AN: So, the wedding is here for Edward and Bella. This will be fluffy and romantic, just as a wedding should be. Don't worry, there will be plenty of sexing up on the honeymoon next chapter. I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think.
*I don't own them.
The Wedding
BPOV
I felt a pang in my heart as I watched Edward drive away. I didn't like being separated from him, especially when I was sleeping. I knew I would probably be tossing and turning all night, not having him to snuggle with in bed. Rose came up behind me and wrapped me in an embrace.
"I'm so happy for you, B. You really are living a fairytale." She said softly. I nodded and squeezed her hands which were clasped over my belly.
"I never thought I would be as happy as I am, Rose. I feel like I should be waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like there has to be some catch somewhere." I couldn't get over this lingering small voice in my head that kept saying this was just too perfect, how could it be true?
"If anyone deserves a happily ever after, it is you. Don't worry about things that you have no control over. I want your day tomorrow to be perfect. Just enjoy it." She said as she released her arms. "Come on, B. Let's go have some tea with Esme and Alice." I followed her to the living room where Esme had set up a tea tray for us. I sat down next to Esme on the couch, Rose sitting down next to me.
"Are you excited for tomorrow, honey?" Esme asked me softly, placing her hand on mine. I smiled and nodded my head.
"I want to marry Edward more than anything, I just hope I don't trip as I am walking down the aisle." I confided. They all laughed. We drank our tea and discussed the timeline for the day tomorrow. Edward and I wanted to say our vows at twilight, so Alice had the whole day to get me prepared. Esme assured me that she would try to keep Alice calm tomorrow so that my nerves weren't frazzled by the time the actual ceremony occurred.
The second floor was designated as the ladies area. Alice's old bedroom was on that floor along with the guest rooms that Rose and I were staying in. Tomorrow, the third floor would be for the guys in the bridal party to use. I knew the plan was for Edward, Dave, Jasper, and Emmett to show up in the afternoon the next day and I would be hidden from Edward's view until I walked down the aisle. As I lay in bed that night, I snuggled up with a pillow, wishing it was my beautiful man. I probably only got around three hours of sleep total throughout the night, because of both the excitement of the wedding and because of missing Edward's calming touch.
I awoke around nine from another restless bit of sleep and was overcome with nausea. My morning sickness seemed to be hit and miss so far. Some days I was completely fine, other days I was feeling ill throughout the day. I hoped that being sick on my wedding morning didn't doom me for the rest of the day. Esme found me curled over the toilet when she came to wake me up.
"Oh dear, poor Bella." She said as she rushed over and brushed my hair back. She got a washcloth and dampened it with cool water to soothe my flushed face and neck. I tried to smile at her and let her know I was alright. She continued to rub the damp cloth over me and it felt great.
"Honey, you hold on for just a second and I will be right back." She told me before she rushed out. I heard her talking to someone out in the hall and then she was back at my side. She rinsed the cloth again and came back to wash my face. I had leaned myself back against the wall. The cold floor felt good to me. After a few minutes of her cooling my face and murmuring soothingly to me, I almost felt normal again.
"Do you think you can get up, honey?" She asked and I nodded to her. She helped me get off the floor and took me back to sit in the bed. Just as I sat down, Alice arrived with a tray of crackers and tea.
"We need to get a little food into you. My morning sickness was always worse on an empty stomach." Esme said, placing the tray in front of me. "Also, I want you to try this ginger tea. It really helped me and I picked some up for you the other day, just in case." I smiled at them both. I ate a cracker and took a sip of the tea. It tasted really good and soothed my sore throat.
"Thanks, Esme. Thanks, Alice. I just hope that I am not nauseous all day." I grimaced at the thought. I wanted the wedding to be perfect for Edward. I took a few more bites of crackers and drank the rest of my tea while Alice kept me entertained with stories about the work crews finishing details outside. Esme had arranged a brunch for the family out on their veranda, so that we could eat and then take a stroll around the grounds, making sure everything was perfect. I was feeling much better after the snack and got myself up to dress, brush my teeth and wash my face. Alice wanted me to shower and wash my hair after brunch was over.
