As I'd told her before, she was my person. If anyone could soothe my anxiety over having sex with Edward, it was my soon to be sister, Rosalie.
"Are you sure you won't reconsider?" Edward asked as he put on his jacket.
Today, Edward and Emmett were having lunch with Clint, as in Clint Eastwood. They had originally asked me and Rosalie to attend, but knowing that they were going to try to get Clint on board with an attempt to prank my father, I came to the conclusion that the less I knew about it, the better.
Besides, I wasn't in the mood to meet Clint. I had enough on my plate without putting myself through that. Rose didn't want to go without me, so she declined the offer as well.
"Come on Bella. What's the real reason you didn't go today? I know you want to talk about something. So let's eat and discuss whatever's on your mind." Rose smiled as we dug into the spread of Chinese food on her coffee table.
I took a big bite of Szechuan Chicken. "I want to ask about sex." I whispered around my food at the precise moment the hot and spicy hit my taste buds. "Holy shit!" I exclaimed as I grabbed for my glass of water.
Rose chuckled. "Lightweight." She smirked then and tilted her head to the side as she watched me. "I distinctly remember forcing you to read all those sex help articles in Cosmo. Have you forgotten everything?" She asked with a grin.
I swallowed hard. "In a word, yes." I answered before I drew in a deep breath.
"What do you need to know?"
"Everything." I admitted, before all my worries seemed to spill out of me in a rush. "I mean, I'm nervous about having sex for the first time. I know I shouldn't be because it's with Edward and it will be beautiful, but I can't stop my mind from imagining all sorts of horrible scenarios caused by my nervousness and inexperience. And I know Edward's inexperienced too, but let's face it that man has a body built for sex, and I've never known him to be less than perfect at anything he attempts." It seemed fitting to pause for a moment of silence as I pondered Edward's gorgeous body. I sighed before continuing, "Don't get me wrong, I really, really, want to have sex with Edward, it's just that I'm intimidated by the thought of it. I just know that I'm going to freak out or something. Maybe I should drink a lot of alcohol beforehand, yeah, that would relax me….oh great then Edward will have a drunken sloppy virgin bride on his hands…" I babbled on, talking more to myself than to Rose at this point.
I felt a soft touch on my hands as I sat there wringing them together. I glanced up at Rose, fully expecting to see her familiar smirk. Instead, she had a look of kindness and compassion on her beautiful face.
"Bella, please take a breath." She whispered.
"First of all, on your wedding night, I would let Edward lead you honey." She said quietly. "Even though he's not experienced, I can guarantee you that he's fully aware of what to do. You just let him know what feels good, and you'll learn together." She smiled. "There's no magic formula Bells, and after you've done the deed a couple of times," The smirk returned "you'll each begin to learn what the other likes."
"The most important thing to do is try to relax, or you won't enjoy it." She said with a far-off look in her eyes. "The thing about first-time sex is that you could have the most miserable experience of your life but the guy could still get off, not giving a shit about what you're going through…" Her facial expression morphed into an angry glare as she stared out the window.
I frowned in my confusion and gently touched her shoulder.
"Rose" I whispered. This caught her attention and her face changed back to that of the compassionate friend of a moment ago. "Are you okay? Should I be upset with my brother?" I couldn't imagine that Emmett would treat Rose the way she described. Frankly, the thought made me a little sick.
She looked horrified. "No, God no Bells." She let out a breath. "Emmett is the best thing that has ever happened to me." She shook her head. "No, I was talking about before."
Oh shit. I knew that Rose and Emmett hated her old boyfriend, but she never volunteered any information about him.
"Emmett wasn't my first Bella." She said wistfully. "How I wish he was." She added. She looked me in the eyes. "I never told you this story, because I would like to forget it ever happened, but try as I might, I haven't been able to. It will always be a part of who I am." She sighed. "I only had one other serious relationship before I met your brother. I was in high school, and it only lasted a year. At first, Shawn," She winced as she said his name "treated me like a princess, sending me flowers and little gifts for no reason. Taking me to the movies and out to dinner. However, after a few months, he started to pressure me about having sex." She took a deep breath. "I made it clear I wasn't ready, and he backed off. For a time."
I could see that she was uncomfortable. "Rose, you don't need to tell me this."
She smiled ruefully. "Yes, I think I do. It will remind us both of just how fortunate we are to have Emmett and Edward." She patted my hand with a smile. "He started to become very demanding, and jealous. He accused me, of seeing other people, simply because I wasn't ready to have sex with him." She frowned as she remembered this painful time.
"Of course when he started to treat me like that, the last thing I wanted was to have sex with him." She looked toward the window. "The night he took my virginity, I was in a drunken stupor. The only problem was that I hadn't been drinking much. I don't remember a lot of what happened, only that it was painful and ugly." She took a sip of tea. "In the days that followed, the bits and pieces I did remember convinced me that I'd been a victim of date rape. I will always believe that he slipped something in my drink."
I gasped and covered my mouth with my hand. "It's okay Bells. I'm okay." She bit her lip as she thought. "I avoided Shawn for weeks, until one day my mother allowed him in the house. Even though I'd confided in her what happened, she determined that I was exaggerating." Rose narrowed her eyes. "That was the first time I realized that social status meant more to Mother than her own children did, as Shawn's parents were, and are, influential members of Seattle society."
That bitch. This gives me one more reason to hate her.
"Obviously, he denied forcing me, or tampering with my drink, but I was done with him. I told him I never wanted to see him again. He left under protest, and from that day became my personal stalker." She shook her head in disgust. "Jasper took it upon himself to become my body guard whenever he could." She said with a chuckle. "That was when I learned that my brother fights dirty. He was younger and smaller than Shawn, but never lost a fight."
