~ XVIII ~
How the hell will I get through today...? Luckily I didn't have to worry on that thought for long as my older brother chose that moment to throw open my door, running in and jumping up and down on my bed like a two year old.
"I'm getting married... I'm getting married... I'm getting married..." He sang completely off key as he continued to jump on my bed effectively knocking me off the bed. Jasper came in laughing his head off at Emmett's antics.
"Dude you sure you're not the bride cause you sure as hell are acting like one." Jasper teased causing Emmett to stop jumping to glare at him before he full on tackled him to the ground. I couldn't help but laugh at the site of my 25yr old brother and 24yr old mate failing at wrestling across my floor.
"Come on you two break it up, break it up. We have to get out of here before the bride really does wake up." Bringing up Rose definitely got Emmett's attention and Jasper took his moment of distraction to push him face first to meet my floor before running out of the room.
"Four words for you Whitlock! Pay back is cruel!" And with Emmett's parting words we all left the confines of my room, me grabbing my bag on the way out as well as the suit, the others already having theirs downstairs waiting. Yelling out to Carlisle to hurry up we headed to the cars, loading everything in. The sun had just started to rise when Carlisle decided to join us finally and we were on our way to the dock nice and early. The girls weren't arriving til 8am and it was now 6:30am but Emmett had to talk with the captain first and it was our job to check all the cabins, assigning people their rooms.
Emmett and Rosalie obviously would be in the honeymoon suite which was on the third deck. The other two decks we split between guests and our families. There was just mine and Bella's rooms left to sort out, and somewhat conveniently only the top deck was left.
"Umm dad, Jasper... Maybe we should swap. You and mom have one room on the top deck while Jasper and Alice have the other." I suggested.
"Why would we do that?" Jasper said with a slight smirk on his face.
"It might be a little awkward for Bella if..."
"Nonsense son, the best man and main bridesmaid rooms are situated on the top deck so you can go about your duties for the wedding. It's not like you two have to share a room or anything, you'll simply be opposite each other." My father cut me off trying to show logic in the issue but he gave it away with the mischievous look he had in his eyes. The buggers set this up.
Taking a deep breath I took the board down to the dock where you board the boat, so that the guests can see where their rooms are on board as well as when they walk on to save confusion. "I'm blaming you two if anything goes wrong you do realise this." I told the two buggers when I got back on board, grabbing my bags and suit to take up to my room on the top deck, Bella and the girls would be arriving soon and I didn't want to risk running into her accidentally.
"Oh please don't son I don't want to hear I'm the reason for..."
"DAD" I shouted shocked that my own father was insinuating that. Jasper just laughed at my expense, high fiving Carlisle as I walked up the stairs to the top deck where mine and Bella's rooms were.
I had to admit the view was amazing. At the top of the stairs was an entire glass view window that you could look out and see the water, it would be amazing to see at sunrise or sunset and very romantic. That thought just made me sigh. There were two doors one on the right one on the left knowing that the one on the left was bigger and more elegant, I left it for Bella, instead choosing the one on the right which was still amazingly grand. I spent the next few hours unpacking my bags into the closet and ensuite. I heard when Bella came up and went into her room opposite at just after 9am. The wedding was at 1pm and reception carries on at 3pm so there would be that sunset view by 5pm Rose was desperate for. That gave us four hours to get ready, two of which I knew Bella had to help Rose get ready while I help Emmett with last minute things.
Getting changed into my suit I had a flash of myself getting ready only for my own wedding day. Quickly shaking that though out of my head I finished getting ready, making sure I had everything.
Walking out of the room I didn't think Bella would be ready and also on to her way to Rose, and yet there she was coming out of her room in front of me. I couldn't help my gasp as I looked at her beauty. "Oh my god" I breathed out, not thinking she would hear me. She spun around too fast in shock and almost fell back and hitting her head on the door but luckily I caught her in my arms in time. God I had forgotten what it felt like to hold her in my arms.
"Bella, are you ok?" I asked looking deep into her eyes which she had added a touch of blue to her eye shadow bringing out her eyes even more.
"More than ok" I don't know if she realised she had whispered that and I had heard it but it gave me hope.
