I looked at my screen. "Seven missed calls." I'd silenced the ringer while we were at Mass that morning, and forgotten to turn it back on. "Two from Rose, two from Alice, one from Charlie, one from Emmett, one from Esme." I sighed.
Once upstairs, we went straight to Emmett and Rose's apartment.
"Bells" Rose exclaimed when she opened the door. "We've been trying to reach you both."
"I know." I answered as we followed her inside.
Emmett was pacing while talking on his phone. "They're here Pops. Yeah, okay, we'll call you later."
"Where have you been?" Emmett barked as he ended the call.
"We were at the new house." Edward said a bit bewildered. "What exactly has happened?"
"Someone leaked the interview Victor James did with Jeffrey Dryden. The interview that was never supposed to see the light of day." Rose answered angrily.
"Have you seen it?" I asked her.
She nodded as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.
"James denies being the one to leak it." Rose said with a shrug. "For what it's worth, it could have been anyone with access to that pilot."
"Tell me about the video." I asked in a calm voice, surprising even myself. I felt Edward's arm which was around my shoulders grow suddenly rigid.
Rose studied me for a minute before she began. "I'm sure the entire interview is longer, but the part that got leaked lasts less than ten minutes."
I gave her a hard look. "Tell me about the video." I repeated, a little more forcefully.
She sighed before gesturing for me to sit down.
Edward and I sat on the sofa.
"Okay." Rose began. "Dryden is crazy Bells. Anyone who sees the video will have no doubt of that. James asks him questions, sometimes he answers, other times he goes off on a tangent."
"Does he mention me?" I asked.
Rose frowned. "Yes, but someone went to the trouble of bleeping your name whenever he says it. It's obvious that he's talking about you though." She said with a grimace.
I sat back. I needed to think. The last time I'd seen a video of Jeffrey Dryden was in the break room at WIRI when I'd been set up by that bitch Camille. He wasn't even the one being interviewed that day; the interview had been with his family.
At the time, even a glimpse of Jeffrey Dryden had been enough to send me spiraling down into depression. I remembered the devastated look on Edward's face after my meltdown. That entire ordeal had been the catalyst to his leaving me, because he blamed our relationship, and himself in particular, for the media attention. The memory of how I felt after he left caused me to draw in a sharp breath.
I turned to look into the eyes of the man I loved. The pain I felt at losing him had been much harder to bear than the pain of seeing Dryden again, and having to hear the slanderous statements made by his family. Would Edward leave again if I were to fall apart?
My relationship with Edward had grown so much since that time. We were both stronger individuals and, drawing from that strength, we'd become much stronger as a couple. I had to trust that I wouldn't react as I did before, but I also had to trust that Edward would never leave me again.
After drawing in a deep calming breath, I spoke. "I want to watch it." I announced quietly. At my words, a dead silence fell over the room.
I glanced at Edward first. He opened his mouth as if to argue with me, when Rose interrupted.
"Do you want us to watch it with you?" She asked. By her words, I knew she understood that this was something I had to do.
"No. I'll go to my apartment." I answered quietly as I stood to leave.
When I reached the door, I turned back to find Edward still seated on the sofa, a lost look on his handsome face.
I stretched out my hand, beckoning him. "You coming Edward?" I asked with a small smile.
His expression changed to one of relief as he crossed the room and took my hand in his.
-V&V—
'My treatment here used to be pretty good, but as soon as I got all that publicity a few months back, they confined me to my cell.'
I'd been watching the interview with Dryden for a couple of minutes now, and aside from the near panic attack I'd suffered upon first hearing again the voice that haunted by nightmares, I'd been able to calm down enough to listen and watch.
Dryden looked like hell. The years had not been kind to the man who arguably once was thought of as attractive.
If the devil can be attractive
'I haven't been able to go outside; haven't been able to socialize with the other prisoners like I used to.'
'I want to know about the early days of your relationship with *Bleep*.
Fucking Victor James implying that I had a 'relationship' with this psychopath.
'Well, you know that I dated her mother. But as soon as I laid eyes on *Bleep*, I knew we were destined to be together.'
'Did she lead you on? Tease you?'
"Motherfucker" I heard Edward mutter.
"Oh she has always been quite the little cocktease." Dryden said with a laugh. His laugh made me shudder.
'Do you blame *Bleep* for your confinement?'
Dryden frowned. 'No, I would never blame her. I blame everyone around her. Her family has always controlled her. And now they're willing to sell her to the highest bidder. That motherfucker Masen wants what's mine.'
His face was a mask of anger as he shook his arms violently, the sound of the metal chains from his handcuffs rattling noisily against the table. There was a time when this sort of behavior would have sent me screaming from the room, looking for a safe hole to crawl into. Not anymore.
Instead, I felt myself watching Dryden with curiosity, my own feelings of hatred and fear strangely absent.
