A/N Before I leave the country, I wanted to finish off the wedding entirely.
This is from Edward's point of view.
The chapters that are to come are longer than what I've posted so far (I should know, I've written a few of them already.)
Thanks to all those who have read and reviewed. I will be in Mexico for the rest of the month, although I completed my first fic the last time, I was there…I cannot be sure.
It is your reviews, follows, and favorites that give me the oomph I need to get off my butt and write. Thanks!
Stephenie Meyer is the owner of the Twilight heart, and all in that world are hers. The original characters are mine. There will be a bit from Breaking Dawn. Absolutely no copyright infringement intended.
It appeared Alice, Carlisle, Eleazar, Carmen, and I were the only witnesses to the near-disastrous confrontation between Bella and Tanya. But she had left without telling her sisters.
I couldn't find it within me to care. It was their problem, and Kate looked happier than I'd ever seen her. I did not know Garrett very well, other than stories from Carlisle about the revolutionary war, but it did not surprise me that he would be the one for Kate. They complimented the other.
I felt tremendously fortunate for finding Bella, even after a century. The Denali sisters have been around far longer, and yet, only now had Kate found her Mate.
'Perhaps it's because they are so utterly pleasant.' Bella thought.
After having seen what I hoped was the worst in Tanya, she might be right.
Irina hardly acknowledged Bella. Not like the other vampires… most of them, at least. Bella had a strong connection with Carmen, Zafrina, Maggie, and Benjamin.
Amun, Benjamin's creator, instructed him not to tell anyone who asked if he was gifted. But he was, immensely so. His talent went beyond what I've seen before. I could see why Bella and Benjamin got along so well. With his ability to control the elements matching Bella's, that would be a show I would pay to see. He saw that she was the one who changed the entire atmosphere before Jasper was able to dispel whatever was going on with her. We would talk about that later.
"They are back! I wonder what the bride and groom were up to?" the DJ joked.
Bella laughed, blushed and looked guilty. Her acting skills had improved. She left enough speculation to not let on what had just occurred to her. Outside of the missing vampire from the Denali party. Yet, they didn't seem too bothered by the whole thing. They were happy for Kate. Kate, in turn, was pleased with how the night was going, and she was used to the shit fits Tanya often had.
The DJ went on, "Bella was particular about what songs were to be played when the happy couple was ready to dance. Don't worry; you still have your songs to dance to."
Bella shot him a mischievous smile.
The DJ prepared the song I bribed him to play for our first dance, though it did not compare Bella's. I scooped my wife into my arms, her feet secured on top of mine.
"Your song now?"
"Yep. Cheesy compared to yours."
"You haven't heard the rest."
'Lady In Red' started to play.
"I love this," she choked out.
"It's just the truth."
Bella was my lady in red, putting her arms around my neck; we danced as if we were in middle school. Hardly moving, but I didn't care. There was something about Bella, which made me forget the voices and ignore their stares. I only saw Bella's. My favorite.
"This is very romantic of you, Edward." Bella sniffed.
The song was almost over when I felt someone tapping me on my shoulder, "Do you mind if I steal your bride?" Gabriel asked, staring at Bella as if the request was an inside joke. Surely, he wasn't going to make fun of her 'ability' to dance without a partner.
Bella nodded enthusiastically, "I didn't tell you all the many wonderful things I've learned."
Gabriel stuck his hand out, and she put hers in his, and they started doing the waltz, to Frank Sinatra's 'Witchcraft.'
The crowd stared at the two of them at first. The song was a hilarious choice. We all thought Bella could not dance, or dance with a partner, especially after seeing Bella dance with me. She did 1/4th turn and winked at me. What a sneaky witch she was.
Carlisle stood next to me, watching, "she's very talented."
"You were in on this, weren't you?"
"I believe that is my queue." Carlisle laughed as Gabe bowed to his partner, taking Carlisle's place next to me. I couldn't help but gape.
"She picked this song for Carlisle. She does love him like a father." Gabe shrugged, "he's been there for her."
"Did you two? I got the impression she would die of embarrassment if she had to learn ballroom dancing from her brother."
"No, she learned from your entire family, and Nia helped her, but just watch this next one."
Jasper was up, officially blowing my mind. Bella was doing some hybrid dance; it looked a lot like line dancing, swing, and holy shit! Square dancing with Emmett and Rosalie.
