A/N: Well ladies, this is the end. I had intended to do one more chapter after this but the way the characters ended it for me felt right.
I want to thank all of you who have given this story a chance and those of you who shared your thoughts with me. I hope you will all follow me into the sequel.
A huge thanks has to go out to Edwardrocksmysocks for her invaluable work betaing this story for me. I know what this story would have looked like without your help girl, and it isn't pretty!
To the four lovely ladies who helped me by doing a bit of pre-reading on my next project, I haven't forgotten about y'all and you have no idea how much your opinions meant to me. Unfortunately my brain malfunctioned and I cleaned out my email before I got a chance to respond to you. My beta can vouch for my impressive ability to screw up something as simple as email. Anyway you guys were awesome and I can't thank you enough. If you had any questions I wasn't able to respond to please ask again and I promise I will get back to you.
Well...I guess that's all folks. Meyer still owns and you can meet me at the bottom for sequel info and some Eclipse ramblings.
Chapter 15
The End
I woke up the next morning on the floor of the living room. Alice's plan for beauty sleep had been completely disregarded in favor of margaritas and nineties songs we wouldn't admit to listening to this morning.
We spent Rosalie's last night as a single woman finishing up the slumber party we had began upon my arrival. The fact that she would be entering into a very adult union was lost on us as we embraced our inner teenager.
I had told the girls all about what had transpired between Edward and me last night with overly feminine sentiment. I blame the patron.
Alice had been overly giddy, as expected and Rose simply seemed resigned to the idea. She warned me to be careful but—despite her rigid tone—I caught the hint of the smile she was trying to hide.
I was the first one awake and it seemed to be fairly early judging by the soft light filling the room. I took inventory of my friends and found Rosalie on the couch wearing a 'bride to be' tiara. Her leg was draped over the top of the couch and her arm hung off of it. She was going to be unpleasant today.
Alice was curled up into a tiny ball on the loveseat, her hair sticking out in a scary looking mess. My nose led me to the kitchen where I found Esme sitting at the dining room table cradling a cup of coffee.
The moms had ended up joining us for a while last night and I had no idea when they called it a night; though I'm pretty sure they outlasted us.
"I just put a fresh pot on." Esme smiled.
I fixed myself a cup of coffee and joined her at the table.
"So, are you ready to hand your baby off?" I asked with a smile.
"More than ready." She sighed over dramatically. She laughed but we both knew she would be crying come seven this evening.
"Although, I do believe I'm more than ready to hand the other one over." She winked.
I nearly choked on my caffeinated confection. I had forgotten that Esme was present when I regaled the girls with my tale.
"Whoa now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Edward and I are just now…well I don't know what we are but we certainly aren't there." I laughed nervously.
I was giving Edward a second chance but there was still that voice in the back of my head that told me he could leave me again. There was no grand gesture, or earth shattering kiss that could get rid of that voice. It would take time and a lot of it to completely restore my trust in Edward, but he was worth the risk.
"Relax dear," she said with a smile. "I'm only teasing, although, I am happy to see that Edward has finally pulled his head out of his ass."
I was thankful I had put my mug down as it would have been embarrassing to choke twice.
"Where's mom?" I asked, noticing the silence that never persisted if she or Alaina were awake.
"They went to the Deli to pick up the subs and fruit trays for lunch."
I nodded in understanding and we fell into a casual discussion about the wedding and wagered on what would go wrong and how Rosalie would react.
"Now, if the flowers are wrong, I got ten that says she throws one of those catering trays at the messenger." I laughed.
"Hmm, plausible but no. I think she'll call the florist and scream at her until she makes the poor woman cry." Esme chuckled.
"You're both wrong," Rose mumbled as she made her way into the kitchen, having apparently woken up during our conversation.
"I'll shank her."
Rosalie didn't crack a smile at her words as she made a slow walk to the coffee pot. Her hair was a mess but somehow managed to look more sex pot than rat's nest.
"So are you nervous, my future daughter-in-law?" Esme smiled at Rosalie as she sat down to join us at the table.
"No, not really. I'm nervous something may go wrong. The caterers could screw up. It could storm. Bella could fall while walking down the aisle," Rosalie rattled off her worries on her fingers and I simply scowled.
"Oh what? Like it isn't a possibility?" She challenged me with a raised eyebrow.
"Whatever," I mumbled and then went to wake the pixie.
Alice hadn't budged from her position. I almost felt guilty about waking her but then I remembered all the times she had barged into my house and drug me out of bed to go black Friday shopping.
"Alice, get your butt up," I said as I shoved her a little too roughly.
"Mother's ass, Bella! What is your problem?" She groaned loudly before burying her face in her pillow.
"We've got a wedding today," I sang. She bolted up immediately and began running around the living room folding blankets and picking up our mess from last night. I watched her in silence, amazed at how quickly she could go from zero to sixty.
