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Chapter 4

Bella

Arriving at the Cullens, we stopped at the front door.

"Bella, you need to wear this again."

Alice held a scarf in her hand.

Rose, laughing, already went into the house and still said, "I'll see how the final preparations are going. If you want, I'll come into the bathroom and help you with your hair?"

"Okay Rose, thank you." Then she was gone. "Alice, please, do you have to?"

"I want the decorations to be a surprise for you, too!"

"What do you mean, for me too? You don't really think she hasn't seen Edward in one of your minds yet, do you?"

"I had hoped that he was well-behaved. But unfortunately you're right, so it's just one more surprise for you and the guests."

"Has he seen the dress yet, too?"

Alice winked at me and held her finger in front of her mouth.

Which meant she couldn't talk to me now because all the vampires were listening in.

"I hope not, Bella," she then said with a smile.

She tied the scarf around me and led me upstairs to the bathroom.

Somehow I was disappointed now. Had he really already seen me in the dress? As I knew him, he certainly could not switch off his thoughts. But then it was no longer a surprise for him! Then why hadn't he said anything on the phone?

"Bella, you look so thoughtful. What's wrong?"

"I was just thinking that Edward probably already knows my dress, too."

"Then I'd say let's do your hair quickly so I can give you my surprise."

With this sentence she now made me really curious.

"I'll give you a free hand. It can't get any worse than I feel right now."

"Don't worry, everything will be fine! Oh yeah, before I forget! Edward, from now on, stay out of our thoughts. Remember, you promised Bella."

"What does that mean?"

Somehow I didn't know my way around at all.

Alice whispered in my ear, "Just listen to me and don't say anything. I purposely let Edward see my thoughts from the fitting."

I took a breath and wanted to say something. But before I could say anything back, she covered my mouth and continued to speak quietly: "I knew you liked the dress, but only because you thought it would fit perfectly with Edward. That's why I bought a second one that is more to YOUR liking. After all, I want this day to be special for both of you, and so he doesn't know your dress."

I looked at her, angry and confused. But somehow I was relieved.

"Knowing you, I'm sure you saw that I'm very angry with you right now."

"Yes, I did! But I also saw that you like it," she grinned.

"Well, get on with it quickly. I want to see it."

Rose stood in the doorway and asked, "Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can."

"What were you two whispering about just now?"

"Didn't you hear it? You guys hear everything, don't you?"

"No. I only heard Alice say something, but not exactly what. If I had only focused on her, I'm sure I would have understood everything."

"It's good then," Alice grinned. "Edward's a good boy for once, too, and he's opted out."

"He probably doesn't want any trouble with Bella," Rose said.

"That could be a possibility, or he may want to be surprised for once. After all, he promised Bella," Alice said.

"That's exactly what he did," I said with satisfaction, hoping that he really kept his promise.

"We're getting there, Bella. Alice, you can already get the dress."

Rose had not even spoken properly when Alice was already gone and shortly afterwards she was standing in front of me with a garment bag.

I got really nervous when she opened the garment bag, and then I couldn't believe my eyes.

I was speechless.

"Alice, you're crazy."

"Do you like it?" she asked me nervously.

She was jumping up and down excitedly.

"I thought you already knew that?", I said teasingly.

"My visions are subjective, especially with people. They can change at any time. So what do you say?"

"It's gorgeous. I don't have the words. Thank you Alice."

I fell around her neck and hugged her tightly.

"Alice, you have outdone yourself with this dress. Edward will make eyes," Rose said. "Oh yes, Bella, you can wear the other dress at your next wedding."

I looked at the two questioningly and then remembered that Rose and Emmett had been married several times before.

"I don't plan on getting married again. It's only special once."

"Edward will agree with you there. You two are perfect together."

I looked at Rose a little confused and only managed to get out a "thank you."

Since when was she so kind to me?

"Well, maybe you'll change your mind. It would be a pity for the other dress," Rose grinned at me.

"Alice, how many times have you married Jasper?"

"Just once. Jasper doesn't think much of that custom. I'm glad I was able to talk him into it that one time."

"Let's see," I thought aloud.

"What do you mean by that?", Rose asked me.

"Maybe I can talk Edward into letting us get married a second time when I'm a vampire. After all, human memories fade, and I always want to be able to think about them."

"I'm sure you can persuade him with that argument," came from Alice.

And Rose said, "And then you wear the other dress. Since you're already his wife, it's no longer bad luck if he already knows the dress!"

The three of us laughed and were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Who wants admission?" asked Alice.

"Us! Renée just got here and would love to see Bella."

"Renée and Phil are here already?"

"They just came with Charlie," Rose said, and then she opened the door.

