A/N: Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews and to those who've put BOTM on alert. I'm really grateful for your support.
Here it is, the moment you've been waiting for - the wedding. I hope I do it justice.
o-o-o-o-o-o
Chapter 28
A soft kiss roused Bella from her sleep. Opening one eye, she looked up to see Edward grinning down at her, his green eyes sparkling with excitement. She gave him a sleepy smile as he leaned down and deepened the kiss for a few moments before pulling back.
"Good morning, sleepy head," he murmured. "Guess what day it is?"
"Um, is it your birthday?" she teased gently.
Edward shook his head with a grin.
"My birthday?"
He gave a mock growl and leaned down to tickle her neck with his tongue, making her squeal as his hands began tickling her waist. She laughed out loud as she tried to wriggle away. "Okay, okay! I give up! It's our wedding day!"
Edward stopped his tickling and smiled down at her. "Tease. Happy wedding day, my love."
Bella reached up and pulled him down to her, kissing him deeply. "Happy wedding day, Edward."
With gratifying reluctance Edward sat up, pulling her with him as he leaned back against the headboard, enfolding her in his arms. He wanted to take this opportunity for some calm before the madness started. Alice would be here soon to whisk Bella away and he wouldn't see her again until she walked up the aisle towards him. He felt his heart thump with excitement at the thought. Bella would become his wife today! Finally, the woman of his dreams would be his.
"I want to give you my wedding present before Alice gets here," said Bella. Getting out of bed, she reached inside her underwear drawer and pulled out her gift, wrapped in a white bow. She climbed onto his lap, straddling his legs as she handed him the gift. Edward gave her another kiss as he took the parcel. Eagerly opening it, he smiled widely as he took out the watch.
"It's engraved," she told him as he turned it around to see her name.
"It's beautiful, my love. Thank you. I love it and I'll treasure it always," he said softly.
"When the baby's born, I'll put his or her name on it too." Bella helped him put the watch on and they both admired it on his wrist.
Edward gently cupped her face in his hands and pulled her towards him. He gave her a long, leisurely, sensual kiss that had them both breathing heavily when they pulled apart. "God, I love you. I can't wait until tonight, when we're alone and we can stay in bed all day if we want."
"Mmm, me too," agreed Bella. She looked at the time and gave a soft sigh. "I'd better get dressed. Alice will be here soon and I need to have something to eat. My nerves probably won't let me eat later."
"I'm ringing Mom to make sure both you and Alice eat something today. I don't want my bride fainting from hunger," he warned gently. His bride. God, he loved those words.
"Don't nag," said Bella. "I'll have Mom, Esme and Alice watching everything I do. I don't need you getting all overprotective as well." She gave him another peck and moved to get off him.
"Wait. I have something for you," said Edward, reaching into his bedside drawer and pulling out a small jeweller's box.
"Edward! Isn't buying us a beautiful property enough of a wedding present?" admonished Bella as he put the box in her hands.
"I like giving you things," he replied. "It's just a little something for you to wear today. Think of it as your 'something new'."
Shaking her head at him, she opened the box and gasped at the beautiful diamond bracelet inside. "Edward, it's gorgeous! You really shouldn't have."
Ignoring her words, he took out the bracelet and put it on her wrist. It had three strands of diamonds which shone brightly in the sunlight, the multicoloured streaks of light almost blinding.
"Perfect," he smiled.
Bella smiled and kissed him passionately one last time. "Thank you. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm never letting you go."
"That's a promise I'm holding you to," he replied, his green eyes shining with love.
o-o-o-o-o-o
"How are the nerves?" asked Alice as they sat having their manicures and pedicures. With her shop in the heart of Port Angeles, Alice was well acquainted with the manicurist who owned the shop a few doors down as well as the hairdresser and makeup stylist.
"Well, the butterflies are getting stronger as the hours pass," admitted Bella.
"That's normal," said Alice. "Wait until you get to Mom's house and you're getting ready to walk down the aisle. The butterflies will feel like they're disco dancing in there."
"Not helping, Alice," groaned Bella.
