A/N Thank you all so much for the reviews, faves and alerts on this story you're all so awesome.
Thanks as always to my wondrous beta Seiftis-forevs-47, who seriously underestimates her worth... Love you hon!
Chapter twenty seven.Give me strength.
Bella's POV.
"Do I really need this much make up on?" I complained, the cover up I didn't mind, after all I knew I'd spend most of the day blushing, but I didn't need the rest surely.
"It's a little blush, some eyeshadow and eye liner to match the rest of us Bella, seriously you're acting like I've covered your face." Alice said.
"Well it feels like it." I said pouting.
"Welcome to the real world where married women wear make up." She said.
"Then it's a good thing I'm not a real woman in the real world." I said sticking my tongue out at her, I had been away from Edward for far too long and I needed him. I couldn't hide my anxiety any more and Alice was not coping well with it.
"Will you just look?" She asked making me look in the mirror. "You look beautiful."
"I look like I have black eyes. Yes that's me the battered bride."
"Urgh, Rose will you talk some sense into her please?!" She said.
"Now you know how I've felt all these years, it's like living with Wednesday Addams." Rose said.
"Hardly if I was Wednesday, I'd have buried you both in the garden ages ago." I said. "Hmm that's not a bad idea actually."
"You'll do no such thing, it took me long enough to get you to keep still to paint your nails, without getting dirt under them." Alice said.
"That's because of the color... Look at them." I said holding them up. "They sparkle!" I complained.
"And they look stunning, you look stunning, now go into the other room so that Mom can help you into your dress." She said shooing me out of the room.
"Give me my cell back first." I demanded.
"No, you are not talking to, sexting or texting Edward." She informed me. I stood glaring at her with my arms folded over my chest, in just the silk robe that covered the pale blue corset, panties and matching garter she'd made me wear. "Suck it up sister, the sooner you get that dress on the sooner you will be with Edward." I narrowed my eyes at her and turned to leave, almost twisting my ankle in the ridiculous heels I was wearing. "Love you." Alice said, I could hear her smiling at me.
I found my daughter in the dressing room and escaped to a corner to cuddle her, she was the only one that could calm me when Edward wasn't around. It was hard to believe that she was already four months old, the time has gone so quickly. I looked down to see the little blue dress that had been laid out for her, I was tempted to put it on now, maybe if she was sick on it I could change her into a nice denim outfit. I just wish that I had the same option. Don't get me wrong, my dress was gorgeous, but virginal white was so not my color.
~0~
If my comfort zone was measured from one to ten, one being completely happy and ten being extremely uncomfortable. Right now I was at a gazillion, my corset was so tight I could barely breathe, my head ached as my hair holding about a hundred pins in it, not to mention the stupid tiara. Panties riding up my ass crack and because of the damn long train on the dress, I was helpless to do anything about it. There were mirrors everywhere and I looked like a brunette bride Barbie, I might have looked elegant and attractive... but I didn't look like me at all. If I saw myself in one more mirror I think I might just lose my breakfast, not to mention the dizzy spells from being so high up in these heels.
"Here." Mom said handing me a piece of paper, I opened it and read the short note.
Miss you more than anything and everything, feel's like I've been waiting a century to marry you Miss Swan, I'll meet you at the altar.
I love you, your very soon to be husband, Edward. X.
And just like that... all was right with the world, I flopped down into the sofa and sighed deeply.
"I thought hearing from him might help." Mom said, "I know how the two of you get when you are apart for too long, but don't fret, its almost twelve and time to get this show on the road." She said making me swallow loudly.
I stood in my spot waiting, watching the screen set up with a live feed from the marque, the bridesmaids all making their way to their place. Followed by Mom and Izzie, who was having a hell of a good time throwing the petals about the place. Watching them float to the floor before throwing some more, I had to smile, she was having such a great time.
"Me next, you look incredible sweetheart." Grandma Cullen said before kissing my cheek and making her way out to the marque with Alexandria in her arms. Alex's dress was perfect, of course, not a mark on it, I'd been foiled when I tried to give her her lunch in it, well at least I tried. I'm almost positive that she'll turn out like Alice and Rose and be into pretty pink dresses and dress up just to spite me.
Dad came up behind us and took Alice's arm, "You look so beautiful baby girl." He said as he led her out of the room.
"Just us now Bells." Rose said excitedly, taking my hand and giving it a squeeze. "I know this isn't what you wanted, with you having so much attention on you, but I am so proud of you and I'm sure Mom and Dad are watching us all with pride too."