She smiled then as she continued. "You knew I met Emmett at a party?"
I nodded.
"Shawn and I had been broken up for months. He showed up at that party, and Emmett saw him grab my arm. Now, I didn't know Emmett from the man in the moon, but when I watched him haul Shawn outside and proceed to beat the shit out of him, I was in love." She giggled.
I smiled.
"Emmett and I talk about it sometimes. He tells me that since I don't remember, and what I do remember isn't pleasant, that as far as he's concerned, he was my first. Over the years, that's how I've chosen to see it also. I do know that if he ever sees Shawn again, he'll probably kill him for the way he treated me." She whispered.
I searched her face to find any sign that she was joking. There wasn't one.
"Anyway, I hope I didn't frighten you with the details of my first time." She looked at me sadly. "I know your experience with be vastly different. Bells, I've watched Edward for months. That man would cut off a limb before he'd do anything to hurt you. He's a good person, and he loves you more than life itself. Otherwise how could we bear to give you up?" She said with a watery smile.
I felt something wet on my cheek, and realized that I too was crying. Without another word, I wrapped my arms around my best friend and cried softly into her shoulder.
After Rose reassured me that Edward's 'size' could only be a good thing, and that my body would adjust to it, I felt a lot better.
We sat there quietly sipping our tea before Rose spoke again. "So he's big huh?" She asked suggestively.
I frowned and nodded, wondering where she was going with this.
Rose smiled brilliantly. "Do you realize what that little tidbit of information is worth? I mean, the man is gorgeous. It doesn't seem fair that along with the hair, face, body and voice that he'd be well endowed too." She finished with a cackle.
"Rose!" I exclaimed in shock.
"Can you imagine Bella? He's already the object of millions of women's fantasies. If this were to become public knowledge, the sale of vibrators alone would skyrocket." She continued to laugh.
"Rosalie!" I shouted in my indignation.
"They could market a special Edward Masen edition..."
"Don't make me hurt you." I threatened through clenched teeth as I pinched her arm.
"Sorry" She muttered, but continued to snicker for quite a while after.
We changed the subject after that, deciding to talk about our new homes.
As it turned out, we had chosen houses only a few miles from each other.
Every day, the excitement I felt at the thought of my new life grew, and I couldn't wait to get there.
-V&V—
"You know, I didn't think life could get any better!" Emmett boomed as soon as he and Edward walked through the door.
Rose greeted him with a kiss as Edward made his way over to me on the sofa, kissing my lips before sitting beside me. "What's happened Monkey Man?" Rose asked.
"I, Emmett Swan, am going to make a cameo appearance in Clint and Eddie's movie." He grinned widely.
"Emmett, I don't think Clint meant it as a reward. He wanted to see how serious you were when you offered it as payment for him pranking your Dad." Edward said with a light chuckle. "I don't think he expected you to jump at the chance of showing your bare ass on the big screen."
"Hell yes!" He shouted as he did a little fist pump. "Too bad he didn't know that's always been a personal fantasy of mine." Emmett was beaming. "Next weekend, I get to marry the woman of my dreams, I'm going to be a Daddy before the year is over, and as soon as this movie hits the theaters, every horny female and probably a fair number of males get to drool over my hot ass on a movie screen!"
Edward groaned and palmed his face. "You're just jealous Eddie." Emmett was still grinning "You don't get to show your ass this time, and I do."
Edward was still laughing quietly. "No, Emmett. No jealousy. This is all yours man."
Emmett looked thoughtful for a moment. "Do you think I would benefit from an acting class?" He asked.
Edward shook his head in confusion. "Emmett, I don't think that's going to matter. You'll be on screen for like a minute. Correction, your ass will be on screen." He said before blurting out a laugh.
Emmett smirked. "Yeah, but maybe my ass would benefit from a class or two. You know, I need to be ready for my instructions from the director. How exactly does he want my ass cheeks to play the scene?" He continued as we fell apart in silent laughter. "To clench or not to clench, that is the question."
Yeah, the laughter wasn't silent any more.
-V&V—
"Oh that is lovely Rosalie." Mrs. Whitlock said before turning toward me. "Isabella, write down antique crystal bowl from Mrs. Armand Blanton." Mrs. Whitlock instructed in a patronizing tone as I followed her instructions.
Bitch
It was Wednesday evening and we were in the midst of Rose's Bridal shower. There was no way to avoid Rose's Mom since the shower was being held in her home.
She'd insisted.
Ever since Rose had told the story about her vile ex-boyfriend, I'd lost what little respect I had for Mrs. Whitlock.
This new information, added to the fact that she didn't think Emmett was good enough to marry Rose, or that she wished Rose would have chosen one of her cousins to be her maid of honor, made it hard to utter a civil word to the woman.
Bitch could go to hell
As Rose continued to open gifts, my mind drifted, and I wondered what was happening across town where the guys and Charlie were having dinner with Clint.
I'm sure I'll hear all about it.
"Alright ladies, I believe the next thing on the agenda is a bridal shower game arranged by Isabella." Mrs. Whitlock announced with some disdain.
This game was a far cry from the Bachelorette party game. I was suddenly wishing I'd purchased a package of penis straws to set by Mrs. Whitlock's crystal punch bowl.
I snickered at the thought.
The first game was all about proving how well you knew the bride. Since I wrote the series of questions, I of course, opted out. Mrs. Whitlock sulked when Alice made a perfect score, and won a small prize.
It wouldn't have been as bad for Mrs. Whitlock if she hadn't felt the need to brag the entire time we played about how well she knew her daughter.
Sadly, it seemed that she didn't know her at all.
