Chapter 38: The Destination Rehearsal
Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!
Chapter 38: The Destination Rehearsal
"Guess what, beautiful girl?" Edward croaked, his voice rough with sleep.
"What?" I mumbled into my pillow.
"We're getting married in four days," Edward said as he pulled me to his chest, spooning my body.
"Hmmmm, we are," I said, lacing my fingers with his. I opened my eyes and looked at the clock. I groaned. "It's too damn early. How are you so damn chipper at 3:30 in the morning?"
"I'm holding the most beautiful woman in my arms," Edward said as he nuzzled my neck with his lips. "And we're getting married in four days. Leaving for our destination wedding in a little over a half hour. How could I not be chipper?"
"Right," I said, not awake enough to come up with a witty or funny retort. Edward got up and he padded to the closet, pulling out a pair of jeans and polo shirt. He winked as he went into the shower. I stretched and rolled out of bed myself. I pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a tank top after I put on my underwear. I quickly plaited my hair and wandered into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Edward was out of the shower and he was standing in front of the mirror in his boxer briefs. Yummy.
"See something you like?" Edward quipped as he pulled on jeans.
"You," I said simply as I tossed my toothbrush into my toiletry bag. "You're hot."
"Aww, shucks," he blushed. "Thank you, ma'am. You're mighty fine, yourself."
"You are a charmer, Masen," I giggled.
"And you love me," Edward said, as he kissed my neck. "As I love you. Everyone will be here in a few minutes. Let's boogie!" Edward swatted my ass.
"Hey!" I said as I tried to smack his arm. He danced out of my reach and laughed heartily as he left the bathroom. I finished putting my stuff into the toiletry bag. I tossed the bag into the suitcase and zipped it up. "Can you bring this bad boy down to the foyer?"
"Sure," Edward said as he kissed my lips chastely.
"Hmmm, toothpaste and Edward. Tasty," I said against his lips. I fisted my fingers into his damp hair, thrusting my tongue through his lips.
"Someone's horny," Edward laughed as he pulled away.
"Only for you, baby," I said with a wink. "I can't wait to make love to you as Mrs. Masen."
"I love the sound of that," Edward said with a lascivious grin. He heaved the suitcase up and lugged it down the stairs. Once he was down there, the doorbell rang. He opened it up and found Alice and Jasper standing outside with EJ. "Hey!"
"Let's get the party started," Alice said as she bounced on her toes.
"She's been like this since two," Jasper said as he adjusted his hold on EJ. "I'm going to kill her, Edward. EJ is going to kill her."
"Alice, do I need spike your water with ambien?" Edward teased.
"No! I'm just excited because you're getting married," Alice said as she kissed Edward's cheek.
"Alice, you need to calm yourself," Jasper said in an exasperated tone.
"Ugh, fine. I'll pretend that I'm not over the moon that my baby brother is getting married to my best friend," Alice snipped. "Ass."
"Alice, be nice," I chided. "No one is an ass."
"My husband is being an ass. My brother is being an ass. So yes, someone is an ass."
"Alice, seriously," Edward said with a dramatic eye roll. "It's way too damn early for your shenanigans. I love you, but you're driving all of us nuts. I will drug you. Don't make me do it. If not, I'll get Dad to."
"Hello?" Esme called from the porch.
"Mom, Edward is being mean to me," Alice cried as she ran into her mother's arms.
"Oh, for the love," Edward said as he threw his arms up. "Jasper, can I hold my nephew so I don't kill your wife?"
"Gladly," Jasper said as he passed off EJ to Edward. As soon as EJ was in Edward's arms, Edward's face lit up like a Christmas tree. I walked over to him and kissed EJ's head. "Awww, you look so cute holding the baby. An adorable family," Jasper said as he framed a picture with his hands. "When are you guys going to go for a baby?"
"When the time is right," Edward said.
"We're not actively trying, but aren't actively stopping either," I said as I stroked EJ's soft blond hair. "God, he's so perfect, Jas."
"I know. He's the fruit of my loins," Jasper teased. "He's bound to be perfect."
"You're funny," Carlisle said dryly as he stood in the foyer. "If anyone is perfect, that would be me."
"Sure, Carlisle," Esme said as she ruffled his hair. "If you're perfect, then I'm a vampire."
"With the way you bite me, I'm not surprised," Carlisle said seductively.
"Oh, gross!" Edward and Alice groaned, making identical faces of disgust. Jasper and I laughed hysterically at their reaction. But it was really gross to even fathom Carlisle and Esme getting their freak on.
"Alice, you were not conceived from immaculate conception," Esme said.
"I'm just going to pretend that I was," Alice said, covering her ears and squeezing her eyes shut.
"Are we waiting for anyone else?" Jasper asked. Trying to sway the conversation from the idea of his in-laws doing the dirty.
