The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 4. GESTURE

The wedding f humbleded into the reception party debonnairely proof of Alices flawless planning. It was further twilight over the river the ceremony had lasted exactly the averagely amount of time, on the wholeowing the sun to set behind the trees. The lights in the trees glimmered as Edward led me by the glass back off doors, making the white flowers glow. There were anformer(a) decennium thousand flowers extinct(a) here, serving as a fragrant, airy tent over the dance floor set up on the grass to a lower place two of the ancient cedars.Things slowed down, relaxed as the mellow August evening surrounded us. The little crowd spread prohibited down the stairs the soft shine of the luster lights, and we were greeted again by the adorers wed and embraced. There was time to talk in a flash, to laugh.Congrats, guys, hardening Clearwater told us, ducking his head under the edge of a flower garland. His mother, Sue, was nonsensical by his side, eyeing the guests with war y intensity. Her face was thin and fierce, an expression that was accented by her short, severe hairstyle it was as short as her daughter Leahs I wondered if shed cut it the same focusing in a show of solidarity. Billy Black, on Seths other side, was non as tense as Sue.When I attended at Jacobs father, I al courses snarl like I was involveing two people rather than just one. There was the old universe in the wheelchair with the lined face and the white grimace that e actuallyone else saw. And whence there was the direct descendant of a long line of powerful, magical chieftains, cloaked in the authority hed been born with. Though the magic had in the absence of a catalyst skipped his generation, Billy was still a part of the power and the legend. It flowed straight through him. It flowed to his son, the heir to the magic, who had enchantmented his back on it. That leftover Sam Uley to act as the chief of legends and magic now___Billy go overmed oddly at ease considerin g the comp all and the event his black eyeball sparkled like hed just gotten some in force(p) news. I was impressed by his composure. This wedding must have got seemed a very bad thing, the worst thing that could happen to his vanquish friends daughter, in Billys eyes.I knew it wasnt easy for him to restrain his feelings, considering the challenge this event foreshadowed to the ancient treaty between the Cullens and the Quileutes the treaty that prohibited the Cullens from ever creating some other vampire. The wolves knew a appal was coming, scarce the Cullens had no idea how they would react. Before the alliance, it would have implicatet an immediate attack. A war. just now now that they knew each(prenominal) other better, would there be for allotness alternatively?As if in response to that thought, Seth leaned toward Edward, subsections extended. Edward returned the hug with his free ramp up.I saw Sue shudder delicately.Its good to see things work out for you, man, S eth said. Im happy for you.Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me. Edward pulled away from Seth and looked at Sue and Billy. Thank you, as well. For permitting Seth come. For support Bella today.Youre welcome, Billy said in his ambiguous, gravelly voice, and I was stormd at the optimism in his tone. Perhaps a untouchableer truce was on the horizon.A bit of a line was forming, so Seth waved goodbye and wheeled Billy toward the food. Sue kept one croak on each of them.Angela and Ben were the next to claim us, followed by Angelas parents and then Mike and Jessica who were, to my surprise, prop hands. I hadnt heard that they were to go throughher again. That was nice.Behind my human friends were my new cousins-in-law, the Denali vampire clan. I realized I was holding my breather as the vampire in front Tanya, I assumed from the strawberry tint in her blond curls reached out to embrace Edward. Next to her, three other vampires with golden eyes stared at me with open curiosit y. One woman had long, pale blond hair, straight as corn silk. The other woman and the man beside her were twain black-haired, with a hint of an olive tone to their chalky complexions.And they were all four so beautiful that it made my stomach hurt.Tanya was still holding Edward.Ah, Edward, she said. Ive missed you.Edward chuckled and dextrously maneuvered out of the hug, placing his hand lightly on her shoulder and stepping back, as if to get a better look at her. Its been too long, Tanya. You look well.So do you.Let me introduce you to my wife. It was the first time Edward had said that word since it was officially true he seemed like he would explode with satisfaction saying it now. The Denalis all laughed lightly in response. Tanya, this is my Bella.Tanya was every bit as warmthly as my worst nightmares had predicted. She eyed me with a look that was much more(prenominal) speculative than it was resigned, and then reached out to bugger off my hand.Welcome to the family, Be lla. She smiled, a little rueful. We consider ourselves Carlisles extended family, and I am sorry intimately the, er, recent incident when we did non act as as such. We should have met you sooner. Canyou forgive us?Of course, I said breathlessly. Its so nice to meet you.The Cullens are all evened up in add up now. Perhaps it will be our turn next, eh, Kate? She grinned at the blonde.Keep the dream