-V&V—
It was with a sigh of relief that Alice, Esme and I packed the last of Rose's gifts in the car and made our way back to the house. Upon entering the foyer, I could hear Rose whisper-yelling from the direction of the dining room.
"Well then I'm glad it wasn't your decision Mother."
"Rosalie, why are you so angry with me? I'm only trying to explain that I'm having difficulty understanding why you would include the Mother/Son dance at all. You should eliminate it altogether." She said with evident disgust. "I don't see the need to replace it with a Brother/Sister dance. I've never heard of such a thing."
"It's what Emmett and I want Mother. We choose to remember Renee. What better way than to have her children share a dance that would have been hers?"
Mrs. Whitlock grunted her disapproval. "Aren't you already lighting a special candle in her memory? I mean seriously Rosalie, I'm sorry the woman is dead, but none of your silly symbolism is going to bring her back."
Alice took a step, no doubt intending to march in there and give her mother-in-law a piece of her mind, but Esme stayed her with a hand on her arm. With her other hand, she reached over and clasped mine, giving it a little squeeze.
"You know what mother? You are a grade A bitch." Rose said in a menacing voice.
Mrs. Whitlock gasped.
"I didn't get to spend a lot of time with Renee before she was taken from us, but I'll say one thing, at least all the memories I have of her are happy ones. I can't say the same about you."
"Rosalie!" Mrs. Whitlock tried to interrupt.
"No. You've had your say. I've had to listen to your brand of bullshit my entire life. Not. Any. More." Rose took a breath. "You know, I'm sorry that your family is so fucked up that it messed with your head. You need serious therapy Mother. I suggest you get it, because I promise you this: if you don't get your mind right before Baby Swan is born, I will see to it that you will have no place in my child's life. I refuse to allow you to do to my baby, what you did to me and Jasper."
"Rosalie, you can't stop me from seeing my grandchild!"
"I can, and I will." Rose assured. "It's a little late to keep you from my wedding, but understand that if you do one thing to piss me off, I will have you forcibly removed."
I smiled as I cheered silently for my best friend.
"I want your promise right now that you will reign in the bitch and give me a happy wedding day." Rose demanded.
Her mother was quiet for a long moment before letting out a breath. "I promise" she finally answered in a small voice.
"Good." Rose answered in a forceful tone. "For some reason, I love you Mother, but I certainly don't like you very much."
-V&V-
After the bridal shower, we followed Esme and Alice to the Cullen house.
Edward sent a text telling me that they would meet us back at his parents' house sometime after dinner. After spending the entire afternoon together, I was surprised to see no sign of them when we got to the Cullens'. Esme, Alice, Rose and I decided to relax on the patio while we waited.
"So" Rose grinned. "I wonder what they did to Charlie?" She asked as we sat on the patio watching the water and drinking iced tea.
"You don't know?" I asked, surprised.
"No. Emmett said that Clint was handling everything."
"Poor Charlie." I whispered, while at the same time dying to learn what had happened.
I didn't have long to wonder before we heard the sound of my brother's booming voice coming from just inside the house. I turned to see Charlie, Carlisle and Clint walking toward us, as Edward, Jasper and Emmett followed behind. All of them were grinning from ear to ear.
As I took in the way Edward, Emmett and Jasper were walking, I could tell they had been drinking. Quite a lot judging by the way Edward stumbled through the doorway and Emmett had to catch himself before falling in him. Jasper stood behind them laughing.
"Would you try not to fucking fall on me?" Edward admonished Emmett with a laugh.
"Language Edward." Esme scolded. Edward looked sheepish. "Sorry Mom". He muttered while Emmett and Jasper laughed at him.
When our Dads and Clint reached us, Clint gestured with his thumb toward Emmett, Jasper and Edward, "Can't hold their liquor." He said with a smile.
Carlisle made the introductions, and once we were all seated on the patio, Edward and I sharing a lounger, Rose got right to the point. "What the hell went on tonight? And I want the whole story."
"All I can say is that Clint deserves another Oscar after his performance tonight." Emmett announced with a bit of a slur and a big smile.
-V&V—
"Come on my drunken man." I said as I led Edward from the elevator to my apartment.
"Ah, only half-drunk now." He smirked as he wrapped his arms around me and started kissing my neck while I fumbled with the keys. Not surprisingly, I dropped them.
Twice.
As soon as we were finally in the apartment, Edward retreated to the bathroom for a shower as I poured us a couple of drinks; soft drinks. I rifled through the mail, finding a letter postmarked Arizona. A glance at the return address, and I knew immediately who it was from. I took a breath before tearing it open.
It was from Phil, the man my mother was in a relationship with at the time of her death. I knew she'd loved Phil, and I'd always believed that, had she lived, they would have gotten married.
Dear Izzy,
I smiled sadly, remembering how Phil used to call me by that name.
I can't tell you how surprised and happy I was to receive your wedding invitation. Not surprised that you were getting married, that's been all over the news. But I was surprised and happy that you'd want me to be there.
Emmett invited me to his too. How do you like that? I always thought he didn't like me. Unfortunately, I had to decline that invite because I leave for Tokyo on business on the twenty-second and won't return until the end of the month.
If you still want me though, I'd like to attend yours.
I drew in a deep breath.
I'll be coming alone. Still single. Although I've dated a few different women these past seven years, I've never found anyone to compare to Renee. She was one of a kind, you know?
I sighed thinking how that bastard Jeffrey Dryden had destroyed so many hopes for the future that day.
I think about you Izzy, and wonder how you're doing. I've kept in touch with Charlie over the years, checking in on you from time to time, he assures me you're happy.
I know these last seven years have been difficult, and I don't want my presence to be a painful reminder of the past, so please be honest with me if you've changed your mind.
If I don't hear from you, I'll see you on August 14th.