"Rose and Emmett," I answered.
"What about Jacob and Ren?" Esme asked. "They are an adorable couple."
"Ren is working in the ER tonight," Edward answered. "They're flying out on Monday."
"Did you schedule that, Edward Anthony?" Esme asked sternly.
"What? I am leaving for my own damn wedding. I needed someone to cover the ER," Edward said, his jade eyes wide with surprise. "He'll get enough time to enjoy Cancun. Relax."
"Okay," Esme said, clearly appeased. "What time is the shuttle coming."
"It'll be here at 4:30," I answered. "Emmett and Rose better here quickly, it's almost time to go."
The doorbell rang and Edward passed EJ to me. He jogged to the door as I cooed at my nephew. A tall man was standing at the door. He introduced himself as the shuttle driver and he asked to load up our suitcases into the bus. As we were waiting for the luggage to be loaded, Emmett and Rose pulled up and parked in the driveway next to the bus.
"Sorry we're late. Our alarm didn't go off," Rose said. Her usual polished look was disheveled. Her eyes were bleary and she was not wearing a stitch of makeup. "We got here as soon as we could." Alice tugged on Rose's hand and led her onto the bus. She whipped out some makeup and attacked Rose's face with her makeup sponges and other makeup booty. We all got onto the bus and headed to the airport. It took about an hour. I nodded off against Edward's shoulder.
We got to the airport, checked in and were waiting in the first class lounge. Edward managed to get a wheelchair for Rose. She was doing remarkably well, but still tired easily from her burns. It helped us sail through the security lines. I took out my book and read a few lines before I nodded off again. Edward was idly tracing patterns on my hip as we sat together. His soft, loving touch pulled deeper into sleep. I awoke with a start when the disembodied woman announced our flight was ready. My heart raced and I looked around confusedly.
"You were out, Bella," Edward said, a frown crossing his features.
"I guess I'm just really tired. Getting up at 3:30 will do that to ya," I teased. Edward rolled his eyes and helped me up. We got on the plane and were seated in the first class section. I managed to stay awake until we took off. As soon as we were airborne, I was sleeping. Nestled against Edward's shoulder.
xx AFS xx
"Please put your tray tables and seats in their upright position. We are approaching Cancun International Airport. We appreciate you choosing American Airlines for your travel needs. Please enjoy your stay in sunny Mexico."
"Wake up, love," Edward said as he kissed my forehead. "You slept the entire flight."
"Sorry," I said as I rubbed my eyes. "Sleep obviously was not coming easily the past few weeks."
"I know. Me neither. I'm actually happy to be away from the house and here. It's a much needed vacation," he said as he caressed my cheek with his fingertips. "What do you want to do when we get to the resort, my love?"
"Ugh, shower. I hate traveling and planes. I feel so gross," I responded.
"Me too!" Esme said from behind me. "I feel so grimy after flying. After my shower, I'm going down to the pool and getting a margarita."
"Oh, that sounds good, Esme," Rose said from across the aisle. "Too bad I still can't swim. Stupid fire and burns."
"Sorry, Rose," Edward said, wrinkling his nose.
Once the plane arrived at the gate, we were met with a wheelchair for Rose. She sat down in it with a grumble. Like before, we sailed through the airport and through customs. We were met with a short man named Pablo with a sign that said 'Masen.' He was our driver for the resort. He loaded us into a stretch Hummer and our luggage was placed in a van behind the Hummer. We drove forty-five minutes to the resort and checked in. Edward and I had the luxury suite. On the night before our wedding, I would stay there and Edward would stay with Jasper.
As soon as our bags were brought up to the suite, I looked through them and pulled out a pair of Bermuda shorts and a tank top. I also grabbed a pair of fresh panties and bra. I hopped into the shower and scrubbed the grime from the flight off my body. Edward removed his clothes and slipped in behind me. "No funny business, Edward," I said. "We're on a sex embargo until we're married."
"Ugh, you're no fun," Edward said as he nuzzled my neck. His hands traced down my hips and to my core.
"Edward," I warned. "A sex embargo means just that. Nothing sexual. So you can shower with me, but no funny business."
"Fuck me," Edward said as he removed his hands from my body. "Meanie."
"No, I'm not. I want our first time as husband and wife to be special," I said, turning around in his arms.
"Isn't every time we make love special?" Edward wheedled.
"Incredibly so, but please, Edward?" I begged. "Please, do this for me."
He pouted adorably and slumped his shoulders. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his lips sweetly. "Just think, Edward. The next time we make love, I'll be your wife."
"Hmmm, my wife," he said as he crashed his lips against mine. "I love you, so much, my wife."
