Authors Note- The beginning of the chapter is basically two fluffy snippets, nothing too special. A lot of fluff, next chapter is going to be a lot of down to business stuff, the wedding, some surprises, and then an epilogue at chapter 55. I won't cry if you won't. Ha-ha.
Disclaimer- S. Meyer owns all things Twilight.
March 20th
Friday
BPOV
" Hey," I heard Edward murmur.
I looked over at the clock sleepily, seeing that it was eleven twenty three already. I turned my head to the side, yawning quietly and looking at him through tired eyes. The lamp next to his side of the bed was on, and I felt his hand grip mine.
" Where have you been?"
" I had to stay longer. It was very busy and I helped out with tables. I'm sorry for being so late, beloved."
" It's okay."
He kissed my forehead, draping his arm over my waist. I heard the click of the lamp and the room was once again dark.
" You seemed restless when I walked in the room. Everything okay?" he asked, brushing my hair out of my eyes and behind my ear.
" I don't like it when you aren't next to me when I sleep."
Edward wrapped his arms around my waist and I rested my forehead on his chest.
" Me, either."
I really don't think either of us could sleep alone anymore. The other night when I'd gotten home at ten thirty, Edward was all over the bed trying to sleep. I get why some people hate the thought of being held by someone while they slept, and basically breathing the same air, but with Edward it felt different. He was my air supply. I couldn't live without him.
" Are you sure you're alright?" he whispered in my ear.
" I just really love you."
" Something going on?"
" Can't I just tell you I love you?"
" Yes. I love you, too."
I rested my hand on his chest, feeling the muscle's underneath my hand. I felt his hands run over my waist, down my hips and curve over my thigh until his hand grabbed behind my knee to hook it over his hip.
Suddenly our lips found each other's and Edward pushed me onto my back to straddle me. I was startled with the sudden affectionate behavior from him. I rested my right hand on his cheek and wrapped my free arm around his waist.
I heard his deep breathing through his nose as we kissed with fervor and passion. Feeling him around me, on top of me and against me just made pent up lust and want flood out of me. It was like something inside of me snapped, and I felt like an animal that being was freed after years of confinement in cage.
" God, Bella." Edward moaned, moving his lips down my neck as I scraped my nails up his back.
Both of us had clawed the others shirt off in some way with our greedy hands. I felt my entire body up in flames with his touch, and hearing him quietly whisper my name in my ear was almost enough to send me going absolutely crazy. His voice was low and rough with his want for me.
It was right after I was laying in front of him wearing a leopard print matching bra and underwear, one from my Birthday to be specific, that my cell phone started to go off in its loud screaming ringtone. Edward did his best to distract me, but it was late and I had to answer it just in case to make sure it wasn't something bad.
He moved off of me with a groan and I grabbed my phone, answering with a breathless hello. It had been Alice, and while I was angry at her, she didn't know. All I heard was talking, loud talking and I didn't know who. I kept saying her name, trying to get her attention when I realized she probably ass dialed me, like she does all the time. I hung up the phone and set it down on the end table.
Both of us just kind of lay there, and I felt the passionate moment being ruined. I groaned and reached over the bed to grab my shirt. Edward stopped me and grabbed my hand, pulling me against him completely.
" I am going to shoot Alice."
I felt Edward place open mouthed kisses on my neck, and I melted into his arms. His arms wrapped around my waist and he sighed against me. I rested my head on his chest, closing my eyes.
" Tired?"
" I'm sorry."
" Sleep, my love." he murmured, running his fingers through my hair.
I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep peacefully.
May 13th
Wednesday
EPOV
With another year of school over, I was relieved to be getting closer to my career. With two years left of Pre-Law, and then three years of law, that was only five. I was almost jealous of Bella, but I was proud that she would be able to be done and get a job down in Chicago.
I wanted to move back home, even though in the beginning it was a breath of fresh air to get away from them, I missed family and my friends. It was mostly just Bella and I here. I knew Bella was lonely sometimes, and her and Angela's weekend Lunch's were almost nonexistent.
She talked to Alice on the phone often, but she said she missed talking to her and seeing her. Recently, Alice has been taking on a lot of the wedding, since Rosalie has been absent. Apparently she's been very busy and hasn't had time to plan a wedding.
I thought she was jealous, because she wanted it to be about her and Emmett. Rosalie has always been jealous when attention isn't on her, everyone clearly knows that. Bella has been trying to help Alice out, even from afar. She's been calling the list of caterers Alice gave her, because their previous one cancelled on her due to going out of business.
I walked through the front door at promptly eleven thirty, and I didn't have work until three, they couldn't change my schedule right now, therefore I would have more free time in the mornings and afternoon.
