A/N: This part of the series is going to be much more lengthy than the first, pushing the teen rating, and that is why the rating has been changed to M as of 12/8/19. I did this due to adult themes, language, violence, and sex. Not until Isle Esme, but if you have read Breaking Dawn, you know exactly why I needed to change the rating.

Stephenie Meyer is the creator of all things Twilight; thus, I do not own this. I do, however, own the original characters, absolutely no copyright infringement intended.

There are snippets from Breaking Dawn, the book, and maybe a few from the movies, but I'm not quite sure.

Long Night:

I was deep in thought, finishing up the last of my journal. I had spent the previous six months trying to recall every detail from when my brother came to find me in Forks, to when our mom died, the first time I saw the Cullens, the time I spent with them while Edward was in Alaska, our first date, our first fight, fighting Rosalie and Jasper. It shocked me how much we had gone through together, and apart.

Writing about getting shot and almost dying was not easy. Including a memory from it in my vows would not be a walk a park either, but I needed everyone to know that Edward was the reason I survived.

I wrote about the conversation I had with my mom before she died, and the one I had with her when I almost died. I held nothing back. Even Doctor Strange making an appearance in my near-death experience. I'm sure Edward will love that.

Enjoy every second of your life while you can. Make friends, laugh, fall in love, be happy. Bella that is all that matters in the end.

I wanted him to know everything, not that he didn't know most of it, but not so much through my eyes. The little things, every second of this life. The things I wanted to remember, in the next, most of them at least. Rosalie said that if I thought about them often enough that I would.

I will begin the next journal, with the start of my new life, which would be tomorrow.

Wow.

I ended it with our last conversation this afternoon when I thought, 'Stupid Mind Reading vampire.'

I was proud of myself. I finished just in time because I felt someone kissing the crown of my head.

"Hi,"

"I'm not interrupting," Edward said with a grin, there was something else… his eyes were bright and almost sparkling.

"No, you're just on time, I wanted to give this to you, wedding gift and what not. I may in time need to borrow it if you can't fill me in on the details."

"So, you have been spending all this time writing in that, for me?"

"What to get for the man who has it all, and thinks he knows it all?" I giggled.

Edward just shook his head and opened the journal; suddenly, I was very nervous.

His eyes got even more comprehensive, softer, brighter with each page. "Bella, this is…"

Holy crap, Edward was speechless…

"Awful? Horrible? What?"

"The best thing anyone has ever given me. I know some of your thoughts, but not them all. Naturally, being the know-it-all that I am. That's what I want. Thank you."

I stood up, "no, thank you, almost-husband, for giving me all those memories. Even the bad ones remind me, we are about as normal as they can get. Despite every challenge and obstacle, we've faced, tomorrow at this time, we will be married, and dancing, or whatever the hell people do at weddings." I giggled when Edward kissed me and gazed. He was doing that thing again, I swear, when Edward looked in my eyes, he saw my soul. I knew I could see his, and it was beautiful.

Then he noticed what I was wearing.

"You are wearing that for girls night?"

I sighed, "Alice! I found it on my bed, along with a hideous robe, and a note saying that she had packed everything I need for our Honeymoon. I kind of like it."

I looked good in the black bra, black slip, and silk shorts that went with it. I knew that Alice went to Agent Provocateur for it, and that meant what I was wearing something that very likely cost five or six hundred dollars. I promised myself that I would not get upset about expensive gifts. I did not want to separate myself from Edward and his family due to being uncomfortable. Carlisle told me that this was a part of being in their family. I will learn to deal with it. I know it's an odd thing to be uncomfortable with, but not as bizarre as marrying a 119-year-old virgin vampire.

"I kind of like it too."

"Good, I have no idea what else she bought. Speaking of, where are we going for our honeymoon?"

"Nice try."

"Darn."

"You picked the music; I picked the honeymoon location."

"You tricked me." I pouted

"Did I?"

"No," I pouted more. "When are you leaving for your bachelors' party."

"A couple of hours."

