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Chapter 96

Duties of a Maid of Honor


Bella


"And don't forget: You are everything to me and in this house live the most important creatures of my existence. I'll come back to you and nothing on this earth can stop me!" whispered Edward as my eyes grew heavier and heavier.

I quickly sank into a dreamless sleep.

Once I almost woke up.

I thought I heard my kids and cursed that I would give them up for adoption if they didn't let me sleep. Seemed to have worked. For five minutes, tops. That's what it felt like!

It wasn't my kids; it was Zoey throwing herself at me.

"Hey, sleepyhead! It's ten o'clock on Saturday morning! The sun is shining! ... Although not here, but somewhere for sure! Time to hop out of bed!" she warbled in high spirits.

"Do you actually cling to your life?" I asked, giving her a deadly gaze through the curtain of my hair.

"Sometimes more. Sometimes less. Today already!" she squeaked on. "I brought coffee with me. Does that change your mood, maybe?" she asked honey-sweetly.

I reached out my hand. With the cup in my hand, I sat up and asked about the day's schedule, which was no longer in my head in all its details.

Zoey happily enumerated.

"This already makes me tired just from listening to it!" I complained.

Zoey had no understanding and pushed me into the bathroom.

I quickly got ready, and about twenty minutes later I was dressed and washed and ready to go. Longingly, I took another gaze at the bed before we left the bedroom.

"Well, back among the living?" grinned Jake at me as I entered his room.

He sat at his desk and studied.

"Grounded?" I threatened my son for this inappropriate tone towards his mother.

Zoey chuckled behind me.

"I'm sure Dad will undo that one again!" he stated victoriously.

I grumbled.

He would be right about that.

"Where's Leah?" I gave up, and Jake told me about a romantic trip to the beach.

I did not understand. What was romantic in this weather and at this hour on a beach? Anyway. Zoey and I had a lot to settle and had to go.


First we drove to a little hidden auto repair shop and Zoey let me out.

As arranged, I picked up a vintage car in which we drove on to the flower shop.

The fancy car was to have a flower heart on the hood. We would pick it up later and bring it to the bridal couple.

Then it went to the jeweler.

As Peter's maid of honor, I was responsible for the rings, which I now had to pick up.

If I forgot them this evening, Jake and Leah would be orphans. For sure!

They were special rings. Since Peter and Stan were together, they wore the same bracelet made of gold. These were melted down, together with a love letter they had each received from the other. These remains were then incorporated into the precious metal of the wedding rings, giving them a very personal and unique touch.

Zoey had to pick up her dress for this evening. She was to try it on again so that the seamstress would be sure that all the necessary alterations had also been made correctly. It fit perfectly.

Next on the agenda was shopping. Intermediately I got myself a bagel for breakfast and ate it while walking.

Still in town to a travel agency, pick up the joint wedding gift from the maids of honor.

Against all odds, we arrived on time to Stan's sister, where I pounced on two blueberry muffins.

Peter and Stan's honeymoon trip was to Hawaii, and we gave them special honeymoon deals that spanned the entire vacation. A champagne breakfast in bed, a photo session under a waterfall, partner massage, some sort of wedding ceremony by a Hawaiian tribal elder, a candlelight dinner underwater, a hula dance class, an evening sunset cruise and a few other highlights.

We emailed the booking confirmations to the hotel and clarified some timing details, respectively the concierge would take care of a convenient scheduling then on-site with the couple.

Then pick up the now decorated car again and bring to Peter.

To an antique store to pick up the gift from David. Tarot cards from the eighteenth century. Peter and Stan had a soft spot for such stuff and beautiful the cards really were.

And finally back home again.


However, I did not have time to rest.

I stowed the groceries and called for Jake.

I had bought some things for Sonya and David so that they would not find a completely empty refrigerator.

He brought it over while I carefully packed David's gift in a box and in wrapping paper.

Then our own gift for the two.

New bracelets with an engraving. They had 'sacrificed' theirs for the wedding rings. Leah's idea, which had been unanimously accepted.

All the garbage I produced, I immediately packed together in a bag and took it outside. Completely caught up in my thoughts about whether I had now settled everything or not, I opened the front door.

"Oops! Leah ... I was startled," I cringed together. So, this was the legendary Marcus. Carter, as we now collectively found out. A handsome young man.

We talked a bit, and I was not able to avoid noticing how much my daughter's eyes shone. And his glowed no less. I found Marcus very nice.

