He’s here. He made it back in time.
My heart was filled to capacity with love for this man. I didn’t know how he did it, but he found his way to me. Today. When I needed him most.
As soon as his eyes met mine, he smiled broadly and quickened his pace. I was finally able to force my legs to move, and made my way over to him. When I was close enough, I threw myself into his arms. Edward encircled me in his warm, protective embrace.
The tears were falling again, and I was unable to speak for a few minutes. He just held me and rubbed my back, not uttering a word. When I finally got my breathing under control, I looked up at his face with bleary eyes and spoke, “Oh Edward.”
“I know.” He murmured as he continued to hold me. I watched his face as he glanced around before looking down into my eyes. “Would it be alright, I mean“ He cleared his throat. “Bella, may I meet your Mother?”
Even though we both knew that she wasn’t really there, I was touched by the gesture. I took his hand, and led him to her grave. As soon as we reached it, I sat, and pulled him down with me, both of us sitting cross-legged on the grass. He looked a little uncomfortable until I crawled onto his lap and kissed him firmly on the lips.
I placed my hands on his shoulders as I spoke, “Now, if by any chance she was able to see that, she knows how much you mean to me.” I smiled. Edward gave me a sad smile in return before turning to look at the gravestone.
I rubbed his arm. “It’s ironic that Forks became her final resting place. She never liked this town” I said wistfully. “She didn’t want to stay, and Charlie didn’t want to leave.“ I sighed. “Stupid reason to get divorced isn’t it?“
He nodded sadly.
“I loved her with all my heart Edward, but I’ve discovered that I’ll never be like her. Our time apart has taught me that. Once we’re married, I don’t want to spend a single night apart.” I wrapped my arms around him as I laid my head on his shoulder. “I don’t care if you’re filming on the moon, I want to be with you.” I whispered. “My home will be wherever you are.”
He moved so that he could see my face. “I love you so much Bella” He murmured as his lips met mine. A few more tears fell as I thought about how happy I was on this most unhappy day. Edward’s tongue gently brushed against first my top lip and then the bottom, begging for entrance. I parted my lips, allowing him in. I would not deny him, from this moment, I could deny him nothing.
As I lost myself in the kiss, my arms snaked under his jacket, and around him until I was clutching the back of his shirt in my fists. He released my lips, and kissed along my jaw and down my neck, eliciting a moan from me when he gently nipped my collar bone.
The low moan seemed to snap us out of our fog as we both registered at the same moment that we were in the cemetery, sitting on my mother’s grave.
“Oh God Bella, I’m so sorry. What must you think of me?” He asked, looking remorseful. “Here I am, almost taking advantage of you on your mother’s grave no less.” He was looking down while shaking his head remorsefully.
I giggled lightly. “Edward, I guess this makes us even for the time I dry-humped you in the church parking lot.”
He still wouldn’t look at me, but his shoulders started to shake with silent laughter.
I pulled his chin up so that I could see his eyes. “My mother would have found both incidents to be highly amusing. Remember, I said she was a free spirit. She also had a wicked sense of humor. Emmett takes after her in many ways.” I grinned.
He sighed in relief and smirked at me.
I stood and pulled him with me. “Let’s go home.”
--V&V--
Back at Charlie’s I said an emotional but quick goodbye, before heading back to Seattle.
Edward was exhausted, but I was able to get a little information out of him before he fell asleep in the car. As soon as he discovered he’d be able to fly home today, Edward had contacted Lou to pick he and Sidney up at the airport. Sidney stayed in Seattle while Edward continued on to Forks with Lou.
“So Sidney is staying in Seattle?” I asked.
“For now. He needs to be in the same city with me, and Lou needs to be wherever you are.” He answered. “Sidney and I discussed security measures after your visit Bella. Once the paps and the public find out that I’ve returned, there’s a real possibility that things will get very intense whenever we venture out in public together.”
“Oh” This was something I hadn’t really thought about. But it was true that as soon as Edward and I had become engaged, there was a huge increase in stories about us, both on the internet and in the tabloids.
And I thought it was bad before.
I could see that he was spent. He told me that he had filmed until the wee hours of the morning in order to be able to fly home today. I pulled his head down to rest it on my shoulder as I ran my fingers through his hair, and over the stubble on his cheek. Within minutes I heard his breathing even out. Edward was asleep.
