara and liner.
After another few minutes, Eleanor announced herself done and worked to help Jessamine complete the finishing touches on Edythe's hair. The headpiece was designed after the lace of her dress, the floral pattern turned into crystals and pinned expertly into her locks, which was curled at the end and pulled off her neck.
As her daughters worked, Carine stepped closer, offering Edythe a small white jewelry box. Hesitantly, Edythe opened it, finding a pair of diamond earrings nestled in the cushion. She had seen them once before; Carine had worn them the day she married Earnest. Edythe knew they were originally Carine's mother's, her only possession that had been carried down in the family. Carine knew that Edythe would know the backstory, so she didn't need to say anything as she took each from the box, gently putting them in Edythe's ears.
"Well, that covers something old and something borrowed," Carine mused with a smile as she finished. Edythe made to return it before she gasped, looking down as Eleanor tossed something in her lap as she moved to the pile of things that were on Edythe's bed. Edythe looked down at what it was, a light blush taking over her features when she realized it was a thin garter. There were crystals embedded in the fabric, both white and blue sapphires.
"And that covers something new and something blue," Eleanor added, "You can keep it afterward."
Edythe tried to glare at her sister, but she just laughed, moving back to her. Edythe barely had time to hold onto her shoulders for balance as Eleanor helped her hitch it up her leg.
"Such a strange tradition," Amanda murmured with a shake of the head.
"Maybe so, but we're going traditional here," Eleanor replied as she secured the thin fabric against Edythe's thigh.
Amanda left the female Cullens be as they finished, working to help Archie and Sky. Jessamine excused herself to find her husband and to help him with Beau, who was just as jittery as Edythe was. Eleanor and Carine stayed with her, not speaking, only providing solace in their presence. Soon enough though, they stood, changing and fixing their own faces and hair within minutes while it had taken hours for them to get through Edythe.
Carine encouraged her to get up, moving to where Eleanor was unzipping the white garment bag. Edythe stepped into her dress cautiously, holding onto Eleanor as Carine did up the buttons and the clasp at the top. They switched as Eleanor knelt down, helping her into her shoes. Edythe was the only one wearing heels; given the ceremony was taking place on the back lawn, it seemed unnecessary. The vampires all heard the uneven pounding of her heart as Jessamine returned, helping Eleanor smooth out the skirt and to place the veil in the clip of her headpiece. Eleanor moved to hold her hands at Edythe's waist, her teasing gone and now concerned as Edythe held onto her with a death grip, as if she was going to collapse. Carine reached out, fingers ghosting across Edythe's cheek and pulling her chin up to look at her.
"Shhh, darling," Carine soothed, "Breathe. You're fine." Edythe tried to obey, but her breaths sounded more like gasping than calming. They all looked up as the door opened once more.
"Carine," Archie said knowingly. Carine nodded then gently let go of Edythe, pressing her lips to her daughter's cheek reassuringly. As Carine slipped outside, Archie stepped in, his eyes taking in Edythe with Eleanor and Jessamine on either side of her, running their hands down her arms.
"I swear you two are a match made in heaven," her brother said, superficially irritated but with a teasing undertone. "I think Jess and I need that honeymoon more than either of you." Edythe smiled a little ruefully and Archie's face softened as he stepped forward. He reached out, hugging her to his side for a moment.
"It's all gonna be okay, Edy," he assured her, "Chill."
"Easier said than done," Edythe replied, but feeling slightly better at her psychic brother's confidence.
"For you? Definitely," Archie chuckled. "Come on. It's starting."
Edythe ignored the finality of that statement, allowing her siblings to finally guide her out of her room and slowly down the stairs, holding her skirt. Earnest was there, and Carine pecked him quickly before moving to proceed down the aisle at her cue. The white pathway proceeded from the back door down to the back garden, where an outcropping of artfully decorated chairs were arranged facing the lake. Though, of course, the sun was not shining, it was a beautiful sight, the blue of the water rich in the middle of July.
Earnest stepped forward as his children arrived at the bottom of the stairs. Edythe could hear her piano playing, piloted by Royal, who had graciously offered to take the place Edythe usually did in the family's weddings as pianist. Archie was already at the front with Beau.
Eleanor leaned over to kiss her sister's cheek quickly as her cue approached.
"Earnest's got you," she promised, "And Beau will be on the other side." Before Edythe could react, Eleanor had already quickly disappeared to proceed down the aisle as maid of honor. Jessamine followed soon after. As they did, she met Earnest's gaze.
