AN: Thanks again to my awesome beta ACEMCKEAN. Read her stories The Cullen Brothers and Marital Bliss?. Also we have a story that we are writing together called INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE. Please read it and share your questions for the Cullens. Also Tristagiese has a new story that I am betaing called Rising Noon. Read it!!!
PS - I know I promised a wedding this chapter BUT.... well read and find out
CHAPTER 42
APOV
I had the perfect location for Edward and Bella's wedding. There was an old stone church along the coast not far from Rose's place. During the summer months it was always used for weddings, but would be completely locked up for the winter months. Nobody would even know if we used it.
It wasn't going to be hard to break in and decorate. What was going to be hard was getting Edward away from Bella for the night before the wedding. We had traditions to keep up, and you know I am a stickler for traditions.
Only two days to prepare. Thank God I already had the dress, or it would have been impossible! I went to find Edward and Bella, who were, of course, in their room with the twins.
"So Bella,are you ready to see your dress?" I asked her as I walked into their room.
"Really? Now?" she asked. She looked at Edward with her eyes wide. He smiled at her, the concept of her in her wedding gown was so appealing. I knew they were both anxious to belong to each other officially.
"Yeah. Rosalie will take Edward to the wedding location, so he can't see you in your dress. Then we'll get you to try it on. I may need to do a few alterations for the absolute perfect fit," I said, bouncing up and down.
"Alice, there is no reason I can't see her in the dress..." Edward started. The concept of being apart from Bella was already stressing him out. The night before the wedding was going to be difficult.
"We are doing this the right way Edward! You do not get to see Bella in her wedding dress until she is walking down the aisle to marry you," I threatened. I guess I did a good job with my treats as he sighed, kissed Bella and headed out the door to find Rosalie.
"Do I get to see the wedding location when I am done with my dress fitting?" Bella asked.
"Nope! Not until you walk down the aisle," I said, as I smiled at her.
"That's hardly fair! Since when does the bride not get to see the location?" she asked, pouting.
"Since she let me be in charge. Please Bella? It's for effect. I want everything to be so perfect," I begged.
"Just don't get out of control Alice," she threatened. Me out of control??? Perish the thought.
We put the little twins down together in one crib as always. I loved how Ariel always insisted on holding Jace's hand. As soon as we were certain they were settled, I pulled Bella down to my room. I loved the fact that we had extra sensitive hearing, baby monitors were completely unnecessary.
I sent her to the bathroom to change into the undergarments I bought her to go with the dress. As she did that, I got her gown out of my closet. It had been in a long white garment bag in the back of my closet. I was so thankful that Rose had grabbed it from the Forks house. Without that the wedding simply could not have happened. Just as I unzipped the garment bag, she came out dressed in her undergarments and Jasper's robe.
"Why are you wearing Jasper's robe?" I asked her.
"The underwear you gave me to wear is a thong," she said, blushing. I loved the fact that she could still blush.
"Yes. I know. So why are you covering yourself? It's just me," I asked, puzzled. I mean really, it had been me helping her shower after the terrible James incident.
"I'd rather be seen naked then wearing this dental floss," she gasped, "It's indecent."
"Bella! Take that nasty robe off and get your perfect vampire butt over here so you can try on the dress," I said, slightly exasperated by her continual need to cover up her figure.
"Ugg," she said, blushing and dropping Jasper's robe.
"See! That wasn't so hard!" I told her. She just rolled her eyes in response.
I pulled her dress out of the bag and she sucked in a breath.
"You like?" I asked.
"I love!" she said, running her eyes up and down the gown.
"YAY!! Okay now turn around and let's try this on," I said.
I put the dress on my bed and quickly tied her hair into a french twist. The dress was pure lace with a high neckline that was fastened by three buttons at the back of the neck. The satin only started at her chest and went to the floor, still completely covered by the antique lace. The sleeves were long and sheer lace, no satin covering her flesh there. The front was an exact replica of the dress that Elizabeth Masen had worn on her wedding day. It was floor length in the front, with a short train in the back that could be hitched up into a bustle, or left out as a puddle train. The back was almost completely bare, only buttoning at the neck and then at the small of her back. I couldn't believe how perfectly it fit.
"Did you know that the front of this dress, the neckline to the waist, is an exact replica of Edward's mother's dress?" I asked her.
"It is?" she asked.