alive, Kate said with a roll of her golden eyes. She took my hand from Tanyas and squeezed it gently. Welcome, Bella.The dark-haired woman correct her hand on top of Kates. Im Carmen, this is Eleazar. Were all so very pleased to finally meet you.M-me, too, I stuttered.Tanya glanced at the people waiting behind her Charlies deputy, Mark, and his wife. Their eyes were huge as they took in the Denali clan.Well get to hunch forward each other later. Well have eons of time for that Tanya laughed as she and her family moved on.All the standard traditions were kept. I was blind by flashbul bs as we held the knife over a spectacular cake too grand, I thought, for our relatively intimate group of friends and family. We took turns shoving cake in each others faces Edward manfully swallowed his portion as I watched in disbelief. I threw my bouquet with atypical skill, right into Angelas surprised hands. Emmett and Jasper howled with laughter at my blush while Edward outback(a) my borrowed garter which Id shimmied down approximately to my ankle very bangfully with his teeth. With a nimble wink at me, he shot it straight into Mike Newtons face.And when the music started, Edward pulled me into his arms for the habitual first dance I went willingly, despite my fear of dancing especially dancing in front of an audience just happy to have him holding me. He did all the work, and I twirled bowel movementlessly under the glow of a bay windowopy of lights and the adroit flashes from the cameras.Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen? he whispered in my ear.I laughed. That wil l deplete a while to get used to.We have a while, he reminded me, his voice exultant, and he leaned down to kiss me while we danced.Cameras clicked feverishly.The music changed, and Charlie tapped on Edwards shoulder.It wasnt nearly as easy to dance with Charlie. He was no better at it than I was, so we moved safely from side to side in a tiny square formation. Edward and Esme spun around us like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.Im going to miss you at home, Bella. Im already lonely.I spoke through a tight throat, trying to contrive a joke of it. I feel just horrible, leaving you to cook for yourself its practically criminal negligence. You could arrest me.He grinned. I ponder Ill survive the food. Just call me whenever you can.I promise.It seemed like I danced with everyone. It was good to see all my old friends, but I really wanted to be with Edwardmore than anything else. I was happy when he finally cut in, just half a minute after a new dance started. console not that fond of Mike, eh? I commented as Edward whirled me away from him.Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. Hes lucky I didnt kick him out. Or worse.Yeah, right.Have you had a chance to look at yourself?Urn. No, I guess not. Why?Then I suppose you dont realize how utterly, heart-breakingly beautiful you are tonight. Im not surprised Mikes having hindrance with improper thoughts about a married woman. I am disappointed that Alice didnt make sure you were get outd to look in a mirror.You are very biased, you know.He sighed and then paused and turned me around to face the house. The wall of glass reflected the party back like a long mirror. Edward pointed to the couple in the mirror directly across from us.Biased, am I?I caught just a glimpse of Edwards reflection a perfect duplicate of his perfect face with a dark-haired beauty at his side. Her skin was cream and roses, her eyes were huge with excitement and framed with thick lashes. The narrow sheath of the shimmering white dress flared out subtly at the train almost like an inverted calla lily, cut so skillfully that her body looked elegant and graceful while it was motionless, at least.Before I could blink and make the beauty turn back into me, Edward suddenly stiffened and turned automatically in the other direction, as if someone had called his name.Oh he said. His brow furrowed for an instant and then smoothed out just as quickly.Suddenly, he was smiling a brilliant smile.What is it? I asked.A surprise wedding gift.Huh?He didnt answer he just started dancing again, spinning me the opposite way wed been headed before, away from the lights and then into the heavy swath of night that doughnut-shaped the luminous dance floor.He didnt pause until we reached the dark side of one of the huge cedars. Then Edward looked straight into the blackest shadow.Thank you, Edward said to the darkness. This is very kind of you. agreeable is my middle name, a husky familiar voice answered from the black night. Can i cut in?My hand flew up to my throat, and if Edward hadnt been holding me I would have collapsed.Jacob I choked as soon as I could breathe. JacobHey there, Bells.I stumbled toward the sound of his voice. Edward kept his grip under my elbow until another set of strong hands caught me in the darkness. The heat from Jacobs skin burned right through the thin satin dress as he pulled meclose. He made no effort to dance he just hugged me while I buried my face in his chest. He leaned down to press his cheek to the top of my head.Rosalie wont forgive me if she doesnt get her official turn on the dance floor, Edward murmured, and I knew he was leaving us, giving me a gift of his own this moment with Jacob.Oh, Jacob. I was crying now I couldnt get the words out clearly. Thank you.plosive blubbering,Bella. Youll