Bella's POV
My stomach churned as I curled up into fetal position. Edward's arms wrapped protectively around me. I wanted to cry, no...I wanted to scream. Were they all really going back to fight a coven of renegade monsters? "What are you thinking, love?" Edward voice was a soft whisper in my ear. But I heard the edge despite that fact. I knew that answering 'nothing' would only upset him.
"Change me." My voice was surprisingly fierce as I said this. Edward turned me over in his arms so that our eyes met. I wish he hadn't. His eyes for a moment were full of pain before he closed them. The rest of his body was unreadable. "Edward don't give me any of that, this isn't a life for you, nonsense. We've been over this."
Edward opened his eyes again. His eyes were brighter as if he had suddenly come to a decision. "Not now, rest now." He whispered softly. "You look exhausted." Somewhere in the house I heard a loud thud and what sounded like an excited squeal. But I could not be sure as Edward started to hum my lullaby into my ear. My chance to argue was gone as my eyes started to close. A little would do no harm-and then I would brooch the subject of my change again-but for now sleep was quickly closing in...
When I awoke it was unnaturally dark. I panicked, had I gone blind? "Edward! Edward I can't see!"
Somewhere in the darkness I heard Rosalie laughing quietly. "Don't be a drama queen, Bella, you are blind folded." Alice's sweet elfin like voice responded from somewhere behind me. I relaxed. But that was very short lived.
"Why?"
Alice was trying, and failing to repress a giggle. "It would not be a surprise if we told you silly!" I was suddenly aware of my hair being toyed with. "Esme, will you hand me...the hair spray...and then she is all yours." A fine mist tickled my arms and fell over my hair, and before I could speak I was hoisted on meet and led away.
"Relax, darling," Esme soothed. Again I tried to inquire what this was all about but before the question could tumble out I felt a cool draft. I was faintly aware that I was no longer wearing my clothes. My cheeks became warm as I tried to shrink away. Of course I ended up tripping over my own feet. Esme caught and steadied me, before wordlessly slipping something that felt oddly like chiffon. "There that was not to horrible was it?" Esme crooned.
"Oh Bella, if only you could see yourself!" Alice gushed excitedly. "Brilliant work on the make-up Rose."
I exhaled, "maybe if I wasn't blind folded!"
"Oh there is absolutely no time for that!" Alice replied. I could hear the grin in her voice.
Suddenly my feet weren't on the ground, and I felt as if I were flying. I'm sure it was only Alice carrying me downstairs. "Open the door! Ah, just as I saw it a clear night!" Alice sighed happily and before I knew it we were running again. At this point I was glad to be blind folded, otherwise I was sure to be sick. Another thought however, came close to doing the job. What were Alice, Rosalie, and Esme up to? Somewhere deep inside I knew that they weren't the only players in this game. "Where is Edward?" I demanded breathlessly.
In response Alice set me down. She then proceeded to remove the blindfold. I gasped when I saw, Alice and Rosalie dressed in the bridesmaids dresses that we had long ago picked out. They both looked stunning in the soft green silk gowns. I turned to Esme, she looked stunning in her lavender gown. Then it suddenly clicked. I looked down at myself. My tears welled up when I looked down at my beautiful wedding dress. I studied the lace sleeves and then trailed my eyes down the bodice. My knees started to buckle, but someone reached out to support me. It did not take me long to realize, that the arms that supported me was not icy cold. I looked up to find another pair of brown eyes staring back. "Mom!"
My mother laughed, and leaned over to kiss my forehead. "You look beautiful sweetheart." Did I imagine the tears in her eyes? When I looked again they were gone.
Before I could form a coherent question Alice was lining us all up and placed a bouquet of white roses into my hands. Somewhere ahead the opening bars of a gentle melody sounded. Both of my mothers went off, most likely to take a seat. With Alice leading the way she and Rosalie proceeded forward. I Followed after my initial shock wore off I followed them.
The density of trees fell away, it only took me a moment to realize that I was in our meadow. My friends and family turned to face me as I entered. The tears fought to escape as I proceeded forward. My eyes, to my surprise caught sight of Jacob in the others. For the first time in the presence of vampires his eyes were bright. He flashed me a thumbs up sign and I smiled gratefully.
My heart nearly stopped, when Edward stepped into view. He looked absolutely gorgeous in his tux. He was far better than a Greek god. As I came closer, he reached out and took my hands in his. His eyes were warm as he winked at me. "Edward, am I still asleep?" I murmured.
His answering chuckle almost did me in. "I love you, Bella." Was his simple answer as we turned to the waiting minister. The minister began the ceremony, and soon we were made to face each other. Emmett brought forth the rings. As Edward slid mine in place and said his vows, I could tell he was fighting back an urge to kiss me, or from the look in his eyes something more. Alice chuckled somewhere behind me. Edward's eyes twinkled as I slid his wedding band into place on his finger.
It seemed like forever before the minister gave Edward permission to kiss his bride, me. A shiver of delight went through me as Edward leaned in. His lips pressed sweetly to mine. He was obviously restraining himself from going further.
When we parted, I became aware of the fifty or so eyes staring at us. I did not blush, to my surprise. "It is with great pleasure that I be the first to introduce to you. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen." Hearing those words from the minister, sent the urge to kiss Edward again. Of course, with his reflexes being quicker than mine, Edward beat me to it. Emmett's booming laughter prevailed over all the cheering and applause.