There was pride in everyone's eyes and minds. Emmett was having a blast, Rose was having more, this was her turn to share the spotlight, but this was rehearsed. The crowd was clapping, and Bella motioned for them to get on the floor. She walked back over to me
"Esme said you took Ballroom dancing lessons."
"Damn, Esme."
"Do you know the merengue?"
"Yes, and you do too, I assume," I couldn't help but beam with pride.
"Well, I'd like to see proof of that, Mr. Cullen."
"As you wish, Mrs. Cullen."
There were many on the dance floor now, but hardly dancing. They were watching Bella nail every step, every twirl, her wedding dress accenting each. The only thought I had was, 'Mine.'
'Yours.'
Good lord, there was going to be a line. Eleazar tapped her shoulder, and they danced to some dub smash of Americano and Dance Again. This was not rehearsed, and they weren't doing beginning steps. I didn't even know what it was, but it was Latin.
Bella did know how to dance, alone, together. This was another gift for me. I needed to learn her ways; my gifts seemed inconsequential now. That was not purposeful. Bella was not one who would do that.
Her insistence on not needing money, always preferring sentimental, was on show in front of me. The two showoffs received applause from both sides. Bella came back to me and asked me to dance. She giggled at the song that came on. I had no idea what it was either, but she knew how funny it was when the chorus started. I heard people laughing at it too.
"I am the eye in the sky, looking at you, I can read your mind. I am the maker of rules, dealing with fools. I can read your mind."
Even Esme was laughing hysterically.
The DJ announced, "Bella wanted me to tell everyone this song is from the musical 'Wicked,' it's called Defying gravity."
The vampires were snickering, some of the witches found her antics funny, but some seemed a little upset with her poking fun at them.
"Speaking of defying gravity," Emmett snuck up on Bella, "Dance with me, Ginger Rogers." He picked Bella up and spun her around, and she was laughing so hard, I couldn't help but laugh with her.
After that was over, she walked back over to me, "please dance this song with me. It might be the last one for tonight."
I nodded, of course, Bella picked, Adele's 'Make you Feel my Love.'
"That wasn't so bad," Bella said casually.
"Bad? Jasper was right; I should be training with you."
"That would be amazing. But Edward, I was thinking more of this," Bella said, hugging herself tightly to my chest, "of never having to let you go."
"Never." I bent my lips to hers. As we kissed, I felt the heat rise in my body, and I clutched Bella closer to me. I was becoming more engrossed in the kiss; the longer it continued. The song, her happiness, and mine; she was making me feel her love.
"Bella! It's time!" Alice called, but I had no intention of letting Bella go. My sister's attempt to separate us only made me want to clutch her more tightly.
"Do you want to miss your plane?" Alice was standing next to us now. "I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight."
"Go away, Alice." I murmured, moving my lips intently against Bella's.
"Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?" Alice warned menacingly. Bella paid no more heed than I had. We were with each other now, joined at the lips.
Alice hissed, "I'll tell her where you are taking her, Edward, so help me, I will."
Damn! Alice's pesky, perseverating personality! But I could not ignore her threat after all the effort I'd expended to keep the honeymoon destination a surprise.
"You're awfully small to be so hugely irritating."
"I didn't pick out the going-away dress to have it wasted."
"I picked out the outfit, Alice," Bella muttered.
She rolled her eyes and took Bella's hand to lead her off. I released her reluctantly, but she clung to me and stretched her lips toward mine one more time. Her heart was racing in a highly exciting way. Alice yanked Bella's arm, pulling her along, and I heard snickers throughout the assembly. We were making a spectacle of ourselves, but I could care less.
I was beginning to wonder how I could wait eighteen more hours before Bella and I were alone. Then the realization struck me—Bella and I were married! Nothing stood between us now. We were free to love each other as we wished, without hesitation or encumbrance. Suddenly, I knew that despite my fear, I could make love to Bella, and I would do so to the best of my ability.
I heard the women approach the top of the staircase of the main house and took the position at the bottom, waiting to take my wife's hand. She looked stunning…again. Dressed in black, she was wearing a dress I had seen Audrey Hepburn wear a long time ago. Bella's hair was up, with some loose curls. I noticed she had a streak of blonde hair, but Alice waved me off before I could say anything. 'Later Edward, she doesn't want to talk about it. She's been hiding it from all of us, except for Carlisle, for six months. Think about it, Mr. I have two medical degrees.'
Damn! I had been missing so much! How had I missed this?
It seemed that Alice now had the mysterious phone and was snapping pictures as Bella descended the steps. I saw the face I was all too familiar with Alice. She was glad not to be wrong again.