This was good news. While finishing my journal, I put the past and our future together and realized a few things. We had been doing things all wrong, in our 'practicing.'

"Good, because I came up with a few ideas that should give you some peace of mind about tomorrow night." I gave him a toothy grin.

"More practice? I think we would be just about perfect by now."

"I want to try something… different. More… analytical…"

He didn't like the way that came out. It was not sexy, that's for sure.

"I think we've been going about this all wrong. "

"Bella."

"Shhh! Listen, do you remember our first date?"

"How could I forget?"

"When you knew what was coming, you got used to it, until you did not need to, you were used to it. You didn't worry about hurting me. Right?"

He half-shrugged, "I'm always worried that I'll hurt you."

I rolled my eyes, "be serious, please."

"Sometimes, your reaction tends to take me by surprise."

I flushed, "I know, and I'm sorry. I'm conscious of that now. I'll try to restrain myself."

What a ludacris thing to be saying, but again, Edward could be a little ludacris at times. I loved him for it. We made no sense that way, and that made us perfect for each other.

"Okay, Edward, you need to trust that I'm being honest, and always be honest when it comes to our physical relationship, and you need to be as well. So, which is more difficult; when you touch me, or when I touch you?"

"Both."

"Liar."

"Bella," Edward agonized, "It's so hard to keep my wits about me with you around."

"That's why we are going to listen to one another."

He nodded warily.

I knew I was in charge for however long he let this go on, so I needed to convince him, "I want to keep standing up, k?"

He nodded.

"I'm going to unbutton your shirt now." I looked at Edward, nodding again in consent.

"Now, this is important. I know this is going to happen tomorrow." I blushed again, "So I am going to touch your back, and then scratch it. I'll tell you beforehand, or I will think of it, so pay attention."

I hooked the straps of my slip, and it hit the floor.

"Bella!" Edward looked shocked.

I rolled my eyes, "this is no different than any other day, just the outfit, I am still wearing underwear."

He closed his eyes.

Gah! And he complains about my reactions.

"Open your eyes and keep them on me."

Edward's breathing sped up. How very human.

I looked him straight in the eyes and gave him a small smile, "your back now," I said before making light sweeps down his beautiful, muscled back. I wasn't sure if my wits would hold.

'Good?'

'Very.'

'I am going to touch your back, firmly now, eyes on me.'

I felt every inch of his back, and so far, so good. I was proud of my new thinking. The next part would not be as easy.

'I am going to scratch your back now. Soft and then hard, it won't feel that way for you. Look at your wife, knowing that.'

He almost giggled, but his grin was all I needed. I started scratching. I could feel and almost see the electricity spark between us, so I stopped.

'You okay?'

'More than.'

'K, harder now. I am pretty sure this might be something you want to get used to.'

Damn, my blushing. This was setting my face on fire. Edward was enjoying it too.

I kissed Edward again and thought, 'now.' I gave him enough time to stop me, but he didn't. I scratched his back so hard that If he were human, he would be bleeding. A low guttural growl escaped his lips, and I found it highly erotic.

'I am going to use my nails on your neck and hair.'

I could hear that Edward was getting overloaded. I immediately removed my hands.

"See, all I need is to hear from you. We cannot know entirely about tomorrow, but I think this is the best way to try."

'Thank you,' Edward thought.

I looked into his eyes again, "Edward, you're going to be my husband. I would do anything to make this easier for you. I have an idea. I want you to touch me, and I'll keep my arms around your neck."

He swallowed, hard, sensing his anxiety, I took his hands and put them on my hips. My hands were on top of his until he was surer of himself. When he started moving his hands up my rib cage on his own and kissed me, I knew we were getting somewhere. He moved to my back.

'Edward, I am not going to break. More pressure.'

I could barely feel him, 'more.'

He pressed his hands harder against my skin, 'more,' I thought to his surprise. Then he nailed it, and all I could think was, 'oh dear god.'

He REALLY nailed it.

"That didn't hurt?" He seemed a bit anxious about my response. I put that on my list.

