Let Love Lie
Chapter 19 – Marrying My Best Friend
BPOV
Edward's lying on top of me with his head on my chest, both of us content in our post-coital high. I pull my fingers through his short hair. It's grown about an inch since it was originally shaved. It makes me envious how fast his hair grows. He sighs happily, planting a kiss on the side of my breast. He starts trailing kisses along my abdomen and I sigh, a smile pulling at the sides of my mouth.
"You're insatiable," I whisper.
"Only with you," he murmurs against my skin. He pushes himself up onto his knees, my hand falling from his hair. I open my eyes and look up at him.
"Shower?" he questions, a secret smile playing on his lips. I smile and sit up, taking his hand as he gets off the bed.
XOXO
After an hour-long shower followed by a bath, we finally exit the bathroom, our skin wrinkled. I wrap a towel around my body and walk into the bedroom. I sit at the small vanity and start pulling a brush through my damp, tangled hair.
Edward comes out of the bathroom without a towel and walks over to the dresser. I carelessly ogle him through the mirror, my brush running absently through my hair.
"You're staring Miss Swan," Edward teases over his shoulder as he pulls some boxer briefs on.
"Just admiring the scenery," I shrug indifferently. He chuckles as he pulls on some jeans, buttoning and zipping them. He strides over to me and leans over me, placing his hands on the vanity. His head dips so his lips brush against my neck. My head falls back onto his shoulder, a content smile pulling at my lips.
"If you keep doing this we're not going to make it to my parents'," I lecture half-heartedly.
"That's fine with me," he mumbles. His hands find their way to my towel, removing the tucked corner and letting it fall open. His large hands capture my breasts and his thumbs tease my nipples.
"They're going to come looking," I moan jokingly.
"No they won't. They'll know what we're up to." His teeth graze against my skin as his words register. I pull away slightly and turn my head to look at him.
"They know, don't they? That you were proposing?"
"Yes, they know," he whispers and pulls his hands away.
"How long?" I ask with genuine curiosity as I wrap the towel around myself.
"Your dad's known since that night I went to have drinks with him." I'm silent, my eyebrows furrowed and my brain running in circles. "I was going to propose to you at the party." My eyes go wide and my jaw drops. Without warning, I'm crying again. He chuckles lightly before pulling me off the chair and into his arms. "You silly, emotional woman," he teases.
"It's not funny," I sniffle, giggling slightly. "I thought you didn't want to marry me because I shot the subject down too many times."
"Of course I want to marry you. I want to be tied to you in every possible way." I pull away and wipe my eyes. "Now get dressed before I decide we're not leaving this room all day," he winks.
"I like that idea," I sniffle and he chuckles. "But I don't think Alice will."
"God no," he snorts. "She'd come in here and pull me off you if she had to." I giggle as I walk over to the dresser to get clothes.
XOXO
We park in front of my parents' house around 10:30 and everyone else was already there.
"Ready?" Edward asks. I smile and nod. We get out of the car and walk into the house where it's incredibly loud with everyone's voices contributing to conversation. We walk into the living room where everyone is sitting. The conversation immediately dies out and it's uncomfortably quiet. I pull my sleeves over my hands awkwardly.
"Uh, hi?" I sputter.
"Bella and I are engaged," Edward says, trying to break the tension. With those five words time seems to move double time. Alice and Rose squeal and jump up to grab my left hand while everyone else calls out their congratulations happily.
"That's gorgeous!" Rose gushes. Alice pulls my hand from Rose and turns it every which way, trying to see it from every angle.
"Al, can I have my hand back?" I smirk. "I want to go see my son." She unhappily gives me my hand back. I walk over to Dad and take Tony from his arms.
"Congrats, Bells," Dad mumbles. I shoot him a grin and mutter a thanks.
"Hi, Tony," I coo as I bounce him lightly in my arms.
"Mama!" he cries happily, clapping his hands together.
"Were you a good boy for Nana and Papa?" I ask him.
"No," he giggles.
"No?" I question with a smile, my voice getting higher towards the end. He turns away from me, looking for Edward.
"Dada," he says and waves to Edward, earning a collective "awh" from everyone.
"Hey, Buddy," Edward chuckles and waves back.
"How'd he pop the question?" Esme asks. That one question opens the floodgates and all of the women start spewing questions left and right.
"Ladies, cool it," Charlie grumbles. "Let them get settled before starting the inquisition." I sit in the open armchair and Edward sits on the arm next to me.