Bella would be home in a half hour, she had her last final today. Usually this class on Wednesday is later at seven thirty, but it was earlier due to finals. The classes collaborated to make everything workable for students. I put my school bag away in the closet and unzipped my hoodie.
I went to the kitchen and saw a small note on the counter.
I know I'll be home soon after you get this, but I made
A sandwich for you before I left for my class. You
Hadn't eaten this morning and I wanted to make
Sure you got something to eat.
-Iz
Bella usually left her notes sighed as 'Iz', just to make it easier. I hadn't used one of those nicknames really at all since we got together. I felt like a sap for calling her beloved, love, my love, or babe, but it was just how it was. I only think we used first names really unless we were yelling at each other.
I went into the fridge and in fact saw a sandwich; a big one at that. I took it out of the fridge and took a hungry bite out of it. It tasted great, just like everything she made for me. After I finished the sandwich and downed a coke, I heard Bella walking into the apartment. I looked up and she was taking her sweatshirt off, along with her converse. She dropped her school bag in the closet next to mine and walked towards me with a deep sigh.
She put her arms around me and smiled. " How'd your last test go?"
" Good, you?"
" I think I did good. I hope so."
" I bet you did amazing."
I bent down and gave her a long, lingering kiss before pulling away. She went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water, taking a deep gulp. I looked at her, marveling at her beauty. She caught me staring and I winked at her before walking into the living room. I took a seat on the couch and took my phone out of my pocket to set it on the end table. Bella sat down next to me, leaning into my side and kissing my neck. Her lips felt amazing on my skin.
" Is this celebration?" I asked.
She laughed quietly.
" Nope."
" That's too bad."
" I know, love."
" Can I convince you?" I asked in a low voice, leaning over her to kiss her.
Bella laid down and I took that as encouragement to lay over her. She grabbed my hands and put them on her waist almost immediately, moving her lips against mine in a frenzy. I let my hands roam over her stomach to move her shirt up to bunch over her bust to expose more of her pale, creamy skin. I pressed my lips into the dip of her throat, feeling her thrumming pulse against them. Her hand grabbed at the hem of my shirt, moving it up to run her hand over my back.
One hand cupped under my chin and she moved her face to mine, slanting her mouth over mine and delving her tongue into my mouth. I wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her up towards me and trying to stand. We stumbled towards the stairs, and I pushed her up against the wall; the lust and raw need for her almost too much to handle. Bella pushed her body back against mine, wrapping her arms around my neck. I grabbed her hips and lifted her up for her legs to wrap around my waist.
Her arms wrapped tighter around my neck, chest pressed up against mine. I turned us around, moving towards the stairs. Just as I hit the second stair, I heard ringing, loud ringing, coming from Bella's pocket.
My fucking god, her phone is a fucking co-
" DAMNIT! What the hell does she need now? This is the second time, ugh." Bella ground out, grabbing her phone from her pocket.
" Hello...Yes, Alice, I know...I did...Yeah...I'm with Edward... We haven't been-...Fuck it. Alice, Edward and I were in the middle of some private time, and this is the second time you've interrupted, I will call the caterer tomorrow morning to finalize...its fine...Okay, bye."
I gripped Bella and jerked upwards to get a better hold on her because she was slipping. By no means was she heavy but I'd been holding her on a stair for awhile. Only that was a huge mistake, because her elbow clocked me in the jaw, startling me and making me take a step back. Bella gripped me for dear life and I fell into the wall, sliding down with Bella.
Once we hit the floor she broke out into loud hysterics, and I couldn't help but follow after. Bella wrapped her arm around my waist, resting her head on my shoulder with laughs escaping her.
" Oh my god, that was crazy." she said between bursts of laughter.
" Did I hurt you?" I asked, brushing her hair out of her eyes.
She shook her head and sat up, smiling at me. " You're such a klutz."
" Not my fault jaw jabber."
" Jaw jabber? You're the one who basically tossed me in the air!"
I leaned forward and kissed her, " I didn't want to drop you, beloved."
" Whatever you say."
" I love you."
" You, too.
July 9th
Thursday
BPOV
Edward and I both took a week off work to fly out to Chicago for Alice's wedding. Of course we were both in the wedding; we had to be there to play our parts. We arrived yesterday, the eighth of July and a Wednesday. It was a late flight; we didn't see anyone besides out parents before we went to the Cullen's and Edward and I crashed. In the morning we both showered to get ready for the day ahead of us.
