AN: Hello, beautiful people! Here is the third (out of four) installment of AVCC. I started my spring break and am hoping to start getting the ball rolling on this one. My outline is complete, with new characters, etc. This story will be the wedding, then the honeymoon (so it takes place over about 12 days). Very similar to AVCC and EMEMO.

It's not as chaotic as AVCC, it's more so very fluffy, like EMEMO. So, prepare to get cavities. But, there's still going to be necessary chaos... it's not just Edward's family, but Bella's, and their friends as well.

This story takes place four years after the ending of EMEMO, which ended in 2025, so now we are in 2029. Lemme tell you, writing in the future feels funny, lol. I'm constantly thinking, would that even still be a thing in the future? Are there flying cars?! Did the US implode after these last ahem four years...?

But I digress.

Here's some more filler information of what happened in the four years since we've last seen them:

Bella and Edward graduated from the University of Tampa, both with bachelor degrees in marine science-biology.

Then, they attended graduate school at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, focusing on advanced research in ocean conservation, with Bella specializing in marine mammal ecology and Edward focusing on coral reef restoration (yes, I am going all in with this backstory. Just helps with my vibes. I used to do this while playing the Sims, lol).

They get their masters, and THEN both secure postdoctoral research fellowships.

Now, Bella works at the Scripps Institution as a marine mammal biologist, and Edward works at NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center as a coastal ecosystem restoration specialist. They're doing pretty good for themselves, too (thank you BoLuvsTwilight for correcting my geographical mistake, lol!).

So, these two are all settled into their careers, in their home, and now... without further backstory rambling, onto the wedding!

April 29th, 8:43 AM
La Jolla, CA
Bella and Edward's Apartment

I woke up to the feeling of heat.

Not just the soft warmth of the sun filtering through the curtains, but the solid warmth of Edward—his bare chest against my back, his arm heavy across my waist, his breath slow and steady against my neck. He was wrapped around me like he was afraid I'd disappear, even though I'd been waking up beside him for four years now.

I didn't move at first. Just existed in it. Let myself absorb the weight of him, the rhythm of his breathing, the way his fingers twitched against my stomach like even in sleep, he was holding on to me.

And then I remembered what day it was.

Oh, fuck.

I swallowed, a wave of nerves rolling through me. This is it. It's really happening.

Looking back, I should've seen it coming.

Not because Edward was being obvious about it—he was actually stupidly good at keeping secrets—but because I, in true Bella fucking fashion, had a talent for accidentally ruining things.

Case in point, I found the ring before he could propose. Twice.

The first time? It was an accident. For once in my life, I wasn't being nosy, but it still happened.

I was just trying to steal—I mean, borrow—one of Edward's comfiest hoodies from his dresser when I found a small, velvet box stuffed inside his sock drawer.

Now, most people might see that and mind their business.

I am not most people.

So obviously, I opened it, because it couldn't be what I thought it was, right?

And when I saw a stupidly beautiful engagement ring sitting inside, I did what any rational, normal, level-headed woman would do:

I slammed the box shut, threw it back in the drawer like it was a fucking bomb, and immediately sprinted out of the room like a guilty child.

Did I tell Edward? Nope.

Did I act completely normal for the next few weeks? Also nope.

Did I randomly panic every time we were in the same room, convinced he was about to propose? Absolutely.

And then, because I am me, I somehow ruined his attempt, too.

It was supposed to be romantic. Special. A private rooftop dinner, with fairy lights and wine and all that Pinterest-worthy bullshit.

Except I got off work late, was starving, and in a foul fucking mood.

So when Edward suggested we get dressed up and go to this nice, fancy dinner, I—unaware of the proposal waiting for me—flat-out refused.

"No. I want In-N-Out."

Edward blinked. "B—"

"In. N. Out." I enunciated, already pulling up the app on my phone. "I swear to God, if you make me eat something with truffle oil, I will lose my shit."

Edward stared at me for a solid five seconds, then sighed and said, "Fine."

And that was how I found myself, one burger deep, parked outside an In-N-Out at 11 PM, absolutely ruining my own proposal.

I didn't even realize until I looked over and saw Edward holding out the ring.

No preamble. No big speech. Just Edward, the love of my life, holding out an engagement ring while I had animal-style fries in my mouth.

I choked. Literally.

I coughed, slammed my palm against the dash, wiped my greasy fingers on a napkin, and gaped at him.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I gasped, throat burning, eyes wide.

Edward grinned. "Nope."

I stared at him, then at the ring, then back at him.

