Hey everyone, this chapter is coming to you a little early but I got some good news yesterday so I decided to post early :)

So the story is coming to a close and this is one of my favourites. Some lovely Bella/Edward moments and a sweet little Bella/Carlisle moment :)

Enjoy

Chapter 11 BPOV

Years Go By

Life after college was certainly interesting.

It seemed like the years after college was filled with wedding after wedding.

Just a few weeks after graduating everyone headed up to Chicago to attend Rosalie and Emmett's wedding that they had been planning since the summer after freshman year. It was a lavish event, to say the least.

Rosalie definitely had a taste for the finer things in life so everything was expensive; the ballroom, the cake and certainly the dresses. It definitely wasn't the wedding that I would want but it didn't matter; it was Rosalie's big day and we all celebrated it with her in style before Emmett whisked her off to their two week honeymoon in Bora Bora.

Next it was Alice and Jasper's turn. Like Rosalie, Alice had expensive taste and I didn't even bother to ask how much it cost.

Thankfully, Angela had slightly less expensive taste and opted for a small church wedding back in Forks. Her dad, who was a priest, officiated it and then we enjoyed a small reception in the Cheney family's backyard.

Kate and Garrett were next and they decided they wanted a destination wedding so we all headed out to Bermuda, which I certainly wasn't complaining about. We spent a week out there before the wedding and then after their big day, we spent an extra day enjoying the Caribbean island before leaving the newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon.

There was only one more wedding left for us to attend, and it was the most important one of them all.

It was mine and Edward's.

The summer after Edward finished med school, just before he started his residency, we took a trip down to Kansas so I could show him around my hometown. We enjoyed a week of seeing old friends and introducing him to everyone I used to know before I finally had the courage to take him to my dad's grave.

"Babe, are you sure you wanna do this? I don't mind if we don't visit this time. We can always come back," Edward said to me as he held my hand over the console of the car.

I took a deep breath. "No, I'm ready. It's been years since I've visited. Let's do this."

We climbed out the car and walked through the graveyard until we can to a familiar gravestone. I silently stared at it, taking in the flowers that I'm sure the people in town had brought him. I read the words carved into the stone and sighed.

Here lies

Charles Swan

Loving husband, father and friend

He gave his life so that we should all be free

"Greater love has no one than this,

than to lay down one's life for his friends."

John 15:13

I knelt down on the dry grass and sighed again. Everything was silent for a few moments; I wasn't quite sure what to say. That was until I felt Edward knell down beside me and put his hand in mine. I turned to face him and smiled. He smiled back.

I turned to look at my dad's grave again and began to talk.

"Hi daddy. Sorry I haven't been to visit for a while. Things have been really busy. Mom said you've probably been watching so there's no point telling you but, I graduated from college. Four years ago. It's gone fast. I've now got a job at a publishing company as an editor. I love it. I basically read for a living. It's kinda perfect for me, don't ya think?" Silence.

"Mom's doing well. Phil isn't you but he's good to her. And their daughter Vanessa is now eleven. She's a pain in the ass. I hope I wasn't like that at her age. She's growing up too fast. It's making me feel old. She's outgoing and girly so nothing like me when I was a kid. But she's a daddy's girl. The way her and Phil are remind me of us when I was growing up. Mom loves watching them together but it's hard for me. I guess it reminds me of what I don't have."

Edward rubbed the back of my hand lovingly with his thumb. I turned to face him as I continued talking to my dad. "I want you to meet someone. This is Edward. We've been together since sophomore year. Although if he had his way we'd have been high school sweethearts." Edward nodded and I smiled. "You would have liked him daddy. He's good to me. He looks at me the way you used to look at mom. He brings me my favorite flowers, just because. And buys me my favorite ice cream if I've had a bad day. He's still a mariners fan but I'm working on that." We both laughed.

"Can I say something?" Edward asked. I nodded. "Hello, sir. I'm Edward. I've heard a lot about you over the years. I would have loved to have met you; to say thank you to the person who gave me this amazing woman sitting next to me. But I want you to know that I will do everything I can to protect her. I love her more than anything in this world, and I won't let you down." Tears flowed down my face as he kept talking. "It was my idea to travel here to Kansas, because I wanted to ask you something. I want to marry your daughter." I gasped and looked at him. "And I'd love to have your blessing."

We were both silent; I was staring at him while he was staring at my dad's grave. Suddenly, pink blossom flowers started falling to the ground, landing softly around us. We both looked up in astonishment.

"Looks like you got your answer," I said in amazement.

Edward smiled. "Thank you, sir." Then he stood up and pulled me with him before kneeling back down, this time on only one knee. He pulled a small box out of his pocket. "Bella, I never imagined I'd ever find someone as amazing as you. Yes, we have bad days, days that you don't wanna talk to anyone. But the fact that you always come to me at the end of the day and talk to me about it, just proves the love and trust that we have built over the last ten years. And I will spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you. Will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?"

I smiled as tears fell down my cheeks and nodded. "Yes," I whispered.

He grinned as he stood up and pulled me into his arms, his lip finding mine sweetly. "Thank you," I said as he pulled away from our kiss. "And thank you, sir. I won't let you down."