As I walked out on the veranda with Rose by my side, I was greeted by Edward's grandparents and Carlisle. Carlisle pulled me off to the side, before I sat down, to ask if I was feeling better and I assured him I was. After being seated, I leaned back, enjoying the sun shining down on my face. It seemed even the weather agreed with the marriage between Edward and me, because there was not a cloud in the sky and the first feel of fall was in the air, which was without any of the normal late summer humidity. The smell of flowers was abundant, with both Esme's gardens and the arrangements of lilies and orchids sending off their wonderful fragrances. I looked around at the family smiling, talking, and enjoying their eggs and pastries and thought to myself how lucky I was to be a part of this all. The only thing missing was my Edward, but I was comforted in knowing he would be mine forever in a few short hours. I munched on croissants, fruit, and nibbled some scrambled eggs while I enjoyed my surroundings.
Soon after, I walked with one arm in Rose's and the other in Esme's as Alice pointed everything out to me. There were two separate, very large tents to the side of the gardens. In one, there were white folding chairs set up in rows that looked onto a dais where the ceremony would take place. The aisles were lined with ribbons and flowers, the prominent colors being a pale lavender and white. The middle aisle, I would walk on, had been laid with hardwood paneling, making me less apt to trip over an uneven piece of grass. I saw photographers already on the scene, getting every detail of even the setup of the wedding. The Chicago Sun-Times had called Edward, wanting to send their own photographer and do a profile on our engagement and marriage, but we decided we wanted to maintain our privacy. Esme told me that there was a small announcement in that day's paper. It was unavoidable due to the prominence of Edward's family.
The dinner tent was even larger. I walked through, admiring the tables draped with white linens and the centers decorated with elaborate floral arrangements, tied in lavender ribbons, and glass bowls filled with water and tea lights. I imagined it would be even more gorgeous at night. Each place setting was adorned with a personalized name card and a wedding favor consisting of two boxes wrapped one on top of the other. Alice told me one box contained tulip bulbs and the other held chocolates. The bridal party table was located near the front, where a platform had been built with a stage for a twelve-piece orchestra that would be playing through the reception. Next to the stage was a wide area reserved for dancing. I was overwhelmed by the extravagance of the decorations and immediately went to kiss the cheeks of each of Edward's grandparents when we arrived back at the house. I couldn't thank them enough for their generosity in paying for the wedding.
I was then whisked away upstairs by Alice and Rose and put into a steaming shower. I took my time, allowing my muscles to relax under the hot water. After drying off and rubbing lotion over every part of my skin, Alice gave me a silk robe to wear as I was getting prepared. My hair was left wet and up in a towel, while Rose and Alice painted my fingernails and toenails. I had picked out a similar pale pink color to what I wore as a bridesmaid in Angela's wedding. Rose urged me to rest my eyes for a few minutes, as I lay on the chaise letting my nails dry. The next thing I knew, my eyes opened to find Esme with another tray for me filled with more tea and some ginger snap cookies. It was a little after two and the butterflies in my stomach were increasing, but I was not nauseous again. Suddenly, I heard a boisterous voice I recognized calling out from the hall. I laughed when Mitch came swooping in.
"Oh my God, what are you doing here?" I asked him, grinning. He came over and kissed both my cheeks.
"As if I would miss your big day? Honeychild, your hair is going to look amazing." I shook my head and looked at Alice. She smiled at me.
"We arranged it a couple weeks ago. It was hard for us to keep it a secret when we were at the spa the other day. I wanted it to be a surprise for you." Alice told me. I looked back over at Mitch.
"Thank you so much. You must stay for the ceremony and reception." I told him and grabbed his hand.
"Wouldn't miss it, sweets. Miss Alice already took care of it and had me bring my own hot man with me." He said, his eyes bright. I glanced at Alice and she winked at me. Mitch went straight to work, taking my hair out of the towel and brushing it out. He sectioned my hair and put it all in big, fat rollers before heating them up with a blow dryer. When he took them out, my hair fell in shiny, dark waves and curls.
"Now sweetie, we are going to put your hair up so it goes with your dress, gloves, and veil, but then after the ceremony and pictures, we can easily take your hair down and remove your gloves and veil. You've told me how your hot hubby likes your hair down, so we want to do that for the reception." He winked at me.
"Gloves?" I asked. Alice came over to me.
