Letters To A Stranger
by Momma2fan
Chapter 10
He tried, he tried for days to forget about Bella losing their baby. He threw himself into dangerous missions, never sending one of his men. They all tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen, he needed the distraction. He was afraid if he didn't occupy himself he would give himself over to the grief. When he was called in to see the captain he wasn't surprised.
"Cullen, you mind telling me what the fuck is going on with you?" Capt. Volturi stormed.
"Sorry, sir, I got some upsetting news from my girlfriend back home." Edward explained.
"Well, I won't say get over it because I'm sure you can't. Maybe you need a break. I could probably pull some strings and get you an extra R&R this month. Would that help?"
"It would, Sir. Can you give me a couple of days to consider it?"
"Let me know soon. Dismissed."
Edward got up and walked back toward his bunk, the wheels already turning. He would need his mother and Emmett if he was going to pull this off.
~~LTaS~~
Bella was having a hard time getting moving. What she really wanted to do was pull the covers up over her head and wallow in self pity. What would that solve, though? Plus she had promised Edward and her friends she wouldn’t hide away. She finally rolled out of bed and padded to her bathroom. Her thoughts kept turning to what she lost as she washed her hair and applied the conditioner. She tried to make herself believe it was soap running into her eyes, but her heart wouldn't be fooled. She cried until she had no more tears and stepped out of the shower.
Just as she finished dressing, her doorbell rang. On the other side Rose tapped her foot impatiently. Taking a deep breath, Bella plastered a smile on her face and opened the door. Rose wasn't fooled.
"Sweetie, are you sure you want to do this?" She asked sympathetically.
"I need to get out of here, Rosie. I am going stir crazy. Let's make you a bride."
Rose nodded and she and Bella headed to her car, where Rose laid on the horn and they waited for Alice, who finally bounced out of the house and joined her friends.
"Let's get going."
Rose pulled out and the trio headed to the bridal store. Rose and Emmett had decided on an outdoor wedding the weekend of July 4th. It was going to be held in Carlisle and Esme's garden. Esme had a beautiful gazebo with vines growing up it. It would be a lovely location for a wedding.
When they walked into the store they were immediately approached by a consultant. "Good morning. How may I help you ladies?"
"I'm Rosalie Hale. We have an appointment."
"Of course. Your future mother-in-law is already waiting, please follow me." They followed her over to a private sitting area, where Esme was sitting on a sofa, drinking a cappuccino. "Can I get you ladies anything to drink?" Once they had all ordered a beverage and were seated, they were told their personal consultant, Laurent, would be right out.
Alice bounced excitedly on the couch. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun."
They all turned when they heard clapping behind them, "It sure is, ladies." Behind them stood one of the most flamboyantly homosexual men they had ever seen. He was decked out in a vibrant red suit with a matching tie. On anyone else it would have looked ridiculous, but he pulled it off. "Which of you is the lucky bride?"
Esme smiled and stood up, "Actually, two of them are brides, but we would like to go ahead and try on a dress for the third."
Bella gaped at her. "Esme," she hissed.
"What? You never know what could happen, Bella. Better to be prepared, right?" Esme shrugged her shoulders innocently.
Laurent smiled, "Well, let's get started, shall we. Blondie, why don't you go first?"
Rosalie stood and followed Laurent to the dressing room, waiting as he brought in some dresses in her size. He brought out puffy dresses and floor length simple dresses. Rose tried them all on and showed the women but everyone agreed they were too much for an outdoor wedding. Laurent brought out one last dress which everyone fell in love with. It was an a-line halter sleeveless floor-length satin wedding dress with appliques and side draping. It had a small train which was fine with Rose.
He tried, he tried for days to forget about Bella losing their baby. He threw himself into dangerous missions, never sending one of his men. They all tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen, he needed the distraction. He was afraid if he didn't occupy himself he would give himself over to the grief. When he was called in to see the captain he wasn't surprised.
"Cullen, you mind telling me what the fuck is going on with you?" Capt. Volturi stormed.
"Sorry, sir, I got some upsetting news from my girlfriend back home." Edward explained.
"Well, I won't say get over it because I'm sure you can't. Maybe you need a break. I could probably pull some strings and get you an extra R&R this month. Would that help?"
"It would, Sir. Can you give me a couple of days to consider it?"
"Let me know soon. Dismissed."
Edward got up and walked back toward his bunk, the wheels already turning. He would need his mother and Emmett if he was going to pull this off.
~~LTaS~~
Bella was having a hard time getting moving. What she really wanted to do was pull the covers up over her head and wallow in self pity. What would that solve, though? Plus she had promised Edward and her friends she wouldn’t hide away. She finally rolled out of bed and padded to her bathroom. Her thoughts kept turning to what she lost as she washed her hair and applied the conditioner. She tried to make herself believe it was soap running into her eyes, but her heart wouldn't be fooled. She cried until she had no more tears and stepped out of the shower.