"You look stunning, Edythe," he said quietly, and Edythe could hear the slight roughness in his voice, uncharacteristic for a vampire's. But the emotion in his eyes hinted at the reason and she recalled all the times she had heard Earnest wish for her to find happiness. Some scene akin to this had replayed in his mind multiple times, a wish for her to find the one she loved. That was coming true now, and she knew Earnest could not be happier for her.
Edythe could practically feel his heart swelling inside his chest as he offered his hand. She took it, allowing him to guide her to the back door, just as Wagner's distinct song began to play. Her free arm looped through her father's, her other holding her bouquet and she turned her head to watch the scene as he lead her forward.
The aisle was flanked by multiple rows of guest chairs, adored with touches of blue orchids throughout. The addition of the blue and green were the staple of the wedding's theme, and it came out in such a way that was apparent but not overly showy. The most ornate piece was the arbor that dominated the area at the front of the seating. It was made of a light cherry wood—Earnest's design—and an artfully decorated botanical arrangement lay over it, framing the area nicely. On the right side stood her sisters, dutifully watching as they held their bouquets. Directly across stood Archie and the marriage officiant, clad in deep black tuxes. Archie wore a boutonnière identical to Royal, who still sat at the piano playing as Earnest led Edythe forward.
Edythe's eyes finally moved to Beau, who stood between his best man and the officiant. His blue eyes were stark and bright, highlighted even more so by the blue flower on his lapel. His gaze was locked on her and she could see his jaw was slightly unhinged. She felt a sense of slight amusement and embarrassment at the expression, how she always felt when he looked at her like that, like she was some exotic beauty before him. With his nearness though came her serenity, and she could tell he felt the same as the anxiety was gone from his eyes, replaced with adoration and love.
All Edythe's nerves melted away and she thought she almost heard Jessamine sigh in relief.
Earnest timed the walk perfectly with the music, guiding Edythe's hand to Beau's outstretched one. As the vampire symbolically handed his daughter to Beau, he held onto their clasped hands for a moment longer before letting go. Beau led her the couple of steps forward until they were stationed exactly in front of the arbor, the officiant between them. The music stopped gracefully and the officiant waited for Royal to return to his place besides Archie before he spoke.
Edythe admitted she barely heard most of the man's words, knowing she and Beau had already gone over and approved every sentence. The third party made it official and pronounced though, and it became more clear as they began the vows. Beau spoke first, speaking the promise strong and with conviction, no hint of a tremor or stumble. After he had finished, she responded.
"I, Edythe Adaline Cullen, take you, Beau Martin Swan, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each than the day before, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love for as long as we both shall live, and when our souls reunite beyond. Thereto I pledge thee myself to you."
The officiant barely had the chance to give Beau the go-ahead before his lips were on Edythe's. Her hand lifted to press against his cheek and she felt as his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. A long moment passed before the cheers started. Beau permitted themselves another moment before they broke apart, turning as their families reached them. There were hugs, there were tears, and the congratulations were uncountable. Edythe and Beau found themselves being surrounded and bombarded by their guests and congratulatory gestures.
Thankfully, Carine and Earnest—governed silently by Archie—was able to shift the crowd to the back porch and yard, where tents had been set up and lights stringing from the banisters of the veranda to provide a fantastical mood over the scene. The party was ready to begin and Beau quietly escorted Edythe to the center of the dance floor that had been constructed. Tables were surrounded spaciously around the large area, and the guests moved to take their seats, but Edythe didn't notice them, her eyes only for Beau.
He took her in his arms, holding her close as the music started. Effortlessly, they began to move, dancing seamlessly to the song, one Edythe had chosen. It was an older song from another decade, one that promised life and hope and love. She had listened to it only a handful of times, most often when she was left to herself, her family members paired off with their mates, and the loneliness had gotten a little more depressing than usual. It was the song she had fantasized to dance to on her wedding day, a fantasy she hadn't let herself hope for often. It was a simple song, but serene, and that made it all the more perfect.
Sooner than she realized, the song ended, the music transitioning to another song, in an older decade but still a classic. At the same time, Beau felt a tap on his shoulder; pausing, he turned to face Earnest, immediately moving to hand Edythe off to her father for the customary father-daughter dance. He then moved dutifully to find Renee in the crowd, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Charlie do the same for Carine.