We both were picking up our attire for the wedding this afternoon. Edward was going with the guys to get his tuxedo, and we girls were getting our dresses from the wedding shop. Alice had her dress completely fitted perfectly for her size, a beautiful gown that she was in love with, and beautiful crystal incrusted shoes to go with it, they were strappy and looked perfect for an outdoor wedding.
Jasper's house was basically a mad house from what I knew. They were having a dance floor being set up, and a setting for the ceremony. They were having a two foot high platform built up for them, complete with a balcony on the sides and back, with flowers that were going to be wrapped around every surface, and the open front where Alice would walk two steps up. Rosalie and I were also standing on those steps. On the opposite side would be Edward, Emmett and Alice's father, Jack, who would be standing on the actual stage close to Emmett, but not in the way.
Since he was best men, he would be standing up, and her mother Karen would be in the front, Along with Jasper's parents; Victor and Pauline, and Alice's grandparents, her grandpa on her mother's side, and grandma on her father's side, the other two had passed years ago. Jasper's had passed way before he was even born, on both sides. I knew that Jasper's mother was raised by a single mom, but died of cancer when she was in her early fifties. Jasper's grandparents on his father's side we're killed in a car accident about ten years ago.
Rosalie and I had our fitting last month; I had flown out here for a quick weekend for the fitting when I had work conveniently off. Edward had to stay back though. Rosalie's dress is a brilliant gold color, its floor length and looks like a waterfall flowing down her figure, with a strapless top and a fitted waist. All of which is satin.
Mine is a blue-silver color, which has a similar shine like Rosalie's, they are both similar just different colors, although, mine had thin straps because the dress really didn't have any bust support. I wouldn't say that anything was overflowing, but it hung down in an off way that didn't look great, but my last fitting everything was in place, and it filled perfectly and went down to the floor in a beautiful satin. My shoes were silver and strappy, and Rosalie's were the same, but instead a gold matching her dress.
Originally, I was going to wear the gold dress, but the moment I put it on, we all agreed that it completely washed me out, and made the paleness of my skin look even worse. All of the colors were incorporated in the wedding, whether it is in a bouquet or a bow on the back of a chair.
I put my hair up in a ponytail after blow drying it, not wanting to make a huge fuss of it. I slipped on a pair of jean shorts and a black Muse t-shirt from my bag. Edward gave me my converse and I put them on, and then went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and put on a little bit of makeup. He walked into the bathroom wearing only a towel, not having dressed yet, and then shamelessly dropped the towel. I swear he just stood there for a moment, stretching his arms out before putting on his boxers. I rolled my eyes at him, hearing his loud laugh. He pulled his jeans on and zipped them up, then buttoned them.
" Damn, women, I thought that would get you." he said, kissing my temple as he buckled his belt, the metal jingling against metal.
" I have restraint."
" Apparently you have a lot. Should I try again, maybe a little bump and grind?"
I smiled at him in the mirror and finished with my eyeliner, putting it back in my makeup bag and setting it on the counter; I grabbed a Kleenex and wiped a small smudge of eye liner that I accidentally dotted on the side of my nose. Edward was putting on his shirt when I walked into the bedroom, he was purposely doing that in front of me, I could tell.
" Mm, sexy." I fake groaned.
" Don't even try and deny it. You pined after me for years; my sexy body must have had something to do with it."
" Definitely." I said sarcastically with an eye roll.
" You wanted to sex me up, admit it. You still do."
" Nope."
" I bet when we shared a bed, you just wanted to take all of my clothes off and stare at me, marveling at my beauty. You wanted to touch me everywhere."
I grabbed my sunglasses and hooked them into the pocket of my shorts. Edward grabbed the loops of them and pulled me against him, kissing my neck and below my ear. I reached my arms back to wrap them around his neck and turned my head so he could kiss me. He moved his lips slowly against mine, his hands working down my waist over my curves, and moved back up, stopping at my rib cage.
" Even willing to molest me in your parents house? Scandalous."
" You're just so irresistible."
I turned around in his arms and gave his lips a quick chaste kiss before pulling away. Edward and I headed downstairs, the house was quiet, it was only us two here and we were waiting to be picked up by our friends.
We lounged on the couch with a shared glass of cherry coke, it being the last and neither of us giving it up, and had the fancy stereo system turned on quietly to some Chopin. Edward had his forefinger twirling a piece of my hair, his lips curled into a content smile.
When the doorbell rang Edward and I turned the stereo off and went to answer the door, Alice and Jasper stood there. I could tell that Alice was having an issue containing herself right now, she had on a hundred watt grin, and I was sure Jasper's almost matched hers.
" Smile any wider and your face might crack, ya nutter."
" Hey, one day you'll be in this position and you won't be able to help it." Jasper retorted back to Edward.