'You talk as if you've spoken with *bleep*.'
Dryden's face took on a sinister smile. 'I communicate with her all the time.'
'Does she write to you?'
'She doesn't have to write' Dryden scoffed. 'Our bond is very strong. We communicate through our thoughts, and through our dreams.'
My mind was suddenly deluged with the images it had conjured of this man in nightmare after nightmare that I'd endured for the past seven years.
I felt my stomach lurch.
"Pause it Edward" I barely got the words out before I bolted from the room and emptied the contents of my stomach into the toilet.
"Fuck" I heard Edward gasp as he stood behind me. "I knew this was a bad idea."
I waved my hand, trying to gesture him away. From the corner of my eye, I watched as he moved closer, dropping to his knees beside me.
Once I stopped heaving, I turned to look at him, tears in my eyes. Edward wore a defeated expression as he knelt there, one hand on my back and the other furiously tearing at his hair.
"You seemed to be handling it so well sweetheart." He said in a small voice. "Was it the mention of your dreams?"
I nodded before flushing the toilet and taking a few cleansing breaths. "It just felt as if he was too close." I said as a couple of tears trailed down my cheeks. "I know he's insane, and there's no way he knows about my nightmares, but what he said" I groaned "it struck a nerve."
I stood to brush my teeth. Edward watched me carefully in the mirror. When I'd finished I gave him a weak smile. "I'm okay." I said, tears still threatening.
Edward looked unconvinced.
I wrapped my arms around him. "I just don't understand." I muttered.
"What sweetheart?" He asked as he rocked me back and forth.
"Why he's still alive, complaining about his treatment no less" I said through gritted teeth as the tears flowed "while my mother is lying in a graveyard?" I sobbed. "I just miss her so much."
Edward let me cry it out, soaking his shirt with my tears.
It took fifteen minutes of arguing the next morning, before he finally relented and let me watch the rest of the interview. As it turned out, we'd already viewed the worst part. The rest was filled with Dryden's ramblings about how his imprisonment was unjust and how Charlie and my family had arranged it in order to keep us apart.
I didn't know what to think, but I came away with the sense that this pathetic madman posed no threat to me or my loved ones. The 'boogeyman' of my nightmares was, in reality, an unkempt, underweight, unattractive freak in an orange jumpsuit and shackles.
His memory no longer held any power over me.
It was a liberating feeling.
Kyle called to inform us that the public outcry against the video had been so great that the tabloid site which had posted it, took it down before he'd been able to contact them and threaten a lawsuit.
Regardless, I had a bone to pick, and I needed to speak with Rose to learn how to go about accomplishing what was necessary.
"Okay Bells, we're all set up for tomorrow morning." Rose informed as she hung up the phone. "My new studio's not quite ready, but we'll make due."
An idea had been percolating in my brain ever since I'd viewed the 'leaked' video of Jeffrey Dryden the evening before. I didn't believe for one moment that Victor James wasn't behind the leak, and what I'd planned to do tomorrow was more about him than the ravings of a lunatic who would spend the rest of his days in prison.
"I'd better get back before Edward misses me."
I made my way quietly through the apartment and found Edward sound asleep. After peeling back the covers, I slid quietly in beside him.
He moaned as he wrapped his arm around me. "Where'd you go?" He asked in a scratchy voice without opening his eyes.
"Just needed to check with Rose about something." I whispered. No harm in waiting until morning to inform him of my plan.
-V&V—
"I may have just died and gone to heaven." I mumbled in my completely relaxed state. "Remind me to thank your parents for having sex."
We were in the middle of a 'couples' massage' that Edward had arranged at the Seattle spa which Rose frequented. In other words, it was the best.
Even in his extremely relaxed state, Edward mustered up the energy to laugh loudly at my words. "Bella what are you talking about?"
"Simple" I slurred as I turned my head to look at him. "If your parents hadn't had sex, you wouldn't be here, and I wouldn't have just had the most fantastic massage of my life."
He was joined in laughter now by Floyd and Gwen our massage therapists. Obviously Gwen was mine; because there was no way I was going to allow some other woman to put her hands on my fiancé.
"And how many professional massages have you had Miss Swan?" Gwen questioned.
"Counting the one I got in Las Vegas for my sister-in-law's bachelorette party, um, this would make it two."
Everyone chuckled again. I smiled at Edward and closed my eyes, not having the energy to utter another word. My mind drifted back to the events of that morning when I visited Rose's new studio in order to make my public statement.
*flashback
Edward held me close before the camera began to roll. "I realize that you're doing this for us, and I want you to know that I've never been prouder of you." He whispered. "You are, hands down, the bravest person I've ever known sweetheart. I'll never be deserving of you, but will spend the rest of my life trying."
I pulled back in order to look at his face, and placed a trembling hand on his cheek. "Shh. Don't say that, don't even think that Edward. It's because of you that I've found the courage to do this." I whispered back. "I'll admit I'm a little nervous, but knowing that you'll be standing a few feet away will help me get through it."