"Well, he woke me up at 6:30 and told me he was hungry. He wouldn't even let me put decent clothes on. He handed me a pair a sweatpants and a hoodie to wear," I explain and Alice visibly cringes. "We took the R1 to the diner just in town. It was where we first hung out. He ordered the same meals we had the first time and after breakfast he got down on one knee," I smile fondly up at my fiancé. He smirks down at me.
Tony takes my ring off my finger and starts playing with it. He goes to put it in his mouth.
"Hey, Buddy, that's not supposed to go in your mouth," Edward chuckles and gently pulls Tony's arm from his face.
"We totally need to make you a Pinterest account. They have a ton of wedding ideas!" Alice gushes. "Can I design your dress? Please?" she asks.
"Yes, Alice, of course," I smile. "I'd be honored to be wearing your designs." Alice squeals in delight.
"Well, I guess I can stop begging you guys," Riley shrugs from his spot on the couch. I laugh because we always tease him about his constant nagging for Edward and me to get married when he was a toddler.
"Yes, you can stop begging now," Edward chuckles.
XOXO
When everything calms down I take this as my chance to get something off my chest.
"I remember what happened the night James put me in the hospital," I say, not looking at anyone. I can tell they're staring at me though. I can even predict the faces they're making.
"What?" Dad asks.
"I've known for a few weeks now," I shrug.
"And you're just now telling us?" Mom asks, sounding hurt.
"Well when I figured it out, Edward was in surgery and it wasn't a great time for any of us. It wasn't exactly on my top priorities," I shrug.
"Do you want to tell us?" Edward asks softly as he tucks a strand of my hair behind my hair.
"It's not really child appropriate," I say, glancing at my niece and nephews before turning my glance to my son.
"Riley, take Ashley, Jack, and Tony up to Dad's old room to play, okay?"
"What if one of them starts crying?"
"We'll hear and we'll come up."
"Fine," he pouts. He carries Ashley and has Jack and Tony toddle after him.
"So, what do you remember?" Rose asks, resting her elbows on her knees.
"I was packing to leave and I remember being determined to get out of that house. I was scared to death and my anxiety was getting horrible. As I got to the bottom of the stairs James came in, he had gotten home early. He asked me where I was going and then wouldn't accept that I was going to Rose's. He started walking toward me and, in response, I backed away. The only place to go was upstairs so I started up the stairs and he grabbed my leg and pulled me down onto my front on the stairs." My hand moves down to my ribs that had been broken in that incident. Edward puts his arm around my shoulder and rubs my arm. "He pulled me down the stairs and then kicked me, demanding that I get up. He told me to go upstairs and put my clothes away.
"I had originally decided to go along with it and put my clothes away and try again some other day but something in me told me that if I didn't do it today, I would never get out. So he was kissing my shoulder and I pushed him away and made a run for it. I made it to the stairs before he caught up to me. He grabbed my shirt but his grip wasn't good enough so I ended up falling down the stairs and smacking my head on the floor at the bottom. The next thing I know, I'm waking up in the hospital." Images of the night flash through my mind and I fight to keep my breathing normal.
"Hey, it's over," Edward whispers in my ear. It's then that I realize I'm sobbing and tears are streaming down my cheeks. Edward shifts on the couch to pull me into his chest. I wipe the tears from my face and start breathing in deep, slow breaths.
"Sorry, I just keep getting flashes of what happened and it's overwhelming," I apologize with a small smile. Everyone is silent. "Well, now that I officially ruined the good mood," I mutter nervously.
"No, you didn't," Dad insists. "It's just a lot to take in. After years of wondering what happened that night, it's nice to know." I nod, knowing exactly what he means. I had been wondering what happened since the day I woke up.
"Would you mind if we changed the subject? I really don't want to talk about it anymore."
"So, Edward, I hear there's a promotion coming up down at the station," Dad says, leaning back against the couch and puts his arm around Mom.
"You mean the position of Chief?" Edward chuckles. "There are a ton of other guys down at the station that have been there longer. I'm not planning on getting the promotion," he shrugs.
"I don't know, you have a former police chief for a future in-law. I could put in a good word."
"That's not necessary, Charlie."
"You have just as much experience as the guys down at the station. Who give's a rats ass if you're new?"
"Dad!" Rose scolds. "The kids are just upstairs. Watch your language." Dad rolls his eyes but continues speaking.
