Chapter. 41 The Twat, The bear, and the Wardrobe.
Esme was waiting for us at the airport as our plane landed. She ran up to the Jet as they were opening the door. Alice and I gathered our belongings, thanked the crew and hauled ass down the stairs and into the car. Esme peeled out of the airport, and headed home.
"I want to thank you both for….well for giving my boys a second chance….they love you so very much-" I cut Esme off.
"I would like to apologize for my behavior Esme. Alice has but I haven't yet, I should have given you the opportunity to explain, I owed more to you than running away and I am sorry" I said quickly.
"Thank you Bella, and I'm sorry I kept that from you, I should have never agreed to it" She sighed.
"I understand that Edward wished to keep a little bit of his identity to himself…he has no privacy and nothing to himself….I understand how he would want at least a bit of normalcy" I stated as-a-matter-a-factly.
"That's very true, but he still should have told you"
"Yes….yes he should have….at least he should have tried to tell me earlier."
"And Alice Honey" Alice put up her hands to stop Esme.
"Not going to hear it Esme…..it's something Jasper and I are going to have to work through….and I would like to apologize once again for the whole "spawn, yada yada yada, Fucktards" thing" Alice said as she waved her hands around dismissively.
"And like I said Alice, I forgive you, and commend you….I usually don't use cuss words, but I do enjoy using 'Fucktards'….it just rolls right off the tongue" She laughed as she explained to me her new found fondness of the word.
Esme explained she had made a list of things for Jasper and Edward to do throughout the day. And in doing so, they would have no idea that Alice and I were there. Alice and I took a quick tour of the grounds, and figure out the fastest way to the big tent, that the party would be held in. I did a quick sound check and tuned the acoustic guitar that Esme had bought just for the occasion. Then Alice and I had two hours to prepare ourselves.
I was a nervous wreck as Alice curled my hair and did my make-up. I kept asking why we had to wear gowns to a Christmas party, on a ranch. She kept repeating that it was because, unlike my poor cheap ass, these people had money and, "these people" having balls, not, hoedowns!
Esme knocked on the door at s7:00pm and gushed about our beauty. Of course I blushed, but not because she called me beautiful, but because Esme had been a mother to me, the last six years, and now she might actually be a mother-in law. I kept having to berate myself, about not getting my hopes up.
I stepped onto the dark stage at 7:10pm. The thick red velvet curtains were drawn closed, and the band that had been performing throughout the evening were clearing the stage on the other side of them. Alice was giving me a pep talk, as Esme poked her head in.
"Bella honey are you ready?" she asked excitedly, I just nodded my nauseous head.
"He is going to friggin flip"
"Yes he is….because right now he is feeling like a totally Fucktard" Esme giggled.
"You just had to use the word didn't you?" I shook my head in mock disappointment.
"You know it!" she said as she snapped as if she was ghetto fabulous.
"You go girl" Alice laughed.
"Alright Bella, start when your ready, Alice come stand over here with me, we'll stand where they can't see us" Esme motioned.
I sat on the chair that, was positioned all by it's self in the center of the stage. I took a deep breath, positioned the microphone one last time and began the first chord. Alice gave me two thumbs up as she pulled the cord that separated the huge curtains. I began to sing as hundreds of intrigued eyes, stared me down. I closed my eyes, and sang from my heart. I tried to tell Edward I was sorry, and also that I forgave him. That I loved him, and that he was my world, with the simple yet informative words of a old love song, by Randy Travis.
Well I've heard those city singers singin 'bout how they can love,
Deeper than the oceans, higher than the stars above,
Well I come from the country and I know I aint seen it all
But I head that ocean's salty and the stars they sometimes fall
But that would not do justice to the way I feel for you
So I have to sing this song about all the things I knew,
My love is deeper than the holler, stronger than the rivers,
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as the robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the whippoorwill
From the backroads to the broadway shows with a million miles between
There's a least a million love songs that people love to sing
And everyone is different, and everyone's the same
So this is just another way of saying the same thing.
