Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 27: Wedding
Day Warning
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I wrenched the door out of my way — ridiculously eager — and there he was my personal miracle.
Bella Swan, Eclipse, Chapter 1, p.17
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The weeks leading up to the big day flew, between selecting a site, recalling decorations and adding a few additional touches by suggestion. All members of the castle where busy. Much to their delight, there hadn't been an event this anticipated since Lord Caius married nearly a thousand years ago and rumors flew about the castle of the final cost of the event. Aro had rather smugly refused to tell his bride of the allowed budget only remarking when they'd gotten close she would be the first to know. Bella was greatly amused her mental calculator having given up after the first shipment of flowers had arrived. Freesha's and white roses beyond number.
Then there was the matter of finding a dress, having no clue in her dream as to what her attire looked like, having had eyes only for her groom. Alice was no help at all merely smiling a most critic lip curl and pretended not to hear her. At her wits ends she turned to Jane, who surprisingly had an excellent eye for fashion. Her station only required her to wear a black cloak when on duty. Her closet was filled with items that looked and felt like designer label.
“Wow, and I thought Alice was a shopping addict, where did you purchase these?”
Her question was met with genuine confusion and it was only after some gentle prodding with questions Bella discovered they hadn't been purchased but designed all by hand. It seemed when one had endless time to learn talents were discovered along the way and embraced wholeheartedly. Alice shopped, Emmett played X box and set scores high enough to drive the other gamers up the wall, and Jasper adored chess. It only took an hour or so before they had settled upon a design both of them delighted in.
“Oh Bella Thank you!”
“No, Jane, thank you! I can't wait to see the finished results!”
A time was set, easily within her abilities and Bella skipped off lighter in heart then she'd been in days. Finally the last piece had fallen into place. She was almost to the library door when a familiar pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. She had only to inhale the scent to feel a smile wreathing her face.
“Aro”
“Mia Isabella, I've been looking for you”
The words were familiar, the tone was not. Heated low and accented thickly with an emotion Bella recognized only too clearly. Occasionally when he'd been out feeding he returned, in vampire terms; high on whatever emotion his food had been feeling at the time. Once it was fear, anger and now it appeared to be...lust.
As his lips descended gently on her neck and began lying a feathery trail of kisses that heated her blood most effective. Caught unawares Bella was forced to reach out and steady herself as her knees began to give out. Stifling a moan with some difficulty, she kept her mind clear only by a hair as he reached her shoulder and bestowed a gentle nip on her shoulder touching an invisible spot on her collarbone with the tip of his tongue in a heated caress for only a moment and Bella ground her back teeth allowing a hiss to escape her lips as she fought to draw his attention. It had felt good, so very very good yet, with only a few days to go now it only felt right to wait.
“Aro, beloved, have you been in the great hall?”
Happily he paused lifting his head as he considered her words. Slowly his reason seemed to regain the higher footing and he exhaled taking stock in the situation. Cuddling his face gently into the handy space between her neck and shoulder he spoke quietly.
“I am sorry Mia Bella, I know the promise you made your mother and I shall honor it.”
She exhaled shakily, much as he had done as she fought to settle those more base emotions he'd thrown into action. Cursed hormones, never knew when to quit!
“You’re, forgiven...just caught me by surprise is all, Just give me a moment please”
Little comfort that was, with his heightened senses she knew without having to drum it into his immortal skull that her body had reacted to him. As, after all, any women would have in the situation. He stood quietly behind her. Listening while her heart began to calm and her scent returned to whatever it was normally. Only then did he speak.
“You desire me”
“This surprises you?”
Turning, she met his eyes, he having dropped his hold, brilliant crimson eyes dropping to the floor after just a moment. He was ashamed! The truth hit Bella like a snowball to the face in summer as she drank in his body language. She reached out a hand and brushed his high cheek bone gently before speaking softly. Her flush of color most becoming at the memory of just moments before.
“Aro, of course I desire you, I have since that first day I walked into the throne room, heaven knows I've pushed the limit now and again, you have nothing to be ashamed of, after our wedding I’m yours, body and heart completely even after my heart stops beating, from beginning to end you have been nothing but a gentlemen.