"It doesn't matter who has seniority. It's about who is most fit for the job."
"Yeah, I know. If I get it, I get it," he shrugs again. I can tell Edward is secretly hoping that he gets the job. He's done nothing but talk about it since Dad retired. They haven't had a chief for a few weeks now, just the deputy acting as a chief. The deputy, Crowley, doesn't want the responsibilities of chief so he is in charge of picking who gets the honor of the job.
Dad seems to see Edward's secret hope too because he squints his eyes and smirks briefly before the subject is changed.
XOXO
"Hey, it's time for dinner," Edward says softly as he pushes my hair out of my face. I groan and cuddle my face further into my fluffy pillow. "Come on sleepy head. If you sleep any longer you won't sleep tonight."
"I'll just sleep from now until the morning," I mumble through a sleepy sigh. He chuckles and kisses the corner of my mouth.
The months have flown by and it's now a week before the big day: wedding day. It's early May and I'm exhausted from the stress of getting everything ready for the wedding. We ordered the cake two weeks ago, put our order for flowers in, and got the guys' tuxes rented for the big day. I'm going to Alice's tomorrow to get the finishing touches done on my dress and for some well needed cocktails.
"Come on, I made your favorite."
"Baked mac and cheese with extra cheese?" I ask, my interest piqued.
"Yes, but it's going to get cold if you don't get your pretty little butt out of bed," he says and swats and my behind. I laugh and sit up, stretching. I stand up and stretch a little more before walking downstairs with Edward. Tony's already sitting on his knees in his "big kid chair", which is just a normal chair but he likes to call it that, and digging into a plate of macaroni. Edward scoops some of the cheesy pasta onto a plate for me before setting it at my place at the table and scooping some for himself.
I take a bite of the creamy meal and moan at the deliciousness. Tony looks at me and mimics my noise, making a "mmm" sound. I giggle and run my hand through his hair.
"Delicious, huh, Bub?" I ask him. He nods his head enthusiastically as Edward sits down at the table, hooking his ankle with mine.
"Am I good cook?" Edward asks.
"Yes," Tony says.
"Who's better, me or Mom?" Tony scrunches his eyebrows together and purses his lips as he thinks about the answer. After about ten seconds he finally answers.
"Mom," he grins cheekily.
"Thanks, Bub," I grin triumphantly. He grins back at me. Edward chuckles and shakes his head.
"Don't forget that I have to go to your sister's tomorrow so you have to be home for Tony."
"Shoot, I'm sorry, Bells, I forgot about that. I have to work. I'll take him with me though. I'm just doing paperwork."
"Are you sure hanging out at the police station is good for him?" I ask skeptically, biting my lip.
"He'll be in my office the whole time. He'll be fine." I frown not liking that Edward forgot about having Tony duty tomorrow. Ever since Edward got the promotion at work he's been working a ton. He's at the station at least eight hours every day with the occasional Sunday off. It's starting to get as bad as it was when Dad was police chief. He's throwing himself into the job when he really doesn't need to. I know he's new at it, but I kind of wish he would take some time to spend with his son.
"I'll just take him to Alice's. He can hang out with Riley," I say, scratching the back of my head.
"What's wrong with the station, Bella?" Edward asks, frustrated.
"I just don't want him around that, okay? It's bad enough I have to worry about you, I don't want to worry about him."
"He's going to be in my office!" he scoffs. "And there's no reason you should have to be worrying about me. I got hurt on the job once because I was distracted. My mistake. It hasn't happened since."
I look over at Tony who's wide-eyed in confusion. I can see tears in his eyes so I give Edward a look that tells him to can it and that we'll discuss this later. Tony always hates it when we fight, always ends up crying because of it. Granted, Edward and I don't fight often, but with all this stress on the both of us, we're irritable. Edward also doesn't seem to understand that I watched him get shot on the job and it scared the shit out of me.
I finish my dinner in an angry silence. When I finish, I get up and place my plate in the sink. I go upstairs and run a bath for Tony while he finishes up his dinner.
When the bath is filled I walk downstairs to see Tony help Edward with the dishes. Or at least try to.
"Hey, Bub, bath time," I call. He looks up at Edward who smiles down at him before coming over to me and grabbing my hand.
After his bath, I set him up in front of the TV to watch Blue's Clues.
"Just stay here, okay?" I ask him in a soft voice. "Mommy needs to talk to Daddy." He nods his head and watches me as I walk out of the room. I walk upstairs and into the study where Edward is working on some paperwork he brought home. I close the door and sit in one of the chairs he has on the opposite side of his desk.
