A/N - All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer and not me. Please comment, it will encourage me to finish.

Thanks to Danceswithwolves who beta this story, you're great.

'

2. ENGAGEMENT DINNER

"Right this way." The hostess escorted us to an oblong table in the middle of the crowded restaurant.

Some places never change, Renee thought.

I searched the candle-lit area for my Miss Swan. I found her poised next to a nervous and unsure Charlie. She was leaning her right ear toward him, intently listening. Her hands were together, slightly tucked behind her left ear, elbows on the table. The trivial thoughts in the noisy restaurant waned, as I listened to the angelic voice of the reason for my existence.

"It's my fault he left," Miss Swan said. "I feel bad for all the trouble I've caused you and Billy."

"It's not your fault, Bells'." If only his father would help in the search . . . maybe he thinks a sixteen-year old is able to take care of himself. Charlie frowned. "I contacted the FBI in Seattle. They weren't interested, said Jacob was a runaway. All I know, if it were you missing – "

"Dad, don't worry, I'd know if something happened to Jacob." She promised.

"Well, enough of that." Charlie eyed us walking to our table. "We're here to celebrate, right? Besides, I don't think Edward wants to join this conversation." He nodded his head in my direction, causing my Miss Swan to look at me.

Her chocolate brown eyes shined, and her lips curled up to make a smile. Captivated, my mouth unconsciously formed two things: a smile, and the prohibited venom.

She was wearing a simple sleeveless black dress. Her hair was slicked back, falling softly along her shoulders, held there by a black headband. She was fantastically beautiful, perfection personified, and soon she would be my wife.

I picked up my pace, and was next to her within seconds. I bowed, placing a kiss along her soft cheek inhaling her maddening, addicting scent.

"Charming," was the only word I could whisper without losing all of my composure by sweeping her into my arms and stealing her away.

In accordance with tradition, I reached around and held my cold hand out to Charlie. We shook and quickly released. I smiled. "Thank you for having this dinner; it's very kind of you."

"It's the only thing I've been allowed to do." I had to find some way of contributing to the wedding. Hope I won't make any mistakes and embarrass Bella. Well, better figure out a toast . . .

I was glad he ignored the unnatural coolness of my hand.

"Not the only thing, Dad." Miss Swan's voice was warm and teasing. "You've got to take me for a walk tomorrow."

We laughed as Renee and Phil made their greetings, and took their seats opposite of my Miss Swan. I sat next to my soon-to-be wife.

Soon, Carlisle and Esme arrived, along with Alice, and minus a human-food-fasting Jasper.

Their entry caused many humans to stare - their white marble skin, golden bronze eyes, and youthful beauty made them seem more like celebrities than small-town residents.

They reached our table, and grinned as we rose to greet them.

I stole an admiring look at my Miss Swan. Her dress irresistibly stopped above her knees, revealing her shapely delectable legs. Without glancing at her shoes, I could tell she wore high-heels - she was inches taller. She reached her delicate hand towards me. I looked into her eyes, thrilled that the beauty before me was mine. She blushed and lifted her hand to close my gaping mouth.

Soft chuckles were heard from the members of our party. I was glad Emmett wasn't here to tease us. The start of our evening together was carefree.

Alice twirled into the seat on the other side of me. Good thing you're marrying her, 'cause it sure looked like you were about to take a big bite, she teased. I knew you would like that dress in black. I nodded in agreement.

I could hear the silent compliments and happy thoughts for Miss Swan and me, as we all sat down.

The rehearsal dinner was a huge success. Charlie was glad that his toast, short and sweet, was well-received. He felt bittersweet. He would miss his daughter, but was glad for her happiness.

Charlie offered Renee and Phil a ride back to Forks, a jester of forgiveness for Renee's embrace of their teenage daughter's wedding.

Miss Swan and I decided to spend a few more minutes together in Port Angeles.

"Good night, Dad. I love you."

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said to Renee and Phil. "Be careful." As soon as the red taillights disappeared, she turned to my family. "Thank you all for eating. I know it was difficult. I can't believe you all did that."

"It was actually more for Charlie," Esme told her. "He wanted to handle some part of the wedding, and give you something. It would have been rude not to allow him this."