Neither Beau or Renee were world-class dancers, so they settled for softly swaying and turning, trying to stay with the music. Charlie did his best to do his part, and Carine, of course, gave him no grief, simply guiding him to perform a simple step that lasted the length of the song. The couples alternated, Charlie taking Edythe's hand hesitantly as Earnest took Renee's and Beau's Carine's. The dance continued, and finally, other couples moved to join them, sensing the change in tone. The rest of the Cullen children took the floor, and Amanda practically pried Sky out of her seat. A few minutes later, Edythe caught them moving awkwardly around the floor. As they passed her, she met their glance.
"This is confusing," Amanda admitted.
"It's fine," Sky assured her, her arm around her wife's waist, "It's not like either of us know how to lead anyway. We're just making this up as we go, like ninety percent of the people here." Edythe laughed at the comment as they spun away, shaking her head indulgently.
The party came to a new light as people danced and talked. Dinner was announced as Edythe and Beau were reunited, only to be separated again as Edythe's siblings took their turns to dance with the bride and groom. Eleanor and Jessamine were gracious—the former surprising Beau—as he led them through their dances, all the while Edythe twirling and moving gracefully, lead by Archie and then Royal. Their parents moved around them on the floor as the first line of guests moved to take their first helping.
Finally, Edythe and Beau reminded their family that, unlike them, they needed food, especially after being starved and stressed for the better part of the day. Beau led Edythe to her seat, and Archie brought them over plates. Both humans ate emphatically; the catering they had chosen was delicious at the tasing they'd had, and so they were all too eager to get their fill. Idle talk carried amongst the tables, everyone enjoying the food and all humans completely unaware of the Cullens' subtle work to hide the disappearing food without having to swallow a bite.
After dinner was done, the obligatory speeches were given, from all four parents, Eleanor, Archie, Jess, and Royal, and a few others added remarks here and there. Edythe lay her head on Beau's shoulder, their hands clasped together as they listened to their loved ones give their blessings and well-wishes and a few tears were shed by all involved.
Wanting to move past the emotional turmoil, Eleanor took the next opportunity to practically drag Edythe onto the floor, while the emcee called for all single women to congregate. Eleanor helped Edythe stand on a chair, staying besides her as Edythe turned her back to the crowd and threw her bouquet. As she hopped off, she found it had landed in Becca Cheney's hand and moved to hug her.
Edythe had fleetingly hoped the embarrassing part was over, but she realized in horror as her brother pulled Beau onto the dance floor and Eleanor sat her in the chair that she had forgotten about the garter around her leg. She sat as casually as she could, and she could tell Beau was ignoring all the eyes on both of them as he carefully lifted her skirt, probing and finding the thin piece of fabric. Smoothly, he pulled it down and Edythe allowed him to remove it completely, Beau fixing her skirt before he turned to the group of guys standing behind him.
Flippantly, he tossed the garter toward them from behind before moving to take Edythe's hands to help her up from the chair. The couple turned in time to see Allen standing amongst the group, holding the garter with his own face flushed deep red. Beau grinned and Edythe couldn't keep the giggle from bubbling on her lips as Archie—uncanny as it was—practically forced the two together. Allen cautiously offered his hand to Becca, who took it shyly and began to dance to the current music.
"You planned that, didn't you?" Beau asked, one eyebrow raised at Archie, who shrugged.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," the psychic replied nonchalantly, but he winked as he passed them. The groom spoke his head with a slight eye roll but didn't comment further.
The night passed quickly; the guests became more and more comfortable as the party ran on, as well as the alcohol consumption increased. Edythe found she and Beau weren't allowed much room in edgewise, instead constantly having to host and speak to every guest present, accepting their congratulations, engaging in small talk. Edythe found herself exhausted, both mentally and physically, until finally, Earnest moved to the microphone, tapping it to get everyone's attention.
"We are so pleased you all were able to join us today in the celebration of the union of Beau and Edythe," he started, "The reception is coming to a close, and our newlyweds will be leaving shortly. However, before we send them off, we ask everyone to gather in the front of the house, so the couple may have a private, last dance."
The announcement caused a lot of shuffling, but eventually Edythe and Beau finally found the dance floor to themselves, as alone as they ever could be with the Cullens within hearing range. Beau offered his hand to Edythe once more, and he lead her to the center again. Somewhere, Archie pressed a button to start playing, and the couple began to move, more slowly this time, though. Edythe's head fell to Beau's shoulder and he leaned down, the two of them sharing a kiss. They didn't feel the need to say anything; they knew each other well enough to know what the other was thinking.
So they simply enjoyed the time, holding each other, the peace after a wonderful but tiring night.
Too soon, the song ended and Beau escorted Edythe toward the back door. Edythe looked back over the lawn, taking in the reception area once last time before stepping into the house.