Edward

It was unimaginable how slowly time passed when you were not allowed or could not do anything. I was here in my room and was not allowed to read the thoughts of the people on the second floor. Which wasn't that easy, so I focused on Bella. Her thoughts were still closed to me. I wonder if that would change when she was our kind. Would I be able to read her thoughts then, too? Would I even want to? Somehow it was also very nice not to know everything. Thus she was the only one who could surprise me. Then suddenly I heard her angel voice and thus I had concentrated too much on her. Since I had promised, I went into Emmett's mind.

"Well Emmett, there's no such thing."

His thoughts were already back on how he would do it with Rose after our departure. That was an interesting position! Rose did a handstand, and Emmett penetrated her. But somehow it didn't look very comfortable.

Emmett stepped in the doorway.

"Well, little brother. Do you want to try this too?"

"As long as Bella is human, certainly not, and then we'll see." We both laughed. "What brings you to me?"

"Charlie will be in a minute with Renée and that Phil guy. You may come down to greet them already."

Finally I was allowed to leave my room.

"I'll put on my suit quickly and then come right down."

"Have you been a good boy so far or not," Emmett grinned unabashedly at me.

"What do you mean?", I laughed back just as unabashedly.

"Have you read the minds of the women?"

"No, I didn't. I promised Bella, and just like she always says, promises must be kept. Even though it's very hard for me not to read Alice and Rose's minds."

"I'm really proud of you, little brother, and now get ready. Otherwise, the wedding might start without you."

I put on my suit, tied my tie, did my hair, and went down to join the others.

"Fancy, fancy," came from Jasper.

"Edward, you look very handsome!"

"Thank you, Jasper and Carlisle."

"Yeah, really the bomb, Eddie."

"Don't you call me Eddie again," I growled at Emmett.

"I must annoy you, then it's easier for you to stay out of other people's thoughts."

"Thoughts or not. I wouldn't say it again if I were you."

"I love it when you get angry."

I hated Emmett when he said Eddie to me.

Charlie and the others had just gone up the front steps.

Carlisle opened the door for them.

"Hi Charlie, you look good," Carlisle greeted him.

"Carlisle, I can only return that compliment. Alice really has taste."

"Yes, she did."

Carlisle was very polite, as usual. He let Charlie believe that Alice had also picked out his suit.

"This is Renée and her husband Phil. And this is Carlisle."

"Welcome to our home. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Thanks Carlisle, nice to meet you too," Renée said.

Phil was the silent type. He said nothing and just observed.

Then I also went to the kitchen to greet my in-laws.

"Hi Charlie! Thanks again for picking them up."

"Was happy to do it, Edward. Didn't have anything better to do anyway," Charlie laughed.

"Edward, you look stunning," Renée said, coming toward me with her arms outstretched.

We hugged each other in greeting.

"Renée, thank you. You look beautiful, too."

"And where is the lucky bride?"

"She's still upstairs in the bathroom with Alice and Rose," I said.

"Renée, glad you're here already," Esmé interrupted us.

"Hello, good to see you. Can we see her?" asked Renée excitedly.

"I'm sure we can. She should actually be ready by now."

Yes, she should.

"Charlie and I have another surprise for her. We'd still like to give it to her."

I couldn't help it and had to read her mind.

The gift would look great on my angel.

I just had to grin.

Too bad I wouldn't see Bella's expression.

"Let's go up there."

Only thirty more minutes, then it was finally time.

Slowly, the guests were already gathering, and they took their seats.

I kept myself hidden. I didn't want to talk to anyone. It was easier for me to concentrate that way.

'Edward? Can you hear me?', Jasper shouted to me in his mind.

I nodded 'yes.'

'Can you see if Alice starts talking about marriage again. Whenever there is a wedding in the Cullen house, she wants to get married again.'

Jasper looked really pained and in the meantime he stood next to me so we could continue this conversation normally.

"Jasper, I can't tell you. Right now I'm trying not to focus on Alice or Rose, and so I don't see anything of Alice. I can answer that question for you after my wedding, if you like."

"That would be very nice."

"I think Alice has given up on it."

"What do you mean?"

"Alice loves you and knows you don't want to get married again. That's why she doesn't think about it, but hosts other people's weddings."

"I hope you're right."

"Don't worry about it. In the preparations of my wedding, she hasn't thought of it once until now."

"Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

"Why are you so nervous?"

"I don't know what they're doing up there, or rather what they're trying to keep from me."

"Now you know how we always do," Jasper laughed.

"I'm glad it only happens to me with Bella! Now it's even harder not to eavesdrop."

"You're about to get over it. The priest has just come, too. Just a few more minutes and then your future wife will come down the stairs."

"In a beautiful white dress," I grinned.

"Have you seen her in it yet?"

Why did he ask me that now? If I lied, he felt it right away. What could I say?

"Edward! What's wrong?"

"I've been thinking about whether or not to tell you the truth."

"Anyway, I can feel it when you're lying."

"I was just thinking about that."

"So - yes or no?"

"Yes! I saw Alice thoughts at the fitting. She looks stunning, the dress is perfect. She looks like an angel," I gushed.