"You look... um... God you look so beautiful." I had to tell her how utterly beautiful she was.
"Thankyou. You look pretty handsome yourself." She murmured quietly. I was going to say more but my phone went off. Emmett.
"Damn it." I muttered under my breath. "Sorry Bella, its Emmett. I'll see you down at the wedding I guess." I said gently, not wanting to leave.
"Yeah I better go to Rosie." She sighed as I moved my arms away from her delicate waist.
We both walked down the two sets of stairs before going in different directions, her to Alice and Jasper's suite where I knew Rose would be, myself going to my parents where my nervous brother was sitting on the bed with mom next to him while Jasper got him a drink from the mini bar.
"You alright there Em?" I asked my older brother whom just a few hours ago had been jumping on my bed excited. A complete contrast to what I was seeing now.
"He's a little nervous." Dad said walking back into the room, smiling at mom.
"You shouldn't be nervous mate. You're marrying Rosalie Hale, the girl you've loved since you first laid eyes on her. What could be better for you?" Jasper said trying to cheer him up a bit. He did smile a bit but you still see some uneasiness.
"I think he's worried he'll forget his vows." Mom told us all then resumed trying to fix Emmett's shirt collar.
"Bro." I said walking up to him; he looked up at me looking a little ashamed of himself. "Do you seriously think Rosalie wants a word for word exact copy of something pre-thought? That's not who you are Em and it's not the man she's in love with. What she will remember from this day is how you kept a smile on her face with your quick smart thinking. You won't know what you need to say until you're standing up there in front of your woman. Don't stress over this. Everything will be perfect I swear." I told him, thinking this is one of the deepest conversations I have ever had with my brother. Mom smiled proudly up at me and I knew it was a good thing I opened my mouth for once.
"Thanks Edward. I knew there was a reason why I picked you as my best man and not this cowboy next to you." Emmett joked finally coming back to his old self.
"Hey I resent that. I have never once ridden a horse." Jasper defended.
"But you've ridden something else, or should I say someone." We were all shocked that dad had said this. Emmett cracked up and slapped our father proudly on the back for coming up with something as gold as that. Mom took that as her cue to leave and left to go check on how things were going down on deck.
It took us a while to calm down and after a jimmy shot each from the mini bar we were right to head down to the deck to face any last minute issues and get Emmett married already. Everything was set and in no time at all, the guests were seated as the music started and we took our places up the front looking down the aisle as Alice skipped down. Yes she skipped down. It kind of took away from the moment but was forgotten as Bella walked down in her beautiful elegant royal blue dress. There were a few gasps from the guest and I wasn't surprised, she truly was radiant as she walked down and took her place next to me. I started to reach for her hand but quickly pulled it back thinking she wouldn't want that.
We both turned back to face where Rosalie was now walking down the aisle in a stunning pale pink bridal dress looking stunning, she truly was a perfect match for Emmett and both seemed to have only eyes for the other. She finally reached where Emmett was grinning madly, quickly handing her flowers to Bella, before turning back to Emmett as the captain started the ceremony. I have to say the ceremony was beautiful, and I was right Emmett didn't need to worry about his vows when it came to the time they were perfect for him and Rose. Rose even cracked a laugh at some things he said.
As I looked on at my brother and Rose I couldn't help but picture the same scene occurring between me and Bella. I loved her so much and I knew that I would only ever want to marry her. I snapped out of my thoughts just as the captain pronounced them husband and wife as Emmett swept Rose off her feet into a passionate kiss earning quite a few cheers, even one from the captain. I noticed Bella wasn't paying attention to the couple and gently nudged her telling her what was going on around her. I looked at her confused asking silently where she had gone off to but she just started cheering along with anyone else. Shaking it off we followed after Emmett and Rose as first they signed the registry then we did as the witnesses. Following them down the aisle with Bella on my arm we went around to the southern end of the boat where the reception was to be held. Posing for a few photo's was bearable and luckily the photographer didn't drag it along as Emmett was saying how hungry he was, causing all of us to laugh and Rose to give him a soft kiss. The rest of the guests followed soon after and it seemed as if Bella was distracted by something again, like she was looking for someone. She didn't bring a date did she? No. Don't be stupid Edward.
