Chapter 1
BPOV
My mind was a frenzy of thoughts while driving toward Cullen’s house. I was on my way to finalize the seating chart for the reception, with the help of Alice and Esme. I couldn't believe my wedding was only three weeks away. Just thinking about the wedding made me anxious. Me, Isabella Marie Swan, was getting married, wow! I took a deep cleansing breath.
At first, I hated the idea of getting married so young. I loved Edward and wanted to spend eternity with him, so much so that I was willing to give up my humanity for him. Edward had a very difficult time accepting my impending change, believing he would be stealing my soul. But he finally relented, agreeing to change me and to “try” on our wedding night to give me what I desired all along. His stipulation was for me to marry him first, and in return, I would get a forever in the supernatural world. Compromise was such a huge part of our relationship that I decided I could marry him and take his name. It was just a ceremonial celebration of the love I already felt. Ironically, as the wedding drew closer, I was feeling more excited about becoming Mrs. Edward Cullen.
Pulling up to the house, I was greeted by a little bouncing pixie-like, wedding Nazi standing in the driveway.
“Bella, what took you so long?” she asked excitedly.
I rolled my eyes at her overzealous enthusiasm, “You know my truck only goes so fast.”
She sighed. “Bella, you're going to be a Cullen soon, and you can't be riding around town in that hunk of metal. Just let Edward buy you a car already.” She said with an evil grin.
“So... I guess you saw Edward buying me a car?” Feeling defeated, I let out a long-exasperated breath.
“Crap!” I grumbled.
“Come on Bella." She urged, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the door. "Esme is waiting and we need this seating chart done before the guys get back from hunting.”
“What? Edward is not here?” I whined.
“No, we sent him hunting with the guys. He is too much of a distraction for you,” Alice quipped.
We walked into the dining room, which had been transformed into wedding headquarters.
There were magazines, flowers, and fabric samples everywhere.
“Bella, it's so good to see you,” Esme said in a soft loving voice, squeezing me lightly.
“Likewise,” I replied, as she pulled me into a bigger hug.
“Okay, we need to get to work if you want to finish before Edward gets home,” she spoke sternly. All traces of the sweet mother were gone, and she was now a woman on a mission.
“Fine, let's get this over with,” I agreed, taking in a deep breath.
It felt like forever had passed as we worked diligently on the seating chart. If it were any other wedding, it wouldn't be so important. I wouldn't care who sat with who, but this wedding was different.
The guest list consisted of wolves, vampires, and humans, making the seating chart tricky. Just when I thought I could not take it anymore, I felt two very cold arms wrap around my waist and I jumped at his quiet approach. Stupid silent vampires.
“Hey Love, I missed you today,” he whispered in my ear, and I melted against him.
“Are you almost done?” he asked, pulling his eyes from me to Alice, who was fully engaged in a trance. A few minutes later she shook her head and looked at Edward. His eyes locked on hers in an intense exchange. Edward huffed in frustration. She must have blocked him from her vision. She shrugged her shoulders.
“Ten more minutes and Bella can play with you.”
He lifted an eyebrow at her, still wondering what she was hiding, turned to me and kissed me on my forehead. “Love, when you're done, please join me upstairs.” Before his sweet scent had overtaken me, he was gone.
I finished up, not caring anymore who sat where, and started to walk up the stairs to his...I mean, our bedroom. I couldn't wait to be in his arms. It physically hurt when I was not with him. Like a part of myself was missing and there was a constant ache in my heart.
When I entered the room, he was lying on the bed reading, looking mind numbingly beautifully. “Bag any lions today?” I asked, inching my way toward the bed and lying next to him.
“Just one,” he replied, leaning in to brush his lips against me. I ran my fingers through his beautiful bronze hair, losing myself in his taste, I deepened the kiss. Being with Edward felt like heaven and I could not get enough of him. Wanting more, I pulled him closer. He lifted his hand to push me away and brushed against my right breast, accidentally. My heartbeat sped up, and my breath hitched in my throat, and before I could truly appreciate the moment, Edward was across the room.
Rejected.
“Edward?” His name came out in a whimper and a question.
“I need a minute,” he said as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. I just sat there on the edge of the bed, looking at him. I got up and started to walk towards him. I couldn't take much more of this, I needed to be physical with him, like I needed air.
“Bella,” he sighed. “I'm so sorry. I did...”
I cut him off. “No, don't you dare tell me you're sorry,” I all but yelled, fighting back the tears from falling. “I wish you would touch me. I... need you to.”
“We have been over this a hundred times. It's for your own safety; I could hurt you,” he explained walking toward me.
I put my hand up to stop him. “No, you would never hurt me. I know you wouldn't." His eyes narrowed, but he remained still.
"How are we going to try on our honeymoon if you won't even touch or kiss me properly?”
“We are not having this conversation.”
He took a few more steps toward me.
“Fine,” I said as I stormed passed him toward the door, fighting back tears, and wishing he'd give in just once. I made my way down to the living room and Alice was standing there waiting for me.
“Bella, do you want to talk about it?" she asked as she wiped away my tears. “You haven’t eaten dinner yet; would you like to go out for pizza?”
I just nodded my head.
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