"It was perfect, and now you know. So, tell me, which was easier?"

Edward shrugged his shoulders, finally admitting, "touching you."

"Progress! So then, what are you going to do if you have an excess? Uh... I don't have the words for it, energy, anything that might distract you?"

"I have no idea. That is why I am so frightened. Carlisle said I needed to find something to channel it into."

Knew it, "I have an idea."

"Of course, you do!"

"Grab the headboard." It seemed evident to me.

"I'll break it."

I giggled at how clueless he was, "that's the point, better the headboard than me, right?"

"You have put a lot of thought into this,"

Damn, right I had, "It was more like putting a puzzle together. You can kiss me now like you never could before." Pride was all over his face. "Okay, a few more things, but Edward, remember to keep your eyes on me or the headboard. Don't close them. Please let me know if you are not okay."

I could practically feel his pride turn to anxiety; it didn't help that I was grabbing his hand to move to our bed.

I thought while we were staring at each other, 'On top, and kiss me.'

'Bossy, Bella.'

'Smart ass Edward. I know you can do this; you need to know it as well.'

It did not take long for things to get heated.

'Your back,' I thought, and then ran my fingernails up and down his back. Edward kissed me from my throat to my navel, never once taking his eyes off me. I thought my eyes were going to roll to the back of my head.

"What now?" Edward asked.

"What do you feel like doing?" I replied.

I was feeling a bit smug, as Edward thoroughly explored me. I also felt relieved this was working more than or constant bickering, hot and cold moments. It was not long before I was ready to skip the wedding entirely.

'I'm going to wrap my legs around you.'

Each kiss made my stomach tie in knots as if a fire was flowing through my veins. It felt good, so good.

With my semi X-rated thoughts, he grabbed the headboard, and a chunk of it was gone.

'Did that help?'

'Tremendously.'

'Okay, keep that in mind, sit up and pull me on to your lap, facing you. This might be more difficult.'

Edward seemed more at ease than I had ever seen him before. I hoped it would last.

Our faces were inches apart.

I bit my lip and thought, 'my ribs and back.'

I felt Edward panic, so I addressed it, "Edward, you know exactly how firm to be if you feel more, headboard."

He was okay.

The friction was getting hard to ignore, so I didn't. Our thoughts scrambled that would be a problem. I had forgotten that during intense moments, my thoughts and what I was feeling, projected, and my thoughts were now, X-rated. We had to stop; we were dangerously close to the point of no return.

"That was nice," I said.

Edward had never been close enough to give me an orgasm, but he did, holy shit.

"More than 'nice…'" Edward was dazzled. HA! I wondered how he liked it.

"Do you feel better, more confident now?" I asked, hoping.

"Definitely," he answered triumphantly.

"We have a strategy now. That's what been missing. We need to work together. Two distracted brains were not working."

I didn't know how to say this. I needed to and see where it took us. "Edward, please keep in mind that I am not a normal human being. I can withstand a lot more than you imagine, and I can heal almost anything, like say… bruises, with one snap of my fingers. Part of my training. We won't need that; I know things will be okay. It is going to be tricky, just like everything else has been, we have adapted, mind over matter, right?"

He was still speechless, and I knew I was pushing it, but he needed to know everything. "Edward, you have not had any bloodlust, since that first day, biology." It was not a question; it was a statement.

Edward hung his head, "no."

"Stop it."

"I know you may not want to hear this, but you need to. It's not ideal. I'd rather do it knowingly, but if you accidentally bite me, I am okay with it just as I am okay with you turning me if my life is in danger. I know you won't, but you need to know that no matter what, I could NEVER hate you, resent you, and the last person I'd ever forget is you. This is what I want. I've chosen my life, and I'm ready to start living it."

He smiled but wasn't saying one word. I closed my eyes. I didn't want to delve into his mind to figure out what he was thinking.

"What aren't you telling me? What is going on with you?" I was probably going to regret asking this, "did you change your mind?"

"Bella."

Oh, god.