I took a deep breath as I watched Edward walk away until he was out of the camera shot. As soon as Rosalie made the introductions, I began with my statement:
'After giving much thought as to whether or not I should dignify the events of two days ago with a response¸ I made the decision that I cannot in good conscience ignore the behavior of a certain individual involved.'
'It is unclear whether Victor James himself was responsible for the leaked video footage, but the fact remains that he was the one who conducted the interview, and that he had hoped to air it on a nationally televised program.'
'Mr. James and I worked in the same building for several months, although I never had any contact with the man other than to say 'hello' in passing. As soon as my relationship with Edward became public knowledge however, Victor James seemed to develop a keen interest in me. This interest manifested itself into inappropriate sexual advances made toward me on more than one occasion. When I forcefully rejected those advances, Mr. James' manner became surly and threatening.'
'My belief is that this interview was just another attempt by Mr. James to harm me, the woman who had dared to reject him and bruise his rather substantial ego. What Mr. James failed to realize was the fact that I could never regard someone as vile and loathsome as himself with anything other than contempt.'
'Because of multiple instances of harassment at the hands of Mr. James, I have filed for and been granted an order of protection. Victor James is not only prohibited from any physical contact with me, but he is also forbidden the use or mention of my name in any story or interview he conducts in his capacity as a reporter.'
'In closing, I would like to thank all of you for your support. Edward and I appreciate each and every one of you more than you will ever know. With this matter firmly behind us, we look forward to our wedding day and our future life together.'
*end of flashback
"Bella" I could hear his velvet voice call to me.
"Hmm?"
"Sweetheart, the massage is over, time to get up." He said with a chuckle.
I lifted my head and blinked my eyes awake. "I think I fell asleep." I said groggily.
Edward chuckled again. "You must have really relaxed."
I stretched and closed my eyes again. "Do I have to get up?"
"Yes sweetheart." He answered. I turned and watched as he rose from the massage table, wearing only a pair of boxerbriefs.
Gah he is gorgeous.
I'd insisted we didn't do this massage naked.
Stupid Bella
Even though we were assured by the spa that we would be covered by a sheet at all times to preserve our modesty in front of the staff, I wasn't going for it.
The temptation to get carried away once we were alone was too great to take the chance. After all we were only four days away from the big day, and I had my eyes on the prize, and that prize was making his way slowly across the room toward a fuzzy beige robe.
No, don't cover up, please let me ogle your practically naked body for a few more minutes.
I looked up at Edward's perfect face to find him smirking at me. I'm pretty sure that the next words that came out of Edward's mouth were: "Like what you see Miss Swan?"
Unfortunately my brain, distracted by my pervy thoughts heard something a bit different.
My mouth fell open in shock, my eyes blinked several times before I spoke. "You want me to lick you?" I gasped out.
Edward gave me a strange look before bursting into laughter and pulling me up and into his arms. "Sweetheart, you have no idea how much that idea appeals to me but, unfortunately all licking will have to wait." He was still chuckling as he helped me into my fuzzy pink robe.
We relaxed on the small sofa in the room and feasted on cheese, crackers and wine until it was time to leave.
-V&V—
"I'll admit that this isn't a typical bachelorette party, but what about yours and Edward's lives has ever been typical Bella Mia?" Chris asked with a smile.
Very true.
Unbeknownst to me, Rose, Alice and Chris had reserved the Admiral Theatre for the entire afternoon. It was the same theatre where Edward and I had seen Rocky Horror all those months ago. They'd also pulled strings in order to enable alcohol to be served on the premises for one day only.
Phase one of my bachelorette party consisted of champagne and appetizers served while viewing a double feature, starring none other than Edward Masen himself.
Before I'd left the apartment, Alice had forced me to put on a t-shirt which read Edward Masen's #1 Fan. She didn't have to twist my arm, I secretly loved the idea.
As soon as Edward saw me in the shirt, he shot me an amused smile. When he caught a glimpse of the other girls, along with Esme and Chris wearing Edward Masen Fangirl t-shirts he lost his composure and laughed loudly.
"You know Bella, up until this year Alice and I would fight over the title of Edward's number one fan, but now we happily relinquish that title to you." Esme told me with a smile as we rode to the theatre.
Along with my bridesmaids, and Chris and Esme, I'd also invited Suzanne. We already had a good relationship, but it had always been that of teacher and student. Now, knowing how much she meant to Charlie, the dynamic of our relationship had changed and I wanted to know her better.
I chuckled as soon as I learned of the titles of movies that Alice had chosen. "Alice, thank you." I told her with a grateful smile, realizing that neither of the movies contained love scenes between Edward and a costar.
Alice winked knowingly. "For the rest of Edward's career, you're going to be subjected to scenes of my brother kissing other women; I think it's only right to spare you that the week before your wedding." She grinned.