Love ya kiddo,
Phil
I hadn't realized I was trembling until I felt Edward wrap his hand gently around my wrist as he pulled the note out of my grasp. "Bella?" He looked at me in bewilderment.
"Just read it." I whispered. I was shaky, but didn't feel the urge to cry.
As he read, Edward's hand was on my back, rubbing soothing circles. "Are you okay?" He asked once he'd finished.
I took a breath. "Yeah, I mean part of me is glad he's coming, but the other part is a little afraid to see him again. Try as I might to not let it, seeing Phil will dredge up the past."
"Bella, he's given you an out. Perhaps you should tell him it's better if he didn't come?"
I frowned. "No Edward. If I don't break down over the fact that my Mom isn't there to help me into my gown and give me one last hug and kiss before I walk down the aisle, I'm not going to lose it over seeing her old boyfriend."
He looked unconvinced. "I'm really thinking Vegas would have been a good idea." He said with a small smile.
I laughed, and the stress of a moment vanished. In a little over three weeks' time, I was going to be Edward's wife; we would be promising the rest of our lives to one another. I knew that nothing could mar that day unless I chose to allow it.
"I'll be fine." I assured as I put the note away.
-V&V—
The next two days were a blur of excitement. Christopher arrived with a slew of assistants to do the final fitting for every member of Rose and Emmett's rather large bridal party.
Duke arrived on Thursday in order to attend Emmett and Rose's wedding, and he would be staying until after our wedding.
I helped Rose, her mother and the wedding planner with the final touches, and by Friday morning, the day before the big day, we were ready.
Rose and Emmett's rehearsal dinner was to be held at the Westin, the same location as the wedding reception the next day, and the same place Emmett had proposed seven short months ago.
As we rode to the Cathedral for the rehearsal, my mind was filled with memories of that night, and I smiled to myself. Suddenly, I felt Edward squeeze my hand. "What are you thinking about?"
"The night Emmett proposed." I whispered as I looked into his brilliant green eyes.
Edward gave me a soft smile. "The first of many New Years I intend to spend with you my love." He said as he pulled my hand up and turned it over in order to kiss my palm before placing my hand over his heart and holding it there.
"Hey Sissy" Emmett greeted me with a hug inside the church. "Have you seen Pops yet?" He asked after shaking Edward's hand.
I shook my head. I hadn't heard a word from my father since the day before. "It's still a little early Emmett. He may have run into traffic on the way here." I tried to assure.
Just then, hearing the doors open, I turned and sighed with relief when I saw my Dad, still in uniform, enter through them. My eyes opened wide in surprise when I noticed who was walking beside him.
Not just walking beside him, but holding his hand.
Miss North?
In the busy weeks leading up to this wedding, I'd completely forgotten about Charlie's 'plus one' on his RSVP.
"Whoa" Rose gasped.
"Well I'll be ..." Emmett muttered under his breath as he watched Charlie approach.
"Emmett" I whispered-yelled, stopping him before he had the chance to curse in church.
Don't want my brother to commit that faux pas.
Been there, fucking done that.
"Hey kids." My Dad said with a sheepish smile.
Miss North looked a little wary as she took in our shocked faces.
Charlie cleared his throat. "Well, um, you all know Suzanne." He said by way of introduction.
Charlie's been dating Miss North?
Edward, realizing that our silence was bordering on rude, reached his hand out for a shake. "Hello Suzanne, good to see you again." He said in a voice like velvet.
That woke me up, and I immediately reached for her hand. "Hello Miss North".
She frowned. "Bella please, it's Suzanne." She said pointedly.
"Oh, of course." I said apologetically.
Rose and Emmett greeted her, before Emmett blurted out the question on everyone's mind. "So, are you two dating now?"
Charlie rolled his eyes. "Yes Emmett."
"Since when?" Emmett pressed.
"For a couple of months, not that it's any of your business." Charlie said defensively.
Suzanne interrupted. "I've known your father for years. We got a little better acquainted at prom. Then I ran into him at the grocery store about a week later, and we chatted as we shopped." She smiled. "He asked me out the next day."
Just then Father Pat drew our attention to the front in order to begin the rehearsal. Emmett quirked an eyebrow at our Dad, "We're not done here." He said with a pointed look before giving Charlie a broad smile.
Charlie sighed and rolled his eyes.
I tried to pay attention to the rehearsal instructions, but every now and then my gaze would wander to Miss North's, er Suzanne's face, noticing how her eyes shined as she watched my father.
It gave me a strange uncomfortable feeling at first. It was something I knew I'd have to process. Dad had never dated anyone in all the years since he and Mom had divorced. Emmett had told me as much. Even after Mom's death, he hadn't shown any interest in another woman.
What made Suzanne so special?
This felt weird, almost like he was forgetting my Mom. Like he was moving on…
But hadn't Mom moved on?
The note I'd received from Phil had brought home that reality. Remembering her words the day she died in which she confessed to still loving my Dad, but admitted that it would never be enough to make her return to her old life in Forks, brought everything into sharper focus.
I let out a breath and spent the next few minutes watching my father. Every now and then he would look over at Suzanne and smile in a way I hadn't seen since I was a small child.
My selfish thoughts and feelings were immediately pushed aside as I realized that my Dad looked happy. For the first time in many years, he looked really, really happy.
I gasped as the thought hit me.
Charlie's in love!
I glanced toward Rose and she flashed a knowing smile.
She's always so much better at reading people's feelings than I am.
At that very moment, I felt warm arms encircle my waist from behind, and a velvet voice whisper in my ear. "You ready baby?"
I turned to look at Edward.
He blurted out a quiet laugh at my confused expression. "The rehearsal's over sweetheart." He looked into my eyes and sighed. "Where did you go just now?"