"Don't start this again, you promised."

"We don't know everything, and yes, this helped, but it's so hard to concentrate when you're with me like this. I can't think straight. I won't be able to control myself; you'll get hurt."

Fantastic, everything just flew out the window. I was starting to get tired of this.

"I'll be fine."

"Bella."

"Shhh!"

I put my hands on both sides of his face and pressed my lips against his. But his mind was elsewhere, thinking of all the ways he could hurt me, it was disturbing. I let go of him and stormed into the bathroom to get the stupid pink fuzzy robe Alice got me. Argh! Alice was becoming an expletive!

I was looking away from Edward. Finally, he spoke the crux of the issue. Once again, being the decider basing his conclusions on absurdity.

"It's not right! I don't want you to have to make sacrifices for me. I want to give you things, not take things away from you. I don't want to steal your future. If I were human…"

I stifled his objections by putting my hand over his mouth.

"If you were human, I still wouldn't be! When are you going to take those Rose-colored glasses off? I've told you what I want my life to be like, and, Edward, I knew this before you. I don't want kids, and even if I did, I would only want them with you."

I took my hands back, to think without him seeing first, and started flipping through what it would look like if I were to marry one of my brother's friends. Ha! Gage, perfect. I was not wearing my dress, of course. I amped up what I was about to do by putting myself in a gown from his era. I grabbed him by the shoulders, forcefully.

"Is this what you want?" I felt rage and despair down to my bones, as I played a scene for him.

Edward started to growl.

I played the fake marriage, all the way through the I do's, and stopped shortly after being declared husband and wife.

Edward was frozen like a statue.

"Edward, when you mope like this, it sounds like you have changed your mind, and you hurt me every single time. Should we call the damn wedding off?"

I meant it. I was tired of fighting with Edward about making love to his wife on his honeymoon. What did he think we would do? I started to replay the other wedding again.

"Stop!" Edward almost yelled and removed my hands from his shoulders. I stared at him blankly when he wrapped them in his. "I'm sorry I'm ruining the mood."

Understatement.

I rolled my eyes. I was still pondering going downstairs and telling everyone the wedding was off.

"No, no, no, no, no," Edward panicked, "I have waited over 100 years to marry you, don't call our wedding off, please."

"Then stop moping! That's the only problem here! Maybe I should have called your brothers. Maybe you need a bachelor's party, after all."

"Oh, for the love of all that's holy!"

"What's wrong?"

"You don't have to call my brothers; they are outside the window."

The Cullen brothers were so odd at times.

I buttoned up his shirt, "have fun." My voice rang with false sincerity.

He grabbed my hand with the engagement ring on it. I rested my head on my shoulder and stared past him. Edward had spent so much time planting seeds of doubt in my head; they were just now starting to bloom. His words and his thoughts cut deep.

"No, don't. Please don't call off the wedding. I cannot imagine ever being with anyone but you. I know I don't act like it, but you are it for me. I cannot be apart from you again. I won't make it. Do not doubt that how much I want to be your husband. Saying how much I love you, is not sufficient enough to explain how I feel."

I scowled at him.

"Swear to me that you haven't changed your mind." He begged.

How could I? Not with the fear and despair, I could feel running off him.

I closed my eyes, "I swear."

Edward grabbed me and kissed me in such a manner that my toes curled. Yes, he certainly loved me, he lusted for me, he worried about me and losing me this time. He worried about me being a runaway bride. If anything, Edward was ecstatic about getting married. I started coming out of my funk.

"If you don't send Edward out," Emmett threatened, trying to sound scary.

Emmett did not frighten me. He was my buddy, someone who he enjoyed hanging out with because I didn't cheat like all the 'mind freaks' in his family. Emmett's booming voice was the only thing that frightened me; all that did was make me jump.

"We are coming to get him."

I laughed, "go before they break our house."

Edward kissed my forehead, "have fun with the girls, get some sleep; you've got a big day tomorrow."

"Right, that is going to help me wind down."