"He was very pleased with the entire evening," I added.

We said goodnight to Carlisle, Esme, and Alice, and walked hand in hand to my Volvo. It was early, and I had three hours before my bachelor party with Emmett and Jasper.

"Where to?" I asked.

"I'd say the meadow, but the way you looked at me earlier, I'm not sure we're responsible enough to be alone."

"Probably not a good idea in that dress," I agreed. "How about some music?"

"Sure."

In no time, we were in front of a piano at a nearby restaurant. I played several songs, including the lullaby she'd inspired. We sat close together on the piano bench.

"You look very handsome. Alice?" She commented on the black suit I was wearing.

"Yes. You are breathtakingly beautiful in this dress. Alice?" It was a definite understatement, but anything more would have interfered with the music, and reminded me of my absolute, voracious desire to caress her.

"Yeah." A rosy blush formed on her cheeks.

"You packed for the honeymoon?" I asked.

"Alice." She shrugged.

"Yeah? Me too." I played another round of melodies, allowing my Miss Swan to sit quietly with her thoughts. I couldn't help but to wonder . . .

"What are you thinking?"

"Center of attention, the Denali, Quileutes, cake, honeymoon, nothing in particular."

"Is that in order of concern?"

"No. I'm worried about them all equally, but it's the order of occurrence."

"I think I understand your 'don't make a big fuss over me' concern. But what bothers you about the Denali?"

"I've never met them before, and Tanya will be here."

"They will adore you, and as for Tanya, she will be pleasant. However, I imagine she'll be more interested in the human men at the reception than our wedding."

Tonya and her sisters, Irina and Kate, refrained from the traditional vampire diet. They also preferred the company of human men; they embraced their human lovers, and the men are never harmed. Their relationships with humans made me hopeful.

Miss Swan sighed. "I'm glad they're vegetarians."

"So, why are you worried about the Quileutes?"

"Well, they'll be in a room with a dozen vampires."

"Nothing's going to happen. Everyone will mind their manners, and there's no need to worry. Now, I can't phantom why you have an issue with the wedding cake?"

"Haven't you had enough food to last you?"

I chuckled, "You think I wouldn't eat a piece of our wedding cake?"

"You said all food tastes like dirt to you."

"There are two reasons why, no matter how much distasteful food I've eaten, I will eat our wedding cake. First, when we cut the cake, it's the first task we'll perform jointly as husband and wife. Second, when we feed one another from the first slice, it will symbolize our mutual commitment to provide for one another."

"All that from a simple slice of cake?"

"That's what tradition holds."

"I guess there's nothing to worry about, then."

"I am curious, though. Why aren't you worried about stumbling and dancing?"

"Oh, that's easy. I figure I hang on tight to Charlie, and once I make it safely to the altar, I'll just hold on to you. That'll keep me steady."

"Seems reasonable." I began to play a soft jazz song. It was as complicated as our relationship, syncopated improvisation.

I was hopeful that my Miss Swan finally feared our honeymoon. Had she accepted that she could die, or become permanently injured?

"What's your trepidation with the honeymoon?"

"Edward, I'm not frightened," she giggled. "I'd just rather skip all the other stuff and go straight to the honeymoon. Where're we going, anyway?"

"You'll find out soon," I teased. I'd kept the location a secret, and she'd have to wait a little while longer. My hope faded, Miss Swan never displayed self-preservation. "Big day tomorrow?"

"Yeah, but in some ways not as big as I thought."

I started playing Bella's Lullaby again, and on cue, she yawned. I desired to be seventeen and human, so that Miss Swan would not have to sacrifice anything to be with me. But no amount of fantasizing would separate me from the incontrovertible fact that I would never be either. As I finished the tune, my mood turned more melancholy, it was time to go.

---

"Goodnight Miss Swan."

"Goodnight Mr. Cullen." She humored me, as I walked away from her front door and got into my car. I sped home, barely taking the keys out of the ignition, and ran back to her bedroom. She was already in bed, wrapped in a quilt, her little black dress hanging in the closet, and her arms covered in a sweatshirt.

"I was hoping to get one more look at you in that dress."