" Yeah, Edward, and I bet my life Bella will be the lucky girl next to you with the same smile."
I wrapped my arms around Edward's bicep, and Alice grabbed my hand, tugging me away.
" We'll see you guys soon! I love you!" Alice chirped as she hauled me to her Porsche.
I got into the passenger seat, seeing Rosalie lounging in the back staring at her iPhone and tapping away at it. Alice rolled her eyes at her and turned on some music, Katy Perry to be exact and then backed out of the driveway towards the main road.
The conversation was at an all time low, but Alice sure did belt out those lyrics happily as she sped down the streets of Chicago. I was happy to see her happy, and I knew that she deserved all of the happiness in the world. Alice has always been a genuinely great friend, always, and out of everyone she definitely deserved her special happy ending.
When we got downtown and arrived at the dress shop, we all stepped out of the car, walking through the front glass doors, hearing the alarm of Alice's car when she hit the lock button, alerting it was set for alarm in case anything happened.
We walked into the place and Alice went to the front desk stating her name and we sat to wait until Adrienne, her previous consultant, came out for us to get our dresses to pick up. Once she arrived both her and Alice hugged and we were led into a big dressing room down a long hall where she showed us the dresses. She glided across the room and unzipped the plastic clear bags, unveiling the dresses in all of their beauty.
" They are perfect!" Alice squealed happily, running quickly towards hers and running her hand over the smooth texture.
They chatted for a few minutes before the bags were zipped and we all walked out with smiles on our faces. I couldn't wait for Edward to see my dress; I hoped that he would like it, because I knew that he always enjoyed me dressing up.
After leaving the store we headed out for a quick lunch at Jimmy John's, picking up some sandwiches and taking them back to Alice's house. I went in and got them, picking up the tab for them and we headed over to Alice's. Edward had texted me, and apparently they were meeting us back here now.
The dresses first went into the closet; all of us girls were getting ready here, and the guys at Jasper's. There was a limo actually taking us to Jasper's, and that limo was going to be taking Alice and Jasper to the Airport to spend two luxurious weeks in Spain, a wedding gift from their parents all together, hotel room paid and all meals covered, along with any activities they decide to do there.
Unfortunately, last night had actually been her Bachelorette party, and Jasper's Bachelor party, but they were very understanding as to why we couldn't make it. With work we weren't able to drop things last minute for an extra day, and the plane tickets were paid for and non-refundable. I grabbed drinks from the fridge and we sat down, eating our sandwiches and talking.
" So, how's about you and Emmett, Rose?" Alice started.
" What do you mean?"
" Have you guys talked about tying the knot?" Alice asked, taking a bite of her turkey sandwich.
" Does it matter? If he asks; he asks. End of story." she said, clearly annoyed.
" What crawled up your ass and died? I was just asking. Bella doesn't give me this attitude when I ask her questions about her relationship."
" Who even cares? Marriage is marriage. Honestly, do you think that just because Bella pined after him and Edward finally realized it, that it means they are meant to be with a happily ever after? It doesn't."
" Rosalie, I thought you got over the whole, ' Edward and Bella hater', thing? Have you been talking to Tanya again?"
" What does it matter?" she asked.
" Look, you can talk to whoever you want. Don't trash my relationship with Edward just because you're clearly upset that this wedding is Alice and Jasper's. I think you should try being happy for them, and happy you have Emmett. Saturday, it's going to be all about them, you should have known that the moment you agreed being maid of honor." I stated
Rosalie glared harshly at me and stood up.
" Who the hell do you think you are saying that to me?"
" What are you going to do? Slam me into the ground again? I've always tried to be the good friend here, but all you are right now is bitter. Honestly, I thought things were getting better. Not with us, because obviously you hold some hate for me ever since Tanya dumped Edward. I don't get how hot and cold you can be, and acting like this and being upset over your supposed to be best friend's wedding because you are jealous, it's not fair."
" You know what, bitch. Fu-"
" Whoa, what the hell is going on in here?" I suddenly heard Jasper say, breezing through the house.
" What's going on? This bitch thinks that she can stand here and tell me that I am bitter because this isn't MY wedding. And telling me I have no right trashing her relationship, Edward and Bella are a setup for disaster, everyone knows that she is complete obsessed with him to the point of almost insanity." she screeched
" Rosalie..."
" What, Jasper? You going to say the same thing?"
" We both know that you hate when the attention is not on you. I'm not taking sides here, but I think all of us have noticed your hate towards Edward and Bella's relationship. Honestly, Rose, it's none of your business what kind of relationship they have and whether or not it's something that will last. I thought you were getting over the entire situation. It's not fair, and yes, Saturday is going to be all about Alice and I; how it should be. It's a day of celebrating our love and binding ourselves together, I thought you'd be happy for us."