My love is deeper than the holler, stronger than the rivers,
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as the robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the whippoorwill
My love is deeper than the holler, stronger than the rivers,
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as the robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the whippoorwill
Applause erupted from the audience. I just nodded my head in thanks and scanned the audience for my man. The audience was cheering encore, as my eyes met with his. He was standing by the bar with the sweetest smile adoring his beautiful face. His green eyes shined with love, and in his own way without saying a word, he was saying he loved me back. I smiled widely at him and gave him a wink. I looked over to the side of the stage and saw that Jasper had quickly figured Alice was here since I was, and they were now making out ferociously. Esme waved at me and was pleading me to sing another song, I nodded and looked out for Edward again. As I caught sight of him again, I just happen to catch sight of The Slutty McSlutt, Tanya. Who was all over MY man. It was at that very moment a wicked glint of mischief adorned my face, and I began to sing.
Well, you're a real hot cookie with your new hairdo,
Your high heel boots and your credit card
Long legs and a mini skirt
Yeah, You know what works and you work it hard.
You smile like such a lady, innocent and sweet
You drive the men crazy but any girl can see
You're just a
Home wrecker, I know what your doin
You think you think your gonna ruin what I got,
But your not,
Yeah, you little go-getter
I'll teach you a lesson
If you get into messin' with my man
You don't stand a chance
No, your just a home wrecker.
I'm sure you waited a long, long time for a man like mine
But honey your too late
So before you go and make your move
maybe me and you should get a few things straight
There's two way we can do this,
I'll let you decide,
You can take it somewhere else
Or we can take it outside, you little
Home wrecker, I know what your doin
You think you think your gonna ruin what I got,
But your not,
Yeah, you little go-getter
I'll teach you a lesson
If you get into messin' with my man
You don't stand a chance
No, your just a home wrecker.
Now honey I'm a Christian
But if you keep it up,
I'm gonna go onto kickin your pretty little butt
Is that clear enough?
Yeah you little
Home wrecker, I'll teach you a lesson
If you get into messin' with my man
You don't stand a chance
Yeah, you're just a home wrecker.
Homewrecker!
It was extremely hard to keep a straight face while singing the song. Tanya instantly knew it was about her, and so did half of the crowd. By the end of the song, she was horrified and ran out crying, while half the crowd was laughing. Almost every woman in the room hooped and hollered as loud as they could, while standing on table and chairs, I actually think they were thanking me for humiliating that skank! Maybe she was hitting on all their husbands?….shit, probably! Esme was laughing with tears streaming down her face as she walked on to the stage. She leaned over and whispered in my ear.
"Thank god someone finally called that little twat out!" as she patted me on the back. I then turned and looked back out to the crowd as she announced over the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen that was our very own Isabella Swan, she's like a daughter to me, give her another hand"
The crowd erupted into applause again, but I only had eyes and ears for one person; and he was swiftly making his way up to the stage.
I jumped off the stage and into my lovers arms, as soon as he was close enough to do so. As I wrapped my arms around his chiseled body and felt the warmth of his embrace, a feeling of completeness overwhelmed me; I was home, once again.
"Thank you for coming back Bella, I am so sorry" He whispered in my ear while peppering my face with sweet kisses.
"Half of it was my fault, I'm sorry I ran away from you" I whispered back.
"Please don't ever do that again, you broke my heart." He whispered pleadingly.
"Well don't fuck up again" I giggled back.
"I promise, do you?"
"Yeah, I promise"
We continue to hug and kiss on each other completely oblivious to the world around us; well, until I heard a familiar loud bellow of a laugh. I looked up quickly once I heard Emmett's laughter. He and Rosalie were walking towards us. Emmett had a huge grin on his face as he looked at me and Edward.
"Forgive me for the next few minutes ok?" I whispered quickly in Edward's ear before I planted a kiss on his lips and turned from him. I smiled brightly at Emmett, only causing him to smile bigger and open his arms to me as an invitation. I screamed "Emmi-Bear" sweetly as I ran to him, with all the fake excitement I could muster.
"Southern Bells! I've missed you" He laughed at my approaching figure.
"Uh Emmett" Rosalie said as she realized what was about to happen.