I looked around, making sure no one was within earshot, and was pleased that everyone was headed for the doors. "I think my Dad may be in love" I whispered with wide eyes.
Edward turned to watch Charlie and Suzanne as they exited through the doors, hand in hand once again. He turned back to face me with a smile. "You may be right Bella. Does the thought bother you?"
Did it?
I frowned. "It did for like a minute." I admitted. "But seeing him so happy… I never realized how important that was to me." I bit my lip. "It makes me feel guilty though, like I should be upset because he's finally moving on."
Edward nodded, but didn't respond.
We were quiet during the ride to the rehearsal dinner when he suddenly turned to me. "You shouldn't feel guilty Bella."
"Hmm?" I asked as I turned to look at him while Sidney drove us through the rainy Seattle streets.
"It's taken your Dad a long time to find someone. Don't feel guilty that he's finally happy again." His face took on a pained expression and he sighed before pulling me against him.
-V&V—
"Rosalie, I cannot believe you hired a stripper for your bachelorette party." Emmett announced with a scowl as a couple of Rose's bridesmaids shared their photos with him. Thankfully, they waited until our parents and Father Pat had gone. "Just tell me you didn't touch that dude." Emmett asked with a pout.
Rose grinned, getting precisely the reaction she'd hoped for. "No, monkey man." She whispered as she looped her arm through his. "I posed for a couple photos with him, but my hands stayed above the waist."
We lingered for a while, reluctant to leave until Alice stood and announced in an authoritative voice, "Okay ladies, it is time we go to our rooms. We all have a big day tomorrow."
Alice and I were spending the night with Rose in what would be her and Emmett's bridal suite the next night. Emmett, Charlie and Jasper were staying in Emmett and Rose's apartment. Edward would be staying in mine. The rest of the wedding party would be scattered here and there, those from out of town, staying in rooms at the Westin, while some of the cousins were staying with the Whitlocks.
Suzanne had left with Esme and Carlisle, obviously spending the night at their house.
"I can't guarantee that I won't sneak back here early tomorrow." Edward said with a smirk as he pulled me into his arms to say goodbye. "I hate being away from you."
"Please." I said with a nod. "You can come have breakfast with me."
"Don't you have to do that with Rose and the girls?"
I frowned. "Yes." I sighed, before brightening once again. "But after that all we'll be doing is getting our hair and makeup done. You could come see me." I smiled.
He grinned back. "I'll see what I can do. Sweet dreams my love." He said before kissing me one last time.
-V&V—
We had a cup of tea before Alice and I shooed Rose off to bed. "Rose, you need your sleep tonight, so does the baby. You're going to have a very busy day tomorrow sweetie." Alice said in a soothing voice.
"It's the most important day of my life." Rose stuttered out as her lip quivered. "I can't shake this sudden case of nerves though."
I rubbed her arm. "Everything will be perfect Rose, you'll see."
She laughed. "Just think, in three weeks I'll be saying those same words to you Bella."
I didn't laugh, it was impossible when I felt a sudden twist in my stomach at the thought.
Rose patted my hand. "Bella, don't you start getting nervous too. I don't think I'll be able to handle that on top of everything else." She said with a smile.
I shook my head. "I'm fine."
Rose smiled back. "I think I'll try to sleep. Tomorrow will be here before we know it." She said as she stood.
When I slipped into her room to check on her about a half hour later, she was sound asleep.
Alice and I sat on the sofa for a bit longer, discussing the schedule for the next day. All of a sudden, she got a strange look on her face and froze in concentration. She grabbed her phone and dialed.
"Jasper Whitlock, you'd better phone me back as soon as you get this." Her voice then turned pleading. "Please tell me you didn't get arrested."
She ended the call and frowned at me.
"Alice, what's going on?" I asked.
"I'm not exactly sure. But whatever it was, Jasper was the most involved." She bit her lip worriedly.
I immediately called Edward, but was only able to reach his voicemail. When we'd left the restaurant to come upstairs, a few of the guys were going to the bar for a drink. I wracked my brain to remember who else was in their group. The last call I made was to Emmett, once again reaching his voicemail.
I tossed my phone on the sofa in frustration. There was no way either Alice or I were going to be able to sleep until we'd heard from Edward and Jasper. I had just made the decision to get dressed and go down to the bar when there was a knock on the door.
I opened it to find three slightly inebriated men, grinning at me. "Bella!" Emmett boomed as he pulled me into a bear hug. As glad as I was to see Edward, I was a little concerned about his disheveled appearance.
Drinking again!
I had to admit he was adorable with his riotous mess of hair, part of which was falling down over his forehead and into his eyes.
Hmm, he'll need a haircut soon
Alice spoke, jarring me from my moment of Edward ogling. "What in the world have you three been up to, and why are you here?" She demanded. "Jasper! Your face!" She said with a gasp.
I tore my eyes away from Edward and looked at Jasper. Alice was gingerly touching his jaw were a purple bruise was starting to form. He'd definitely been in a fist fight. He also had a small cut on his lip.
Jasper touched his lip self-consciously. "That's nothing darlin', you should see the other guy." He grinned as Edward and Emmett laughed.
"Would you girls mind if we came inside to talk about this? I don't think it's a good idea to have this conversation in the hall." Emmett said at an almost normal volume.
We pulled them into the sitting area, but before we could interrogate them, Emmett interrupted. "I'm going to say goodnight to Rosie."
Alice held up her hand. "Hold it right there Mister." She then looked at her watch and let out a breath. "Okay, it's not midnight yet, you can go in there, but you only have five minutes!"
Emmett grinned. "Yes Ma'am." He answered with a small salute.
Alice chuckled and sat down before turning to Edward and Jasper. She held her hands as if in supplication. "Well?"