"Why are you just standing there? We have so much to do!" She demanded loudly.
"Relax, Alice. We've got time. Come have some coffee with us…on second thought juice for you." I smiled and she threw a throw pillow at me.
The morning was a relaxing one. Rose had been adamant that her wedding be in the evening so we could take our time getting ready.
Rose and Emmett had sprung to have all of the rental companies and other wedding suppliers set everything up so I didn't think we would have much to do.
I was wrong. Even though we weren't completely rushed we were steadily moving. Directions were given and then overturned by someone else. Food was tasted and critiqued. Hair was both critiqued and overturned by Alice. Things were a bit chaotic but functional.
By five we were all showered and it was time to do hair. Rosalie had given free rein to Alice where our beauty was concerned. I wasn't sure if that said more about Alice's abilities or Rosalie's trust in those abilities; either way it was impressive.
I was seated in a chair in the bathroom while Alice brushed and tugged on my long hair. Things were going smoothly until my text message alert rang out through the bathroom. Alice and I looked at each other in the mirror silently before we both dove from our spots and fought to get to my phone.
"Alice let me go!" I yelled as she yanked on my arm effectively pulling me behind her. The pixie was surprisingly strong.
I grabbed a hold of the collar of her robe from behind just as her fingers wrapped around my phone. We fell to the ground and began wrestling for control of my phone.
"What are you worried about? I'll read it out loud," Alice grunted against the cold tile of the bathroom floor.
"That's what I'm worried about," I panted as I knocked the phone out of her hand and sent it sliding across the room.
Before I could untie our limbs and grab it I saw Rosalie's perfectly manicured hand reach down to grab it. I wasn't sure how long she had been standing watching us.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" She asked with a smirk as she flipped open my phone and pressed a button.
A smile crossed her face and she laughed out loud.
"It's just a message from your publisher telling you to call her when you get back to Florida. Hardly worth the girl's gone wild moment you two were sharing." She laughed.
I climbed off of Alice and offered her a hand to pull her up.
"Sorry Bella I just assumed it was something juicy from Edward." Alice sighed.
"So that gave you the right to read my text?" I asked harshly.
Alice simply shrugged and gestured for me to return to my seat. I did and she resumed her yanking and curling.
I was more than a little bummed that Edward hadn't tried to contact me today. I couldn't really be too upset because I hadn't made an effort to speak to him either.
"I'm going to grab a bottle of water," Rosalie said as she gave me my phone and a sly wink.
I quickly flipped my phone open and reopened the text.
Can't stop thinking about you. Save me a dance beautiful.
I smiled to myself and typed out a quick reply assuring him that every dance would be his.
I tucked the phone back in my pocket to avoid any more fights in the bathroom.
It didn't take long before Alice had worked her magic on everyone. Once we had finally gotten our dresses on, Rosalie and the bridesmaids were gathered outside to get some of the pictures taken. We would do most of the shots after the ceremony but we were doing Rosalie's solo shots and our group shots now.
We were standing outside waiting for the photographer to arrive when I saw Edward walk out into the yard and greet us.
"What are you doing here?" Rosalie asked panicked. "Emmett's not here yet is he? You guys are supposed to wait."
"Calm down, Rose." Edward laughed. "I was going to see, if you wouldn't mind if I take some of the shots tonight. Consider it an early wedding present." He smirked.
He pulled his camera out from behind his back and winked at me. Rose didn't say anything but went and kissed his cheek.
"Okay ladies let's get started."
He instantly took charge and began directing us in our poses. I watched his brow crease in concentration as he worked. He looked good behind the camera.
"Bella, chin up, please," he commanded with a smirk.
I did as he asked.
"Rosalie angle your shoulders toward Alice and turn your head toward me. Good."
He spent the next thirty minutes taking as many shots as time would allow and even had the parents out for some.
"Okay, that's a wrap for now. Rosalie I talked to the photographer you hired this morning and he's still going to shoot the ceremony so I can stand next to Emmett. I hope that's okay?" Edward asked nervously.
"That's fine." She smiled. I watched as she walked up to him and in a very un-Rosalie fashion, wrapped her arms around him.
She whispered something in his ear and he nodded and kissed her forehead. I had almost forgotten that they too had known each other since childhood and at one point were also very close.
I smiled at the sight before me and nudged Alice's arm. She looked at me knowingly and we left the two of them to speak in private.
"So when are you moving to New York?" Alice asked as soon as we were back inside.
"What?" I gasped.
"Well you are moving aren't you?" She asked.
"No, maybe, no, I don't know," I stammered.
"Why would I be moving? Who's to say Edward can't move or that this will even last long enough to worry about that?"
"Don't do that," Alice demanded in a harsher tone than I had heard her use in years.
