Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.
*This parallels chapters 72 and 73 of V&V 'Wedding Dances & Viral Video' and 'Dinner Cruises & Love Letters' respectively. Please read those before attempting this.
Enjoy!
****************************LRM**********************************
Chapters 72&73 – A Prelude to Forever
Rose and Emmett's wedding reception was, in a word, lavish. I knew that Rose liked to do things in a big way. I wasn't disappointed.
Make no mistake, Bella and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves dancing in the beautiful ballroom, but I was happy that our reception was going to be a bit more private.
The hotel had beefed up security because of the celebrity status of a few in attendance; namely Bella and myself, but Rose and Emmett were also very well-known figures in their own right. It made sense to keep the party crashers and paps as far away as possible.
Be that as it may, I stayed very close to Bella through the entire affair. Even though Emmett and Rose knew everyone there, I sure as hell didn't, and I was certain that fucker Mike Newton was just waiting for the opportunity to dance with my girl.
Not happening
I guess after Mike redeemed himself at Rose's farewell party, she developed a soft spot and decided to invite him.
If I could help it, Bella wasn't leaving my sight for the rest of the evening.
-LRM-
During the toasts, I was pleasantly surprised by the Chief's eloquence.
And here, all this time, I assumed Bella inherited her writing talent from her mother.
After Bella made her toast I decided there and then that, in the unlikely event that I were to ever win an Academy Award, my beautiful wife would be writing my acceptance speech.
As far as the toasts went though, Jasper stole the show. When he recited that line from The Godfather in his southern twang, I just about lost my shit.
Fucker is obsessed with The Godfather movies
Every time he tries to talk me into doing a gangster movie, I know it's because of his obsession and not because the script is worth a shit. I told him that the day Scorsese wants me; that's the day I'll do a gangster movie. The end.
After dinner we sat quietly for a while, taking in the scene around us. Rose and Emmett were truly in their element. I gazed down at Bella to see her watching the crowd as well.
She was so beautiful. I could not wait until we were married and I could whisk her away. All the honeymoon plans had been finalized. My mind began to wander with thoughts of Bella and me, alone on a secluded tropical beach.
I can't wait to get her back into a bikini….or out of it for that matter…
My thoughts soon traveled to images of Bella naked, and my dick instantly sprang to life. That was something that was happening with more frequency the closer we got to our wedding day.
It's as if my dick is aware that the time was coming when he finally gets to enjoy himself…..
Three more weeks….
Bella and I, alone, naked, sweating, writhing….
I glanced at her face and caught her blushing.
I love her blush.
I wonder what she's thinking about?
Once again I wonder if we're on the same page…
"Bella, are you alright?" I asked.
"Uh" She touched her cheek with her hand, and stuttered out an answer. "I need a little more wine."
Yeah. Pretty sure she was thinking about sex.
At least I hope so.
"I'll get you a drink sweetheart." I leaned down and gave her a quick kiss.
The line at the bar was too damned long. I kept glancing over at Bella to make sure no one was bothering her.
I was happy when the DeeJay announced the father/daughter dance, knowing that would keep the bastards at bay at least until I made it back to the table.
As the song neared its end, wine in hand, I headed back over to Bella. I could see Emmett moving in her direction and knew that meant it was time for their dance.
While watching Bella dance with her brother, I couldn't help the lump that formed in my throat when I caught a glimpse of the Chief. He had removed himself from the crowd of partiers and was standing off to the side against a wall, from which spot he had a perfect view of the dance floor.
There he stood like a sentinel, never taking his eyes from his children, a sad smile on his face. He never moved until the song was over and Emmett and Bella had exited the dance floor.
-LRM-
As soon as Rose whisked Bella away to the restroom, I walked toward the place where my Grandfather was seated, thinking this would be a good opportunity to talk. I didn't make it five steps before I felt a hand on my upper arm.
I turned, expecting it to be Alice, or at least someone I knew. It wasn't.
A small woman with curly brown hair and an exuberant smile greeted me. I recognized her as one of the WIRI employees who had been determined to have me escort her to her seat inside the Cathedral earlier.
"Hello Mr. Masen, I'm Jessica Stanley, we met before when you came to WIRI," She bubbled "although I don't expect you to remember." She giggled as I stared at her, dumbfounded. "I took over Miss Hale's, er, I mean Rose Swan's old position." She giggled again at her mistake. "I'd really like to speak with you about maybe doing an interview. How about we discuss it during a dan…."
She was abruptly cut off by none other than Mike Newton. "Jess! There you are. You promised me the next dance." He said as he pulled her into his arms and onto the dance floor. He shot me a knowing look over Jessica's shoulder.
I stood there smiling, confused, and shaking my head.
What the fuck just happened?