Once back at my apartment, I found that Sidney and Edward’s fears had panned out. Whereas before there were usually only a couple of photographers recording my comings and goings, now there appeared to be a crowd of about fifteen waiting in front of our building. Lou helped usher us inside before bringing up the luggage.
Edward managed to get a shower and stumble into bed before slipping into a deep sleep. Once I was ready for bed I crawled in beside him. In his sleep, Edward pulled me against him, draping his arm around my waist. As much as I would have liked him to stay awake so that we could talk, or even better, kiss, just having him with me was more than I could have ever hoped for tonight. Within minutes, I could feel myself drifting off.
--V&V--
“Bella” Someone was trying to wake me up. I didn’t answer or move. I was exhausted, both mentally and physically.
“Five more minutes” I mumbled.
“Sweetheart, as much as I’d love for you to stay home with me, I know you’ll be upset if you’re late for class.” Edwards velvet voice tried to coax me.
I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head. There was no way I was moving. I heard him chuckling. “What time is it?“ I rasped out.
“It’s after seven. Baby, I made tea.” He tempted.
I rolled onto my back and yanked the covers down. Edward was sitting on the bed, dressed for the day, his eyes shining as he smiled down at me.
“Good morning.” I whispered with a smile.
“Good morning.” He returned the smile.
“Missed you.” I added, still in a whisper.
“Me too.”
I sat up and wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him in for a hug. Edward turned his head. I knew he was trying to kiss me. I placed a finger on his lips, stopping him.
“Edward, you know I love you don’t you?”
He smirked and nodded, my finger still on his lips. “I need you to understand that I’m not kissing you until I’ve brushed my teeth.” I said just before jumping up as I tried to make my way to the bathroom.
Edward was well-acquainted with my quirk about needing to brush my teeth before kissing him in the morning. Sometimes, like this morning, it became a game to see if I could escape to the bathroom before he caught me.
This time I wasn’t fast enough and he caught me at the door, grabbing me and pinning me against the wall with his body.
“Got you.” He said with a brilliant smile. “You know what that means Miss Swan.”
I frowned at him and pecked his lips. He frowned back. “That wasn’t a real kiss Bella.”
“That’s all you’re getting and you know it.” I smirked.
He sighed and smirked back. “Oh alright, brush your teeth and then kiss me properly.”
Once I was dressed with teeth brushed, and Edward had gotten his kiss, I went to the kitchen for the promised cup of tea. To my surprise, Edward had also toasted bagels for us.
“I wish I could have fixed something more elaborate” He apologized “but I confess that I’m not very good in the kitchen.” He grinned. “Maybe I should have sent out for something?”
“Only if you want more than this Edward. I’m fine with a bagel.” I smirked. “Don’t tell me you’re already missing room service Mister Movie Star.”
He laughed. “No my love. I’d gladly give up the room service and a good many other things in exchange for waking up next to you.”
“Sweet talker.” I accused with a smile. “Crap, I’m going to be late.” I blurted when I noticed the time.
I kissed Edward goodbye and dashed away to class.
--V&V--
Mercifully, my classes passed quickly, as did work that afternoon. I had convinced Edward not to meet me for lunch because of the paps, so when it was approaching time to go home, I was beyond anxious to get out of there.
I was in my cubicle finishing up some paperwork for tomorrow’s show while keeping one eye on the clock, when I was startled by a voice coming from behind me.
“Look at her working diligently. I wonder if she even gives a thought to her poor fiance quietly losing his mind at home as he waits for her return.” The voice said with a chuckle.
Edward.
I turned and threw myself at him. “Mister Movie Star, never doubt that you are the first thing I think of every morning, the last thing I think of every night, and the one thing on my mind every minute of every day.” Then I proceeded to pepper his face with kisses as he laughed softly. “It’s a wonder that I ever get any work done.” I smiled.
“Good to know” Edward returned my smile as he held me against his body.
Turning to my right when I caught movement from the corner of my eye, I noticed Victor James casually leaning against the doorframe of his office as he leered at me.
Creep.