"I love you, too, my husband," I giggled as I eagerly returned his soft yet urgent kisses. We finished our shower without any funny business. I dressed in my clothes. Edward put on a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a t-shirt. We walked out of the suite and headed to meet with the wedding coordinator. We needed to finalize some plans and make our final payment. After an hour with the wedding coordinator, Maria, we met up with our family poolside. Alice and Jasper were in their bathing suits. I scowled at Alice. She was in a bikini. Her tummy perfectly flat.
Wench.
Rose was holding baby EJ in a cabana. Emmett was playing peekaboo with him and acting like a doofus. But that was par for the course. Carlisle and Esme were floating in the pool. "Did everything go well with the wedding coordinator?" Alice asked as she pulled down her sunglasses.
"Yep. We're all set. We're heading to town on Monday to get our marriage license," Edward said as he wrapped his arm around my waist.
"Why don't you both put on your bathing suits and join us?" Esme asked from the pool, wiggling her margarita.
"I need to buy a bathing suit," I grumbled.
"Why? The suit I got you is perfect," Alice wailed.
"It's a bikini. I will never wear a bikini in public," I said. "I'm going to buy a tankini or a sensible one piece. Not everyone looks as good as you, Elf."
"Bella, you look beautiful," Alice said, sitting up. I rolled my eyes and swiped Edward's wallet from his shorts. I took out my credit card that I snuck in there while he was dressing and I skipped off to the gift shop. Edward followed me.
"I would have come with you, beautiful girl," he said as he laced his fingers with mine.
"I know. Let's buy me a bathing suit. Yay," I said unenthusiastically. I strode into the gift shop and idly looked at the bathing suits. Edward held one up that was more risqué than the one Alice packed. "No, Edward."
"Come on! It's nice," he said as he wiggled the dental floss.
"I'd be more covered if I was naked, Edward Anthony," I said, finding a few bathing suits that looked good.
"Naked is very good," Edward smirked as he wrapped his arms around my waist. "You're beautiful naked."
"You're biased, Edward," I snorted. "You think I'm gorgeous when I'm cleaning the bathrooms in my grubbies."
"True," Edward said thoughtfully. "Oh, I like this one." He picked up a deep teal blue tankini. "Try it."
I took the bathing suit and went into the dressing room. Out of the three that I held, the bathing suit that Edward chose was the best one. I put it on the hanger and handed it to Edward when I was dressed. "You got good taste, Masen."
"Of course I do. I'm marrying you," he teased as he walked to the cashier, handing her my bathing suit. He also grabbed a matching sarong and gave it to the cashier. He flashed a crooked smirk, causing the female cashier to titter flirtatiously. Oh, hell no. He's mine. She gave him the total in Spanish. He handed his credit card to her and thanked her in fluent Spanish. She put the bathing suit and sarong into a bag and gave him a smile. We walked back to our suite and changed into our bathing suits. I put some sun block, our books and towels into a bag. Edward and I walked to our family and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon by the pool.
xx AFS xx
"Senor Masen, your car is ready," Pablo said with a friendly smile. "You don't want to be late to your meeting with magistrate for your license."
"Gracias, Pablo," Edward said as he fumbled with his khakis. "Come on, Mrs. Masen."
"Not yet, you goober," I said. "We have two days before I'm Mrs. Masen."
"Minor technicalities," Edward said with a wave of his hand. We climbed into the limo that was provided for us by the resort. We had eaten breakfast with our family and then we needed to head down to city hall to get our marriage license. I was wearing a pale pink dress with a dark pink sash. I normally wouldn't wear something so girly, but it seemed appropriate. My hair was curled and makeup was soft and feminine. When Edward saw me, he looked like he wanted to eat me. I reminded him of our sex embargo and he swore under his breath.
Pablo drove like Edward. Insanely fast. I clung to my fiancé for dear life as we sped through the streets of Cancun. We pulled up to city hall and went inside. Edward, in perfect Spanish, asked the reception where we needed to go to get a marriage license. She pointed to the elevators and explained that it was on the second floor, suite 225. Edward and I took the elevators and went into the suite for our marriage license.
"Perdone. Debemos conseguir una licencia de matrimonio. ¿Qué debemos hacer?" Edward asked the young woman at the desk.
"Debe llenar estas formas. Yo también debo ver una forma de identificación para usted y para su esposa. La licencia de manejar o el pasaporte son dos formas aceptables de identificación," she responded.
"Do you have your passport with you?" Edward asked. I nodded and reached into my purse, removing my passport. I also took out my driver's license. Edward did the same and handed them to the woman. She passed him a clipboard with some paperwork on it. "¿Ambos de nosotros deben llenar estas formas?"
"Si, senor," she replied.
Edward and I filled out the forms and she made copies of our identification. Afterward, Edward handed her back the forms. She smiled and checked them over. "¿Cuándo es el día grande? ¿Su boda?"
"El miércoles, al atardecer," Edward answered. "Yo no puedo esperar."
"Es un hombre afortunado," she beamed. "Es hermosa."
