Chapter 43

At last

Edward

We had a great time at Disney World; the kids enjoyed every minute, and Bella agreed that it was a good idea to arrange the mini vacation. To listen to Katie singing as we went through the ride Frozen Ever After, especially. That kid had a great voice for a three-year-old.

We spent most of our time at the Magic Kingdom, while Bella and I took Garrett to the Epcot Center, for one of the days. We knew the attractions would have been too old for Katie to enjoy, and she would have got bored. She spent the day with her Grandparents.

Our clinic was busy; our reputation for having a family-friendly atmosphere, and putting the needs of our patients first, had increased our patient numbers. At this point, we advertised for a doctor to work with us at the clinic.

Bella was approached by Theresa, a nurse she worked at the hospital with. She needed a job with fixed hours, as her mother-in-law and husband could no longer care for her children while she worked shifts. Bella was the first person she came to for help. Bella never asked questions as to what had happened; she knew she would be a great addition to our team. She organized an interview. Theresa would fit into our practice perfectly as the nurse for our new doctor; once he was appointed.

It seemed like the time had flown by, and it was time for the kids to return to school. Bella and Mom spent a full day shopping for the new school year. I didn't realize just how much things they needed to go back to school with.

Katie was starting Pre-K, and would be there every afternoon. She had a calendar, which she was marking the days off to become a 'big girl'.

Garrett went into a different class from most of his friends, and it had caused him to be a little anxious. We pointed out he was still going to be in the same class as Rachel. He kept telling us she was just his best friend, even though they'd spent most of the summer together.

We changed the layout of the clinic, as Rose left the hospital and opened her own practice. She rented the space from us. Her patients are familiar with the building, and it seemed to put them, and their parents, more at ease.

We spent our first Thanksgiving in our home. We had been invited to go to Forks, but with it being our first we wanted to spend it together as a family.

Bella and I had talked about moving to another house, so it would be ours. Even though I'd lived here as Bella's fiancé, and she told me it was my house as well, it still didn't feel that way. I suggested buying some land and having a house built. The discussion was put on hold until after the new year.

Bella had agreed to help Mom organize a Christmas ball at Mom's home in Seattle. I was worried she was doing too much, but when I voiced my concerns a few times, she glared at me.

I smiled, covering my junk, and backed away.

"MOM, GRANDMA'S ON THE PHONE!" Garrett yelled.

"Garrett, there is no need to shout so loud. People in the town across don't need to know that your Grandma is on the phone." Bella sighed.

"Sorry, Mom. I didn't know where you were." Garrett smiled.

Smiling down at him Bella took the phone.

"Hi, Mom. I'm putting you on speaker phone, how are the arrangements coming on?" Bella inquired, as she continued to iron.

"Everything is coming together. I'm calling to see when you guys will be getting here on Thursday. Also, just checking to make sure Edward and Emmett have got their tuxedos," Esme asked.

"They have both been fitted. I'm picking them up tomorrow. Hold on a minute, Mom. I'll just ask Edward what time we can leave," Bella explained. "Bear, what time can we leave on Thursday to get to Seattle?"

"We'll leave around five. That will give me enough time to take a shower after the clinic closes. We should be there in time for dinner," I suggested.

"Okay, Mom, I'll see you on Thursday. Love you." Bella beamed.

"I love you too, sweetheart. See you on Thursday, and give my son, and my grandchildren a hug," Esme answered.

"Bella, you look exhausted. Why don't we go out to eat tonight?" I suggested.

"That would be great. It will save me cooking, and I can use that extra time to catch up with the ironing." Bella sighed.

"Sweetheart, I don't want to argue, or for you to get upset, but don't you think helping Mom, working full time at the clinic, as well as looking after us is getting a little much for you?" I whispered into her ear. "It's only a week away. Surely it is mostly organized. Can't you step back and let my mom finish the final arrangements? I don't want you to get ill for our first family Christmas."

"It's a week, Bear. The ball is on the twentieth, and since we are staying there for Christmas, I don't have to organize the food and cooking. Your mom is thinking about selling the house, and she just wanted to say she held a ball there. She always had an army of people helping her in Chicago, and she is doing this on her own. Please trust me. I know you will love this Christmas," Bella replied as she kissed my neck.

"That is so unfair, Bella. You know what happens when you kiss me there." I sighed.

"Well, give up, Bear. We will finish this discussion tonight when we go to bed." Bella winked. "Come on, guys, we are eating out."

I was so glad when Thursday came around, and we'd arrived in Seattle. It was getting closer to the Christmas holidays, and I still had to get a special gift for Bella.