Eleanor and Jessamine were already there, ushering her up the stairs to change, while Archie did the same with Beau. Once Edythe stepped inside, she stood still to allow her sisters to undress her, knowing they could do it faster than she could herself. Her hair was freed from its pins, her shoes removed and replaced with more comfortable flats, her wedding dress switched out for a more practical deep green piece.
Once she was decent, Edythe let Eleanor and Jessamine escort her to the main floor, hearing the guests congregating on the front porch and lawn. Beau was already there, changed as well from his tux to a more comfortable slacks and long sleeve button up. Edythe went to him immediately as Eleanor and Jessamine disappeared outside. Beau wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close.
"Ready?" he asked quietly in her ear. She nodded.
The rain of rice was expected as the couple opened the door and made their way down the steps, and they worked to duck the too-accurate throws from their vampire siblings. The black car was waiting at the end of the procession of cheering guests, and Earnest handed Beau the keys, pulling him into an embrace before turning to Edythe. She hugged her father back tightly, feeling the brush of his lips against her hair. He pressed his hand to her cheek, murmuring another congratulatory message to her, which she smiled at, before passing her off to Carine.
The matriarch had just finished her goodbyes to Beau and she took Edythe's hands in both of hers, then reaching up to cradle Edythe's face. Edythe squeezed her fingers tightly, not needing to convey to Carine what she was thinking, knowing her mother knew it all and probably more. Carine pressed her icy lips to Edythe's forehead before she spoke.
"Be safe, have fun," she said, "We'll see you in a few days. We love you both."
"We love you too," Edythe answered, tightening her hold on Carine's hand once more before letting go, and turning to take Beau's hand, helping her step into the car. Beau nodded to the Cullen parents once more before moving to the driver's side and settling besides Edythe. Within minutes, the house had disappeared and they were merging onto the highway south.
Neither Edythe or Beau spoke much during the trip, both too exhausted from playing the part at the wedding to have the energy. When they finally pulled up to the hotel, they were feeling a bit more relaxed and rejuvenated. The bellhop took their luggage immediately and Beau came around the car—after handing the key to the valet—to take Edythe's hand as they went inside to check in. The elaborate state of the lobby was just what Beau figured, so he was unsurprised when the room key he was given was for the penthouse. They took the elevator up and found the room easily. It was spacious, with a large living space with a flatscreen and minibar, and an expansive balcony that opened from the main area as well as the master bedroom.
Edythe immediately moved to the bathroom, wanting to get the makeup and sweat off her face, and wanting to massage out the aches in her muscles from the long day. She quickly changed, coming out of the bathroom in a robe and giving Beau a turn in the shower. As she waited, Edythe moved out onto the balcony. The weather was warm, of course, being mid-July, and it felt strange on her after being so used to the Ithaca weather. She leaned casually against the stone wall facing away from the French doors that led into the suite, looking out past the skyline and over the harbor, taking note of the gold flames from Lady Liberty's torch in the far distance.
Hands on her waist caught Edythe's attention and she leaned back into Beau's arms as his hands moved to snake around her, holding her close.
"It's been a long day," he said.
"Mmm," Edythe agreed, "A long, wonderful, chaotic, beautiful, unforgettable day." She could feel the smile in his voice as he spoke.
"The beginning of an equally wonderful life," he murmured. Edythe turned her head up to look at him, her body following as she faced him. She leaned up to press her lips to his and Beau responded in kind.
"I love you," Edythe breathed in-between kisses.
"I love you too," Beau responded, "Forever." Edythe melted into his touch; Beau wrapped his arms firmly around her, lifting her up so he didn't have to lean. In doing so, he felt the lace of the lingerie underneath her thin robe.
Words no longer necessary, the newlyweds moved to the bed, intent on expressing their love in the most fitting way they knew how.
And, as they made love, they fortified their own coupling with their touches and kisses.
A/N: I hope that makes up for my long hiatus. I worked day and night the past few days to get this out to you, so forgive the grammatical errors from the first reading (I always go back and correct them).
I hope you all enjoyed that left turn into a written Say Yes to the Dress episode haha. There are pictures saved under my profile for the different parts of Edythe's dress.
Also, I have made some changes to the first few chapters (only 1-4 as of now) to smooth out the beginning of the story. This second look has helped me work through my writer's block, and I hope makes the story overall flow better. If you are interested, feel free to check out those chapters again!
I am not sure when the next update will be; school begins again on Monday and there are no breaks from then until Christmas. I can assure you though that I will do everything I can to update! Please enjoy in the meantime!