Disclaimer: I have never owned and never will own anything mentioned in SM's Twilight saga. She is a God. I am a poor student. I never have and never will profit from this. Se la vie. Enjoy.

Chapter Five: Until Death do us Part

Comparatively, the proposal and the engagement were short affairs. The day we went to Sunday services together was the day that Edward asked Charlie's permission for my hand. Then he got down on one knee and presented me with a diamond ring nestled in a black satin box. It was from Elizabeth's era, and it made me happy that such a large piece of Edward's past was following us into our joined future.

The preparations for the wedding barely registered in my mind. I knew that I would be a summer bride and not much else. A gown had been designed for me by Elizabeth and someone in New York that I had never heard of. To Kate it was nearly scandalous. To Elizabeth, it represented the power of a woman in a man's life. To me… it was just a dress. And Edward seemed to not care if I decided to go in my bloomers.

But as the end of May approached, I felt myself growing more and more anxious. Edward had begun working with the Masen law firm, and under his father's tutelage he quickly became the premiere young lawyer for anyone pursuing another's just desserts. But despite his zealous involvement in the Chicago legal scene, Edward grew increasingly restless. Every evening he sat on my front porch with me, talking to me, drinking lemonade. And every night he kissed my hand in good-bye. But beneath his love-stricken surface I could still see the desperate desire to accomplish some great glory.

Elizabeth told me not to worry. It was her opinion that I had the ability to make him settle down. I refrained from telling her that I wouldn't, if leaving would make him happy. So long as I could say he was mine, I could let him go… I thought.

It was May 29th. I had risen from kneeling beside my bed in prayer. Kate had stopped rocking and knitting. My satin and lace gown was hung inside my wardrobe. The long lace and organza veil was draped across my vanity mirror. Kate had bought the tiniest amount of perfume and rouge for me as a wedding gift. "It isn't so improper when you and your husband are alone," she had said with an impatient huff.

The idea of being "alone" together was what currently held my mind. Renée had explained to me when my monthlies started that women had certain duties. I couldn't help but think, then, that it didn't sound pleasant – what my mother described. But now, I wasn't so sure. I knew that it must involve nudity, as Kate had often equated nudity to something private and taboo. I wished desperately that I could speak to Angela. She knew what it was like. She would have been able to tell me… something.

It felt akin to stage fright. I had participated in one church pageant before promptly telling Renée that I would never go out in public again should I have to repeat the experience. How could one trust someone with all their flaws, all that they are, blindly?

The wedding frightened me only a little – I knew that afterwards, Edward would be tied to me unconditionally, forever, and that I would feel his arms around me every day, without restriction.

A tapping at my window pulled me from my musings. I ran to it, knowing who would be waiting outside.

"What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Bella is the sun!"

I whispered into the impenetrable darkness, the heat of late May wrapping around me like a cocoon.

"Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art though Romeo?"

"Speak again, sweet angel."

"…Edward?" I sounded less sure than I wanted to.

"Are you getting cold feet, my love?" Edward asked, sounding worried.

"No… are you?"

"Definitely not." And the laughing sound in his voice made me believe him.

"Edward, I'm… not frightened exactly. Just…"

"I know what you mean, love."

We were quiet for a moment, Edward's dark figure leaning against the brick expanse of wall beneath my window.

"Edward? Do you remember our first kiss?"

"Of course I do, Bella. You fainted."

"I did not… I was wondering, is that… feeling… like what… like…"

My voice trailed off. I couldn't ask. But Edward seemed to understand. He always did. It was like he could read me.

"… I do not know, Bella. I am just as pure as you are, my love. My… friends… at university have told me that it's a great pleasure." Edward sounded uncomfortable. I felt myself blushing. This was not the sort of thing people discussed, I was sure.

"They told me ladies don't seem to enjoy it as much, but…"

I frowned, hearing nothing but rustling for a moment. I stifled a yelp as Edward's face appeared just over my windowsill, illuminated by the light of the moon and stars.