She was rewarded for her speech by him picking up her left hand and peppering kisses onto her knuckles.
“Thank you Mia Cara, I will not see you tomorrow as is tradition, however come 9am the next morning I shall be waiting for you, enjoy your hen party and be sure to get a proper amount of sleep.”
With that heated comment he was gone. Flitting away to wherever his brothers were spending the next 24 + hours. Blinking Bella uttered a soft huff and gave herself a little shake. There had been doubt behind the meaning in his words. Luckily she ran into Jasper on the way to lunch and was glad of his assistance. Given in company with a rather roguish wink that caused such a blush Bella felt inclined to throw something at him. As usual this proved useless he merely caught the butter dish and placed it gently back on the counter
“Easy Darlin, your secrets safe with me I reckon”
Somewhat reassured Bella calmed down turning her attention to her food savoring every forkful. Jasper watched her with some interest even going so far as to sniff the air before his nose wrinkled in clear distaste his expression clearly stating his opinion of the matter.
“I hope your sake Darlin that tastes better than it smells”
“Poor vampires unable to savor the delights of Italian cooking, I almost pity you”
Her hunger now sated and her emotions safely in check, Bella rose. Eager anticipation rising in its stead. Alice and Jane had teamed up for the hen party which was due to start in a few hours. She whittled away the time in walking about the gardens and dreaming those dreams common to all brides to be. Finally the clock chimed and the party began.
Waking the next morning, Bella couldn't have told anyone exactly what they'd done for a long moment, after the first glass of wine her memory had gotten rather fuzzy but the big parts, a round of dance dance on the gaming system ending in roaring laughter, wine, chocolate, and a game of twister coupled with a few Jane Austen movies completed the picture.
That meant today, was her wedding day!
The thought was enough to bring her to a sitting position as the happy nerves kicked in. Almost on cue a gentle knock sounded on the door and Alice came dancing in with a glass upon a silver tray. Seeming to be mindful of her companion’s possible headache she spoke low.
“Good morning Bella, here drink this, courtesy of Carlisle it will get rid of the headache”
Obediently she swigged down the content making a face as she did, like all medicine it tasted horrible. Happily its effects were prompt and before she had dug into the light bowl of porridge Jane brought in when her health was restored and she was able to speak in a normal voice as she drank from the steaming cup of coffee.
“Thank you girls; I don't know what I'd do without you”
“Any news of the boys?”
Alice burst out laughing, her golden eyes twinkling as she moved to collect the wedding gown from its rack in the closet, after a shower and her two friends fussing Bella was ready, her hair fell in red brown waves to her waist aided by a curling irons gentle touch. The veil was set gently on her head held in place by the most beautiful comb Bella had ever seen. Long laced sleeves and silk fabric comprised the gown. Spritz of perfume and small slippers completed her attire.
“There you’re ready; come along lucky girl, time to meet your groom!”
Jane wrapped a gentle arm about her form, Bella was happy for her support as she was in danger of breaking into tears of joy at the slightest provocation. A short trip down the stairs and across the grand hall revealed her ride. A white half carriage with the most beautiful white horses waited for her, held in place by Felix who smiled like anything. Jane looked amazing the long black cloak lying over her bridesmaid’s gown of ice blue. Alice taking up the rear keeping careful tabs on the long train of her gown. He flashed her a warm smile as she was handed into the carriage.
“You look beautiful ladies, come let’s get you to the beach on time!”
Bella couldn't contain the giggle that escaped her lips. It was a beautiful day. The streets were vacant as today was a national holiday and most of the population of Volterra was making preparations for the evening, it being the first night of the Shakespearean festival. So they were able to pass along the city streets without worry to the code of behavior the Volturi so rigorously clung to. They had just arrived when Bella's smile turned into a frown
The guests were assembled, the band was there, Carlisle was there ready to give her away and Marcus standing ready to marry them but...