Esme, Renee and Victoria turned up shortly after to have their hair and makeup done. Victoria had brought little Robbie with her and Renee had been cuddling him for ages. None of them had seen the dress yet.
Bella wondered how Edward was coping. Was he as nervous as her? She couldn't wait to see him. She rubbed her hand over her stomach, the movement soothing her.
Through his work contacts, Jacob had managed to secure a beautiful classic red Mustang to transport her and Alice to Esme's house. His friend Embry was going to be their chauffeur for the afternoon. The wedding was scheduled to take place at 3pm and the minutes were ticking away both too fast and too slow for Bella's liking.
"What a gorgeous day it's turned out to be!" exclaimed Renee as she came back inside from inspecting Alice's garden.
"So, is it bedlam at home, Mom?" asked Alice.
"No, it's organised chaos actually," laughed Esme. "The caterer's arrived on time while there's been hustle and bustle all morning as the decorations have been put up and everything readied. I gave the boys orders not to interfere with anything, or they'll be answering to me." Esme grinned at Bella. "They were actually watching a football game replay when I left."
"God, guys have it so easy," complained Alice. "Five minutes before the ceremony they'll decide to get dressed. We have to prepare for hours."
"True," agreed Renee. "But no-one goes to look at the groom. All eyes are on the lovely bride."
Bella groaned softly. "Thanks for reminding me! I've been trying to get that thought out of my head."
"You'll be fine, baby," replied Renee. "You'll be beautiful."
The hours passed as the preparations continued. The others had been stunned when Bella told them of Edward's wedding gift of a property to build a home on. Bella looked at Esme who had a slight guilty look on her face. "Did you know about it, Esme?"
Esme gave a guilty nod. "I must admit I did. Edward asked me to help him look for a suitable property. Through my contacts with the charities I work with, I know a few estate agents and passed on Edward's requirements. We looked at few properties but as soon as Edward saw that one, he knew it was the one for you."
"He's right. It's the most beautiful piece of land," sighed Bella. "It will be a wonderful place to bring up our baby. I can't wait to start planning the house. I wish we had super powers and we could build it at super speed."
"Unfortunately, it'll have to be built at normal, human speed," remarked Alice.
The makeup and hair stylists arrived and one by one they all got glammed up. Bella was the last one and naturally, they took longer on her hair and makeup. Alice refused to let Bella look at herself until she put her dress on. She wanted Bella to get the full effect when she first saw herself.
When it became time to get dressed, the butterflies felt like they became galloping horses in Bella's stomach. Alice came in already dressed, ready to help Bella dress.
"You look lovely Alice," commented Bella. Alice had chosen to wear her hair in a loose chignon. The dress fitted her perfectly, her rounded stomach encased in the navy material.
"Thank you. Let's get this dress on you and I can guarantee Edward's eyes will pop out of his head when he sees you."
Carefully, they eased the beautiful dress onto Bella, Alice checking everything was in place and did up the hidden zipper. Putting her shoes on, she turned to Alice. "Okay?"
Alice stood there, her hands clasped in front of her. "God, Bella. You look just…beautiful. It's time you saw yourself now." Leading Bella to her dressing room, she turned her to face the mirror.
Once again, Bella was in awe of her own transformation. Her hair fell in large, loose waves down her back, the hair band the only adornment. Her brown eyes looked huge and the makeup was flawless. The dress fit like a dream, falling to the floor in a soft cloud of chiffon. Her baby bump was visible but not the focus of attention.
"Wow."
"Yeah, wow," agreed Alice. "I may have to tell Jasper to hold Edward back when he sees you. We all know he doesn't have much restraint when it comes to you." Both of them giggled in agreement.
"Can we come in now?"
"Sure," called out Alice. The women all came into the room and stopped short when they caught sight of Bella.
Renee burst into tears. "Oh my god! My baby girl's so beautiful. I can't believe how beautiful you are!" She took Bella's hands and squeezed them. "I'd hug you but I don't want to crease the dress."
"Thanks Mom."
"All I ever wanted for you was to be happy," continued Renee. "And you're absolutely radiant today. All my hopes have been answered. You've found a wonderful man, who loves you as you deserve to be loved and you're going to make me a grandma. I couldn't wish for more."