"I'll meet you at the altar," he said with a sly smile.

"I'll be the one in white… sort of…" casually as possible.

"Very convincing." He leaped out of the window.

I yelled, "you better not make him late!" That was a warning and a threat.

Jasper leaped up and grabbed the eaves outside our window, blasting me with his calming juju.

"Don't worry, Bella. We'll get him home in plenty of time."

"Jasper? What do vampires do for bachelor parties? You aren't taking him to a strip club, are you?"

"Bella, with our gifts, that might be the worst bachelor party in history."

I giggled at that thought.

"Don't tell her anything," Emmett boomed.

"Relax, Jasper sent another calming wave. We Cullens have our own version. Just a few mountain lions, a couple of grizzly bears. Pretty much an ordinary night out."

I nodded approvingly, and then Jasper was gone along with Edward and Emmett. It was time for me to follow through on girls' night. It was only a few hours. Maybe it would be an excellent way to get my mind off everything. But first, I changed into sweats and a tank top. Alice was sure to have a fit. It's my party, and I'll wear what I want to.

(EPOV)

"Way to go, Captain Buzzkill," Jasper rolled his eyes at me after we left the house.

"What are you talking about?"

"Did you think our timing was a coincidence, brother?" Emmett laughed.

"What?" I asked. I was starting to get anxious again.

"Oh, calm down, Edward," Jasper said, forcing me to. "Alice started seeing different outcomes stemming from whatever you two were doing."

I gulped, "Bella was seriously thinking about calling off the wedding?" I was ready to run back to the house.

"Yes, and you aren't allowed at the house until it is time to get dressed. That is if you want to make it to the alter because Alice will kill you. So, you better talk to us. What is the deal with you two? It's like constant mood whiplash! Did you somehow give Bella yours?"

"I don't know how I am going to do this. I don't even understand why Bella wants to marry me in the first place. I don't think she understands what she is giving up."

Jasper laughed, "you're an idiot, Edward. I wish you didn't underestimate your bride so much. Alice saw it, I felt it. You were hurting her. I think we can agree that she's had her fair share already. Especially with what happened with Charlie. What aren't you telling us?"

I knew he felt the jealousy, irrational as it was with how much Bella confided in Jasper.

"I thought you two were close, doesn't she tell you everything?"

"No, not everything, not nearly as much as she is holding back. I thought you two communicated pretty well."

I sighed. I had only talked to Carlisle about this, so maybe; I should ask Jasper. Emmett would surely get a kick out of it.

"When Bella was in the hospital, talking about getting married…" I hesitated.

"You agreed to change her," Jasper knew that.

"Yes, when we got back from our honeymoon."

Emmett laughed, "What are you two going to do anyway, play checkers?"

I bowed my head, "no, Emmett, that's… mostly the issue we've been having. I agreed to try to make love to her."

"Ahhh," Jasper understood.

"So, you guys decided this six months ago. Why are you still putting her through the wringer? What did you say tonight that caused a U-turn in her mind?"

"Great, I may have a runaway bride."

Jasper lifted his shoulder, "you may if she keeps feeling what she did tonight. Have you talked to Carlisle about it?"

"Yes. Carlisle advised it was dangerous, but he had faith that I would not hurt her. We were both altered, therefore, very difficult. I needed to figure out a strategy. Bella beat me to it."

"Go on," Jasper shook his head. He understood what had happened, with Bella's temperament, the night before their wedding. Bella didn't have her father, stepfather, or mother coming, because of abandonment and death.

"We… were experimenting would be the only way to put it."

Emmett wolf-whistled.

"Not anything like that, moron. That part wasn't so bad. Bella showed me how much pressure I could use; it was a lot more than I thought. So that was good. She gave me a new perspective. She made me look at her, made me listen to her mind as she was listening to mine. She stopped the minute I got distracted. I learned to channel any excess I might have into the headboard."

"That sounds like Bella. It also sounds like you made a lot of progress, are you making yourself miserable on purpose, and passing it to her?"