"The ivy won't hold you, Edward! Get down before you hurt yourself!"

"No."

Without further adieu he hoisted himself into the room and sat on the edge of my bed. I blushed and took the rocking chair, holding my robe tighter about me.

"Bella… we don't have to do anything until you're ready. I'm a man, I suppose I was born ready for… ahem… Anyway. I love you. Nothing can change that. And how we demonstrate our love is up to you. I will never require anything of you but your affections."

He smiled at me, his cheeks reddened, and I smiled.

"So no reason to worry?"

"None, love."

Edward patted my bed and I walked to it, curling up under the blanket. He tucked me in and kissed my forehead, stroking my hair. He whispered songs in my ear until I fell asleep.

In the morning I woke alone. Outside my bedroom door I heard Kate scuttling back and forth in the hall, probably trying to help Mrs. Masen gather up all of the bits and pieces that would culminate in a wedding.

I dragged my feet on the way to my vanity and counted to myself. I could hear Kate bustling around out there.

"Miss Bella, up you get!" She threw open the door, looking to my bed first before her eyes settled on me.

"There you are, Miss. Let's get you into your corset and I'll lace you up. Mrs. Masen will be in to help you with your hair."

And so it began. I was laced into a corset and while I clipped my garters to my stockings, Mrs. Masen started pinning my curls up close to my face. She braided a couple sections and pinned them up. I tried not to look into the mirror while Elizabeth carefully fitted the gossamer cap over my hair. It was lined with lace and lovely little bits. The veil, which felt heavy when I moved, trailed to the floor.

I stepped carefully into my dress. The back was constructed of lace, pearl buttons fastening from the neck to well past my derriere. The waist was dropped and cinched subtly with a silver-lined sash. My hem rose well above the ankle, showing off dainty white satin shoes. The two layers of gown – silk draped carefully over intricate lace – swayed gently as I stood and picked up my bouquet. Kate had wrapped a painted white rosary around the base of my bouquet. It was gigantic, almost overwhelmingly so, but Mrs. Masen assured me that it was perfectly appropriate for a young bride.

Elizabeth kissed my cheek and Kate held my hand as we made our way down the stairs. Kate held my train for me. Edward's little cousins, an adorable girl and boy – twins – waited at the base of the stairs with a little basket and pillow in hand. My heart started drumming madly in my chest as the gold bands nestled there caught the light.

Oh God.

I wasn't ready to walk down an aisle. I wasn't even 17 yet. I needed to… live a little longer, join the suffragists, read Moby Dick from beginning to end, I couldn't name it, but I was suddenly terrified of leaving the safe haven of my little row house. I felt and heard a series of gasps leave my lungs, and, more acutely, the nausea that overtook me.

"Bella!"

I looked up and was surprised to see a very pregnant Angela standing there, looking worried.

"Angie?"

She had cut her long black hair short. Her bridesmaid dress draped over her round tummy and distracted me momentarily from my dizzy spell.

"Angela, I didn't think you'd be able to come..!"

Mrs. Masen held tight to me, steadying me, while Angela cupped my cheek.

"I couldn't miss this! I'm so happy you're getting such a lovely wedding. How could I let you walk down the aisle without a bridesmaid? Besides, I never get to see you dressed up. You look terrific, Bella! So chic!"

I couldn't help but let out a hysterical giggle. Elizabeth rubbed my arm comfortingly and gave my hand a squeeze.

"It's Edward waiting for you, Darling. You don't have to be afraid. Tonight, you'll be going home with him."

I tried to pull myself together as I was ushered into the waiting Oldsmobile. Charlie climbed in beside me, looking particularly dashing in a crème colored suit. He fiddled with his hat, turning it over in his hands as we drove to the chapel on Astor.

"Bella…" He cleared his throat, his eyes glistening as he looked at his hands. Charlie was a wonderfully easy person to live with. We never spoke about our feelings and I could tell how hard it was for him, now. I was just like him – it was hard for me, too.

