July, 19, 2018, there is nothing new but an author's note.

Please read it at the bottom of the chapter.

Thanks!


The Twilight Saga belongs to Stephenie Meyer, Summit Entertainment and anyone else who may legally claim ownership. No copyright infringement is intended.


Chapter 20: Snapshots

Soft morning light filtered through Bella's eyelids. She inhaled, detecting the sea on the fresh autumnal breeze. As her sleep cleared, she recognized the gentle lapping of the waves and the bell of a harbor buoy chiming in the distance.

She stretched slowly, enjoying the extreme softness and comfort of the bed and pillows beneath her. She felt good.

As she began to come to wakefulness, feelings washed over her.

Refreshed, relaxed, peaceful and content: serene.

Loved, wanted, satisfied and cherished: complete.

A happy waking sigh escaped her lips as a small smile slightly curved them as her mind centered on Carlisle.

Loving, encouraging, compassionate and caring: supportive.

Devoted, trusting, loyal and committed: forever.

She felt Carlisle's large hand begin to caress her bare side, from the swell of her hip up to her ribs and back again. Bella opened her eyes.

One word of realization filtered through her meandering thoughts. Married.

She looked at her husband, the only soul who could make her feel all those things. He was smiling at her, obviously happy. He looked beyond blissful. Carlisle's expression seemed to mirror her waking thoughts and feelings. He moved his other hand up. He swept the hair from her face, tenderness evident in his touch. He leant in and brushed her lips with his.

Her mind emptied to all but the feel of his lips as they continued to caress hers. One thought was all that remained in her head. Perfect.

She turned her body toward him.

An unexpected sensation made itself known when she moved. She acknowledged it with a slight wiggle and one simple thought. Sticky.

"Isabella." Carlisle's soft voice was loving to the point of being almost worshipful. "Come, bathe with me."

Bella smiled as Carlisle rose and moved at vampiric speed to her side of the bed. He extended his hand to her. She swallowed her giggles as she thought that even nude, and in such an intimate setting, Carlisle Cullen remained the most well-mannered man imaginable. Her brows furrowed as Carlisle detoured them to a table by the door to their suite, dropping a couple of obscenely large bills on it, before they headed to their bath.

When they emerged after their bath and subsequent intimate underwater pleasures, Bella realized what Carlisle had done. He must have called someone before she woke. Their bed was newly made with entirely fresh linens and coverings and there was a delicious smelling brunch sitting in warmers. It was laid out beside a sumptuously set table that stood in front of the large patio doors overlooking the harbor.

The next two days and nights were spent in a hedonistic cocoon. Carlisle and Bella devoted most of their time to learning each other's bodies, and seeing just how much pleasure each could give to the other. With Carlisle's unlimited vampiric stamina they only needed to stop for Bella to eat and sleep. Even those simple pursuits were accomplished with unbelievable decadence and suggestive undertones. Bella had never thought that eating could be erotic. But, the last few days often found Carlisle feeding her from his fingers, a playful romantic gesture she easily used to arouse him.

When she slept he remained awake, cradling her naked body lovingly to his. That influenced her dreams, making her sleep talk somewhat sexual in nature, which in turn, inflamed him. She woke, more than once, to find Dr. Carlisle Cullen with his fingers or tongue in her most intimate places, surpassing what her sleeping imagination had created.

Wednesday dawned overcast, but no rain was predicted. It was perfect weather for their meeting with Gail, their realtor. They had to look at potential new homes. Carlisle locked their suite door behind them and took Bella's hand in his. He paused. He stood in the luxurious hallway outside their suite, looking at their joined hands. "Isabella." His golden eyes sought hers. His gaze was intense. "I find that I do not want to let you go." His smile was somewhat strained. "How can I go back to walking without your hand in mine?"

She knew he was thinking about their eventual return to Forks. She felt the same way. She had no desire to let her husband go in any way to please the intrusive ideas of others. She couldn't do it, and she didn't want Carlisle to worry about it. She returned his gaze, shaking her head and smiling brightly. "Don't. I don't want you to let go of me. I want to hold your hand forever."

His voice was serious. "It will be problematic." He paused in contemplation. "But… I find that I do not care. I want everyone to know that I am yours."

"I don't want to hide what you are to me, Carlisle. I don't want to hide what I feel for you. I don't think I could continue to hide it now, even if I tried. Let them know."

"There will be complications."

"I know." She intentionally used his phraseology. "I find that I do not care." Her smile was incandescent.

His return smile was equally as bright. He bent his head to kiss her. Just as their lips met, the shrill tone of Bella's mobile phone broke the silence of the hallway. She looked at the caller ID. It was her father. Her panicked eyes met Carlisle's. He opened the door to their suite and they went back in. She answered the call. "Hey, Dad?"

Charlie's gruff voice was not exactly angry as he greeted her. "Mrs. Cullen."

Bella's sharp intake of breath softened her father's tone. "Bells, Alice is with me. She told me you were wanting to call me but you were too nervous. She explained everything."

"She did?"

Bella looked at Carlisle. He shook his head; he was just as surprised as Bella.

Charlie's voice regained Bella's full attention. "Yeah, Bells. Alice said Carlisle proposed. She said you two were going to announce your engagement when you got home." He paused when Bella said nothing he continued. "Look, kiddo, there's no need to worry about me. You must know I approve of you and the doc. So, you're already married. That's… that's unexpected, really unexpected, and soon.

"Dad, I..." She didn't know what to say to ease his mind.

