3,837Edward's Sports Illustrated issue was printed and released about three weeks after I turned my pictures in. Mr. Cleary was right. It was their best selling one. Part of me wondered if it was because Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rose and even my dad bought more than one copy. Edward bought an entire stack. He even made me autograph them even though he was the one in the pictures. He said one day they'd be worth a lot of money and he wanted to make sure he had some in stock in case his career really did go to shit. He has an EBay account already set up just as a precaution.
My first assignment for National Geographic sent me back to Europe. I was a little sad Edward couldn't go with me because he was training but I didn't go alone. Charlie actually offered to go with me, which surprised the hell out of me. I could really tell he was trying and I couldn't believe that he was going to take two weeks off of work to travel with me. Our time in Ireland was an amazing experience. I think we bonded more in those two weeks than over my entire life. It might have helped that we were drinking with old Irishmen half of the time. I did get some great pictures though, which was the point of the whole trip. Edward and I also skyped so I was thankful my dad and I didn't share a room. It would have been a long two weeks without…that.
Edward was training a lot. He wasn't really speaking publicly about anything regarding his career, but I think the media was finally realizing he might be 'Brett Farving' it and coming out of his "retirement." He even had his own tennis court built behind the house, which I couldn't believe he didn't have already. It made it a lot easier for him to practice.
Between that, my job and gearing up for Alice's wedding we were really busy. I thought it might take a toll on our relationship. I mean I was sometimes gone for days, weeks at a time. He was almost always on the court. We got into occasional spats now and then, but that was just us. It made me realize more than ever that this thing between us was going to work. We could be gone all day, come home exhausted and still manage to make time for each other at the end of the day.
Alice and Jasper were married in June, a week before Edward's birthday and were pregnant by Christmas. We spent the holiday with Charlie back in Forks. Edward and him had taken a little longer to get on good terms and despite how awkward that made it sometimes, it oddly meant a lot. Edward was very protective of my heart and I knew that. I guess he just wasn't as easily convinced that Charlie's intentions were honorable and I could understand that. I still had some anger towards him, despite the fact that I understood him. I doubted that it would ever go away completely, but at the same time I was happy to be building a relationship with him. He was my father and behind all the bullshit I loved and missed him. I knew the tide had turned with him and Edward when I woke up on Christmas morning and found them down on the couch in their pajamas eating cereal and watching cartoons.
I'd been fairly quiet about Edward jumping back into the tennis circuit officially, but I was starting to get antsy. It wasn't that I wanted to push him when he wasn't ready. I knew he wanted to recommit himself and get on solid ground with the game before he started playing again and I was okay with that. But I didn't want him to get so consumed in it that he completely misses his chance to be great.
"Edward?" I bit down on my lip and glanced over at him. I knew he wasn't sleeping yet.
He slowly opened his eyes and turned towards me. "Yeah?"
"You know the Australian is coming up…" I mumbled.
"Yeah."
"So…what do you think?" I scooted closer to him and rested my head on his pillow.
"I don't want the Australian."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean…yeah I want it at some point, but right now? I want Wimbledon. It's all I can fucking see in my head right now."
"Okay." I nodded. "Then you'll get Wimbledon."
He smirked and pressed his forehead to mine. "Will you tell me it again?"
I kissed him before closing my eyes. ""Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them".
Wimbledon, Final Round
Edward bounced the ball one, two, three, four times and stepped to the baseline. It was strange sitting up in the "family" seats rather than being down in the action. I had to say that I kind of missed it. Plus I didn't get quite as good of view of his ass from way up here.
It'd been a full year since Alice and Jasper's wedding and despite the doctor's orders she flew over here in her last month of pregnancy. But it was Alice and you can't tell her anything.
Alice reached over and grabbed my hand as Edward threw his toss up. He was one point away from winning Wimbledon, what he'd been working towards for over a year. I held my breath as he snapped his racquet down on the ball. It soared over the net and to the corner of the service box, barely brushing across the white line. His opponent lunged for the ball and swung, tripping over his own feet in his desperation. He missed and the ball flew right past him.