..The groom was nowhere to be seen
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I wrenched the door out of my way — ridiculously eager — and there he was my personal miracle.
Bella Swan, Eclipse, Chapter 1, p.17
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The weeks leading up to the big day flew, between selecting a site, recalling decorations and adding a few additional touches by suggestion. All members of the castle where busy. Much to their delight, there hadn't been an event this anticipated since Lord Caius married nearly a thousand years ago and rumors flew about the castle of the final cost of the event. Aro had rather smugly refused to tell his bride of the allowed budget only remarking when they'd gotten close she would be the first to know. Bella was greatly amused her mental calculator having given up after the first shipment of flowers had arrived. Freesha's and white roses beyond number.
Then there was the matter of finding a dress, having no clue in her dream as to what her attire looked like, having had eyes only for her groom. Alice was no help at all merely smiling a most critic lip curl and pretended not to hear her. At her wits ends she turned to Jane, who surprisingly had an excellent eye for fashion. Her station only required her to wear a black cloak when on duty. Her closet was filled with items that looked and felt like designer label.
“Wow, and I thought Alice was a shopping addict, where did you purchase these?”
Her question was met with genuine confusion and it was only after some gentle prodding with questions Bella discovered they hadn't been purchased but designed all by hand. It seemed when one had endless time to learn talents were discovered along the way and embraced wholeheartedly. Alice shopped, Emmett played X box and set scores high enough to drive the other gamers up the wall, and Jasper adored chess. It only took an hour or so before they had settled upon a design both of them delighted in.
“Oh Bella Thank you!”
“No, Jane, thank you! I can't wait to see the finished results!”
A time was set, easily within her abilities and Bella skipped off lighter in heart then she'd been in days. Finally the last piece had fallen into place. She was almost to the library door when a familiar pair of arms wrapped around her from behind. She had only to inhale the scent to feel a smile wreathing her face.
“Aro”
“Mia Isabella, I've been looking for you”
The words were familiar, the tone was not. Heated low and accented thickly with an emotion Bella recognized only too clearly. Occasionally when he'd been out feeding he returned, in vampire terms; high on whatever emotion his food had been feeling at the time. Once it was fear, anger and now it appeared to be...lust.
As his lips descended gently on her neck and began lying a feathery trail of kisses that heated her blood most effective. Caught unawares Bella was forced to reach out and steady herself as her knees began to give out. Stifling a moan with some difficulty, she kept her mind clear only by a hair as he reached her shoulder and bestowed a gentle nip on her shoulder touching an invisible spot on her collarbone with the tip of his tongue in a heated caress for only a moment and Bella ground her back teeth allowing a hiss to escape her lips as she fought to draw his attention. It had felt good, so very very good yet, with only a few days to go now it only felt right to wait.
“Aro, beloved, have you been in the great hall?”
Happily he paused lifting his head as he considered her words. Slowly his reason seemed to regain the higher footing and he exhaled taking stock in the situation. Cuddling his face gently into the handy space between her neck and shoulder he spoke quietly.
“I am sorry Mia Bella, I know the promise you made your mother and I shall honor it.”
She exhaled shakily, much as he had done as she fought to settle those more base emotions he'd thrown into action. Cursed hormones, never knew when to quit!
“You’re, forgiven...just caught me by surprise is all, Just give me a moment please”
Little comfort that was, with his heightened senses she knew without having to drum it into his immortal skull that her body had reacted to him. As, after all, any women would have in the situation. He stood quietly behind her. Listening while her heart began to calm and her scent returned to whatever it was normally. Only then did he speak.
“You desire me”
“This surprises you?”
Turning, she met his eyes, he having dropped his hold, brilliant crimson eyes dropping to the floor after just a moment. He was ashamed! The truth hit Bella like a snowball to the face in summer as she drank in his body language. She reached out a hand and brushed his high cheek bone gently before speaking softly. Her flush of color most becoming at the memory of just moments before.
“Aro, of course I desire you, I have since that first day I walked into the throne room, heaven knows I've pushed the limit now and again, you have nothing to be ashamed of, after our wedding I’m yours, body and heart completely even after my heart stops beating, from beginning to end you have been nothing but a gentlemen.