"I'm not gonna lecture you, Bells. What's done is done."

"But, are you okay with it?"

Bella could hear Charlie's exasperated sigh. When Charlie spoke again, she was pretty sure that Alice was using all of her vampiric charms as well as her own endearing personality in full force. "Yeah, Bells. Alice explained everything. She told me you two ran into an old friend of Carlisle's, an Episcopal, Anglican... priest. She said that this friend of Carlisle's... Jim is it? Convinced you two to marry there and then. Alice told me how old-fashioned this Vicar is, that he insisted you guys be married before you… before…"

"Yeah, Dad. I know what you're trying to say."

"So, how was it?"

Bella's tone was shocked. "What? No. Dad, seriously? No. I'm not talking about my wedding night!"

"God, Bella, no! I was asking how your wedding was not... not that." He paused to take a breath. He had been pleasantly surprised to learn from Alice that Bella was still a virgin when she married Carlisle. However, he would never be comfortable thinking about his little girl's sexuality.

Bella flopped down on the bed and shut her eyes in relief. Carlisle joined her. "Our wedding was perfect." She smiled to herself, then hastily added, "But it would have been even better if you could have been here."

"At least I'll get to walk you down the aisle when you get remarried here."

Her eyes snapped open. "I… what? What did you say?"

"I said I'm glad I can walk you down the aisle when you and Carlisle remarry. You know, when you get home. Little Alice has been so busy making all the arrangements for you. You're lucky to have her."

Bella bit back her sarcasm. Her voice was forced calm. "Yes, I'm so lucky to have Alice to arrange all these things."

Carlisle lightly kissed the place on Bella's neck where he had bitten her on their wedding night, marking her as his. He meant the gesture to calm her and it worked.

Unfortunately, she vocalized her pleasure. With her father listening they were grateful that it was merely a happy sigh, instead of the heated moan that was her response when he gave that particular spot more than just a chaste kiss. She giggled as Carlisle's wandering fingers inadvertently tickled her.

Her father's voice was stern. "Give him the phone, Bella."

Carlisle sat bolt upright and extended his hand. He put the phone to his ear, his voice was pleasant bordering on professional as he greeted Bella's father. "Hello, Charlie."

Bella couldn't hear what Charlie was saying to Carlisle. She did hear Carlisle promise that she would call Charlie back in a few days.

When Carlisle ended the call, Bella launched herself into his waiting arms. She nestled into his neck. He hummed happily as her breath washed over the scar she had left on him. At first, they had been shocked to see that her bite had scarred him. When Carlisle realized how it happened she had hidden her face in his neck as a flaming blush colored her cheeks. The knowledge that she had retained enough of his venomous ejaculate in the crevices of her teeth to scar his ever healing body, embarrassed her greatly; until she became aware of Carlisle's reaction to their realization. That had led to recreating the events leading up to that scarring, and so much more.

As Carlisle hugged Bella comfortingly, he called their realtor and postponed their meeting until later in the morning. He held Bella for several minutes after the stressful call from Charlie. He only let her go when his vampiric hearing was alerted to someone approaching their door.

Bella's phone rang again as Carlisle answered the knock and accepted an envelope from their concierge.

"Bella," Alice's voice was rushed. "I'm out of Charlie's hearing. This was the best way to handle things with your father. I'm sorry I didn't tell you first. I know I'm interfering a lot more than you'd want. "Charlie showed up. He was suspicious. I wanted to talk to you about how to handle it but… Bella could hear Alice's cringe in her tone of voice. I knew you and Carlisle were busy. Marrying again, for Charlie, won't be a big deal. I promise. Just a simple repetition of your vows, so Charlie can walk you down the aisle and see it. Jim already agreed to come-"

Bella's exasperated voice cut Alice off. "Really, Alice? The old-fashioned priest that just had to make Carlisle and I get married before we spent a night together in a hotel? That old-fashioned, uptight, straight-laced-"

"Okay, that may be a bit of a problem, but we'll handle it. Charlie isn't angry, or hurt. I really couldn't see another way. This will be for the best, trust me."

"The best way that just happens to include you planning a wedding."

"That wasn't my intention. Honestly. I had your reception to plan anyway. This isn't any more than tha-"

"Reception!" Bella looked up as Carlisle handed her the opened card that had obviously been in the envelope he still held. Bella could clearly see that it had been sealed with wax and the Cullen crest. The card stock in her hands was heavy, it resembled parchment in color and texture and was engraved with the words:

Alice, Jasper, Esme, Emmett, Rosalie and Edward

invite you to share in our joy

as

Dr. and Mrs. Carlisle Cullen née Isabella Marie Swan

repeat and celebrate the marriage vows

they made to each other on the twenty-second of October in Maine

at Alexis Hotel,

1007 1st Ave, Seattle, Washington

on Sunday the twelfth day of November

at 5:00 pm

A reception will be held afterwards

Transportation and overnight accommodations provided

Carlisle reached out and refolded the card so Bella could see the front. The left side of the heavy paper was overlaid with pure silk Cullen tartan, separated from the rest of the card by a velvet ribbon that was centered with a sterling love knot. Flowing from the love knot, across the right side in elegant script, were the embossed words:

What started out as friendship has grown stronger

An enclosed somewhat lighter paper fluttered out. Bella caught it. In hand done calligraphy it read:

In lieu of gifts we request that donations be made to

MSF

Medecins Sans Frontieres

Doctors Without Borders

Bella seemed unable to speak. Carlisle took the phone gently from her fingers. "Alice, have the invitations been sent?"