Before I could muster up a decent scream the line judge threw his arm up, indicating he called the ball out.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" I whispered. The crowd erupted in a roar of "boos" which wasn't something that happened all the time in tennis. "That's bullshit!" I stood up and pointed towards the spot. "That was in!"
Edward turned around and laughed a little at my outburst. It was kind of hilarious, considering that he was the one who used to be known for them. I guess I just got a little irritated that the ref was robbing my man of his win.
"Mr. Cullen would you like to challenge the ruling?" The chair referee asked.
"No that's okay ref. I'll just do it again." He smirked and the crowd laughed. Cocky bastard.
To say that the crowd was receptive towards Edward was an understatement. This was his first major tournament back in the game and they supported him. It meant a lot to him that they were behind him after so long. I guess it just shows that I'm not the only one who believed in him. They knew he had talent just as much as I did.
He stepped up to the line and did his serving routine again. The ball shot almost to the same exact spot on the opposite corner. I guess his opponent took Edward's statement literally because as soon as Edward hit the ball he threw himself towards the corner his first serve went to. The entire crowd fell silent and Edward turned towards the chair referee again.
"Am I good?" He asked casually. The ref shifted uncomfortably in his seat before nodding his head.
"Match Mr. Edward Cullen."
Edward threw his fist into the air and started jumping around as the crowd burst into applause. I jumped up in my seat and leapt onto Jasper's back just so I could see better. Edward threw his racquet down on the ground as he waved to the crowd. The moment his eyes connected with mine he launched himself up the wall and into the crowd. Everyone patted his back as he passed them, but he didn't stop. This was our moment and for once I got to experience it with him.
As soon as he was close enough I jumped off Jasper's back and right into his arms. I didn't care that he was sweaty or gross I just wanted to kiss him. My mouth found his and I felt him smile against my lips.
"I love you," I mumbled.
"I love you too. I love you so much." He ran his hands gently through my hair as I hugged him tighter. In that moment it was just us. We weren't in a stadium packed with people; we were just Edward and Bella. And I've never been more proud of him. "I love you," his voice broke as he buried his face into my neck.
"Alright let me give my brother a hug, he just won Wimbledon!" Alice squealed. I reluctantly obliged to let Edward go because I didn't want her to have a conniption and go into labor or something.
Edward wrapped his arms gently around her, careful to watch her baby bump. He kissed her cheek before kneeling down in front of her.
"Katie," he mumbled, talking to Alice's stomach. "I don't know if you can hear me kid, but I just want you to know you have the most badass uncle in the entire world. And don't tell your mother I just said ass in front of you."
Alice rolled her eyes and laughed. Edward continued on down the line, giving Emmett, Jasper and Rosalie hugs before returning to the court.
After the crowd had settled down he was presented with his trophy and was carted off for pictures and interviews. We knew he'd be awhile and since Alice had respectfully resigned from being Edward's agent, we didn't really need to rush out. They'd eventually come to terms with the fact that although they loved each other and Alice was a great agent; they just should not work together.
We sat back down in our seats and waited for the stadium to clear out. When it did we made our way down the steps and out towards the locker rooms. I saw Vader and gave him a smile and a high five. I assumed Edward had already been cascaded through the initial rounds of interviews so we just decided to wait for him to clean up.
"Dad?"
My entire body tensed when I heard Alice utter those words. I turned around and shook my head. Edward Sr. was standing in front of Alice, his suit jacket in his arms and his shirt sweaty as hell. Almost like he'd been sitting outside all day with us.
"Ali girl…" He smiled. "I didn't know you were expecting. When are you due?"
"Next month," she said softly.
"Congratulations, you'll make a great mommy." He reached out and brushed his hand against her stomach. She almost cowered back but held her ground. I know at one point I thought Alice was a bitch, but she was the toughest bitch I've ever met in my life and I envied her in so many ways. She had my utmost respect for the way she was handling herself right now, considering the circumstances.
"This is my husband Jasper." She tugged lightly on Jasper's arm and Jasper being who he was smiled and shook Edward Sr.'s hand.