Bella sniffed and tried desperately to stop herself crying. Not caring about a crease or two, she hugged her mother tightly. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, baby girl."
"Renee, you have to stop crying or your makeup will be ruined," warned Alice, who's eyes were suspiciously moist as well.
Pulling herself together, Bella accepted the compliments of Victoria and Esme. Now that she was dressed, she wanted to begin the ceremony. She wanted to see Edward.
"Here, Bella," said Alice, holding out a blue, lacy garter. "You need something blue." Renee took the garter and helped Bella put it on. Bending down was somewhat difficult for Alice at the moment.
Renee then took out a velvet bag from her purse. "These were your grandmother's and she passed them on to me. Eventually they'll be yours but for now they can be your 'something old' and 'something borrowed'." She pulled out a pair of pear-shaped, diamond drop earrings. "They'll go beautifully with the bracelet Edward gave you."
Bella had always loved these earrings and as a child, had begged her mother to let her put them on. Renee would only let her put them on for a few minutes at a time and always in her sight. The earrings were her most precious memory of her mother. She hoped they would be passed down through the family for many generations. "Thanks Mom. You know I'll take good care of them."
Renee nodded, her eyes filled with emotion.
"Hey, where is everyone?" called out Charlie.
"In here," replied Alice.
Charlie bounded into the room and stopped abruptly at the sight of Bella. "Um…ah…wow, Bels. You look…" he shook his head in amazement.
Renee put her arm through his and grinned at him. "Doesn't our baby girl look like the most beautiful bride ever?"
Charlie nodded mutely.
"Thanks Dad. You look rather handsome yourself," smiled Bella. Charlie looked extremely debonair in his black tux.
Pulling himself together, Charlie told Esme that Carlisle was here to collect them. "Embry's on his way, Bels."
"Where's Kara?" Bella and Edward had had dinner with Charlie the night Kara arrived and she found her charming. She could see her father light up when he looked at her.
"Jacob's taking her to the house and meeting me there."
Esme, Renee and Victoria left to go back to the house just as Embry was pulling up to Alice's door. The car had been decorated with the traditional white ribbon.
"Ready to go, Bels?" asked Charlie, holding out his elbow.
Bella took a deep breath, accepted the bridal bouquet from Alice and stepped forward. "Ready Dad. Let's do this."
o-o-o-o-o-o
Edward pulled on the cuffs on his tuxedo for what seemed like the millionth time today. His incessant pacing was driving Jasper nuts
"Relax, Edward," he pleaded. "She'll be here soon."
"I know, I know. God, why am I so nervous?"
"It's normal. As soon as you see her, you'll be fine."
"God, I can't wait to see her. She'll be so beautiful, I know it." He looked at Jasper who was reading the newspaper while they sat in the sitting room. "Were you nervous?"
Jasper put down the paper and grinned at Edward. "I was ready to beg for a valium, I was so nervous. I don't know why. I loved Alice with everything in me but there's something about the thought of the ceremony..."
"Yeah. Maybe it's a guy thing," pondered Edward. He looked at his watch and saw the minute hand had only crawled another couple of spaces. Damn, why was the time going so slowly? He ran his fingers over the watch Bella had given him this morning and it made him feel slightly better.
He'd been watching the organised chaos that had been his parent's house all morning. People had been traipsing in and out all day, setting things up. Just to have something to do, he'd gone down to check out the preparations and had been roundly told off by Esme for getting in people's way. Deciding it was safer to head back to the house he'd watched from a distance.
The marquee had been set up the day before and was now filled with tables and chairs, decorated in cream and navy. There were ribbons of cream and navy hanging off the chairs and along the marquee roof while the tables glittered with polished silverware and crystal glasses. Flowers abounded everywhere. The caterers were frantically busy in Esme's kitchen, preparing the feast.
On the other side of the large garden, chairs had been set up within Esme's flower garden where the actual ceremony was going to take place. There were only about forty guests, so the whole thing would have an intimate feel. There were pedestals full of flowers set in a semi-circle where they would say their vows.