I should've said something poetic, something deep, something worthy of this man, who had somehow decided I was worth forever.

But instead, I just grabbed his stupid, perfect face with my greasy-ass hands and kissed him.

Hard.

He laughed against my mouth, a little stunned but kissing me back just as deep, just as hungry, until I finally pulled away—breathless, hands in his hair, heart in my throat—and said, "Yeah. Yeah, I'll marry you."

And just like that, it was done.

Not on a rooftop, not over candlelight—

Just us, in a shitty parking lot, smelling like fries, and somehow… still perfect.

Because Edward was my person.

And whether it was in a five-star restaurant or a fast-food joint, he was always going to be the best decision of my life.

Now, in just five days, we'd be married.

The thought hit me hard and sudden, making my heart kick up its pace.

Not the getting married part—I was sure of that, so sure it scared me sometimes. I loved Edward in a way that was terrifying in its depth, in its certainty. No, it wasn't the marriage part that had me practically vibrating with anticipation and unease—it was everything else.

The week ahead. The people. The chaos.

A sharp jolt of nervous energy ran through me, and like he was wired to my heartbeat, Edward stirred, his body shifting behind me.

"Stop thinking so loud," he grumbled, his voice rough with sleep, lips brushing lazily against my shoulder.

I huffed out a quiet laugh, because of course he could tell. "You don't even know what I'm thinking about."

"You're vibrating," he muttered, nuzzling further into my neck. "Either you're nervous or you're having a really intense fantasy about me, in which case, let's skip the talking part and—"

I elbowed him lightly. "It's the wedding, smartass."

Edward groaned dramatically and flopped fully on top of me, pinning me to the mattress with the full weight of his stupid, warm, perfect body.

"We are not doing this," he mumbled against my skin, pressing slow, lingering kisses along my jawline. "You are not stress-spiraling first thing in the morning. I forbid it."

"You forbid it?" I snorted, but my heart skipped when he kissed just beneath my ear, his hands already slipping under my shirt.

"Mmhm," he hummed, shifting above me. "Wedding talk is banned in bed. House rule."

I let out a breath, my body melting under his like it always did. "That doesn't seem very practical."

"I'm not a practical man," he murmured, his fingers tracing slow, lazy circles against my waist. His lips ghosted over my collarbone, his teeth scraping just enough to make my breath hitch. "You knew this when you agreed to marry me."

I sighed, pretending to be exasperated, even as my hands itched to touch him. "Edward, we really do have to—"

"Later," he interrupted, flipping us effortlessly so I was on top now, his hands firm and possessive on my hips. His head hit the pillows, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face. "You can panic all you want after we thoroughly enjoy our last quiet morning together before my family arrives and all hell breaks loose."

I arched a brow, pretending to consider it. "You're awfully confident in your ability to distract me."

He snorted like I'd just challenged him to a duel. "Baby, you don't want to test me right now."

I didn't. I really, really didn't.

So I didn't fight it. Didn't fight the way his hands tightened against my hips as I leaned down, the way his lips slanted against mine like he'd been waiting all night to do it.

I let him now.

We finally got out of bed an hour later—rumpled, breathless, and completely unrepentant.

Edward leaned against the bathroom counter, grinning like an idiot as he watched me brush my hair. His own hair was an absolute disaster, all wild bronze strands sticking up in every direction. He looked way too proud of himself.

"You're very smug right now," I muttered, catching his reflection in the mirror.

He just smirked, crossing his arms over his bare chest. "What can I say? I'm really good at my job."

I rolled my eye sand turned to face him. "Your job?"

"Yeah," he said, stepping forward to trap me against the counter, bracing his hands on either side of my hips. The look in his eyes was somehow both hot and playful. "Keeping my fiancée calm. Keeping her happy."

I exhaled, suddenly very aware of how close he was again. "You're such a weirdo."

He grinned. "I can be a weirdo, but you love me. So, by default, that makes you an even bigger weirdo."

Well, he's definitely not wrong about that.

We showered together, slow and teasing, more hands than actual soap, more kisses than efficiency.

By the time we actually started packing, I had six missed calls from Alice, five texts from my mom, and one very concerning voice memo from Emmett that simply said, "Do not freak out, but there may have been a tiny situation with Leo and a toilet, so we may be late. Call me when you get this."

I read it twice before looking up at Edward, who was stuffing two pairs of swim trunks into his bag like a sane, normal person.

I, however, was not sane or normal.

"Edward." I turned my phone to face him. "Your nephew is already causing plumbing disasters and we haven't even checked in yet."

Edward didn't even blink. "Yeah, that tracks."