"Si. Muy hermosa," Edward muttered as he kissed my forehead.
"Aquí está su licencia de matrimonio completada. ¡Felicitaciones!" she said, holding out her hand. Edward shook it. I did the same.
"Gracias," Edward smiled as he took the paperwork. I thanked her as well and we headed back out to the limo. "Okay, we're legit. Now all we need to do is get hitched."
"Can't it be Wednesday already?" I whined.
"I know," Edward said. "Come on, let's go celebrate with our crazy family. Ren and Jake should be here by now."
"I think Sue and Charlie are on their way tonight. Sherrie and her husband are coming tomorrow, as are Mike and his wife Sarah," I mentioned.
"Mike?"
"Mr. Merritt," I replied. "Not my asshat ex-husband."
"Thank God," Edward breathed. "Let's go swimming and work on our tans."
"Yeah, you suck. You're darker than me," I grumbled. Edward chuckled as he rubbed his pink nose. "We started off the same shade of pale. And you're more tan. I'm still albino."
"Bella, you're darker. Relax, love," he said as he kissed my lips. "Do you want to be sunburnt on your wedding day?"
"Hell no," I said. "That would royally suck."
We got back to the resort and changed out of our clothes and into our swimsuits. We found our family by the pool, talking to Ren and Jacob. They gave us hugs and congratulations. Ren teased Edward about his tan. Edward blushed and rolled his eyes. We sat around the pool. We drank margaritas and laughed. Emmett gave Edward shit about being so reserved. Edward flipped him off. Bad idea. The next thing he knew, he was thrown into the pool and they were going at it like mad men. It was funny to see. Rose and I were in stitches watching them in their pool fight. Emmett didn't call Edward reserved after that.
Tonight, we were having our 'bachelor' and 'bachelorette' parties. Essentially, it was a reason for us to get drunk and have a good time. Like Alice and Jasper, we combined our parties. It wasn't like theirs. No debauchery. It was just a party in the club of the resort. Edward rented it out for our guests. Almost all of our friends and family had arrived. The only people who were missing were Cynthia and my bosses. They were coming in tomorrow and would be at the rehearsal.
Alice hijacked me and dragged me to her room. She and Rose plopped me down in the bathroom. With military-like precision, they attacked my head with a curling iron and my face with makeup. Alice then thrust a royal blue cocktail dress into my hands, along with matching panties. She told me that I was not wearing a bra. I growled at her. She snapped at me in return. Evil little elf. I put on the dress and walked out of the bathroom. Rose handed me a pair of pewter heels. Death traps. They were death traps.
I sat and waited for them to change and we headed down to the club. It was dark and the lights were pulsating. For some strange reason, I was worried about Edward. I know that his head injury had long since healed, but he still got nasty headaches from strobe and pulsing lights.
The music had a Latin Jazz sound to it and the club was decorated in bright colors. Everyone was wearing a some sort of floral or bright color. It was weird to see Charlie in a bright yellow shirt and black tie. He was nervously picking at it all night. Sue was coordinated with him in a red dress. She looked beautiful. And happy. And there was something sparkling on her left hand.
I grabbed Edward's elbow. He looked gorgeous in a bright pink button down shirt and black dress pants. Under his shirt was a black v-neck t-shirt. "God, you look so handsome, Edward," I breathed.
"Thank you," he said as he kissed my neck. "You look even better."
"We need to talk to my dad. I think he proposed to Sue," I said as I dragged him to my father. Charlie saw us and gave me a warm hug. He did the same with Edward. "Hi, Daddy. Sue. You guys look great. How was your flight?"
"It was long," Sue groaned. "We got delayed in Dallas. Some mechanical error."
"How long was your delay?" Edward asked.
"Nearly three hours," Charlie grumbled. "We almost didn't make it to the party. Thankfully we had an insane driver to get us here. Puebla? Paco?"
"Pablo, Charlie. His name was Pablo," Sue giggled as she kissed his cheek. "We had enough time to shower and come down to the club. This is a fabulous resort."
"It is. They've been so accommodating with our needs," Edward said. "Perfect choice for the wedding."
"Speaking of which…" I said, arching my brow. "Is that some new bling on your left hand, Miss Sue?"
"Goodness, nothing goes past you," Sue giggled. She held up her left hand and on it was a simple round solitaire.
"It's perfect," I gushed. "When did you propose, Charlie?"
"Valentine's day," he said, his cheeks turning a bright pink. "We almost went to Vegas to elope. But Sue convinced me to wait. She wanted you there. Leah too."
"Understandable. Oh my goodness! This is so exciting!" I said as I threw my arms around Sue. She eagerly accepted my enthusiastic embrace. Edward congratulated Charlie and shook his hand.
"Edward, since you're going to be my son-in-law, I was wondering if you could be my, um, best man?" Charlie asked.
