The Learning Curve: Chapter 131

Edward Cullen's House

While our family and guests transitioned from wedding to reception, Edward and I stole into the house for a few moments of privacy. As soon as we were alone in the living room, I flew into his arms, experiencing a level of giddiness that I'd never felt before.

"Oh my god, Bella," he laughed in my ear, gathering me up so tightly in his arms that my feet came off the ground. "I was going nuts waiting for you to come down the aisle."

"Really?" I laughed. "Were you nervous?"

Edward shook his head against my neck. "No, just impatient. Were you nervous?"

"Only because everyone was staring at me," I said. "But then I saw you and I couldn't tear my eyes away, so it didn't matter."

Edward set me down and held me away from him, looking me over from head to foot. "It's unreal how beautiful you are right now. My eyes can't believe what they're seeing."

I could feel the blush rising in my cheeks. "You look really good in a tux, Edward."

He stroked a thumb over my pink cheek. "I wish we could leave right now. I feel…very irrationally unwilling to share you."

"I know," I sighed. "Me too. But if we go on the lam from our own wedding reception, your mother will never forgive me. She spent all yesterday working on the cake and the finger foods."

Edward groaned. "We've been married all of three minutes and you've already mastered the art of guilt-tripping me."

I smacked his shoulder. "Don't start with me, Mister. I'm your wife now. I'm within my rights to make you sleep on the couch, even if it is our wedding night."

He feigned a scandalized expression. "I should have known your domineering instincts would appear sooner or later."

I rolled my eyes and dragged him toward the door. "Somehow I don't think you'll complain too much if I want to put you in handcuffs tonight."

"Handcuffs?" he wiggled his eyebrows. "Now I really want to skip the reception."

We both laughed, our longing for one another tempered by our blissful happiness. It was hard to be too put out about our obligations when we were so disposed to be content. And if I was honest with myself, I couldn't wait to dance with my husband Edward…or to shove cake in his mouth.

A/N: Sorry I didn't update last night. Long day yesterday - I had to have an ultrasound, which mean drinking a shitton of water at six in the morning. Never good.