My heart is going to beat right out of my chest and land on the ground.
"Bella!"
The sound of my own scream gets lost in the midst of the rustling branches and leaves. I know she's out here.
"Bella!"
I saw her run out of the church, down the gravel driveway and into these woods.
Where is she?
"BELLA!"
With every inhale and exhale, my ribs ache from the cool air filtering in my lungs.
Leaning against a fallen tree, I spot a beaten path and an opening with some steps that seem to be carved out of the earth and trees.
"Bella?" I sigh, my voice faltering when I see her small figure balled up with her shoulders hunched and shaking; her white dress dirty and snagged.
She looks up at the sound of my approaching footsteps. Her cheeks are stained black from the mix of tears and mascara; her eyes shallow and her lips quivering.
"Edward?" Her voice is strained, but soft.
"Why did you run?" I kneel on the step below her and wipe her cheeks, listening to her sniffles as she stares at my face, her eyes wild.
"I couldn't … I just couldn't."
My eyes bore into hers. For a brief moment I forget I was supposed to be the best man.
"Why not?"
She breaks out in another round of sobs and I instinctively wrap my arms around her, pulling her into me. I love this woman. More than I should. Seeing her like this absolutely breaks me.
"I can't marry him, Edward." I feel her lips against my skin as she speaks. The mere whisper of her breath sends a chill through my body.
I pull back slightly, searching her eyes. "Why not, Bella?" I implore, needing answers.
"Because he's not you."