I had to admit that my opinion of Newton did a one-eighty after that little stunt.
Bella still hadn't returned. I glanced over at Duke to see him deep in conversation with Colonel Whitlock. Not wanting to get in the middle of that, I returned to my seat. I had just determined that I was going to have to hide from Jessica Stanley if Bella didn't return soon when I heard a throat clear beside me.
I turned to see two women, cousins of Jasper's I think, I only knew he couldn't stand them. It was hard to determine which of the two was the most unattractive; the one with the frizzy blonde perm, or the one who was dressed like a hooker.
"You look a little lonely Edward." Frizzy hair said.
I glared at her. Knowing Jasper hated the bitch made this a whole lot easier.
"Maybe I can keep you company?" She said as she quirked a suggestive eyebrow at me before turning to her friend. "Britni, why don't you go dance with your boyfriend?"
Having received her marching orders, Britni quickly disappeared. Frizzy turned back to me.
"So how about it?" She grinned.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"You and me. A dance?" She smirked.
I could tell that this chick thought very highly of herself.
"No offence, but I don't plan to dance with anyone other than my fiancée this evening."
She cackled out a laugh. "Well then how about we just have a little fun?" She purred. "We could just disappear for a while; your little girlfriend would never have to know." She said as she attempted to run her fake nails along my forearm.
I captured her wrist in my grasp.
"You know, it's impossible to remain polite with women like you, so let me be blunt instead." I took a breath as I glared at her. "My little girlfriend as you call her happens to be the brightest, sweetest, loveliest, and kindest person I've ever met. Add to that the fact that she's drop-dead gorgeous and that she has agreed to spend the rest of her life with me." I shook my head still in disbelief over that fact, "and you would understand why nothing you could ever have to offer would in any way appeal to me. Have a nice evening." I barked as I stood and walked away. I needed a fucking drink.
"I bet you'll take me up on that dance before the night is over." She called after me in a simpering voice.
"Don't hold your breath." I shot back, loud enough for her to hear, without looking back in her direction.
-LRM-
"Chris is a diabolical genius." Jasper slurred as he stood next to me.
I had to agree. Chris had found a way to actually make Mrs. Whitlock behave. Well, not necessarily behave, but he had determined a way to make her less of a bitch.
"I don't know why I didn't think of this years ago." He muttered as his mother made a fool of herself on the dance floor.
-LRM-
I'd already made an agreement with myself that if Bella didn't catch the bouquet; I sure as hell wasn't going to catch the garter.
As soon as the frizzy blonde, who I'd since learned was named Louise, caught it; making quite a display while falling on her ass, I knew there was no fucking way that I was even making an attempt.
Bitch smirked at me
I purposefully shoved my hands in my pockets, hoping she'd notice. Bella did, and gave me a sweet smile for my efforts.
Once again, Chris saved the day by diving in front of everyone else.
Leaving him to dance with the crazy bitch, I grabbed Bella's hand and pulled her out of the ballroom and into a deserted corner in the adjacent hallway.
Finally, a moment alone.
"Have I told you how exceptionally beautiful you are tonight?"
She smiled and nodded. "Not in words until now." She whispered. "Thank you."
"I cannot wait until you are mine Bella. I'm afraid that I'll wake up one morning and find that this has all been a dream."
She sighed. "I know what you mean. I've taken to pinching myself regularly."
As we listened to the music emanating from the ballroom, I knew that everything I'd ever want or need was there in my arms.
-LRM—
"Alice, are you sure you're feeling well?" I asked as I smirked at my sister.
"I know what you're thinking." She defended. "I just decided that this year I wanted a low key birthday."
It certainly was low key, I'd grant her that. We were celebrating my sister's twenty-sixth birthday with a dinner at my parents' home.
I shook my head in disbelief. "No Disney, no cotton candy or pony rides, no clowns." I said with a grin.
She narrowed her eyes at me. "Since when have I had clowns at my party Mister Smartypants?"
I notice she didn't deny the pony rides
Jasper snickered from beside her.
"Honey, I feel a little guilty." My mother announced. "If you had wanted something bigger your father and I would have…."
Mom didn't finish before my sister cut her off. "Nonsense. I'm exactly where I want to be, surrounded by those I love. It's perfect, or would be if Rose and Emmett could be here, but that can't be helped." She said with a smile.
"Although they did give me a laugh for my birthday, all the way from Paris" She said with a smile. "Did you see the video Rose posted on her Facebook page?"
Bella and I shook our heads. "It's of Emmett and some street mime." She giggled. "Rose said that Emmett sort of turned the tables on the poor guy and followed him around for two hours, tormenting him. The mime finally ran away. Rose said he was almost in tears." Alice laughed out loud.
