A/N

Yes. It is a new chapter. Sorry about the long wait. I was seriously blocked, and I could only hear Forthwithward from Love in My Box in my ear. My partner in crime, Cosmogirl7481, brought out the whip and made me write this chapter. I owe her everything, but I pay her in text messages and inappropriate emails. Thank you, Cosmo. You make all of this so much more fun.

Chapter 21

Please Don't Go Girl

Edward. He was here looking impossibly gorgeous in a tux. My first reaction was elation but it quickly turned to anger. He was Emmett's "superhot" brother. The hottie best man that all of Rose's friends wanted. Freaking fantastic. I had a blind date with my almost boyfriend. And everyone knew but me. This birthday kept getting shittier and shittier. The universal betrayal just made it more vivid.

"You liar," I muttered under my breath as I looked toward the front of the church and away from the pack of phonies that were my sister and friends. His emerald eyes had looked hopeful, and then devastated as I turned away from him.

The ceremony began and all I could think of was the events of the past weeks. What an excellent Maid of Honor! I hadn't heard one word of the ceremony. I didn't feel too guilty since obviously Rose and Emmett knew what was going on between us. But I didn't understand why they would do it. There was nothing to gain for anyone. How did I miss this?

I was obviously missing some details.

I could feel Edward's burning gaze on me, but I didn't reciprocate. I refused to look at him until finally, mercifully, the ceremony was over. I guess it was nice. I'm sure my mom would make watch the video 500 times, so it wasn't a total loss. The procession started to exit the church and it was time to deal with Edward. I ventured a glance at him. Big mistake. That boy was lethal in a tuxedo. He peered at me anxiously through his thick fringe of lashes. He reached for my arm and tucked it through the crook of his elbow. His eyes never left mine until he whispered in my ear, "Baby, please don't be angry. Give me a chance to explain. Please, Bella?" Oh my god, he was so close. His Edwardy smell was killing me. I remember the last time he touched me, in the gym. How had everything gone to shit in three days?

Crap. How can I stay mad at that? Oh, right - minor detail - he conveniently didn't tell me that his brother was marrying my sister.

"Not now, Edward. Please, just back off," I whispered to him. He sighed quietly in response.

I searched for Alice in the crowd and I saw her with Jasper. Of course he was there, too. She was beaming and clutching Jasper tightly. I would talk with her later. So much for "chicks before dicks."

I guess I was alone in this.

I could feel Edward still staring at me as we walked together out of the church. I avoided his gaze as I greeted the rest of my family. He reluctantly walked away to presumably congratulate his family.

I needed to think. Without fuckhot boys in tuxedos batting their eyelashes at me.

We took pictures (of course) following the ceremony. I avoided looking at him throughout the process. It wasn't that awkward until Edward and I had to take a picture together.

"Oh, look how adorable they are together!" my mom exclaimed as I groaned inwardly. "I can see where Bella and Rosalie get their beauty, Mrs. Swan," kiss-ass Edward said as he grinned and winked at my mother who ate that up with a spoon. Thanks, mom. Way to fraternize with the enemy. We stood together while our moms discussed green-eyed babies with chestnut hair. "God, I hope the baby looks like his Grandpa Cullen," my mother cooed and winked at Edward's dad. I'm pretty sure she'd swap Charlie for any of the Cullen/McCarty men.

Like I said, not awkward at all.

I drove over to the reception with my mom and dad. I had texted Alice that I was going with them. She would probably go with Jasper anyway. I really didn't want to talk to anyone – I just wanted to process what happened. Sitting in the car, listening to my mom rave about how lovely the ceremony was, I realized that I wasn't really mad at Edward - I overreacted to the situation.

Well, I am only 17 after all.

I needed to talk to Edward and clear everything up.

When we got to the hotel, everything was so chaotic I didn't get a chance to talk to him. It was a series of congratulatory hugs and receiving lines, and we never got a chance to speak or even make eye contact until dinner. We only made small talk however, since we didn't have any privacy. I tried not to stare too much at his perfect face, because I couldn't stop thinking about his lips on mine. Gah. . . those lips. Is it possible to have a spontaneous orgasm from staring at someone's mouth? I think I came a little bit. Well, not really. But it was kinda tingly down there.