"I'd be honored, Charlie," Edward smiled.
"You and Leah will share matron of honor duties," Sue said as she hugged me.
"I'm so happy for both of you," I gushed as tears fell down my cheeks.
"We're happy for you too, Bells," Charlie said as he wrapped his arm around my waist. "You and Edward are such a good match. So much better than…"
"Don't even say his name," I said. "He has no place at our wedding, at our party, in our lives. The next few days are about Edward and I. Right?"
"Right, my beautiful girl. I can't wait until you're Mrs. Masen," he said as he kissed my lips chastely. "I'm going to steal my fiancé, because I'm just dying to dance with her."
"Bella? Dance? Good luck with that," Charlie snickered. "She may break your toes."
"Shut it, Charlie," I said, smacking his arm lightly. "I'm not that bad."
"Okay, you're not. But you're willingly going to dance?"
"When it's with Edward? Hell yeah," I said as I laced my fingers with his. "Come on, soon-to-be hubby." We walked out onto the dance floor. Michael Buble's "Sway" was playing. Edward snaked his hands around my waist and led us in a slow, rhythmic tango. "I can't believe that we're here. In Cancun. We're getting married on Wednesday."
"I know," Edward said as he looked into my eyes. "I'm so fucking lucky. I never thought I could be this happy, Bella. I was in such a dark place for so long. You are the light in my life. I love you so much."
"I love you, too, Edward," I said as played with the hair at the nape of his neck. We stayed on the dance floor, safe in our little love bubble for the next few songs. We never really paid attention to the song, we just held each other and danced. Occasionally we kissed. And fondled. Edward's hands rested on my ass and he hissed when he couldn't find any panty lines. Alice and her evil ways. Damn elf put me in a thong.
The rest of the evening was spent kibitzing with our guests, drinking the delicious margaritas and dancing. It was a lot of fun. By the time the last person left, it was after midnight. Edward and I crawled into our bed after we changed into our pajamas and fell asleep quickly. Edward holding me to his chest and nestling his nose in my hair.
xx AFS xx
I was curled up next to Edward. He was holding me, idly playing with my hair. We were disrupted by a loud banging on the door. "Whoever it is, they can go away," Edward mumbled. The banging started again. "Or not."
"Bella! Wake up! We're getting you beautified," Alice chirped.
"Would you mind if I killed your sister?" I asked as I burrowed closer into Edward's body.
"No. I'll help you make it look like it was natural causes," Edward said as he pressed soft, angel kisses to my forehead. "I don't want to let you go."
"I don't want to leave," I said as I looked up at Edward. His evergreen eyes were soft and he had his crooked grin plastered to his face. "You are so handsome. You know that?"
"Thank you," he said, his cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. "You are exquisite."
"I know," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Humble, Swan."
More banging. "ISABELLA MARIE SWAN! OPEN THE GOD DAMN DOOR!"
"I'm really going to kill your sister," I said as I rolled out of the king sized bed. I pulled open the door and found Alice, Rose, Esme, Angela and Sue standing on the other side. "Couldn't you at least wait until after eleven? Edward and I didn't get back to the room until midnight."
"Nope," Esme said. "Our appointments are for ten. So go shower. Chop! Chop!"
"We'll meet you at the spa in a half hour," Rose said with a wink. They all turned and headed toward the elevator. I groaned and slammed the door shut. I went to the closet and pulled out some comfortable underwear and clothes for the day. I decided on a red floral sundress and black flip flops.
"Are the guys kidnapping you?" I asked.
"I think so. Golf. Blech," Edward said as he scrunched his nose. "Our tee time is at twelve. Jasper arranged it."
"You can go back to sleep at least. I have to be at the 'spa in a half hour,'" I mimicked Rose's tone. "God, what could they do to me?"
"Make you even more gorgeous than you already are," Edward said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Oh, stop it. I'm not gorgeous. Pretty, but not gorgeous," I blushed. "I'm going to shower." I turned and scurried into the bathroom.
"Wait a minute," Edward said as he hopped out of bed. He was tangled in the sheets and he nearly fell. "Fuck." He followed me into the bathroom and caged me with his arms. "Pretty? You think you're just pretty? That's just an insult."
"Edward, I've never been gorgeous. I'm still surprised that you, the epitome of all that is striking, wants to be with me, 'Plain Jane,'" I shrugged.
"Isabella Marie Swan, you are the most beautiful, gorgeous, exquisite, alluring, attractive…" Edward said as he kissed my lips and everywhere in between, "woman I've ever known."
"Edward, I've seen pictures of Tanya. She's beautiful. I'm a troll," I said, trying to push him away.