"Yes. Edward has some old pictures from his time as a human in his trunk and when I was having it designed, I figured that this would be something extra special for him," I replied.
"I'm guessing the plunging back is not a replica?" she asked, blushing again.
"How right you are. That is an Alice Whitlock-Cullen original design," I said, smiling proudly.
"I'm so glad I'm not human. This would have looked no where near as good on me and I probably would have tripped on the skirt and went flying," she giggled, looking in the mirror.
"When I envisioned you in this you were human! You would have looked stunning even then. Quit trying to sell yourself short," I filled in. "Though I don't deny you did have issues staying on your feet."
"Oh Alice! This is almost perfect," she said, looking at her reflection.
"Almost perfect?" I questioned.
"The dress is perfect. I just mean..." she started.
"Charlie and Renee," I supplied.
"I wish that they could see. I wish that they could know," she said, her eyes filling with tears.
"Oh Bella!" I said hugging her, "I wish they could see you. They would have been so proud."
"I'd like to think so," she said, trying to smile, though the traitor tears were making their way down her cheeks. I passed her a handkerchief, so she wouldn't stain the dress with her tears and held one of her hands.
"I know so," I said tapping my head. "They would have been proud of how you are as a mother too. Bella, you must know that they have always been proud of you. Everything you have done."
"Except running away. That had to have hurt them so much," she said, crying some more.
"You were in a bad situation Bella. There was no other way," I said, stroking her cheeks to calm her.
"I know. I just wish I could marry Edward with at least Charlie there to see it. Give us the closure. He would see how happy I am. He would know I was going to be alright," she sobbed.
"I wish you could too. I wish it was possible," I soothed.
"I know Alice. Okay enough tears," she said, shaking her head and taking a deep cleansing breath.
I hugged her softly again as she dried her eyes. At least crying as a vampire didn't leave her face puffy and her eyes all red and swollen. Actually she looked perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better fit on the dress.
"You look incredible Bella," I said.
"Thank you Alice! It is the perfect dress you know," she smiled, this time it reached all the way to her eyes.
"I know," I smiled back, giggling like a school girl.
Since there were no alterations to make, I unfastened the buttons, slipped it off her, returned the dress to the bag and placed it back in my closet. She quickly ran back into the bathroom, changed out of the under garments, and back into her clothes. We both got back into my room at the same time.
"So what is the plan for the ceremony? Other than the fact that Jasper will marry us," she asked.
"Well Rosalie will play the piano for your wedding march, Esme will hold the twins, Emmett will take pictures..." I stated.
"You will be my matron of honor?" she asked.
"Really Bella? Really, really?" I asked, jumping up and down.
"Of course Alice! You're my best friend," she said, hugging me.
"Thank you Bella," I said.
"Maybe Carlisle could ummm, could walk me down the aisle?" she said more as a question than anything.
"If you ask him, I know he'll say yes. He would be thrilled to do it. Then he would stand with Edward. He's already asked Carlisle to be best man," I said, grinning at her.
"Oh then, I mean he doesn't need to walk me..." she started.
"Bella, he could do both with no problem. He would be thrilled to escort you down the aisle. Believe me, I know these things," I said, tapping my head again.
"Okay. I guess I will ask him when he gets back," she said, softly.
"You have to know how thrilled everyone is about this. You have to know how happy all of us are that you and Edward are making this official. You know that right Bella?" I asked her.
"I think I know that Ali, I just can't get over the fact that I will truly be part of the family," she said, smiling.
"You have been a part of this family since you walked in our door, the first time. Actually you have been a part of this family since Edward decided he loved you, more than he wanted to kill you," I said, ending with a huge cheshire cat grin.
"Thank you, Alice!" she said.
Just then the little twins let out a matching set of piercing wails. We dashed from my room into the nursery to see them. As we looked down into the crib, that now contained my prefect niece and nephew, they both looked up, seeing only their mother, and smiled, matching toothy grins.
"Awww Bella! Look at that. They both smiled. Awww!" I said, sounding like a complete idiot I'm sure.
"Hello, my little Loves," she said to them. They kicked their little feet in response.
"What do you two need?" she asked them, cooing softly.
Arriel held out the little fist that was not currently holding Jace's hand and Bella took it.
"Ahhh, hungry again? Let's change those diapers and go and eat," she said to them, leaning in to pick them both up.
"Can I help Bella? Or am I free to go plan your wedding?" I asked her.
