Disclaimer: I don't own them...
Thank you SunflowerFran and joanofart (hehe) for your help with this. Fran always, always corrects my hatred of commas...I even added one in this note just for her.
Bella:
"Honey, you look beautiful!" My mother sniffles.
"Don't cry, Renee! You're going to make the rest of us cry," Rosalie yells.
"Okay, okay," she says as she takes a deep breath. "I just can't believe you're getting married."
She pulls me into a tight hug and kisses my cheek.
I feel so overwhelmed and happy and loved, that I am practically vibrating. I can't figure out if it's my nerves or the excitement.
"Something blue," my mother says as she releases me and hands me a white silk cloth with a bow around it.
I untie the ribbon and the silk falls away, revealing a silver comb. "This will also count as your something old; it belonged to my grandmother."
I run my fingers over the sapphires and diamonds. I remember admiring it when I was a little girl.
"I had it cleaned, and replaced some of the stones," Mom's fingers trail over it lightly. "I can't believe it's your turn to wear it."
"Thank you," I whisper, as she places it in my hair.
"Next is something borrowed," Esme steps up to me, cutting us off before we start crying. She's holding a diamond and sapphire necklace.
She clasps it around my neck, and my fingers shake, hovering above it.
I hug her tightly, "it's beautiful."
"And your something new," Rosalie says with a smile, handing me a thin, narrow box.
I open the top and see a note in Edward's handwriting.
"Bella, I know we agreed no gifts, but when I saw this I couldn't help myself.
The next time I kiss you,
you'll be my wife, and you'll never know how extremely happy that makes me.
I love you, E."
Inside the box is a diamond and sapphire bracelet, similar, but not quite like Esme's necklace.
"Sapphires and diamonds," Esme whispers, and clasps it around my wrist. "Lovely."
I smile, "it's beautiful."
"Let's toast!" Rosalie hands all of us a champagne flute.
"Isabelle, I've always wanted a sister, and Edward did a good job of finding me the perfect one. Welcome to the family."
I laugh and tear up, kissing her cheek.
"Isabelle, I'm not going to beat around the bush here," Esme says sharply, making me frown.
She smirks and raises an eyebrow.
"I want grandbabies; lots and lots of grandbabies. So while you and Edward are away for the next few weeks, do whatever you need to do to make sure there is a baby in the near future."
My hand automatically goes to my stomach, and I'm sure my face is asking, what the hell?
"On a lighter note, I am so happy that Edward has found a woman that compliments him so beautifully. He's the happiest I've ever seen him, and I'm honored that you are part of our family."
We are all quiet for a few awkward moments, and I have the odd feeling that I need to protect my womb.
My mother, who has been extremely quiet, breaks out into loud laughter, easing the awkwardness of Esme's toast.
She sets Rosalie off, and soon all of us are holding our stomachs laughing.
"I second that! Although, I don't think we should mention this to your father."
I shake my head, "You ladies are too much!"
"Cheers," we all yell. I hold the glass to my lips and let the liquid kiss my lips before pulling it away.
"Isabelle, let's touch up your makeup and get your veil in place," Chelsea says as she walks in.
Suddenly, everyone is running around, and I'm standing alone in front of the mirror.
I'm wearing a column dress, with no train. The back of the dress was made longer so it would have the effect of a train without the added weight of additional fabric.
My veil is simple and elegant. I'm wearing the diamond earrings Edward gave me for Christmas and my engagement ring is on my right hand.
I'm ready.
I'm so ready to become Mrs. Edward Cullen.
My dad walks up behind me, and I look up at his reflection in the mirror.
"Oh baby, you look exquisite," he whispers, his eyes glassy. "It seems like you were just toddling around a few years ago … where has the time gone?"
I give him a shaky smile and cover the hand that is resting on my shoulder.
His lips rest on my head, "I love you, honey, and I'm always here if you need me. You will always be my little girl."
I nod, but don't speak for fear that I'll start bawling.
He squeezes my hand and turns me around. "Ready to get this show on the road?"
I clear my throat, "Is Charlie around?"
My dad smiles, "Hey, Charlie?"
Charlie steps around the door with a shy smile. "I wanted to see you before …" he trails off.
I smile and step forward giving him a hug. "I'm glad we found you when we did; I'm glad you're here."
"I feel terrible that my … insecurities caused me to miss out on your life. But I am glad that I know you now, and that you've allowed Sue, Leah, Seth and me to be a part of your life."
"We're family," I said, simply.
Charlie smiles and gives me another hug. "Okay, well. I'm going to head out there."
I start to turn away, but Charlie's voice stops me.
"Isabelle," I look up at him. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks," I smile.
He waves a hand and walks out.
"Let's do this," I say, after a deep breath. My father laughs and holds his arm out to me.
"Don't let me fall, Dad."
"Not a chance."
Rosalie walks elegantly down the aisle with my brother, who looks amazingly handsome in his tuxedo.