"You'll see." She said and grinned at me. I smiled as I knew Alice was going to make me look beautiful. I couldn't wait to see the finished dress. I knew she had been working hard to finish it on time. Angela had arrived by this time and she and Rose were in the process of getting their hair put up by another stylist. I watched Mitch work to put my hair up into an elegant high twist, being careful to twirl my hair exactly right so that it would look styled when the pins were taken out. I was amazed he could talk just as well with bobby pins sticking out of his mouth. He left a few wisps of curls out around my face, saying it looked more romantic. I smiled looking at the finished product. I looked like Audrey Hepburn.
Immediately following the hair was my makeup. Alice and Rose took over here while Mitch went to change into a tux. They kept it light, knowing I didn't like my face to be caked with products. When they were finished, I approved of my accentuated eyes and lips. I relaxed for a minute while the three of them changed into their dresses. The bridesmaid dresses were of similar style to mine, floor-length strapless satin, yet they were pale lavender and did not have the intricate embroidery nor the skirted layers or train. When they returned, Esme, Katherine, and Elizabeth were with them to watch as I dressed in my gown. Alice pulled my dress from the closet and I gasped looking at the dazzling embroidery Alice had done at the top of the bodice and along the entire length of one of the front panels. It was white on white, but you didn't have to be close to admire the work. I felt my eyes getting watery just knowing how much love, attention and work went into making it beautiful, silently thanking the girls for using waterproof mascara on my eyes. With my pregnancy hormones added to the emotions of getting married to my perfect man, I was sure many tears would be flowing that night.
I first put on the white satin panties and strapless bra. I went without hose mainly because I hated wearing them and nobody would see them anyway. Alice and Rose helped me get into my dress as the rest of the ladies oohed and aahed. The dress zipped along the side and I stood in front of the floor length mirror after Alice was satisfied it was sitting right. I smiled at the reflection, hoping Edward would think it was beautiful. Alice bent down to put some strappy heels on my feet. The heels were about three inches high.
"Rose, remind Emmett to keep a firm grip on my arm and not let me trip down the aisle." I warned her. She chuckled and nodded her head. That left us down to the final touches. I saw Alice nod at her mother and grandmothers as I saw Mitch slip back in and pick up the veil.
"Bella, can you move your engagement ring to your right hand, just for the ceremony?" Alice asked and I nodded, doing as she requested. Then Katherine approached me with what looked like a jeweled hair comb.
"Bella, this is your something old. I've had this since my wedding and I want it to be yours now and passed down to your own child." She leaned in to kiss my cheek. "I'm so happy you are marrying our Edward. May you both be blessed with happiness for the rest of your lives." I couldn't help the few tears that escaped from her words. Alice had tissues ready and was already cleaning me up.
"Thank you, Katherine. It's beautiful." I told her. Mitch placed the comb in front of my twist and told me the veil would be attached just behind it in a moment. Then Elizabeth approached me with a jewelry box. I stopped breathing when she opened it, revealing a stunning diamond necklace.
"This is your something new, Bella, from Anthony and me. Alice told us it would go perfectly with your dress." I was stunned as I watched her put it on me and I looked in the mirror. It was gorgeous, but obviously extremely expensive. I wanted to refuse such an exorbitant gift, but wouldn't dare do such a thing. Elizabeth spoke softly to me as she was fastening it. "Bella, don't even have a thought about money." She pointed toward the mirror at me. "This was made for you. You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen, just as beautiful as my little Alice was on her day. I wish you and Edward every happiness. I want you to know you can always come to me if you need anything at all…anytime." I nodded to her, trying to form words.
"Thank you, Elizabeth." My fingers glided over the jewels as I watched my reflection. They were so perfect with the dress. Alice is always right. "I will treasure it always." I told her. Then Esme stood beside me with a pair of elbow-length white satin gloves. She smiled as she started putting them on me.
"My darling Bella. I just want you to know that I have never seen Edward as happy in his life as he has been since meeting you. You are truly the perfect couple. I want you to wear these as your something borrowed. They were my gloves that I wore for my coming out party." She pulled and tugged to get them on straight. I smiled at the small bow on each at the top of the sleeve. "Now, the fingers are fitted, so Edward shouldn't have too much problem putting the wedding band on, but even if it doesn't go up all the way, don't worry. You can take these off immediately after the ceremony and some pictures and get your ring straight on your finger." She paused for a moment and looked me in the eye. "I know that you are missing having your own mother here for this day. I love you like a daughter though, and am so proud you are marrying my son. I know your mother is watching right now and is very happy to see you here today." She was crying as she spoke these meaningful words to me and my tears were flowing strong when she leaned in to kiss my cheek. Next up was Rose, who tried lightening the mood with her grin. She began twirling a garter belt around her finger.