"I know, Daddy. Thank you… I promise to be very happy. I promise to call, and visit, and make you dinner on Sundays. And I know Edward will take very good care of me."

"I know, Bells. I love you, girl," he patted my satin-gloved hand and before I knew it, we had stopped.

A couple of alter boys stood by the doors, holding them open for me. Music streamed out of the chapel. My heart beat faster and faster, drowning the sound to a dull hum. Kate walked into the chapel first. Mrs. Masen followed after her, blowing me a kiss. Then Angela. Charlie gave my arm a small tug as my cue trilled through Wagner's March.

"Don't let me fall," I whimpered. Charlie held my hand tight to his arm as we walked into the church. The velvet carpet was soft and treacherous under my heels. I felt my face flushing darker scarlet while the guests rose. Little bunches of white roses and lilies tied with gossamer ribbons adorned the ends of the pews. I walked beneath white arches woven with roses and orange blossoms. And then, my eyes fell on Edward's face.

His beautiful gemstone eyes were lit up and his lips were spread in a triumphant smile. Suddenly, Charlie's hand on mine became a restraint. It took the gentle pressure from his fingers to keep me from bolting headlong towards my love.

Finally, we reached the precipice and Charlie carefully placed my hand in Edwards – I was home.

"Dearly beloved…" the reverend began. I barely registered the words. Finally Edward took my left hand in his and plucked the delicate gold band from the ring bearer's cushion.

"Bella, I promise to love you forever. I will respect you completely. I will honor the gift you give me today. I will always provide for you and your needs. And I will cherish you from now until the day I die."

He held the ring near my finger, not yet sliding it into place. My voice did not waver as I looked into my love's eyes, even as my hand trembled while I picked up Edward's wedding band.

"Edward, I promise to support you in all your endeavors. I promise to be a compassionate and understanding wife and mother. Above all, I promise to love and cherish you forever."

The reverend's baritone broke through the spell Edward's eyes held me in. I blinked and realized I had begun crying.

"Do you, Isabella Marie Swan, take Edward to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

"And do you, Edward Anthony Masen, Jr., take Isabella to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

The adoration and exultation in his voice made me warm all over. I trembled a little with my happy sobbing.

"Then it is my pleasure to present, by the power vested in me by the State of Illinois and by the Anglican Church, Mr. And Mrs. Edward Anthony Masen. Edward, you may kiss your bride."

And Edward pulled me into his arms gently, cupped my cheek in his hand, and kissed me. I threw my arms around his neck and the crowd had broken into titters and coughs by the time he finally pushed me away.

We turned to face the gathered guests and were inundated with family. I was passed from one set of arms to another, but Edward never let go of my left hand. I recognized my father's shy embrace and Angela's awkwardly hindered one, and finally Elizabeth Masen's arms wrapped tightly around me, nearly cutting off my air before we were ushered out onto the sidewalk. The guests followed Edward and I down the walk to the Masen home.

A few photographers from the Tribune snapped photos, blinding me with the flashbulbs. Edward finally shielded me from them, but as soon as we were inside his home, Elizabeth had pulled us into the parlor to be bombarded with more flashes.

Charlie fidgeted uncomfortably as I was led to sit in one of the elegant little chairs in front of the fireplace. Edward stood behind me, holding my hand, the smile still hitched to his perfect face. I insisted that Kate stand in the photo as the rest of the bridal party surrounded us. Mr. Masen put a hand on his son's shoulder. Charlie lent his arm to Elizabeth. Angela smiled and cradled her swollen tummy beside Kate. Edward's little cousins stood on either side of me, their little fists clenching my skirt.

The reception was the product of Elizabeth Masen's relentless planning. The gated in back yard was decorated with the same lovely bunches of flowers. Little candles in glass retainers floated above our heads, hung from the oak and cherry branches above. The trees threw enough shade that the space seemed confined and intimate, and the party reflected that. A quartet and a pianist played from the patio while guests twirled on the parquet dance floor assembled that morning.