"Do what?" I asked growing defensive.
"You said you'd give him a chance. Don't start doubting him the second you agree to try again. It's not fair," she said with authority.
"Life isn't fair," I mumbled.
I knew that she was right but I didn't know how to turn off my worries. Imagining giving up my life to follow him to New York was terrifying but so was the thought of living without seeing Edward every day as I had gotten used to this week.
Him leaving me the first time was painful but if I moved for him and he ran again that would be painful and humiliating. I wasn't sure I could recover from that.
Once Edward finished a few solo shots of Rosalie we headed back upstairs until it was time for the ceremony to start. Rosalie wass the picture of calm until Alaina joined us in Alice's cozy room.
Alaina gave Rosalie a sad smile and I watched in shock as Rosalie's bottom lip began to quiver. Alaina moved to her quickly and wrapped her up in a solid embrace.
I was unable to hear the soft words Alaina was whispering to her but I watched helplessly as Rose nodded and batted angrily at the tears running down her cheek.
It didn't click until I felt Alice move from my side to join the hug between the two glassy eyed women.
Rosalie's father isn't here. The always strong Rosalie has shown tears in public on very few occasions since the loss of her dad. She cried as we got ready for her high school graduation and when she graduated college.
Rosalie once spoke of how every happy moment in her life would be marked by sadness from her father's absence.
I joined the group mugging and told her it was going to be okay. Rose shot me a look and I squished my nose up at my mistake. Rosalie hates being told that everything will be okay.
I gave her the best smile I could manage and she gave me a sad smile back. I watched in awe as she shook her head and stood up off the bed we were all gathered on. She wiped her eyes once more and took a deep breath.
"Alright enough of this depressing crap. I'm getting married today," she said as she headed to the vanity to fix her make-up.
It's obvious she's sad but Rosalie is strong and will make it through this day like any other. Alice bounced off the bed and took the shaking mascara wand from Rose's hand to reapply her mascara.
"I'm going to run downstairs and grab a drink. Anyone need anything?" I ask.
No one does so I carefully maneuver my way downstairs.
I find Edward in the kitchen in his tuxedo. He's leaning against the wall staring off into space. He should be in black and white and have a cigarette between his lips like a young Humphrey Bogart or Cary Grant.
His voice rings out through the house and I jump despite the fact that I've been staring at him for almost a full minute. I hadn't noticed he had his cell phone against his ear.
"I can't Tanya, I'm sorry. I have things to do here," he said loudly.
I hate that I'm eavesdropping but he still hasn't noticed me so I back up just a bit so I'm guaranteed discretion.
"I told you. No. Yes. Fine I'll get out of here as soon I can." He sighed heavily his frustration saturating his tone.
I go back upstairs without my drink and try to process what's going on. I need to ask about Tanya. Despite my worries about Edward's and my relationship, I trust him not to be seeing someone else.
I hate the way my stomach clenches at the idea of him having to leave any earlier than he already is. We've already wasted so much time and now we're both leaving. There are so many things to discuss and no time to do it.
"Everything alright?" Alice asked when I came back in the room.
"Fine," I replied with a forced smile.
She gave me a look that said she could see through me but doesn't push.
It's not much longer before Esme knocks gently on the door. Her perfectly coiffed head peaks in and tells us it's time.
We gathered downstairs at the back doors and waited for the music to start.
"I'll be right behind you." Rose smiles.
I opened the door and carefully walked toward the aisle that is defined only by small white candles.
I looked up ahead ready to lock eyes with Edward.
I nearly choked when I realized there is a gap between Emmett and Jasper where he should be. I forced myself to keep walking as my stomach plummeted to the soles of my over-priced shoes. He's already gone.
He left, without so much as a goodbye.
I tried to smile at Emmett through my building tears, hoping they could be passed off as happy tears for him and Rose.
I wanted so badly to run to him and demand to know what happened to Edward but I won't ruin this day more than his brother already has.
After an eternity I finally reached my mark and gripped my bouquet tightly. I wouldn't cry over him, not now.
The music changes and I direct my attention where it should be, Rose.
The patio doors open again and she steps out proudly.
A shuddering breath escapes me as my eyes run up the arm that her hand is looped through. They continue their path of exploration and are met with the beautiful combination of white teeth and perfect bone structure.
Edward is smiling looking just as proud as Rose. He looks at me and grins even wider.
The relief that washes over me outweighs the guilt I knew I should be feeling for doubting him.
Edward expertly guides Rosalie down the aisle and hands her off to Emmett.
We try not to stare at one another as Rosalie and Emmett bind themselves to one another.
EPOV
I couldn't believe she thought I would simply leave. Obviously it would take time to convince her of my dedication to her, to us.
