Arranged Chapter 4

After an enjoyable dinner where the two families became more acquainted, Edward and Bella stood on the front porch saying good-bye as their parents spoke a few feet away. Edward held her small hands in his as she looked up to him.

"Well, I will see you tomorrow, Edward. I really hope that I make you happy."

She exhaled as he leaned into her, taking her face gently between his hands.

"You already have. Meeting you tonight has been nothing like I thought it would be. You're beautiful, smart, funny and so kind. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can call you mine."

He looked over to their parents to make sure they weren't peeking over at them. After all, he and Isabella weren't married yet. He gave her a quick peck on the lips and she closed her eyes, wishing that the kiss were longer.

"Oh, Edward. I was yours the moment I looked into your eyes."

They stood locked in each other's gaze until Edward's parents walked over to say goodbye to Bella.

"We will see you tomorrow, sweetheart. Get your rest. It is not everyday you become a bride."

Esme leaned over and kissed Bella on her cheek. Bella said goodbye to the Cullen's then went into her house. Once she and her mother were inside and the door was shut, Bella turned towards her, beaming.

"Oh, Mom! Do you believe in love at first sight? He's just wonderful!"

Her mother smiled happily at her.

"You two did seem to have a connection. Darling, I'm so happy for you."

Bella ran into her mother's arms.

"Mom, honest and true, do you think we could love each other?"

Her mother hugged her tightly.

"Bella, I think you just may already. Now get ready for bed, tomorrow's your wedding day."

Bella squealed.

The next day the wedding and the reception took place at a beautiful manor that overlooked the ocean. As Bella gazed out the window, dressed in her wedding gown. It was simple and straight; she wore seamed stockings and a flat veil with an orange blossom wreath. Her father gazed at her from the door, admiring how beautiful she looked.

"It's time, sweetheart."

She turned to face her father then walked over to him, placing her hand in his as they left the room.

Edward waited with the rest of the wedding party in the main hall where the ceremony would take place. He stood with his best friends, Emmett and Jasper, in front of a priest, as Bella and Charlie appeared.

The wedding march began and Bella walked down the aisle to her future. Once they reached Edward, Charlie placed Bella's hands into Edward's. When they joined hands, Edward stared into her eyes and smiled at her. Bella's eyes shone with unshed tears.

The priest began the ceremony as everyone stared at the happy couple. They repeated their vows and pledged their undying love and devotion to each other. The priest turned to the happy couple and smiled.

"Edward and Isabella, with the power invested in me, I know pronounce you husband and wife. Edward, you may kiss your bride."

Edward lifted the veil from Bella's face and smiled at her. He gently leaned in and kissed her lips. The kiss started off soft and sweet as the room was silent. Edward wrapped his arms around Bella's waist and deepened the kiss. Once the kiss was over even, the priest had a blush on his face.

As Bella and Edward left the main room, their mothers bombarded Bella. They both dragged her away down a hall and into a private room.

"Isabella Marie! How dare you do such a thing in front of all of your father's and Mr. Cullen's guests."

Her mother scorned her as Bella just looked at her, appalled.

"Mother, please tell me you did not drag me in here to treat me like a child on my wedding day! He is my husband."

"Dear, we know he is your husband, but as the wife, it is up to you to teach your husband how to behave in such situations. That kiss was, dare I say, inappropriate for the public to view."

Esme smiled at her as the door opened and Edward entered, followed by his father and Charlie.

"Can someone explain why my wife has been snatched from me so all can see, as if we are not allowed to kiss on our wedding day." Edward demanded as he took Bella's hand and began to lead her out of the room away from their parents.

"Now calm down, son. Your mother and Renee just wanted to discuss proper behavior."

Bella turned to face Carlisle.

"I'm sorry Mr. Cullen are you implying that I do not know what is proper? Because before you and father's merged your two organization I was raised with nothing less then the best and I have impeccable manners."

Her father crosses over to her in one stride with a kind face.

"That's not what he is saying at all sweetheart. He simply means that even married women must hold themselves to a higher standard especially one of your stature and importance."

She relaxed at her father's words as Edward led her out the door. In the hall alone, he abruptly stopped and faced her. Her breath quickened in the close space as he pressed her up against the wall.

"You're having a strange effect on me."

She looked up at him nervously and he pressed his lips against her as he grabbed her by the waist of her dress. She melted to his touch and she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer to her. Finally, they gently pulled apart occasionally kissing a cheek, a neck, an ear.

"What's happening between us?" she asked with doubt in her voice as she searched his eyes.

"I don't know. I just know that, last month you were a duty that I had to fulfill in order for our families to succeed, and now you're my wife and I don't ever want to part from you."

He kissed her again, harder, as he groped at parts of her dress desperately searching for bare skin. As they continued to kiss, their parents suddenly emerged from the den and stopped in utter shock at the scene before them.