The quartet is playing, but I can't tell you what song.
My hands are shaking, and my stomach is fluttering.
"I'm getting married," I whisper.
My dad chuckles next to me.
"Want to make a run for it?"
"No!"
He laughs, "Good."
The french doors open and Dad leads me onto the patio, down the steps, and onto the walkway that is covered with rose petals.
When I look up, my breath catches.
Everything is so beautiful; the lawn is a sea of white with beautiful paths of golden wood, and subtle splashes of yellow and blue. But what truly catches my eye is the man waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
He looks … beautiful, amazing, gorgeous; he's tall and lean in his tuxedo, his hair is styled in a sexy blowout that makes me giggle.
His answering smile tells me he knows why I'm giggling.
My own, personal, Justin Timberlake.
Dad and I stop at the end of the aisle; in front of my Edward … my soon-to-be husband.
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"Her mother and I do," my father's voice is strong and clear.
He raises my veil, kissing my cheek.
"I love you, Dad," I whisper, kissing him back.
"Take care of her," I hear him say as he puts my hand in Edward's.
"I will," Edward responds, but his eyes are on me and his smile … I can't even describe what it's doing to me. I fear that I would float away if he wasn't anchoring me.
I'm embarrassed to say that I don't really remember anything that happened after that point. I was completely lost in Edward's eyes.
I know that we exchanged vows, and I placed a ring on his finger, but my thoughts and reality all floated away when the minister pronounced us husband and wife and Edward's warm, soft lips kissed mine.
"Mrs. Cullen," he whispers against my lips, and my head falls back with unexpected, joyous laughter.
"I'm Mrs. Cullen!" I squeal, making everyone laugh.
We walk quickly up the aisle toward the house.
When we reach the patio, Edward dips me and kisses me, and leaves me breathless. There is clapping and whistling, but I barely hear it because Edward's voice is in my ear as he lifts me up.
"I love you, so much. You've made me so happy, Bella."
"Edward, you are the best thing to happen to me. I love you, and I'm honored to be your wife."
His answering smile could light the entire city.
"Okay, newlyweds. Let's take some pictures!"
Our reception is in full swing by the time when get into the tent.
There is a DJ playing swing music, and couples are all over the dance floor.
"Look," I tug on Edward's arm. "Your grandfather and Charlotte are tearing up the dance floor!"
Edward laughs, "I hope someone is recording this."
"They look so cute," I can't help but smile. Charlotte's head falls back when she laughs, and Mr. Masen pulls her against his chest.
"Do you think …?" Edward trails off.
"Yeah, at least, it's what Charlotte wants. I can never get a read on your grandfather, but he looks pretty open to the idea."
"I hope so. I want him to be happy."
I squeeze Edward's arm. When the music stops, everyone claps and the DJ taps on the microphone.
"Okay, beautiful people, please take your seats; it's time to introduce the wedding party!"
He's very enthusiastic, and it makes me laugh.
The DJ introduces my parents, Edward's parents, Rosalie and Jasper, and finally …
"For the first time ever … Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen!"
Everyone stands and claps as we make our way into the tent.
The DJ immediately starts our song, and Edward spins me onto the dance floor and pulls me into his arms.
The very thought of you
and I forget to do
those little ordinary things
that everyone ought to do
Edward's singing in my ear and I'm gripping him tightly. He's swiftly moving us around the dance floor and I feel like I'm in another time. Billie Holiday's voice fills the room, and as the song comes to an end, Edward pulls me into his chest and looks into my eyes.
The very thought of you, my love
He kisses me sweetly and starts swaying as the next song begins.
My eyes tear up when I get the tempo of the song.
Someday, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
and the way you look tonight
"Everyone, please, get on your feet and join this lovely couple on the dance floor," the DJ calls out, and suddenly we are surrounded by people.
The rest of the evening is a blur of laughter, music and dancing.
We ate fantastic dinners of filet mignon and red bliss potatoes. Our cake is a delicious chocolate and vanilla bean layered with fresh raspberry mousse.
Rosalie as the Best Woman, and Jasper as the Man of Honor, made beautiful, heartfelt speeches.
My parents cried, and congratulated us. Esme made another plea for grandbabies while Carlisle covered his face behind her, making the entire room roar with laughter.
When Etta James came over the speakers singing A Sunday Kind of Love, my father took my mother out onto the dance floor, placing her hand over his heart while they swayed easily, looking into each other's eyes.
I lean into Edward and watch them with a smile.
"Do you think we'll still be as much in love as they are after twenty years?" I ask, turning slightly to look up at my husband.
He leans in and kisses me.
"We'll be more in love after twenty years and even more after forty."
"I love you."
He kisses me again and I vaguely hear the tinkle of spoons against champagne glasses around us.
I'm sitting in the living room rubbing my tired feet.
The living room was transformed into a warm, comfortable, reception room. High back chairs and end tables have been placed around the perimeter.
There are bars set up at two separate ends allowing people to enjoy a drink while they mingle.