The rest of us followed suit, kind of happy that Europe was getting a taste of what we were forced to endure every day.
"I love Paris" Alice chirped, "so I really hope it survives Emmett."
-LRM—
After an entire week of dealing with paps stalking our every move, I knew something had to give.
They seemed to have been whipped into a frenzy with our participation in Rose and Emmett's wedding. Bella was getting more and more stressed the closer it got to our big day, and I knew that the fact that we were being shadowed wasn't helping.
Between Lou, Sidney and me, we had come up with ways to avoid the paps. So far, our plans had worked beautifully and with our success, Bella seemed to calm as well.
The trip out to Vashon Island for our marriage license had been a stroke of genius on my part, even if I do say so myself. Once we'd taken care of getting the license, the afternoon had been the most relaxing one we'd had in a long time.
That was until we got home and were greeted with a wall of paps shouting questions.
One question in particular threw Bella and me for a loop.
Bella are you aware that your parish priest was in a traffic accident today while being followed by photographers?
Shit
I quickly ushered Bella inside, a sinking feeling in my stomach as I worried about Father Pat.
Please God, let him be okay
I phoned Bella's dad and got his voicemail. "Chief Swan this is Edward. Please call me as soon as you get this message."
Not knowing of anyone else I could call; Rose and Emmett were still in Europe, I realized that we'd just have to wait for Charlie's response.
I pulled Bella into the elevator. Her entire body was rigid with fear. I wrapped my arms around her, "Bella, sweetheart, please breathe."
I was worried to death about Father Pat, but my first priority was always Bella. At my words, she seemed to relax and buried her face in my chest as she sobbed.
I knew that if anything happened to Father Pat, I would never forgive myself, and I wouldn't blame Bella if she hated me.
As we entered the apartment, my phone rang.
Chief Swan. Thank God.
"Chief, how's Father Pat?" I asked.
"Jesus, word travels fast. He's fine Edward. It was just a fender bender. He was pretty shaken up though. I forced him to go to the hospital just to be checked out."
"Oh, I see." I smiled down at Bella, relieved that Father was okay.
"He checked out fine."
"Okay" I answered, relieved.
"I know Bells is probably losing her mind right now, I think I'd better speak with her."
"Yes, very much so. She's right here." I held the phone out to Bella. "Your Dad wants to speak with you."
"Daddy?" She asked, sounding fearful. "Was he injured?"
"The hospital?" Her voice rose in panic. "Dad, you said he was fine."
Whatever Charlie said next caused Bella to visibly relax. They chatted for a few more minutes before Bella spoke with Father Pat and after that, she was fine.
It didn't escape me that things could have turned out quite differently. It was bad enough that the paps were following us around, but when they endangered our friends and family because they were digging for wedding information, they'd gone too fucking far.
-LRM—
By the time another week had passed, the press had not only discovered when we were getting married, but also where.
In the end, Bella and I would have to rely on the skills of the Forks Police Department, and trust that no one would disturb our wedding. The only press allowed near the Church would be from People Magazine, and their credentials had already been provided to the Chief.
We sat down with People a week before the wedding to give the interview that would accompany our wedding photos.
Bella, what do you look forward to most during these last few days leading up to your wedding?
Bella smiled and looked at me. "Um, I guess, other than the wedding itself, I'm looking forward to going home to Forks. It's been a while."
I smiled back at her.
Edward, is there anything you dread about the week ahead?
What a strange question.
I laughed when I thought about my answer.
"Uh, well, to be honest, the only thing I fear is that Bella will suddenly come to her senses and not show up at the church." I smirked at Bella.
"Edward!" She exclaimed before laughing. "As if that would ever happen. I'll have you know that I'm perfectly sensible. There will be no running away."
I lifted our joined hands and placed a soft kiss on hers.
The reporter went on to ask about Bella's gown. Obviously, wanting to keep the dress a surprise for me, Bella wouldn't give too many details other than to plug Brandon Miles Designs.
When they asked about the honeymoon location I, wanting to keep the details a secret from Bella, was polite, but evasive.
All the details of the honeymoon had been finalized, but there was one more secret that I had chosen to keep from Bella.
The house was ours.
The final paperwork, which had been waiting for signatures from the sellers had been completed, therefore Bella and I were officially the owners as of ten days before the wedding. I decided to surprise her on our wedding night, but first I needed to make sure everything was perfect.
My mother, who was already doing so much for us, was more than willing to help.
I think I'll send her and Dad on a much-needed vacation after the wedding.
Mom helped me choose the furniture and linens for the bedroom and bath.
"Leave it to me Edward; you'll have everything you need." She had told me in that reassuring tone only she possessed.
-LRM—
On Saturday night we had dinner with Kyle and his wife Jeannette. Bella and Jeannette hit it off immediately.