Dinner ended and we started the traditional wedding activities. Emmett and Rose cut the cake, and did the garter and bouquet toss. One of my cousins caught the bouquet and looked thrilled to dance with Emmett's football teammate that caught the garter. I sat around bored, not even seeking out Alice. I should've brought my iPhone. At least I could have read some Harry Potter fanfiction.

I saw Edward walk toward the microphone and I knew it was time for the toast. My stomach fluttered as I waited anxiously to hear his voice.

"Good evening, everyone. I'm Emmett's little brother, Edward. Of course, next to Emmett, everyone is little. I'm 6' 2" and I still look up to him in more ways than one. Emmett is the brother that everyone wishes they had. He taught me about hard work, competition, and even girls."

"No, that was me, son!" my dad shouted out to laughs from the crowd. Emmett leaned over to fist bump our dad.

"As I was saying. . . Emmett will also be the husband that every woman wishes they had. And he is very lucky to have found his other half in Rosalie. I know how much he loves her and I hope that someday I can have a love like theirs." As he said these words, he gazed at me longingly. I wanted to grab him and say, 'Yes, please.' He continued with his speech, "Please raise your glass and toast to Emmett and Rosalie, may their love always burn bright, steady, and true."

The crowd cheered and 'awwed' as they all embraced and then everyone waited expectantly for the first dance. I just sighed and thought about how hot Edward was and how his speech made him even more attractive. I didn't think that was possible. I needed to talk to him. Crap. I didn't see where he went.

Then I felt hot breath in my ear, and a hand at my waist. The scent was unmistakable. Edward. "Bella. I know you're mad at me right now but I'm about to do something and I want to explain first. The song is for Rosalie from Emmett, but I'll be thinking only about you." With that, he released me and walked over to the piano at the front of the hall where Emmett was waiting with a seated Rosalie. I was so surprised that I couldn't even say a word to him.

"And now the groom has a special dedication to the bride. He's accompanied by his brother, Edward, the best man, on piano," the band's lead singer announced to a round of applause and some catcalls. Damn slutty bridesmaids. He gave the mic to Emmett and Edward sat at the piano.

"This is for my beautiful bride Rose. This song encapsulates my feelings for her. Baby, I mean every word." Emmett looked totally sincere and loving. Wow, I wonder what sappy love ballad he was going to sing?

"To the tick tock, you don't stop, Oooh oo-ooh ooh ooh." Emmett crooned into the mic. Edward's cheeks turned pink as he grinned and sang back up. Damn, he looked hot as he played, long fingers stroking the keys. Ahhh!

Want. Those. Fingers. Everywhere.

Wait, oh my god. He's not singing THAT song. I glanced at Rosalie who was in a trance. I think she wanted to eat Emmett. Yeah, she probably would later.

I was torn, it was such a craptastic song – but Emmett and Edward singing it made it hot. Seriously.

"I've been waiting all night

so just let me hold you close to me

'Cuz I've been dying for you girl. . .to make love to me. . ."

Edward stared right at me while he sang the background vocals in a smoldering voice.

Yes, I was a puddle of Bella.

"Girl you make me feel real good,

We can do it till we both wake up

Girl you know I'm hooked on you

and this is what I'll do. . ."

Emmett was on his knees before Rosalie. He actually had a very pleasant singing voice. Big sister scored on all counts.

But Edward. . . his voice was liquid sex. . . his eyes were blazing. . .I think he may have started a small fire in my underpants.

"Make sweet lovin' all night long...

Feels so right it can't be wrong...

Don't be shy girl rescue me...

Open up your heart and I'll set you free..."

Well, I think the rush of moisture put out the fire.

EPOV

So, not the best idea I ever had. To be fair, it wasn't a plan to not tell her, it just happened that way. By the time I found out, it was too late. When she looked at me with the angry eyes, I was devastated. I didn't want her to think that I was a liar. I wasn't. I knew that I needed to explain.

I stared at her throughout the ceremony, hoping to trade glances with her – wanting to see her cherry lips curl into a smile. Yeah, not so much.

I should have listened to Jasper. That was one sentence never uttered before. The only thing worse than Jasper's taste in clothes was his advice about women. Remember the whole "Alice was a boy" debacle? Who could forget that? When I'm ninety I'm going to bring that shit up.