"Mom, is there anything you need me to do? I have a couple of things I need to do tomorrow while Bella is having her hair done," I asked.

"If you could, help Uncle Max put up the lights in the sunroom," Esme requested. "Thank you, darling."

"Hi, Uncle Max, Diego. How have you been?" I politely asked.

"I'm well, thank you, Edward. I'm so pleased to see Bella back in the family. How are the children with you? I understand they are Bella's siblings?" Max inquired.

"Yes, they are, but she has adopted them, so she treats them as if they were her children. And of course I adopted Katie, so she calls me "Dad". As soon as I can persuade Bella to commit to a wedding date I will adopt Garrett, as well," I answered.

"Good luck with that. You seem to fuck up a lot when it comes to her." Diego smirked.

"Diego, you were warned about your smart mouth. You are walking on thin ice!" Max yelled. "You have been thrown out of yet another school, so apologize or you can go and sit in your room. If you are going to act like a child, I'll treat you like one."

"Sorry, Edward," Diego leered, as he walked out of the room.

"Let me introduce you to Bree's boyfriend. This is Riley. Riley, this is Bree's cousin Edward," Max introduced us.

"It's nice to meet you," Riley replied, holding his hand out. "I've heard so much about you, and Bella, from Bree. I'm looking forward to spending time with you, and your family this holidays."

"It's nice to meet you, too," I answered, still feeling hurt at what Diego had said. My guilt still hit me hard over what had happened between Bella and me.

We carried on decorating the room, and chatting about Riley's job choice as an architect, his family, and plans for his future. We also had to put up tables and chairs in the ballroom, as apparently, we were having a sit-down meal.

I couldn't wait to hold Bella in bed tonight.

When I got up, Bella was already up and was busy somewhere—or so my Auntie Claire told me. After lunch, I decided to go and do my errands. Mom had said Bella had to pop out, but I seemed to keep missing her when she was in the house.

"Mom, while Bella goes to get her hair done, I have to go out and get a personal gift for her." I winked. "I'll be home in plenty of time for the ball."

"You need to be dressed by six. That's when the meal starts, so please don't be late." Mom looked a little concerned.

"I've let Bella down before when it came to galas, but I promise that will never happen again. I am going to make sure I keep that promise, Mom," I confirmed.

I just hoped Bella liked what I was going to do.

The house was crazy when I got back. I grabbed something to eat and went upstairs to get ready; starting with cleaning and covering the tattoo I had just got done on my chest.

"Come on, Edward. We have to get downstairs," Emmett shouted through the door.

Opening the door, the first person I saw was Garrett.

"Well, who is this handsome man?" I teased.

"It's me, Dad." Garrett giggled. "Dad, look at my tuxedo. Auntie Claire said I will be beating the girls off, because I am so handsome. Bree said I'm a real chick magnet." Garrett blushed. "We have to hurry, or we're going to be late."

"I'm coming, Garrett." I laughed.

I allowed him to pull me down the stairs, with Emmett behind me laughing.

"Here, darling, you need to put this vest on," Esme told me.

"Why? What's happening? Where is Bella? This is scaring me, Mom," I panicked.

"Dude, it's all good. I promise." Emmett beamed.

"Are you ready, Dad? Mom's waiting inside for you. She looks beautiful." Garrett grinned.

The door to the sunroom opened, and I heard the music start playing.

It might seem crazy what I am about to say.
Sunshine she's here, you can take a break.

I recognized the song straight away: Happy by Pharrell Williams. This was the song Bella had been playing in the house the past couple of weeks. She and the kids have been dancing around the house to it, too. Hell, I've even joined in, as well.

This was kind of making sense a little, now.

Firstly, Katie began to dance down between the gaps in the chairs, someone had put out. Then followed by Garrett.

Then I heard

(Because I'm happy)
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.
(Because I'm happy)
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.
(Because I'm happy)

Emmett and Rose took off dancing down the same direction. I could hear people singing and clapping.

"Are you ready, darling?" Mom asked.

"Yes, but what is happening?" I asked confused.

She took my hand, pulling me into the room, as she danced down what looked like an aisle. That's when I saw Bella dressed in a wedding gown standing in front of an arch covered in flowers, looking beautiful. She was standing with a big smile on her face, with George, who was standing next to her. Pastor Webber stood in front of the arch.

I didn't take my eyes off her, as I awkwardly danced towards her. As I reached Bella, I took hold of her waist, and danced a little.

"Good surprise, or bad surprise?" Bella asked, as she bit down on her lip.

"The best surprise ever. Closely followed by meeting you again at the hospital." I beamed.