"Shush Rosie not right now, I need to hug my Cub-B……Cub-B! I knew it would all work-" He was cut off as I swung my arm back, and with every ounce of power I had, threw a punch straight to his face. A loud THAWACK! Was heard and then a even louder THUD! As Emmett huge body hit the ground. The crowd was frantic with worry and anxiousness, and I think I heard a few women scream in terror. I had knocked Emmett out cold, his motionless body unmoving, as I stood over him. His left eye was already turning black as I yelled at him.
"Don't you EVER treat me as if I have no say in my life! I am not some fragile little girl, Emmett McCarty!" I yelled.
"He's unconscious Bells" Jasper said nervously.
"Your lucky Alice gave you that one, or you would be on the ground with him" I seethed, he just coward down.
"I'm sorry for everything Tinker"
"Fine Jasper! I forgive you, but let this be a warning, if you ever lie to me again, your punishment will be worse than this" I said as I pointed at Emmett as he began to come back to life.
"Emmett, your lucky I restrained myself, don't you ever make decisions for me, don't treat me like a fragile little girl, and how dare you keep me and Edward apart, you pompous Jackass" I scowled at him as he looked up at me shocked.
"Told you" Rosalie said sadly while looking down at him and shook her head, then she held out her right fist and I bumped it with my own.
"Jesus Bella" Emmett whined as he slowly sat up and felt his swollen eye.
"You lied to me you dickwad, and forced Edward to stay away from me, and then kept his secret from me for years! Your lucky I don't chop off little Emmett or play baseball with the boys!" I scolded down at him.
"See Emmett I told you she would be pissed" Rosalie yelled at him, clearly annoyed. "Bella I had no idea by the way, not until a few days ago……I've withheld sex since the moment I found out" She whispered the last part, I started laughing.
Alice walked up at that point and handed Emmett a dishtowel full of ice. "Here! I should punch you in the other eye, but your not worth it!" She spat out as she shook her head in disappointment at him, he just frowned. I felt Edward's arms wrap around me.
"Uh….so yeah, Dad this is the love of my life Bella; Bella this is my father Carlisle" Edward chuckled, my face flushed red as I turned to Esme's husband.
Carlisle was hotter in person, than he was, in any picture Esme had shown me. I had talked to him over the phone, but never knew him personally.
"Carlisle it's nice to finally meet you" I blushed.
"It's nice to finally meet THE Bella, who has captured my family's heart, I would say your reputation proceeds you but….you just kicked ass on and off the stage so…." He chuckled as he shook my hand.
"I would say that this usually doesn't happen or something witty right now, but…I guess if I'm going to be hanging around you, it's better you get to know the REAL me….right?" I laughed back .
"I think you are just what this family has been missing Isabella" Carlisle chuckled back.
"Dad…stop flirting with my girlfriend!" Edward whined in mock annoyance, and we all laughed.
"Emmett please get off the ground and can we all began enjoying the party? People are looking uncomfortable?" Esme scolded sweetly.
And at that we all dispersed; Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me outside into the cold December night.
"I want to talk to you and show you something………..really bad!" He hollered back to me as he began to run, while pulling me along. We ran to the house, and he asked me to wait at the bottom of the stairs. He came running back down with a huge grin on his lips as he turned and motioned for me to jump on his back. Thanking baby Jesus for the long flowing dress's ability to allow me to ride on Edwards back, I jumped on; and he began running…..again.
We continue to run until we reached a small pond. He slowed his running to a brisk walk as we climbed the small hill that bordered one side of the pond. At the top of the hill he stopped, I slid down his back and winced as my high heeled feet touched the cold snow. Edward took off his jacket and gave it to me, then motioned for me to sit on the old tree swing, that was hung from an old lonely bare tree at the top of the small hill.
I swung the large coat around my shoulders, brushed off the old wooden seat, and sat down, using the bottom of the coat to keep my butt from getting wet. I thanked Baby Jesus once again that the swing was high enough to cause my freezing feet to dangle, I wasn't sure, but I think I could have gotten frost bite if my feet stayed in the shallow snow any longer.
I sighed as I took in the view from the old tree swing. The pond twinkled with flashes of lights from the surrounding area, and the stars. I looked to the sky, it was unbelievably clear and millions of stars shown brightly. This place Edward has taken me to, reminded me of my pond, but was of course, a hundred times prettier.