"Tanya was beautiful in a different way. She was pretty when she was perfectly made up. You are classically elegant. You don't need makeup or any enhancements. You're gorgeous the way you are. When you're made up, you are the most beautiful creature on the planet," Edward said as he cupped my face. "What boggles my mind is why you think that you a 'Plain Jane?' You're anything but. Sure you're gorgeous on the outside, but it's what's on the inside that makes you even more beautiful. Your brain, your intellect, your heart, your generosity, your compassion. All of that makes you so incredibly perfect, it's surreal."
My eyes filled with tears and I dropped my gaze from his intense stare. A few tears fell from my eyes and Edward gently wiped the away. "Don't cry, Bella."
"Good tears," I whispered. "I'm sorry I'm having an emotional moment."
"You've been having a lot of those," Edward snickered.
"So, is that your vow?" I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"If I can remember what I just said, sure," Edward said as he pulled me into an embrace. "Bella, you are my dream woman. I would do anything for you. I love you so much."
"I love you, too," I whispered as I kissed his warm chest. "Shower with me?"
"Of course," Edward said as he kissed my forehead. He opened the large shower doors and turned on the water. He adjusted the temperature and removed his boxers. I slipped off the camisole and shorts I was wearing and stepped into the hot spray. Edward held me under the warm water, swaying us in the shower. There was nothing sexual about this shower. It was just us, being together. Edward washed my hair with reverent and soft hands. I cleaned his muscular body. Edward's soft hands massaged my shoulders, washing my pale skin. I pushed him onto the bench and washed his soft hair, massaging his scalp. We finished our shower and dried each other off. I know that we took longer than a half hour, but I needed this. He needed this. We both needed this. Alice and the rest of the girls would just have to deal.
After our shower, Edward brushed my hair and helped me get dressed. I arched a brow. He just smiled sweetly as he assisted me. Edward took my hand and led me to the living room of the suite and assisted in putting on my sandals. "Now, you're perfect," he said from his crouched position.
Tears filled my eyes, again. Traitorous tears. This emotional crap really needs to stop. "Thank you," I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Edward was on his knees between my legs. He kissed me softly. His fingers glided down my spine and he looked into my eyes lovingly. I smiled. "I really don't deserve you," I sniffled.
"Yes, you do," he said quietly. "You deserve nothing but the best." The phone shrilled through the suite. "And apparently Alice is demanding you get the best at the spa," he laughed. He got up gracefully and picked up the phone. "She's on her way, Elf. Relax…Yeah, yeah. Minor meltdown. She's coming…Love you, too."
"I don't want to go," I pouted. "Want to stay in bed with you."
"Me too, beautiful girl. But, Alice is threatening your dress," Edward grimaced.
"She wouldn't. She's so dead," I said as hopped from the couch. I picked up my purse and key. "I love you, Edward. Don't forget sunscreen when you go golfing."
"Yes, Bella," he said as he snared my waist. He nibbled along the column of my neck. "Don't kill Alice. Her intentions are good."
"But the way she carries out those intentions are not," I grumbled. "I love you, Dr. Masen."
"Ah, ah, ah…that's not my name," he teased.
"Dr. McFuckme," I giggled. "I love you, Dr. McFuckme."
"Love you more, Mrs. McFuckme," he snorted. He turned me around and kissed me feverishly. "Stupid sex embargo. I want you."
"I want you, too, but Alice will tear my dress into shreds," I said as I pulled away. "I don't want to walk down the aisle naked."
"Hmmm…naked Bella. My favorite kind," he grinned as he cupped my ass.
"Good bye, Edward," I said as I danced out of his embrace. He pouted adorably as I left the suite. I blew him a kiss and headed to the spa. I was met by a petite woman named Maribel. She escorted me to the locker room and pointed out a robe for me. I removed my dress, frowning as I did so. Edward had taken such care of me while he put it on. I kept on my underwear and slipped on the short robe. Maribel led me to a large room where all of the women in my party were getting massages.
"About damn time, Swan," Rose said from her table. "Were you and Edward getting it on?"
"No. I was having an insecure moment," I said as I hopped up on the table. Maribel told me to remove my robe and bra and lie face down on the table. "I'm good now. I think."
"You think?" Sue asked.
"I'm just feeling highly inadequate. I mean, look at Edward. He's beauty personified," I said as I adjusted my sheet over my body. "He's beautiful on the inside and out."
"Bella, you are gorgeous," Esme chided. "I can see why Edward loves you. You are kind, compassionate, brilliant and incredibly beautiful. Stop feeling like this."
"It's hard not to. But, I'm trying," I said. Maribel put some lotion on her hands and began kneading my shoulders and back. "God, that feels good."
"You have a lot of tension, Ms. Swan," Maribel said quietly. "You're getting married tomorrow. It's supposed to be a happy time."
"I'm incredibly happy. Trust me," I said. "I carry all of my stress in my back."