Edward turned his head, following my gaze, and glared at Mr. James. He turned back to face me just as James disappeared into his office. “Is there something I need to know Bella?” He asked as he gestured a nod toward James’ closed office door.
“I’ll tell you at home.” I sighed. “Let’s get out of here.”
Rose declined our offer for a ride, saying that Emmett was picking her up so they could go out to dinner with some friends.
Once back at the apartment, I had to explain about Victor James. Needless to say, Edward was livid. “Bella, I wish you had told me the vile things that man had said to you while we were still at the office.” He said angrily as he dragged his hands through his hair and paced the floor of my living room.
“Why Edward?” I asked. “So you could fight with him?”
“Damn right. I would have given him a lesson in manners.”
“That’s precisely why I didn’t say anything.” I explained. “You needed to have a chance to calm down first.”
He stopped pacing and flopped onto the sofa beside me. After a few minutes his breathing calmed, but he still wouldn’t look at me. “He wants you.” He muttered.
“Yeah, that’s what Rose said.” I answered quietly. “He’s a terrible person Edward. He thinks he can have any woman. He uses them and then discards them.” I scooted closer to him on the sofa. “It doesn’t matter how much he wants me.” I laughed without humor. “I’m afraid the only thing he’ll ever get from me will be a well-aimed knee to the balls.”
Edward didn’t laugh.
He turned to face me with a haunted expression. “Bella, I worry about you so much. I worry that someone will get close enough to hurt you and I won’t be there to stop them.”
Needing to feel his arms around me, I crawled onto his lap and placed my hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look in my eyes. “Hey, where is this coming from. I’m right here. We’re together. Everything’s perfect now.”
He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my lips. Unfortunately, my stomach chose that exact moment to growl loudly. We broke the kiss as we both started to chuckle.
“Well, everything’s perfect except for the fact that I seem to be starving.”
Edward stood abruptly taking me with him, my feet not touching the floor. “Let’s get you fed Miss Swan.” He smiled. He was more himself again. “I promise not to put a damper on our evening with my worrying.”
After eating takeout Chinese, we settled back on the sofa. Edward started kissing first my lips, then my neck. It was easy to get lost in his kisses, but I was determined that we would resolve a few things tonight. It took great effort, but I pulled away while keeping my hands on his shoulders.
“I hate to be the party pooper Edward, but if I’m meeting with your mother for lunch tomorrow, we need to make some decisions tonight.”
He smirked while his eyebrows knit together. “What decisions?”
“In order for your Mom to plan the reception, we need to have an estimate of the number of guests. Therefore tonight we need to choose our invitations and write up a list of people to invite.“
Any other man would have balked at the prospect of spending the evening doing such a thing, but not Edward. He was so anxious to be married, that he dove right in. We immediately set to work looking at invitation samples. Not surprisingly, we both had fairly traditional taste. Our choice ended up being simple yet elegant.
After talking to Father Pat, we realized that our wedding ceremony, including Father Pat’s sermon, would only take about a half hour. Edward and I decided that the ceremony itself should be held at two p.m. instead of in the morning, which would allow the guests to arrive at the reception at around six p.m. After okaying these times with Father Pat and Esme, we were ready to work out the wording for the invitations.
Using samples as my guide, I kept scrawling different options, only to scratch them out and start over again. My frustration must have been evident because Edward reached his hand up and rubbed the back of my neck to calm me.
I looked at him “I don’t like the way any of these look.” I whined.
Edward studied what I’d written. He thought for a minute before keying a few things into his laptop. “Bella” He turned to face me. “I think I know what’s troubling you about the wording.“
I looked at him questioningly.
“Sweetheart, all these options mention your Dad and my parents, but not your Mother.” With that, he turned the laptop to face me. After reading what Edward had found, I smiled broadly and immediately wrote out the perfect words as he looked on approvingly.
Once that task was done, I set everything aside. “Let’s work on the guest list tomorrow night.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Edward grinned, more than pleased to get back to the kissing.
--V&V--
The next morning while at work, I got an e-mail from Dr. Stone.
.
Hello Bella,
I was just informed that the publisher friend of Dr. Baird’s is interested in your work. He has asked that you submit another sample.
Just drop it by my office at any time.
I’m gratified to know that others appreciate your talent as much as I do Bella, and I wish you the best of luck.