"Bella this is my pond, and that…well that is my swing. I have came here, to this exact spot since I was a little kid. I learned to swim in this very pond, and got my first broken bone from jumping out of this swing. This place is very special to me, and I wanted to show it to you, because you are very special to me too. I know that I haven't been completely honest with you, and I am sorry. I was trying to wait for the 'perfect' time, but it never came, and then I was afraid to tell you, because…well….because I should have already told you I was Edward…and I didn't want to loose you" He began pacing in front of me.
"McHottie, Masen, Cullen, Edward, Anthony…whatever! It doesn't matter….we both made mistakes, lets just let the past be the past"
"Can you ever trust me again?" He asked, his voice breaking with emotion.
"I would trust you with my life" I said quietly.
"But are you willing to trust me with your heart" He asked as he stopped pacing and looked me dead in the face. I thought about the last few years, and especially the last few days. Everything Jake said, everything Leah slapped me for, everything I had felt, what Charlie had said, and how I felt when I saw Edward after I had sung for him. I loved this man, he was the other half, that made me whole. I had loved him even when I didn't know his name, of course I would trust him with my heart.
"Yes"
"Why?" He asked pained.
"….because my heart is not mine anymore…(I looked down at my hands)…..and it hasn't been mine for a while…Hell, it's been yours for years" I said looking straight back at him. He took a deep breath, nodded and began to pace again.
"I love you Bella…I've never loved anyone as quickly and as wholly as I do you….and I promise to never lie to you again, you are the one thing I can't stand to loose, I hope you know that…..You are my life, my love, and my soul…Bella you are the miracle that makes my life complete, and I'm trying really hard to put my love for you in words, but…..there aren't words that exist that could even begin, to describe how deeply I love you……(he looked down)…..But do you think…………well… do you think it's too soon for me to love you that much, does it scare you that I feel this intensely about you?" He asked quietly as he stared at his shoes.
"No…(I shook my head, and his eyes lifted to meet mine)…...I know it's crazy and maybe to some people too fast and too extreme, but to me…..well, to me this just feels right, and I don't really, care about anything else" I said quietly
He smiled brightly for the first time since he started talking, he nodded his head, said something to himself, took a deep breath, walked over and stood above me. " I can remember trying not to stare the day I met you…..you mesmerized me, I have never met someone as perfect for me, as you are…and on our first date, when you sneezed on me….I hadn't told you that I loved you, even though I wanted to scream to the world from the edge of those cliffs. And even when I thought I couldn't possibly love you more, you would smile, snort, burp, sing, forgive me, or make love to me, causing my heart to grow larger...(He bent down on one knee and grasped my left hand)….I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I want you to be the mother of my children, I want to wake up every morning beside you, and go to sleep every night holding you, I want to grow old with you, and if you don't want to get married right away that's fine, I'll wait…I'll support you in anything you want to do…Bella…I just want to be apart of your life! I want to inspire you everyday, I want to laugh with you and comfort you in times of struggle, I want to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple and when its an effort, I want to take care of you and provide for you, I want to lean on you for support and I want you to do the same….I want to learn from you, on how to be a better person, a better friend, a better lover……and I know you love me Bella, I can see it in your eyes, I can feel it in your smile, and I can hear it in your laugh. I trust you with my life, I trust you with my heart, because when I saw you singing for me on that stage, I knew you loved me as much as I love you……Bella, I am ready to spend the rest of my life with you, and not just because I am ready to settle down…but because at this very moment with every fiber of my soul, I know; that if I lost my job, or got really sick, if I couldn't walk, or see, or if I fell into a coma, that you would be by my side supporting me and taking care of me and loving me even more each and everyday. And I know I am prepared to give my love and life to you because……I am willing to same….You are the one and only love of my life…… you are the best part of me. In all the world, you'll never find a love as a deep and true as mine. Isabella Marie Swan will you do me the honor of being my wife?" He asked as tears streamed down his face.