"It's nice to meet you sir," Jasper said.
"You as well. I trust you're taking care of my little girl?"
Alice winced at the sound of his words and grabbed onto Jasper's hand.
"Oh I don't think Ali needs taking care of sir. She's quite a pistol. She manages herself pretty well, she's done it on her own for most of her life."
I gasped. I've never heard Jasper take a dig at someone like that. It was subtle but it was there. And it was fucking awesome. Note to self: buy Jasper a big candy bar later.
Edward Sr. cleared his throat and turned my way.
"Isabella." He smiled and took a few steps.
"Listen dude, I don't know what the hell you think you're doing here…"
"I was here to watch my son play," he smiled.
"No business?" I cocked my eyebrow.
"No business. All pleasure. My boy really can play."
I glanced behind him to Alice. She shrugged.
"Edward if this is all some game, we're really not interested in playing…" I shook my head. "He's in a really…really good place right now okay? I'm sorry about the things I said the last time I saw you, it was highly inappropriate but it doesn't mean it wasn't true and I don't regret defending him." I crossed my arms in front of me.
"I'm glad you did sweetheart. I needed a swift kick in the you know what and you kicking me out of his life was exactly what I needed. You don't realize how much something means to you until it's not there anymore. I mean really not there. I treated my children as an accessory, a doormat, something that would always be there and I won't make that mistake again. I'd like to see my son please."
I narrowed my eyes at him and sighed. "Pinky swear?" It may have been juvenile but pinky swears meant something to me and it was the only thing that would get him past me. I felt bigger than Vader right now and I had no problem kicking Edward Sr.'s ass if he tried anything.
"I pinky swear Miss Bella." He held out his pinky and I took it with mine. "You know I like you," he said as I stepped aside. "I hope my son marries you someday." He walked down the hallway and stopped in front of Edward's dressing room. He knocked and the door opened. I held my breath as he stepped inside.
I sat down on the ground and waited. Alice eventually got tired and Jasper took her back to the room. Emmett and Rose left after an hour to get something to eat. But I stayed. I wasn't leaving him. I wanted to be here when he came out.
Two hours later and after I'd counted the tiles on the floor three times the door opened again. The Edwards stepped out and I was surprised to find they were actually laughing. They both glanced at me as they approached and Edward Sr. turned to shake Edward's hand.
"I'll see you at the U.S. Open. And good luck tonight." He winked and left.
"Are you okay?" I quickly went to Edward's side and took his hand.
"Did you really make him pinky swear to get past you?" He laughed.
"Yes."
"God I love you." He kissed my forehead. "And yes I'm okay."
"Are you sure?"
"Let's see. I have a kickass girlfriend, my sister's about to pop out a baby, my father actually came to see me play…and oh I just won Wimbledon. I'm fucking okay."
"Okay. And what's tonight?"
"Nothing." He smirked and draped his arm over my shoulder as we left the hallway.
"Edward…"
"Bella," he teased.
"Fine."
I knew he had something up his sleeve, but I wasn't going to bug him. It was like on your birthday when you got anything you wanted. I figured winning Wimbledon worked the same way. And plus I couldn't stop smiling just seeing how happy he was. That little boy inside of him? He was beaming because his father just came to see him play. It was priceless.
We exited through the lobby and into the media circus. There was a car waiting for us to whisk us back to the hotel. Everyone was waiting for us back at the hotel restaurant and I was glad because I was fucking starving.
We hung around for a while, eating and drinking as much as possible. Edward only had one glass of wine, which was a little odd because we were celebrating. He hadn't had more than a few drinks since he started playing again but this was different. I thought he'd want to let loose a little tonight. It made me think that something was off.
"Baby are you sure you're okay?" I leaned closer to him.
"Yeah," he smiled. "Just a little bit of nerves left over from today."
Nerves? He should be fucking relaxed as hell right now. It didn't make sense. And even if that was a suitable excuse he didn't even look nervous playing today.