"Finally, for your something blue." She showed me the lacy garter belt that was white with blue flowers embroidered on it. "Lift your foot, Bella." She said as she bent down to put it on me. She placed it a few inches above my knee. "I'm sure Edward will have a ball taking this off with his teeth." I blushed and they all laughed, especially Mitch. Our laughter was interrupted by a knock and a throat clearing at the door. Carlisle was in the doorway, looking completely dashing in his tux. I would have swooned if I wasn't already on emotional overload. I think Angela almost fainted though. She hadn't been through the full Carlisle effect yet. I'm pretty sure he winked at her.
"Ladies, it's time for you all to be seated." He said, addressing his mother, Katherine and Esme. "And for the bridesmaids to get ready." He walked towards me and lifted my hand to kiss it gently. "Bella, you look beautiful. I'm truly honored you are marrying our son." The ladies all touched my hand briefly, wishing me luck before heading downstairs. Carlisle's eyes sparkled as he continued. "I do hope you will save a dance for your father-in-law." His crooked grin appeared and Mitch had to steady me on my weak knees. I was sure I was blushing as I smiled back at him.
"Absolutely." I replied. He nodded and turned back to me before he left.
"Emmett will be up in just a minute to take you down." I nodded to him and he walked out the doorway. Mitch looked at me and fanned his face.
"Girl, I don't know how you deal with all the hotness surrounding this family. Good grief, that man has some magic mojo. I thought I had died and gone to heaven watching his smile." I just nodded to him, knowing full well the impact of the Cullen effect on people. Mitch busied himself, placing my veil on me and pulling it down so it hung correctly.
"Now, baby girl. I have to go downstairs, but I will do one last check on you before you walk down the aisle and then I will be there after you get some pictures done so that we can ready you for the reception." He held my hand and squeezed it. I smiled at him.
"Thank you so much for being here today, Mitch. It means a lot to me." He was definitely my first friend, outside of the family, that I made in Chicago. He took off downstairs and I had about thirty seconds to breathe deeply and calm myself before Emmett showed up in the doorway. He stood there for a minute just looking at me. I saw his eyes were glistening with tears. He walked over to me and held my hands in his.
"You look beautiful, baby sis." He paused for a moment. "I'm sorry that I have to be a substitute for you today. I know dad would have wanted more than anything to be here to walk you down the aisle. But, I have never been so proud as I am right now to be doing this with you." He said. I squeezed his hands and tried to clean my tears.
I wish I had somewhere to hide some tissues.
I smiled at him. "Em, I'm happy you are here with me right now. It feels right. I know dad is watching us and is happy for us." I squeezed his hands, needing to lighten the mood. "Please don't let me trip down the stairs or down the aisle." He laughed.
"I won't let you trip. I will carry you if I have to." I smiled at him as he started leading me down the stairs. I barely noticed the photographer in the corner, catching all these moments. We had to pass through the kitchen and dining room on our way outside and I saw Emmett pick up my bouquet that was waiting for me on the table. He handed it to me and I smiled at the beautiful arrangement. Alice really had seen to every detail to make this day perfect for me. We walked out on the veranda and toward the tent. We arrived just as Rose was entering to walk down the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon in D. Mitch appeared by my side and smoothed and fluffed and straightened until he was satisfied that I looked good. He gave me a small peck on the cheek before disappearing into the tent to take his seat. I took some more calming breaths and Em squeezed my hand that he held in his.
"Just picture everyone in their underwear. No worries." He said. I chuckled at him. When we heard the music switch over to the wedding march, we entered the tent and started moving down the aisle. I barely paid any attention to the guests as I was concentrating on making it to the end without tripping. My grip was tight on Emmett's hand until I got near the front and saw Edward standing there waiting for me. My breath hitched when I saw him. I didn't know how it was possible that he was more beautiful than he was the day before, but he was. He looked even more debonair than Carlisle had, dressed in his tux and sporting a brilliant smile on his face. His eyes brightened when my eyes locked with his. When we reached the front, I felt Emmett place my hand in Edward's. I suddenly had a rush of calmness take over as my hand was held in his. Emmett gave me away and went to stand with Dave and Jasper at Edward's side.