Bella completely ignored me the entire ceremony. It was like she had tuned me out. I moved through the paces of my best man duties with a sigh and sense of woe. Great brother, Edward. It's Emmett's day and you are whining like a bitch. Take control of this situation, dumbass. She looked at me finally as we were exiting. I pulled her closer by tucking her arm in mine. Still not close enough.

"Baby, please don't be angry. Give me a chance to explain. Please, Bella?" I said desperately.

"Not now, Edward. Please, just back off," she replied in a whisper, making my heart plummet. I sighed again, frustrated and upset at my mistake. I needed to fix this shit right quick, and she wasn't cooperating. How the hell do you break up when you are not even officially together? Apparently Edward 'Fucking Fail' Cullen is tops at everything.

We walked out of the church and I reluctantly let go of her to talk to my family. I shook Emmett's hand and hugged the parents, then went to find Jasper. I found him surgically attached to Alice.

"Jasper, I-" I started to speak, but he interrupted me.

"Am totally fucked," he finished for me.

"How did you know?" I asked, rubbing my eyes and hoping that I was dreaming this shit.

"It was pretty clear the way she looked at you. Normally she's all swoony," Alice chimed in. "I know my best friend. I hoped that she wouldn't react this way, but she's really embarrassed right now. She probably thinks we all knew and were keeping a secret on purpose."

"Um, yeah, we kinda were," I said in a snotty voice.

"Edward, I promise she's not really mad. She just needs time." Jasper kissed Alice's fingers that were twined with his as she spoke. My frustration subsided enough to appreciate my best friend's obvious happiness. I wasn't jealous at all, even though my brother just married the love of his life and Jasper found his other half. I just wanted my girl back, or wherever she was before this shit hit the fan.

"Can you guys help me with something? I planned something for our 'date' tonight, and I really want it to be special," I shared my ideas with the two of them. Alice was nearly beside herself, squealing and 'ahhhing' to basically everything. She pitched a few details herself, which were excellent suggestions. "Let's finish this discussion in the car. I have to take pictures. Alice, are you coming with us?" Yeah, like she was going to let go of Jasper. She laughed in response. Jasper took my keys and sauntered away with his arms wrapped around his girl.

"You better not sully the integrity of my vehicle!" I shouted after him. I think he said 'someone needed to,' but I'm not certain. Dick.

Bella ignored me as I suffered through photographs and having to listen to our moms talk about the pretty babies we'd have. Yeah, Mrs. Swan, my dick isn't THAT long (but it's up there). Your daughter will have to let me get near her to make some babies. I smiled and made nice with Bella's mom. I complemented her like my dad always taught me. Well, she was a very attractive woman. It was good to know that if I married Bella someday she would still look hot in twenty years.

Bella left with her parents quickly and without a word to me. I walked to the lot alone and feeling shitty.

Oh, Bella. I'm sorry. Please give me a chance. I had the words if she just chose to listen.

OK, now I just needed her.

I walked through all of the paces and fulfilled my obligations as best man. I dutifully sat by Bella at dinner, wishing we were together. She said a few polite words to me, nothing to make me think that I had a chance. Great. I made my toast to the happy couple and saw my mom tear up. She loves that sappy stuff. I stared at Bella, trying to give her a hint as I was taking about love and stuff.

And then it was time for Emmett's and my little performance. I still could not believe that I was doing this shit. I really should thank fuck that I convinced him that the choreography he wanted to do would be cheesy (that shit wasn't happening). I must really love my big bro because this song. . . I mean, couldn't he just pick a normal song, like something by Celine Dion? Well, on second thought. . .

Before joining Emmett, I walked toward her with confidence. It was now that I was making my move. Last time I came up behind her to surprise her was pretty fucking great. Remember the gym thing? If not, it's on the internet.

I leaned in close and held her by the waist. "Bella. I know you're mad at me right now but I'm about to do something and I want to explain first. The song is for Rosalie from Emmett, but I'll be thinking only about you," I whispered in her ear and felt her shiver. I reluctantly let her go and made my way to the piano and Emmett. It was go time.

"Play that piano good, bro," Emmett said as I sat down.

"Well," I hissed.

"Well, what?" he asked.

"Play well," I groaned.