I looked around at the people who were in attendance. There was all of Bella's friends from Forks, her adopted family from New York—whom I had met when they came to visit after Katie's accident; my family; Jenks his wife and child; Heidi; Tia; a guy I recognized as Ant's younger brother; and Angela, Ben, and their twins. There was also family friends from Chicago, but what shocked me was my father was here. He had his arm around a woman who looked about our age, with a small boy standing between them.

"Who invited my father?" I whispered.

"I did. I didn't think he would come. Life's too short to hold grudges, Bear. Let's enjoy our day," Bella muttered.

"Could everyone be seated? Several years ago I was asked to perform a wedding that, through a series of misfortunes, never took place. So, once again, I have Edward and Isabella standing before me," Pastor Webber announced. "Are you both ready?"

We both nodded our heads enthusiastically.

"I would like to invite Tia to offer a short poem," Pastor Webber announced.

When the one whose hand you're holding
Is the one who holds your heart
When the one whose eyes you gaze into
Gives your hopes and dreams, their start,
When the one you think of first and last
Is the one who holds you tight,
And the things you plan together
Make the whole world seem just right,
When the one whom you believe in
Puts their faith and trust in you,
You've found the one and only love
You'll share your whole life through.

"Thank you," I mouthed, giving her a wink.

Smiling, Pastor asked, "Who gives this woman to this man?"

"Me and her Grandparents," George replied as he passed her hand to me, kissing Bella on her forehead. "Make your Gran proud. I love you."

"We are gathered here to witness the marriage of Edward to Isabella. Isabella has written her own vows, and if Edward would like to say something from the heart, that will be great," Pastor Webber continued.

"Edward, the first time I saw you in the university library I thought you were the best-looking man I had ever seen. I didn't think I stood a chance of you noticing me, but we were more suited than I expected; we were both geeks. I'm happy you chose me to stand by your side, and sleep in your arms. I hope to bring joy to your heart, and food for your soul. To learn with you, and grow with you, even as time, and life, changes us both. I promise to laugh with you in good times, and struggle alongside you in bad times. I promise to respect you, and cherish you as an individual, a partner, and an equal; knowing that we do not only complete, but complement, each other. May we have many adventures and grow old together."

"Edward, would you like to say your own vows?" Pastor Webber asked me.

Nodding my head, I began, "When I first saw you, I thought you were a beautiful angel. Which I know sounds cheesy, but it's true. I love you unconditionally, and without hesitation. I vow to love you, encourage you, trust you, and respect you. As a family, we will create a home filled with learning, laughter, and compassion. I promise to work with you to foster, and cherish a relationship of equality, knowing that together we will build a life far better than either of us could imagine alone. Today, I choose you to be my wife. I accept you as you are, and I offer myself in return. I will care for you, stand beside you, and share with you all of life's adversities, and all its joys from this day forward, and all the days of my life.

"Have you got the rings?" Pastor Webber asked.

"Yes," Emmett replied.

"Edward, repeat after me."

"Isabella Marie Swan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day." I pushed the ring onto her finger.

"Now Isabella."

"Edward Anthony Cullen, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day," Bella repeated, as she pushed my ring onto my finger.

"I love you," I mouthed.

"It's my privilege to announce you man and wife. Edward, you may kiss your bride," Pastor Webber announced.

"I've been looking forward to this bit." I smiled down.

Brushing my lips against Bella's, I deepened the kiss.

"Dude, wait till you're in private." Emmett pulled on my jacket.

We both blushed, and I placed a kiss on the end of her nose.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present you with Dr. Edward and Isabella Cullen," Pastor Webber announced.

Taking Bella's hand, we walked back up the aisle as the music started.

Oh baby, here I am,signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours.

Here I am baby.
Oh, you've got the future in your hand.
(Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours)

Our friends applauded and laughed.

"So, this was what you and Mom were organizing. It was never a ball, was it?" I asked.

"It's going to be a ball, as such. There will be dancing." Bella smiled.

"I can't tell you how happy I am at the minute, but did you invite my father?" I quizzed.

"I'm glad you're happy, as I am too. Yes, I invited your father. He wasn't going to come; he thought it was a sick joke on my part, as the invitation stated you knew nothing about the wedding. He spoke to Auntie Claire, who told him to get a grip, reminding him not everyone was like him, and it was up to him if he came." Bella shrugged. "Come on, let's get the photos over with. I can't wait for our first dance."

Taking the pictures was the most annoying, and tedious, thing I've ever done. I felt horrible for Bella when they asked for her family to come forward, knowing she had none. But I was happy when Ant, and his family stood next to her.