All the bridal party was sitting at one table along with Esme and Carlisle, as well as Rose's parents. I sat opposite Bella of course and I could see her sneaking glances at me every so often, not that I could talk I was doing the exact same thing to her. The food went quickly and once the cake was cut Alice went up and announced that it would be the bride and grooms first dance soon and for everyone to stay seated. I was looking forward to seeing my brother attempt to dance the bridal waltz but then again knowing my brother and Rose they probably didn't stick with the traditional dance.
"No way." I heard Bella breathe. "It can't be." She muttered to herself.
"What is it Bella?" Jasper asked. Drawing my attention completely as I looked up to see what she was talking about. "Do you see someone or something?" Jasper said but she was already out of her seat running over to where a woman in a bright pink dress was standing talking to other guests. What was Bella doing? Confused by her behaviour I stood up to follow only to be stopped by Jasper.
The woman turned around to face Bella and then they were both squealing like teenage girls, drawing the attention of everyone around them. Rose looked over confused as well as she was talking to a few of Emmett's mate's at the time. I watched on as Bella and the woman started talking excitedly about things I couldn't hear when Alice announced it was time for the bride and groom to have their first dance and that everyone needed to gather around.
We all stood around the dance area on the deck in a circle as the happy couple danced to Michael Bublé Everything. It definitely wasn't the traditional bridal waltz but they still danced graciously across the dance floor, and I never thought I would be calling my brother a gracious dancer but he proved me wrong. AAs the music came to an end and Emmett spun Rose back into his arms ending perfectly with a kiss the guests all cheered on and applauded the happy newlyweds. I was starting to head back to the table when Jasper grabbed onto my shoulders as Alice announced a nice little surprise I wasn't prepared for.
"Ok, now we have a special performance by the bride and groom for our best man and main bridesmaids one-on-one dance. Don't worry the rest of you will be able to dance after this, but for now just sit back and watch these two. Oh and also I've been told the bar is now open." Alice announced over the microphone, Jasper smirked down at me and literally spun me around before pushing me out onto the dance floor where I saw the woman was also pushing Bella out to.
I smiled softly at her but Bella just turned away and my heart dropped. She didn't even want to dance with me. I took a step back but Jasper pushed me back out as Emmett and Rose took their place on the little stage. People gave a small applause as the band started playing. Hearing the instrumental beginning of the song I used to sing to Bella only editing with my own wording, I sighed. Walking out into the middle of the dance area I left it up to her whether she wanted to walk away or not, because I wasn't going anywhere. The woman pushed Bella again and I saw her sigh as she made her way to where I was standing just as Rose started to sing.
(Rose) She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,
Without a care in the world.
And I'm sittin' here wearin' the weight of the world on my shoulders.
I can't help but smile slightly when she finally reaches me. But the words that come out of her mouth next make me lose hope again.
"Edward you don't have to dance with me if you don't want to." She said sounding sad. Was it really so bad that she wouldn't even dance with me?
"Bella, all I want to do is dance and hold you. Please?" I pleaded softly, not caring if I sounded desperate.
(Emmett) It's been a long day and there's still work to do,
She's pulling at me saying Babe I need you!
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited and I need to practice my dancin'
She slowly took my hand, placing her other on my shoulder as I wrapped mine firmly around her waist, drawing her in closer to me so that our bodies were touching.
(Emmett) Oh please, angel, please!
I inwardly smiled as I took in that they were singing my version of the song to Bella and not the original; that would have been a little bit awkward. As the first chorus sounded we started dancing around the floor gracefully. I didn't care who was watching on, my eyes could only see Bella here in my arms.
(Emmett) So I'll dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
(Rose)'Cause I know something the prince never knew
(Emmett) Oh I'll dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
(Rose) Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
I decided to take a chance. "Bella, what's happened between us? You avoid me and barely say a word to me." I stated more than asked because we both knew it was true.
(Rose) She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
(Emmett) She says Babe, the prom is just one week away,
And I need to practice my dancin'
Continuing to dance around the floor I couldn't help but ask. "Did I do something? I don't know what to think. All I think about is you but I don't know if you feel the same way anymore. It's killing me."
