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How Did I Fall in Love With You
Chapter 23
Bella's POV
Today was the day, the day that Isabella Marie Swan will be Isabella Marie Cullen. I was going to finally marry Edward for real now. It was official, I would forever belong to Edward as he will to me. After we got back from the restaurant the night he proposed, we decided to tell the family as soon as possible, because I knew that they had a right to know and that I couldn't possibly keep this a secret.
To my surprise, the whole family wasn't shock like I was. They seemed like they excepted this to come sooner than it did.
"I'm so happy for you Bella." Esme said happily after giving me a motherly hug.
"thank you Esme. You don't know how much that means to me." I told her dearly.
"Yay, my best friend is now going to be my sister for real! Finally! Oh Edward, I told you that Bella was the perfect girl for you! See? Oh we need to go shopping for dresses ASAP! And I was thinking…" Alice kept talking so fast that I couldn't understand a word she was saying so I decided to just tune her out.
"congratulations, Bella and Edward. I'm very proud of both of you." Carlisle said placing a hand on my shoulder.
I gave him a smile and I saw at the corner of my eye, Edward smile with his face all lit up with joy and happiness.
"congratulations Bella and Edward. I wish you all the happiness of the world." jasper said smiling to us.
"thank you jasper." I gave him a big warm humble hug and turned to Rose.
"oh Bella! Congrats!" Rose said gently hugging me after Jasper.
"Rose are you crying?" I said after seeing her eyes tear up and her face now filled with tears.
"no, shut up! I'm just happy." trying to remove the evidence from her face.
"oh Bellie's getting married!" Emmett said tackling me to a big bear hug.
"thanks Emmett." I mumbled onto his chest hugging him back.
"hey stop hogging me future wife to be!" Edward yelled at everyone and went to claim me. He put his gentle hands on my waist and I stared deeply into his mesmerizing green eyes.
"Bella? Oh god, Bella?", Alice asked snapping her fingers in front of my face, trying to get my attention.
"whoa, sorry Allie, I just had a flashback a second ago." I apologized.
"oh what am I going to do with you Bella?" she rolled her eyes playfully at me.
"hopefully not torturing me to death with all the make up and hair curlers today." I joked sarcastically.
"Silly Bella. Today's your wedding day you have to look perfect." she argued.
"Alice, what's the point of getting all dressed up? I will just look plain standing right next to him." I stated the obvious.
"No one will dare call you plain after I am through with you!" she hissed.
"only because their afraid of your little wrath." I said grinning.
"haha very funny." she said sarcastically.
Alice went back to shampooing my long brown hair and then conditioned until it was free of tangles. She then wrapped it in a soft white colored towel, to dry it off. I closed my eyes and felt so relaxed and calm that I felt normal for a moment. I loved the way Alice scalped her hands onto my head making me forget all the nerves and cold feet I was getting.
Before I knew it, she removed the towel from my head and started to blow dry my hair until every single strand was dry. She then gently took a small lock of my hair and started to curl each one of them. She was so gentle that I didn't feel any pain at all, except a small tug.
I must have dozed off and I knew that I was a hundred percent dreaming because there was no way I would be facing my parents right now. The last time I saw them before what happened was at the old run down house that I once called home. We were at a the park my parents used to take me during my child hood days. Everything was peaceful and at ease.
My mother still looked lovely as I remembered. She had her light brown locks flowing elegantly on her back and she was giving me one of her motherly smiles. My father on the other hand, still looked the same as he ever did in my memory. He still had the curly dark brown hair that I inherited from and the dimples he had smiling lovingly. Both had their hands twined together and that made me think of the way Edward and I touched our hands together. They both seemed happy and peaceful.
"my beautiful baby Bella." Renee said ending the silence that filled the air.
She pulled me into a hug and I happily hugged her back. I was so shocked and into the moment that I couldn't find the words to say anything. She felt so real, that I forgot that it was a dream. Renee gently stroked my hair and gave me a small squeeze before releasing me.
"my angel Bella." Charlie said embracing me tightly. I felt the familiar embrace from my father. It was defiantly the same ones he used to give me.
I felt my eyes start watering up from all the emotion. I hugged him back tightly not wanting to ever let go.
"I missed you Bells." Charlie whispered in my ear.
"I missed you more dad." I let the tears fall, seeing that it was useless to fight them.
He finally let go, so I could see both Charlie and Renee.
"Bella, were so proud of you. You became a beautiful young lady and we are happy for you and Edward." Renee said with her motherly tone.