This really could not have turned out any better if I had dreamed it.
"Isabelle."
"Mr. Masen," I smile and stand up to hug him.
"I think I've asked you to call me Ed or Grandfather a few times now, sweetheart," he chuckles.
"I know …" I scrunch my nose. "It feels strange, but I'll work on it."
"How are you feeling?" He asks, his voice low.
My shoulders rise, and I bite my lip. "Great. I feel … incredible."
He hugs me softly. "I'm so happy for you, for both of you."
Edward walks up and hugs his grandfather before sitting and pulling me onto his lap.
"Actually, I have a gift for you."
Mr. Masen pulls an envelope from his pocket and hands it to me.
I look at Edward, and he winks.
I open the envelope and pull out a slip of paper.
Letter of Intent for Property Transfer
"What is this?"
"Grandfather …" Edward whispers. "We can't."
"Nonsense ... this house," he pauses, and looks around the room with a smile. "It holds so many wonderful memories, but it longs for a family, it was built for a family."
Mr. Masen sighs and takes my hand.
"I'm an old man, and all of this is just too much for me, now. I watched you bring both this house and my grandson back to life. You belong here, Isabelle, with Edward. The love and care you put into the renovation proves that you love it as much as I do, and I know that you and Edward and your children will be happy here."
I can barely contain my emotions … this family surprises me at every turn.
"I'm comfortable at Carlisle and Esme's, and Lizzie … she needs to move on. I'm holding her back," his face drops, and my heart breaks for him.
"It's time."
I stand up and hug Mr. Masen tightly.
Sadly, our wedding night was not spent having deliciously hot, obscene just-married sex.
We passed out in our beds at two in the morning, exhausted from a long day of anticipation and excitement.
But this morning, hmmm … I'm getting warm just thinking about it.
Edward pokes my side.
"What are you thinking about?"
I laugh and scrunch my nose. "This morning," I whisper.
He smiles and tucks me into his side. "This morning was amazing."
I giggle and bury my head in his side. I can feel the top of my ears getting hot.
Edward arranged our honeymoon, and can I just say that I love this man even more than before if that is possible!
He planned a week in Napa Valley. Now I know that most people would not think too much of this as a honeymoon, but for us … it's perfect.
It's relaxing and beautiful.
I'm looking forward to long drives along the coast.
Museums and art galleries.
Vineyards and beautiful swooping hills and valleys.
It's just what we need; peace and beauty and downtime.
"Are you sure you're okay with what I planned? I kind of feel like this is a lame honeymoon."
"What? Why?"
"Rosalie was giving me a hard time last night. She said I should have planned a honeymoon in Italy or France."
"Hey," I kiss his lips softly. "I don't care where we spend our honeymoon. The important part is you. I only want to spend time with you. I don't care where we do that."
He leans in and kisses me, his tongue just barely peeking out to tease me.
"And for the record, I happen to love Napa Valley. San Francisco isn't far away if we need a dose of city life."
"I rented a convertible so we can drive along the coast. I really don't want to share you with anyone, and pretty soon," he smiles and rests a hand on my stomach. "I'll be sharing you all of the time."
"I hope we have a little boy that looks just like you."
"Or a girl that looks just like you."
"I love you," I whisper.
"Yes," I whimper. My body is slick against his.
Chest to chest, we lie, his forehead resting on the pillow next to my head and his hot breath on my neck.
His hips are moving slightly, but the friction is wonderful and terrible at the same time.
"More, please, more," I plead.
His hips rotate and I arch my back. His hands slip underneath me and he somehow adjusts himself so that he's hovering over me. My nipple in his mouth, my back arched, he's moving in and out in slow, rhythmic tempo. He grinds against me every time he pushes into me, and his tongue and lips are killing me slowly.
I moan loudly and try to push my hips against his.
His hips start moving more quickly and his fingers are everywhere.
A hand on my chest, his fingers just lingering near the base of my neck and his other hand is rubbing me in tight circles as I'm clenching around him.
Almost there but not quite.
"Please," I whisper.
His fingers slide to where we're joined and …
"Let go, let go," he groans. He's sliding his fingers, and then he's holding my hips and the angle is just what I need.
He pushes against me once, twice and then he stutters, and pulls me tightly against him. His body is straight and his head is thrown back, and all I can see is beauty, and all I can feel is love.
a/n: Hi, hi! Here it is finally...I was struggling with this chapter. I think my subconscious is fighting the end. lol. Thanks so much to all of you for the reviews and for reading. I hope you enjoy! I will also update tumblr with photos to go with this chapter. :)
If you haven't already, please check out The Twilight Twenty Five. There are already a few authors who've completed the challenge! I've really enjoyed what I've read so far. Oh yeah ... Going Green updated. Baseballward. Enough said - and Go Dodgers! NLCS baby!
It's late and I think my brain is shutting down ... I really hope you enjoy this chapter. Have a great weekend!