Jasper wrapped his arm around Alice's shoulders pulling her close. "As you know, a few of us went to the bar after you girls came upstairs. One drink turned into two, but we were enjoying ourselves. One by one, the guys started to leave until it was just the three of us." Jasper spoke in a low melodic voice. "We had just decided to go back to the apartment before Charlie came looking for us."
"Jasper went to the men's room while Emmett and I settled the bill and went to wait in the lobby for him, and for Sidney to bring the car up." Edward informed.
Jasper nodded. "As I was walking back through the bar, I heard a voice I hadn't heard in years." He said in disgust. "Rose's ex-boyfriend was sitting there in a booth mauling some chick, and the fucker had the nerve to say something to me about my sister as I passed him."
Jasper grinned at Alice. "You know me, I wasn't gonna put up with that shit. I pulled him out of the booth and all the way out to the parking lot."
Alice's mouth fell open before she half-covered it with her hand. "You didn't" She gasped.
Jasper quirked an eyebrow. "I did." He grinned. "I made sure that he took the first swing. He even got in a lucky shot or two, but after that, I fucked him up real good." Jasper announced with a satisfied smile.
Edward laughed. "When Jasper didn't come out, we went looking for him. There was a commotion in the bar, as everyone had gathered in front of the windows to watch the fight."
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing." Emmett's voice sounded from behind us. It startled me a little because I hadn't heard him return. "There are only a couple people in this world that I feel true hatred for, and Shawn Hodges is one." Emmett looked at me. "Rosie said she told you about him." He said in a whisper.
I nodded.
"I told Edward about him on the way up here." He let out a breath as he sat down on the sofa and rubbed his face with his hands. "I want to kill that fucker" He admitted. "But" He gave Edward a hard look. "Someone wouldn't let me." He then grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "Probably a good thing, considering I'm getting married tomorrow."
I smiled at my brother.
"Besides, Franny here did okay without me."
As he always did, Jasper winced at the nickname.
Alice kissed Jasper's bruised jaw. "You are such a good brother Jazz."
He smiled before his expression became serious. "Emmett and I discussed it; we're not going to tell Rose about tonight. I want her wedding day to be perfect; she doesn't need to think about that piece of shit."
"But Jazz, how will you explain your face?" Alice asked, a little worried.
He shrugged. "I drank a little too much and got in a fight with someone in the bar. It's true enough." He grinned.
Alice smiled. "I think I have something that will cover the bruise for tomorrow."
"Alice, I am not wearing makeup!"
"Jasper Whitlock, you can't look like that for the wedding photos! Stop being ornery."
Jasper groaned.
"Alright boys, as much as I'd like you to stay, it's time for you to go home and for Bella and I to go to sleep. We'll see you all tomorrow." Alice announced before she kissed Jasper soundly and herded all three men toward the door.
I pulled Edward toward mine and Alice's room. "Give me a minute Alice."
Alice frowned. "You've got exactly one minute Miss Swan." She then made a point of staring at her wristwatch.
Edward and I giggled as we slipped out of sight.
I opened my mouth to speak, but never had the chance before his lips were touching mine. The kiss quickly becomes heated as he gently sucked on my lower lip. Without realizing it, I moan into his mouth. Edward reacted by pulling me impossibly closer until there wasn't a hair's breadth between us.
Every nerve ending in my body was suddenly alive. I was aware of the roomful of family members separated from us by only a wall, but I didn't care. I wanted this man so badly, and I knew that all my worries and fears about my wedding night had been unwarranted. There would be nothing to fear, not from my Edward.
Even as he broke the kiss, I couldn't help but sigh contentedly. Reluctant to leave as ever, he left feather light kisses along my jaw and neck, before pulling away and looking into my eyes.
"I love you Edward" I whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow." I said as I gave him one last peck on the lips.
"I love you Bella." He leaned down to whisper in my ear. "Dream of me tonight." He said in a voice like velvet, causing my nerve endings to be on alert all over again.
He disappeared with a chuckle, leaving me standing there in a daze.
It wasn't the first time.
-V&V—
It was a long day which started with brunch for the bride and bridesmaids. After that, the hairdressers and makeup artists descended upon us. Rose's suite was a study in organized chaos.
True to his word, Edward stopped by, but he wasn't allowed to stay long. We basically had time for a quick kiss and a cuddle before his sister unceremoniously threw him out.
I gave her the hardest glare I could muster, and she laughed in my face.
As soon as we were dressed, one of the photographers arrived, and it seemed that every time I turned around I was getting caught by surprise. Rose wanted candids of all the moments leading up to the ceremony.
It was annoying.
Rose and Emmett had hired the two former paps, Brian, or as Emmett called him 'Chip', and Dale to shoot their wedding day photos. After seeing their samples, Edward and I had done the same, but only after they had taken a vow of secrecy regarding our wedding date and location.
The large fee Edward was willing to pay ensured their cooperation in that regard.
For Rose and Emmett's wedding, Dale had been assigned to us, and Chip was supposedly photographing my brother and the groomsmen as they gathered at St. James Cathedral.
Once the final touches to hair and makeup were complete and our gowns were in perfect order, we began the trek to the elevators. "Crap, I forgot the garter." Rose announced as we walked down the hall.
"I'll get it" Alice practically shouted as she turned and sprinted back toward the suite. Luckily her assistants were still in there clearing the room so that the bride and groom would find no evidence of the pandemonium when they arrived later tonight.
As fast as lighting, Alice made it back to us, just as the elevator doors opened. "Thanks Alice." Rose said as she grabbed the garter and entered the elevator. In true Rosalie Whitlock fashion, she pulled up her dress in full view of us all, and slipped the garter very high on her right leg.