"I think it is safer in the closet."

"Maybe." I slipped out of my shirt and onto her small bed, wrapping my arms around her. We were face to face.

She reached up and ran her gentle hands across my bare chest, causing me to feel a warmth of desire.

"I miss you already," she purred.

"I don't need to leave. I can stay . . ."

"Mmmm."

We began our synchronized kissing. She rubbed my arms, chest, and stomach. I kissed her hands, neck, and behind her ears. There was no thirst for her blood, just a desire to be nearer. I held warm perfection in my arms, and there was no way I would destroy that.

I looked at her face, my charming mysterious Miss Swan. What a force of love. There would never be enough words to describe the elation I've found in the arms of this fantastic work of art. She opened her eyes, rewarding me with a brilliant, warm brown gaze, and through her eyes I could see her goodness.

How could I take something so precious away from mankind?

She pulled my face to hers, and I was lost in the pleasure of her kisses.

"Definitely staying." I murmured a moment later.

"You have to go. It's your bachelor party."

"Bachelor parties are for those who are sad to see the end of their single days. I couldn't be more eager to have mine behind me. There is really no point to it."

"How true." She agreed.

I always felt uneasy staying in her room, while Charlie slept obliviously in his. It was a privilege I never would have had were I human. Longing made it unbearable to be separated from her, so I pushed away the guilt.

My bare chest made it cooler than usual, but it did not stop her from running her hands over it. An electric shock went through me, causing a delightful shiver. It was time to stop, and it would take all my strength to do so.

"Wait," she said as she snuggled closer to me throwing one leg around my waist. "Practice makes perfect."

I laughed quietly at the wonderful juxtaposition. "Well, we should be fairly close to perfection by this point, then, shouldn't we? Have you slept at all in the last month?"

We had spent every night together talking, kissing, hugging, stopping, starting; with her taking short naps in between. Vampires don't sleep. It didn't seem that she had had much sleep, though. She avoided my question.

"But this is a dress rehearsal and we've only practiced certain scenes. It's no time for playing safe."

I froze. I wasn't ready. I needed more time, she was rushing me. "Bella . . . " How could I tell her to stop? All I'd thought about since our engagement, was ways to give in to her. There was too much pressure here. Charlie would wake up. It wasn't safe. She was in control, trust her. No, she would lose control, as she always did. I shook my head.

"Don't start this again. A deal's a deal."

I struggled. She was right, I had to keep my word. But it wasn't safe. She was in control. I'd lost control. "I don't know. It's too hard to concentrate when you're with me like this. I ---I can't think straight. I won't be able to control myself. You'll get hurt."

"I'll be fine."

"Bella . . . " I was lost in the moment, she felt so good against my bare chest. She forced a shush from her lips before pressing them against mine. I was failing in my control, I pictured her in the little black dress. I kissed her and remembered Renee's words. "When you think things are out of control, focus on her needs." She needed to be safe. I calmed. Was she trying to get out of marrying me by starting the honeymoon early? No way. It wasn't time. We would wait.

"How are your feet?" I asked, hoping to refocus her attention.

"Toasty warm."

"Really? No second thoughts? It's not too late to change your mind."

"Are you trying to ditch me?" she joked.

"Just making sure." I laughed nervously, though I'm not sure she could hear the uneasiness in my voice. "I don't want you to do anything you're not sure about."

"I'm sure about you. The rest I can live through."

I paused. This wasn't right; I was taking so much away from her. A mere living through things was insufficient. It was sobering.

"Can you? I don't mean the wedding – I'm positive you will survive despite your qualms – but afterward . . . what about Renee, what about Charlie?" She was exchanging her human life for the vampire world. She couldn't keep her old life.

"I'll miss them."

"Angela and Ben and Jessica and Mike."

"I'll miss my friends." A grin crossed her lips. "Especially Mike. How will I go on without Mike?"

I growled, but remembered that her leg was still wrapped around my waist. The magic of Miss Swan relaxed and excited me at the same time.

"Edward, we've been through this over and over. I know it's going to be hard, but this is what I want. I want you, and I want you forever. One lifetime is simply not enough for me."