"Really, Bella. I would have left you a post it or something," I teased as we glided around the dance floor to an old Sinatra song.
"I'm glad you find yourself so funny." She muttered, rolling her eyes at me before laying her head on my chest.
"We have a lot to talk about," she tells my lapel.
"I know," I whisper.
I kissed the top of her head and pulled her tighter against me.
This is the last slow dance of the night and I would give anything to be able to freeze time and stay in this moment forever.
"Do you want to get out of here? Most of the guests have already left," I plead.
Bella nods her head while yawning.
I take her hand and we head off across the yard toward the seclusion of our tree house.
While Bella climbs up the ladder, I look toward the direction of the nearly empty tent and ensure that we haven't been spotted.
"Not an easy climb in this dress." Bella laughs as I make my way into the tree house.
"Well I happen to think you look amazing in it." I tell her honestly.
She simply smiles as she settles herself against my side.
I'm not sure how long we stayed lying together in silence, our fingers making random patterns on the other's exposed skin.
"I have to leave first thing in the morning." I sighed.
"I figured. What…what are we going to do?" She asked.
"What do you want to do?"
"Edward, be serious. We need to figure this out together."
"I am serious. I'll do whatever you want to do. I might have some preferences…but it's up to you."
"A-ha" she said with a smirk. "And what might these preferences be?"
"Well…" I mused as I place a kiss on her hand that is intertwined with mine.
"You could move to New York," I punctuate with another kiss.
Bella opens her mouth to protest and I speak before she has a chance.
"Preferences remember? It's up to you. But you can write anywhere and where could you find more publishers than New York? Anyway, you could move into my apartment where we will spend the next….year…ten months making up for all the sex we've missed out on."
Bella's snort interrupts my thought process but I push forward.
"I'd spend that time showing you my favorite places in the city and trying my damndest to make up for all of my mistakes."
"Edward, there's no need to still feel guilty. The past is just that. We have to move forward." Bella whispered.
"At the end of that time I'll propose in some fashion that will guarantee your acceptance. Maybe I'll propose shirtless," I teased to lighten the mood. Bella laughs but doesn't comment.
"So you'll say yes. We'll get married, nine months later we'll have a baby; a son with your eyes, to be quickly followed by a little girl with your smile. Oh and you will win a Pulitzer," I finished with an affirmative nod and look at Bella.
Her face is contorted as she fights to keep the smile off of her face.
"Well?" I asked with a shrug.
She takes a deep breath then scrunches her face in thought.
"I want two Pulitzers," she said seriously.
I laugh loudly and pull her against me. The silence returns for a while before she decides to speak.
"I'm not making any huge decisions now. We need time. I'm not saying I will or won't ever move to New York but right now I can't consider making that decision," she replied sadly.
"I understand," I said, because I do.
"We should probably take our time. See how things go. But we can visit each other, right?" I asked hopefully.
"Um yeah, you had better come see me, and you know I've always wanted to go to New York."
"So we'll play it by ear then?"
"Works for me…for now." Bella smiles.
It would take time to get everything figured out but right now I couldn't find it in me to care. Bella was mine and I was hers once again. Lying here with her in my arms I knew I had found my heaven on earth and there was no way I would be letting it go again.
A/N: So that's it...for now. What'd you think?
I'm taking a brief semi-break from fanfic. Only a couple weeks maybe a month before beginning the sequel. I have an outtake or two that I will post for ATHEA sometime in that break but I have a lot going on this coming month and I don't want to post the first chapter of the new story only to make you wait three weeks for the second.
Then again who knows, I could get some free time and give myself a nice case of carpal tunnel.
Again thank you all so much for sticking this story out. I hope you'll all put me on Author alert so you know when the sequel goes up.
Leave me one last review and let me know what you thought. Please.
ECLIPSE...If you haven't seen it yet you may not want to read. If you have I'm DYING to hear your opinions so let me know if you agree or disagree with my thoughts.
The Good: Rob looked better in this movie than he has in any either of the previous. He looked like he filled out, I liked! I loved Jasper in this movie, pretty sure I feel in love with him when he was "fighting" with Alice. mmm mmm mmm.
The Bad: Maybe it was just b/c Eclipse was my favorite book in the saga but it seemed like they cut out or completely changed some of the best scenes from the book. I was really dissapointed that it strayed so much further from the book than Twilight or New Moon did. There are entirely too many changes that bugged me to discuss them all. If you saw I'm sure you know of a few. Overall I was dissapointed but that's starting to ease as I think about the meadow scenes and Rob's smirk. The new Victoria...not a fan.
The Ugly: Esme...just in general. What happened to her hair? I preferred her Twilight look, very mothering. Carslisle's british accent that just appeared in the third movie? Edward's side burns.
Well just a few of my humble opinions on the Eclipse movie. Let's here yours!