After that amazing day, we kept the engagement to ourselves until we returned home to LA. Then we called everyone we knew and told them the big news. The girls jumped right into planning. We decided on a small ceremony in the backyard of the California home we purchased together after college. We only wanted close friends and family in attendance to the actual ceremony while other friends would be invited to the reception afterwards.

It was finally the big day and I was up in my room with my four girls getting ready. It felt like prom all over again.

Alice curled my hair so that it flowed naturally around my face and Rosalie worked on my makeup, keeping it natural to match the setting. While they were getting me ready, Kate did Angela's makeup. When she was done, she helped Vanessa. When everyone was ready, they all helped me into my dress.

It had taken what felt like years to find my gown. We searched LA but couldn't find any that I liked so we took a trip to New York where I found the perfect dress. It was a simple A-line sweetheart dress with lace and tulle and had an empire waist with a sash that was decorated with a small flower. I'm ashamed to say I cried when I saw myself wearing it.

We decided to find the bridesmaid dresses while we were there. The girls were dressed in the same color but had different styles; Alice's was a short sweetheart dress with a sheer overlay and a keyhole back; Rosalie's was a short strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline; Angela's was a sleeveless V-neck that hide her five month baby bump; Kate's was a short one-shoulder dress; and Vanessa's was a floor length sweetheart dress with wide shoulders. All of the dresses were in a pale shade of blue.

They had just done the buttons of my dress up when mine and Edward's moms stepped into the room. They had taken the trip to New York with us and had picked out dresses while they were there. My mom was wearing a silver floor length V-neck dress with cap sleeves, a beaded bodice and a gathered skirt while Esme was wearing a pale purple almost silver floor length dress with a V-neckline, a beaded lace applique and a draped skirt with a slight ruffle.

"Oh, my baby. I can't believe you're getting married," my mom cried as Esme put her arm around her waist. The two were really leaning on each other during the entire process of their two 'baby's' getting married.

"You've said that a thousand times, mom," I told her as Alice placed the vail on my head. That made my mom cry even more and Vanessa stepped forward to comfort her.

Esme wiped her eyes. "Anyway, we should go and sit down. We just wanted to come and see you before the ceremony." She took hold of my mom's hand and led her out of the room.

Alice stopped them before they left and asked them to send Carlisle up.

We got the girls into their dresses and put the finishing touches on and then we were done. There was a knock at the door and Carlisle poked his head in.

"You all decent?" We nodded and he walked in. "Oh, wow. Look at you. You're beautiful, Bella." He kissed my cheek.

"Thanks." I took a deep breath.

"Now, before you do this, are you sure you're making the right decision?"

I frowned. "Carlisle, are you really tryna talk me out of marrying your son?" The girls laughed.

He grinned. "I'm just saying what I imagine your dad would say if he was here." I smiled and hugged him.

Although Phil was technically my stepdad, I had always felt closer to Carlisle so, because my dad wasn't able to give me away, I asked Carlisle to do it, who, of course, agreed before the words were barely out of my mouth.

"Right, let's get this show on the road," Alice said excitedly.

We made our way downstairs and through the house. We stopped in the kitchen and I looked out the window, watching everyone waiting in their seats. I could see Edward standing in front of a white arch that had been decorated in flowers and the priest stood in the middle of the arch. Emmett, Jasper, Ben and Garrett were standing with Edward as his groomsmen. I spotted my mom and Phil, as well as the newest addition to the Dwyer family, Riley, a three year old blonde boy from Seattle who had just been adopted by my mom and stepdad, sitting on the left hand side with a few friends from college and some who had made the journey from Kansas. I noticed Doctor Sanchez, who I still saw from time to time, mostly over Skype, sitting a few rows back from my mom. Edward's family was on the right hand side, his mom and grandparents who lives in Chicago sitting on the front row with an empty seat for Carlisle beside her when we got to the end of the aisle.

Finally, it was time. The music began and Kate made her way outside with a smile on her beautiful face. Next it was Angela, followed by Alice and then Rosalie. Vanessa, who I had chosen to be my maid of honor, gave me a hug before following them out.

Then, it was my turn. Carlisle smiled as I linked my arm with his and the music changed as we made our way outside.

As we walked down to my future, I thought about all the moments that got me to the place I was. I would never get over losing my dad at sixteen. There would be moments where his absence would be painfully clear, such as today, and the birth of my future children. But if I hadn't gone through that loss, I would have never met the man who I had chosen to spend my life with.

It was a sad that I had to lose one of the most important men in my life so I could meet the other. But I recent years I had come to believe that things happened for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, I had to go through that heartbreak at an early age to become the stronger person I was today.

We got to the end of the aisle and Carlisle kissed my cheek and slapped Edward on the back.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" the priest asked.

"I do," Carlisle answered. "On behalf of her father who sadly couldn't be here." He returned to his seat.

"Very well. Family and friends, we are gathered here on this special occasion to celebrate the coming together of this man and this woman. If anyone should know any reason as to why these two should not be brought together in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." There was silence. "Good. Now I understand that you have prepared your own vows?" We nodded. "Edward, you may begin."