"Bella, I will always see you as my baby girl no matter what. I know that you have struggled not only for yourself but for us too. I want you to know that what ever decision you make, we will be there with you. I'm happy that you finally found happiness. I love you Bells." Charlie said taking his hands onto mine.
"I love you Bella. We will always be here if you need us." Renee whispered.
"I love you baby." Charlie repeated.
"I love you mom and dad. I will never forget you guys." I said giving them another tight hug. I never wanted to let go, but I knew that I had to. I had to let them go for me to move on. As much as I needed them, I needed to let them find their own happiness and peace.
I opened my eyes to the same pink room the belonged to Alice. I felt a smile formed in my lips.
They felt happy for me. They were proud of what I have become.
"oh Bella, finally your awake! I cant believe you actually fell asleep, while I was curling your hair!" Alice said chuckling.
"oh my goodness Alice. I just had the most amazing dream. Or at least I think it was a dream." I could hear the shock in my voice.
"Bella, what are you talking about?" she asked and looked at me as if I just grew another pair of legs.
"your never going to believe me Alice." I heard the shock in my voice.
"try me." she challenged while raising her perfect eye brows.
"okay, I just had a dream about my parents. Or at least I thought it was a dream, or maybe I'm going crazy. It was so vivid and real that I could see every detail."
"what happened in your dream Bella?" she asked truly curious.
"they told me to be happy and that they were proud of what I have become. They knew that I struggled a lot in life, and they told me that they loved me very much." I felt the tears starting to run down my face and I knew that I was going to start crying any moment now.
"oh Bella." Alice trying to comfort me was the only one holding me together.
"Bella, shhh.. Its okay. I believe you. I always knew that your parents are proud of what you become after what you have been through. Bella they love you a lot and they want you to be happy." she told me gently while stroking my now curled hair.
"I know Alice. Thanks." I whispered giving her a hug back.
"okay, now enough of this. Lets put some make up on to your face." she bounced off the hug and went to get her make up.
After the torturous hours of Alice making me picture perfect I was finally ready. This time, both Edward and I wanted a traditional wedding. We didn't want something big, like the first wedding. We agreed to have a nice back yard wedding, like one of the story book fantasy's. Of course Alice argued saying that the bigger it was the better, but she respected our wishes. Both Edward and I didn't need the extra attention, that was going to occur. We settled for a more small romantic back yard wedding. Alice invited not to many people, just the immediate family, close friends, and of course my best friend Jacob, who was the only family I had left.
"okay, Bells. You officially perfect." Alice said after putting the finishing touches on my lips.
"thank you Alice." I replied smiling at her.
"now do you want to see the full effect?" she continued.
Alice pulled me to her full length mirror before I got the chance to respond. I couldn't believe the person that was standing right in front of me was actually me. I knew Alice's tricks too well that this stranger right in front of me was actually me.
The stranger in standing on front of me was extraordinarily beautiful. She wore a very classical white strapless gown that was tight in the top area and the bottom flowing beautifully on the floor. The top portion of her dress had designs that matched her perfectly. The dress long and layered so that it made an dramatic effect. It showed the perfect amount of skin, and it fit flawlessly. It seems as if the dress was personally made for her. She wore white high heeled strapped shore that look dangerous, but elegant.
Her hair was in elegant tight curls that hung down her back freely. She had the top half of her hair pulled back and tied up in the middle creating an effect. She completed the look with the white veil that hung down behind her perfectly.
For jewelry she kept it simple, with a pair of diamond earrings and a silver bracelet.
The flawless person that was still in front of me had light make up on. She kept it natural except for the combination of white eye shadow, with top black eyeliner that really brought her eyes out with a little bit of mascara. She had a small amount of blush, not really needing that much of it. Lastly, she had pink glossy lips that look full and perfect. All in all she was flawless and perfect.
"oh my gosh Alice you did an amazing job!" I shrieked with excitement.
"thanks Bells." she said proud of her work.
I took a good look at Alice and my mouth dropped from what I saw. If I thought I looked nice, Alice on the other hand was indescribable. Alice had a soft short pink strapless dress that had the perfect amount of layers on the bottom. She had her spiky pixie hair pointing at every direction possible. She wore light make up and I knew she wanted to keep natural. She had on a pair of white pearl earrings with the matching necklace to complete the look. Alice chose to wear some classic heels, to pair it off with the dress.
"Alice you look, wow, amazing." I chocked out after being astonished by her beauty.
"thanks Bella." she gave me one of her genuine smiles before giving me a tight hug.
"so, how are you feeling?" she asked casually.
"umm.. To be honest, I don't really know. I mean I love Edward with all my heart, but I'm just nervous and scared and I don't even know why." I said shaking.