"Oh Bella, how thrilling. I can't wait until I can read your book to my students." Jeannette smiled sweetly upon finding out about Bella's soon to be published children's story.
On Sunday, after Mass, Bella and I had a picnic at our new house; little did she realize that we already owned it. I almost let the information slip at least a half dozen times.
I will never forget the shitstorm which greeted us upon our arrival back at the apartment.
Isabella, how do you feel about VictorJames' interview with Jeffrey Dryden going viral?
What the fuck?
I seriously thought Bella would pass out after hearing those words. I quickly got her inside as I pulled out my phone.
Dead
We rushed upstairs to Rose and Emmett's apartment where Rose confirmed that the interview which was supposed to be dead and buried had indeed surfaced on a gossip website.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.
I remembered all too well how Bella responded the last time she saw an interview with members of the Dryden family, and that hadn't even included the man who murdered her mother, merely his siblings.
"Tell me about the video." She asked in a calm voice.
I froze. I couldn't understand why she wanted to know.
Rose studied her face. "I'm sure the entire interview is longer, but the part that got leaked lasts less than ten minutes."
Bella glared "Tell me about the video."
Rose gestured for us to sit. We followed her direction and sat on the sofa.
"Okay." Rose began. "Dryden is crazy Bells. Anyone who sees the video will have no doubt of that. James asks him questions, sometimes he answers, other times he goes off on a tangent."
"Does he mention me?" She asked.
Rose frowned. "Yes, but someone went to the trouble of bleeping your name whenever he says it. It's obvious that he's talking about you though." She said with a grimace.
Bella sat back, deep in thought, before turning to look at me. She seemed to be studying my face before she answered. "I want to watch it." She announced quietly.
Damn
All I could think about was her meltdown in Rose's office and the nightmares she experienced the last time. There was no way in hell I wanted her to go through that again.
I opened my mouth to protest, but was interrupted by Rose. "Do you want us to watch it with you?" She asked.
Jesus, Rose approves of this?
"No. I'll go to my apartment." She answered quietly before standing and walking toward the door.
I felt as if I'd been slapped in the face.
She wants to watch it alone. She doesn't want me with her.
When she reached the door, she turned back toward me and reached out her hand, "You coming Edward?" she asked with a small smile.
Oh thank God
I jumped to my feet. I still thought this was a terrible fucking idea, but I couldn't bear the thought of her going through it alone either.
-LRM—
I couldn't remember when I'd last been this angry. Actually I did remember. The last time I was angry enough to kill someone, not just kill them but, tear them to pieces, set fire to those pieces, and then piss on the ashes, was when my girl was abducted.
The Ranger
It was true. I wish there was a way to bring that fucker back to life, so I could kill him with my bare hands.
Dryden was already on my list of lousy motherfucking bastards who could go straight to hell and burn for eternity for what he'd done to Bella's mother, to Bella, and to her family. He would, hopefully be spending the rest of his miserable life behind bars.
He was unreachable.
But Victor James was another matter. That limp-dicked piece of shit's days were numbered.
It ripped my fucking heart out to see her bent over the toilet, but it was even worse when she cried over missing her mother. I felt useless once again.
So damned useless.
Bella shot me down when I tried to convince her to see Dr. Miller sometime before the wedding, instead she argued with me, wanting to see the rest of the leaked interview.
I tried to stand my ground, but in the end I folded.
I can deny her nothing.
-LRM—
To say Bella shocked me by the way she handled the leaked video would have been a huge understatement.
First of all, she had Kyle file for a restraining order again Victor James, and then she told me she was making a televised statement.
I'd never been prouder of her than I was as I watched her deliver that statement. She let the world know, in no uncertain terms, what a womanizing low-life Victor James was. I doubted, after this, if he would be employable as a serious journalist anywhere.
I still wanted to put my foot up his ass.
-LRM—
My sister had mentioned that Bella and I should have a 'couples massage' before the wedding as a way to relieve stress.
I immediately thought of another way we could relieve stress, but that wasn't going to happen until after the wedding.
That is, if my dick is even willing to perform after these months of torture.
I'm pretty certain it hates me.
In the end, I decided having the massage after Bella made her statement would be the best option. What better time than after that nerve-wracking experience?
"I may have just died and gone to heaven." Bella mumbled from her massage table. "Remind me to thank your parents for having sex."
What?
Try as I might, I would never be able to predict from one moment to the next what would pour forth from those luscious lips.
I laughed loudly. "Bella what are you talking about?"
"Simple" She slurred as she turned her head to look at me. "If your parents hadn't had sex, you wouldn't be here, and I wouldn't have just had the most fantastic massage of my life."