We didn't deviate much from normal wedding ceremonies. The minister opened with a prayer and then read a romantic poem that we had chosen. Following the reading, we declared our intents. The minister asked each of us if we would take the other as our wife or husband and we said I do. Following that, Edward and I gave our vows to each other. They were the same for each of us and we had them written for the minister so that we could repeat the lines after him. Both Edward and I spoke our promises.
I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give.
I promise to respect you as your own person and to realize that your interests, desires and needs are no less important than my own.
I promise to share with you my time and my attention and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship.
I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams.
I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face changes in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting.
I promise to love you in good times and bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside in the only way I know how. Completely and forever.
Following our vows, Jasper handed Edward our rings. He placed the one I would give him in my right hand and held my left hand in his. He repeated after the minister.
"Isabella, come health, happiness, and prosperity, I will stand with you; come illness, trouble, or poverty, I will stand with you. Take this ring as a token of my love and commitment." He placed the ring on my finger, smiling at me as he fit it over the glove. I then repeated after the minister, taking Edward's left hand and putting his ring on him.
"Edward, come health, happiness, and prosperity, I will stand with you; come illness, trouble, or poverty, I will stand with you. Take this ring as a token of my love and commitment."
The minister followed our ring exchange with a blessing prayer and ended the ceremony pronouncing us husband and wife. Edward's grin took my breath away as he lifted my veil and kissed me soundly on the lips. I threw my arms around his neck, enjoying my first kiss with my husband. I heard the cheers and claps from my family. We finally pulled back from our kiss.
"I love you, Bella." He told me.
"And I love you, Edward." I returned. You couldn't have wiped the smile off my face if you tried. Edward held my hand as we made our way back down the aisle to greet the guests as they moved to the reception tent. I saw Esme in tears as we passed and I stopped briefly to give her a hug. I needed to tell her how much of a mother she really was to me. When Edward and I got outside, he pulled me into a hug.
"Thank you so much for marrying me, Bella. You have made me the happiest man in the world." I melted at his words. He couldn't be more perfect.
"I already love being Mrs. Cullen." I told him. We stood with the rest of the bridal party and greeted all the guests as they walked out. I saw that they were being served appetizers and cocktails in the other tent as the music flowed around us. Finally, we finished greeting and we signed our marriage certificate with Jasper and Rose witnessing before moving on to take pictures. We had a lot of different pictures taken with various groups of people, some with the bridal party members and some with the family. I was getting tired by the end and was happy when we finished. Mitch was by my side immediately following the last bulb flash, he and Alice moving quickly to remove my gloves, veil, attached train, and to let my hair down. Edward wanted me to sit down once I was ready because I had been on my feet for quite awhile. We entered the reception tent and he moved me to our table. When we were seated, everyone else sat down at their respective tables. I watched as Carlisle moved to the stage. Edward held my hand in his as his father greeted all the guests and congratulated Edward and me. Soon after, dinner was served and all I could think about was how happy I was.
I was Bella Cullen.
EPOV
I barely slept the night before. All I could do was think about my Bella walking down the aisle. I was up and out of the bed by seven, trying to occupy myself by working out and reading the paper. I wasn't pleased when I saw the announcement of our marriage. I knew it was unavoidable, but I was very uncomfortable seeing Bella's name out there next to mine when I knew Victoria was asking questions about her. None of us had said anything to Bella about Victoria's questions and I wasn't sure if I wanted to. She already had enough stress with the wedding and pregnancy. It was something I would discuss at length with Emmett when we returned from our honeymoon.
Emmett, Jasper, and Dave arrived at my place around noon. They brought lunch and we sat around joking and eating. We left together around two in a rented car. Alice had arranged for us all to get professionally groomed before going to my parent's house. We had the classic barber-style shaving done and my hair was slightly clipped around the edges. When we got to the house, it was around four-thirty and we were escorted to the third floor immediately by my father to shower and change into our tuxes. We were all forbidden from wandering on the second floor. I couldn't keep myself from thinking about what Bella was doing at that moment on the floor below me. I was so eager to see her that my hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Once we were all showered and dressed, we made our way downstairs to greet guests showing up for the wedding. I was getting more and more nervous as time went by. I just wanted everything to be perfect for Bella on this day. I was sorely missing the calming effect of her presence. As we were greeting guests, I took in all the decorations and work that had been put in to make the setting beautiful. I needed to buy Alice a big present for all she did for Bella and me. Before I knew it, I was informed by my father that it was time to take our places. I shook hands with the minister before taking my place next to Jasper. I nodded to my mother and father and grandparents, who were all sitting in the front rows. I was smiling as I watched Alice, Angela, and finally Rosalie make their ways down the aisle. They all looked lovely in their lavender gowns and white gloves. I was nearly bouncing around in anticipation, waiting to see my Bella.