Just as she finished dressing, her doorbell rang. On the other side Rose tapped her foot impatiently. Taking a deep breath, Bella plastered a smile on her face and opened the door. Rose wasn't fooled.
"Sweetie, are you sure you want to do this?" She asked sympathetically.
"I need to get out of here, Rosie. I am going stir crazy. Let's make you a bride."
Rose nodded and she and Bella headed to her car, where Rose laid on the horn and they waited for Alice, who finally bounced out of the house and joined her friends.
"Let's get going."
Rose pulled out and the trio headed to the bridal store. Rose and Emmett had decided on an outdoor wedding the weekend of July 4th. It was going to be held in Carlisle and Esme's garden. Esme had a beautiful gazebo with vines growing up it. It would be a lovely location for a wedding.
When they walked into the store they were immediately approached by a consultant. "Good morning. How may I help you ladies?"
"I'm Rosalie Hale. We have an appointment."
"Of course. Your future mother-in-law is already waiting, please follow me." They followed her over to a private sitting area, where Esme was sitting on a sofa, drinking a cappuccino. "Can I get you ladies anything to drink?" Once they had all ordered a beverage and were seated, they were told their personal consultant, Laurent, would be right out.
Alice bounced excitedly on the couch. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun."
They all turned when they heard clapping behind them, "It sure is, ladies." Behind them stood one of the most flamboyantly homosexual men they had ever seen. He was decked out in a vibrant red suit with a matching tie. On anyone else it would have looked ridiculous, but he pulled it off. "Which of you is the lucky bride?"
Esme smiled and stood up, "Actually, two of them are brides, but we would like to go ahead and try on a dress for the third."
Bella gaped at her. "Esme," she hissed.
"What? You never know what could happen, Bella. Better to be prepared, right?" Esme shrugged her shoulders innocently.
Laurent smiled, "Well, let's get started, shall we. Blondie, why don't you go first?"
Rosalie stood and followed Laurent to the dressing room, waiting as he brought in some dresses in her size. He brought out puffy dresses and floor length simple dresses. Rose tried them all on and showed the women but everyone agreed they were too much for an outdoor wedding. Laurent brought out one last dress which everyone fell in love with. It was an a-line halter sleeveless floor-length satin wedding dress with appliques and side draping. It had a small train which was fine with Rose.
"Oh, Rose. You look like a bride." Esme sniffled. "Okay, Alice, it's your turn."
Alice jumped up and followed Laurent to the dressing rooms. She knew what she wanted and waited for Laurent to bring her the perfect dress. He found exactly what she was looking for and when Alice came out with it on, everyone sighed.
Alice jumped up and followed Laurent to the dressing rooms. She knew what she wanted and waited for Laurent to bring her the perfect dress. He found exactly what she was looking for and when Alice came out with it on, everyone sighed.
"It's perfect, Ali." Bella smiled. Alice’s gown was strapless with a satin bodice and beaded embroidery, an organza ball gown skirt, and chapel train. She was breathtaking. Jasper was going to flip.
Bella objected when they announced it was her turn. She had no idea why she would need to pick out a wedding dress. She wasn't engaged and the only man she had ever loved was fighting in another country. She finally gave in to their pestering and followed Laurent to the back.
Laurent looked over the unwilling woman and had an idea. He left Bella alone for a moment and went out to speak with Esme. She explained to him what was going on and what they needed. He understood and knew the perfect dress for the unknown bride.
Bella waited patiently, still a little confused, but willing to keep her mind distracted in any way possible from the grief which still clung to her. When Laurent walked back in with a dress in his arms, she fell in love.
She wasn’t one to dream of a huge wedding, but she had dreamed of being a bride someday. The dress was an a-line, princess satin off-the-shoulder, with an applique sleeveless sweep which looked like leaves and a brush train. She loved it and when she put it on it fit like a glove. When she walked out to show the women she had tears in her eyes when she noticed her brother and Emmett were there.
Bella objected when they announced it was her turn. She had no idea why she would need to pick out a wedding dress. She wasn't engaged and the only man she had ever loved was fighting in another country. She finally gave in to their pestering and followed Laurent to the back.
Laurent looked over the unwilling woman and had an idea. He left Bella alone for a moment and went out to speak with Esme. She explained to him what was going on and what they needed. He understood and knew the perfect dress for the unknown bride.
Bella waited patiently, still a little confused, but willing to keep her mind distracted in any way possible from the grief which still clung to her. When Laurent walked back in with a dress in his arms, she fell in love.