I continued to laugh. I would never get enough of her quirky mind. Her beautiful face. Her gorgeous body…
I stopped myself right then and there, deciding a hard-on while lying face down on a massage table wouldn't be the most comfortable way to spend the afternoon.
"Mr. Masen, feel free to relax and have a glass of wine. Someone will be along shortly to clean the room." Gwen said before she and Floyd left.
Bella had dozed off a little while before. "Bella" I called softly as I reached over and brushed the hair back from her lovely face.
"Hmm?"
"Sweetheart, the massage is over, time to get up." I said with a chuckle.
She blinked widely. "I think I fell asleep."
She always looked so young and innocent when she first woke up. For that brief moment between sleeping and waking, all the shit she'd endured was forgotten.
I chuckled again. "You must have really relaxed."
She stretched. "Do I have to get up?"
"Yes sweetheart." I answered before standing from the table. When I reached my robe, I turned to find her staring at me.
Yeah, she's definitely checking me out.
I decided to tease her, hoping I'd get a glimpse of that beautiful blush.
"Like what you see Miss Swan?"
Her mouth fell open and she gave me the strangest look before she finally spoke. "You want me to lick you?" She gasped.
Wha…?
My mind immediately went in a very unwelcome direction.
Fuck yes I want her to lick me…
Once again, I shut down those thoughts. Admittedly, the closer it got to our wedding, more specifically our wedding night, my thoughts seem to have been drawn more and more toward sex.
Hmm..maybe Bella is having the same issue.
I couldn't help but laugh at her statement as I pulled her to me. "Sweetheart, you have no idea how much that idea appeals to me but, unfortunately all licking will have to wait." I said as I helped her into her robe.
-LRM—
"Welcome to what can easily be called the most boring bachelor party known to man." Emmett announced as he sipped his beer.
An hour or so after Bella left with the girls, and Chris for her bachelorette party, I found myself sitting in a luxury suite at Safeco field with Emmett, Jasper, Charlie, Duke and my Dad, sipping a beer as we watched the Oakland Athletics trounce the Mariners.
"As opposed to you spending the night throwing up or Jasper attempting to walk the streets naked?" I snapped.
"Touché Eddie boy." Emmett admitted with a shrug.
"Back in my day, the stag parties were pretty tame compared to now." Duke chimed in from beside me as he took a sip of his beer. "Still, as soon as they brought out the dirty movies, I took that as my queue to leave."
We laughed.
"You think I'm kidding?" He grinned. "My friends always accused me of being hen-pecked. I told them that I had the most beautiful woman in the world waiting for me at home. I didn't need to see that shit."
I smiled.
I had more in common with my Grandfather than I realized.
Everyone sat in silence for a while, until Emmett added his words of wisdom.
"Yeah. I guess we're all just a bunch of pussies. But I'm okay with that." He said with a grin.
We all laughed, but his father merely shook his head.
"What?" Emmett's grin got wider as he looked at his father. "It's the truth." He cleared his throat as he seemed to study Chief Swan. "So how are things with Miss Suzie?"
"Emmett, don't call her that." Charlie warned.
"Oh, a little defensive about the lady friend I see." Emmett smirked. "I just wish Miss Suzie had been at Forks High when I was there. I would have definitely been Hot for Teacher." He said with a laugh.
Charlie glared at him. "You wanna feel how hard I can punch?"
"Damn Pops." Emmett said through his laughter. "Zombieland? Really?"
-LRM—
After the ball game the guys were taking me on a dinner cruise. They had reserved the entire upper enclosed deck of the boat. I thought it kind of a strange thing for a bunch of men to do, but decided to go with the flow, the sooner the evening was over, the sooner I'd be back home with my girl.
This was just the sort of thing that Bella and I loved to do together. I missed her so much. As if she could read my thoughts, my phone chimed with a text.
E-
Miss you. Wish you were here.
Love you so much.
-B
I answered her back immediately.
B-
You have no idea how much I miss you. Everyone means well, but it is torture to be without you this evening.
I love you.
-E
In three days we would be married. As I stood at the window watching the passing coastline, missing Bella, I was surprised when I felt a warm hand touch mine. The familiar electric charge was there…
I wheeled around, coming face to face with the love of my life. Before I could process what was happening, she threw her arms around my neck.
"Baby? How?"
"I think we owe this" Bella said while gesturing to the two of us "to our wonderful friends and family."
Truth was, I didn't care how, I only cared that she was there with me.
I pulled her to me and kissed her, I was probably being ridiculous, but I'd missed her so much.
Our kiss was interrupted by the sound of applause and quiet laughter coming from the room around us, which served as a reminder that we weren't alone.
"You owe me twenty bucks Francis, not even a half minute passed before they were swapping spit." Emmett boomed, bringing about another round of laughter.