"its okay to feel scared. Every bride goes through it trust me. Once you see Edwards face and feel the electricity that flows through the both of you, you'll forget all your nerves and think that they were useless." she assured me.
"Alice, what will I do without you." I admitted.
She just smiled again and told me to relax and that everything will be alright.
"oh Bella, you look amazing! Edward is just going to die once he sees you like that." Rosalie complimented entering the room.
Rose wore a beautiful light blue classic two strapped gown that ended a little bit above her knee's. It hung perfectly on her and hugged her curves perfectly. She had her natural blonde hair straightened and it flowed perfectly straight down her back. She paired off the look with some intimidating silver strapped stilettos. What was the point in even getting dressed up, if both Alice and Rose looked beautiful without even trying?
"thank you very much Rose. I can say the same with you. You and Alice look perfect." I stated the obvious.
"bells, don't be silly. All eye's are going to be on you. Its your day and I'll be sure of that." she promised.
I smiled at both of them and gave each of them a tight hug. I was truly the luckiest person alive. I had the best set of friends anyone could ever ask for and the perfect person that I was going to be married to. Rosalie and Alice have truly been there for me, every step of the way, and they understood me inside and out. They were amazing and perfect in their own way and they truly changed my life for the better.
"hey, I got a surprise for the both of you." I announced smiling as hard as I could.
Both their foreheads wrinkled in confusion and surprise. I smiled and giggled to myself. I each handed them a velvet box that contained a little something for the both of them.
"go on open it." I encouraged.
They opened the box and both their faces lit up. I gave each of them a personalized bracelet that I had made for each of them. It was a simple silver bracelet that had their names on it with a different colored diamond to symbolize them. I got Alice the pink one, knowing how she was always so happy and excited about almost everything. For Rose, I got her the blue one, knowing that we both met at the beach and I wanted it to a reminder.
"oh my gosh Bella. Its beautiful. You shouldn't have." Rose was already crying from all the joy and happiness.
"I shouldn't have, but I did. I wanted you give this to you guys so that you will always remember me by someway. You two are the very best friends that anyone could wish for and I just wanted to say thank you for always being there for me and I love you." I tried very hard trying not to cry, so that my make up wouldn't get ruined, but it seemed impossible. They both took the bracelet in each hand and slung it to their wrist.
"oh Bella I love you like a sister ! Thank you so much. I'll treasure it forever. Thanks sister." Alice cried giving me a tight hug.
"Bella, this is the most amazing gift I have ever gotten. Thank you so much and I love you too." Rose replied and joined the hug.
Knock! Knock!
"Bella? Alice? Are you guys ready?" Emmett's booming voice yelled at the door.
"we'll be out in a minuet okay, Emmett?" I yelled loud enough so that he could hear.
"sure thing Belly Button. " he knew I hated that nickname and yet he still uses it.
"ugh, I hate it when Emmett calls me that." I mumbled.
"ha ha its going to be alright." Alice said giggling.
Suddenly the details fell in place. This was it. The moment of truth. I was officially truly going to be Mrs. Edward Anthony Cullen in a matter of minuets .
Alice must have seen the look on my face and she knew me too well that something is up.
"okay so take deep breaths Bella." Alice ordered.
I nodded and did what she said, and to my surprise it actually worked. I took more and longer breaths trying to calm and compose myself.
"okay, now Bella it's the moment of truth. No pressure though." Rose trying soothe me.
I honestly couldn't find my voice in the moment so I just nodded. Rose took my hands onto hers and she started rubbing light circles onto it.
"Bella, relax. Its just Edward." Rosalie mumbled.
"Rose its time to get down there." Alice informed her.
Rose nodded and looked at me. She gave me one of her glistening smiles, and tried to assure me that everything will be alright. When Rosalie made her way down, I got a sight of my Uncle Jason.
He wasn't really blood related to me, but he was the closest thing to family, aside from the Cullen's. Jason was close to my dad, best friends and practically brother to one another. He would sometimes visit me, Charlie, and Renee, but it seemed to become distant as time went on. I only had a few memories of his self from my child hood, but they were very vague. He was the only family I had left, and his wife Christina.
"Ready, Bells?" he asked.
"yeah, I'm alright." responding after a few moments of silence.
"okay, after Alice walks down the isle, its our turn." he indicated.
I turned to Alice, who was getting ready to walk down. She flashed me her pearly white teeth and gently waved, before walking down.