Speak with you soon,
Inez Stone
.
Deciding I would tell Edward about this tonight, I pushed it to the back of my mind as I went to the break room to fix Rose’s tea.
At eleven-thirty I received a text from Esme telling me she’d meet me at the restaurant. After Lou parked, he walked me inside. The too-bubbly hostess greeted us.
“I’m meeting Mrs. Cullen.” I said in a my best business-like tone.
“Oh yes Miss Swan, please follow me.” She said brightly.
Lou stayed with me as I was escorted to a private dining room. Upon entering I was greeted by the smiling faces of not only Esme, but Edward as well.
“Edward” I gasped.
He smiled as he walked over to greet me. “Surprise sweetheart.” He said before pulling me in for a searing kiss. I could feel Esme’s eyes on us, and knew I was blushing furiously.
“Hello Bella” She chirped before hugging me. “Edward tells me that you are working on the guest list tonight.“ She said as we sat down.
Wow, she doesn’t waste any time.
“Yes, I’m using Emmett and Rose’s list for the friends and relatives on my side.”
Esme nodded and pulled some papers out of her purse. “I took the liberty of making up a list of all our friends and relatives that need to be invited.”
“Thanks Esme, that will help.” I said as I glanced down at the papers.
This looks like a long list. And we still need to add all of Edward’s Hollywood friends.
I glanced at Edward, and once again he seemed to be reading my mind. He grinned and winked at me.
Stop trying to distract me you sweet sexy man.
I grinned back at him and shoved the list in my purse.
“Bella, I also took the liberty of contacting the wedding planner we used for Alice.” Esme asked nervously. “Now, I won’t be offended if you don’t want to use her, I was just trying to be helpful dear.”
“No, Esme.” I patted her hand reassuringly. “I’d like to meet her, I really don’t know what I’m doing, and I don’t want to bother Rose right now.”
Esme beamed at me, as did her son. “Wonderful. I’ll set up a meeting and text you.”
The rest of the lunch was uneventful. I realized that in the short time since Edward had returned, our relationship felt different. Whereas before, most of our conversations centered on events from our pasts, now almost every conversation was centered on our future.
Our future together.
We were so sure of each other and confident in our relationship that I had even started to feel more confident about myself in other areas of my life. My self-esteem was definitely improving.
That evening, I was working in Rose’s office when Edward arrived again to take me home. I smiled and walked over to him. “Hello sweetheart. Ready to go?” He asked.
I pecked him on the lips. “Give me five minutes.”
Once we were back at the apartment, I discovered that Edward had gone grocery shopping. “Wow, you’re getting so domestic.” I said with a smirk.
“I thought maybe we could cook dinner together.”
And so we did. “I have something to tell you“ I said while breading the pork chops.
“Oh?”
“About a month ago one of my professors told me that she’d shown some of my writing to another professor who is a published author.”
I saw Edward’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
“Anyway, they had me submit some samples to a publisher friend of his, and today Dr. Stone e-mailed me to say they really liked my work and wanted me to submit another sample.” I took a breath. “I, I really don’t know what this all means, but it must be good news, right?”
“Bella, that’s great news.” He exclaimed as he walked over to me. “Baby, even if it turns out to be nothing, you should be happy.” He rubbed my upper arms, avoiding the hands covered in breading. “But just think. If it turns into something….” He smiled. “Bella, there’s nothing better than getting paid for what you love to do, and you love to write.”
I smiled and nodded in agreement.
The one thing I knew I wouldn’t do would be to accept a job that took me away from Edward.
We chatted a little about the significance of the publisher’s interest before I changed the subject.
“So are you completely done with the film?” I asked while slicing mushrooms.
“I’ll have to go to L.A. for a few days in June for re-shoots, but I’m finished filming in London. I won’t have to return there for work until I begin filming A Tale Of Two Cities in February.”
I dropped the knife with a clatter.
Why didn’t I know about this?
“You’re starring in A Tale Of Two Cities?” I asked in surprise.
“Yes.” He watched me warily, seemingly startled by my reaction.
“Which character?” I asked, still stunned.
“I’m to play Sydney Carton. Why?” He still looked concerned.