"Not yet, I'll be mailing them after you get home. I'm still waiting for the save the date inserts, they'll have your best wedding photo on them. You didn't tell Bella that there was a hidden photographer there, did you? You know I want your wedding album to be a surprise."

"I wouldn't spoil your fun, Alice."

"I think she will treasure an album of photos from your wedding."

"I'm sure you're right." Carlisle wasn't sure how Bella would feel about being photographed without her knowledge. Had he known in advance, he would have insisted that Alice tell Bella of the photographer's presence. Once he became aware of it, their wedding had already begun. He hadn't wanted to risk upsetting Bella on their wedding day, so he didn't tell her. He thought, as Charlie had said, what was done, was done. Ruining it for Alice now would serve no purpose. She was a meddling little pixie; but, her heart was always in the right place. "Who have you planned to you invite, Alice?"

"Not many, only those necessary. The Volturi, of course. I invited some of your friends, Carlisle, ones that I know you would love to introduce to Bella. I only invited your friends that can mix easily with humans. There's nothing to worry about.

"Instead of invitations, I'll send announcements to the rest of your friends, the ones that wouldn't do well in a crowd of humans.

"I had to invite your colleagues from the hospital and Bella's from MSF. I couldn't exclude Bella's school mates, either. Bella's father, her mother and her mother's husband were a given, and I thought we ought to include Bella's friends from the reservation. It will be small, tasteful and understated, I promise.

"Charlie needs this. Your friends need this. Forks needs this. The Quileutes that will come, and I'm pretty sure some will if just for Charlie's sake, really need this. They need to see your wedding, to see how you treat Bella and how Bella feels about you. It is the best thing to do for everyone. Trust me, Carlisle. This isn't life and death in the literal sense, but it needs to be done. It will greatly ease the acceptance of your marriage. It will make it so you both can be comfortable in Forks for as long as we want to stay here."

"Have you already told anyone besides Charlie?"

"No. I wanted to find out what you both want first. I thought you might want to tell people yourselves when you get home."

"I'll discuss that with Bella and let you know. Have you foreseen any problems?"

"Nothing serious. You don't need to have visions to see that Jacob Black won't be happy. Even though he told Bella he's fine being just a friend to her, it's obvious that he still carries a torch for her."

"The Quileutes will be upset."

"Marrying Bella doesn't break the treaty. Don't borrow trouble, Carlisle." Alice's voice became quiet and soothing. "I'm guessing there are some Quileutes that will be supportive of Bella's choice to marry you."

Carlisle didn't voice his certainty that almost, if not all, of the Quileutes, would be appalled and outraged.

"You worry too much, Carlisle. I'm thinking that most of your colleagues will be jealous that you've got yourself a young-"

"Alice."

"Well, it's true." The smile was evident in her unrepentant tone. "A lot of the people at your work will probably be upset that you're no longer available."

Carlisle shook his head. He had never been available to them. "Aro, Marcus and Caius?"

"The Volturi, and all your vampire friends, will understand that you've found your mate. Marcus never sensed that kind of relationship between Edward and Bella. He knew they had an intense connection, but he never felt any of deep devotion present between true mates. The rest of your friends will be a little shocked when they find out your mate is still human."

Carlisle thought that was an understatement. "Edward and Rosalie?"

"I don't know, Carlisle. I have seen that outwardly Edward will appear to be fine. It looks like he'll be accepting and happy for you both. I don't see him causing any problems, but it's not so easy to be sure with him. He can be over emotional and unpredictable."

Carlisle reached out and stroked Bella's hair. He kept the emotion from his voice. "That's not unexpected. And Rosalie?"

"Don't worry. Emmett will put his foot down. He chooses his battles carefully. He'll win this one. They won't leave us."

"I see." Carlisle had known Rosalie would be upset. He hadn't expected her to want to leave the family.

"She'll come around, Carlisle. I've seen that too."

Carlisle smiled for Bella's benefit. "I know she will." He paused, Alice didn't continue. "I noticed your omission, Alice"

"I knew you would. I don't have an answer for you. Bella's mother is completely unpredictable. Don't worry and ruin your honeymoon, Carlisle." Alice huffed audibly. "Now, let me talk to Bella again, please."

"Certainly, Alice."

"Oh, and go away, Carlisle, I want to talk to Bella alone. Go inspect your gift for her. It's all ready. Jasper got all the paperwork pushed through, you can give it to her whenever you want. I'll be done talking to Bella in forty-one minutes. Go on, now."

Carlisle smiled at Bella and handed her the phone. He leaned in and kissed her cheek before whispering to her. "I'm just going to check on something. I'll be back before Alice is finished talking with you."

Bella nodded and put the phone to her ear. "Alice?"

"Isabella Marie Cullen…"

Bella giggled, easing Carlisle's mind as he slipped out of hearing range.

"You were supposed to wear your special lingerie on your wedding night."

Bella didn't respond.

"Honestly, Bella, you want to wear it tonight. Carlisle will love it."

"I never saw it in the bathroom."

"I knew you wouldn't get to it on your wedding night, so I had the staff wrap it up. It's in a pink floral bag in the linen closet of the bathroom. When you get back to the hotel today, just excuse yourself to freshen up and come out wearing it."

"I know I need help with clothes sometimes, Alice, but this-"

"Have you ever seen a vampire drool?"

"I'll wear it."