I chuckled to myself as they both talked about surfing lessons.

Had Leah been clumsy on purpose?

I invited Marcus to breakfast tomorrow, knowing that Edward would not like that at all.

He could say so many times that he was only concerned about Leah's well-being and just wanted to spare her another possible disappointment. It was pure jealousy! His little girl moved away from him. This did not suit Edward!

Finally, I let myself fall onto the sofa. I was completely exhausted and wanted to at least relax a bit before the next hustle and bustle started.

"Dad will definitely be here soon," I could still hear Jake saying.

"Okay. I'll get up again shortly ..." I mumbled and fell asleep.


"Bella," I heard a whispering velvet voice at one point.

I smiled before opening my eyes.

I did not have the impression of lying on the sofa. Moreover, it was cold under me. Pleasantly cold.

I opened my eyes and looked into a sullen face, still angelic.

We were lying on our bed.

"Now that you've slept, you'll certainly want to confess!" the angel summoned me honey-sweetly.

Didn't quite match his biting face.

"Marcus is coming for breakfast!" I declared charmingly.

"Why?"

"Because I invited him!"

"Why?"

"Because he's together with our daughter!", I said, covering Edward's mouth. I feared another 'Why?" whereby I just remembered what Edward had said to Becky's father. "You can be against it, but it won't change anything about it! So, you better make friends with the thought. Leah's not a little girl anymore!"

"That's what worries me!" he remarked. "That Marcus isn't a little boy anymore either. What if he just wants to get Leah into bed, nothing more?"

"Did you hear something like that in his thoughts?" I inquired, raising my eyebrows curiously. Edward had said very little so far about Marcus's thoughts.

"No," he replied, almost offended.

I smirked.

I had already thought that. "Then be well-behaved and don't eat him when he gets here tomorrow!" I gave my angel a kiss.

I stood up and stretched.

This little nap had done me good. I felt refreshed.

There was a knock and Jake came in with the phone.

"But I'm not at all thrilled about it!" Edward added snottily.

"Are you guys arguing?" asked Jake, looking at us in turn.

"No!" I said immediately and went up to him to take the phone handed to me.

"Yes!" said Edward, however.

Jake fled.

"Hello?" I asked through the receiver and immediately held it away from my ear again. I understood every word.

"Why isn't my best girlfriend there when I move in next door?" thundered David.

I begged for forgiveness and promised to be on my way immediately.

"I slept through David and Sonya's arrival," I stated resignedly. "Did your plan work out then?" I asked Edward though.

"Yes. All five of them were asleep and should be alert enough for this evening," my angel smiled again. "I couldn't talk Alice and Rose out of coming over first, though," he chuckled as I was already in the hallway, and he walked up behind me.

"What?" I shouted indignantly.

"Are you guys still arguing?" Jake approached me with a glass and a plate of sandwiches.

"Yes!" I snapped.

"No," Edward countered.

Jake rolled his eyes and disappeared into his room.


Appeased by a heavenly kiss - for the time being! - we finally went over in a good mood.

I jumped into David's arms when he opened the front door for me and immediately rushed further on to Sonya.

I got a tour of the big house from our proud new neighbors.

It was actually unnecessary. Since I was not working at the moment, I had helped Esmé the whole week and already knew my way around here.

The children were discovering their new rooms and it was delightful watching them do so unnoticed.

Each child's room had its own theme. Luces' was about racing cars, and Deacon's room resembled a pirate ship. However, they were designed in such a way that they could be easily changed into normal teenage rooms. And Emma's room was, of course, a princess room. I wondered how long this phase would last. With Leah, it had lasted until school.

We sat comfortably on the terrace behind the house, whereby David and Sonya only now noticed that there was a real adventure playground, which had not existed before. Sonya thanked me because the refrigerator and pantry were sufficiently filled for the time being.

And then the doorbell rang.

Esmé, Rosalie, and Alice.

Sonya also expressed her gratitude to Esmé. The whole house was so beautifully prepared that she didn't miss the old house at all.

"We're going to have to get you ready!" Alice soon remarked.

I narrowed my eyes and glared at Edward.

This is how I had imagined it. Wedding ceremonies were Alice's specialty!

"Bella! You're going home to take a shower! ... Sonya. Where's your dress for this evening? We'll take it over with us ... Emma, too, of course ... And you men are banned from the house," she determined.

"Alice! I live there!" Edward hissed at her.

I smirked.