"She flipped the tables on me. It was the first time that anyone used mind-reading against me, like that."

"Why?"

"I started thinking about all the different ways that I could hurt her."

"And she saw it all? You call me a moron!" Emmett huffed.

"Yep, so then she grabbed my shoulders and reenacted marrying someone else, all the way through the vows."

"OH, I bet that sucked." Emmett couldn't help but laugh at Bella's tactics.

"But you said something, and it couldn't have been just that Edward." Jasper assessed correctly.

"Look, I… want to marry her… but I … sometimes wonder if she should marry me… I am the one who is getting everything, taking away everything else from her in the process. It just doesn't feel right!"

"Whose definition of right, Edward?" Jasper seemed suddenly furious. "And why are you assuming for her? Are you making choices for her AGAIN? Bella is a brilliant and perceptive woman. She has a clear vision of what becoming one of us requires. With all of the time she spends with Carlisle, what do you think they are doing? Having tea and crumpets? You have no idea, Edward. You should be thanking God every day that you are the biggest part of the future Bella has planned."

I turned to look at Emmett. I Wondered if Bella was right. Have I been wearing Rose-colored glasses?

"Oh, I see." Emmett was feeling clever, "you think what Rosie wants; Bella will want?" Hahaha ha-ha-ha hahaha," Emmett was rolling on the floor laughing. "Edward, you are the smartest dumbass I've ever known."

"Hasn't it occurred to you that even if she wanted children, she's already bonded with you. You are her Mate; she isn't going to go off willingly to find someone to impregnate her. Jesus Edward, we are apex predators, and you know that would not go well. Having a child is more than just having a baby to hold. She cannot have children because she cannot have them with you, not that she wanted them before you came into her life! Has she not informed you of this a million times? Because she's told me this, she informed her brother right in front of me.

She loves you! Why can't you accept that and be happy? God forbid, you get out of your comfort zone, and make love to your WIFE on your HONEYMOON. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. What you are finally going to do is as pleasurable as drinking human blood. You didn't touch her when her blood was singing to you. Did you think of anything but her welfare when you went to the store where she was shot?"

"God, no!"

"Okay, so it's a strength thing. Edward, what she was doing with you tonight was proper. Setting expectations, the headboard thing is brilliant. She's capable of handling a lot more than you are giving her credit for, physically. You would know this if you would train with her."

Jasper rolled his eyes, clearly irritated about that.

"Since you don't, let me make it clear. Bella is willing to go to hell and back again for you. To make everything in YOUR life better. Edward, that is what we do for the ones we love. Why can't you attempt to make things easier for her, for once? Listen to what she has to say."

Jasper put his hands on my shoulders, "listen, lighten up. You are getting married tomorrow! Edward! Married! Holy shit! Everyone in the entire supernatural world is attending, and she hates it, and yet, Bella wants to be with you, so she's dealing. As my brother, hear me before you fuck this up, go with the flow. Tomorrow is all about your soon to be wife, and you are fortunate enough to wed. No more doubting her choices."

"That is why we have been ordered to keep you away until it's time to get dressed," Emmett added.

"Hopefully, the girls will get her into a better mood."

"Damn straight, let's go find some irritable grizzlies." Emmett guffawed.

I suddenly felt nostalgic, remembering our conversation about Emmett and irritable grizzlies.

"You're right, let's do this."

I wouldn't be able to get Bella off my brain. That was impossible, but I knew that Jasper was right; tomorrow was her day. If she still wanted me, I will try to give her everything she wants for the rest of our existence and do what I can to make anything in the world more manageable for her.

That started the hour, minute, and the second countdown until I saw my love again.

xxxxxxx

(BPOV)

I walked into the living room; my brain still running a mile a minute. I was trying not to second guess myself, but it could not be helped.

"Stop!" Alice commanded.

"What did I do?" I asked, confused at the seriousness in which she was looking at me.

"You almost called the wedding off a few times tonight. That is why I sent the boys to take Edward away. I don't know what my idiot of a brother was saying; I can only imagine.