Edward heard the first guests arrive so he and Jasper went out to greet them. For the next ten minutes or so, he chatted with the arrivals until he saw his father arrive back with the women.
"Don't you three look gorgeous?" said Jasper, his charm coming to the fore.
"You're such a charmer," gushed Renee with a laugh. "If I were only twenty years younger and we both weren't married..." They all had a chuckle at Jasper's beet-red face.
"Bella will be here shortly," said Esme, looking around. "Oh good, Pastor White's here," she said as she walked off to greet the man who would officiate the wedding.
In no time at all, the wedding planner urged everyone to start taking their seats as the ceremony was about to commence.
Edward and Jasper stood at the front checking their suits. "Is everything in place?" asked Edward nervously.
"For the thousandth time, yes. You look fine," chuckled Jasper.
The organist started playing and Edward could see the guests getting more excited as the hour approached. Suddenly, the music changed to the universally known 'Wedding March' and Edward took a deep breath as he prepared for his first sight of his adored bride.
o-o-o-o-o-o
"Ready?" asked Charlie as they stood together waiting for the signal to go.
"I don't think I've ever been so ready for anything, Dad."
Charlie leaned over and kissed Bella's cheek. "I love you, Bels."
"I love you too, Dad. You've been the best," she smiled back, her eyes watery.
"Be happy."
"I am Dad. I am."
The music started and Alice was the first to go. They were standing behind a curtain of greenery which shielded them from everyone's gaze until they stepped around it. Gripping tightly onto Charlie's arm, she stepped forward.
Edward watched his sister walk up the carpet that served as an aisle, grinning at her. Alice smiled back before blowing her husband a cheeky kiss. Edward heard Jasper give a low chuckle beside him but was too intent on getting his first glimpse of Bella.
And what he saw literally took his breath away! An angel, his angel, was walking towards him and he couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Bella was so utterly, heartbreakingly beautiful as she walked towards him, holding onto her father's arm. Their eyes met and it was just the two of them, everyone and everything fading into the background. The love shining from each other's eyes was palpable. Edward took a step forward, just wanting to touch her, sweep her into his arms but Jasper put a restraining hand on him.
"Patience, Edward," he murmured with a grin.
"She's so beautiful," replied Edward in complete awe.
Bella smiled tenderly at him as she walked towards him at what seemed an agonisingly slow pace. Finally, Edward couldn't wait any longer and took a few steps forwards and met her a few feet away. He took her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly, neither of them aware of the sighs of most of the female guests at this overt display of devotion.
The sound of Charlie clearing his throat noisily brought them back to earth. Edward gave Charlie a sheepish grin. "Sorry." Bella giggled at the look on Charlie's face. She turned to her father as he gave her a kiss on the cheek and surrendered her hand to Edward. Clasping her hand tightly, he led her towards the waiting Pastor, ignoring the knowing looks of Alice and Jasper. Bella handed her bouquet to Alice then stood facing Edward, her hands engulfed in his.
Edward's eyes were a brilliant green, his adoration for her plain to see. Bella couldn't keep from tearing up as she saw how much this meant to him. One of his hands left hers and gently rubbed her softly rounded stomach, telling her wordlessly how much he loved both of them.
Pastor White gently got their attention so that the ceremony could commence. Bella could hardly believe it was finally here; she was marrying Edward. Their words shook from the emotion of the moment. The ceremony was traditional other than their vows, which they had chosen to write themselves. Edward was the first to speak his.
Edward took a deep breath to settle himself, his emotions threatening to run away with him. "Bella, my love, my life. I never dreamed I would meet someone who would become the most important thing in my life. You burst into my life and I've never been the same. You've brought me utter joy, love, passion, friendship and I never want to be without you. You've given me the greatest gift a man could receive. You're carrying my baby within you and I'm utterly humbled at your selfless gift. There aren't enough words to express the depths of my love and devotion, but I promise to spend every day trying to be worthy of you and your love. I'll love you forever, my beloved Bella."
Bella couldn't stop the tears falling as she listened to Edward's heartfelt words. Her heart was threatening to burst with love for him. Edward tenderly wiped her tears away with his fingers, smiling gently. Giving him a wobbly smile, Bella prepared to say her vows.