Jackass.
He knew us well.
We chuckled lightly as we turned to greet our family and friends.
It turned out to be a wonderful evening after all.
-LRM—
"Are you sure we have everything?" Bella asked nervously as we grabbed our overnight bags.
"Sweetheart, my sister is bringing your gown and my suit, and everything needed for the wedding. The bags for the honeymoon are going straight to the hotel.
In truth, they're going to the house
"As long as you have everything you'll need for the next two days in your bag, we're set." I assured.
She let out a breath.
She'd been a nervous wreck all morning. Rose had assured me that once she was home in Forks, she'd be fine.
I wasn't convinced. She'd not been sleeping well, and had questioned every detail about the wedding preparations two and three times. Now, as we made our way out of Seattle, she'd gotten very quiet.
I kept shooting glances as she seemed to become more and more agitated. She closed her eyes in what appeared an attempt to calm her nerves, but instead she started to tremble and she bit her lip so hard I feared it would start to bleed.
When she began to thrash and gasp for air, I panicked.
"Bella!" I exclaimed as I pulled her toward me and placed my hands on either side of her face. "Bella what's wrong? Bella please talk to me."
She was scaring the hell out of me.
She opened her eyes.
Was it a nightmare? But she didn't seem to be asleep.
A panic attack? But why?
"Sidney, you may need to pull over, I don't know what's going on." I shouted, and immediately felt the car begin to slow.
"Edward, is she seizing?" Lou asked. I knew he'd had medical training in the military.
"I don't know" I answered.
"No!" Bella suddenly shouted. "Keep driving Sidney. We can't stop. Not here!" She gave me a pleading look.
I was so fucking confused.
I looked back and forth between her flushed face and the window. Even through the rain, I recognized where we were, and immediately understood her reaction.
If I'd been paying attention, I might have acted the same. This small stretch of road outside of Sequim had been my own personal hell on earth for a brief period of time. The time during which I thought I'd lost her forever.
"Shit." I muttered as I pulled her against me and swallowed back the lump forming in my throat. "Keep going Sidney." I ordered. "It's okay baby. It's over. He'll never hurt you again. I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
After a while, she relaxed in my arms and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry." she whispered. "So sorry."
"Bella, you have nothing to apologize for." I whispered. "We have a long ride sweetheart. Sleep."
My father had warned me that she would probably have flashbacks to her ordeal. We'd had such a wonderful summer, that I'd been foolish enough to think that the events of a few months ago were behind us.
Once I knew Bella was asleep, I phoned my Dad and told him what had happened.
"Son, I told you to expect this. I'm surprised this hasn't troubled her before now."
I sighed as I ran my hand through my hair.
"I knew we should have had a quiet wedding." I muttered. "This is too much on her. I should have insisted…"
Dad cut me off. "Edward, please stop. Everything will be fine. If it makes you feel better, I can speak with Bella about prescribing something to help her relax."
I let out a deep breath. "Would you?"
"Of course son. We're actually heading out in a few minutes. We'll drive straight to Charlie's instead of stopping at the bed and breakfast first."
"Thanks Dad."
As he promised, Mom, Dad and Duke arrived in the early afternoon.
When Bella went to the kitchen to prepare drinks, I stood, planning to help. My father stood at the same moment. "Edward, may I have a word about the music for the reception?" My mother asked sweetly.
My Dad smiled before following Bella into the kitchen. I stepped into the dining room doorway with Mom. "So, it looks like Van is going to make it after all." She informed in a whisper.
"That's great." I smiled widely at her news. "You and Charlie have submitted your song choices to the band?"
She smiled. "Yes."
I knew that she and the Chief wanted those choices to be a surprise for me and Bella.
Her smile disappeared as she placed a hand on my arm. "Edward, I overheard your Dad on the phone with you. I don't want to pry, but is Bella okay?" She asked worriedly.
I shrugged. "I think so. She had a panic attack when we passed the spot where she was abducted by the Ranger."
"Oh honey." She said sadly. Her lip quivering before she pulled me into a hug. "I know this is difficult, but Bella is a strong girl."
I nodded.
We walked through to the kitchen to find Bella giving my Dad a hug.
She's come such a long way. I have no doubt that she will be okay.
"You and Esme are too good to me." I heard her whisper.
Dad shook his head. "Nonsense. You're very important to us." He answered sincerely.
-LRM-
The next two evenings would be difficult. Bella and I hadn't spent a night apart since Emmett's bachelor party, and we didn't even make it the entire night then. After her episode in the car, I was fearful of leaving her.
While my Mom had Bella deep in conversation, Charlie turned to me. "Hey Edward, come help me with something." He motioned toward the door leading to his back porch.