Bella, I know you don't put much stock in my visions, preferring to carve out your destiny, I'm trying to get used to that. Heed my warning… that decision will lead to the same misery you felt when you left him before. I know that you will be happy with Edward, the moody shit he is, not like you aren't, ugh! If you walk away, run away, it will destroy him and you. So just quit it."

"I believe you, Alice," I started giggling, "I'm really getting married tomorrow. Oh my god!" I started laughing, hysterically. "Nia! Me! I'm getting married tomorrow! What sort of crazy world do we live in where this is actually happening?" I couldn't stop laughing, my stomach hurt. "And oh my god! You are marrying my brother! We are going to be married," I punctuated the word, "by the end of the year."

"I always wanted to marry your brother. I thought he just saw me as your dorky best friend."

I laughed and then smiled at my future sister in law and best friend, "nope, no way. He can be thick, but he isn't that thick. We're all going to be sisters, in a way."

Esme and Lydia both beamed. Lydia took a swig of her wine.

"This makes us all family. In the weird, sire, blood bond possibility and, within the human and supernatural world." Rosalie sounded happy about that. Well, she has been for a while.

One does not have to share a bloodline to be family. I am sorry about Charlie. He…" Lydia stopped.

"He always walks away, instead of doing the hard thing, the right thing." I finished.

"Yep, pretty much. Did your life turn out so bad? Growing up to be as fierce, if not more so than your brother? You had a Mother who was always proud of you."

I love you, Bella. I am so proud of you, always have been, never forget that.

I swallowed back the tears.

"And a Stepdad who saw your potential, and got you there, and far beyond. He loved you, and Gabriel like you were his own. I'd say you did alright without Chief Swan. It was always Charlie's loss, not yours." Lydia finished.

"Enough with the heavy already! Oh no! The gifts." I started cursing at myself internally.

"Taken care of, go look in that bag," Alice bragged, but there was something else in her voice.

"Really?"

"The magic stuff you guys are going to have to do, but it's all here."

"Where is Gabe?" I asked I needed to get this done.

"Um, waiting for his friends, they are going out tonight," Nia huffed.

"Okay, well before any toes get painted, I need your help, we can knock this out together in less than an hour. You game?" I looked at Nia and Lydia; they both agreed.

"I'll meet you in the house of magic!" I picked up all the gifts and headed towards the door, but before I left, I was feeling lucky suddenly, and I had a few people to thank, but mostly Alice, "Thanks, Alice, you're a lifesaver."

"I have been known to be now and then, sister."

"Sister," I said out loud, and then I walked out of the house.

xxxxxx

I could only imagine what the guest house looked like, with the proper circle, the appropriate spells, drawing energy from elsewhere. Blinding white light could be seen everywhere. But we did it.

"Gee, Bella, that's a lot of enchanting. You are very protective of them all."

I shrugged, "not that they aren't of me?"

"That's true, Oh! Gage is here! See you, ladies, tomorrow!" Gabe kissed Nia on the cheek and took off towards the headlights out front.

"Shit, I forgot he was coming." I blurted out.

"You never… did you?" Nia looked alarmed.

"Oh… no… I… look… Edward is… err…was being a shit earlier, as Alice pointed out. I sort of used the mind-reading thing against him. I pictured myself marrying someone else. I couldn't grab on to anyone's face, but Gage has been my brother's best friend since, what, birth? So, I used his face. Edward didn't react well." I admitted.

"You better tell him that, before the wedding. Oh, hell, I will. We all know you didn't care about boys until Edward. Gage is Gabe's best friend; they will have to get to know each other. It is not fair for him to pay for your mind games, literally."

Let's get this over with."

xxxxxxx

What a girls' night! I won't admit this to anyone, but I had fun. My nails and toes are now fake and cherry red.

It was never my intention, but I realized that I played favorites. I relayed certain information to some of the Cullens but kept my lips zipped around the others. Seeing my family, together with theirs, was something to behold.