"I'm busy, Bella," he says shortly, not even looking at me. I don't move. He sighs and sets his pen down and looks up at me with a frown. "What do you want?"
"Seriously? Don't talk to me like that," I say, slightly hurt. "I know you're angry, but show me some respect. I'm your fiancée, Edward. I'm going to be your wife in about a week."
"I'm not going to fight with you, Bella," he says as he picks up his pen again and returns to his work.
"Good, then you can listen," I say and cross my arms. He sets his pen down angrily and leans back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "I don't want Tony around the office because I do worry, Edward. I can't help it, it just happens. I watched you get shot. That's not just something I'm going to forget."
"Jesus Christ, Bella, that was nearly three years ago! I wasn't concentrating!"
"It doesn't make a difference how long ago it was, Edward! It still happened and I watched it happen! Do you know how terrifying it is seeing the man you love get shot?"
"Do you know how terrifying it is being shot, Bella? Or being stabbed and beat within an inch of your life? Because I've experienced both and I seem to be the only one here that's moved on from it. Just get over it already, Bella. It's happened and it's over so why are we still dwelling on it?"
"You haven't moved on, Edward. I know about your nightmares."
"Yes, Bella, nightmares. They happen to everyone. They happened to you after James even when you were over it. You still occasionally get them but—"
"But I don't have them every night. And I never had them every single night. You do."
"Like I can control them? Honestly, Bella, drop the subject because it's getting really old."
"You're on the couch tonight," I shake my head and stand to walk out.
"I was sleeping there anyways," he says nonchalantly when I get to the door. I walk out of the study and steady my breath as I walk down the stairs. Tony stands up on the couch as I round the corner. His small hands rest on the back of the couch and he tilts his head slightly and looks at me with confusion.
"Mommy, why crying?"
"I'm not crying, Bubby," I say as I turn off the TV. "Time for bed, okay?" he nods his head and rubs my cheek with his small, chubby hand.
"Mommy sad," he says with a frown as I carry him into his bedroom.
"Mommy's fine, baby," I say and kiss his forehead. I tuck him into his bed before going over and grabbing a book. I plop down onto his tiny bed and he laughs as he bounces. "How about Thomas the Train?"
"Yeah!" he cheers. I read him the book and by the time the story is over he's fast asleep. I kiss his forehead before carefully making my way off the bed. I put the side guard up so if he rolls he doesn't fall off the bed and then put the book away. I tiptoe out of the room, shutting the door but leaving it cracked slightly.
I make my way into my bedroom and grab my cell phone. I tap Rose's number onto the keypad and hold the ringing phone to my ear.
"Hey, what's up?" she answers.
"Are you busy?" I ask, cutting to the chase.
"No, I just put Jack to bed, why?"
"Can we go get a beer or something?"
"Yeah, meet you at the bar?"
"Sounds good." I hang up and slip my shoes on, grab my purse, and make my way back to Edward's study.
"Yeah?" he says impatiently.
"I'll be back later." I walk away and hear Edward calling out and asking where I'm going. I don't answer him as I go down the stairs. I grab the keys to my truck and head out the door.
When I get to the bar, Rose already has a beer ordered for me and a long island iced tea for her.
"Alright, what's with the last notice bar run?" she asks.
"I'm marrying an asshole," I shake my head and take a sip of the bottle.
"What'd he do this time?"
"We just got in a fight, it's nothing," I sigh. Rose doesn't say anything, waiting for me to explain. "He wants to take Tony to work tomorrow because he forgot to take the day off."
"What's wrong with that?" she asks curiously.
"I don't want Tony around the station. It's bad enough I worry about Edward, I don't want to worry about Tony too."
"That's understandable."
"Not to Edward," I roll my eyes.
"You guys are just stressed. Things'll settle down after the wedding. Emmett and I were like this before the big day too."
"He tells me I have to get over the day he was shot and when he almost died. I'm trying, really, I am, but it's so difficult."
"I know, it takes longer for some people to get over horrifying events than it does for others. Obviously Edward recovered from those events quicker than you are. That's normal, Bella. Just take your time. I can talk to Edward if you want." I shrug my shoulders. It would be nice for someone to back me up in this continuous argument but it's between Edward and me and I don't want to throw Rose into it.
My cell phone rings and the tone reveals that it's Edward calling.
