Wedding
It was three days before the wedding and I was getting more and more nervous as time went on. While I had nothing to do with my wedding—except trying on the dress—Amber jumped right in with Esme and Alice. When I asked Alice about it she said Amber knew more about me than anyone else and she wanted this wedding to be perfect. I wanted that too, but perfect for me was probably more simple than Alice's plan.
So as I walked first beach with Edward and Spirit splashing in the water in front of us I began to imagine what Alice could have possible done for my wedding. She even had Spirit doing something! Edward takes my hand and pulls it to his lips for a gentle kiss. My ring sparkled in the dim light and I had to refrain from smiling. Edward still thought I was unhappy about the wedding—especially after a certain pixie told him I woke up screaming while he was gone and he demanded I tell him about my dream.
"What sort of nightmare could possibly make you wake up screaming?" demands Edward after every other tactic had failed. The only reason it failed though was because I avoided direct eye contact with him…and the rest of his face.
"You'll think it's stupid," I murmur, trying—once again—to deter him.
"I could never think anything about you is stupid, especially a nightmare," says Edward pulling me close and kissing the top of my head. Of course I caved.
"I had a dream about our wedding—" I start, but Edward interrupts.
"That's not so bad," he sounded relieved.
"Let me finish!" I demand causing Edward's eyes to widen innocently and for him to smile apologetically. "Anyway, I got to the alter and you weren't there. Carlisle told me you left me, that you didn't think I was the one." By now I could feel the tears pricking my eyes.
"Oh Bella…" breathes Edward as he pulls me impossibly closer and begins kissing my jaw and neck. "I could never abandon you at the alter. I love you too much. Plus, I'm much to selfish for that." There it was, that apologetic tone. One of these days—like when I was a vampire—I was going to knock some sense into this beautiful Greek god.
"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, if you don't stop apologizing right this minute…" I threaten. Apparently I'm not very threatening anymore because Edward chuckled.
"I never said the words 'I apologize'," corrects Edward.
"It was implied," I growl.
"I love you, Bella, and I will not leave you. I'd sooner jump into a burning furnace or provoke the Volturi," says Edward. I could tell he was serious and I wasn't having that either.
"Damn it Edward, I get it, you don't have to take your own life!" I hiss before pushing him away and standing up before stomping out of his room and going downstairs fully intending to leave, but when I got to the living room I was suddenly on the ground and Toby was scrambling to get up all the while apologizing for stampeding me.
Then Spirit barks and I bend my head back to see her wagging her tail and her tongue lolling out of her mouth. "I'm sorry, Bella. I was playing with Spirit and I didn't catch myself in time," says Toby apologetically. He was still sitting on my stomach. I could tell he felt really bad.
"Spirit's quite the mischief maker. I think she planned this," I say with a grin. Spirit barks again as if to confirm my words. "You didn't do anything wrong Toby, I'm not hurt, just surprised." Toby's face showed nothing but relief and suddenly he was lying on top of me with his arms around me.
"Thanks Bella!" he says excitedly. I laugh softly and pat Toby's head all the while feeling sympathetic for this young boy who was forced to become a vampire, partly because of me. I could have taken him out of his misery, but allowing the pack to kill him seemed cruel when I could've taken him to Carlisle and let Carlisle care for him. I knew the Cullens would love him.
"I should be the one that's sorry," I whisper as I gently push Toby away and get to my feet before running out the door. I made it to my truck, but then I was being shoved against it.
"Why are you sorry?" demands Toby.
"I didn't give you a choice. Now you're stuck at thirteen forever," I whisper sadly.
"I don't care about that though! You gave me something better! You gave me a family that cares about me!" insists Toby.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"My dad…he walked out on my mom and me when I was little, my first memory is watching him walk out the door. Then it was just my mom and me for years until she got sick and passed away. Now I have a whole family that's actually functional and that loves me! I couldn't ask for better. I'dve given anything to gain this life. I owe you so much," dry sobs Toby.
It didn't take Edward long to apologize—again—for pissing me off. I had ended up just accepting the apology, but I wanted to argue that he apologized way too much. I loved Edward though and I had a lot to be thankful for. I owed him forgiveness and acceptance of his flaws at least.
"What are you thinking about?" asks Edward.