"OH. MY. GOD.!" I heard Alice scream from my left. Edward and I both looked up and saw a very embarrassed Jasper, struggling with a very excited Alice. Jasper mouthed a sorry as he carried Alice's screaming form away (football style). I sat there stunned by the interruption and watched their retreating forms.
"Bella?" Edward asked nervously. I turned my head towards him, my mouth hanging open. "Bella…..?" He motioned to the ring he was holding in his right hand.
"Oh! Sorry………"
"Well" He asked pleadingly as he once again motioned towards the ring with his eyes.
"Riiiiiiight…….uh….." My mind still was processing everything he had just said to me. I'm not really ready for this…..but I love him so much……Isabella Marie Cullen….nice ring to it…..OH GOD Look at the size of that thing!!!!! Well at least the rock isn't a diamond….sapphire…..I always like sapphires….he didn't know that though…did he asked Charlie about that?….no…no way…..Isabella Marie Cullen…..Hi I am Mrs. Edward Cullen….I began singing "Cullen, Cullen, Cullen" to the melody of "That's the way Love Goes" by Merle Haggard in my head.
"Seriously Bella?!" Edward said, snapping me out of my fantasy world.
"Oh Right Sorry, I was singing Cullen….not the point, anyway….right you just asked me to marry you and I haven't given you an answer, which I am sorry for by the way, it was really kinda a shocker, and then Alice-" He cut me off.
"Sweetheart I know you have verbal diarrhea, when your nervous, but I am kneeling on snow…." He said trying to hide his humor.
"Right…sorry!…..Yes"
"Yes?" He said his eyes sparkling with love.
"Yes" I nodded.
"No shit?"
"No shit!" I giggled, shaking my head. He always thought they way Alice and I "no shitted" each other for hours was hilarious.
"This is a family heirloom" He said as he slipped the ring onto my finger, it, of course, fitting perfectly. I jumped up off the swing as he stood up. I wrapped my arms around him and began to kiss his face…..everywhere.
"Wait a family heirloom? Shouldn't this be Jasper's then? He is the oldest right?" I asked.
"Yes, but he told me I could have it when he decided he was going to propose to Alice. He knows she won't be happy unless it's from Tiffanys! And anyway the ring goes to whoever proposes first…and that would be me" He smiled, and then leaned in for a kiss.
"I love you" I murmured against his lips.
"And I love you" He murmured back.
"Wow! I'm….Engaged!" I laughed as I looked down at the gorgeous one and half carat cushion cut Sapphire solitaire, and the thick band of diamonds it was attached to.
"Yep you sure are!……………..…..uh…..we should get back before we both get hypothermia, but….(he rubbed the back of his neck, nervously)……I have to warn you…..if you think Alice is going to go all crazy with wanting to plan a wedding…..Esme is ten times worse" He smiled nervously, my faced blanched.
"Man! Really" I whined , he nodded his head sadly.
"You can't retract the acceptance of my proposal either" He smiled.
"No shit?"
"No shit" he nodded.
"Well fuck me!" I whined.
"Later….. Mrs. Soon to be Cullen" He winked as he turned his back to me and motioned for me to hop on.
"Dear Baby Jesus" I whined again, as I jump onto his back and he began to walk back towards the house and tent.
"He can't help you now love" he laughed.
"Fine!…so when are we getting hitched?"
"As soon as you'll allow" he shrugged.
"So if I decided……like….right after we get done with our movie?"
"Really?" He asked excitedly.
"Well, I figure it's going to happen eventually anyways, and….well, the less time I have to listen to Alice and your Mom's planning ideas, the better" I laughed.
"Wow….I thought you would make me wait like four years or more (he laughed)…..so where do you want to have it, and where do you want to honeymoon at?" He asked excitedly.
"Well here or on my Dad's ranch….I would love to go to Alaska and go ice fishing…I didn't sign up for any other movies after this one, your off for at least two months right?….what if we took all the time we had off and went to Alaska? We could find a small cabin on a lake, we could fish or hunt during the day, make love next to the fireplace every night….."
"Have I ever told you how perfect you are?"
"Nope"
"I'm sure I've mentioned it before"
"I don't think so"
"Whatever compliment whore" He laughed.
"So is that a yes for Alaska?" I asked .