We waited for about ten seconds until it was our turn. Music filled the garden and I heard it slightly. We matched the pace of the music and walked down the isle. I tried so hard to concentrate not to trip or fall, in the dangerous heels Alice forced on to me. I held tight for my life on to Uncle Jason's arm, with all my might and I heard a faint chuckle. I knew too well that if I tripped it would go against Alice's wishes of the perfect wedding.
I finally caught the face I was missing for 2 days. Edward. He looked so handsome in his classic black tuxedo and a matching black tie with a white rose in the side. He looked lovely as ever and in that moment I forgot all my stress and worries. All that mattered was that he was here with me. For the first time in my life, Everything was finally perfect and right.
I continued to walk and concentrate all my focus on Edward. My angel looked at me with those piercing emerald eyes that I loved so much. He smiled, that crooked grin that I loved so much.
Finally, we reached the altar. My uncle took my hands in his, and gave it to Edward. It symbolized the old world that I was in, and ready to start a new. I wrapped my hands on to Edwards and I felt whole and complete.
The same traditional wedding was on. Before I knew it, it was time for the rings.
I turned my body towards Edward and he did the same. I started deeply into his eyes and waited for him to speak.
"Isabella Marie Swan, the first time I saw you, I felt different, no longer myself. But it was a good different. I changed and became a better man, because of you. I never really knew what love was until I met you. I promise to love you every single day. Be there for you, in both your good and bad times. Bella I give you my heart and myself. I love you with all my heart."
Edward gently placed the ring on to my finger and smiled.
"Edward Anthony Cullen, I love you. The first time I met you, I knew that my whole world would change. You showed me a world that I never knew existed. You were there for me in the beginning and still here with me. I didn't know, what love was until I met you. When I met you, everything just clicked and was perfect. Edward, I promise to be faithful, and always be there for you. I love you, no matter what happens."
I slid the ring onto Edwards third finger on his left hand.
"now repeat after me." the minister said catching our attention.
"I Edward Anthony Cullen, take you Isabella Marie Swan to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to honor, cherish, and love you every single day. Through sickness and in health, richer or poor, until we both shall live."
Edward repeated after the minister, and I never heard his voice promise me like that before. He had so much love that filled his voice. I knew that he meant every word and had no regrets.
The minister turned to me after Edward was done.
"I Isabella Marie Cullen, take you Edward Anthony Cullen to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise to honor, cherish, and love you every single day. Through sickness and in health, richer or poor, until we both shall live."
I repeated after the minister, with as much love as Edward did. I took his hands and I wanted nothing more than just to be able to touch his warm skin.
"you may now kiss the bride." the minister told Edward.
And with that he kissed me with so much passion and love. He kissed my lips gently at first, but as the kiss progressed it became more passionate. I had to pull away, breathless from the kiss. I was breathing rather loudly, I heard Edward chuckle once.
"Bella, oh my gosh! I'm so happy for you!" Alice was running towards me to give me a hug.
"thanks Alice." I said giving her a tight hug.
"Bells, I'm happy for you. I know your parents would be proud of you." Jason gave me a hug after Alice released me.
"thank you Uncle Jason. That means a lot to me." I told him.
Suddenly Rose appeared out of now where and engulfed me into a hug as well.
"congrats, bells" Rose whispered onto my ear.
I gave her a smile and thanked her too.
After Rose congratulated me, a swarm of people came to greet me as well. First it was Emmett, cracking harmless jokes about me and Edward ,but in the end became serious and congratulated me, after he gave me a big bear hug. Then Jacob, smiling and gave me a hug, too. Then Esme came to the picture and wrapped her arms around me lightly. Carlisle was next, he too congratulated and gave me one of his fatherly hugs.
I was longing for Edwards arms and I needed them here with me. I tried to scan the room that filled with people, and couldn't find him.
"looking for someone?" the velvet voice whispered in my ear.
I turned around to no other than Edward himself. He immediately wrapped his hands on to my waist, claiming that I was his. I pulled my arms on to his neck and gave him a surprise kiss on the lips. He wasn't expecting the kiss, but kissed me back anyways. We broke apart gasping for air. I guess the kiss went a little over board. Edward rested his fore head on mine gently and looked onto my eyes.
"I'll take that as a yes." he said after a few minuets of silence.
"where were you? I missed you." I pouted.
"I'm sorry love. But after you were captured by Alice, some guests wanted to congratulate me as well." he smiled, that crooked grin I love.
"I love you." I replied.
"As I love you." he said and place his lips onto mine once again.
"Edward! Bella! Its time to go to the reception!" Alice yelled interrupting the moment.
"go away." I mumbled still in Edward lips. I heard Edward chuckle and I knew Alice was glaring at me know.
"Bella we have to go! The limo's waiting!" Alice's voice was getting impatient.