Bella stared past me, "Dad?" she called.
Charlie was standing against the farthest wall, shielding his emotional state from probing eyes.
"How long have you been here?"
She seemed angry, relieved, and confused at the same time. This would be the last time she'd ever see her father, not that he knew, but this was when he chose to make an appearance? Gabriel must have sensed it, too; his face betrayed his anger.
"I saw everything. Bells, you have grown up so much. You looked amazing, and to see you dance like that."
Damn his quiet mind, and me for not listening for it. All of the flowers must have masked his scent.
Gabriel looked like he was about to explode.
"Yet you didn't care enough to say anything, not that it mattered. Gabriel has been more of a father to me since Phil died than you have. I should have realized that he was the proper choice to walk me down the aisle much sooner." Bella almost snarled.
Charlie did have gal showing up. It did not change the fact; present or not, he was still absent.
"I know Bells. I keep screwing up with you two. I don't want you to miss your plane, can we talk about this later?"
"Sure," she lied.
Bella's only goodbye to her father. But it would not be the last word Charlie would have with one of his children. Gabe's fists were clenched. Charlie was positively clueless. There was no malice in his actions. He was far too proud.
He kissed her cheek.
"Call me," Charlie added.
"Soon," Bella replied, lying, again. This was it for her and him.
"Go on, then. Don't want to be late."
I felt a bit sorry for him sensing the emotion he felt. The true love only a parent could feel for their child. Too bad, it was too late.
He shook my hand, "Edward, take care of her."
"I plan on it," was all I could muster up.
"Are you ready?" I asked Bella quietly.
"I am," Bella replied firmly.
"Wait! You have time for one last tradition, now that you aren't armed." Alice
Bella tilted her head back, groaning.
Of course, the garter belt, "Let's do this, then."
Bella moved her garter down her leg, and I carefully removed it as Emmett and Jasper howled with laughter.
I shot it at Garrett, and Bella threw her bouquet with evident skill, right into Kate's hands, giving her a conspiratorial wink. Bella didn't know it but, she had just gained a friend for life in Kate.
It was time to head to the car, in a remarkable display of power, and breaking all of the rules, the witches put on quite the light show, fireworks, and illusions of rose petals and sparkling stars that dissipated right before they hit us. Bella laughed, waving to them all.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, worried about the last-minute family drama. It just never stopped.
"I'm perfect. I knew this morning that Gabe was who I should have asked in the first place.
My Dad is who he is, and I am, well, me. He would have been forgiven, but Charlie took the coward's way out, yet again. Whether or not he knew this was our last goodbye. It was a cowardly thing to do. You know how I feel about cowards. I am sure Gabe is going to give him the riot act. What matters is you and me!" Bella blushed again. I didn't need to hear her thoughts, to know what she was thinking. I was thinking the same.
"Can I have my gift now?" I wanted it.
"Of course,"
Bella pulled out the silver phone, I noticed the lyrics, I didn't know the song, but I was pretty sure, I was about to.
"This is a wedding/birthday present from everyone. Look at the videos and photos first." Bella's cheeks still pink.
There was no way I could have been prepared for what was waiting for me. My family and hers managed to capture photos of this day from start to end. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw Bella and her bridesmaids posing like Charlie's angels.
She gave me everything I wasn't allowed to see and frustrated that I couldn't. I thought I never would.
I should have known better.
The candid photos with my family put her affection on full display. She looked at them very differently. Most shocking, to me, were the pictures of her and Rose in various stages of getting ready.
Bella had her favorite sister, and I had mine. Figures.
Everything I sensed about her connections with the vampires vs. the witches was evident in how relaxed she was. Only Bella would relax around blood-drinking vampires.
She looked at Carlisle just as any daughter would look at a father. Esme, like the mother she missed so terribly. Emmett brought out the carefree and lighthearted part of her.
I finally understood it, seeing various photos of her and Jasper and the ones of her dancing with him. Bella saw Jasper like the brother she'd had her entire life. I felt terrible for being so jealous of their relationship. She looked at her brother with a different kind of reverie, a balance between brother and father.
I wasn't sure what it was between her and Alice. If I had to guess it would be how pushy she was, sure that she was right about everything, yet she had been wrong about so many things lately. Alice genuinely loved Bella, without a doubt, and that was reciprocated. It was not nearly as close to the way she felt about Rose. Maybe it would be, eventually. We are all stuck in our ways.