"Dick. I know. I fucking graduated. I just like messing with you. You get all pissy when I use improper grammar. Your nostrils flare and you sigh, all annoyed and shit. It's hilarious. There. Just like that," he says as I do exactly as he said. Apparently my reactions are predictable. Nice. I hate when Emmett is right. He's always getting the best of me.

The announcer finished whatever he was saying, and then it was our turn. Damn, it would be funny if Rose hated this song. But I knew she didn't. Emmett had told me that they danced to it on their first date and it was their special song. He sang it in her ear and they practically dry humped on the dance floor. I didn't need to hear that last part, but Emmett wasn't known for his modesty.

Emmett turned to Rosalie and dedicated the song to her. The way she looked at him made me sure that if Emmett sang the ABCs, she'd still rock his world later.

I wondered if Bella has that same look.

I guess she'd have to actually look at me for me to find out. Well, here goes plan B.

So I played. And sang. And, she looked at me with a dazed expression. Is that good? At least she was looking, right?

I was slightly embarrassed to sing this song, but I think it worked. She looked kind of flushed and her eyes were boring into me. And, oh hell yes! She just licked her lips. I kept staring at her, trying to communicate my feelings for her through eye contact or mental telepathy or something because I was desperate by this point.

I was on the last of my "ooh oo ooh oos" and Bella was swaying with her mouth slightly open and her eyes glassy. Her hand was splayed across her throat and she never looked hotter. I smiled as the song came to an end and heard the guests roaring and saw Emmett and Rosalie making out like fucking teenagers. Well, not like this teenager. Maybe Jasper and Alice. I'm not getting any action.

I turned back to look at Bella, but she wasn't there. Fuck. I thought the song had worked. Time to try a little harder. I pulled the note I had written earlier from my pocket and walked over to Jasper and Alice.

"Great song, dude. Emmett has some varied taste in music, huh?" Jasper laughed. "Are you wearing jumpsuits and singing the Backstreet Boys next?" he asked as he dodged my fist.

"No, asshole, but I could borrow your really cool stud earrings to complete my outfit," I shot back.

"I was experimenting with my look, Edward," Jasper whined. Alice giggled, but clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound.

"You both sounded amazing, Edward. Everyone loved it," Alice gushed.

"Thanks. Can you help me get this note to Bella? I'm going to set up for our date. Hopefully she will still go." I handed the paper over to Jazz, and left the reception for the small banquet room I had borrowed for our date.

I waited for Bella in the conference room with the things I bought for her surprise. I tried to make it special for her, since it was her birthday and no one had even paid attention to her except for Alice. I wanted her to know that I was thinking about her – and she was special to me.

I was lighting the candles when a voice whispered to me, "Edward?" But it was all wrong.

I turned to see a familiar face. But it wasn't Bella's. The smile faded from my face as I realized it was one of the bridesmaids. I don't remember her name, but I remembered the looks she gave me. I shuddered involuntarily. This wasn't good. She moved closer and I stepped back. "Um, hi, uh – I'm sorry I don't remember your name," I stammered, wary of this mini-cougar. "I'm waiting for my girlfriend, Bella. Can I help you?"

"Samantha. And I came to help you. With whatever. However," she purred. Yuck. I'm allergic to cats. She ran her hand across my chest and I flinched at the contact. Seriously, what the hell?

"Um, Samantha, I would really appreciate it if you left so I can be alone with my girl. She's going to be here any minute, and I don't want her to get the wrong idea," I said, more forcefully than before.

"Your little mousy brunette isn't coming. She threw this in the trash then started talking to some guy. They looked really cozy in the dark corner," she said, holding up a folded paper. I recognized it as the note I left for Bella.

No. She wouldn't throw it away. She couldn't. My throat started tightening as I could feel a sense of panic and dread.

"No," I repeated out loud.

"Yes," she cooed into my ear, as she got way too close for my comfort.

"No, Samantha. No matter what happened, nothing is going on with you and me," I tried to push her away gently, but she grabbed onto my shirt.

"C'mon Eddie, I can do lots of things the little girl doesn't even know about," she oozed. Yeah, it was like pus. Jeez, she won't give up. She was all over me.

"Listen, Bella -"

"Bella is right here," a voice rang out from behind me. "And she's about to beat someone's ass."