But I was also wistful. I had not showered alone for weeks.

"Not for the next hour!" Alice growled back.

"It's your own fault!" I murmured to Edward, who pulled an offended face.

"And what about my suit? And what about Jake?" he tried to get around the house ban.

"We'll send you both over!" stated Rosalie, and I walked over to us with all the females.

Wordlessly, Alice picked Jake and Edward's suits out of the closets and then rudely kicked Jake out of the house, who had just returned with Becky.

Four and a half ladies spread out over the three existing showers in my house and were immediately taken over by three vampires.

My bedroom looked like a disaster had struck! But the result could really be seen.

Emma was totally jittery and wanted to go to work on all the others herself, but Esmé lovingly talked her out of it. One after the other, we went down the stairs and were met by our men.

First Emma, then Leah, Becky, Sonya, and finally me. I walked slowly and held on to the railing.

Not to risk falling!

When I had passed the first steps, I looked down.

Edward looked up at me.

My heart stopped and I held my breath. I just intuitively walked further towards this angelic being and he came towards me in elegant movements. Wearing a dark gray suit, he looked like he was the muse of all fashion designers when it came to men's collections. The mottled hue camouflaged how pale he actually was. The pale lilac shirt just clung to his body. His tousled bronze hair made his golden eyes sparkle.

How beautiful he was. What had I done in my life that I should be granted to spend the rest of my existence with this angel?

The image blurred before my eyes.

"Bella, breathe!" I heard instantly and felt cold arms around me.

I obeyed.

"Doesn't it ever stop?" Jake asked from somewhere.

"I hope not!" whispered Edward to me, looking me in the eyes.

His face was right against mine and I felt his unnecessarily sweet breath on my skin.

"It is certainly forbidden to look as stunning as you today! You'll steal the whole show from the wedding couple!" he accused me softly, whereby a smile played around the corners of his mouth, which I promptly kissed.


Soon we were in the car and driving.

Then we drove back again.

"How can you forget the rings!" teased Jake after he handed me the small jewel case.

Then we really drove off.

The wedding took place on an estate outside the city.

A historic building with adjacent park.

We drove onto the imposing driveway, which was generously covered at the entrance. Four bellboys opened all the doors simultaneously and offered their helping arms to the ladies with a charming smile.

I chuckled at the way Jake scowled at Becky's bellboy.

One of the valets then parked the car and handed Edward a claim ticket.

Together we passed through the richly decorated portal and entered the first room, where all guests were welcomed with a champagne reception.

We joined Zoey and Alex, who were standing with their daughter and with David and his family.

I looked around and recognized many at slightly familiar and some very familiar faces.

For this reason, Edward was not holding me in his arms, but Leah. That was the official explanation of why he was there. I was maid of honor, but didn't have to worry about anything other than this morning's errands. Peter's sister was an event manager and had everything under control - she was just shooing some people around. In this respect, I also only needed to arrive now with the other guests.

"Peter's sister really thinks of everything!" I noted, pointing to Zoey's champagne.

A big glass.

Zoey nodded affirmatively.

Edward knew Zoey and Alex and greeted them warmly, but today he met their daughter for the first time.

Daphne. Fourteen years old. Pubescent. A ray of sunshine. When she slept. For the moment, at least. But today she pulled herself together. Perhaps she was also just a bit beside herself, believing that she was meeting an angel.

She shook Edward's hand, unable to take her eyes off his charmingly smiling face and mumbled an unintelligible "Hello" under her breath.

That she usually had a crush on Jake had probably slipped her mind.

Jake, on the other hand, was glad to be rid of her.


Soon the wedding couple drove up in the vintage car decorated with flowers.

Stan and Peter looked great. They both wore classic black tailcoats, true to style with a top hat and walking stick and a small flower on the lapel.

Then punctually everyone was called to the actual ceremony, which would take place behind the building in the garden. I had attached the wedding rings to a small pillow and handed it to Stan and Peter's godchild. When the music began, Stan's sister and I strided forward. In front of us was Emma, who distributed white petals from a small basket on the red runner. The path led us into the park, where all the guests were already waiting for us, and which was covered with numerous white canopies. At the end of the path, I stepped onto the small landing and turned to the other guests.

The clouds had indeed cleared, as Alice had announced, so Edward was now standing a little apart in the shade with Leah. The chairs out here were a bit stingy, so this was not noticeable.