"I don't know what I did to deserve someone like you in my life, but I promise I'm going to thank heaven every day for you. You have loved me, cherished me, looked after me; been my friend, lover, confidante and I love you with every fibre of my being. Our love created the miracle of our child, proof that nothing is impossible when two people love each other the way we do. I can't wait to spend my life with you, raising our child, growing old together. You are my life Edward, now and forever."
Pastor White waited a few moments before continuing. There were sniffling sounds from several of the female guests. Jasper handed over the rings when requested.
"I, Edward Anthony Cullen, take you, Isabella, as my lawfully wedded wife. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my eternal love and devotion," he said as he placed the ring on her finger.
"I, Isabella Marie Swan, take you, Edward, as my lawfully wedded husband. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my eternal love and devotion."
Edward gripped her hand after she had placed the ring on his finger, both of them with tears in their eyes. They belonged to each other now for the rest of their lives.
"...I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," announced Pastor White with a flourish.
Not needing a second invitation, Edward took Bella in his arms and kissed her. Bella wrapped her arms tightly around his neck as she returned the kiss with equal passion. Once again, everything faded away as they became lost in each other, unable to contain their joy. Only the humorous wolf-whistles from some of the males penetrated their love-filled haze.
"Guys, get a room!" called out Jacob, earning himself several guffaws.
"Shut up, Jake," replied Bella, blushing deeply. Edward hugged her as he laughed.
After that, it was hugs and congratulations all around, photos taken and then the guests were ushered towards the marquee for the reception. After the dinner, Edward got Bella up to dance the traditional first dance. They wrapped their arms around each other as the first strains of 'All of You' began.
I've never this feeling before
I've never wanted anyone more
And something in your eyes tells me
You feel the way that I do (I feel like you do)
If you would like to stay here all night
You know that I would say it's alright
Though I'm saying yes, I confess
I've got more on my mind
'Cause I want more of you than your time
"You take my breath away, my beautiful wife," murmured Edward, lifting her hand and kissing her wedding band.
"I lost mine the instant I saw you, my gorgeous husband," replied Bella huskily.
All of you, your body and soul
Every kind of love you can express
All the secret dreams you've never told
I want everything, and I'll take nothing less
All of you as long as you live
Everything you've never shared before
I want all of you that you can give
All your joys and all your sorrows
Your today's and your tomorrow's
Bella buried her face under Edward's chin, breathing in his delicious scent. Mine. He's all mine, she thought. I'll never let him go.
"I love you," he whispered into her hair, his hand delicately caressing her back as they swayed to the music.
How I long to feel the warmth of your touch
And then if I'm not asking too much
I'd like to spend my life wandering through
All the wonders of you
And when we're lying close in the dark
So close I feel each beat of your heart
I want you to reveal what you feel
All you hold deep inside
There is nothing I want you to hide
"I love you too," she replied.
"Happy?"
Bella nodded. "Ecstatic."
"You're mine now. Both of you."
All of you, your body and soul
Everything you want this love to be
I want all of you, all that you can give
And in return for all your giving
Let me give you, all of me
Neither of them had noticed that the others had gotten up to dance until Charlie cut in for a dance with his daughter.
"You've got her for the rest of her life. One dance with her old man isn't too much to ask," said Charlie wryly
With visible reluctance, Edward let her go as he was required to dance with other people, Esme first of all. After several dances, Bella pleaded for a break as she sat down with Jacob. Edward was dancing with Victoria and Bella couldn't help admiring his long, lean figure in the tuxedo. She couldn't wait to strip it off him later. Nothing was more stunning than a naked Edward.
"Who is Edward dancing with?" asked Jacob, cutting into her lascivious thoughts.
"That's Victoria," she replied looking at him. She was surprised to see him gazing at Victoria with a strange look on his face. "She's living with Carlisle and Esme and her baby, Robbie. I mentioned her, remember?"
"That Victoria?" Bella nodded. "You didn't tell me she was so beautiful," he said.
"Would you like me to introduce you?" Jacob nodded eagerly, a slightly stunned look on his face.