"Nice thong Rose." Her cousin Harriet remarked with a snicker.
"Thanks" Rose answered in a sickeningly sweet voice before sticking out her tongue.
We laughed.
-V&V—
If I hadn't been looking in the direction of the door, I would have missed Jasper slipping into the room.
He's like a damned Ninja
He approached us with a smile. Rose, Alice and I were closeted away in a small room, just off the foyer of the Cathedral.
Jasper gave Rose a big hug before carefully kissing her cheek. "How ya holding up?" He questioned with a grin.
"Eh, so-so."
Jasper chuckled. "Just think Rose, once the ceremony's over, you're gonna have one bitchin party."
"I do love a party." She smiled then, a genuine smile.
"There's my girl." Jasper whispered as he gave her one last hug. "I'd better get out there. Oh, by the way Bella, Emmett would like to see you, he's just outside the door."
Upon hearing that, Alice flew to the door and cracked it open just wide enough to peer through it with one eye. "Emmett Swan, you need to move away from this door pronto!" She ordered. "Don't give me that look, you go stand way over there by that wall, and maybe I'll let Bella come out to speak with you."
We were laughing at Alice's antics until she finally turned toward me. "Bella, come here."
When I reached her, she barely opened the door enough for me to squeeze through.
I saw my brother standing against the far wall, smiling from ear to ear. I closed the space between us quickly, and pulled him into a hug.
"I just wanted to see you before the ceremony." He admitted. "Rose nervous?"
I nodded. "You could say that." I smiled as I studied his face. "How about you?"
"I am actually calm." He shrugged when he saw my shocked expression. "I know, it surprised the hell out of me too." He added with a chuckle.
He sighed. "Today, my life changes forever, for the better."
"And mine in three weeks." I added happily. "Our family is growing." I grinned up at him. "It feels pretty good."
He nodded and was quiet for a minute. "I wish Mom could be here." He added, and for the first time in a long time, I watched as my brother's bright blue eyes clouded over with tears.
He quickly rubbed his thumb and fingers over them, but couldn't stop a few tears from escaping and trailing down his cheeks.
I blinked several times, trying to keep my own tears at bay. It didn't help.
I really don't want to be a blubbering mess today.
As I wrapped my arms around my giant of a brother, allowing him to cry silently into my shoulder, I couldn't stop my own tears from trailing down my cheeks.
"That is so beautiful" I heard Christopher's voice from just behind us. I turned to see him wiping his own tears away with a handkerchief. Emmett regained control as he caught sight of Chris and chuckled lightly then.
"I can't help myself; I've got to hug you both. Weddings are so emotional!" Chris exclaimed as he hugged first Emmett and then me.
"Now, Mr. Groom, you need to be someplace else. Anywhere is better than here." He directed.
Emmett gave me one more quick hug and a smile, before vanishing through the interior doors.
-V&V-
"It's almost time" Alice announced with a beautiful smile as we continued to wait in the room off of the foyer.
At that exact moment, Colonel Whitlock appeared through the door. As soon as he took in the sight of his daughter, he smiled at her lovingly.
Damn, I've never seen him smile like that before. It's kind of creepy.
"How are you doing Rosie?" He asked as he took a seat beside her and held her hand.
I knew I was gaping at them with my mouth hanging open, but I couldn't help it. This behavior was way out of character for the Colonel.
Rose seemed unfazed. "I'm okay Daddy, just a little nervous."
"Just picture everyone in their underwear." He whispered conspiratorially. "Works for me when I have to go to the Pentagon." He said with a deep chuckle.
Okay that's even creepier.
I bet he chuckles just like that before he strangles someone.
Colonel Whitlock cleared his throat. "I heard about the ultimatum you gave your Mother the other day."
"She told you?" Rose asked in surprise.
I suddenly felt the need to give them some privacy, and started to move away.
"Bella, sit back down." Rose barked. "You don't need to leave." Then she smiled apologetically. "Please stay with me." She added in a whisper.
I nodded once and sat down.
"What you said seems to have finally gotten through to her." Colonel Whitlock continued. "She wants to try and repair her relationship with you kids. God knows she needs to."
He sighed.
"Daddy, you know I'd never stop you from seeing your grandchild don't you?"
He smiled. "I assumed as much, but either way, your Mama has got a lot of work to do. She knows it. She's even made an appointment with a therapist."
Rose looked at him in shock.
He chuckled. "So you know she must be serious." He stood then and took her hand. "Come on" He said with a wink. "I have a daughter to give away." Rose smiled as he led her through the doors into the foyer where the other bridesmaids were already lined up. I took my place in front of Rose, and Alice in front of me.
I could hear the final strains of Air from Handel's Water Music.
Breathe Bella
The music Rose had chosen was fitting for the Cathedral setting, beautiful and majestic. I smiled when I thought of the relatively simple pieces we'd chosen for our ceremony, knowing they'd be perfect for us.
We were lined up, bouquets in hand when the opening notes of Charpentier's Te Deum sounded.
Alice and I turned and gave one more reassuring smile to Rose before preparing for our walk down the very long aisle. I tried to keep my eyes on the back of Alice's head rather than on the many faces that were turned in our direction. Mercifully, as soon as Rose emerged, all eyes were trained on her, and I breathed a small sigh of relief.
As I approached the altar, it was my brother's face I saw first, happier than I'd ever seen him. Next, I glanced at Charlie beaming from where he stood next to Emmett. Jasper smiled at Alice, then me and lastly his sister.
Finally, my eyes landed on Edward's face, and the smile he wore as he watched me, was enough to take my breath away.
I knew in my heart that this would be the same awed look I was sure to see on our wedding day. Edward's eyes never left mine as I approached.