"Yeah?" I answer my phone.
"Where are you?" he asks, sounding like he's forcing himself to remain calm. I can tell he's furious, though.
"I'm out with Rose."
"You could have at least told me where you were going."
"Yeah, well you didn't seem to interested in anything that involved me so I figured you wouldn't care," I say sounding innocent.
"Whatever, I'm just so fucking tired of all of this."
"You're the one who proposed."
"You know what I mean, Bella," he spits.
"Edward, I'm out with my sister. Can I please have two minutes of peace? We can fight when I get home but I'm not doing this with you over the phone."
"Whatever," he says as he hangs up. I place the phone back in my pocket before turning back to Rose. She's looking at me with a frown on her face.
"What?" I ask.
"Go home, Bella. The drink's on me. Don't prolong this fight more than it has to be." I sigh unhappily before downing the rest of my beer. I get up and hug Rose, thanking her for the drink, before walking out the truck and heading home.
When I walk inside, the house is dark except for the faint glow from the TV in the living room. I walk over to the living room and Edward is lying on his side on the couch covered by a blanket with one arm bent under his head. I close my eyes for a second, resolving to be calm about this.
"Hi," I say softly and sit on the edge of the coffee table.
"Hey," he says, not taking his eyes off the commercials on TV.
"Can we please talk?" I ask. He doesn't move for a moment and I'm about to cry before he mutes the TV and sits up. I blink away the tears.
"Why can't you just let everything go?" he frowns.
"Because I can't, Edward. No matter how much I want to, I just can't. I understand that it's over but it still haunts me and I know it haunts you too." He doesn't say anything, but he doesn't need to. His silence tells it all. He's still haunted by it but he doesn't want to admit it.
"Why are you so opposed to Tony coming to the station? I know for a fact you went there as a child and you don't seem to be messed up from it." I take a deep calming breath before answering.
"I just don't like the idea of him going there," I shrug.
"You're afraid that he'll want to be a cop," he concludes. I bite my lip and nod. "Bell, he's two. He's not going to go and decide that he wants to be a cop just like that. Even if he doesn't go to the station there's still the chance that he'll want to be a cop. Neither of us have control over that." I know I have no real argument as to why Tony can't go to the station, I'm just being an overprotective mother. I have a right to be though. With all the shit that's happened in my life, I have a reason to be slightly overprotective. "I won't let anything happen to him, you know that."
"I know, I just," I shake my head, frowning. That's when I remember the reason we even began this fight. "You weren't even supposed to be working tomorrow."
"I forgot, I'm sorry. It slipped my mind."
"You've been working a lot lately," I note.
"I'm chief of police, Bella. I know the hours aren't desirable but it's part of my job." I frown and sigh.
"I just don't want you to turn into my dad. He worked all the time and I missed him. I don't want Tony to have to miss you."
"I'm home by five every night, Bella."
"And Tony goes to bed at eight. That's three hours out of the day with him. And some of that is spent in the office working."
"I guess now isn't the best time to let you know I was planning on going into the station for an hour or so the morning of our wedding?" he asks sheepishly.
"You're unbelievable!" I say in a hushed yell so I don't wake Tony. "No! You're not working on our wedding day! You're not working every weekend and when you're home, you're not working unless it's absolutely necessary! You're missing your son's life, Edward. You're putting work before us. I know it's important and you just got this promotion a few weeks ago, but really? There has to be a line somewhere!"
"I'm trying to make a living to support us, Bella!"
"Oh please! You're rich, Edward. We would be well off if you didn't work a day!
"Whatever, I'm done fighting about this. If you're going to work every day, including our wedding day, have at it. I don't give a damn anymore." I storm up to our room and strip out of my clothes and pull on a nightshirt. I crawl under the covers and let my tears run free.
I hear Edward walk into the room and feel him crawl onto the bed and stroke my arm.
"I'm sorry, Bells. I know I'm working a lot but it's all going to pay off, you'll see."
"When Edward? When we're my parents' age?" I sniffle. "I'm not willing to wait that long."
"You won't have to. I'll cut back my hours. I just got so caught up in the new position." I turn so I'm facing him.
"I don't want you to do anything you don't want to. If you want to work, then work, but I'm not going to wait for this all to pay off when you retire."
"You don't have to wait. I want to be here for you and Tony and I can't when I work so much. It got out of control and I'm sorry."