"Good. Now, before you ask, yes everything I sent with you is a in a variation of ivory or off-white, bridal colors. Even your sweaters, coats, shoes and accessories are all ivory or off-white. Of course, they aren't boring. Everything is different and each piece has its own uniquely beautiful and fascinating details. Carlisle will appreciate your clothes reflecting the fact that you're his bride. He won't realize that's what you're doing. He'll just be pleasantly reminded of your wedding ceremony every time he sees you in a new outfit. Bella, are you listening to me?"

"What?" Bella had opened her laptop and begun to check her email while Alice spoke of fashion. "Of course I'm listening to you, Alice."

"Good then, you'll be blonder than Rosalie by the end of the day."

Bella's voice gave away the fact that she had tuned Alice out during her fashion speech. "What?"

Alice's tone didn't hide her frustration. "Never mind. Just wear the labeled outfits."

"You know I will, Alice. I already promised."

Alice's voice was chipper again. "Good!"

Carlisle opened the door to find Bella holding her closed phone and repeatedly chanting, "She's my best friend." He smiled.

That evening found Carlisle and Bella laying on their stomachs on the massive bed in their honeymoon suite. Bella was wearing the ivory négligée Alice had provided for her. Carlisle really had appreciated it. He left it on her, merely strategically moving it out of the way during the passion filled hours when they arrived back at their suite. Eventually, they had to pause their amorous activities to decide on a house. They were currently surrounded by overlapping photos and stacks of papers. After visiting several properties and discussing their options, they had it narrowed down to two choices. One large house off Schooner Head, and a compound of smaller homes off Roques Bluff. Carlisle wanted Bella to choose. She refused, but did agree to give him her opinion. Bella was chewing on her pencil, deep in thought. Carlisle was watching Bella. As she switched papers she was reading she noticed him staring at her.

"What?"

"You're beautiful."

She tossed a spare pencil at his head. She missed. "You need to quit that if you want my opinion. You're distracting me."

He grinned.

"Carlisle," she admonished, frustration evident in her tone. "Just because you memorize everything at first glance doesn't mean-"

He pounced. He rolled Bella over, tickling her sides through the diaphanous fabric as he moved to lay on top of her. She couldn't suppress her giggles. He touched his nose to hers. His voice was playful. "Doesn't mean what?"

Her paper and pencil slipped away. She ran her fingers through Carlisle's flaxen hair and wrapped her legs around his narrow hips, pulling his weight onto her. She sighed happily.

He buried his nose in her ear, his breath teasing her as he spoke. "Doesn't mean what?"

"Hmm?" Bella turned her head and kissed his neck.

"Isabella." One of his hands crept beneath the lace covering her breasts.

"Um-hm." She breathed in his scent, subconsciously tuning out the sweet overtone of vampiric allure.

"Doesn't mean what?"

"What were we talking about?"

"Homes. Which one do you like best for our next home?"

She sighed heavily. "I really like the land off Roques Bluff. It's perfect, there's so much of it. It's utterly secluded and it has its very own cove." She shook her head, disbelief in her eyes. "I mean, who owns their own cove?"

Carlisle smiled indulgently. "But?"

"I don't like the compound of houses. You're moving your family, Carlisle. With everyone in a different house they'll be neighbors, not family. I mean, they'd still be family, of course, but it wouldn't be the same. You wouldn't be living a family life and that's what you love. Can you imagine never hearing Alice tearing her wardrobe apart, never having an impromptu history discussion with Jasper? What would life be like never having to worry about being pranked by Emmett or hearing Rosalie smack him on the head for making a crude comment? What about Esme, how could she live alone, with no one to fuss over? I'll be changed by then, Edward will be back, you know how his music pleases everyone. But most of all, you would be miserable not being there for them when they need you. They are all perfectly able to live on their own, but they need you. Yes, they could easily come to you from next door, but something integral, something that I think you need, will be missing if the family is divided like that.

"The house off Schooner Head is beautiful. I've never seen anything like it, and it's ideal for the whole family. It has separate living spaces as well as lots of communal spaces. The family can all be together, but each suite of individual rooms is far enough from each other and the family areas for complete privacy, even for a supernatural family. It's got a lot of breathtaking wooded land as well. High on a cliff like that, the view of the sea is spectacular, but is it too close to town for Jasper's comfort? Home should be a refuge, a safe place. Home should be a place we can all be comfortable and at ease while being one big family together." She shook her head. "If I had to choose one, I think it would be the house off Schooner Head. Jasper and I might have problems, but we'll overcome them. I don't want to see you separate your family."

Carlisle chucked and placed a kiss on her neck. His breath washed over her. "You are perfect." He rose a bit but remained secured to Bella by her legs. He reached out and picked up his phone. He pushed a button. "Good evening, Gail. This is Carlisle Cullen. We've decided to purchase the Roques Bluff property and the one off Schooner Head. That's right, both. You have our details. Yes, we'll meet you at six tomorrow morning, in the Rockefeller room at our hotel. You have my lawyers' contact information, you can speak with them this evening if you'd like. Good, thank you. We'll see you tomorrow."

Bella's eyes were wide with disbelief. "Carlisle..." She trailed off as he dialed another number.

"Vittorio? It's Carlisle. Very well, yourself? How's that fascinating mate of yours? Good! Yes, I have a project for you, if the brothers can spare you. Oh, when do the renovations on the throne room begin? That should be no problem, my project should be complete before your materials arrive in Volterra. No, no, nothing like that, with your crew you should be able to complete my project in no time. I just bought two properties in the States, my lawyers will have the sales closed immediately. It's not impossible for my lawyers. They're very persuasive. I need the buildings on one property removed and the spectacular house that's on the other disassembled and rebuilt on the land of the first. Ah, well, I am a simple creature. I'll have my lawyers send you the details. Grazie, Vittorio. Ciao."