She wasn’t one to dream of a huge wedding, but she had dreamed of being a bride someday. The dress was an a-line, princess satin off-the-shoulder, with an applique sleeveless sweep which looked like leaves and a brush train. She loved it and when she put it on it fit like a glove. When she walked out to show the women she had tears in her eyes when she noticed her brother and Emmett were there.
Emmett had his laptop with him and was talking to someone on it. He looked up and smiled, before saying something to the person on the screen.
Esme told Bella to go change because someone wanted to talk to her and she couldn't talk to him wearing that dress. Bella changed quickly and came back out. Everyone was standing in a tight group talking to someone. Bella cleared her throat and everyone jumped apart. Her hand came up and covered her mouth as tears formed in her eyes. There in the middle of her family and friends was Edward on bended knee.
"Bella," he started. "When I received your letter I had no intention of ever replying, but I am so glad I did. You gave me hope and something, someone, to come home to. I know we haven't known each other long, but I want to make a life with you and babies with you. I love you more than anything and I would love nothing more than for you to be my wife. Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?"
Bella was so overcome with emotion all she could do was nod. She threw herself into Edward's waiting arms and fused her mouth to his. When they released each other, he slipped the ring on her finger.
"We don't have much time, sweetheart, I’m only home for three days. Captain pulled some strings. Will you marry me now? Today?"
"Edward...what...how...who?" Bella couldn't form a coherent thought.
Esme came to the rescue. "Bella, we just got your dress. Your parents are at my house waiting. We have everything ready. It will be perfect. I know it’s fast and if this isn't what you want, tell him now."
Bella was silent for about two seconds. She looked at Edward and saw her future. "Today it is."
Alice squealed, Emmett whooped, Jasper and Rosalie fist bumped, and Esme cried while she called Carlisle. Edward picked Bella up, throwing her over his shoulder and ran out the door, followed closely behind the rest.
~~LTaS~~
Carlisle walked out to the garden where Charlie was finishing setting up the chairs. "Esme just called, they're on the way. She agreed."
Charlie sighed. "I guess I'm not surprised. I'm just not ready to give my baby away. Be glad you had boys."
"I hate to say this, Charlie, but that doesn't make it easier." Carlisle laughed and clapped his friend on the back. "Did you hear from Renee?"
"She called me back, she's not coming. She said she couldn’t watch her only daughter marry a man who could potentially make her a widow before the ink was dry on their marriage certificate. She never approved of Jasper joining the service." Charlie wanted to go to Florida and throttle his ex-wife for being so selfish.
"It's her loss. She'll regret it someday and then she'll be too late. Esme's mother was the same way. She didn't have anything to do with us until Edward was born. Esme hadn’t wanted to forgive her, but did for the sake of our children."
The sound of cars pulling up ended the conversation. The men looked up when everyone walked to the back. Bella's breath caught when she saw the transformation of the garden. She didn't have long to admire it before she was whisked away inside where she was made into a beautiful bride.
Edward stayed outside and helped finish getting the backyard ready. When that was complete, he went upstairs where his brother and Jasper were waiting. Emmett handed him the keys to the honeymoon suite at the Hilton.
"Thanks for your help with this, Em. You too, Jasper. I couldn't have pulled this off without you guys."
The three of them put on their dress uniforms and walked back outside where a small gathering of people stood. Some were Bella's colleagues from school, others were Edward’s or Emmett’s from the service. A harpist began playing as the three men took their places at the top of the aisle. Alice and Rosalie appeared wearing similar dresses Esme had picked up a few days after Edward had called and started down the aisle toward them. The harpist changed music when they reached the end and started playing Canon in D minor, just as Bella and Charlie appeared in the doorway. When Edward got a glimpse of her his breath caught.
Seeing Edward in his dress blues brought a fresh round of tears to Bella’s eyes. She made her way to him on her father's arm and smiled when she reached him. The minister began the ceremony, but Bella and Edward didn't hear a word. They exchanged vows and rings and when the minister pronounced them husband and wife, they smiled before their lips met.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of pictures, cake, and dancing. Before she knew it she was standing in the middle of a gorgeous hotel room with her new husband. "Edward, how did you manage to do this?"
"Well, after our last phone call when you told me about the baby, I kind of went a little crazy. I started taking dangerous missions and not caring about my safety. One of the guys told my captain about it and I was basically ordered to get away and get a grip. I called mom and Emmett, telling them what was going on and they helped me set everything in motion. All I needed was Charlie's permission. Once I got that, I just needed you."
Bella smiled through her tears. "I love you, Edward Cullen."
Edward pulled her into his arms. "I love you, Bella Cullen."