"Don't say stuff like that to me right now, if I start crying I don't think I'll ever stop again." I warned her.
"I know, I have to do something, you look way too hot and I'm not used to the competition, if it was anyone but you I'd have to take you down." She joked, knowing it would halt any tears.
"I already took out the competition once today, don't make me do it again." I told her grinning.
She laughed and hugged me tightly. "Love you so much Bells."
"Love you too Rose."
Dad returned, "ready?" He asked, we both took a steadying deep breath and nodded. We linked our arms with his and we walked out under the canopy that led to the marque. "Girl's, I just want you to know that no matter what happens today, I am so proud of you both. And so happy that you officially become my daughters."
"Love you Dad." Rose and I said as we walked into the marque, I felt myself tense as we walked along the back row of chairs, all eyes on us.
"You are both doing great, try to relax." Dad coaxed, I was positively shaking by this point. "Bella hold your head up, look Edward's waiting for you." Dad said trying to stop me from hyperventilating.
I swallowed and slowly lifted my head as I concentrated on making my feet move and trying hard not to see the guests. There he was, Edward standing staring at me, his eyes wide and smile wider, he looked incredible, so sexy in his tux. His eyes alight with love, it was just what I needed, he was here, for me, suddenly I couldn't get to him fast enough.
Dad placed my hand in Edward's, who tugged to get me closer, lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it. "So beautiful." He said still smiling.
I stayed focused only on Edward, as we recited our vow's, only just hearing my brothers and sisters doing the same. My hands clutched tight in Edward's, his face alight with joy, his voice confident and clear. When he slid my ring onto my finger and repeated after Father Riley I almost combusted at the look on his face. "Isabella, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you with all your faults and your strengths as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help and I will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life."
I wanted to jump him, but I knew I couldn't do that in this dress and heels without doing a lot of damage to us both, so I said the words back to him. "Edward, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you with all your faults and your strengths as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help and I will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life." His smile was blinding.
At the point I was hoping he would leave out, the father said, "are there any persons here present that see any just cause why these two should not be joined..." I actually closed my eyes and held my breath, I heard Edward growl and looked up at his face.
"What is it?" I whispered, but couldn't make myself turn to look at the guests watching, to see who he was looking at, I was doing my best to forget they were there at all. He turned back to look at me and shook his head, and Father Riley continued.
The moment that Father Riley said you may now kiss the bride, I was in Edward's arms, his lips on mine. "I love you." He said against my lips, I heard people clapping and remembered where we were. I was a married woman, and all I was thinking about was how soon I could strip my husband out of his tux. He grinned at me knowing what I was thinking. "Soon, Mrs Cullen... soon." He said reading my expression with ease.
~0~
I was passed around, hugged and kissed by what felt like hundreds of people, but Edward kept a tight hold on my hand. Right up until I hugged Grandma Cullen and took Alexandria from her. Soon after that Edward sat me on a chair next to his piano, then sitting down he began to play, this time I could not hold back my tears, as he sang to me.
"Maybe it's intuition, but some things you just don't question.
Like in your eyes, I see my future in an instant.
And there it goes,I think I found my best friend.
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy,
But I believe.
I knew I loved you before I met you,I think I dreamed you into life.
I knew I loved you before I met you,I have been waiting all my life.
There's just no rhyme or reason, only the sense of completion.
And in your eyes, I see, the missing pieces I'm searching for,
I think I've found my way home.
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy,
But I believe.
I knew I loved you before I met you, I think I dreamed you into life.
I knew I loved you before I met you, I have been waiting all my life.
A thousand angels dance around you,
I am complete now that I've found you."
(Savage Garden)
He stood and pulled me to my feet, Rose ran up and took Alexandria from me, tears in her eyes too.
"I love you." He said wiping away my tears, before he leaned down to kiss me, this time I heard the calls and whistles and saw the flashing of cameras. I didn't really care in that moment, I was back in Edward's arms. I was where I belonged and nothing and nobody could ever change that.
Suddenly I was being led away from everyone and out of the marque. "Edward, where are we going?" I asked, he didn't look happy, if anything he looked kind of mad.
"I'm sorry," he said pulling me into his arms. "I just need to keep you away from my cousin." He said.
"Not another one?"
"No, not like that, I mean my cousin Masen, he was the one I was angry at during the service." He said frowning.
"Why what did he do?"
"He pretended he was going to stand up, it was something he used to tease me about when we were kids... He said when I got married he'd take my bride away from me." He said it like he actually believed it.
"Why would he do that?"