"By the time I'm done with you, you'll have no stress," Maribel teased. She worked on my back, my shoulders, my legs, my feet (GOD, that was awesome), my hands and oddly enough, my head for a solid hour. She was right. I felt no stress in my muscles after she was done with me. I felt like a puddle of goo. "No stress?"
"Huh?" I mumbled intelligently.
"I'll take that as a no," Maribel giggled. "Next up is a body mask. Put on your robe, but remove your underwear."
"Body mask?" I asked.
"You sit in a tub of mud," Alice said as she slipped on her robe. "I'm not going to. I don't want to get my c-section scar infected. I'll be getting my hair cut and styled. Anyhow, I'm going to nurse my peanut. I'll be back for the next round."
"Have fun, Elf," I said as I followed the rest of the ladies into the massive room with a tub filled with mud. Fragrant mud. Hot fragrant mud. This'll be interesting. Maribel held out towels for all of us. I slipped the towel under my robe and put it on the bench. I stepped into the mud and wrinkled my nose. "This feels weird. I don't want to imagine getting all of this out of the crevices in my body."
"The next stop will be a hot tub," Maribel giggled. "It'll help."
"Oh good," Rose said as she got into the tub. We all sat down and let the mud ooze around us. "This is just bizarre. I feel like I'm sitting in perfumed cake batter."
"Interesting description," Esme said with a scrunched up nose. "But very accurate."
"Remind me not do to this again," Angela said as she wiggled in the mud. "Too weird."
"So, Sue," Esme said, trying to move our perseveration from the mud to another topic. "What do you do?"
"I'm a dental hygienist," Sue smiled. "I work at a dentist's office in the LaPush reservation near Forks, Washington. Been there my whole career."
"How did you and Charlie meet?" Esme asked.
"He and my first husband were best friends. Harry, my first husband, died of a heart attack about five years ago. Charlie was invaluable during that time. However, I never saw him more than a friend. Our friendship deepened and he stepped in when my daughter got married. He walked her down the aisle and filled in for Harry. Leah was like a second daughter to him, as Bella was like a second daughter to me. It was at Leah's wedding that we finally realized our feelings for each other and you can say the rest is history."
"When are you getting married, Sue?" I questioned.
"Probably over the summer. We want you and Edward to be there, obviously. Since you are both the matron of honor and best man, respectively," Sue laughed.
"Now, Bella, why didn't you invite your mom?" Esme asked.
"We haven't spoken much since my wedding to Mike. She kind of made an ass of herself at that wedding."
"She called Charlie after Valentine's Day," Sue said. "He kind of let it slip that you were getting married again. Renee was not happy that she didn't get an invitation."
"Well, there's a reason for that. She's a hateful woman who wore white to my wedding. Who slept with the father of the groom and made a drunken fool out of herself. She was horrid. I do not want her here. That's why I didn't invite her."
"I'm sorry, Bella," Esme said with a look of concern on her face. "I can't believe your mother would be that selfish on your wedding day."
"Well, I'm getting a do-over and she's not here. So, we're all good," I said with a smirk.
"Hot tub time!" Maribel said with a grin.
"Thank GOD!" Rose said as she got up, not caring that she was naked as the day she was born. Granted she was covered in mud, but still. She gracefully got out of the mud tub and wrapped a towel around her body, walking to the hot tub. We all followed suit, albeit more demurely. I'm not comfortable enough in my skin to let my future mother-in-law AND step-mother see me naked. No thank you. Uh huh. No way. I'm still not comfortable with Edward seeing me naked.
The rest of the spa day was uneventful. We spent some time in the hot tub, getting the mud off our bodies. Then we went our separate ways. We got waxed, primped, tweezed and beautified by the staff at the spa. After our day of beauty, Maribel led me to a private changing room where my rehearsal outfit was being housed. It was a strapless white dress with black floral accents. It was beautiful. Attached to the hanger was a note from Alice and Rose.
Dearest Bella,
You will be the most beautiful bride. You deserve everything that Edward has given you. And more. We love you so much and are so happy for you. Please accept this dress as a token of our love. In the bag is your panties. No bra…again. We need to leave Edward wanting more and trust me he will want more.
Love, kisses and hugs,
Rose and Alice
PS – Shoes are courtesy of Royce King. – R.
Oh lord. They are too much. I put on the sad excuse for underwear and pulled on the dress. My hair was curled and hung over my shoulders. I was putting on my shoes when I heard a quiet knock on the door. I looked up and saw Esme standing in front of me. She held a small bag. "I have something for you. It's from your fiancé."
"What is it?" I asked.
"Here," Esme said as she handed me the bag. She sat down next to me. I pulled a box out of the bag and opened it. Inside was a diamond necklace and a pair of diamond earrings. "They were Elizabeth's. Edward Sr. gave them to her on their wedding day. He got them from his mom."