"fine." finally agreeing. I knew there was no point in arguing with Alice, since she always gets her way not matter what.
Both Edward and I agreed that it was best if we didn't have the reception in the Cullen Mansion. I didn't want Esme to be the one to clean up the mess after the whole reception was finished. So we settled for the fanciest hotel in Forks.
"ready to go Mrs. Cullen?" Edward asked in his velvet voice. He gently took his hands from my waist and took my hands onto his.
"As long as your with me." I answered.
The reception went on with out a flaw, and again I was amazed at the power of Alice Cullen. She was truly amazing. The food was a perfect match of lobster, steak, and the pasta that I quite fond of. I could tell the guests were really enjoying themselves. Before I knew it, it was time for the official first dance of the newly wedded couple.
"would you like to dance Mrs. Cullen?" Edward asked with his velvety voice. He offered his hand towards me.
I couldn't help but giggle, and took his hand onto mine. Once again I felt the electricity and spark that flowed through us.
"I would love to Mr. Cullen." I answered.
Edward lead me to the dance floor and music filled the room. Alice thought that it was perfect to get the song A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson, saying that it was perfect. Once both Edward and I heard it, we agreed that it was perfect and it was the right one.
We swayed to the music and I got caught up with the feeling of Edward holding me. I loved the way his hands were placed on my waist, it was a natural thing.
Edward was the missing piece that I was looking for all along. To be honest, the first time I met him, I thought that the last thing I would ever want was a relationship, and he changed my whole perspective. He was not only a perfect face, but he had a heart of gold that matched him. In a matter of time, Edward became my whole life and my reason of being. I could never imagine a life where he does not exist. If there was a Bella, there had to be an Edward.
"what are you thinking about so hard, love?" Edward whispered in my ear, taking me out of my trance.
"you." I admitted.
"you know you look so beautiful tonight. I still cant believe that I get to keep you for myself."
"well, believe it. I'm all yours."
"as I am yours." Edward lightly pushed his forehead onto mine, and stared down my eyes.
"I love you." I stated the obvious.
"I love you too." he said before setting his lips onto mine.
Someone cleared their throat impatiently, making me pull my lips away from Edward.
"well, enough with the sucking of the faces. If you don't mind, I'd like a dance with my new little sister." Emmett joked.
"fine, but try not to break my wife." Edward told him. He took his hands away from me and was replaced by Emmett's.
The night went on with out a hitch. Emmett cracked a few jokes, causing me to blush scarlet red. After Emmett released me, Carlisle made his way to me and took me. He told me how lucky Edward was and that he was very proud of his son. He also mentioned that I was a great addition to the family and that he already though of me as his own daughter.
After Carlisle was Jasper. Even though we only knew each other a small amount of time, Jasper became like my older brother. He was always there for me and we got along great fast. He not was a great person inside and out, but he made and completed who Alice was.
After Jasper was my Uncle Jason. He didn't really know how to dance, but we gently swayed to the music trying not to trip. He told me that he was proud of what I have become and he knew that my parents were as well. He also said that if I needed anything don't hesitate in calling, and that he will always be there for me. He kissed my fore head and gave me one last hug before returning to his wife.
I was just about to find Edward, when a familiar husky voice came into the picture.
"will you dance with me Bella?" the voice asked.
I turned around to no other than my best friend, Jacob himself.
"Jacob!" I jumped into his arms.
"hey Bells." he said hugging me. I gave him a tighter squeeze before I had to let him go.
"so how have you been?" I asked trying to make small talk.
"you now, I've been alright." he said shrugging.
"look Jake, I'm really sorry about being a crappy friend lately. I know I haven't spent a lot of time with you lately and I'm sorry. I truly am."
"Bells, you got nothing to be sorry about. You have a new life and new husband and that's a lot to take it. You may have all this new stuff but I always know that your still my Bella no matter what. Bells, just don't forget who you are. And always remember that I'm here whenever you need me."
Tears started forming in my eyes and if I didn't stop them, they would ruin the hours of work that Alice had done. So instead I pulled him into a tight hug, the same ones I used to give him when we were kids.
"thanks Jake. You know I love you." I whispered.
"I love you too Bells." he replied.
The song ended to fast and before I knew it I was back into Edwards loving arms. I rested my head on his chest and I felt him kiss the top of my head.
"Edward, this night was magical. I love you, and I cant wait to spend my life with you." I mumbled in his chest.
"You are my life now, Bella. I will always love you." instead of giving me another kiss on my head, Edward got a good grip on my chin and kissed my lips.
I never thought that my life would end up this perfect.