"It's fine," I say and cuddle further into his body. He kisses my shoulder and holds me tight. "Tony can go with you tomorrow. Just please understand that even you going is difficult for me and now it's going to be the two of you going."
"I'll keep him safe, Bells."
"I know you will."
"I love you," he says. It sounds as if he's unsure I know it.
"I love you too," I say and pull back so I can kiss him.
XOXO
At Alice's house I feel like she's trying to attach my dress to me. She's pulling and tugging and sewing and huffing and grumbling as she puts the finishing touches on the dress.
"Al, I need to be able to breath, you know that, right?" I ask. "And my boobs don't have to look so big, we could tone it down on the push up ordeal."
"Bella, your boobs look fantastic and I know for a fact you can breath."
I watch in the mirror as Alice laces ribbon through the back of my corset bodice. My dress is strapless and makes my boobs look huge and as perky as they were before I had Tony. The bodice has fabric flower accents that act as a belt of sorts just above my waist. Once it gets to the waist, the skirt of the dress flows down in waves of tulle in pure princess style.
"So how are you and Edward?" Rose asks from her chair next to the mirror.
"We're fine. We talked last night and things are better now."
"Whoa, hold up, what happened with you and my brother?" Alice asks. "Since when am I out of the loop?"
"Bella and Edward were fighting because Edward is working too much and wanted to take Tony to the station today."
"I have noticed he's been working a ton."
"Every day since the promotion, give or take a few Sundays," I frown. "He said he's going to try to be home more. I just don't want Tony to have to miss Edward. I grew up with a police chief for a father and he was rarely home. I don't want that to happen with Tony."
"That's understandable. How did Edward take it?"
"At first, he just got angry. But after a while he understood where I was coming from."
"That's good. And you guys are okay now?"
"Yeah, we're fine."
"Good, because your dress is finished," Alice says happily. I look in the mirror and am amazed by the sight it displays. My dress is gorgeous and it makes me feel confident and beautiful. Tears prick at my eyes and I cover my trembling mouth with my hand.
"Oh, Al," I cry softly. "Thank you."
"Honey," Alice laughs and hugs me. "You look beautiful. Now stop crying because you're going to be doing enough of it on your wedding day," she smiles. Rose snaps a picture of us, giggling.
"Hey!" I protest.
"Oh stop, you're going to thank me when you're old and wrinkly for preserving this moment." I roll my eyes at her before wiping my tears away.
"Now, take the dress off, go home, rest up, and be back here at eight o'clock sharp and we'll get this bachelorette party started!" Alice says, clapping her hands twice.
"Hey, Al, you have a phone call," Jasper says as he peeks into the wedding filled study.
"Jasper!" Alice scolds. "You weren't supposed to come in here!"
"Sorry, it's on you cell phone. It's for work." Alice squeals excitedly before rushing out. Jasper makes sure she's out of sight before coming in and whistles in appreciation. "Wow, Bella, you look beautiful," he says in awe. It brings more tears to my eyes.
"Thanks," I sniffle and hug him.
"Edward is one lucky bastard."
"And I'm a lucky woman," I answer.
"Jasper! Get out!" Alice protests. Jasper chuckles and kisses my cheek before walking out, swatting Alice's ass on the way.
XOXO
After my bachelorette party, which happened to take place at a strip club in Port Angeles, I went straight to bed. I didn't care that I smelled of a stripper's cologne and sweat, all I wanted was the comforting embrace of my blankets.
I got home before Edward. He stumbled into the room around three in the morning and face-planted on the bed. I was too tired to even scold him for waking me up. Instead, I just curled up next to him and fell back asleep.
When I wake up later that morning I stretch and take in a deep breath. My nose immediately scrunches in distaste.
"Edward," I grumble, and shove his shoulder lightly. He grunts to let me know he's listening but not happy about it. "You smell like a whorehouse, go shower," I say before rolling over. He groans and moves closer to me, ensnaring me in his arms. He rubs his stubbly jaw across my shoulder and neck. "Edward!" I laugh and squirm to get out of his embrace.
"I'll take a shower if you join me," he negotiates.
"I'm comfy," I complain.
"Yeah, well I was sleeping before you told me I smell," he counters. "And besides, you smell like you went through a cologne shop and tested everything."
"At least it doesn't smell cheap," I yawn. He laughs and kisses my shoulder.
"Jasper and Emmett paid good money to get me to smell like this," he informs me.
"It was probably a waste of money," I yawn before smiling.