"Edward, could I have a word with you please?" Peter requested.

"Sure. Bella, I'm just having a quick word with my father. Let me know if I'm needed for anything," I whispered into her ear, kissing the side of her head.

"What can I do for you," I asked.

"Well, son, I just wanted to tell you I never knew you were shot while you were overseas. Alice told me a few months after it happened, but said how you were refusing to see anyone. Also, to be honest, I'm not sure where I fit in with your life, and I was shocked to get an invitation for your wedding," Peter stated

"The invitation was all Bella, nothing to do with me. I knew nothing about this. Bella has a new outlook on life, and is a much better person than I am. As for Alice, she came to visit me and voiced her regret to the fact I had survived. With regard our relationship, I'm not sure what you want for me, but I will have nothing to do with Alice. Please don't try to push that. It seems you have another family and never thought about telling any of us," I explained.

"Sorry, how rude of me. Let me introduce you to my wife Sammie and her son—from a previous relationship—Jordon, who is five years old." Peter smiled.

"It's nice to meet you both," I politely said, holding my hand out.

"Likewise," Sammie said as she held out her hand in the way as if she expected me to kiss it.

I shook it, she looked disappointed.

"Where did you meet?" I was curious. "As she is obviously younger than you."

"Sammie? I met her at a bar when I was having drinks with friends. She's twenty-five years old. Some people have a problem with us, but I have no time for negative responses."

"I see by your Armani suit your career has taken a right turn." I smiled

"Yes, I have a private practice in Los Angeles. I'm working in cardiology again. I have a tenure at Ronald Reagan UCLA medical center. So, I'm keeping busy," Peter proudly replied. "Alice has been living in my home since she broke up with her boyfriend. She tried to come with us, but I told her she had caused too much trouble for you both, and if she came I would put her out to fend for herself. So, don't worry; I would never push you together."

"Thank you," I replied.

"What have you been doing? When did you and Bella meet again?" Peter inquired.

"I have my own practice in Lakewood, here in Washington. I met Bella again when Katie was flown out to Seattle Children's Hospital after she was hit by a car," I replied.

"So, are the children, hers from a previous relationship?" Peter probed.

"No, Garrett and Katie are Bella's half siblings. Renée children, Bella's mom, died in a car crash. The children are both adopted by her. In fact, I have adopted Katie, and will hopefully be adopting Garrett soon. Thank you for not letting Alice come; it would have spoiled our day." I smiled.

"Excuse me, Dad, but Mom said she needs you." Garrett grinned.

"Okay, I'm coming. Garrett this is your other Grandfather," I acknowledged.

"It's nice to meet you. What do I call you?" Garrett asked, holding his hand out.

Shaking his hand, Peter replied, "Grandad, but with me living so far away from you, I may not see you as much as you do your other Grandparents."

"That's okay. We don't see our nonno and nonna very much. They live in New York. They send us gifts, and we visit them sometimes. See you later, Grandad," Garrett answered.

"I hope you both continue to enjoy the day." I said with a smile, as I took my son's hand, and walked towards my wife.

The evening seemed to go by quickly.

If you were to ask me what food we ate or the name of the wine, I wouldn't be able to tell you. The speeches that were given, that is something that went in a blur. Or the fact I danced with my mom to Beautiful Boy by John Lennon, and when I watched as Ant and Bella danced to "You got a friend" by James Taylor.

But what I will remember is when the DJ invited us to take the floor for our first dance together.

The song began, and I recognized it straight away; Songbird by Eva Cassidy. It was the song Bella sang to me on our wedding rehearsals all those years ago. But what made it so special was the fact she had recorded herself performing it, and had it made into a CD just for me.

"I know this may not be your idea of our song, but I kind of thought it was how I feel about you," Bella whispered as she leaned in for a kiss.

"It's beautiful. Thank you, smudge. This day has been perfect," I replied.

We kissed before we left the dance floor, and Bella leaned into my chest.

"Shit—that hurt," I moaned.

"What happened? Have you hurt yourself?" Bella panicked.

"No, well, yes it hurts. I had a tattoo done for you; it was kind of a gift for you," I muttered.

"I can't wait to get you alone tonight at the hotel to see this gift for myself." Bella winked.

That bit I also remembered.

What everyone has been waiting for they are now married. I hope you enjoyed the wedding.

Thanks as always to my amazing Beta Mr. G and Me, who has so much patience with me. Her incredible job to make this readable. Also, to my pre-reader Klcivinski who takes time out of her busy life to read this.

Any mistakes are all mine.