Carlisle tossed his phone aside and returned his attention to Bella. She lay beneath him with a stunned expression on her face. He smiled mischievously and lowered his head to hers. Bella forgot all thoughts of their next home as Carlisle pressed her into the mattress and kissed her senseless.


Carlisle smiled as Bella reached up and straightened his tie. His amber eyes glowed warmly, a direct contrast to the chill of the foggy autumn morning in Maine. They had just finished an extremely early morning meeting with their realtor Gail and a large contingent of Carlisle's lawyers.

"The first hospital is within walking distance," Bella noted as Carlisle took her hand and led her to the car.

A satisfied smirk played on his face, it had nothing whatsoever to do with real estate, hospitals or cars. He opened her door and handed her into the front passenger seat.

She shook her head. "Is this a guy thing, then?"

Carlisle flashed her a wicked grin. "It's a doctor thing." The smile never left his lips as he got in and playfully revved the engine. He was feeling more than a little smug after the past few days.

"Are you sure it isn't a vampire thing? I mean even Alice, who you just wouldn't take to be a car person, loved that yellow Porsche."

Carlisle just smiled. He drove less than a quarter of a mile and pulled up in front of a local bakery. Bella began to open her car door. She paused and inhaled appreciatively. The enticing aromas of baked goods and coffee wafting from the purple painted building made her stomach growl. She turned to Carlisle. "There's no parking here."

"I'm dropping you off, sweetheart, not parking."

Before Bella could remove her seatbelt, Carlisle finished opening her door and extended his hand to her. She smiled up at him as he helped her from the car. She adored his old world manners. That wasn't something she would ever have imagined herself appreciating, but now she loved it. His manners suited him.

His hands held her waist while his body pressed her gently into the closed car door. Her smile intensified as she thought that although he may cling to some ways of the past, he certainly knew how to embrace changing with the times. Carlisle was the best of both worlds. She stopped thinking when his lips touched hers. It was a simple, chaste goodbye kiss, but the intense feelings he communicated with it left her reeling.

He held her hands in his as he spoke. "I should be finished with both hospitals and be back before noon. I'll call you when I'm done and meet you wherever you are."

"Take your time. Do everything you need to do." Even though his face was angled away, she could sense his reluctance to leave her. His body language was imbued with it. "I'm going to grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Then I'll stroll down to the pier. Later, I'll check out that bookstore on Main Street, you know how long that can take me. Seriously, Carlisle, go. You'll wow them with your CV, even though it can't contain all your accomplishments. I'll see you later."

He cupped her face in his large hands and gazed into her eyes. "I love you, Isabella."

She smiled. "I love you, Carlisle, more than words can say."

He gave her one more quick kiss.

"Go on now, show them how lucky they'll be to get you. Let them fight over you."

He chuckled and caressed her cheek. She watched him get back in the driver's seat and take off.


Both small hospitals had been very enthusiastic about the possibility of Carlisle joining their staff. He was sure he would have a place when the time came for Bella to rejoin society after her change. He was fairly certain that it would not take her very long. There were no tasks left for them to do for the remainder of the time the family, Charlie and Forks Community Hospital expected them to be away. They were free to spend the rest of their days enjoying Maine and each other.

They had gone back to their suite for Carlisle to change into casual clothes after his hospital meetings. He was taking Bella to a local hot spot for lunch. When he removed his shirt and reached to drop it in the laundry, he felt Bella's warm hands snake around his thin waist from behind. He closed his eyes as she lay her cheek on his back and caressed him. She dipped her fingertips teasingly under the low front waist of his black dress trousers. Bella's clothes didn't survive their removal intact. They never made it to lunch.


Carlisle accepted a hamper filled with china, crystal, and linens for two. It also contained several local fall delicacies; maple smoked ham, local cheeses, root vegetable crisps, the obligatory baguette, freshly baked up the street, along with spiced pumpkin cake and apple cider. Continuing the theme of local delicacies, he added a thermos of body temperature Black Bear blood. When he was sure their meal was all set, he was left with nothing to do but wait for Bella to finish dressing. He was nervous, an unaccustomed feeling for him. He was usually calm. His desire to please his bride was so intense that he stopped moving and breathing, when this didn't help, he got up to pace around their honeymoon suite instead.

Before long, Bella emerged from the bathroom, dressed in ivory stretch jeans with a delicate, ivory, lace trimmed blouse that was hidden under a thick fisherman's style cardigan of the softest cashmere. Carlisle was before her in an instant, holding her hand. "Are you ready, Sweetheart?"

"Carlisle, please, tell me where we're going."

He raised the hamper that he held in his other hand. "We're going to have a picnic." He smiled and moved his lips to her ear. "And somewhere I can give you your wedding present."

Bella's eyes widened, her hand flew to the necklace at her throat.

"No, my dear, your necklace is from my mother and my aunt. This present is from me." He kissed the skin in front of her ear. She began to speak but he cut her off. "No protests, please."

She snapped her mouth shut and shook her head. He just smiled and led her to the car.


Carlisle pulled into a large marina and parked. He tucked Bella's arm in his elbow and led her to the docks. He handed a stunned Bella aboard a Hinkley SW61 yacht bearing the name, in elegant script, Isabella Marie. "No, this is not your present. She is ours. We can sail her whenever we wish. But today, she's just transportation to your present."