I flipped through the different videos. Bella handed me earbuds as she leaned her head against the window, exhausted. "Don't forget to look at the playlists," Bella muttered as if she was already talking in her sleep. Then she was out. I put my jacket carefully around her as well as my arm. She found her place on my chest without opening her eyes. She was out, dead tired.
I watched the day in the progression of the various videos. How had I missed all of this? I guess I had not. I didn't know what a production it was.
Memories.
Bella was so worried she would forget all the good she's had in her life, she's been writing it down, and recording it. As persistent as she was about remembering them, I knew that would not be a problem. Bella had created ways to conjure them and give them to me, the keeper of her thoughts and secrets. That was literal in so many ways.
Bella was ready to be changed.
Bella did not do anything half-way, just like her dancing tonight. She was disciplined. Truth be told, six months is a significant amount of time to prepare. If she knew it all, and still wanted it, I had no objection. She likely knew more than all of us combined.
Playlists. Right.
Awestruck, every member of my family and hers, had made a playlist for me. Bella made two playlists. The first were songs for me and how she felt, including what she chose for the ceremony and the reception. The second was made up of what we wouldn't be there to hear, generic pop music that everyone could dance to, but nothing cliché.
I found the song she had inscribed on the back; 'Trouble Me,' A song that reminded me of us both.
I listened to the song played when Carlisle and I took our place when the bridesmaids took theirs, and my favorite when Bella walked down the aisle. I was not paying attention at the time; the only thing that had my full attention was my bride. Hearing it now, she couldn't have picked anything more perfect.
A/N: Thanks for reading!
This is where I mention the music. There were two playlists I used to write the last 3 Chapters. This is Bella's playlist for Edward.
I Need You -M83 – Guest Greetings
Lucky- Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat -Beginning of Processional
Halo -Beyoncé -Bridesmaids
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri – Bride
Lovesong -The Cure – Recessional
Beating Heart -Ellie Goulding
Into Your Eyes - Lior Magal featuring Myne
Let's Get Lost – Beck and Bat For Lashes
Cool Kids -Echo Smith
I won't let you go – Snow Patrol
Undiscovered – Laura Welsh
Everything – Alanis Morisette – First Dance
Lady In Red – Chris de Burgh -Edward's First Dance Song
Witchcraft – Frank Sinatra -Brother / Sister Dance
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole – Father / Daughter Dance (Carlisle and Bella)
Timber – Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha- Jasper, Bella, Rosalie, and Emmett
Capital Letters – Hailee Steinfeld & BloodPop- Edward and Bella
Americano/Dance Again – Glee Version – Eleazar and Bella
Eye in the Sky – The Alan Parsons Project (FUNNY) -Edward and Bella
Defying Gravity – (I used the Glee version, but the song is from the Broadway musical Wicked) Emmett and Bella
Make you feel my love -Adele - Edward and Bella
Trouble Me – 10,000 Maniacs (Song inscribed on the phone)
Love me like you do – Ellie Goulding
For You – Liam Payne and Rita Ora
Not Afraid Anymore – Halsey
The Way – Ariana Grande feat. Mac Miller
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Thank you – Dido
We Found Love -Rihanna
Find You -Zedd
You Make Loving Fun – Fleetwood Mac
I could not ask for more – Edwin McCain
I'll Be There – Mariah Carey Live
Something – The Beatles
Don't know why- Norah Jones
More Than Words – Extreme
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
The lyrics inscribed on the phone for Edward:
'Trouble Me' by 10,000 Maniacs.
Trouble me disturb me with all your cares and your worries
Trouble me On the days when you feel spent
Why let your shoulders bend underneath this burden
When my back is sturdy and strong?
Trouble Me.
Speak to me
Don't mislead me
The calm I feel means a storm is swelling
Speak to me There's no telling where it starts or how it ends
Speak to me. Why are you building this thick brick wall to defend me?
Speak to me When your silence is my greatest fear
Let me Have a look inside these eyes while I'm learning
Let me Please don't hide them just because of tears.
Let me send you off to sleep
With a "There, there, now stop your turning and tossing."
Let me
Let know where the hurt is and how to heal.
Spare, spare me Don't spare me anything troubling
Trouble me
Disturb me with all your cares and worries
Speak to me And let our words build a shelter from the storm
Let me And lastly, let me know what I can mend
There's more, honestly, than my sweetest friend, you can see.
Trust is what I'm offering if you trouble me.