I grimaced as I thought about the truth in her statement. I thought I'd made my peace with the fact that my fuckhawt almost husband would have to film love scenes with other women, but deep down I knew I hadn't.
The one and only time I'd been witness to such a scene, I hadn't handled it well.
Ah well, it's a problem for another day.
I settled back in my seat and proceeded to enjoy the sight of a much younger Edward in The Lost Knight. I hadn't seen the film in years, and smiled to myself at the sight of my beautiful sexy man, not even twenty years old at the time.
The whistles and cat calls that sounded throughout the theater every time Edward appeared onscreen had me in hysterics. After the third round of champagne, it was difficult to say which of Edward's fangirls were the most 'animated'. In the end, I decided that the dubious honor would be shared equally between Chris and Esme, after Edward's mother announced loudly that she must have a 'magic vagina to have produced two such beautiful children', and Chris rose from his seat to propose a toast to Esme's 'magic vajayjay'.
-V&V—
"Phase two consists of shopping" Alice announced excitedly as we exited the theatre and piled back into the limo.
She must have noticed my grimace. Even after several glasses of champagne, the thought of shopping still did not appeal to me.
"Not just any shopping Bella. We are shopping for some very specific Honeymoon attire." Rose continued with a smirk. "We have an appointment for a private showing."
Shit
My heart sank when we pulled up in front of a high end lingerie shop, not because of where we were, but because my fiancé's very tipsy mother was with us.
"Rose" I whispered as I pulled her aside. "This is not a good idea."
Rose frowned as she took in my panicked expression. "Why not Bells?"
"Do I have to spell it out for you? We're in a lingerie shop. Purchasing items for my honeymoon." I began. Rose shrugged. I let out an exasperated sigh before continuing. "My future mother-in-law will see exactly what I'm buying and know exactly why I'm buying it."
Rose looked at me for a minute before laughing out loud. "Are you talking about the fact that you and Edward will finally be having sex Bella?" She answered without even attempting to lower her voice.
"Rose!" I exclaimed.
"I'm pretty sure that everyone, including Edward's parents, are well aware that you'll be having sex on your honeymoon." Rose blurted through her laughter.
I grimaced before glancing up at the rest of our group only to see their very amused expressions trained on Rose and myself.
Fuck my life
Esme walked over to me then "Bella honey, please don't be embarrassed, because I certainly am not." She grinned widely. "You make my son happy" She then seemed to be distracted as she spotted something of interest over my left shoulder. "And I think you could make him very happy in that little black lace teddy." She announced before darting over to the object of her affection and pulling it from the display.
"As a matter of fact, I think I'll purchase one of these for myself."
That settles it, no matter what happens, I will not be purchasing one of those little black teddys.
Seriously, who would want to 'get romantic' with their husband while wearing a piece of lingerie, knowing that their mother-in-law owned its twin?
Just ew.
Alice, God bless her, was able to keep her mother occupied while I chose a few items. As we exited the shop, I realized that phase two of Bella's bachelorette party could have only been categorized as awkward.
All I knew of phase three was that it would include dinner. Imagine my surprise when the limo pulled up at a port about five miles from the lingerie shop.
"It's a dinner cruise Bella. I think you'll enjoy it." Chris said with a smug smile.
"We've reserved the entire lower deck for your party." Alice informed as we made our way onboard.
We drank more champagne and ate appetizers as we pulled away from the dock. The view of downtown was beautiful, but I couldn't help the pang of sadness that I didn't get to share this experience with Edward.
I decided to text him.
E-
Miss you. Wish you were here.
Love you so much.
-B
It didn't take long to receive my response.
B-
You have no idea how much I miss you. Everyone means well, but it is torture to be without you this evening.
I love you.
-E
By the time we ordered dinner it was almost time for the sun to set. As I looked out over the water, I wondered where Edward was and what he was doing at that moment.
I felt someone sit down beside me, and turned to face Alice's brilliant smile. "The party that reserved the upper deck has given us permission to join them. We'll get a much better view of the sunset from up there."
Alice led the way as I followed close behind. When we reached the upper deck, I stopped dead in my tracks at the room full of familiar smiling faces. I immediately searched for him, and found him looking away from me, from everyone, his attention diverted by the passing coastline.
I silently approached and placed a hand on his where it rested against the window. The familiar hum was there, and as he wheeled around to look at me, I threw my arms around his neck.
"Baby?" He gasped. "How?"
I smiled up at him as his arms wrapped around my waist and he smiled his most brilliant smile. "I think we owe this" I said as I gestured to the two of us "to our wonderful friends and family." I barely got the words out before Edwards's lips were on mine, needy and urgent.
Our kiss was interrupted by the sound of applause and quiet laughter coming from the room around us, which served as a reminder that we weren't alone.