Edward took my hand and led me down the make shift aisle His eyes never left me, he knew exactly where we were going.
We stopped just outside the trees and waited for everyone to catch up. Sadness marred the happiness in Edward's eyes. It then occurred to me then that Edward was silently telling me that this would be my final goodbye to all the humans in my life. I nodded understandingly, and Edward intertwined his fingers with mine and kissed my forehead.
The moment of course was short lived. The guests caught up with us. We were suddenly surrounded. Jessica hugged me lightly. The look on her face was both one of jealousy and awe. All I could do was smile. Angela hugged me as well, her expression conveyed more happiness, as she congratulated Edward and I in turn. Alice practically jumped on me, but stepped back when Edward shot her a warning glance.
Despite the excitement from the group, they eventually calmed down and allowed my mother and Phil through. I nearly suffocated in my mother's hold. When she let go I gasped for breath and she apologized. Edward shook with silent chuckles beside me. "Call me when you get back from your honeymoon." My mother whispered into my ear. She started to back away, with intention of letting us go.
I snatched up her arm immediately. I could not let her leave yet. This was my only chance to say goodbye. I would never see her again. I would never gaze into her childlike eyes. Or listen to her laughter. Or even be able to remind her that she needed to pick up her blouse from the cleaners. My mother looked at me in confusion but hugged me back when I embraced her. "I love you, Mom. I'm going to miss you so much!"
My mother laughed silently. "Bella you act like I'm never going to see you again." If only she knew the truth of that statement. All I could do was chuckle. "You and Edward are always welcome to visit us down in Florida."
"Of course." That was all I could say to her.
"Have fun, Bella." She said seriously before turning back to join the crowd.
Edward wrapped his arm around my waist and led me out of the woods. Edward tensed slightly beside me. "I won't be far." Edward whispered as he let go of my waist and disappeared in a flash.
Jacob now stood where Edward once had. "You look beautiful Bella." He complimented. There was no jealousy in his eyes, only sadness. Oh no was he going to try and talk me out of this? Did he even know?
My expression must have registered my thoughts because he chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm only here to wish you good luck. I'm ready to let you go. I've come to understand that the only thing about you that is going to change, is your eating habits." He said slowly. "Oh and maybe how you smell!" He laughed a little, although it was laced with sadness. He grew serious once again. "I'll always love you no matter what." He promised sincerely.
All I could do was stand there and stare at him in disbelief. He gauged my expression and laughed out loud. "Come here, Bella." He opened his arms invitingly and I rushed over to him without a second thought. We stayed like that for an unknown length of time before he pulled away and kissed my forehead. "See you around, Bells." He said easily before turning around and heading back into the woods. I could have sworn I had seen tears in his eyes.
But I shook the thought away quickly because out of nowhere Edward appeared and gathered me up in his arms. As he ran with me back to the house, I assumed, he looked down at my face. "Are you alright, love?" He asked full of concern. I knew he had tried his best not to listen to our conversation.
"Yes," I breathed.
That cleared, once we were on the porch he kissed me with almost unrestrained passion. My focus was immediately on him. I did not see him open the door. Nor did I see him take me upstairs, to his room, now our room. I was only aware of anything when he broke the kiss to allow me to breathe and to close the door behind us...
Hours later, I lay in his arms, his eyes bore into mine as he stroked my hair. They no longer held the lust, the hunger, that they had earlier. Now they were deep golden pools of worry. This led me to believe that the reason he had, had me rest after we had made love, was for him to buy more time.
I reached my hand out to touch his cheek soothingly. "Everything will be ok." I assured him. In response he let go of me and yet again leaned over me. He pinned me to the bed lightly and kissed the front of my neck, moving downward planting fervent kisses as he went. What was I thinking? What were we about to do? I let him indulge himself, but who was to say he wasn't alone in this indulgence. Edward really was good at everything.
When he had finally returned to my lips he paused. "I love you, Isabella Marie Cullen." He whispered softly. The words and the sweet smell of his breath excited me.
"I love you too."
He grinned but then fell into seriousness. "Are you sure you are ready?"
"To join you in eternity? Yes, of course." I whispered. My voice was shaky but full of sincerity.
Edward whispered that he loved me once more before he kissed me. I was second away from the start of my journey to an eternity with Edward. He was suddenly focused as he pulled away. "I will be here with you, no matter what happens. I love you so much." He assured me before he leaned in towards my neck. I could feel his cool breath on my neck as he came closer. He pressed his lips to my neck. As he parted his lips I closed my eyes and embraced to receive what came. Whatever that was, now and in the future, I knew Edward would be at my side. Forever.
A/N: Well This is the end of this story. The sequel to this will take awhile to start. I am leaving for a trip to Austrailia in July I will be gone for two weeks. Right nw I need to focus on packing and such. The sequel will be out sometime in the End of July, beginning of August. I hope to here from you all when that comes out. On that note, I'd like to thank all the loyal readers. Your reviews were really insightful, and helpful, and its been a blast! Well as always, please review I love to hear from all of you, even if it means over flowing my inbox! hugs