"I'm fine Alice. Go plan to your heart's content," she said, walking to her room with the twins, cooing softly to them.
I grabbed my cell phone from my pocket and called Rosalie, letting her know that Edward could come back and to get her and our guys back here for a monster planning session. Carlisle and Esme had gone hunting and would be back later that night. I grabbed my books and laptop, then I went to the dining room to await my helpers. Everyone was there within five minutes, although I didn't see Edward, I just heard him as he breezed in the door and up to the room he shared with Bella, his very soon to be wife. Everyone else sat down and I filled them in on everything they would need to do over the next two days.
The candles, the piano that needed to be brought to the church, the decorations, the cake, the music for their first dance, the tuxes, the clothes for the twins, Rose's dress, Esme's dress, my dress....
I had never been so glad that I didn't need to sleep!
*********************
EPOV
Being away from Bella and our children was pure torture. I saw the church, which I might add was perfect, but all I could think about was getting back to Bella.
"Edward, what do you want to do for your honeymoon?" Rosalie asked me.
"I don't know. I mean with the babies..." I answered. In reality I had always imagined taking Bella to Isle Esme for our honeymoon.
"What about Isle Esme?" she asked.
"Who is the mind reader here anyway?" I asked her.
"I was thinking about that, but I didn't know about flying with the twins." I told her.
"Awww Daddy!!" she teased.
"Hey, I don't just get to think about myself anymore," I told her.
"I know and I am impressed. You haven't even thought about replacing your music yet. Usually you are the first one out the door!" she said to me, smiling.
"I know. I'm in no hurry. I just want to spend every second with Bella and our children," I said. The desperation at being separated from them right now coming to the surface.
"I'm so happy for you Edward. You deserve every second of happiness you can get," she said, hugging me.
"Thanks Rose. And thanks again for finding her. For bringing them home," I told her.
"You are most welcome Big Brother. But you should know... my original intentions were not really honorable," she said, obviously embarrassed.
"I know Rosalie. But even though you thought of you too, you also thought about me and about Bella. I also know that your intentions changed also," I said, smiling at my sister.
"I know... but how did you know all that?" she asked. Did she truly forget who she was talking to?
I tapped my head and she looked away.
"But I didn't think about it around you. I made sure to think about other things," she stammered.
"You were feeling guilty about it, but you shouldn't. I heard bits and pieces over time and put it together. Guilt has a way of eating away at a person, and stray thoughts run through your mind undetected. You wanted to be a hero and you are, you are my hero," I told her, pulling her in for a hug.
"Thank you Edward. You know I love her right? I mean I sorta always did. She is smart and funny. I mean she put up with all this craziness and dealt with a half vampire twin pregnancy while still human. She really is incredible. She has so much courage..." she said. I knew she wanted to go on but I needed to interrupt.
"And that's what worries me the most!" I told her.
We both laughed at that thought but it was very true. Her phone rang a few seconds later and she smiled. They were done and we could go back to the house. I didn't need to be told. I took off at a run, sprinting past Emmett and Jasper, who were wrestling to pass the time until we could go back to the house.
I knew they were right behind me but I didn't care. I needed to see Bella and the babies. I dashed to the house, in through the door and up the stairs. I didn't stop until I was in our room, next to the bed. There was Bella, the love of my life, with our two little miracles.
"You're back," she said, grinning at me. The two babies in her arms, finishing their latest meal.
"I missed you," I said, dropping onto the bed next to her.
"I missed you too," she said, turning and lifting her lips to mine for a kiss.
"I love you," I said, kissing her softly.
"I love you. I can't wait to be your wife," she said, smiling as she blushed softly.
I pulled my Bella into my arms, so her back was against my chest. She relaxed into me and I rubbed her shoulders as I watched our babies fall asleep in her arms. As soon as they were asleep, I took Jace from her and snuggled him to my chest and then she passed me Arriel, so I could do the same with her.
With both babies snuggled into me, she climbed out of bed and walked towards the bathroom.
"I think I am going to have a shower," she whispered and smiled. "I need to get the dirt off my body and the smell of leaves out of my hair."
I laughed softly. "I wish I could join you Love, but there are too many ears downstairs."
"I'll be quick," she said. "Wait for me."
"Always," I promised.
She dashed into the bathroom and I heard the water running. Imagining her taking her clothes off.... Okay, new train of thought!!!! I snuggled the babies tighter to me and started humming the new lullaby I had composed for them. Without any warning Alice dashed into the room, ran into the closet, into the bathroom and out and back downstairs, all in the blink of an eye.