"I'm already very excited about it, and I hope for your sake that Bella never finds out."

"I hope so, too. So please don't say anything!"

"I take it to the grave," Jasper laughed.

"Edward!", Carlisle called me.

"Yes Dad!"

"It's time. We can take our places!"

"Okay, let's get started then."

I couldn't believe it, it was happening! Bella would come down the stairs at any moment. Then she was my angel forever and for all eternity.

Carlisle and I took our seats by the priest and waited for it to begin.

Alice had outdone herself. The decoration looked even better in real life than in her thoughts.

Rose, in the meantime, was at the piano and began to play.

Alice came down the stairs the first, followed by Charlie and my angel.

If I needed another breath, it would have stayed away from me now, because what I saw there was more than indescribably beautiful. Bella had a dress on, which I did not know, and it was even more beautiful than the other. My angel was beaming, and she looked really happy too. Alice had really managed to surprise both of us.

My angel was only a few steps away from me.

Bella

Renée stood in the bathroom and looked at me speechless.

Esmé had also only gotten out a "Wow".

"Bella, my darling, I am at a loss for words. You look so beautiful. This dress is more than perfect. Alice, you have really outdone yourself with this."

My mom took me in her arms and kissed me on the forehead.

"You look gorgeous. Edward will be as speechless as we are," came from Esmé.

She also kissed me on the forehead.

"Honey! Charlie and I have a surprise for you."

"Mom, you didn't have to do that."

"Oh yes, and we would love for you to wear it today."

"Okay, let's see then!"

I was so excited to see what the two had bought for me.

Renée gave me a small jewelry box.

I opened it and inside were Renée's earrings, which Charlie had given her for her wedding.

"They're beautiful, thanks Mom."

"We had new stones put in. Can I put them on you?"

"Gladly."

The new stones sparkled a bit bluish, I'm sure my angel would like them too.

"They match your eyes perfectly," Esmé said.

"They look really strong. They look very good on you," Rose said.

"Thank you all. All that's missing now is something blue and something borrowed."

"I've got just the thing for you," Alice grinned. "I want that back, though."

She held out a blue garter to me and asked, "May I put it on you? "

"Yes please, I'm having a little trouble doing that with this dress."

"Do we have everything now?" asked Esmé.

"We have something new, the dress. Something borrowed and blue, the garter and something old, the earrings. Thus, we have everything," Alice explained to us.

"Perfect, then we can start right away. I'll go down and sit at the piano," Rose said, and she was gone.

"I'm going to go down there already, too," Renée said, asking Esmé, "Are you coming right now?"

"Yes, we should take our seats. Let's go."

"See you in a bit, sweetheart. You look gorgeous."

Renée gave me another kiss on the forehead and went with Esmé to the stairs.

"Bella?" asked Charlie.

"Charlie, we're still in the bathroom," Alice said.

"I have your bridal bouquet here, and I'd like to take you to your future husband right away, if I may," Charlie grinned at me.

"Oh! Wow! It's beautiful."

"Has anything ever not been nice that Alice picked out," Charlie asked me.

"You got that right, Dad."

"I'm so glad you like it. I thought blue roses would go perfectly with your new earrings," Alice whispered in my ear.

I winked at her and whispered another soft "thank you" back.

"Thanks Dad, for the great earrings."

"They really do look good on you, sweetheart. Ready to go, are you?"

"I'm ready and I can't wait."

"Bella, don't forget to put one foot in front of the other and walk slowly," Alice grinned insolently.

I would like to ask her if she had seen me fall down the stairs. I would just hold on tight to Charlie and concentrate on every step.

"Dad, will you please hold me, so I don't fall?"

"Bella, don't worry, nothing will happen. I'm with you and I'm holding you tight."

From downstairs, Rose could be heard playing the piano. Thus it could start.

Only a few more minutes, then we were united forever and soon forever.

"I'll go ahead and you two follows in a minute."

" We do, Alice. So let the wedding begin!" said Charlie, putting my arm on his.

We stood at the top of the stairs, and I felt a little dizzy.

I can't make it … Come on, Bella, you can do it. Just a few more steps and you'll be with your angel, I said quickly to myself.

We walked slowly down the stairs.

I saw Edward smiling at me and could only beam. He looked stunning.

Only two more steps, then I had made it.

Charlie held me tightly and took me to Edward. Arriving at the front, he had placed my hand in Edward's hand.

His coldness ran through me very briefly and I thought I was dreaming. I could not believe that I was standing here in this great dress in front of my angel.

The priest started right away with his text, which I was very happy about.

"We are gathered here today to join Isabella Marie Swan and Edward Anthony Masen Cullen in holy matrimony. If any of the guests here present have any reason why these two should not be married, let him speak now or forever hold their peace."

"I do mind," Jacob Black said.

This could not be true! What did this stupid dog imagine!

Edward next to me growled.