"Maybe we should test that out. You could strip for me. We can install a pole in our room too. It'd be free entertainment and I'd be able to smell like you instead of some random chick."
"Fat chance on that. But your smell is giving me a headache," I whine and try to push him away with my butt. He groans and grinds himself into me.
"It's decided. You're showering with me." He gets up from bed quickly and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder.
"Edward!" I laugh. He sets me down on the cold tile floor and I fight not to cringe. Edward turns the water on before coming back over to me. His lips find my jaw, nipping and sucking a trail to my earlobe. I moan, not wanting him to stop but he does. He pulls away to pull my He Put A Ring On It shirt over my head. He groans before massaging my naked breasts. My head falls back and I wrap my fingers around his belt loops.
"You're wearing too many clothes," I moan huskily. I tug at his dress shirt, pulling it all the way out of his slacks. As his teeth nip at my earlobe I fumble with the buttons on his shirt.
"Fuck it," he mumbles impatiently before tugging his shirt open, buttons firing in every direction. I'm too caught up in his lips on my skin to argue that he just ruined a nice shirt. I trail my hands from his shoulders down his muscular arms, pushing the offending fabric off him. He pulls away from me to pull his undershirt off. I grab his belt and pull him into my before undoing it along with his pants. I push his slacks and boxer briefs down, causing his erection to spring free. I grab it in my hand and pump it once. "Fuck," he hisses through his teeth. He unzips my skirt and lets it fall to the floor before pushing my panties down.
Satisfied that I'm naked, Edward picks me up and I wrap my legs around his waist. He attaches his lips to mine as he walks us into the shower. The soothing, hot spray hits my back and I jump but quickly relax into it. Edward sets me down and I move my lips to his chest, nipping and licking my way across it. He groans and grabs my head, his thumbs on my cheekbones and his other fingers weaving through my hair, and pulls my lips up to his.
"You're so fucking beautiful," he mumbles against my lips.
I reach down and grab his dick again, pumping it in my hand. I let my fingernail lightly graze the vein on the underside of his dick and he moans, calling my name. He pushes my hands away from him and turns me around.
"Support yourself on the wall," he pants. I bend forward and extend my arms so they're straight with my hands flat on the wall. Edward pushes my legs apart with one of his. He grabs his dick and teases my entrance making my knees weak. Seeing me tremble, he grabs my waist and rams himself into me, making my arms buckle before I quickly straighten them again, calling out his name. He keeps up the rough pace, pounding into me. My mouth hangs open but no sound escapes.
"Fuck, baby, I'm so close," he groans before reaching around to my clit. He pinches it between his fingers and I'm pushed over the edge.
"Oh shit, Edward!" I scream. He doesn't stop his relentless pace before he spills everything into me. My knees go weak and we both end up on the shower floor.
"Well that's one way to wake up," Edward chuckles through his panting. I hum in agreement, too spent to say anything more.
XOXO
"I don't know if I can do this. What if I fall? What if I forget my vows? What if he isn't there? Oh god, he's there right? Please, tell me he's here!" I panic as I pace the room.
"Bella, sweetheart, calm down," Rose says and places her hands on my shoulders. "Edward is here, he's waiting at the altar as we speak so we have to get your ass in gear. Your father is outside the door waiting for you to suck up your fears and get this show on the road. You've been through so much between the time you met Edward and now. You and Edward deserve this. This is your happily ever after, okay? He's there and he's waiting for you. If anyone should be worried, it's him because you're the one that hasn't made it to the aisle yet. Suck it up, because you look beautiful and you can do this. You hear me?"
"Okay, I can do this, I can do this," I chant as I slip on my high heels. "Oh god, I'm going to fall."
"No you won't. You walk in heels perfectly fine. Besides you're holding onto either your dad or Edward the whole time. Now come on!" She rushes.
"Guys, hurry up!" Alice says as she peeks inside.
"We're coming. I just had to give the bride a pep talk," Rose says as she walks out ahead of me. I walk out to see my father waiting against the wall across from me. He looks up and his eyes go wide for a brief second.
"Wow, Bells," he whispers and comes over to me. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks," I smile and bite my cheek to keep from crying.
"You ready?" he asks as we make our way to the altar.
"Yeah, I am," I smile confidently. "I can't wait to marry my best friend."
Once we're right outside the double doors that lead to the aisle, the music changes and the bridesmaid, Rose, and the maid of honor, Alice, walk in. Tony follows behind, holding Ashley's hand. It was only natural to make Ashley the flower girl and Tony the ring bearer.