Edward cleared his throat and smiled at me. "Bella, when we met, you were sad, and angry at the world, and for good reason. You spent a long time pushing everyone away, even after we understood why. But, for some reason, you let me in. I don't know why, but I thank God every single day that you gave me a chance. You are the most important thing in my life, and, like I told your dad that day in Cherokee, I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know how much I love you, and respect you."

I felt my eyes well up as he finished. "Isabella," the priest said.

"You opened the floodgates," I told Edward. "I hope I can make it through this." Everyone gave a small laugh. I took a deep breath before I began. "Before I met you, I made a habit of pushing everyone away. I was a small, sad little girl who had just lost her father. But then you came into my life, and you brought happiness, and I hated you for it because I felt like if I let myself be happy, it would be like I was forgetting my dad. But you helped me see that wasn't the case. No-one else would have taken the time. No-one else would have spent years being my friend, waiting until I was ready for more. I've always felt a little sad that you never got the chance to meet my dad, but maybe he's the reason you're in my life. Maybe my dad looked down on me, and saw how sad and lonely I was, so he sent me to you. I know, and my dad knows, that you will never let me feel sad, or lonely ever again. Thank you for opening my eyes to happiness and love."

I heard sniffs coming from the audience and saw tears on Edward's face.

"I love you," he told me.

I smiled. "I love you."

The priest smiled at us before continuing. "May we have the rings?" Vanessa and Emmett stepped forward and handed us both the rings. "Thank you. Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, do you take Isabella Marie Swan to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her as long as you both shall live?"

He smiled. "I do."

"Isabella Marie Swan, do you take Edward Anthony Masen Cullen to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," I managed to choke out.

"With the power invested in my by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," he told Edward.

Before the words were out of the priest's mouth, Edward had pulled me to him and pressed his lips against mine passionately.

"I love you so much, Mrs Cullen," he whispered to me as he pressed his lips to mine again.

"OH MY FUCKING GOD!" I screamed.

"Come on, baby. You're doing so well. Just a couple more," Edward told me gently from his place at my side. "Two more pushes."

"Edward," I started gently. "You can take your pushes and SHOVE THEM UP YOUR FUCKING ASS!" I screamed as another contraction started and I tried pushing again.

When the pain stopped I slumped back, trying to catch my breath.

"You're doing so well, Bella," the midwife told me. "When your next contraction starts, I need you to push harder than ever. Just one more time."

I started crying. "I can't. I can't do it. Edward, you do it for me."

He wiped my face. "I would, baby. I would if I could. You're doing so well. Our baby is almost here. Just one more," he told me calmly as the next contraction started.

I took a deep breath and pushed as hard as I could until I heard a piercing cry. I began to cry as I listened to my new baby crying.

"You did it, baby. You did it. Our baby's here." Edward kissed my forehead as the midwife cleaned our baby.

She walked over to us with a small bundle in her arms. "Congratulations to you both; you have a son."

I started crying even more as she put him in my arms. Edward and I had decided not to find out the gender of our baby, which infuriated our family and friends to no end. They didn't understand why we would want to wait – none of them did when they were expecting – but we wanted it to be a surprise.

Edward and I looked down at the small child in my arms with huge smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes.

"A boy. We have a boy. We have a son," Edward said over and over.

I stared at our son as the door knocked. Esme walked in and smiled.

"Can we come in?" Edward said yes and she walked in with Carlisle, my mom, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, Angela and Kate behind her.

They surrounded the bed and stared with big smiles at me and the baby.

"So, can you finally tell us what you've got after making us wait months?" Emmett asked dramatically.

I looked at Edward and he grinned. "Guys, we would like you to meet Charlie Masen Cullen."

My mom gasped. "A boy? Oh my God, Esme we have a grandson." They hugged.

They all congratulated us and took it in turns holding the newest addition to our close group.

Everyone left a few hours later after another round of hugs and promises to see us soon. Finally it was just me, Edward and our beautiful new son.

Charlie was cradled in my arms fast asleep while Edward, who was perched next to me on the bed, and I stared down at him with grins on our faces.

"I can't believe he's here," Edward said in disbelief. He reached out and touched his face softly, making sure he didn't wake him. "You're so beautiful," he told our son. "Just like your mommy." He looked at me and smiled. "Thank you, baby. I love you so much."

Tears filled my eyes and I looked at my husband. "I love you." Our lips touched softly.

Then Edward looked up and did what he had started to do every time something good happened in our lives; he thanked my dad.

"Thanks for sending him to us, Charlie. We wish you could be here to meet your grandson but we'll make sure he knows exactly who his grandfather was and how he sacrificed his life to make sure the world was a safer place."

He looked at me and smiled before leaning down and pressing his lips to Charlie's head.

What did everyone think? How cute was the proposal? And the vows? And do we love Carlisle are what?

So Bella and Edward are married and have a little boy :D who would have thought, when he first asked her out, they'd get to this place?

Thanks so much for reading. Reviews are like Edward kisses on a warm Kansas-summer afternoon haha

xoxo

RKandCarrieFan

p.s. good luck to Carrie Underwood tomorrow at the AMAs. Review if you're a Carrie fan!