"You owe me twenty bucks Francis, not even a half minute passed before they were swapping spit." Emmett boomed, bringing about another round of laughter.
We chuckled lightly as we turned to greet our family and friends.
As it turned out, we were able to watch the sunset together after all, thanks to their efforts.
-V&V—
The next morning, we made the trek to Forks. Emmett, Rose and I would be staying at Charlie's for the next two nights, but Edward, his parents, and the rest of the bridal party along with Lou and Sidney would be staying at the two bed and breakfasts in town.
As we pulled away from the city, I began to get an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had no idea where it was coming from until we were just outside of Sequim, and I realized I hadn't been on this road since the night of my abduction.
Just like that night, it was pouring rain, although this time I was riding in a vehicle with not only Edward, but Lou and Sidney as well. I should have felt safe, but the uneasy feeling wouldn't subside.
As we approached the place where I'd pulled off the road that night, I closed my eyes in an effort to dispel the memories that came crashing back.
"I've got you now you little bitch."
Once again I found myself lying amidst the broken glass on the seat of my car. I felt every blow to my face and body. I felt the panic surge as I struggled to fight off my abductor. I heard my brother's frantic voice calling to me from my phone where it lay, useless, beside me.
Edward's alarmed voice seemed far away. "Bella!" He exclaimed. "Bella what's wrong? Bella please talk to me."
I didn't realize I'd been thrashing and gasping for air until I felt Edward's hands on my face. I blinked my eyes open and tried to gather my thoughts in order to answer him.
"Sidney, you may need to pull over, I don't know what's going on." He said in a panic.
"Edward, is she seizing?" I heard Lou ask.
"I don't know" Edward answered, worry evident in his tone.
As the car began to slow, I finally found my voice. "No!" I shouted. "Keep driving Sidney. We can't stop. Not here!" I looked at Edward with pleading eyes.
Edward looked confused. He ran his hand through his hair as he glanced between me and the scenery passing by the windows. I was aware the instant that Edward understood the meaning behind my words. "Shit." He muttered as he pulled me against him. "Keep going Sidney." he ordered. "It's okay baby. It's over. He'll never hurt you again." He soothed his voice breaking with emotion. "I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
After a few calming breaths, I closed my eyes again and felt myself relax in his arms. "I'm sorry." I whispered. "So sorry."
"Bella, you have nothing to apologize for." It had been a busy week, and suddenly I felt very tired. "We have a long ride sweetheart. Sleep."
My nap was restless, and filled with the images of that horrible night. As much as I'd willed myself not to think about what I'd gone through, my subconscious mind didn't seem to be willing to let it go just yet.
I fought to open my eyes when I heard voices, but was finding it difficult to drag myself out of my stupor.
"What's wrong with her?"
Charlie?
"She's just very tired Chief."
I could feel Edward's hands unclasp my seatbelt. I forced my eyes open, and sat up straight. "I'm okay." I assured as I turned to climb out of the car.
"Hi Dad" I greeted him with a hug.
The rest of the friends and family weren't due to arrive until evening, so imagine my surprise when Esme, Carlisle and Duke showed up at Charlie's house several hours early.
We sat in Charlie's living room chatting for a few minutes before I stepped into the kitchen to fix drinks.
I started a fresh pot of coffee and began to pull coffee mugs from the cupboard. "Can I help?" I heard the soothing voice of my future father-in-law say from behind me. I turned to find Carlisle standing in the doorway.
"You could place the pitcher of iced tea on that tray." I gestured toward the tray I'd set on the counter. I peered into the living room to find Charlie and Duke deep in conversation. "Where are Edward and Esme?" I asked.
"Ah, Esme's got our son cornered, something about music for the reception." Carlisle answered with a smile. He set the pitcher on the tray and regarded me quietly. "Bella" He began. "Edward phoned me about what happened in the car."
The smile fell from my face. "Oh" I said before taking a deep breath and worriedly biting my lip.
"You have to understand that your reaction was perfectly normal." Carlisle the doctor was speaking now. "You survived a very traumatic experience. I'm frankly quite surprised you haven't had more instances like this."
"I just didn't need it to happen this week." I admitted.
"Are you having trouble sleeping?" He asked with concern.
"I've been a little restless. I know it's due to my nerves. I'll be fine." I tried to play it off.
"Bella, would you like me to prescribe something to help you sleep? There is no shame in needing a little help now and then you know."
I smiled sweetly at him. Edward's family's care and concern for my well-being never ceased to amaze me. I had grown to love them all during these last few months. "No, thank you anyway Carlisle." I said before I stepped closer and gave him a quick hug. "You and Esme are too good to me." I said in a whisper before I took a step back.
He shook his head. "Nonsense. You're very important to us." He answered sincerely. A throat cleared from the direction of the doorway, and we both looked to find Edward and Esme smiling at us.