Then the music changed, the classic wedding march song began, the guests rose, and Peter and Stan strided together down the seemingly endless aisle.

I listened to the clergyman's touching speech, looking into the faces of my loved ones.

David and Sonya sat next to each other and held each other's hands. Zoey and Alex were also holding hands. Jake stood behind Becky at the side, he had his arms around her and was still holding her hands in front of her. And behind Leah my personal angel, from whom I could no longer avert my eyes.

"I do!" I muttered softly to myself, sinking into liquid gold, while Peter answered the clergyman.

When Stan's identical answer was heard, Edward's lips moved, but of course I heard nothing. Leah, however, apparently did. She threw a touched gaze behind her and immediately in my direction.

I smiled.

We belonged together. Forever. Even if Alice took months or even years. We knew it!

After the newlyweds were summoned for the customary kiss, general merriment was heard. Immediately I realized the reason for this and began to chuckle myself.

Emma stood in the middle of the aisle with the ringbearer, Stan and Peter's godson. Hand in hand. The small boy was about to flee, but Emma pulled him back to her and smacked a kiss on his lips, which he immediately wiped away.

Only then the wedding couple followed this invitation of the clergyman and soon the applause started.

The subsequent princely gala dinner was seamlessly followed by dancing.

It was a lavish party.

Time and again I stood or sat at other tables, chatting with my work colleagues who regretted my dismissal - so they were told. I chatted with Stan and Peter's families, all of whom I had already gotten to know at some point over the years. I danced with the grooms. First with one, then with the other. With David. With Edward. With Alex. With Edward. Even with Jake. Then with Edward again.

"I don't know. I do have a ring on my finger now, but I still feel kind of naked!" complained Peter, handing me a new glass of champagne and even clinking his ring against it.

Stan nodded and took his glass from him.

"Maybe we shouldn't have given up our bracelets for the rings, " Stan considered.

I chuckled.

"You hear that. Your maid of honor is laughing at you!" Stan then viewed me feigning anger.

"Come with me!" I summoned them both.

They took me between them in their arms and I walked with them once across the ballroom into a small adjoining room. I continued to stride along the long table with the wedding gifts and looked for the small package that I had wrapped this afternoon. I found it.

"We wish you all the best for the future!" I wished them both formally and held it out to them.

They looked at each other in confusion for a moment and then opened it.

What came to light were the bracelets.

Leah's idea. Jake had picked them out. I decided on the engraving. And Edward, unfortunately, had paid faster than I noticed.

A steel cable embedded in leather held the infinity sign. A horizontal figure eight that could be turned. It was flat, but quite wide at the outer curves, so that one could engrave it. On one side stood 'Carpe Diem' and one of their names. On the other side 'Carpe Noctem' and the name of the other. On the other bracelet was the reverse.

They were touched and thanked me warmly. They put them on each other.

When I got a kiss on the cheek from both of them at the same time - one on the left, one on the right - there happened to be a photographer standing by.

"I want that picture!" I said before the two of them ran over to Jake, Leah, and Edward to thank them as well.


At one point I danced with Mr. Prescott, my employer.

So to speak. After all, I was doing nothing at the moment.

Afterwards I went with him to the park, hooking myself under his gallantly offered arm. Mr. Prescott was an old school gentleman. Almost like Edward.

I needed some fresh air.

"You're hiding your relationship with Mr. Stone," he noted. "That's a very wise decision, in my opinion ... Even if we are at the wedding of a gay couple, certainly not all the guests are so tolerant," he continued before I could respond.

I had just sipped my champagne during his short break. I then confirmed his opinion.

"All my friends know about us and we have their blessing. That's enough for me," I added.

He nodded in agreement.

"How is your son's girlfriend. The young lady in the yellow dress, I guess," he smiled, and I reported. "I've spoken to my attorney ..." he then began, "... it may be several weeks or even months before there is a trial in court. What do you do with that time, Mrs. Black?"

"Good question ... David Mitchell moved here. Last week I lent a hand to the interior designer. But what I'm going to do with my mandatory leave starting Monday, I don't know yet."

"I have a suggestion."

Curious, I looked toward Mr. Prescott, who smiled conspiratorially.

"I already made this offer to you some time ago, but working on a specific project was more important to you at the time," he explained, but I had no idea.

It could well be that my memory was already too bathed in champagne.

"Get the doctorate you deserve!" he said emphatically, kissing my hand and leaving me standing there, befuddled.


Thanks for reading!