My breathing quickened when I heard the music change. I could feel her nearing me before I got to see her around the standing guests. My heart sputtered when I got the first glimpse of her in her white dress and veil. I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life. There were no longer any guests, no music playing, no flowers or decorations; all I saw was her perfect face. Surely my face appeared as if I had swallowed a bottle of lithium, because I couldn't help the huge smile that erupted from the happiness I felt by seeing her. My world righted itself again when Emmett placed her hand in mine. The familiar calming effect of her touch cleared my head until I was again cognizant of my surroundings. I repeated my vows proudly and placed the ring on her finger with all my love. I wasn't sure there was anything I could say to her to express exactly how much she meant to me. She was everything. When we were pronounced husband and wife, I felt more joy in my heart than I ever had and rushed to lift her veil and kiss her lips. It was just perfect.
By the time we had greeted guests and took pictures, I was worried about my Bella being on her feet so long. I hurried to get her to our table and seated. Dinner was fantastic with both steak and lobster being served. I noticed Bella did not eat very much.
"Are you feeling alright, baby?" I asked, leaning over to her. She smiled.
"Yes, I was a bit nauseous this morning, but Esme has kept me snacking all day and I'm not too hungry." It comforted me that mom had taken care of her today. I watched as everyone was poured a glass of champagne. Jasper was handed a microphone and stood to give a toast as the music from the small orchestra halted.
"Hello everyone. If you don't know me, I am Jasper Whitlock. I am married to the beautiful Alice, Edward's sister. I want to congratulate Bella and Edward on their marriage. I have known Edward for a few years now and consider him my best friend. It was a rocky start when we met since he was the protective older brother, not exactly in favor of me courting his little sister. I have to say that payback was sweet when he told me he fell for his Bella, who if you didn't know, is little sister to our very own Chicago Bear, Emmett Swan." Jasper slapped Emmett on the back and the crowd cheered and laughed along with him. "But, Emmett didn't beat him up too badly." He paused until the crowd's laughter died a little. "Seriously though, I've never seen two people as in love as Edward and Bella. I wish you both happiness in your future together and welcome Bella to the family as the little sister I have always wished I had. Congratulations Edward and Bella." He said holding his glass high. Everyone cheered and drank to his toast. I squeezed Bella's hand and kissed her lightly as I saw the tears in her eyes. Alice handed her a tissue to wipe her cheeks. Jasper then handed the microphone to Rosalie, who stood to a few wolf whistles. I smiled at Emmett's glare.
"Hello, my name is Rosalie Hale. I have been with Emmett here for six years" she laughed at the audible groans from some of the guys, "and I consider Bella my little sister. I have to admit that when Bella came home and told me that she fell in love with a man during her short stay in New York, I had major doubts. I mean, love at first sight isn't real, right? But, I have become a believer in fairy tales since meeting Edward and seeing them together. It has been a whirlwind romance like nothing I have ever read in a book or seen in a movie and I feel special just being able to witness it personally. I think the world of the Cullens and Masens and couldn't have picked a better family for my little Bella to join. Congratulations little sister, on meeting your Prince Charming and I hope everyday in your future is filled with as much love and happiness as today is. Congratulations Bella and Edward!" Everyone toasted again to Rosalie's words. She continued on, as she nodded to the orchestra. "Now, it's time for the bride and groom to have their first dance." I smiled as I stood and pulled Bella to her feet.
I drew Bella close to me and led her around the dance floor, swaying to the soft music. I couldn't help but remember us dancing in the rain before I proposed to her. My smile must have given me away. I looked down at my angel as she spoke to me.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked, her eyes glowing from the twinkling lights above us and the candlelight flooding the tent.
"I was thinking about how we danced on the boat before I proposed." I told her. She smiled and nodded.