I dropped the subject and went back to enjoying my dinner. Alice and Jasper retired early since being pregnant apparently made you old, but Rose and Emmett stuck around for a little while.
"Will you go for a walk with me?" Edward whispered.
I nodded and smiled slightly. He stood up and offered me his hand.
"Be generous tonight Bella," Emmett winked. "He did just win Wimbledon."
Edward laughed and threw a balled up napkin at his head.
He led me through the restaurant and out to a car that was waiting for us.
"I thought you wanted to go for a walk?" I asked.
"I do. Just not here." He smiled and pulled me into the car.
"Okay." I shrugged and held onto his hand as we zoomed through the streets of London. The city lights eventually faded away a little and I wondered where the hell we were going.
"Edward what are we doing here?" I asked as we pulled up in front of the courts.
"I want to show you something." He told the driver to take a break and pulled me from the car.
"How did you get in here so late?" I asked.
"Are you kidding? I just won Wimbledon," he laughed.
"Oh. Excuse me Mr. Tennis God." I rolled my eyes and smirked.
He led me through the lobby and towards center court. It was completely empty and fairly dark. I couldn't even see the court from up in the stands.
"It's kind of nice out here at night isn't it?" Edward said, looking around the court.
"Yeah. What are we doing?"
"I just…" He smiled and turned towards me. "I want to make sure you know how much you mean to me. I couldn't have ever imagined meeting someone like you and you flipped my entire world upside down. It will never be the same because of you, regardless of your answer."
"My answer?"
"Bella you've got me by the balls, literally and figuratively. And I can't imagine spending a single second of my life without you in it…"
The lights of the court suddenly flipped on and I blinked, momentarily blinded. I turned towards the court and noticed that the net had been taken down and there were tennis balls on the court. It took me a minute to realize they were arranged in letters. Will you marry me?
"Oh my God…" I whispered. My hand flew up to my mouth. When I turned back towards Edward he was down on one knee with a ring perched on his hand. "Oh my God. Really?" I cried.
"Yes really," he laughed. "I want to marry you."
"I want to marry you too."
"So is that officially a 'yes' or do I have to re-serve?" He smirked.
"Yes." I nodded. "Hell yes." I reached out for him and pulled him close. "How did you do all this?"
"I noticed you were all buddy-buddy with Raymond so I asked for his help."
"Raymond?"
"The security guard."
"Vader helped you? What a nice guy."
"That's why I was so nervous at dinner. He kept texting me during dinner and saying that the balls were rolling all over the place. I finally told him to just fucking super glue them. I'll probably have to pay for a new court but I don't care."
I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Vader super gluing all the tennis balls to the court.
"Oh you probably want this." He pulled back and grabbed my left hand. He took the ring from its box and slipped it onto my ring finger. "Perfect."
We waited until the next morning at breakfast to tell everyone. I was a little surprised that Edward had managed to keep it a secret. I asked him what he was going to do if he'd lost and he said it wouldn't have made a difference. He wanted to marry me whether or not he got Wimbledon this time.
"So….we have a little announcement." I smiled at Alice and slowly brought my left hand up.
A piercing scream ripped through my eardrums and I instinctively cowered back. I thought for sure that sound was only audible to dogs, but my eardrums were in pain. Everyone in the restaurant froze and turned towards us.
Jasper reached over and covered her mouth, smiling apologetically at the other patrons. "Congratulations guys," he said.
"Congrats!" Emmett and Rose said.
Edward took my hand and kissed my neck.
Alice finally calmed down enough to speak in a normal voice and instantly offered to help me plan the wedding.
Our house had turned into wedding central less than a week after we got back. There were magazines and color swatches and folders and folders of information. Even after Alice had Katie she was there all the time helping me.
"Alice really….you can go home. I can figure it out." We were looking through cakes trying to decide which one I wanted. We'd had an appointment earlier with the bakery and now all I needed to do was pick one out.
"Nonsense." She shifted Katie on her knee and glanced back down at the pictures.
Edward came through the door, sweaty and red after his run.
"Hey babe," he called.
"Hey can you take Katie for a little bit so we can get this done?" Alice asked.