" I have to go."
" No, you need to apologize. Goddamnit, Rosalie...Why do you always do this? I'm so sick and tired of this. Looking at you right now, I see Tanya's need for attention and jealousy. That isn't an endearing quality."
Jasper tugged at Alice's hand, and she stood surprised, sandwich still in hand and following Jasper outside. I walked out behind them, leaving Rosalie there by herself. When I headed outside, I saw Edward leaning against the hood of the car, confused.
" What's going on?"
" Rosalie is being...a bitch. I think she's been talking with Tanya again." Alice stated, frowning deeply.
Jasper tipped her face up and leaned down to kiss her. " These days are ours, don't frown, my darling. Come on, let's go."
" Go, where? Wait, how am I going to fit in the car with you guys, with Emmett in the back?" Alice exclaimed, staring at Jasper's small 2010 Mercedes Benz s class.
" Emmett, passenger seat." Jasper stated as Emmett got out, rolling his eyes.
Emmett got in the passenger, Jasper in the driver's seat, and Edward in the middle in the back, Alice on his left and me on his right. He stretched his arms around and put them on our shoulders.
" Hello, ladies."
" Get your arm off me, creep! I'm getting married in a few days."
Edward chuckled and kept his arm around me, kissing my temple and nuzzling the top of my head.
" Uck, stop it, please."
" We could start making out." Edward responded, playfully turning his body towards me and resting his hand on the side of my face and leaning forward.
" STOP!" Alice shouted, grabbing Edward's arm and pulling him back.
He let out a loud laugh and rested my hand on his thigh, leaning into his side.
" Ugh, groping now. Come on, Bella." Emmett stated.
" I'm not groping. THIS is groping." I kneaded his thigh twice and Edward suddenly jumped a foot in the air, moving my hand quickly off of him.
" Can I sit by the door?" Edward asked.
We hadn't even taken off yet, so we switched and Edward curled into the side of the door; not uttering a single word.
" Nice going, Bella. Poor Edward back there is all excited and worked up."
" Fuck off." Edward growled.
I rested my hand on Edward's shoulder and leaned forward. " I'm sorry." I whispered in his ear, " I didn't think just that would..."
He wrapped his arm around me, sighing quietly. " You're just so tempting, I can't help myself sometimes."
I rubbed his arm up and down, laying a gentle kiss on his neck.
We pulled up to an Ice-cream parlor, and everyone piled out. Edward grabbed onto my hand and locked his fingers with mine. Alice and Jasper hopped up to the stand and got cones, and Emmett proceeded to 'start' with a banana split. Edward kissed my forehead and stood up, taking out a few bills.
He came back to me with a strawberry shake, his the same. I wasn't into sweets when it came to Ice-cream or anything, but I did enjoy strawberry milkshakes. Edward sat next to me and draped his arm around my waist, taking a sip of his milkshake.
" Are you okay? Did Rosalie say something?"
" She doesn't like hearing the truth. Nothing will ever be the same with her after what has happened. After the whole attack, or whatever you call it, and all of the things she lied about, including her knowing about Tanya cheating on you. I can't forgive that shit, even if you can. I feel...very protective of you, and I can't help that. I'm always going to be that way. I love you."
His hand tucked a stray hair behind my ear and he gave me a small smile, " I know you do. And I love you also. Very much." he murmured, kissing my lips slowly.
" Mmm, strawberries."
Edward laughed, " Oh, you like that?"
" Mhm."
I felt his cool tongue brush against mine, making me sigh deeply in his mouth. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself flush against his side.
" We shouldn't be making out in public."
" Why not?"
" It's not polite."
I rested my head on his shoulder and took a sip of my shake.
" Hey, you crazy British lovebirds, we've got to drop you both off because Miss. Alice here needs us to pick up the champagne and wine glasses." Emmett stated.
Edward grabbed my hand and we stood up.
" Sorry to cut it short! I just got a reminder on my phone!"
" It's fine, Alice."
" Now, I will see you all on Saturday. All of you had better be ready and here by seven. The wedding is at eleven, and everyone needs to be in their places with big smiles!"
Edward and I looked at each other, smiling.
" Yes, oh great one."
" Damn straight!"
Authors Note- Alright, here we go. I hope you enjoyed it. NEXT chapter is the LAST chapter, but an EPILOGUE is AFTER the NEXT chapter. This story is my focus. I want to post the next chapter very soon and the Epilogue on the 22nd, on the anniversary of the day I posted this. I hope I can do it! Wish me luck, and send me reviews. They keep me going.