The Menu
We're on the home stretch. Just nearing the sleep town or Forks. We had both grown up here but truly got together in college. He had been a few years older and saw me as a little sister. That was until I went to the same college and he noticed things had changed drastically about me.
I'd forced Edward to let me drive to relax. Edward's stress was internal. I couldn't bear the sight of his knuckles squeezing the wheel.
Our terror two year old was fast asleep in his seat snoring silently. Edward too had his eyes closed as he rest his copper hair against the window. He looked peaceful. Beautiful.
As we pull into Forks I run though the list of things I need to still prepare.
My dress should be here. Alice picked it up.
My cake will be ready the day before.
And Rosalie would be handling the flowers.
Jasper was in charge of collecting the decorations.
Emmett was on music duty. The most difficult job to mess up without insulting him about it's ease.
"Oh fuck," I gasp quietly.
The planner would be arriving shortly after us and I was meant to give her the meal requirements. I'd completely forgotten. Remembering off the top of my head was almost impossible. I'd have to try. Rosalie and Emmett would be halfway here by now if they hadn't stopped along the way just like Edward and I once did.
Stressed I dial Alice's number and plug an earphone into my ear. A manoeuvre if caught would get me into trouble from Edward and soon after my father when he dobs on me. The light snores from the passenger seat pushed me on.
Alice answers quickly.
"Are you here?" She squeals.
"almost," I say quietly, "I forgot the list. The dietary list. Connie needed it."
"It'll be fine. We'll figure something out," Alice says calming me, "is Mason okay?"
"We had a major meltdown because his awful witch of a mother forgot his favourite toy," I say, "but he is fine."
"Oh my poor baby," she gasps, "he also has the best mummy in the world. Don't stress. Your mind is elsewhere. Rosalie and I will get you through this. Remember it's all about Edward at the end of that aisle."
"I know," I huff, "I have to go. Edward is stirring and if catches me on the phone while driving he'll lecture me."
"Get ready for married life," Alice giggles.
She hangs up on me and I peer at my man. He smiles back at me.
"Too late," he says, "you'll be punished later."
"Maybe I'll be more naughty in that case," I bite my lip turning into the long, familiar Cullen driveway.
"I need to get you alone," he clenches his eyes shut smiling.
"Don't wake Mason. Carry him in and we can lay him down. I'm not up for cranky baby," I say cutting the engine out the front.
The Cullen manor was massive. It backed onto acres of woods and provided a romantic setting for our wedding. It was a three story home with plenty of rooms. Rooms that would house my mother, grandmother and an odd uncle later in the week. My best friend Jacob would also arrive soon. It was going to be chaos. But the hospitality of Esme and Carlisle was something I cherished. Without them it wouldn't have been more difficult and a wedding we probably wouldn't find meaningful. This had heart. With a full house as soul. Not to mention the guests to come on the night. Let's call that life.
Edward cradles Mason in his arms and I begin loading his free arm up with bags. He is a superhuman when it comes to carrying. A skill he has perfected.
"Hey," Carlisle runs out of the house Jasper following.
"We've got it," Jasper smiles taking a bag from me before engulfing me in a hug, "Bells. You look so great. Go inside and get comfy."
Smiling at him I watch Edward pass my sleeping baby to his grandfather to help Jasper. Carlisle kisses his head before hugging me with one arm as we head toward the house.
"Thank god you're here. Alice has gone wild," he whispers.
"Not the description I wanted," I smile.
"She is just ordering everyone around. I heard Jasper yell for the first time ever," he says softly.
When we walk in Alice greets me with a shrill scream running to hug me.
"Shhh," I gasp.
It's too late.
Mason's eyes open and he looks at me confused before looking up at Carlisle. He begins to fuss and cry reaching out for me. I glare playfully at Alice before gathering him into my arms.
"What are you doing to my wedding, Alice," I smile rubbing Mason's back to calm him.
"Well I thought we could make these mason jars," she grabs my free arm and begins pulling me.
Mason groggy smacks Alice's hand away. She looks at him appalled.
"Still a shit," she smiles moving closer to me so she can size him up.
"She's cuddling me," he pokes his tongue out at Alice.
"Hey," I warn, "Don't be nasty."
"I have a bone to pick with you. What's this about uncle Emmett getting drawings and I don't?" Alice tickles Mason playfully.
He squirms giggling in my arms. I laugh brushing his brown hair out of his eyes. It was just as messy as Edward's.
"Is Uncle Emmy better than me?" She raises an eyebrow.
"Maybe," he smirks.
She gasps in horror joking.
"He loves me more than both of you anyway," Carlisle ruffles his hair from behind me.
Now Mason truly realises he is there and squeals in delight, arms out for his Grandpappy.
"Pappy," he squeals, "cuddle."
Carlisle laughs lifting him into his arms, nestling him tight against his chest.
"Please doctors," Mason says playing lazily with the hair framing his face.
"Doctors?" Carlisle looks at me confused.
"He wants to visit your work," I explain feeling Alice grow more agitated by the second.
I don't know who was more mature. Her or the two year old.
"I see. Mason used such beautiful manners " Carlisle smiles, "of course you can come visit my work."
Mason bounces up and down excitedly.
"Want to come find grandma?" He asks to Mason.
Mason nods motioning he wants down.
"Do not break anything," I call after him as he races toward the kitchen at the back of the home.
Alice grabs for my arm and tugs pulling me to the lounge area. Piles of jars sit on the coffee table beside packets of tea light candles.
"We have work to do," she smiles at me.
"Have you heard from Rose?" I ask collapsing into my seat.
"No," she shakes her head.
She's lying. I can tell. Her eyes drop and mouth twitches.
What else could it be now?
"What is it?" I ask.
"You haven't checked the Seattle post?" Alice asks.
"No," I raise an eyebrow.
"Bells, it's the planner," she bites her lip.
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