"Yeah sure. Let me just take a quick shower." He started up the stairs and was back down in ten minutes.
I never really thought of Edward as a kid person, but he was completely wrapped around that little baby's finger. The first few weeks after she was born he'd have a freak out if she started crying. He was generally concerned that there was something really wrong with her but Alice told him that's what babies do. They cry.
"Come here." He smiled and took Katie from Alice. "Let's go watch some ESPN."
I rolled my eyes and went back to my folder. I was convinced that Katie was going to be a star tennis prodigy if Edward had anything to do with it. He even bought her a stuffed tennis racquet.
Alice and I worked for a couple of hours before she finally agreed to go home. We packed all of our wedding stuff away and went to find Edward. The living room was dark, except for the flickering of the television. Edward was sleeping on the couch; Katie nestled up on his chest doing the same. I'm telling you there is nothing cuter than seeing a guy like that, especially when he's your guy.
I smiled and grabbed my camera so I could sneak a picture before Alice took her away. I quickly took Katie's place and settled myself on top of him. We ended up sleeping on the couch that night and it was surprisingly comfortable.
The next few months were just as hectic and then just like that it was our wedding day. I never imagined myself to be a winter bride, but it was kind of nice. And plus it was the only time Edward really had off training enough to have the wedding and go on our honeymoon. He'd have to start practicing for the Australian Open as soon as we got back.
"The caterers aren't here yet," Alice complained. She burst through the door toting little Katie along in a baby carrier, even though she was already in her bridesmaid's dress. Alice was incapable of not working.
"Alice." I grabbed her by the arms and told her to breathe. I think she was more nervous than I was. "It's okay. They will get here. You need to pass Katie off to Edward Sr. because we're about to walk down the aisle. I need to get married." I nodded my head slowly as her eyes darted around the room.
Right on cue Edward Sr. stepped into the room along with Jasper and Charlie. Alice gave Katie to Edward, who was going to be on baby duty at least during the ceremony. He smiled at me and told me I looked beautiful before carting Katie out into the ceremony space. Him and Alice still weren't on the best of terms, it was the father/daughter reunion Charlie and I had by any means, but he was at least in her life. And he was in Katie's life.
Alice said something about going to find Rosalie and told us we had two minutes.
"I'll give you a moment," Jasper said. He turned and left the room. Charlie shuffled nervously and cleared his throat.
"You look stunning honey," he mumbled.
"Thank you."
"I wish your mother could have been here to see you." He nodded and I could tell he was trying to hold back the tears.
"Me too. But you're here. And I'm happy that you are." I smiled and took his arm. Our relationship had grown exponentially even since our trip to Ireland. I think I knew deep down in my heart that I probably never would have been brave enough to even think about having a relationship with him if I hadn't met Edward. I liked to think that my mom sent Edward to me, as cheesy as it sounds. I mean how incredibly lucky was I that I met Alice in that elevator. It had to be something divine. It had to be. So in her roundabout way my mom brought Charlie back to me. And I would be forever thankful.
Jasper knocked and poked his head inside. "We're up kid."
I took a deep breath and ran my fingers over my dress and my veil. "Do I look alright?"
"Beautiful," he smiled.
I took my father's hand and Jasper's and we started out towards the ceremony room.
"Hey Jazz?" I leaned over and whispered in his ear as we waited.
"Yeah."
"Thanks for doing this."
"Wouldn't want it any other way darlin'." He smirked and kissed my cheek before lowering the veil over my face.
The doors opened and I smiled as I saw everyone stand. We didn't have a lot of guests, only the people who were the most important to us. I felt like I was in a movie or something. I didn't think something could feel this perfect as this felt right now.
I started walking down the aisle a little faster than I was supposed to because Jasper and Charlie pulled me back a little. I was just anxious to see him. I wasn't quite out of the doorway yet so we couldn't see each other.
"Relax baby, he'll be there…" Charlie smiled and patted my hand.
I bit down on my lip and tried not to curse while we were walking at a snail's pace. I realize that's what you were supposed to do so everyone could admire you but I just wanted to be hitched. That was it.