There was no fear or hesitation in her voice. She was certain. But did she understand that she would always be the same? My body and feelings still feel like a seventeen-year-old's. Yes, I had learned some new things, but physically, and in some ways emotionally, I have not changed since my heart stopped beating. I saddened at knowing I would never have the life my human father had planned.

"Frozen forever at eighteen."

"Every woman's dream come true," She mocked.

"Never changing . . . never moving forward."

"What does that mean?" Her voice was cautiously annoyed.

"Do you remember when we told Charlie we were getting married? And he thought you were . . . pregnant?"

"And he thought about shooting you." She giggled. "Admit it – he honestly considered it, didn't he?"

I was still. How could I get her to understand my sadness, while she joked? I was running out of time and I needed to let her know . . .

"What, Edward?"

"I just wish. . . well, I wish that he'd been right."

"Gah."

"More that there was some way he could have been. That we had that kind of potential. I hate taking that away from you too." Charlie's line would end. There'd be no more Swan family members, an unnecessary sacrifice for love.

She was silent for a minute.

"I know what I'm doing."

"How could you know that Bella? Look at my mother, look at my sister. It's not as easy a sacrifice as you imagine." Look at me. I would never be a father, carry on the family name and traditions. Wasn't that the ultimate purpose of marriage? Procreation?

"Well, Esme and Rosalie are doing just fine. Besides we can always adopt – like Esme did."

She doesn't understand. My solemnest turned to utter frustration. She was too glib regarding the matter. She was still so young, just like Charlie said. Charlie and Renee would never be grandparents. I was not worth that sacrifice. She'd cared for her parents; she should have an opportunity to raise her own children. "It's not right! I don't want you to have to make sacrifices for me. I want to give you things, not take things away from you. I don't want to steal your future. If I were human --"

She put her soft hands over my mouth and I quieted. "You are my future. Now stop. No moping or I'm sending you to your bachelor party. You just might need one."

"I'm sorry. I am moping, aren't I? Nerves, I guess." There was no need to discuss this further. She was resigned.

"How are your feet? They must be cold."

"No. I've been waiting a century to marry you, Miss Swan. I can't wait for the wedding ceremony."

I heard Emmett's thoughts in my head. Edward get off that woman and come on down, it's time to party.

"Oh, for the love of all that's holy!"

"What's wrong?"

"Apparently Emmett and Jasper are not going to let me bow out tonight.

"Have fun." She gave me a last hug.

"If you don't send Edward out, we're coming in after him!" Emmett threatened, while scratching the window.

"Go, before they break my house."

I relinquished. I rolled out of bed and slid my shirt back on. One last kiss to her forehead. I'd miss her.

"Get to sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow."

"Thanks! That's sure to wind me down."

"I'll meet you at the altar."

"I'll be the one in white." Her perfect smile warmed me, and I laughed.

"Very convincing." Out the window I went, landing on top of Emmett with a loud thud.

"You'd better not make him late."

"Jasper, can you calm her down so she can get some rest?" He was able to affect moods. He shimmied up to her window. I turned to Emmett, "Well, where are we hunting tonight?"

"Don't worry, Bella. We'll get him home in plenty of time." Jasper said. I knew my Miss Swan was calm.

"Jasper? What do vampires do for bachelor parties? You're not taking him to a strip club are you?"

"Don't tell her anything!" Emmett demanded. I jumped on Emmett's back. No way would she think I was going to a strip club. We laughed.

"Relax. We Cullens have our own version. Just a few mountain lions, a couple of grizzly bears. Pretty much an ordinary night out."

"Thanks Jasper."

I glanced at her window, wanting so much to climb back up and hop through it, thought I knew it would be a futile move. I'd only be dragged back out. We started running, and I was so far away I could no longer hear her heartbeat. I turned to look behind me.

Don't you dare think about going back in that window. Emmett thought. You have got to feed. Otherwise, you'll ruin your own honeymoon with that crazy vampire thirst of yours.

"Just one last look." And before he could stop me, I was at her window. Her eyes looked thoughtful. She missed me. I jumped down silently into a crouching position. Emmett and Jasper were already several miles ahead, but I caught up with them easily.