“Oh my God Edward. That’s such a powerful story. And once again you’ll die!” I was silly, but as usual, the thought upset me. “I don’t know if I can watch that.”
He grinned then. “Maybe I should turn it down after all?” I knew he was teasing.
“Don’t you dare. That is my favorite Dickens novel. You’ll be wonderful in it.”
“I was told that they adapted the script with me in mind for the main part.“
“Wow” was all I could say. Suddenly, I became aware of the other part of his revelation.
He’s filming in Europe next February.
“Um, so we’ll be in Europe next winter?” I grinned.
Edward’s answering smile was brilliant. “Yes, I can’t wait until you travel with me my love.” He said as he pulled me into his arms. “Truth be told, I can’t wait until August Bella.”
“That makes two of us.” I smiled.
We kissed. What started out slow, soon turned passionate and we were in serious danger of forgetting all about the dinner. That was until there was a loud, obnoxious knock on my door.
Startled, we broke the kiss abruptly but Edward didn’t release me from his embrace. I looked up at him. “There’s only one asshole in this world who would knock on my door like that.”
He chuckled as I went to open the door for my brother.
“Hello Emmett” I smiled, not finding it in my heart to be perturbed at his shitty timing. I was too happy.
“Hello Bellaboo.” He said as he walked casually toward my kitchen. “Why hello there Eddie. I’m here to beg you to feed me Sissy” He said with a cheeky grin.
“Rose ditch you?” I asked.
“Yeah, she’s meeting with that bitch wedding planner and her mother.”
Rose’s wedding planner was a friend of her mother’s, precisely the reason I wanted to use Alice’s.
My brother was his usually entertaining self during dinner. “Did you hear that Alice, Jasper and Chris are arriving tomorrow?”
This was news to me, and evidently to Edward also.
Emmett nodded. “Rose called to tell me a few minutes ago. Expect a call from Alice soon.” He grinned.
Approximately ten minutes after we’d finished eating, my phone rang.
“Hello Alice.”
“Bella! By now you probably know we’re flying in tomorrow night. Don’t make too many plans for Friday because you are mine and Christopher’s for the morning.”
“Huh?” was my brilliant response.
“Wedding dresses sweetie! We’ve got mock-ups of three designs, and I know you will have to love at least one of them.”
“Oh, okay.” I muttered. “The only plans we’ve made for Friday is a meeting with the priest that evening.”
“Good. I’ll see you Friday morning. Bye Bella. Would you mind handing the phone to Edward now?”
“Sure. Bye Alice.” I did as she asked, and gave the phone to Edward.
“Hi Alice.” He smiled and then listened. I exited the living room to give him some privacy and to clean up our dinner dishes.
That evening, Edward and I worked to put together a comprehensive list of wedding invitees.
“Edward” I gasped as I took in the names on Esme’s list. “Every influential member of Washington society is on this list.” I could feel myself getting nervous.
His arms were immediately around me then. “Bella, calm down. I’ll speak with my parents, they would never want to upset you.”
I took a calming breath. “I don’t do well being the center of attention. I..”
“It’s okay.” He soothed.
I thought about how wonderful Esme and Carlisle were, and how much I owed them. And how much I loved them. “You know what?”
“What?” He asked.
“It’s okay. We can invite these people. Your parents are so excited about this wedding, I don‘t want to disappoint them.”
He smiled gently, but looked worried.
“I can do this. For them.” I whispered.
“Are you sure?”
“Very.”
He pulled me closer. “Bella, you never cease to amaze me.” He sighed. “But, we still have some time. If you change your mind before we mail the invitations, it will be no problem to reduce this list.”
I smiled and nodded.
I spent the next hour forcing him to give me the names of his actor friends. I knew he was holding back, not wanting to make things more difficult for me. Finally, when I felt I had gotten a thorough list from him, I was able to add the Swan portion to it.
I could feel butterflies forming in my stomach as I took in the final list. “Wow” I muttered.
Edward, looking over my shoulder agreed. “Yes, that’s quite an impressive list, but Bella” He said as he clasped my hands in his. “Always remember, it doesn’t matter who’s on that list. When all is said and done, they are there to share the day with us. The most important thing is that you and I are happy.”
I let out a breath. “As long as you promise to not let go of me, I’ll be fine Edward.”