They slowly stripped each other of their clothes. When there were no more barriers they tumbled to the bed and made love until their bodies were exhausted. As the sun came up, they drifted to a peaceful sleep wrapped in each other's arms.
Somewhere, in a different state, a woman cried with regret at not seeing her only daughter marry the man she chose.
Esme told Bella to go change because someone wanted to talk to her and she couldn't talk to him wearing that dress. Bella changed quickly and came back out. Everyone was standing in a tight group talking to someone. Bella cleared her throat and everyone jumped apart. Her hand came up and covered her mouth as tears formed in her eyes. There in the middle of her family and friends was Edward on bended knee.
"Bella," he started. "When I received your letter I had no intention of ever replying, but I am so glad I did. You gave me hope and something, someone, to come home to. I know we haven't known each other long, but I want to make a life with you and babies with you. I love you more than anything and I would love nothing more than for you to be my wife. Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?"
Bella was so overcome with emotion all she could do was nod. She threw herself into Edward's waiting arms and fused her mouth to his. When they released each other, he slipped the ring on her finger.
"We don't have much time, sweetheart, I’m only home for three days. Captain pulled some strings. Will you marry me now? Today?"
"Edward...what...how...who?" Bella couldn't form a coherent thought.
Esme came to the rescue. "Bella, we just got your dress. Your parents are at my house waiting. We have everything ready. It will be perfect. I know it’s fast and if this isn't what you want, tell him now."
Bella was silent for about two seconds. She looked at Edward and saw her future. "Today it is."
Alice squealed, Emmett whooped, Jasper and Rosalie fist bumped, and Esme cried while she called Carlisle. Edward picked Bella up, throwing her over his shoulder and ran out the door, followed closely behind the rest.
~~LTaS~~
Carlisle walked out to the garden where Charlie was finishing setting up the chairs. "Esme just called, they're on the way. She agreed."
Charlie sighed. "I guess I'm not surprised. I'm just not ready to give my baby away. Be glad you had boys."
"I hate to say this, Charlie, but that doesn't make it easier." Carlisle laughed and clapped his friend on the back. "Did you hear from Renee?"
"She called me back, she's not coming. She said she couldn’t watch her only daughter marry a man who could potentially make her a widow before the ink was dry on their marriage certificate. She never approved of Jasper joining the service." Charlie wanted to go to Florida and throttle his ex-wife for being so selfish.
"It's her loss. She'll regret it someday and then she'll be too late. Esme's mother was the same way. She didn't have anything to do with us until Edward was born. Esme hadn’t wanted to forgive her, but did for the sake of our children."
The sound of cars pulling up ended the conversation. The men looked up when everyone walked to the back. Bella's breath caught when she saw the transformation of the garden. She didn't have long to admire it before she was whisked away inside where she was made into a beautiful bride.
Edward stayed outside and helped finish getting the backyard ready. When that was complete, he went upstairs where his brother and Jasper were waiting. Emmett handed him the keys to the honeymoon suite at the Hilton.
"Thanks for your help with this, Em. You too, Jasper. I couldn't have pulled this off without you guys."
The three of them put on their dress uniforms and walked back outside where a small gathering of people stood. Some were Bella's colleagues from school, others were Edward’s or Emmett’s from the service. A harpist began playing as the three men took their places at the top of the aisle. Alice and Rosalie appeared wearing similar dresses Esme had picked up a few days after Edward had called and started down the aisle toward them. The harpist changed music when they reached the end and started playing Canon in D minor, just as Bella and Charlie appeared in the doorway. When Edward got a glimpse of her his breath caught.
Seeing Edward in his dress blues brought a fresh round of tears to Bella’s eyes. She made her way to him on her father's arm and smiled when she reached him. The minister began the ceremony, but Bella and Edward didn't hear a word. They exchanged vows and rings and when the minister pronounced them husband and wife, they smiled before their lips met.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of pictures, cake, and dancing. Before she knew it she was standing in the middle of a gorgeous hotel room with her new husband. "Edward, how did you manage to do this?"
"Well, after our last phone call when you told me about the baby, I kind of went a little crazy. I started taking dangerous missions and not caring about my safety. One of the guys told my captain about it and I was basically ordered to get away and get a grip. I called mom and Emmett, telling them what was going on and they helped me set everything in motion. All I needed was Charlie's permission. Once I got that, I just needed you."
Bella smiled through her tears. "I love you, Edward Cullen."
Edward pulled her into his arms. "I love you, Bella Cullen."
They slowly stripped each other of their clothes. When there were no more barriers they tumbled to the bed and made love until their bodies were exhausted. As the sun came up, they drifted to a peaceful sleep wrapped in each other's arms.
Somewhere, in a different state, a woman cried with regret at not seeing her only daughter marry the man she chose.