Thank you guys so much. And a little shout out to Courtnabort. That was hilarious. :D!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Stephenie Meyer does.
Once the slide show was done- and everyone had a good laugh- it turned out Alice had got one slice of cake. I would be allowed to blow out the candle, and Bella would eat it.
We all sat down at the dining room table. It was basically there for show. The only time it ever got some use was when Bella was here, and even then it was rare. Alice laid down the slice, and they all joined together in singing Happy Birthday. I leaned over and wrapped my arm around Bella and gave a very light squeeze. I blew out the candle in one easy breath, and everyone gave a polite clap.
Esme came over with a fork for Bella. She took it and said her thank you. I could tell she was self conscious about eating in front of everyone, and Jasper picked up on this too.
"So did you like your presents?" Jasper asked, diverting everyone's attention from Bella. She happily started to eat the cake.
"Yes, they were great," I said.
"It was almost like a pre-wedding party," Alice giggled. "Are you excited for it?" I could hear her thoughts. He better be. And then Bella can finally become my sister.
I glared at her, and a light growl came out. She retreated to the back of her chair, and avoided any eye contact. I knew there could be two meanings to it. Either by law or by change. I also knew which one she meant.
"Yes, Alice. I am excited for the wedding," I said, putting extra emphasis on wedding. I didn't need the power to read minds to know that she understood.
Calm down, Edward. I heard this come from Emmett. I half expected Jasper to, but I really got on his case the last time he tried to defend Alice for talking about changing Bella. Emmett was out hunting, so he never actually heard about the whole disagreement. He figured the tension was due to Jasper's difficulties of me having Bella's scent on me.
I looked in Emmett's direction, not overlooking Esme and Carlisle's worried looks, and gave a quick nod. I doubt, even if she was looking really hard, Bella would have noticed it.
"It should be fun," Rosalie said. See? I am trying to make small talk. Must be a huge step for me, she thought, shooting me a deathly glance.
"Yes, I should be." I gave Bella a slight squeeze. "Don't you think so?"
She looked up at me, having finished her cake, with a worried look. She swallowed hard. "I hope so." I think just in that moment it set into her mind that it was actually happening. She looked at the family's direction. "And you guys should make it so if I am lacking in the fun category," She said with a smile.
Alice snapped her fingers. "No problem." The table had giggles and laughs throughout. Mostly because we all knew it was true from past experiences.
"And maybe, just maybe, Edward will enjoy himself for the first time at a wedding," Jasper shrugged sarcastically. This time, my family couldn't contain their laughter at my expense. It was something Bella couldn't understand- I was never truly happy until I met her.
"You know what? I don't approve of laughing at the birthday boy, so I am leaving for a walk." I gave Bella a quick glance that I hoped was slow enough for her to see it said, 'Follow me. I want to be with you. Forever isn't long enough for me.' I got up from the table and made my way for the door. Sure enough, I heard her footsteps follow.
I turned around right as she bounded right for my elbow. It sent her back a little, but I caught her before she moved more than 3 inches back. She had her hand covering her face, from what I assumed to be pain.
"Love, are you okay?" I picked her up bridal style and took her to the swing on the front porch. Once we were sitting, she moved her hand. I could see a bruise starting to form on the bridge of her nose. "Oh, I'm sorry." I gave her a kiss. When I pulled back, she leaned on my chest.
"Edward..," she started.
I was looking at the sunset. When I looked at her, it her hair beautifully. "Yes, Bella?"
"Are you scared?" She avoided my eyes. There were so many different, rational things she should be scared of but, knowing Bella, it was probably be something completely different.
"Scared of what?" I had genuine curiosity in my voice.
I heard her swallow hard again. "Forever." I felt her head look up out to the sunset.
I put one of my arms around her, and held her hand with my other arm's hand. "I think it will be better for you and me together than just me alone, like it was for so many years," I told her truthfully.
"And marriage?" she asked. She started to play with my fingers, so I left them as loose as I could. This way, she had hope of being able to move them.
"From what I've heard from Rosalie and Emmett, it could be fun." I couldn't help myself. It wasn't like it was a secret. "And look at Carlisle and Esme, Alice and Jasper. Could they possibly be any happier?"
I felt, under my arm, her taking a deep breath to calm herself. "I am nervous." She instantly dug her head into my chest.
"Don't be scared to tell me this, Bella." I took my hand and lifted her chin to face me. "I am, too," I confided to her. There were so many things I was worried about. Mostly silly things. Things that I shouldn't have to worry about. For instance, if her change went bad. It has never happened. They have always gone smoothly. But, when I had to, what if I didn't have any self control all of a sudden. "If anything, I am more so than you." I smiled down to her.
I felt her tighten her grip around me. "I know I shouldn't be though. That's what bothers me. I mean, I am going to be with you."
"Oh, but you should be. After all, I am a vampire." I bent down, and kissed the top of her head. "It would be so human of you to just runs screaming." I laughed.
"But I never do, never did, never will. If anything, you do," she said, giving me a nudge.
"Well, you have me there. Does your nose feel better?" I said.
She lifted her hand to fell her nose. "Yes, it does."
"Well, let's not waste anytime. Do you still want to go for a walk?"
I watched as Bella got off of me, and stood up. "Yes, even though I have a feeling it will turn into a run for you." She smiled her breath-taking smile at me.
I got up and breathed across her face, "You know me so well." I held out my arm for her to take. She accepted, and we went on with our walk.
So, I am kind of torn on what to do next. I am contemplating either making a sequel or just continuing this story. Clue me in for what you would like. :) I love the reviews !