With a secret thrill, Bella led him towards Edward and Victoria. "Victoria, I'd like to introduce one of my best friends, Jacob Black."
Victoria smiled up at Jacob, blushing as Jacob took her hand and kissed it. Edward raised his eyebrow as he grinned at Bella.
"H...Hi Jacob," she stuttered.
"Please, call me Jake. Would you like to dance?" he asked.
"I'd love to." Bella and Edward forgotten, Jacob took Victoria in his arms as the music started.
Edward led Bella back to the table for a drink. "Well, that was interesting," he smirked.
Bella nodded. "Very. I've never seen Jacob act like that before."
"Must be all the romance in the air," he murmured as he nuzzled her neck. "Are you feeling romantic, Mrs Cullen?"
Bella felt a primal thrill at his words. "Very romantic, Mr Cullen."
"How long before we can leave?" he asked huskily.
"Soon, I hope. I'm feeling in need of a lie down. Women in my condition need lots of rest, you know." They had the long drive to Seattle when they left here and Bella couldn't wait to spend the next couple of days alone with Edward.
They chatted for a while with Rosalie and Emmett , who had brought along little Riley, who was having a great time running around under the tables. Alice and Bella were sitting down, taking a break when Esme came over, holding little Robbie who had fallen asleep in her arms.
"I see Victoria's having a good time," smiled Esme as they all turned to look at Jacob and Victoria dancing away and laughing together. Other than getting themselves something to drink, they hadn't stopped dancing, Victoria knowing Robbie was being well looked after.
"Do I sense something brewing there?" asked Rosalie with a sly grin. "After all, I was right about our lovebirds here, wasn't I?" she said, pointing at Bella and Edward.
"Can we have another bet?" asked Emmett eagerly, earning more laughs.
"Well, I for one would like to see Jacob happy," said Bella. "Let's hope we're seeing the start of another beautiful romance."
Finally, Alice announced it was time for Bella to change out of her wedding gown. Tearing herself from her husband's arms, she was dragged back inside. Alice helped her change into a beautiful floaty silver dress. When she was ready, she pulled Alice into her arms and hugged her as hard as Alice's tummy would allow.
"I love you, Al. Thank you so, so much for today. It would not have been such a beautiful day without you."
"I love you too, sis," grinned Alice, her eyes watery. "You've made my brother so happy and I'll be eternally grateful. You looked beautiful today, Bella."
They stood together in the hug until Bella felt Alice's baby kick her. "Sorry Junior. I didn't mean to squash you," smiled Bella.
"Junior's just anxious to meet his or her cousin," explained Alice. "Come on, I'm sure Edward's desperate to get you all to himself."
Bella and Edward went around thanking everyone for helping celebrate their special day before getting ready to throw the bouquet and toss the garter. When they got to Alice and Jasper, Edward pulled out a couple of boxes
"These are a token of Bella's and my appreciation and gratitude for all you guys did to make today such a fantastic day," he said handing them the boxes.
They gave Jasper a gold dress watch and Alice a pair of pearl earrings, both of them exclaiming in delight.
All the single men were hounded into trying to catch the garter. Edward knelt down and ran his hands up Bella's leg, making her tingle all over as he gave her a sensual grin. He then stood and tossed the garter to the waiting men and Bella couldn't help her gasp of laughter when it landed in Charlie's reluctant hands. Charlie was the object of several ribald remarks until he threatened to throw them all in the lockup if they didn't quit.
The last act before they left was to throw the bouquet. Bella threw the bouquet over her head and turned to see who had caught it. Victoria was standing there with the flowers in her arms, a surprised look on her face. Bella wondered if she had ever been to a wedding before. If not, it was definitely beginner's luck to catch the bouquet on her first go.
Finally, with a flurry of well-wishes, hugs and laughter, they were on their way to Seattle.
"It was a wonderful day, don't you think so?" asked Bella with a tired smile.
Edward kissed her hand before resting it on his thigh. "It was. I'm so happy, Mrs Cullen. You were so beautiful today. I'm such a lucky man."
"I'm the lucky one. I have an impossibly handsome husband and I'm going to be a mother in a few months. I couldn't ask for anything more."
"I love you."