(Emmett) Oh please, angel, please!
"Edward I avoided you because while I was healing you seemed so distant. You stopped telling me you loved me so I thought you didn't anymore. That you didn't want me." She finally admitted. Wait she thought I didn't love her anymore?
(Rose) So I'll dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
"Every time I tried to talk to you I had to run to hide my tears. I love you but you don't love me anymore. I couldn't handle that. The pain was too much." She was in pain? My heart broke a little more knowing I had caused my angel pain.
(Emmett) Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I'll dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
I had to tell her. "You think I don't love you anymore? Bella, I could never stop loving you even if I tried."
(Rose) Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
I started to spin us around in our dancing as her face turned to one of shock.
"You still love me?" She seriously asked. She didn't need to ask.
(Rose) And she'll be gone
"Bella I never stopped." I admitted.
I was shocked by what she said next. "I love you too." And with that she reached up and kissed me. She kissed me.
(Emmett) She will be gone.
I was shocked but then returned the kiss whole heartedly. It wasn't like the other kisses we had shared previously. We were gentle but desperate, passionate for each other showing our love not through dominance but through just feeling.
(Emmett) Well, she came home today
I put a ring on her hand
Just glowin' and tellin' her all I had planned
She says Babe, the wedding's still six months away
but I need to practice my dancin'
Emmett sang our favorite part of the song and I couldn't help but tighten my arms around her as I stopped our dancing completely and simply lifted her off the ground.
(Emmett) Oh please, angel please!
Forgetting about dancing and the guests now cheering us on and whistling I continued to kiss my angel as Emmett and Rose sang the last chorus of our song. I couldn't contain my joy or love towards the angel in my arms as I kissed her again holding on tight as I spun us around feeling her smile against my lips.
(Emmett)So I'll dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
(Rose) 'Cause I know something the prince never knew
(Emmett) Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I'll dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
Rose ended the song beautifully as I stayed in my own little moment with my Bella.
(Rose) Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll…
Be…
gone
As Rose finished singing, Emmett being Emmett started laughing and made one of his own comments. "Believe me people, after that dance I doubt Bella will be gone!"And he was right. I was never letting her go.
"Give it up for Edward and Bella everyone!" Rose shouted.
We had to break apart as everyone cheered and clapped us on. I smiled my crooked smile as Bella blushed from the attention we had gained from out little display. She smiled back at me kissing me sweetly again.
"I love you Edward Cullen." I still couldn't get over whenever she said that.
"I love you Bella Swan." I told her staring deep into her eyes. I loved her so much. I needed to show her how much. It wasn't a want anymore it was a need. I kissed her softly before pulling her away from the dance floor.
"Give it up for the bride and groom singing, and Edward and Bella dancing." We heard Alice say over the cheers of the guests. "Bye Bella. Bye Edward." She shouted after us. I couldn't keep the grin off my face.
Everyone cheered and laughed at that. "Now back to the couple of the evening." Alice's voice faded away as I couldn't hold back anymore and ran pulling Bella with me away from the reception and towards our rooms on the top deck. I'd have to thank my father and Jasper later. I guess they were right.
"Edward." Bella giggled when I pulled her eagerly into my suite closing the door and locking it after us. I chuckled softly when Bella literally sprang at me before kissing me heatedly.
"Bella..." I moaned quite loudly. She pulled back with the biggest smile on her face. She was literally glowing she was so beautiful, so radiant. "Bella are you sure?" I had to ask. If she didn't want this then I would wait no matter how long or how painful it would be to.
I guess she needs this too. Her lips came down on mine hard as she tugged at my shirt. "Edward, I love you. I want this. I want you." She told me, the truth of her words shining from her eyes.
I carefully carried my love over to the large bed, placing her down carefully on top of the bed spread. "I love you so much Bella. I'm never letting you go." I told her honestly. It was true. I would never let go.
Leaning back she looked up at me with love shining from her eyes. "I love you Bella. I want to prove it to you and show you exactly how much." I whispered before kissing her passionately as I planned to do exactly that.