"Sounds like paradise" He sighed, I giggled in excitement as he stopped and I slid down his back. I straighten out my dress and he folded his coat over his arm. We walked hand in hand back into to tent. As soon as we cleared the first two tables, a ear shattered squeal rang through the air. Esme was literally shoving people out of her way, as she ran towards us.
"Alice said Edward just proposed!" She yelled as she stopped in front of us.
"Yes he did" I said as I lifted my left hand to her eye level. Her bright green eyes glimmered with tears as she looked between Edward and I.
"You two are getting married?!" Emmett's voice asked in shock, as all our friends and some people I didn't know began to gather around us.
"Yes, and he already talked to Charlie…shut it Emmett, or I'll give you another black eye" I scowled in his direction.
"Hey , hey, hey! I just was going to say congratulations….and that me and Rosie are getting hitched too?" He said quickly raising his hands in surrender, Rose smiled and flashed her new engagement ring.
"Is…everyone getting married?" Alice asked innocently, as is she was feeling left out, even her lip began to quiver. It was sad, really, really sad. Jasper walked up and placed his arm around her shoulders, she j He looked at everyone and must look at the ground. Jasper mouthed "I'm asking her next week", and everyone nodded and looked back down at a very sad Alice.
"Cheer up Ally-cat!"
"Sure" she huffed, crossing her arms.
"Alright then…..I guess Esme will have to find another planning partner, to plan my wedding, since you'll be too busy pouting" I said while looking as if I was bored at my ring.
"Wh-what…really?"
"Really" I smiled.
"No Shit?"
"No shit" I nodded curtly.
"OHMYGODOHMYGOD I have so many plans!" She screamed jumping up and down.
"Calm down there popcorn! Look Edward and I want to get married January 23, either here or at my dads…and it's going to be a country wedding, small and simple! And I'm wearing jeans during the reception!" I said quickly before she got ahead of herself.
"Your having it here" Esme interjected.
"Good!….oh and my favorite colors are Orange and turquoise" I nodded and them smiled, they both started talking to each other about flowers and invitations.
"Now if you don't mind, I would like to dance with my fiancé" Edward said, as he placed his hand on the small of my back and began walking towards the large dance floor. He asked me to wait, in the middle of the floor as he walked over to the DJ. A few minutes later he came walking back, with a smile on his lips. Esme ran over to the Dj and grabbed to microphone.
"May I have your attention?…..friends and family, I would like to make an announcement! My youngest son, Edward has asked for Bella's hand in marriage and she has accepted!….. Isn't that great?………..OH OH OH! And just think Bella, in a few years you just may make me a grandma! Oh dear me a grandmother! Can you two please start a family as soon as-" Esme's slightly tipsy announcement, or my mortification; whatever you choose to call it, was cut short by my personal savior Carlisle. She began quietly asking for the microphone back as he mouthed, "congratulations" and gave us a wink. "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley began playing. I smiled at the love of my life as he began to sway and sing the song to me. My life couldn't get any better than this.
She's a yellow pair of running shoes, A holey pair of jeans,
She looks great in cheap sunglasses, She looks great in anything
She's I want at piece of chocolate, Take me to a movie
She's I can't find a thing to wear, Now and then she's moody
She's a Saturn with a sunroof, With her brown hair a-blowin
She's a soft place to land, And a good feelin knowing
She's a warm conversation, That I wouldn't miss for nothing
She's a fighter when she's mad, And a lover when she's loving
And she's, everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
Because she's everything to me…
She's a Saturday on the town, And a church girl on Sunday
She's a cross around her neck, And a cuss word 'cause it's Monday
She's a bubble bath and candles, Baby come and kiss me
She's a one glass of whine, And she's feeling kinda tipsy
She's the giver I wish I could be, And the stealer of the covers
She a picture in my wallet, of my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I'm holding, When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer, And she's the song that I'm playing
And she's, everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
Because she's everything to me
She's the voice I love to hear, Someday when I'm ninety
She's that wooden rocking chair, I want rocking right beside me
Everyday that passes, I only love her more
Yeah, she's the one, That I'd lay down my own life for
And she's, everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me
Yeah, she's everything to me
Everything to me