When they're all at the end of the aisle, the music changes and I make my entrance with Dad. Edward is looking at Jasper, his best man, laughing at something he said. When he hears everyone stand he looks back at me and the look on his face will be forever embedded in my mind. His eyes are wide in awe, his mouth slightly agape, and I see a tear fall down his cheek. His mouth curves up into that smile I love so much and I find myself crying at how happy he looks. No one has ever looked at me with such joy in their eyes. Knowing that my entrance made him that happy shows how lucky I am to have him.
Thinking back to the very beginning when I was afraid of him seems so silly. I know that James is the reason for my fears but Edward is the most loving person I know. He wouldn't hurt the people he loves, or anyone else for that matter. He's become so important to me. He's my best friend, my soul mate, my love. I'm the luckiest woman alive to be able to live the rest of my life with him.
Dad hands me over to Edward and we walk up to the altar.
"Hi," Edward mouths as the ceremony begins.
"Hi," I mouth back. "I love you."
"And I you," he mouths before winking.
When it gets to our vows Edward goes first.
"Bella, from that first day I walked up to your house I knew you were the one for me. It wasn't until I got to know you better and fall for you that I realized that I had known all along. I promise that I will take care of you and our family every day of my life. I promise to hold you when you cry, to kiss you every day, to never go to bed angry at you, and to drive you insane," he smirks at the last part. "Which won't be hard," he adds and a few people laugh. "I will love you through all the times you're stubborn and angry with me as well as when you're happy. I promise to make you smile as often as I can. I will be the best husband and best friend I can even after death does us part," he says with a trembling lip. A tear falls from his eye and I can't help it, I reach up and wipe it away. A few people in the audience let out an "awh".
"Edward," I say, my voice trembling. "I will spend every day loving you. You make me feel like I can do anything and like I'm the prettiest woman you've ever met." Edward mouths, "you are" and I smile. "I promise to give you space when you're angry and to let you watch your Sunday Night Football. I can't promise to watch it with you, but I promise to cheer with you if I do. I promise to be your best friend and the best wife I can. I promise to love you and only you and to be faithful. I will always love you and to try to not be stubborn. You are my best friend, my soul mate, and my one true love, and I promise to be there for you through our journey."
After our vows, we exchanged rings and said, "I do," before we were finally pronounced as Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen. Edward's hands cradle my face as his lips capture mine. I wrap my arms around his back as his lips move with mine. Everyone stands up and claps for us. When we break apart, Edward rests his forehead against mine briefly, uttering his love for me. I return it before he pulls away completely and wipes my tears away. Then he holds his arm out to me and I take it with a grin. We walk down the aisle as everyone claps.
When we get to the end of the aisle, Edward bends and picks me up bridal style. I giggle and wrap my arms around his neck, placing a kiss on his cheek. Edward sets me down in the lobby as our son comes rushing out to us.
"Momma!" he cries happily and I smile before picking him up. "Crying, momma?" he asks sadly.
"Happy tears, Bubby. Momma's happy," I say and smile at him.
At the reception, Alice and Jasper make their speeches and before I know it, I'm on the dance floor with my husband for the first time. He pulls me flush against him, wrapping his left arm around my waist, and holds my hand in his right hand. I wrap my right arm around his shoulder and absentmindedly run my fingers through the small hairs at his hairline.
"You look so beautiful," he says with a smile. "Mrs. Cullen," he adds with a grin. I grin up at him.
"You don't look half bad yourself, Chief," I joke. The sound of silverware hitting glasses rings through the party hall.
"I think that's our cue," he winks.
"I was always taught not to give into peer pressure," I smile.
"I found giving in is more fun than avoiding it," he says as he drops my hand. He cups it around my cheek and pulls my lips up to his. Everyone applauds as his lips move in sync with mine.
"I love you so, so much," Edward whispers against my lips.
"Ditto," I grin before kissing him one last time and pulling away.
Hey everyone!
Wow, so fail on my part for making you all wait! Because of the wait, I didn't get the teasers out because I just wanted to post it so you guys can read it! I know this chapter is rushed but my writer's block is literally horrible right now. I'm writing this story, my other story, and then four novels that are actually my own.
So, thank you all for being patient with me and I hope you all liked it!
This time, reviewers do get teasers!
Sorry again!
Lots of love,
Nikki