That evening, after Edward left with his parents, I found myself sitting alone with Charlie in his tiny living room. Edward and I had agreed that since we weren't staying together that, tonight would be spent with our respective families. I would miss Edward terribly, but knowing that I'd be away from home for the next month, I looked forward to spending the evening with my Dad.
Charlie surprised me by switching off the television and handing me a beer before opting to sit beside me on the sofa, rather than in his recliner. Emmett and Rose disappeared downstairs to play pool, no doubt giving me time alone with my Dad.
"You holding up okay?" He asked.
"I'll be glad when Saturday gets here." I admitted with a smile.
He grinned and chuckling quietly. "I don't know Bells. I was never in a hurry for your wedding day to arrive. When I look around, I see my little girl taking her first steps across that floor right there." He said as he pointed to a spot in front of where we were sitting. "Over there" He said as he gestured toward the front door. "I see her in her raincoat and boots going out to the bus stop on the first day of school, afraid she wouldn't have any friends."
"Where did all the years go?" He asked wistfully before looking back at me.
I realized at that moment that seeing a child married must be a bittersweet moment for any parent. "I grew up." I said with a shrug.
Geez, how profound Bella.
He studied me for a long moment. "I'm probably the last person who should give marital advice" He said with a smirk "but I like to think I learned from my mistakes."
He blew out a breath. "I shouldn't have been so unwilling to leave Forks." He said quietly. "If I hadn't been so stubborn, things may have been very different for your mother and me. Be that as it may, I've let everyone blame her for breaking us up, when I was just as much to blame." He smiled at me then. "I was glad to hear that you and Edward aren't going to do that to each other."
"I understand that his career requires him to travel." I answered. "There will probably be times where it's not convenient, but even so, we'd rather be together than apart."
He grinned. "Just don't forget your old man okay?"
"Never." I smiled and scooted closer to him on the sofa until I could wrap my arms around him and lay my head on his chest just as I did when I was a small child. He smelled of aftershave and peppermint. I remembered a time, when I was very young, that he used to also smell faintly of cigarettes.
"Hey Dad"
"Yeah Bells?" He said his chest rumbling under my cheek.
"I'm glad you quit smoking."
He chuckled. "Bells, that was years ago. What made you think of it now?"
I hugged him tighter. "I want you to live a long time, and I hate anything that could take you away from me."
Charlie wrapped his arm around me and rubbed his hand on my back as we sat together in comfortable silence.
-V&V—
The next morning, Charlie, Emmett and I went to confession at St. Anne's. After a long talk with Father Pat, I felt less nervous about the ceremony itself, since I knew exactly what to expect.
"I wanted to say a few words before the dinner." Carlisle began as he stood in front of our picnic table.
It was the night before our wedding. After the rehearsal at Saint Anne's Church, tradition dictated that the groom's family provide the rehearsal dinner. Since Esme and Carlisle were opening their home for the wedding reception, Charlie felt it only fair that we buck tradition and he provide the rehearsal dinner.
After much begging and pleading I had been able to convince him to change the location from the Elks Lodge, to First Beach up on the Quileute Indian Reservation. Harry Clearwater, a bigwig on the tribal council, reserved a pavilion down on the beach for our use. Charlie had been in his glory grilling burgers and fish for our gathering.
Now, as we sat at the table, ready to begin the meal, Carlisle glanced at a small slip of paper he held in his hand before speaking again. "A wise man once wrote: You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
"It's an appropriate quotation, not only because it was written by the famous children's author Theodor Geisel, you know him better as Dr. Seuss, and our Isabella is about to become a published author of children's books herself." Carlisle stopped speaking during the short round of applause.
I blushed and dropped my gaze to the table in front of me.
"But it is most appropriate because, unless I have been mistaken all these months, it accurately describes the way Edward and Bella feel about one another. You have only to spend a few moments with them to know that what they have is real and true." Carlisle took a deep breath. "Having been fortunate enough to find the love of my life and marry her" He said while giving Esme a quick wink, "I cannot express the feeling of joy I have knowing that God has seen fit to bless both my children in the same manner." He lifted his drink and turned toward my Dad. "So Charlie, I want to thank you for this evening, for the meal, but most especially for your wonderful daughter whom Esme and I love as dearly as our own children."
Damn but Daddy C was blessed with a silver tongue, much like his son.
I didn't even try to suppress the tears that trailed down my cheeks. Edward wrapped his arm around me and pressed a soft kiss to my hair.
After dinner we were treated to a slideshow put together by Rosalie and Alice. The DVD began with photos of Edward and I as babies and progressed all the way up to a shot of us kissing on the dinner cruise two nights before, all set to the tune of Colbie Caillat's 'You Got Me'.
It was sweet, and instead of the photos of me with my Mom making me cry, they made me smile.
Edward and I slipped away from the others and walked along the beach, hand in hand, in the moonlight. After a few minutes we stopped walking and Edward pulled me into his arms.