Edward led me onto the dance floor and we twirled just as gracefully as the others. Once in a while another camera went off nearby and Edward would spin me to the other side of the dance floor, away from the harassment.

As the sun began to make its descent, someone rang a bell for dinner to begin. We took our seats at the main table, between Charlie and Mr. Masen. I barely concentrated on my food, mostly staring at Edward. Edward gave up on insisting I eat, settling for feeding me bits of food and cake from his own silver fork. Too soon, I had to return to the dance floor.

Charlie and I swayed in an awkward circle. He had never had the "privilege" of lessons, and my clumsiness had been inherited. Together we were nothing short of dangerous if we attempted anything more intricate than an unsightly two-step.

Tyler Crowly stole my hand next, dancing one song, before I was passed to another set of arms.

"Bella, I sincerely hope you and Edward are happy," said Mr. Masen. He smiled at me and I blushed, smiling back. "Our Edward has always been a difficult boy. Stubborn and sure of himself. He has been a changed man since meeting you. It's the first time he's shown any enthusiasm for a normal life."

"I'll do my best to take care of him, Sir."

"Bella, you're part of the family. I hope you'll call me Anthony or Father. We're blessed he's found you."

And then I was passed to another partner. And another. I was surprised to realize that most of the men in attendance were bachelors that had also attended my debut.

"Quite a little party you have here, Bella."

I looked up to find myself in Michael Newton's arms. How in God's name had he been allowed in?

"Don't worry. I am now Mr. Jessica Stanley," he scoffed in a way that made me feel terrible for this unknown Miss Stanley. "I assume Edward told you the story? Her parents decided that their daughter couldn't attract a better suitor. I have to admit though, I would have much rather preferred to have been your husband, Bella."

"Excuse me, Newton, but I believe that it's the groom's privilege to monopolize the bride's time."

I smiled up at him gratefully. Edward's hard gaze softened slightly and he removed his hand from Michael's shoulder. Edward's hands were firm at my waist, gripping a little tighter than usual.

"Are you alright?" I asked softly, leaning my cheek against his chest.

"…I have a gift for reading people, Bella, save for you. I could quite literally murder Newton for what I see in his face when he looks at you."

Edward's arms wrapped tighter around me and I sighed.

"I'm Mrs. Bella Masen, not Newton. Don't worry about them. Just think about us."

And his answering smile convinced me that his worries had dissipated.

"I am beyond blessed to have had the fortune of meeting you, Mrs. Masen."

The party wound down long past dark. After toasts had been raised and blessings given, it was time for Edward and I to retire to our new home.

He helped me into the touring car. Streams of ribbons hung from the rear bumper, white roses tied in them.

The drive was quiet. Kate would be coming to live with us after tonight. For now, he would go home with Charlie and help him pack up my things.

Edward shifted the car into gear and held my hand gently.

"I love you, Mrs. Masen."

"I love you."

"Shall we?"

We pulled up in front of our new home. He parked by the curb and made me wait to come around to my side. He opened the door for me, but before I could put my feet down he looped his arms under me one behind my legs and the other behind my back.

He swung open the low wrought-iron gate and carried me up the stairs. He fumbled for a moment with the locked door. As I held my breath he opened the door and carried me across the threshold. I felt the butterflies come back tenfold as it swung closed behind us with a soft click.

A/N: Don't get too comfortable. For now, yes, it's going well for the fairytale couple but Edward's past as we know it hasn't disappeared in my version of history. At this point we've reached May, almost June 1917. Those who paid attention in New Moon know that Edward Anthony Masen Sr. dies from the first wave of Influenza, sometime in the winter, early spring of 1918. Edward and his mother loose their fight to the illness in the second wave, summer of 1918. For you, that means you get to enjoy a year of Edward-Bella goodness.

Edward's fate does not change. I'm not quite sure yet how I'm going to reunite our lovely couple, but I know for sure that they will be separated and that Edward will be bitten.

As always, happy reading, hope you review.