As the bride, it was my duty to do the gift-giving. The help I received putting the final touches made the difference. I would not have been able to do it alone, not if I wanted to have an ounce of energy tomorrow, my wedding.

Oh my god!

It was a wee bit stressful shopping for everyone, given that Edward was the only one who knew his actual birthday. Tomorrow. We would celebrate his birthdate and his wedding date. Fortunately, Edward's birthstone, agate, came in multiple colors, but namely black. Each of my bridesmaids received black agate and diamond drop earrings. I was finally able to give all of the Cullen's daylight rings. I also gave them back the original jewelry or cuffs they handed to me long ago. To say they were ecstatic would be an understatement.

Esme's gift was very special to me. Lydia and Gabriel both agreed with my decision that our mother would be okay with passing down a one of a kind diamond pendant to my future mother in law, with a card that said, 'Thank you for making Edward who he is today.'

Edward can talk as much as he wants about our personalities and thoughts we have at the moment of change being frozen in time. I don't buy it. Esme is and always has been essential to him. He considers her his mother, and let's face it; she does play favorites. She has always been our biggest cheerleader. I knew Renee would love her if they had the chance to meet. Somehow, I knew my mom and Phil were watching and approved that I had accepted Carlisle and Esme as my adopted parents and would be taking their last name.

Carlisle was at work, purposefully, I think. I would have to wait to give him the other journal I had been working on. It was what I knew about our history and theirs, along with myths, lore, legends, and just about everything I learned during my supernatural education. Everything that I could think of. I knew he would like it a lot.

All of the male family members also would be given cufflinks with the date on it and their role they were going to play at our wedding. Carlisle was the FOG, Emmett, and Jasper were BOG. Jasper would also be our officiant.

I wasn't sure if I was going to tell Edward that our wedding rings were heavily enchanted. As soon as we were pronounced husband and wife, he would feel it. Our union would bind us not just in the human world, but magically as well. We would always be able to sense the other if we wanted. Edward would know if I was in trouble or if I just needed him. Gabriel, Nia, and I all have something very similar, but not nearly as potent, and they never had a trigger like our wedding bands.

I also found a pocket watch for Edward that had a French inscription that meant more than my own life. It did not need any magic, because that was the most accurate statement of all.

We both had a taste for the dramatic, and tonight was a perfect example of that. Each time we worked through it, we came out stronger. Edward was my companion for life, which essentially meant forever. I DO love him more than my own life. I already tried and failed to survive without him. I won't do it again.

We are not the first couple to bicker, and I knew it wasn't over, but how I felt for him was a part of me, down to the marrow of my bones. I had faith in him when he had none, and I had enough faith for the both of us.

It had been a long time since I spent the night alone in our bed. I didn't like it.

Especially with the nightmare I had. The horror that made me shoot up in the middle of the night, sweating.

The Volturi, fanfrickingtastic. God, I hope that wasn't a warning.

I missed Edward a lot. So, I went to my happy place, thinking about him, thinking about the progress we made, how squirrely he makes me, and the mind-blowing orgasm he gave me tonight.

I drifted back to sleep; the nightmare didn't appear again. I hoped it never would.

A/N: So that was a little mature. I would be thrilled if you gave me feedback if it was too much or too little given the rating.

It has always been my wish that Bella would stand up to Edward every time he started moping about just about anything. When Edward spoke about never having the tables turned on him as Bella did. I know he has been assaulted with nasty thoughts, but not ones that would put him in his proper place. It was a little mean but well deserved. IMO.

I know the last chapter was a little dry, but as I said, some things needed to be tied up. Considering they didn't need to break the news to Charlie. No bulletproof car, etc. Some of those things will pop up later, and I needed to plant the seeds.

Although it might seem like it, I do not have anything against Alice. My first fic should make that clear. I do not like how she and Edward manipulate Bella. Alice is going to learn eventually. So far, so good.

Next is the wedding.

Along with Tanya and Gage.

Your thoughts and opinions on this fic are essential. I have written some chapters, and others are just downright killing me.