After a few steps I felt my heart flutter and I saw him. He was standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me with his hands resting in front of him. I knew the moment he saw me because his shoulders heaved up once, like when you take a big breath. Carlisle patted him on the back and smiled.
It felt like it took us forever to get there, but we finally did. Jasper and Charlie kissed my cheek and handed me off to Edward. He pulled me closer to him and I saw his eyes were red and puffy. He'd been crying.
"Don't cry baby." I smiled and reached up to brush his tears away.
"Welcome everyone," the minister started. "We're here to celebrate the love of Edward and Isabella. The rings?" He turned to Carlisle.
Carlisle reached into his pocket and held out our rings.
"Isabella please take this ring and place it on Edward's finger. And repeat after me."
My hand shook as I grabbed his ring and slid it halfway onto his finger. I listened to every word he said and prayed that I wouldn't mess it up.
"I, Isabella Marie Swan, take you, Edward Anthony Cullen, as my husband." I smiled and pushed the ring onto his finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Edward please place this ring on Isabella's finger and repeat after me."
Edward took the ring and placed it on my finger.
"I, Edward Anthony Cullen, take you, Isabella Marie Swan, as my wife." He pushed the ring onto my finger. "Can I say something?" He asked. The minister laughed and nodded. "When I first met you Bella I didn't believe that love even…fucking meant anything in tennis or in life." He turned towards the minister. "Sorry." He turned back towards me. "And you proved me so wrong." He smiled and shook his head. "And I love you. Okay I'm done." The minister nodded to the ring. "Oh!" He pushed it onto my finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
The minister said some more mumbo jumbo and pronounced us husband and wife. Edward pulled my veil up and I jumped up into his arms as an array of flashbulbs went off. I smiled against his lips and turned my face towards the crowd so they could get our picture.
Edward eventually set me down and we made our way back down the aisle while everyone clapped and hollered. Actually it was mostly Emmett that was hollering.
When we got outside there was a nice old car waiting for us and we hopped inside.
"Hi husband." I kissed Edward again.
"Hi wife. Think we can sneak back to the hotel before the reception?" He cocked his eyebrow.
"I like the way you think." The driver started pulling away from the curb. "I can't believe we just got married," I laughed. "Are you sure you want to be stuck with me for the rest of your life?"
"Definitely. You're it for me. Game, set, match." He leaned forward and kissed my neck. I smiled and turned to look out the back of the car. I laughed as I watched all the tennis balls trailing behind our car in lieu of cans and couldn't imagine a more perfect moment. Better than the best ace, fastest volley, or longest rally I'd ever seen. Fucking. Perfect.
A/N: Please read this even if you usually skip them. I need to say my thank yous and make some announcements : )
Big thank you to secamimom and other Amanda for reading and giving me advice with this story. It wouldn't be what it is without you : )
To everyone that loves Tennisward as much as I do and stuck with me for this little fun summer adventure THANK YOU times a billion. You guys are awesome and I didn't expect this to get as much response as it did. It was honestly just a little fantasy for me and I wanted to explore a different side of my writing so thanks for staying with it. Even if you didn't like it thank you for reading it. I don't really know why you'd keep reading something that wasn't your cup of tea but I know there are some of you out there. Whatever floats your boat, different strokes for different folks. Thank you anyway haha.
Please make sure to keep an eye on the Tennisward blog because I will be posting the little project I'm working on there.
I have also decided to post the 2nd chapter of Secret Life today, to "get the ball rolling" or whatever on that one. I won't be posting anymore on it until after I get back home, which will probably be around the 18thish. I have to get moved back to my apartment and get ready for school and work so it's going to be a hectic time for me, so please be patient if you're going to read it. I'll start posting a lot more regularly after I get settled.
I *think* that might be it. I'm really sad for this story to end, I had so much fun with it. But I'm definitely looking forward to my future projects : ) Thanks again guys you are kickass and amazing and I wish I could personally send a Tennisward to each and every one of you.
Mandy