She was rewarded for her speech by him picking up her left hand and peppering kisses onto her knuckles.
“Thank you Mia Cara, I will not see you tomorrow as is tradition, however come 9am the next morning I shall be waiting for you, enjoy your hen party and be sure to get a proper amount of sleep.”
With that heated comment he was gone. Flitting away to wherever his brothers were spending the next 24 + hours. Blinking Bella uttered a soft huff and gave herself a little shake. There had been doubt behind the meaning in his words. Luckily she ran into Jasper on the way to lunch and was glad of his assistance. Given in company with a rather roguish wink that caused such a blush Bella felt inclined to throw something at him. As usual this proved useless he merely caught the butter dish and placed it gently back on the counter
“Easy Darlin, your secrets safe with me I reckon”
Somewhat reassured Bella calmed down turning her attention to her food savoring every forkful. Jasper watched her with some interest even going so far as to sniff the air before his nose wrinkled in clear distaste his expression clearly stating his opinion of the matter.
“I hope your sake Darlin that tastes better than it smells”
“Poor vampires unable to savor the delights of Italian cooking, I almost pity you”
Her hunger now sated and her emotions safely in check, Bella rose. Eager anticipation rising in its stead. Alice and Jane had teamed up for the hen party which was due to start in a few hours. She whittled away the time in walking about the gardens and dreaming those dreams common to all brides to be. Finally the clock chimed and the party began.
Waking the next morning, Bella couldn't have told anyone exactly what they'd done for a long moment, after the first glass of wine her memory had gotten rather fuzzy but the big parts, a round of dance dance on the gaming system ending in roaring laughter, wine, chocolate, and a game of twister coupled with a few Jane Austen movies completed the picture.
That meant today, was her wedding day!
The thought was enough to bring her to a sitting position as the happy nerves kicked in. Almost on cue a gentle knock sounded on the door and Alice came dancing in with a glass upon a silver tray. Seeming to be mindful of her companion’s possible headache she spoke low.
“Good morning Bella, here drink this, courtesy of Carlisle it will get rid of the headache”
Obediently she swigged down the content making a face as she did, like all medicine it tasted horrible. Happily its effects were prompt and before she had dug into the light bowl of porridge Jane brought in when her health was restored and she was able to speak in a normal voice as she drank from the steaming cup of coffee.
“Thank you girls; I don't know what I'd do without you”
“Any news of the boys?”
Alice burst out laughing, her golden eyes twinkling as she moved to collect the wedding gown from its rack in the closet, after a shower and her two friends fussing Bella was ready, her hair fell in red brown waves to her waist aided by a curling irons gentle touch. The veil was set gently on her head held in place by the most beautiful comb Bella had ever seen. Long laced sleeves and silk fabric comprised the gown. Spritz of perfume and small slippers completed her attire.
“There you’re ready; come along lucky girl, time to meet your groom!”
Jane wrapped a gentle arm about her form, Bella was happy for her support as she was in danger of breaking into tears of joy at the slightest provocation. A short trip down the stairs and across the grand hall revealed her ride. A white half carriage with the most beautiful white horses waited for her, held in place by Felix who smiled like anything. Jane looked amazing the long black cloak lying over her bridesmaid’s gown of ice blue. Alice taking up the rear keeping careful tabs on the long train of her gown. He flashed her a warm smile as she was handed into the carriage.
“You look beautiful ladies, come let’s get you to the beach on time!”
Bella couldn't contain the giggle that escaped her lips. It was a beautiful day. The streets were vacant as today was a national holiday and most of the population of Volterra was making preparations for the evening, it being the first night of the Shakespearean festival. So they were able to pass along the city streets without worry to the code of behavior the Volturi so rigorously clung to. They had just arrived when Bella's smile turned into a frown
The guests were assembled, the band was there, Carlisle was there ready to give her away and Marcus standing ready to marry them but...
..The groom was nowhere to be seen