The Learning Curve: Chapter 132
Mr. and Mrs. Cullen's Wedding Reception
"Excuse me!" Alice bellowed, quieting all the guests. I covered my mouth against my laughter. It was time for toasts, and apparently, Alice had decided to get attention the old-fashioned way instead of trying to clink against the plastic cups we had for our beverages.
"Hi. I'm the maid of honor," Alice said at a more reasonable volume. "As I understand it, the maid of honor always gives a toast, and I take my duties seriously, so. Bella and Edward. I knew when Bella first got involved with Edward that she had no idea what she was getting into, and I told her as much. Of course, being Bella, she didn't listen, and now here we are. Before we go any further, I have a few words for Edward. If you hurt her, I will kill you and Chief Swan will help me cover it up."
Alice's audience laughed uncertainly, and I rolled my eyes. I glanced at Edward, and he looked a little pale.
"That said," Alice went on, "I don't think we have anything to worry about when it comes to Edward and Bella. I've never seen any two people fall into place as effortlessly as they did, and the way that they look at each other says it all. They're the real deal, and I wish them happiness as they begin their new life together. To Edward and Bella."
Alice raised her glass, and her sentiment was echoed by our guests as they raised their glasses, too. I looked at Edward, who was already looking at me, and I knew our smiles had to appear absolutely goofy to everyone else…but I didn't care.
After Alice sat down, Emmett took that as his cue to make a toast, even though I knew Edward had never even mentioned the possibility. Neither of us wanted him to open his mouth, but it looked like we had no choice.
"I'm not going to let Alice have all the fun," Emmett said, standing in a rather ridiculous, pompous posture. "When my dear friend Edward moved to Forks, I could see he was in a rough patch. To my eyes, it was obvious that he needed a girl, but Edward was a picky little shit and wouldn't go for any of the girls I threw his way."
Edward had covered his face with one hand, and the tips of his ears had turned red. I sat next to him in a suspension of dread, knowing my embarrassment had to be on its way.
"And then Bella comes along, and suddenly it's like Edward's a different person. I admit, I was a little put out. I mean, he refused to go to parties, he didn't want to spend whole Saturdays playing video games, and there was only one thing he wanted to talk about. But it turns out, Bella's a damn cool chick, and she's made my friend happy, and that makes me happy. So here's to Bella and Edward."
I dabbed a tear away, shocked that he'd been sweet rather than crude. I looked to Edward, and he rolled his eyes at me, but he was smiling.
We were so lucky.
I was more than happy when Edward towed me to the dance floor for our first dance as a married couple. We didn't do anything complicated. Everyone knew better than to expect a perfect waltz from the likes of me, so we just swayed around the dance floor, and it was everything I could have asked for, floating along in his arms.
All in all, the whole evening was a dream. The cake was delicious, and the frosting smeared perfectly across Edward's face – and mine. I danced with my dad, which ended with me in tears of something like nostalgia.
Finally, blessedly, Esme got up and announced that it was time for the bride and groom to depart. Edward and I didn't need any encouragement to hurry off to the already well-stuffed car amid a shower of rice – which seemed like rather a waste and would probably kill some birds.
Safely ensconced in the vehicle, Edward and I shared a look.
"Maybe we should have planned on changing before the drive," I murmured, contemplating the drive ahead.
Edward shook his head and started the ignition. "Like hell. I'll sit in this suit for another three hours if it means I get to take that dress off you myself."
A/N: Regarding the ultrasound: GOD NO I AM NOT PREGNANT. o.o I'm glad ONE of you remembered that I'm a virgin here. No, that hasn't changed in the past two months.
The ultrasound is to check for any build-up from endometriosis. I was diagnosed last year and the doc sent me for another check-up on my poor girly bits. Ultrasound was normal, by the by, which is good...but also bad because I had to pay out of pocket for a test that told me nothing about why my bits hurt. Stupid deductibles.
TMI yet? Don't answer that.