"He thought I stole his girlfriend and swore he'd get his revenge, but I didn't, she chased after me and I told her I wasn't interested." He said.
"Edward, how old were you?" I asked.
"I was ten he was thirteen." He said with a shrug.
"Oh my god, Edward that's ridiculous." I pointed out.
"I know, but every time he see's me, he comes marching over towards us, like he's on a mission."
"I don't think you have anything to worry about." I said.
He smiled finally and kissed me chastely. "Oh I know I don't with you, I just don't want him to say or do anything to ruin our day." He said, I lifted my hand to caress his cheek.
"If you keep running from him, you are letting him get to you, giving him power over you, don't let him have any power Edward. If he says anything, then he is just being a petulant child, and everyone will see that." I said.
"I have said it before, but I will continue to say it... I. Love. You!" He said before kissing me deeply.
"Hey there you are, everyone is looking for you two." Someone called, Edward groaned and released me, before wrapping his arm around my waist and holding me tight against his side. "Hey not so fast." The guy said as we were about to pass him to go back into the marque. "Aren't you going to introduce me, cuz? Though I can see why you kept this quiet, she's well out of your league Eddy."
Edward kissed my hair and muttered, "Give me strength." In my ear. "Bella, this is my cousin Masen, Mace, this is my wife, Isabella." He said wrapping his arms tight around me and resting his chin on my head.
"Haha, why so defensive Eddy? She's my family now too." Masen said. "So Isabella, welcome to the family." He said reaching for my hand but Edward smacked his hand away before it was anywhere near me. "You worried she'll be tempted away by me?" Masen said smiling with a wicked glint in his eye.
"Not even in your dreams cousin." Edward said moving us away from him.
"Aww don't be like that, I just want to make sure Isabella saves me a dance for later." Masen said keeping pace with us.
"Don't count on it." Edward growled.
"Sorry but my dance card is completely full already." I said.
"Oh come on, I'm sure you could squeeze me in, you know for a quickie." He said waggling his eyebrows.
"Look." I said stopping and turning to face him, he stopped dead in surprise then grinned salaciously. "You come anywhere near my husband, myself or my daughter again and you'll find yourself disconnected from your balls." I said scowling at him.
"So you do want to get your hands on my balls then." He said grin still in place, eyes wide.
"Not even for a second, however I won't stop Edward from doing it, or either of my brothers." I pointed out. The grin fell from his face and he swallowed loudly.
"No need for that, I was just being friendly." He said trying for nonchalance.
"Yeah? Well go be friendly with everyone else and stay away from my family." Edward said. "Come on babe, let's go find our daughter." He said moving us away with a huge grin on his face. He kissed the top of my head. "You are as awesome as ever..."
"I know, and you love me right?" I said making him laugh.
"Damn straight I do."
"Then it's a good thing I love you too." I said as he pulled me against his chest and kissed me until I was gasping for breath.
~0~
The photographs had been done with limited problems and dinner had gone without any concerns. Even the first dance and father-daughter dance had gone relatively well, at least no one was hurt by my lack of grace. Despite being immensely embarrassing, even the speeches had been okay, the evening was drawing to a close and guests were starting to leave... finally. We all wanted to make sure the house was straight, so we were not leaving for our flight to Brazil until lunch time tomorrow, well today now as it was after midnight.
I was trying to wrap a plate of sandwiches to put in the refrigerator when Edward took the plate from me and placed it back on the counter top. "Need you, now." Edward said, scooping me into his arms and striding out of the room.
I wrapped my arms around his neck. "We've had all day and now we finally have work to do, you choose now to drag me away?"
"I've had to watch people putting their hands on you all day, watch you cope with all the things that make you uncomfortable and yet you pulled it off without a problem. On top of that you look like the most beautiful woman on the planet, as you always do, but right now... now I need to get you alone and peel you out of that dress, so I can make love to my wife for hours before we have to leave for our long ass flight to the Island. It will be some time before I get to be inside you again... I need you now." He informed me.
"Oh... okay." I said with a shrug, he laughed and carried me into our room and placing me on my feet next to our bed.
I reached for his pants, undoing them and pushing them down along with his boxers, then I pushed him onto the bed. I hitched up my skirt and climbed on top of him, sans panties, as he'd removed them for me hours ago. He adjusted himself and I slowly lowered myself down, his hands moving to support my waist as I slide down on him. My head thrown back and my mouth falling open as he filled me.
"So beautiful Mrs Cullen." He moaned.