The only thing stopping me from running and jumping into his arms at that exact moment was the fact that I wanted this ceremony to be perfect for my brother and Rose. I owed them that much.
The Archbishop gave a short greeting and an opening prayer. I paid attention, realizing that a lot of what I heard and saw today would mirror my own wedding.
Before the wedding ceremony itself, Father Pat stood to give a short sermon. "Welcome friends and family of Rosalie and Emmett here to celebrate this most important day with them." He smiled. "And despite the rain, it has turned out to be a beautiful day as well. For today, we witness a young couple make the commitment to live together in Christian marriage."
"Marriage itself was instituted by God in the Garden of Eden when He said 'It is not good for Man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him'." Father smiled. "Rosalie and Emmett, you have each found that life partner, and with the graces you receive here today, along with the love you have for one another, you will go forward from this place and face all of your tomorrows together as one in Christ."
Every time I peeked over at Edward, he would catch my eye and give me a smile.
Three weeks until our big day.
Three weeks was a long time.
Three weeks was no time.
When it was time for the 'Rite of Marriage' itself, I couldn't keep the tears from forming in my eyes once again and trailing down my cheeks. It started when Rose's Dad kissed her cheek during the traditional 'Who gives this bride?' portion of the ceremony, and didn't stop until Father Pat pronounced them husband and wife. My tears immediately turned to laughter when my giant of a brother swept Rose up into a theatrical kiss, dipping her almost to the floor.
During the ceremony, I had noticed that Charlie surreptitiously rubbed his hand across his eyes more than once, causing me to cry even harder.
Oh how I wish my Mom could be here
Once Rose was righted from the kiss, Emmett turned to our friends and family with a brilliant smile. "Well folks, thanks for coming today. Rosie and I will see you at the reception." He boomed while everyone, including Father Pat, the Archbishop, and even Rose herself looked at him in bewilderment. Emmett continued to smile. "Sorry, but uh, we need a few minutes. I need to spend a little quality time with my wife." He looked straight into Rose's eyes when he said this and grinned while quirking an eyebrow.
"See you on the flip side." He announced to the congregation before sweeping Rose up into his arms and carrying her bridal style down the aisle and through the front doors of the Cathedral.
What the hell?
"What the hell was that?" Alice mirrored my thoughts.
I shrugged. "It's Emmett, which means, in a word, unpredictable."
We processed out of the church as best we could with no bride and groom leading the way to the strains of Beethoven's Ode to Joy. I leaned on my Dad a little more than I would have normally, given the emotional day, aware that the next time I walked with him, it would be for my own wedding. "It was a beautiful ceremony." Dad said quietly.
I nodded before peeking behind me to see Alice on Jasper's arm and Rose's cousin Harriett being escorted by my handsome fiancé. Harriett was grinning from ear to ear, and when she caught me peeking made sure to wink suggestively at me.
I laughed.
"I have to say, Emmett behaved himself a lot longer than I thought he would." Dad chuckled. "I'd kind of hoped he would wait until the reception to go crazy, but yeah, it's Emmett." We both chuckled.
I fully expected to find Emmett and Rose waiting for us in the foyer. Aside from the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the room was empty. Before I had a chance to stop her, Alice flew to the small room where we had waited before the ceremony and barged in without knocking.
Damn she's brave. I would never want to walk in on whatever the hell they might be doing.
In Church?
I cringed, hoping against hope that not even my brother would do something so crass.
As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. Alice exited the room with a disappointed expression on her face, still not having found the happy couple.
By this time, the wedding guests were beginning to exit the body of the Cathedral and spill into the foyer. I caught a glimpse of Alice exiting through the doors to the street sans umbrella.
I guess it stopped raining.
I was standing there with my arm around Edward's waist, talking to Dad and Suzanne when Alice reappeared and motioned me over to her. Her eyes were wild.
"Excuse us." I said sweetly to Dad and Suzanne as I grabbed Edward's hand and pulled him toward Alice. By the time we got there, Jasper and Chris were at her side.
"I cannot believe those two." Alice gasped out as though she'd just run a marathon.
"Alice honey, what happened?" Jasper asked her sweetly as he patted her hand.
Alice took a deep breath. "I was looking for the stupid bride and groom because we have to pose for photos at the altar." She muttered.
"I saw you searching. Didn't you find them?" I asked.
Alice smirked. "Oh I found them alright." She huffed "As we speak, they are locked in a stretch limo across the street from the Cathedral, having sex." She whispered the last part.
Jasper's mouth fell open. "Alice, you can't know that's what they're doing. You're jumping to conclusions."
"Oh really Jasper?" She snapped. "Then maybe you'd care to interpret the large yellow sign taped to window of the limo which reads: 'Don't come a-knocking if this limo is a-rocking'."
I clasped my hand over my mouth in an attempt to keep the laughter from escaping.
It was a futile attempt.
***A/N***
Poor kids…at least they waited until after the ceremony. Lol.
A big Thank You to Wendy (you know why girlfriend)….
In the next chapter we will continue with the reception and the days/weeks to follow. My hope is that the next chapter will bring us right up to B and E's wedding day.
Before that, there will be an Outtake of the day the guys spent with Clint.
And there will be a double chapter of LRM.
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As always, watch the Facebook for more info and sneak peeks.
One reader suggested loading photos on the blog for those who didn't wish to have a Facebook...so I've started a second blog which will be a Photo blog only. You can find it at Virginsandvilliamsphotos(dot)blogspot(dot)com Keep in mind that it's in the very early stages and I'm loading the photos by chapter. Hopefully I'll add a lot during the coming week.
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Love you guys and your wonderful reviews. They have kept me going during the unbearable heat wave we've been suffering through. Mwah!
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