"That my children, was your Aunt Alice or Hurricane Alice. I bet she put some clothes in there for your Momma to wear," I said to my babies.
Bella came out a few minutes later in a short denim mini skirt, a white blouse and knee high boots.
"Ouch!" I said.
"Ouch?" she asked.
"I need the shower next Love," I said smiling at her.
"You do?" she asked.
"Yes. A very cold shower!" I said.
She giggled and danced over to where I sat with our children.
"Do you think it's safe to put them in bed?" I asked her.
"Yup," she said, popping the p. "As long as we keep them together."
"You do know they will need to be separated at some point," I said, smiling at her.
"Eventually," she agreed, "But for right now it gives them both so much comfort."
"I know. I love it when Arriel holds his hand," I said.
"Isn't it precious?" she said, scooping Jace from my arms and walking towards the nursery. A cold shower was definitely mandatory!!!
I followed her into the nursery and we put the babies down next to each other in one of the cribs. Arriel immediately grabbed Jace's hand and closed her eyes.
"Are they dreaming?" she asked.
"Arriel is of dreaming of us. You and me. I wish I could see Jace's dreams, but he is so silent, just like you," I said, grabbing her into my arms and kissing her passionately.
"Okay you guys. You have twenty seconds to get down here before I send Emmett up to get you," Alice said from downstairs.
"Coming Ali," Bella called.
"Okay you go. I'll be there in a few. I really, really need that cold shower now!" I told her and she giggled, turning on her heels and running off downstairs.
I dashed into the bathroom and turned the water on as cold as it could go and stripped down and stepped in the water.
That day and the next were a whirlwind of planning and executing Alice's vision. Bella and I were not alone for more than two minutes before someone needed one of us for something. Bella had asked Carlisle to walk her down the aisle. He accepted his dual roll gladly. Best man and acting father of the bride. I knew she wished it could have been Charlie that did it, but she knew it was impossible.
"I know you wish that Charlie was the one to walk you down the aisle, Bella. I wish that could be so, but to keep him safe, he can't know," Rosalie said, as Bella sat quietly looking out the window.
"I know," she said sadly. "I just wish he could have closure. To know that I am alive and happy. I wish there was a way to say goodbye."
I walked over to my Bella. I hated to see her in pain. I pulled her against my chest and rubbed soothing circles onto her back.
"I love you Bella. I am so sorry," I told her kissing her hair.
"I'm sorry. It's just silly of me to be so upset. I just always pictured Charlie walking me down the aisle. I will be okay. It's just that so much has changed so quickly..." she started.
"Bella never be sorry to tell me how you feel. If there was anyway to make this happen you know I would take it. I would do anything for you my Love," I pledged to her.
"You are everything to me Edward. I can't wait for our eternity together," she said, looking at me. The unshed tears in her eyes giving way to a smile.
Soon enough it was the night before our wedding and Alice was insistent that we not be together until the next day. She had assigned Jasper, Carlisle and Emmett to take me out for a bachelor party. Of course our party simply included some bears, mountain lions and very little talking. I mean we are guys, after all.
They very thought of being away from Bella for twelve hours was killing me.
"I'm going to miss you so much," I told her.
"As I will miss you," she responded, kissing me softly.
"When I see you tomorrow, it will be as you walk down the aisle to meet me at the altar," I said, grinning like a kid in a candy shop.
"I'll be the one in white," she giggled.
"I can't wait!" I said, grabbing her in my arms.
"Me neither," she said.
"Okay Bella. Send Edward down now or I will come up there and remove him myself," Emmett shouted out.
We laughed slightly and kissed one more time, desperately and passionately before I pulled myself from her. I knew Emmett wasn't kidding and if he came up here, he would wake the twins.
"I love you, Edward Cullen," she said to me as I backed towards the door.
"As I love you, Isabella Marie Swan," I said. "Enjoy your last night with your old name. Tomorrow and everyday until forever you will be Bella Cullen. My wife."
"I can't wait!" she said, smiling.
"Okay Lovebirds! Break it up before we throw up!" Emmett yelled again.
With that I dashed down the stairs, counting the seconds until Bella was in my arms again. We all loaded into Emmett's Jeep, tuxes in the back. We would not be back here until after the wedding. 43, 298 more seconds until my Bella was my wife.
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