"What-"

"Patience, please." Carlisle smiled as he began readying the boat for the short voyage. "She'll have to come out of the water for the winter soon, but never fear, I got a hardier craft, that one is part of my gift to you, she can handle the sea even in worst of winter weather."

"Where are we going?"

He grinned. "You'll see."

In no time they were disembarking on an island. When their feet touched land, Carlisle turned to Bella. "My gift to you, to mark the happiest day of my existence, the day you married me."

Bella looked at Carlisle quizzically. "What is it?"

"You are standing on it, dearest."

Bella jumped and looked under her feet. "Where?"

Carlisle chuckled. He handed Bella an aerial photo. "This, the island we are on, is yours."

Bella's mouth dropped open. The aerial view clearly showed an island in the perfect shape of a heart. "Carlisle, I don't understand."

"This is your island, my dear. It's a refuge, a place to find absolute privacy. Even after your change, you won't need to worry about discretion when you are here. Our secret is absolutely safe here. We can be ourselves." He leaned in and his breath washed over her face. His tone was suggestive, his golden eyes smoldered as they caught hers. "We won't need to worry about prying eyes, either. We can do anything we want to, anywhere on the whole island."

Bella inhaled sharply at the images his suggestions created in her mind. She unconsciously moved closer to him.

He smiled as he heard Bella's heartbeat increase. He took her in his arms and pulled her to him. He kissed the corner of her mouth as one of his large hands cupped her head while the other pulled her tighter to him. He placed light kisses along her skin on his way to her ear. His whisper was full of promise. "Would you like to see your house?"

Bella pulled back and shook off the sensual haze she'd slipped into. "You gave me an island as a wedding present?"

He chuckled. "Technically, an island, a house, and a converted year round trawler; to ensure that you have access to your island anytime. I'll show you the trawler another day. The house is off the grid. It's completely winterized and self-sufficient. This is a perfectly isolated retreat."

She stood unmoving and speechless, stunned. Carlisle laughed and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. He knew Bella was overwhelmed. He kept his appealing voice soft and calm as he spoke of his gift to her. "Come, I'll tell you about it as we walk to the house. I chose this island for its shape, because you hold my heart, now and forever. Fortunately, it is not only the shape that makes this island special.

"We came in to a deep water dock tucked into the island's cleft. It's an extremely sheltered site. The island itself has over four thousand eight hundred feet of shoreline including pebble beaches, cobblestones, and granite ledges. It really is a sanctuary. The island is about ninety square miles in total. It has a heavily wooded interior. There are spruce, fir, hemlock, beech, maple, birch, and aspen here. There's a small lake. There are trails and meadows amongst the groves and evergreen forests. The island's shorefront has a natural sand beach, more granite ledges, and a multitude of tidal pools. Besides the treed areas there are several open fields.

"There is an abundance of wildlife; moose, deer, bears, turkeys, ducks, silver and red foxes, to name just a few. There will be many varieties of flowers in the spring and summer. There's a multitude of wild roses. Of course, the wildflowers are varied and plentiful. Someone even imported several lilac trees a long time ago, they're very mature. They can be seen from the back of the house. In June the open fields are awash with Lupines. There are over a hundred varieties of birds including fresh water and sea birds that make their home here. You'll see Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and a variety of hawks and owls, as well as the many other kinds of beautiful non predatory birds." Carlisle patted Bella's hand and pointed. "We're coming up on the house."

When they reached the door Carlisle pressed a key into Bella's hand.

She spoke, her voice betraying her dazed state. "You can't just buy an island, Carlisle."

He smiled. "I already have." He wrapped his hand around hers and guided her hand to insert the key into the lock. The door opened into a large sitting room. There were three closed doors to the right. The walls were dominated by immense windows that overlooked the water, forest and yard. Carlisle leant down and whispered in Bella's ear. "Welcome home, Mrs. Cullen."

Tingles shot through her body at his proximity and the suggestive tone he used when he spoke her new name.

"Come, let me show you." Carlisle led Bella through an open archway on the back of the left wall just past a huge fieldstone fireplace surrounded by filled bookshelves.

Here there was a small dining table, at which were placed two white and blue wing chairs. These was nestled in front of large windows with a cozy built-in window seat.. To the right of the table, in a semi-open concept design there was a bright kitchen.

Bella was led by two cozy seating nooks, both done in blues, one with a distinct nautical feel that opened into a larger living area done in soft pinks and blues, the centerpiece of which was an antique captain's trunk. To the side Bella could see a small room jutting out that she found irresistibly inviting. It's back wall was solid windows with a large window seat. Both walls were lined with shelves of books.

From here Carlisle led her to the bedroom. Bella stilled in astonishment. The room was dominated by an over-sized king bed with chiffon curtains. As her eyes moved up she saw that the ceiling and beams seemed to be made of driftwood. The windows were framed by the same sheer floaty white curtains as the bed and the walls were a serene dusky blue and grey. She smiled as she took in the furnishings. They were in various shades of white with candles adorning their surfaces. The natural wood floor sported a small plush area rug giving the room warmth.

She was in a daze as Carlisle led her out the glass door directly in front of them. They stepped onto an area with an outdoor fireplace in front of which sat a stone hot tub and pool that managed to look like they were a natural part of the island. Being fall, no lilacs were in bloom, instead there were pumpkins and chrysanthemums artfully placed all around the house, highlighting the season.