Once we were outside, he pulled two beers from the cooler, handing one to me and opening the other for himself.
"Okay, now you want to tell me what went on with Bella earlier today." He asked with a serious expression. "That wasn't normal fatigue Edward."
I sighed. "She had a panic attack when we passed the place where she was abducted."
Charlie frowned and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. He took a sip of his beer and studied me for a moment. "And now you're afraid to leave her?"
I sighed and nodded.
I was surprised when he grasped my shoulder. "Believe it or not Edward; I've had a little experience with Bella's anxiety." He said in a calm voice. "She already seems to have recovered, but I'll be sure to sleep with my door open tonight."
I gave him a doubtful look.
Yeah, I was kind of an ass
He just raised his eyebrows. "She's my little girl Edward. Nothing is more important to me than my children. Never forget that."
I sighed and nodded, feeling like a dick for doubting him.
-LRM—
My family kept me busy that evening. They knew how I had a tendency to dwell. Mom went over the song list for the reception with me; Jasper tried to give me a script to read.
He had to be fucking kidding me
They finally gave up and I escaped to the solitude of my room, immediately pulling out my guitar. I played around for a while, every song I could think of reminding me of Bella.
Before I went to bed, I phoned her one last time.
"Hello" She answered in a smooth sultry voice.
"Hey baby" I responded as my dick sprang immediately to life.
"Who is this, and how did you get my number?" She asked in a sharp tone.
I blurted out a laugh; I could hear her giggle before she sighed. "Miss me?" She asked in a whisper.
"You have no idea."
"Mmm." She sighed again.
Her half moans and sighs weren't helping my situation. I was going to have to picture Emmett in women's lingerie for this hard-on to ease.
We talked for a while about nothing, each one simply needing to hear the other's voice.
"Well, I'd better let you get some sleep." She said with a yawn.
"Okay sweetheart." I reluctantly agreed. "I'll see you tomorrow. "Goodnight. I love you."
"I love you too."
-LRM—
Early the next morning, after phoning Bella to make sure she passed a pleasant night, I went for a run with Jasper. After the first couple of miles, I could feel my body responding, the stress ebbing away.
I hadn't jogged in the open air in ages, having to rely on the treadmill most days in order to stay out of the public eye.
"Ready for tomorrow?" Jasper asked as we slowed our run.
I shrugged. "I'm ready for Bella to be my wife. I have to admit that I'm a little intimidated by the event."
And that night…
"You know you can talk to me Edward." Jasper said in a serious tone.
I sighed. "Yeah, I get that. I just, I want everything to be perfect for Bella." I admitted.
I wasn't sure if he understood my meaning. I definitely wasn't talking about the ceremony.
He nodded. "Sex is a remarkable thing Edward, especially when you love the other person. It's very powerful, and nothing is the same after that first time."
I chuckled. "I'm going to pretend that this is coming from my best friend, and not the guy who has sex with my sister."
Jasper barked out a laugh. "We were talking about you." We slowed our run even more as the bed and breakfast came into view.
"All I can tell you is that judging from the way you two feel about each other, as long as you put her needs first, everything will be perfect. I doubt I have to give you a lesson on the mechanics of having sex."
"Please spare me." I laughed. "I know what to do; I just hope I have the confidence to pull it off."
Jasper nodded. "You lacking confidence? This must be a first."
I smirked. "Everything about me has changed since Bella."
"You don't have to tell me." Jasper grinned. "All I can say about the confidence bit is that as soon as you see the woman you love responding to what you're doing to her, it's a huge fucking confidence booster." He chuckled. "That's the moment where you realize that she wants you as much as you want her….there's no other feeling like it in the world."
"And once again, I'm trying to forget you're married to my sister." I grinned.
"Let's get back Romeo." He said with a laugh. "Big day ahead."
-LRM—
The rehearsal that evening went off without a hitch as did the dinner afterward. My Dad made an awesome speech thanking Charlie for the dinner and his beautiful daughter. There were happy tears all around.
As Bella and I walked up the beach afterward, it suddenly dawned on me that this was our last evening as an unmarried couple. She already owned my heart, but as of tomorrow it would be official.
"Have I expressed to you how I cannot wait until you are my wife Miss Swan?"
"Um" She paused, pretending to think about what I'd said. "Let me see…. Oh, I don't know, maybe about a thousand times?"
"Hmm. It's not enough."
"I can't wait until you're my husband." She gave me a playful smile. "It will feel so strange to say it. But right."
I pulled her into a passionate kiss. By this time tomorrow I hoped to be escaping our reception with her, on the way to our first night of wedded bliss.
Jesus, I really have turned into a pussy
As we kissed, I needed to feel her skin, so I lifted the material of her shirt just enough to reach my hands underneath and rest them on her warm back.