"Have I expressed to you how I cannot wait until you are my wife Miss Swan?"
"Um" I pretended to be deep in thought as I tapped my chin. "Let me see…. Oh, I don't know, maybe about a thousand times?" I answered with a smile.
"Hmm. It's not enough." His answering smile was brilliant.
"I can't wait until you're my husband." I grinned cheekily. "It will feel so strange to say it" I admitted. I stared into his eyes. "But right." I breathed.
Edward leaned down just enough for his lips brushed lightly across mine. After a couple of passes, his lips lingered as he pulled me into a slow passionate kiss. He pulled away in order to trail kisses along my cheek and my neck. I felt the material of my shirt pull away slightly from my neck just before he placed a warm kiss on the spot where it met my shoulder. My mind was suddenly consumed with the feel of Edward's lips as they returned to mine, and of his hands as they slipped under the hem of my shirt, in order for his fingers to draw lazy circles on the bare skin of my back just above the waistband of my capris.
I knew we had to stop, it was time to go, but before I had the chance to pull away, I felt Edward loosen his hold on me just before he broke our kiss. He leaned his forehead against mine while catching his breath. "I love you so much sweetheart."
"I love you too. I don't want to leave. Can't we just stay together tonight?" I whispered.
He smiled. "Alice would probably kill us. And I'm pretty sure Chief Swan keeps his gun loaded." He answered with a chuckle.
I smiled back. "After tomorrow, no one keeps us apart ever again." I stated firmly.
"Definitely." The look on his face warmed my heart to the core, he looked so happy, so in love.
With me…
Most days it was hard to wrap my head around that fact.
I reached into the pocket of my capris and pulled out a slightly crumpled envelope. Edward, realizing what I was doing, reached into the pocket of his hoodie, and pulled out one of identical size.
These were the letters we'd written to one another during our pre-Cana classes, and we'd agreed to exchange them tonight. The plan was that just before closing our eyes in sleep, the last thing either of us would see, would be the words expressing our love for each other.
It was time to go. I saw my father waiting for me patiently a few yards away. Edward sighed and wrapped his arms around me one last time. "I'll miss you tonight." I whispered. "I love you." No matter how many times I said it, it wouldn't be enough.
He let out a breath. "I love you too Bella." He pulled away and clasped my hands in both of his. "I'll meet you at the altar." He said with a wink before pecking my lips one last time.
And then he was gone.
-V&V—
Restless couldn't even describe the night I had. Sleep eluded me. I paced, I muttered, I double and triple checked that my gown was perfect.
It was.
I pulled out my laptop, my intent was to surf the net, but I closed it in frustration a minute later when I realized that mine and Edward's wedding day was the top news story. It was beyond strange to see myself staring back at me from the Yahoo news front page.
Oh boy.
I decided to pull one of my old books from the shelf. When I'd moved to Seattle, I'd left behind any duplicate copies of my classic literature collection to have something to read whenever I visited.
Charlie's monthly subscription to Sport Fishing wasn't my idea of stimulating reading.
I pulled out my well-worn copy of Jane Eyre, flipping open to a random page. I recognized the passage immediately. The scene took place just after Jane's wedding day had been ruined by the revelation that Mr. Rochester, her intended, had a wife still living.
Granted the wife was a raving lunatic, living in his attic, but regardless, she was still alive, which meant he wasn't free to marry another. Jane decided that the best thing for both their souls would be her speedy departure…
"You are going, Jane?"
"I am going, sir."
"You are leaving me?"
"Yes."
"You will not come? – You will not be my comforter, my rescuer? – My deep love, my wild woe, my frantic prayer, are all nothing to you?"
What unutterable pathos was in his voice! How hard it was to reiterate firmly, "I am going."
"Jane!"
"Mr. Rochester!"
"Withdraw, then, - I consent – but remember, you leave me here in anguish. Go up to your own room; think over all I have said, Jane, cast a glance on my sufferings – think of me."
He turned away; he threw himself on his face on the sofa. "Oh, Jane! My hope – my love – my life!" broke in anguish from his lips. Then came a deep, strong sob.
Oh my hell! What am I doing the night before my wedding?
If possible, I was even more agitated then I was before. I tossed the book on the dresser and my attention was drawn to the envelope lying there. I'd been putting off reading it until I felt sleepy, but that didn't seem likely any time soon.
I picked it up and carried it to my bed. After I slid under the covers, I pulled my cell phone from the nightstand.
I hoped I wouldn't disturb Edward, but I needed to connect with him one last time before my mind would settle.
I miss you
A few seconds later, I received my reply.
I miss you too. Trouble sleeping?
I typed out my reply.
I think I'll read your letter now. Maybe then I'll relax enough to sleep.
His reply came just as swiftly as before
Me too. I love you. Sweet dreams.