Bella had remained speechless. Carlisle smiled and led her back into the little house. He guided her to the first of the three doors they had seen when they initially came in the house. Bella smiled when she saw that it was a multi-room library and office space. It was large, bright and tastefully designed for two with comfortable furnishings and another large inviting window seat. Bella moved to the bookcases and began examining their offerings. She turned and smiled at Carlisle. He took both of her hands in his, walking backwards he led her past the middle door and through the third door back into the bedroom. They stood in front of an antique captain's chest looking at each other in anticipation.

Carlisle pulled her into his arms and stole her breath with his ardent kiss. She wrapped her arms around him and backed up until the back of her legs met the bed. She was tugging his blond hair, he was devouring her lips. She fell backwards onto the bed, pulling him down on top of her. They continued their heated kiss.

Carlisle pressed himself into Bella's softness and groaned into her mouth. She put her hands on his waist and pushed at his jeans. He lifted up enough for her to work the button and zipper open. She pushed them down as far as she could reach. They, along with his boxers, came to rest just below his bottom. Before she could think, his hands were on her ivory jeans, opening them. She raised her hips and he pushed them down to her knees. She opened her legs as far as her pants would allow. Needing no further invitation, and not taking the time to remove his jeans either, he entered her with one urgent thrust. She inhaled sharply as the feeling of Carlisle suddenly entering her body sent electric heat coursing through every part of her. Her breathing sped up. This was no languid exploration. Their bodies joined in a heated and urgent rhythm. It was burning and needful. Carlisle dropped his head onto her shoulder as he thrust desperately into her. She was so wet, so tight that he couldn't help himself. Silently he vowed that next time he would be slow with her.

The excruciatingly exquisite feeling of Carlisle Cullen moving inside of her, coupled with the joy of knowing just how much he wanted her, was almost too much. She moaned at the delicious force he was using to push inside of her with her legs trapped in a semi-closed position by her jeans. He was hitting that spot deep within her strongly, relentlessly. She clutched his shoulders and keened as her climax built rapidly.

He shifted his angle and pressed that spot, holding himself there. The all-consuming feelings this caused brought her to a sudden blinding climax. She cried out her pleasure.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and growled low and long as he released against her cervix. He made to remove his weight from her, but she pulled him back to her. He remained on her and in her for several minutes after they finished.

Carlisle was ashamed of himself. He lifted his head and stroked the hair from her face. He began to murmur apologies but she cut him off.

"Are you kidding me? Carlisle, that was absolutely wonderful."

He shook his head. "I took you like-"

"No!" His fervor had made it clear just how much he wanted her, making her extremely happy. She couldn't stand his regret. She put her hand on his lips. "I loved it. Every bit of it. You were perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. Never apologize for that. Never!" Her eyes expressed her deep desire for him to be himself with her, without reservation.

He understood the look in her eyes and was deeply moved by her unconditional acceptance of him. He released a breath and gazed at her, love shining in his golden eyes. "All right."

"I love you, Carlisle."

"I love you." He kissed her. This kiss was soft and sweet.

Their frantic need was sated. They held each other kissing, caressing and whispering words of adoration.

She tried to pull his body closer but was hindered by the jeans trapping her knees.

He chuckled. He ducked in and kissed her affectionately. "No more pants. Skirts, yes. Dresses, absolutely." He smirked at her. "Nothing at all, even better; but, no more pants."

She laughed and agreed, hugging him with her arms around his neck.

"Come, you must be cold." He drew her up with him and righted their clothes. He moved away to get extra comforters, a quilt and pillows from a linen closet. He put them in front of the fireplace in the sitting room and lit a fire. He retrieved the picnic hamper and put it to the side as Bella walked into the room. He pulled her down with him on the large pile of soft comforters and tucked her in with the quilt.

After Bella finished her meal, and Carlisle his blood; they reclined in each other's arms and watched the fire.

Bella chewed her lip and looked into Carlisle's eyes. "Can we spend the rest of our time here, instead of the hotel?"

His joy was obvious and hers matched it. "Of course." He kissed her softly and whispered. "I'm so glad you like it."

"The only thing more perfect is you."

His hands moved to slowly open the buttons of her blouse as he lay her down on the pillows before the fire. This time would not be hurried.


Bella had kept a journal of sorts, at Carlisle's suggestion. He knew that for some vampire's their human memories were lost when they were changed. They had taken numerous photos on their trip, but he thought Bella might want to remember some things about their honeymoon that weren't captured by photography.

Her journal included entries about the times they spent laying on a plaid blanket on their private island, reading to each other and making love under the trees. The cold temperatures hadn't bothered her in the least.

She included the hours they spent sailing, making love as the sea rocked the boat.

She wrote of their many trips to the mainland. They had taken drives on country roads, admiring the spectacular golds, reds, and oranges of the autumnal foliage. They had seen many artistic displays of pumpkins, hay bales, corn stalks and fall flowers.

She had laughed aloud when she had written about their bicycle trip through a small fishing village. She had told Carlisle that she couldn't ride a bicycle. He had insisted that she would have no problem. He was right. He had rented a bicycle built for two, locked her pedals in a comfortable stationary position, and handled the bike alone while she rode happily.

She had tried to accurately describe their walks hand in hand along shore paths and through the forest; detailing the sounds and smells of fall in Maine.

She tried too, to write of the pleasure of waking in Carlisle's arms, of sharing foggy mornings and the bliss of a hot cup of tea or coffee, and in Carlisle's case blood, to warm them as they began each new day.