"And I love you."
Unbidden, a yawn burst from Bella. Edward chuckled and caressed her cheek. "Why don't you have a sleep while I drive. You must be exhausted." His hand reached down to rub her belly.
"If you don't mind. Now that the adrenaline's wearing off, I can't seem to keep my eyes open," sighed Bella with another yawn.
"Sleep, love. I'll wake you when we're close to the Fairmont."
It seemed only minutes later that they were entering their favourite hotel suite. Bella was about to walk in when Edward stopped her.
"I'm a stickler for tradition, Mrs Cullen," he smiled as he picked her up in his arms, cradling her to his chest.
"Aren't we supposed to do this when we enter our home?" giggled Bella.
"So, I'll carry you over the threshold twice," shrugged Edward, closing the door with his foot and walking straight towards the bedroom where he lowered her down slowly, allowing her to slide down his body, both of their breaths hitching at the sensation.
Edward stepped back and took her hands in his, lifting them to his lips where he kissed and licked every finger in turn before tracing his tongue over her palms. Slowly he kissed his way up her arms, sucking gently on her shoulders, left bare by the halter-neck dress. Bella gripped his waist as his tongue laved her throat, working his way up to her jaw before taking her earlobe in his mouth.
She closed her eyes as her head fell back, exposing her throat to his touch, her pulse racing with excitement. Softly, sensually, Edward's lips skimmed over her skin, stopping over her pulse point and sucking gently. He hadn't touched her in any other way yet and her body was humming in anticipation.
"God, I love your skin. It's like the softest velvet," he murmured as his lips moved over her jaw and up over temple.
"Kiss me Edward," she pleaded as she cupped the back of his head and pulled him down. Their lips met in a deeply sensual kiss as they wordlessly conveyed their emotions. The kiss deepened and soon became hot and urgent, their tongues duelling for possession as their bodies strained against each other.
Needing to breathe, they pulled apart but Edward immediately bent down and sucked at the base of her throat as his hands moved over her breasts, kneading them gently, mindful of their sensitivity. Bella moaned softly against his hair when he undid the halter neck and freed her breasts. A bolt of desire raced through her when her rolled her nipples in his fingers, her skin flushed with a rosy hue.
"Mine," he mumbled as he took a turgid peak into his mouth, suckling on her as his hand massaged her other breast.
"Yes," she sighed. "I'm yours and you're mine."
"Always," he agreed, kneeling down as he pulled the dress all the way off. Edward sucked in his breath as he saw the white silk panties she wore. "You're so beautiful," he whispered as his mouth kissed and caressed its way down her body, stopping at her rounded belly. "I love you both so much," he said as he kissed her skin, feeling it ripple with desire.
Bella was concentrating on the feelings Edward was arousing within her and nearly missed it. As his tongue dipped into her belly button she felt a strange sensation that she thought was from his touch. It took a couple of times before the realisation struck her.
"Oh!" she gasped, her fingers tightening in his hair.
Edward lifted his head and looked at her in concern. "Did I hurt you, my love?" he asked worriedly.
Bella shook her head and looked down at him with a wobbly smile. "I think I just felt our baby move."
An enormous smile emerged on his face. "Oh wow, Bella!" Hie touched her stomach reverently, wishing he could feel it too but knowing it was too soon for the baby's movements to be felt by anyone but Bella.
"It felt like the touch of a butterfly's wings. Just a gentle, rhythmic tap," she said in wonder as she felt it once again.
"It must know that today was our special day and it wanted to be a part of it," said Edward with a loving smile. "I can't wait to be able to feel it too."
The emotions of the moment, of the day, were threatening to overwhelm Bella and she pulled him up and kissed him frantically as she tugged at his clothing.
"Oh baby, I love you so much," he murmured between kisses as he stripped his clothes off, his manhood pulsing with desire. Bella couldn't help herself as she took him in her hands, squeezing gently before kneeling down and taking him in her mouth.
"Oh god!" he moaned as he gripped her hair. Bella slowly sucked on him before running her tongue all over his length. "Oh baby, you're going to make me come if you keep that up," he warned.