So soft
It was getting late. I forced myself to break our kiss.
"I love you so much sweetheart."
"I love you too. I don't want to leave. Can't we just stay together tonight?" she whispered.
Oh how I want to
"Alice would probably kill us. And I'm pretty sure Chief Swan keeps his gun loaded." I chuckled.
She smiled. "After tomorrow, no one keeps us apart ever again."
That's the plan
"Definitely."
We exchanged the letters we'd written weeks ago during our pre-Cana classes.
I noticed Chief Swan waiting for Bella in order to take her home. She needed her rest for tomorrow, and I'd been a bit selfish keeping her so late.
I sighed and wrapped my arms around her one last time. "I'll miss you tonight." she whispered. "I love you."
I never tired of hearing it.
"I love you too Bella." I pulled away and clasped her hands in mine. "I'll meet you at the altar." I said with a wink before giving her one last kiss.
-LRM—
I couldn't sleep. I wasn't surprised that I couldn't sleep. The large bed felt empty. The pillow next to mine didn't smell right.
I turned to the nightstand and retrieved the envelope that sat there, waiting.
At that exact moment, my phone alerted me to an incoming text.
Bella
I miss you
I smiled and typed my reply.
I miss you too. Trouble sleeping?
I waited.
I think I'll read your letter now. Maybe then I'll relax enough to sleep.
Good idea
Me too. I love you. Sweet dreams.
She sent one last message:
I love you more than words can say. Goodnight.
I set down my phone and opened the letter.
My dearest Edward,
To say that I would be lost without you is nothing short of the truth. I remember all too well what my life was like before we met. Was it only five short months ago? In many ways, those months feel like a lifetime. A lifetime in which you have provided encouragement, friendship, understanding, patience, a shoulder to cry on when needed, warm embraces, passionate kisses, and most of all undying love.
I will spend the rest of my life striving to be the woman you see when you look at me. In return for your encouragement, I promise to strive for success in everything I attempt. In return for your friendship, I offer a hand to hold. In return for your patience and understanding, I promise not to dwell on past sorrows. In return for your shoulder, I offer you my heart, something you already have in your possession. In return for your embraces, I promise to never leave your side. In return for your kisses, I confess that you are and will always be the only man I could ever love. In return for your undying love, I offer the same, and a wish for us to remain together always, during this lifetime and the next.
I love you Edward,
Your Bella
I sat staring at her words.
Speechless.
To see everything that was in her heart written out this way by her own hand touched me so very deeply. I choked up and swallowed hard the lump that had formed in my throat.
I didn't successfully keep my emotions at bay however, as I felt a couple tears trail down my cheeks.
-LRM—
"Damn Edward, you're a mess." Jasper remarked as I tried to fix my coffee. It was really early, not even light outside yet. Frankly, I was surprised to see Jasper up so soon.
I glanced around the dining room to make sure Mrs. Snyder, the innkeeper, wasn't around before answering him. "Shut the fuck up." I barked at my brother in law.
Even though he was right, I didn't need him to point out the fact that I was a basket case. I was well aware.
I blame it on the dream, or rather nightmare I had last night.
Instead of taking offense, Jasper merely laughed.
"Okay, I'll shut up, but not before I point out the fact that you're about to put a tea bag in your coffee."
I looked down at my hands, and sure enough I was holding a tea bag. I'd gotten so used to fixing tea for Bella, that it was just habit. I tossed the tea bag aside and dragged my hand through my hair as I sat down.
"Fuck." I muttered. "I just had this crazy dream."
He still looked amused.
"I got to the church, and Bella never showed. I waited and waited. Finally Rose arrived and told me that Bella had changed her mind." I sighed.
Jasper didn't lose his smile, but he did shake his head. "Edward, you know as well as I do, that's not going to happen."
"I know, I know." I tried to drink my coffee, ignoring the way my hand was shaking.
Jasper chuckled again. "The day you've planned for is finally here. Go take a shower, get your shit together, and try to relax." He directed.
I nodded. "You're right." I said before retreating to my room.
One of my windows faced East, I sat on my bed and watched as the sun rose over the mountains in the distance, promising a beautiful day. I smiled as I remembered Bella fretting a couple of days before as she worried about rain on our wedding day.
I had told her not to think about it anymore.
I knew that today would be perfect.
***********************************A/N*******************************
A/N There you have it. The next chapter, which includes Edward's POV of the wedding and wedding night plus a bonus 'shower scene' at the end which WILL NOT be included in V&V, will post tomorrow (fingers crossed).
Then it's back to another chapter of V&V.
As always, I love to hear your thoughts. I thank everyone out there…especially you ladies on Facebook for always keeping me motivated!
Until tomorrow…