"I was too." She said softly. She leaned her face against my chest and I enjoyed the feeling of her in my arms. When the song ended and a new song began, my father came to cut in. I handed my Bella over to him and took my mom's hand to twirl her around for a bit.
"I'm so happy for you both, Edward. It was such a beautiful service." She said, smiling up at me.
"It was perfect, mom. I can't thank you enough for everything you have done to make this happen and to make Bella's day go off without a hitch." Her eyes were watery from my words.
"I love seeing her so happy." She told me. I nodded in agreement. Dancing partners were changed over several new songs. I made sure to dance with Rosalie, Alice, and my grandmothers as I watched Bella take turns with Emmett, Jacob, Jasper, and my grandfathers.
Before I knew it, it was time for the garter toss. Alice had moved a chair to the center of the dance floor and nudged Bella into it. I grinned at Bella as I knelt in front of her. I hadn't had my hands on her perfect legs in over a day and I think I was starting to go through withdrawals. I had to remind myself that there were witnesses around so I didn't become too ungentlemanly. She was biting her lower lip as my hands rubbed her ankles and calves. I gently lifted her skirt, just enough for me to get my head under, and kissed her leg as I moved toward my goal. I probably spent a little more time than needed under there, but hell, I was only a man. How could I resist nibbling on that inner thigh a little? I put the garter between my teeth and slowly slid it down her leg. I turned around with it in my hand and aimed at Emmett when I flung it. He caught it with a huge grin on his face.
I pulled Bella to stand and Alice gave her the bouquet to toss as the single ladies lined up behind her. The bouquet was tossed high and long from Bella's hands and landed directly in the arms of Rosalie. There were a lot of cheers as I elbowed Emmett.
"It's your turn, Emmett." He grinned at me.
"Yep, it's going to happen soon." He confided.
Next up, the cake was rolled out in front of Bella and me. It was huge and I was even amazed at the elaborate designs on it. Alice must have paid a hefty price to get that ordered and made in three weeks. I placed my hand over Bella's as we cut through the cake and placed some on two plates. We fed each other a bite from our slices and I purposely got icing on her lips and cheek so I could lick it away. She tasted like sweet goodness as I kissed her. After getting ourselves cleaned up, I grabbed the microphone as the cake was being distributed to all the guests. I stood in front, holding Bella's hand in mine.
"We wanted to take an opportunity to say thanks to everyone for being here. I have to say this has been the best day of my life." I brought her hand up to lips to kiss it softly, hearing the coos from the crowd. "I especially want to thank my grandparents for their wonderful gift of this wedding and my parents for hosting the event. Also, special thanks go to Angela, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, and Dave for being a part of the bridal party and participating in this special day with us. Finally, we want to give our utmost appreciation to my sister, Alice. She worked her tail off making this such a special and beautiful day. There are not enough words to describe how much it meant to both of us for all that you did in planning and executing this wedding so quickly." I went over and gave Alice a hug and Bella followed right behind me. "Thank you again everyone. Please keep enjoying your evening with dancing and drinks. Bella and I are going to change and be off to our honeymoon." Everyone cheered and laughed as I wagged my eyebrows. I kissed Bella's flushed cheek before grabbing her hand to pull her toward the house. Alice met us inside, making sure we found our traveling clothes. We changed quickly and said our goodbyes to the family downstairs. The crowd had gathered to the walkway from the house to our car to send us off, throwing rose petals at us as we ran to the car.
The chauffeur opened the door for us and I got Bella inside before I scooted in beside her. I couldn't stand one more second of her not being near me so I grabbed her to sit on my lap as I attacked her lips with mine. She moaned and deepened our kiss, her hands grabbing my hair to keep my face attached to hers. When we finally broke, gasping for air, I noticed we were already on the road to the airport. I looked at my angel and smiled.
"Are you ready for your honeymoon, Bella?" I asked. She pursed her cute little lips at me.
"Are you finally going to tell me where we are going?" She questioned in return. I laughed and shook my head.
"You will find out soon enough, Mrs. Cullen." I leaned toward her again to kiss my wife.
My wife. I really love the sound of that.
AN2: I hope you all enjoyed the fluffiness of the wedding. Are you glad there was no Victoria?...yet?
*Credit for the wedding vows goes to "I Promise" by Dorothy R. Colgan
Next up is the honeymoon and sexytimes for the married couple. Leave me some reviews and let me know what you think!