"It's beautiful," I said as I ran my fingers over the diamonds in the necklace. It was set in white gold or platinum. The diamonds were scattered randomly and were shining brightly. The earrings were dangly and held a large pear shaped diamond in each earring. Surrounding them was baguette cut diamonds. "I can't accept this."
"It's yours, Bella. Edward said he wanted you to have it," Esme said as she removed the necklace and placed it around my neck.
"Didn't this belong to Tanya?"
"No. He never gave this to Tanya. I've kept it in my safe since Edward was a boy," Esme said as she put the earrings into my ears. "I knew that he loved Tanya. However, what he felt for her is nothing compared to what he feels for you. You are is soul mate. His other half. You complete him, as cheesy as that sounds. Now, come on, we have a rehearsal to get to."
I got up with Esme, but I felt a little lightheaded. "Whoa, head rush," I said as I sat down.
"Have you eaten today?" Esme asked.
"Come to think of it, no."
"Let's get you something to eat," Esme said kindly as she helped me up. Her arm was around my waist and we went to get me a snack. I scarfed down some food and gave her a thankful smile. "Better?"
"Much. Thank you," I said as I sipped my water. "Let's do this." We walked to the gazebo where we were having our ceremony. Edward was talking to Carlisle. He was tanner. Damn it. His hair had a touch of blonde in it from the sun. God, he's so fucking perfect. And he's mine. I was nearly to the gazebo when I heard a groan. I turned and looked at Emmett. He was as red as a tomato. "Someone forgot their sunscreen."
"Shut it, Swan," Emmett said as he plucked at his shirt. "I'm in hell."
"Sorry, Em," I said as I patted his shoulder gingerly. I kissed his pink forehead and walked up to Edward and Carlisle. Edward was wearing a pair of black pants, white dress shirt and black and white tie. Aww, how cute. We match. "Hello, Dr. Masen."
"Soon-to-be Mrs. Masen," he said as he looked at me. His eyes widened when he saw the necklace around neck. "Excuse me, Carlisle," he said as he laced his fingers with mine. He led me a few feet away under a lush tree. His hands cupped my face. "You are a vision, Bella," he whispered as he crashed his lips against mine. His tongue slid through my lips and danced languidly with mine. My hands moved up to his hair and fisted the soft, coppery locks. "So beautiful," he murmured as his hands moved from my face to my waist. "God, I want you. I want to be with you. I want to make love to you," he whispered against my mouth.
"Me too, Edward," I said softly, nibbling on his bottom lip. "Tomorrow. I promise."
"I don't know if I can wait," Edward said as he pressed his hips against mine. I could feel his arousal through my dress.
"As much as I love you, you will have to wait," I said as I pulled away. "Thank you for the beautiful necklace and earrings."
"You're quite welcome," he smiled as he adjusted his bulge. "Let's get our rehearsal on."
I smiled and twined my fingers with his. By the time we came back, there was a magistrate standing at the gazebo. He introduced himself and we spoke briefly about what we wanted for our ceremony. Nothing flashy. Just us proclaiming our love for each other and legally binding us to each other. We only had one attendant each. Alice was my matron of honor, again. Jasper was Edward's best man. Charlie was walking me down the aisle. We practiced that and we did the motions of the wedding, minus the vows and rings. After the rehearsal, we gave the magistrate half of his fee and went to dinner with our friends and family.
Once we were done with dinner, Edward and I spent a few moments by ourselves before Jasper dragged him to his room with EJ. We spent that time holding each other and kissing each other until our lips were swollen. Jasper tugged on Edward's arm and led him away. My heart crumbled to see him leave, but I know that the next time I'll see him will be on that gazebo. When I walk to him to be his wife. Mrs. Edward Masen.
A/N: Okay, so I wanted the wedding to be in the chapter, but it's been a beast. Next chapter will be the wedding itself and one huge long lemon. Beach lemons, balcony lemons, honeymoon lemons…lemons galore.
Translations:
Perdone. Debemos conseguir una licencia de matrimonio. ¿Qué debemos hacer? – Excuse me. We need to get a marriage license. What do we need to do?
Debe llenar estas formas. Yo también debo ver una forma de identificación para usted y para su esposa. La licencia de manejar o el pasaporte son dos formas aceptables de identificación. – You need to fill out these forms. You also need to forms of identification for you and your wife. A driver's license or passport are acceptable forms of identification.
¿Ambos de nosotros deben llenar estas formas? – Both of us need to fill out these forms?
¿Cuándo es el día grande? ¿Su boda? – When is the big day? Your wedding?
El miércoles al atardecer – Wednesday, at sunset.
Yo no puedo esperar. – I can't wait.
Es un hombre afortunado. – You're a lucky man.
Es hermosa. – She's beautiful.
Aquí está su licencia de matrimonio completada. ¡Felicitaciones! – Here's your completed marriage license. Congratulations!