"Nothing really," I say as I look out onto the horizon and watch as twilight sets in. "Just stuff."
"Like what?" asks Edward as he wraps his arms around my waist.
"Our wedding day…it's only three days away. I can only imagine what Alice has planned," I say. Edward nuzzles my neck before placing a kiss on my jugular causing my heart to beat erratically.
"Yes, three days until you are officially mine," says Edward.
"And then our honeymoon," I sigh happily at the thought. Then blush as my thoughts go into the gutter. Of course, Edward's kisses to my neck weren't helping.
"Yes," breathes Edward, his cold breath caressing my neck making me shiver in delight.
"And when we get back I'll become a true Cullen," I say with a fond smile. Edward's grip tightens infinitesimally, but relaxes quickly.
"Yes, a true Cullen," agrees Edward with a hint of disdain.
"I love you, Edward."
"I love you too, my beloved Bella."
The next night was spent on La Push. Alice had all but kicked me out of the house and Edward was drug off to some sort of bachelor party with Emmett and Jasper. I shake my head at the thought as I open the door to my house and step inside only to find the whole pack sitting around my living room.
Amber was the first to reach me as she wraps me into a warm embrace. "Congratulations, Bells!" says Amber getting all teary eyed.
"I'm not married yet," I remind her.
"You will be tomorrow though! Ugh, it seems like just yesterday we were playing on the beach together," says Amber.
"Playing on the beach? Hell, it seems like she was just born and Embry and I were fighting over who gets to hold her first and protect her the best…"says Quil with a grin.
"You know if mom were here she wouldn't be able to stop crying," says Embry.
"Dad'd probably tear up too," says Quil.
"We're all happy for you Bella," says Sam. "We've all watched you grow into a beautiful young lady and I for one couldn't be prouder. If anyone belonged in this pack it was you."
"Never thought I'd hear that. I sure gave you guys hell," I say.
"That's part of your charm though," says Paul.
"Thanks guys," I say with tears of joy in my eyes. I had the best friends and family and I was going to add even more members to it.
The next morning Alice wasted no time dragging me into the shower before I could even wake up. I had been sleeping and the next thing I knew I was being pelted with freezing cold water. I also happened to be naked. "Suck it up Bella, we have four hours to make you beautiful and I'm not going to let you be late to your own wedding!" barks Alice as she begins to thoroughly clean my hair and body.
After the shower I was put in a chair and spent several hours being made over by Alice's quick and precise hands. Then came the dress which didn't take Alice long to put on me. Afterwards she decided I needed a few accessories like my mothers' hairpins and Esme's necklace. "There, you're perfect!" squeals Alice before turning me so I could look in the mirror at the stranger that was supposed to be me.
"Edward won't recognize me!"
"Yes he will you big baby. He'll love it!" crows Alice proudly.
"Thank you Alice…for everything," I say as tears prick my eyes again.
"Don't cry, you'll mess up your make up!" says Alice in despair before walking towards the door. It was time to go, but then she stops and turns back to me with a thousand watt smile.
"You're welcome sis," says Alice before skipping out the door. Follow her out to her yellow Porsche and we drive to her house. Once we get there it didn't take Alice anytime at all to get me up the stairs where Quil and Embry were standing at the top of the stairs looking dashing in their white suits.
"Guys…you look fantastic!" I say happily causing them to blush.
"We look fantastic? Have you looked in a mirror? You're the real beauty here," says Embry with an affectionate smile. Quil's eyes were shining with unshed tears. Then I heard the music and when I looked down the stairs I saw Spirit trot by carrying a basket holding two rings. So she was our ring bearer? Alice had even gotten her a little tux. She looked adorable and I had to smile.
When it was our turn Quil and Embry wrap their arms around mine and we walk down the stairs and out to the aisle. Everyone was standing and watching us as we made our way to Edward. Once there Edward holds out his hand and Quil and Embry place my hand in his.
End Chapter
A/N: Do I really have to go into detail about the wedding? It was a wedding, it went off without a hitch. Read Breaking Dawn or something. Anyhoo, next is the honeymoon. There's probably gonna be a lemon…I'm still undecided. It won't be perfect—the lemon—but I'll try. Scout's honor. Thanks for the reviews! Sayonara! =]