In response she took him as deeply as she could, looking up at him while her hands stroked him at the same time. "Oh!..." he muttered as his body began to shake as he felt his impending orgasm approach. "Baby, I…oh god!" he moaned as her hand cupped his scrotum and gently kneaded. The sensations were too intense and he couldn't hold back any longer. With a low growl, he exploded into her mouth, his legs threatening to give way under him. The sight of Bella swallowing was so erotic he hardly lost any of his erection as Bella let him go. He pulled her up and kissed her deeply. "That was…intense," he gasped, still catching his breath. "Your turn, I think." He picked her up and deposited her gently on the huge bed.
With slow deliberation, Edward knelt over her and licked his way down her body, Bella squirming with pleasure. He positioned himself between her legs and touched a finger to her swollen sex, aching with desire. At his touch, her body bucked in response. At first all he did was run his fingertip all over her moist folds, driving her insane. "Oh god, Edward!" she moaned, desperate for more. "More," she demanded urgently.
"Your wish is my command," he murmured as he lowered his head and touched his tongue tip to her swollen clit. It was like a bolt of electricity had been inflicted on her body, and Bella keened in pleasure. With his fingers, he spread her for his mouth and proceeded to make love to her with his mouth and tongue, Bella's head thrashing on the pillows at the sensations he was giving her. "Ahh!..." she cried as he thrust his tongue into her while pressing on her clit. "Edward!...oh my god!" she groaned as her pleasure reached breaking point. He sucked hard on her clit and it was enough to finally send her over the abyss. "Edward!.. I'm com…." Was all she got out at her climax crashed over her, drowning out all thought processes.
Edward soothed his hands over her as she came down from her high, her body covered in a film of moisture. He nibbled his way up over her heaving body and lay on top of her, his aching member pressed against her still throbbing centre as he gave her a hot, open mouthed kiss.
Bella could feel his aching hot penis against her and despite still trying to catch her breath from her last amazing orgasm could feel herself begin to ache for his possession. She wriggled her hips experimentally, swallowing his gasps into her mouth.
"Oh baby, I want to be inside you, now," he begged, her heat scalding him.
"Yes. Now. Please," she begged. Opening her legs wide, she grabbed his butt and pushed.
Edward held his breath as he slid into her honeyed warmth, exhaling only when he was fully buried inside her. "Fuck…" he moaned softly, unable to help himself. She just felt so exquisite, so delicious, no other words came to mind. Kissing her deeply, began moving, driving them both towards sensual oblivion. "God I love you…" he breathed into her throat as he began pounding into her, her keening cries driving him insane.
"I…love…you…too," she gasped between his thrusts, her whole body shaking.
"Bella!..." he cried out as his body tensed. 'I'm coming baby!..."
"Ahhh!..." was all she could manage as her back arched, her head thrown back as her orgasm began where they were joined and quickly spread throughout every single nerve cell, leaving her incoherent with pleasure.
Edward felt her walls clamp down on him as she climaxed and he couldn't help the shout that left his lips as he tumbled over the edge, his body wracked with spasms of delight. He could feel himself spill into her endlessly and knew that if she hadn't already been pregnant, she would surely have been after this. This was too powerful, too intense not to leave a lasting trace.
He collapsed onto her as they both gasped for air for their deprived lungs. It took several minutes for them to be able to think, much less move. With decidedly shaky limbs, Edward lifted himself onto his elbows and smiled tenderly at her flushed face.
"I love you, Mrs Cullen. My Bella," he whispered against her lips.
"My Edward. I love you too, Mr Cullen. Always."
"Forever."
o-o-o-o-o-o
A/N: It's funny how life imitates art sometimes. Today's paper had a story about a policeman in Sydney who was told he'd never father any more children after treatment for bowel cancer. IVF wasn't an option because of the risk of a multiple pregnancy so they settled for one child. Then lo and behold, a couple of years later, she fell pregnant naturally - with quads! Doctors are astounded at how they conceived naturally. The babies (all girls) were born recently and are doing well. So Edward's little miracle isn't so far-fetched after all!
The song "All of You" is by Julio Iglesias and Diana Ross.
Anyway, let me know what you thought.