I just stared at him. "That tracks? You're not alarmed?"

"Bella," he said, zipping his bag shut with a completely straight face. "I've met my is mild."

I exhaled deeply. "I don't know if I'm ready for this week."

Edward grinned and walked over, wrapping his arms around me. "You're so ready. You just have to embrace the madness."

"Embrace the madness," I echoed, eyes narrowing.

He kissed me slow and lingering, his fingers skimming the hem of my shirt again. "And when it gets overwhelming, we sneak off to our room and I remind you why we're doing this. It's my job, remember? I take this shit seriously. Trying to get employee of the month and everything."

I snorted, pushing lightly at his chest. "You're just looking for excuses to get me alone."

Edward smirked, completely unashamed. "Always."

April 29th, 12:03 PM
Coronado, CA
Hotel del Coronado

We pulled up to the Hotel del Coronado, and I swear, it looked even more unreal than the pictures. The massive red-roofed towers gleamed under the midday sun, the sprawling beachfront stretching endlessly beyond the palm-lined driveway. The entire place felt like something out of an old Hollywood movie—classic, elegant, way too fancy for the absolute circus our families were about to bring inside its walls.

Edward barely had time to put the car in park before a valet in a crisp white uniform approached with a polite, "Welcome to the Del, Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan."

Edward flashed his stupidly charming grin—the one that always worked in getting us upgraded at hotels—and stepped out first, moving to my side before I could even attempt to open my own door. He extended a hand dramatically.

"Allow me, future Mrs. Cullen."

I snorted but took his hand anyway. "You're laying it on a little thick there, buddy."

"Gotta make sure they know who the VIPs are," he murmured, leaning in to press a quick kiss to my temple before slipping a bill to the valet. "Gotta secure that special treatment."

"You mean you just want them to make sure they don't scratch your car."

Edward didn't even try to deny it, just smirked as the valet drove off with his baby—his beloved silver BMW. A graduation gift from Carlisle and Esme, and perfectly balanced, meticulously maintained, would-marry-it-if-he-could sedan.

As soon as the car disappeared, I stretched, rolling my shoulders back after the hour-long drive. The nerves I'd managed to ignore all morning started crawling back in, twisting low in my stomach.

We're really here.

This is really happening.

Edward must've noticed the shift in my expression because suddenly, his arms were around my waist, pulling me into his chest.

"You okay?" His voice was quiet, just for me.

I exhaled slowly, pressing my forehead against his collarbone for a second, letting myself breathe him in. He smelled like sandalwood and salt air, like home.

"I'm good," I said after a beat, forcing my shoulders to relax. "Just… wedding brain. Still. Again."

Edward pulled back, tilting my chin up so I had to look at him. "You mean that thing where you overanalyze every detail and convince yourself that something is going to go catastrophically wrong?"

I narrowed my eyes. "You say that like it's not a very real possibility."

He grinned, leaning down to nip at my bottom lip, quick and teasing. "Baby, if the worst thing that happens this week is Alice losing her shit over things like seating charts or flower arrangements, we're golden."

I huffed but couldn't help but smile, because he was right. Alice was going to lose her shit over something. That was inevitable. I'd expected it though. Alice had been the same way for her wedding, and Rose's, too.

We walked through the grand entrance, the cool air-conditioning instantly soothing against the California heat. The lobby was stunning, with towering windows that framed the ocean, chandeliers that cast everything in a golden glow, and just the right amount of old-world charm.

Edward whistled low under his breath. "Not bad. You sure you wanna leave after the wedding? We could just stay here forever."

"Are you saying you'd rather honeymoon here than in Greece?"

He shrugged, but his grin gave him away. "I mean, Greece doesn't have this."

He gestured vaguely around the room, even though I'm sure Greece probably did have something like this, or at least a variation of it.

I arched a brow. "What exactly are you referring to? The architecture? The amenities? The overpriced resort cocktails?"

"The fact that I could fuck you against a four-poster bed with a full ocean view," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

Oh, okay then.

Jesus Christ.

I flushed immediately, shooting a nervous glance toward the poor front desk worker who had no idea Edward was saying filthy things about their very expensive furniture.

"Edward," I hissed, elbowing him in the ribs, even as heat coiled low in my stomach.

He just chuckled darkly, looking very pleased with himself as he laced his fingers through mine and led me toward the check-in desk.

The woman at the counter, a poised brunette in a navy uniform, greeted us with a warm, professional smile.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan. Welcome to the Hotel del Coronado. We have you in the Ocean View Bridal Suite, which includes a private balcony, a soaking tub, and complimentary champagne waiting for you inside."