I answered:
I love you more than words can say. Goodnight.
I set down my phone and opened the letter.
Beautiful,
From the moment we met, I somehow knew that you would be a part of my life. Little did I realize that you would become my entire life.
I don't think I've made you fully aware of how bleak an existence I led before I found you. My family and friends loved me, certainly, and I had my work to keep me busy. I was content, but never truly happy. I knew in my heart that something was missing, something that would, if I found it, quell the nagging loneliness which filled my waking hours.
For years, I went through the motions of living a full life, all the time waiting. For what? I didn't know.
My heart recognized what I'd been missing the moment you spilled coffee on your shirt and blushed that beautiful shade of pink. I will admit it took a little longer for my brain to catch up with my heart, but once it did I knew that I had to make you mine.
I count myself among the luckiest men on earth merely for the fact that by some miracle, you felt the same way.
I thank God every day for helping us find each other my beautiful girl, and I look forward to the day that I can call you my beautiful wife.
I love you with all my heart.
Yours forever,
Edward
I clutched the letter to my chest as happy tears trailed down my cheeks. Even though we'd spent the night before apart, this night, the night before our wedding seemed more important somehow. This night marked the end of my life as a single woman. Before the sun set the next day I would have a new name; a new life; and someone with whom to share it.
Edward would be waiting, as he promised, at the altar.
-V&V—
Not surprisingly, I opened my eyes before the alarm sounded. I sat up and looked toward the window. The sun was shining, just as Edward had promised it would, and the birds were singing. It held all the promise of a beautiful day ahead.
My wedding day.
I was instantly nervous as I thought about what lay in store. Up until now, thinking about the wedding and reception had been enough to set in motion the butterflies in my stomach; this morning I started to think beyond the wedding and reception to our wedding night.
I'd pushed those thoughts away for days now, but suddenly they were back, full force.
Edward had booked a suite at the Four Seasons, which was the same hotel where our out of town guests were staying. Tomorrow we would leave for a surprise honeymoon destination.
This is it. Edward and I are officially cashing in our Vcards tonight, at the Four Seasons Hotel.
"Bells, are you okay?" I hadn't even noticed Rosalie standing in my doorway.
"I'm fine?" I answered with a shrug.
"You don't look fine." She moved over to the bed and sat beside me before draping her arm around my shoulders. "Remember when I told you that it would be your turn in a few weeks?" She said with a chuckle. "Your nerves are in overdrive, am I right?"
I nodded.
"Just take deep breaths, and every time you feel the nerves taking hold, I want you to imagine Edward, smiling, and waiting for you at the altar."
I did as she directed and immediately felt my body relax.
"There is nothing to feel nervous about. Everything is going to be beautiful. If it makes you feel any better, I would be willing to bet that Edward's also got some serious nerves going on right about now." She grinned.
I shook my head. "No. Edward is always so calm. There's no way he's falling to pieces like I am."
She smirked. "Oh yeah? Then why did Jasper tell me this morning that Edward is losing his mind?" She laughed.
Edward's losing his mind?
"And you are not falling to pieces. Quit exaggerating and get your ass up. The hairdressers will be here in less than an hour."
The morning was crazy. Charlie was able to coax me into eating something at about ten o'clock, but as soon as Lou arrived with the bridesmaids, my Dad and Emmett made their escape.
"We will see you ladies at the church." Emmett informed with a grin. "Pops and I are going to see how Edward is holding up."
I wanted to phone him, but Alice was watching me like a hawk. Before I knew it I was coiffed and made up and wearing the most beautiful wedding gown I had ever seen. I gasped when I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked like a princess in a fairy tale.
Time to marry my prince
Rose and Alice stood behind me on either side, smiling broadly.
"Now, you will need something old." Rose began.
"I've got that covered." I said as I reached for the linen hankie on my dresser. "This was my Grandma's, and I'd like to carry a little something of hers with me today."
Alice and Rose smiled.
"Your dress is new." Alice continued. "Borrowed?"
I shrugged.
"How about these?" Alice suggested as she opened a box containing two antique silver hair combs. "These were my Grandma's, and Mom would love for you to wear them today. These could have worked for old as well."
"Oh Alice, these are exquisite." I said as she secured them in my hair, before placing my veil on my head.
"Okay, now something blue." She looked at me hopefully.
"Got it." Rose said with a grin as she held up the blue satin garter.
As soon as the garter was in place and I'd slipped into my shoes, it was time to go.
"Ready?" Rose asked with a big smile.
"As I'll ever be." I grimaced.
We piled into the limo, Rose, Alice, Tara, Joanna and me, along with Lou, and began the short ride to the church. As we pulled away, I took one last longing look at my childhood home.
*******A/N*******
Unfortunately, we're not through with Victor James yet, but our kids deserve lots of happy times first….don't you think?
You know what happens in the next chapter….. It posts later today .
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