Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 39
On a bright Friday afternoon, in the presence of their parents and a handful of friends, Edward and Carmen got married and began their turbulent journey into parenthood.
The bride and groom both looked impeccably beautiful, albeit nervous. If there were any second thoughts on Edward's part, he hid it well.
A small reception was hosted jointly by the Cullens and the Morenos at the Bellevue Club where the couple had reservations to spend their honeymoon. Edward didn't want to fall behind any more than he already had at school by taking a lengthier break for a proper one that would involve traveling. The weekend at the luxury hotel was the solution he offered in terms of a compromise to Carmen. She wasn't particularly pleased with the arrangement, but grudgingly agreed to it since she had won the argument over their house. Her mother-in-law had promised her the near impossible; she would be able to move into the sprawling, six bedroom colonial in the suburbs straight from their honeymoon. The Cullens delivered on their promises.
After the customary hugs and handshakes, they retired to their suite.
As they were approaching their room, Edward pondered how Carmen might react to being carried over the threshold. Did she expect him to? Or would it only serve to irritate her?
Carmen solved his dilemma by preceding Edward into the suite.
Once inside their marital chamber, he felt shy and awkward.
This was it.
It was really happening.
There was no going back, no buyer's remorse permitted. It was time he made good on his vows.
He noticed Carmen standing next to him with an inscrutable expression.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, reaching for her hand.
She nodded wordlessly.
Edward didn't know how to proceed. They had been intimate before, obviously. Yet something special was expected of the wedding night, was it not?
"You looked really pretty today," he began hesitantly, figuring one couldn't go wrong with that line. Carmen made a noncommittal gesture and sat down on the bed.
"Told you everything would go smoothly." He tried and failed again to draw Carmen in.
Edward realized he was floundering with the small talk. The detached posture and the empty look in her eyes was in great contrast with the confident and engaging woman she had been throughout the evening.
"Edward, do you love me?" she suddenly asked, catching him completely unprepared.
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