“I’m never letting go.” He breathed.
--V&V--
When I asked Tara and Joanna if they would be bridesmaids, they were ecstatic. Including Rose and Alice, that brought my list of bridesmaids up to four. It was a considerably smaller number than Rose was having in her wedding, but more than I’d ever dreamt I’d have in mine.
On Friday morning, Alice and Christopher took my apartment by storm, with Jasper following in their wake. “Hello darlings” Christopher sang. “Edward, I wish you could stay you beautiful man, but you can’t be present for what we have to do.”
Edward frowned. “Why not?”
“Because we’re talking wedding dresses brother dear” Alice exclaimed. “You are not allowed to be here.” she said, poking his chest with her finger while pronouncing the last few words.
“Come on Edward, we’re spending the morning with Emmett, God help us.” Jasper muttered as he motioned toward the door.
Edward looked like someone had kicked his puppy. I walked over to him and hugged him before kissing him goodbye. “Go on. I’ll see you this afternoon.” Then I leaned up to whisper in his ear “I love you.”
“I love you too baby.” He whispered back. “And just so you know” He was speaking to Alice and Chris now, “This is really fucking unfair.” He turned to leave with a pout.
“Sorry Edward, but we’re just sticking with tradition.” Alice laughed.
As soon as the door closed, Alice and Chris surrounded me. All the designs they’d brought were so beautiful, but as soon as I laid eyes on one of them in particular, I knew I’d found my dress.
Alice gave Chris a knowing smile. “Sweetie, that’s the one we thought you’d choose.” Chris said as he patted my hand. “You will be the loveliest of brides my dear girl.”
I got choked up, which in turn made both of them choke up, and before I knew it we were a big blubbering mess. We pulled ourselves together over a pot of tea.
The next thing Alice and Chris showed me were the bridesmaids dress designs to go with the wedding gown I’d chosen. This time I had a very difficult time choosing. “I love them all” I admitted.
Alice thought for a minute. “Well” she pursed her lips. “How about this? Each bridesmaid can wear a different design.”
Chris jumped in then. “It’s ludicrous to expect one dress to look good on every body type Bella. A lot of brides have been deciding to dress their bridesmaids in what looks the most flattering for each individual.” He smiled. “Alice did that at her wedding, and Rose is doing it at hers.”
I had only seen my dress for Rose’s wedding, and had no idea that each bridesmaid’s dress was different.
“So, they’re all the same color and material, but different designs?“
Alice and Chris nodded.
“I like that idea.” I smiled.
“Great” Alice beamed.
My head was swimming with dress designs, colors and fabrics during the ride to Forks that afternoon. Edward had surprised me by arriving in the Vanquish for our weekend in Forks. He didn’t seem to be terribly worried about security.
Probably because Charlie remains armed the majority of the time.
“You’re far away Bella, where are you?” Edward murmured as he reached over, placing a hand on my knee.
“Oh, sorry” I blinked and focused on him. “Just a little overwhelmed by Chris and Alice today.” I chuckled.
He smiled and patted my leg.
Dad was working late, so Father Pat would be meeting with us at the house instead of the church. I was nervous as I pondered exactly what he would ask us. Edward also seemed a little on edge.
Rose had told me there was nothing to worry about. As it turned out, she was right. Father Pat didn’t ask anything. He merely told us what to expect during the classes. It sounded like a large part of the lessons focused on communication between the husband and wife.
Other lessons would focus on raising children and how to handle interference from members of the extended family. As expected, for obvious reasons, he would only briefly touch on the subject of finances in the marriage.
The only topic mentioned that gave me pause was the lesson on ’sexual intimacy’. To be honest, the main reason it bothered me was that Emmett was guaranteed to make an already embarrassing subject infinitely worse.
As kind and understanding as Father Pat was, I still couldn’t get him to yield and allow us to have our classes separately from Rose and Emmett. “Bella, these classes are designed for more than one couple in order that they may help with insight that the others may not have. I guarantee that by the end, you will be glad that you did this together.”
Not bloody likely.
Before he left, Father reminded us that we would meet at ten in the morning for our first ‘class’.
I sighed in resignation, not looking forward to it one little bit. When I glanced at Edward, his unhappy expression mirrored mine.
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