Son of a bitch. I was fucked. I spun around to see my girl staring us down. She did look pissed.

"Bella, baby, I swear I wasn't doing anything with -" I tried to explain, but Bella stopped me by putting up her hand. She put herself in between the hoochie and me.

"Edward, let me handle this. I know what's going on. This bitch has been trying to get into your pants since yesterday. Now I'm going to give her what she deserves," Bella spat out angry words at the now sneering Samantha. I have to admit, after realizing she wasn't pissed at me, her words made the previously mentioned pants tighten in the groin area.

"What are you going to do, little girl? You can't handle a man like him. I was doing you a favor by taking that note," she said and Bella launched herself at her. I grabbed her quickly by the waist before she got too far.

"Let me go, Edward," she screeched. "I'm going to kick her ass!"

"No, I am," another voice rang out in the room. Rose. Seriously, what the hell was going on? Is this the fucking WWE? Rose, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice all walked into the room. "Jasper told us what happened and we came as soon as possible. I knew you were slutty, but this is ridiculous! How dare you put the moves on my sister's boyfriend and my brother in law? You need to get the hell out of here and never, ever speak to me again," Rose yelled at her as she stormed out. "You are so lucky I didn't want to ruin my dress, whore!" She turned to Bella, "I'm so sorry, sis. I shouldn't have invited her. She was not even that good of a friend." I let go of Bella, and they both hugged and started crying. Then Alice got in the embrace and they all started rambling and sobbing.

I turned to the guys and asked, "Can someone tell me what the fuck just happened?"

Jasper looked sheepish. "It was my fault, Edward. I left the note on the table instead of giving it to Bella. I, well, Alice and I were. . ."

"Yeah, I get it," I said.

Jasper continued, "She must have heard us talking and taken it. Later we saw Bella and she asked for you and we realized she never got the note. She came over here -"

"And I saw her all over you and I wanted to punch her in the trachea," Bella said softly. She was kind of red and puffy from crying, but more beautiful than ever because of the way she looked at me.

I walked towards her and grabbed her hand. I brought it to my lips and told her, "I'm sorry. For everything. I promise nothing happened."

She stopped me before I could continue, "I know, Edward. I heard what you were telling her, and I'm not mad about the Emmett thing. I overreacted. Can we just do what you had planned, you know, before this happened?"

"You still want to, after all of this?" I made a wild, circular motion with my arm indicating all of our friends and family.

"I especially want to, because of this," she grabbed my hand and brought it to her lips, then her heart.

I fucking gulped a lungful of air trying not to hyperventilate, and then practically yelled, "Everyone needs to get the fuck out."

Emmett snorted, and thankfully, they all took the hint. The door clicked and we were alone. Bella giggled and looked around for the first time. Earlier she was focused on possible assault and battery. I clicked on the music and turned down the lights to show her my handiwork.

"Wow, Edward. Why did you do all this? For me?" she asked in an incredulous voice.

I pulled her close to me and looked in her eyes, so there would be no mistake.

"Yeah, you, Bella. It's always been you."

She blinked twice, a fat tear escaping the corner of her eye. I brushed it away with my thumb, and then kissed that spot. She wrapped her arms around my neck and finally she was mine. I leaned down as she tilted her head toward me, our lips meeting, then parting. We swayed softly, rhythmically, to the U2 song playing as we kissed. All of the doubts we had disappeared, replaced by sighs and whispers of affection.

The song ended too soon, if you ask me, but I wanted to show her the other things I had for her. We walked hand in hand to the table where I had placed her birthday cake. I lit the candles and sat her down across from me so I could see her face. Her eyes were shining and glassy with tears. I felt like a million dollars with my girl looking at me like that.

"Edward, you went to so much trouble with the flowers and the music and everything. How do I thank you?" she said softly, holding my hand.

"Just be my girl, Bella. I'd do anything for you," I replied. I may have had something in my eyes because they got a little watery, too. She nodded her head and smiled, a wide grin that lit up her face so brightly we didn't need candlelight. Well, not that bright, but you get the idea.

"Make a wish, Bella," I whispered.

"It already came true."

End Notes

Thank you to everyone who reads this story. If you enjoyed the chapter, click review and let me know what parts you liked.