I smiled, as I reveled in the feeling of him inside of me, as we both began to move, suddenly there was a loud bang and the bedroom door was thrown open.
"An ere we av da indigenous weeding couple number two as day copulate an consummate dair marriage..." Emmett slurred, as he walked in with the video camera.
"Get the fuck out!" Edward yelled, as Rosalie ran in and smacked Emmett over the head with a wooden spoon repeatedly until he left the room.
I fell forward on Edward's chest and cried, I was so embarrassed and humiliated. "Oh baby, don't cry... please don't cry, he's drunk, he probably won't even remember this in the morning."
"No, but I will and the video Edward... oh god!"
"Hey, hey don't let him ruin this, the video can be deleted, he can be deleted and I'm pretty sure everyone will be hunting him down to kill him for this, me included... So please baby, don't cry." Edward said, it was no use the flood gates had opened and I was sobbing.
~0~
Half an hour later, Edward came back into the bedroom, I was just running the water for a bath, still dry sobbing. I looked up to see blood on his knuckles, "what happened?" I asked. My robe I'd changed into falling open, revealing the blue corset underneath as I ran to him. He growled, grabbing hold of me, sliding my robe off my shoulders and kissing his way up my neck. "Edward, what happened to your hand?"
"It's nothing." He mumbled against my neck, I stepped away from him and grabbed his bloody hand.
He sighed, "I couldn't hit him, I really wanted to, but in that moment I knew I would have killed him, so I hit the cabinet instead." He said sadly, "Ali and Rose are in tears, Jaz hit him so hard he knocked him unconscious, Mom and Dad are drunk so can't drive him to the hospital, I'm not but I couldn't do it, I hate him so much right now... I just." He said struggling for words.
I wrapped my arms around him as he finally let out his frustration and cried. "I'm sorry, I'm supposed to be the strong one." He apologized.
"Don't Edward, this is beyond anything he has done before, it's..." I couldn't finish, I didn't know what to say, I just held him tight in my arms.
Eventually we peeled each other out of our clothes and climbed into the hot bath, about twenty minutes later we heard the ambulance pull up outside. Edward sighed behind me, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tightly to him. "This is not the way I envisioned my wedding night." He said sadly, kissing my shoulder.
"I know." I said twisting in his arms until I could see his face, I reached up and pulled him closer to kiss me.
"Maybe we should just stay here, let them all go have fun and we can have our honeymoon here." He suggested.
"After all the fuss you made about going to the island? That's not going to be much of a honeymoon." I pointed out.
"We can go alone to the island for Christmas, just the three of us."
"You'd never be happy staying here and the family being on the island." I said.
"I don't care, I'd rather not be anywhere near him for a while and if I'm with you I will be happy." He said, I stood up and moved."What's wrong?" He asked, I didn't speak I just straddled his lap, his cock waking up as I rubbed myself against it. "Are you trying to distract me?" He asked, I grabbed his face and kissed him hard, determined to take back my wedding night.
~0~
Lying cuddling in bed half asleep in post coital bliss, there was a knock on the bedroom door, by this time it was almost two in the morning.
"Can we come in?" Mom asked.
"Sure." Edward mumbled sleepily, Mom walked in followed by Alice, Jasper and surprisingly, Rose. "Hey, what's up?" He asked, though it was easy to see all the stress on their faces. We untangled ourselves from each other and sat up.
"You mean apart from my husband being a drunken moron and spending our wedding night in hospital unconscious?" Rose muttered, I pulled her to sit on the bed beside me and clutched her hand.
"Yeah, apart from that." He said sadly.
"We need to decide who is going to go through the wedding video and delete what needs deleting." Jazz said.
"Well no one else is seeing my wife that way, so I'll do it." Edward said, sounding much more awake now.
"Yeah, but my wife, as in your sister is also in a compromising position on that video." Jazz pointed out.
"Shit." Edward said.
"Not to mention when he caught your father and I on the dining room table, being on there too." Mom added hiding her face.
"Fuck!"
"Edward, please mind your language." Mom said.
"Mind my language? Mind my language!? Mom, I'm never eating at that table again." Edward said disgusted.
"Oh please, you think that was the first time?" She said and then slapped her hand over her mouth, realizing her drunken over-share.
"I think I'm going to be sick." Alice said.
"Me too." Edward added.
A/N Not much more to go now, except lots of loving on the island :D Having come to an end of other characters, from here on out it will be Edward and Bella's, POV for the honeymoon and the epi. Hope you enjoyed this, thanks for reading.
XXX Syren.