She tried to articulate the absolute wonder of domesticity they experienced. Simple things like eating and drinking, reading and playing board games before the fire; felt new and intimate, alone with each other in their little house.

Some of her favorite entries were of their lovemaking. So too, did those entries outnumber all of the others. This trip had turned into a honeymoon, and they treated it as such. Some of their lovemaking was romantic, some was unconventional, some was urgent and one time was even funny.

They had been on the mainland, just enjoying fall and each other. They had stopped and spent the morning walking through the small town they had married in. The fallen autumn leaves crunched beneath their feet as they visited shops to buy locally made presents for the family. That afternoon they took tea on the lawn of a local establishment overlooking a picturesque pond backed by two mountains. Following tea they combed the edge of the sea for small natural treasures, pretty rocks, driftwood, seashells, and even the occasional piece of polished sea glass. They watched the sunset from a cliff over the sea, alone except for the cry of gulls and the pounding of the surf below.

As night fell they drove along quiet forest roads towards their boat that would take them back to the island. Their entwined hands began to caress palms and wrists. With each passing minute, their mutual desire, their need for each other, escalated until it reached an irresistible high. They couldn't wait to get to their boat or even to a hotel. Carlisle abruptly turned down a lonely road that wound deep into the forest. They passed only one house early on the road. It was an abandoned Queen Anne style home high atop a hill. Its boarded windows and derelict towers were clearly visible in the light of the October moon. After that, the road wound on for a few miles with no sign of civilization. They passed it at an alarming speed, and in no time they were parked down a track that had lead to their right.

Carlisle had stopped where the track ended, on a precipice in the remote forest. They had wasted no time. As Carlisle threw the car into park and cut the engine, he lowered his seat to a completely prone position. He reached over and lifted Bella onto the seat with him. They lay on their sides, facing each other, pressed together in the cramped space.

Bella gasped as Carlisle traced a pattern down her throat, teasing her heated skin while he alternated between soft kisses and light nips until he reached the place he had bitten her, where a scar was beginning to form. His tongue darted out to trace the area. She trembled with desire as his hands, tender and precise on her delicate skin, smoothed up her thighs raising her skirt.

Bella unbuttoned Carlisle's shirt as he continued opening and removing her clothing. Her hand found his skin. She ran her palm over his chest. He moaned as her hands ghosted over his flat, firm pectorals to brush across his sensitive nipples. She felt him shudder at her touch.

"Isabella." His voice was thick with desire against her pulse, sending ripples of pleasure throughout her body.

Slowly, they each brought the other to the edge of ecstasy, only to back off and begin the tortuously pleasurable ascent again. Instead of a bright flash, when they finally found their climaxes they were almost in slow motion, burning with a deep protracted intensity.

They rested in each other's arms, occasionally kissing the skin they found near their lips. They lay together and simply enjoyed the feeling of being wrapped up in each other. He stroked her back as she nuzzled in his neck.

He smiled and teased her out with his nose. He kissed her lips then. Bella could feel how much Carlisle cherished her in his gentle coaxing kiss. Neither could get enough of the other. After a while, their loving kisses turned hungry. They found completion together a second time as the moon crept across the sky.

They decided to head back to the Isabella Marie and return to the island before dawn. Bella had ended up underneath Carlisle in the driver's seat. He reluctantly removed himself from her and settled in the passenger seat as they righted their clothing. There was no room at the end of the small track to turn the car around, so Bella began to back the car down the track. If Carlisle hadn't been so focused on their recent activities, he might have had second thoughts and taken the wheel himself. He didn't. Bella's human perceptions were no match for the narrow track, hidden as it was by the deep darkness of the forest. Before Carlisle could intervene, she had backed her side of the car over the edge. The two wheels on the passenger side were the only things keeping the car from going over. Carlisle pulled Bella to him and out of the elevated passenger side. They stood and looked at the car teetering on the edge of the overhang. Bella's eyes were wide, her hands covered her mouth. She was shocked and scared. Carlisle laughed unrestrainedly as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. He pulled her small body into his larger frame and tucked her head beneath his chin. His laughter eased her mind as he bent and kissed her neck. He moved her back a safe distance before he easily righted the car. His vampiric strength was much more efficient than a towing service would have been.


The day of their flight home to Forks dawned cold and damp. Their plane was scheduled to take off in just a few hours.

Bella heard Carlisle enter the room, she looked up as she finished lacing her boots. Carlisle caught her eye. She smiled at him. He returned her smile. They didn't speak, they were both lost in thoughts of the past two weeks.

Hand in hand they headed to the Isabella Marie, for the trip back to the mainland. A wedding-for-show awaited them; and then, Bella's transformation. It wouldn't be long before she was a vampire just like her new husband.


AN:

The island Carlisle gives Bella is based on Harbor Island. A heart-shaped island off the coast of Buck's Harbor, Maine. It really is heart-shaped, Google it and have a look. My fictitious island only represents Harbor Island in shape. The size and placement are entirely different.


AN Supplemental:

First, I want to thank you for reading.

Second, I want to tell you there is more to come. Eventually.

If you've been reading for a while, you'll know the computer problems I've had. Suffice it to say, I don't think my old MacBook will work properly again. I can't imagine a second miracle.


"What started out as friendship has grown stronger"

- is a line, embarrassingly enough, from 'Can't Fight This Feeling' by REO Speedwagon

What can I say? I found it and it fits them.