Edward grinned. "See? Told you we should never leave."

I rolled my eyes, but inside, I was buzzing.

Bridal Suite.

That made everything feel very, very real.

As the woman finalized our check-in, another woman in business attire approached, holding a clipboard.

"Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan, I'm Julia, the on-site wedding coordinator," she introduced herself, shaking both our hands. "I'll be assisting you with any last-minute details this week. If you need anything at all—timeline adjustments, vendor coordination, a stiff drink—you let me know."

I exhaled sharply, my relief immediate and visceral. "God, you're already my favorite person here."

Julia laughed, tucking a pen behind her ear. "I get that a lot. Now, let's go over some quick logistics—your vendors will start arriving tomorrow for setup. We'll have staff handling the welcome bags for your guests, but I'd like you to review them before we distribute them."

She led us to a small side table, where two fully prepped welcome bags sat, neatly arranged.

Inside was:

A handwritten note from me and Edward, welcoming everyone.

A custom itinerary with times and locations for the week's events.

A small bag of saltwater taffy (because coastal theme).

A bottle opener engraved with our wedding date—5/3/2029.

And a travel-sized hangover kit, because we knew our family too well.

Edward picked one up, inspecting it with narrowed eyes.

"You're giving my brothers alcohol-related accessories?" He looked at me like I'd made a critical mistake.

I smirked. "If anything, it'll prevent them from breaking something expensive when they try to open a bottle with their teeth."

Julia snorted, scribbling something down on her clipboard. "You two are hilarious, by the way. I can already tell this wedding is going to be interesting."

"Oh, you have no idea," Edward muttered, squeezing my hand.

After checking over the bags, Julia assured us she had everything under control, and we were free to go settle in before our families arrived.

As soon as we stepped into the bridal suite, Edward tossed his bag to the side, turned to me, and grinned wickedly.

"Okay, hear me out."

I crossed my arms. "No."

His grin widened. "You don't even know what I was gonna say."

"You were gonna suggest we take advantage of the bed before we start greeting family."

Edward pretended to be offended. "Wow. You think so little of me."

I stared.

"…You're also very, very right," he admitted, already closing the distance between us, his hands gripping my waist.

I gasped as my back hit the door, his lips finding the sensitive spot on my neck, right under my jaw.

"Edward," I tried to sound firm, bu this hands were under my shirt now, and my brain was short-circuiting.

"Five minutes," he murmured against my skin, grinning when he felt me shudder.

I exhaled sharply. We were so, so screwed.

And then I kissed him.

Because fuck it—the madness could wait five minutes.

His kiss was fast and greedy, not even bothering to ease into it, his body already pressing mine flush against the door like he couldn't get close enough.

It was always like this with us—like four years together had done nothing to quell the fire, like my body was still learning his even though it knew every dip and ridge of him.

His hands wandered, impatient, skimming over my hips, sliding under my shirt, palming bare skin like he needed to memorize it all over again.

"Edward," I gasped against his mouth, arching as he ran his fingers up my spine, making my skin break out in shivers.

"Hmm?" His voice was lazy, teasing, but I could feel the tension in his grip, the way his fingers dug in just a little, like he was already losing his patience.

I barely managed to exhale before he grabbed my thigh and hitched it up around his hip, his body pressing even harder into mine.

"You're gonna mess up my hair," I muttered, half-dazed, my fingers tangling in the short hairs at the nape of his neck, counterintuitively pulling him in deeper.

Edward made a noise, low and amused, before trailing kisses down my jaw, my throat, my collarbone, stopping just beneath my ear.

"I'll fix it," he murmured against my skin, his lips dangerously soft, his hands anything but.

"And my makeup?" I barely got out, my nails digging into his shoulders as he nipped at the delicate skin below my ear.

His teeth grazed, just enough to make my breath stutter.

"That, I can't promise," he admitted, his voice wicked, before he kissed me stupid again.

God, I hated how much I liked him like this—all cocky and hungry, knowing damn well I was melting for him.

I scowled, or tried to, but his lips were already on mine again, swallowing the expression before it could fully form, kissing it off my face like he could physically erase my resistance.

"You fight dirty," I murmured between kisses, but my legs were already locking around his waist, my hands tugging at his shirt.

Edward grinned against my mouth."It's fine, you love me."

I did.

I really fucking did.

I'm not sure how often I will be updating this. I want to keep working on THTOU as well, so depending on work and school, I am thinking weekly updates :) Let me know your thoughts!