ruin your dress. Its just me.Just? Oh, Jake Everything is perfect now.Hesnorted. Yeah the party can start. The best man finally made it.Now everyone I love is here.I felthis lips brush my hair . SorryIm late, honey.Im just so happy you cameThat was the idea.I glanced toward the guests, but I couldnt see through the dancers to the spot where Id last seen Jacobs father. I didnt know if hed stayed. DoesBilly know youre here? As soon as I asked, I knew that he must have it was the yet way to explain his uplifted expression before.Im sure Sams told him. Ill go see him when when the partys over.Hell beso glad youre home.Jacob pulled back a little bit and straightened up.He left one hand on the small of my back and grabbed my right hand with the other. He cradled our hands to his chest I could feel his heart beat under my palm, and I guessed that he hadnt placed my hand there accidentally.I dont know if I get more than just this one dance, he said, and he began pulling me around in a slow circle that didnt match the tempo of the music coming from behind us. Id better make the best of it.We moved to the rhythm of his heart under my hand.Im glad Icame, Jacob said quietly after a moment. I didnt think I would be. just its good to see you one more time. Not as sad as Id thought it would be.I dont want you to feel sad.I know that. And I didnt come tonight to make you feel guilty.No it makes me very happy that you came. Its the best gift you could have given me.He laughed. Thats good, because I didnt have time to stop for a real present.My eyes were adjusting, and I could see his face now, higher up than I hold offed. Was it possible that he was still growing? He had to be closer to seven feet than to six. It was a relief to see his familiar features again after all this time his deep-set eyes shadowed under his shaggy black brows, his high cheekbones, his full lips stretched over his bright teeth in the sarcastic smile that matched his tone. His eyes were tight around the edges careful I could see that he was being very careful tonight. He was doing all he could to make me happy, to not slip and show how much this cost him.Id never done anything good pl enteous to deserve a friend like Jacob.When did you decide to come back?Consciously or subconsciously? He took a deep breath before he answered his own question. I dont really know. I guess Ive been wandering back this direction for a while, and maybe its because I was headed here. But it wasnt until this morning that I really started running. I didnt know if I could make it. He laughed. You wouldnt believe how weird this feels walking around on two legs again. And clothes And then its more bizarre because it feels weird. I didnt expect that. Im out of practice with the whole human thing.We revolved steadily.It would have been a shame to miss seeing you like this, though. Thats worth the trip right there. Youlook unbelievable, Bella. So beautiful.Alice invested a lot of time in me today. The dark helps, too.Its not so dark for me, you know.Right. Werewolf senses. It was easy to forget all the things he could do, he seemed so human. Especially right now.You cut your hair, I noted.Ye ah. Easier, you know. Thought Id better take advantage of the hands.It looks good, I lied.He snorted. Right. I did it myself, with rusty kitchen shears. He grinned astray for a moment, and then his smile faded. His expression turned serious. Are you happy, Bella?Yes.Okay. I felt his shoulders shrug. Thats the main thing, I guess.How are you, Jacob? Really?Im fine, Bella, really. You dont need to worry about me anymore. You can stop bugging Seth.Im not just bugging him because of you. I like Seth.Hes a good kid. Better company than some. I demonstrate you, if I could get relinquish of the voices in my head, being a wolf would be about perfect.I laughed at the way it sounded. Yeah, I cant get mine to shut up, either.In your case, that would mean youre insane. Of course, I already knew that you were insane, he teased.Thanks.Insanity is probably easier than sharing a pack mind. Crazy peoples voices dont send babysitters to watch them.Huh?Sams out there. And some of the others. Just i n case, you know.In case of what?In case I cant keep it together, something like that. In case I decide to trash the party. He flashed a quicksmile at what was probably an appealing thought to him. But Im not here to ruin your wedding, Bella.Im here to .. . He trailed off.To make it perfect.Thats a tall order. smashing thing youre so tall.He groaned at my bad joke and then sighed. Im just here to be your friend. Your best friend, one last time.Sam should give you more credit.Well, maybe Im being oversensitive. Maybe theyd be here anyway, to keep an eye on Seth. There are a lot of vampires here. Seth doesnt take that as seriously as he should.Seth knows that hes not in any danger. He understands the Cullens better than Sam does.Sure, sure, Jacob said, making peace before it could turn into a fight.It was strange to have him being the diplomat.Sorry about those voices, I said. Wish I could make it better. In so many ways.Its not that bad. Im just whining a little.Youre happy?Close eno ugh. But enough about me. Youre the star today. He chuckled. I bet youre just loving that. Center of attention.Yeah. Cant get enough attention.He laughed and then stared over my head. With pursed lips, he studied the shimmering glow of the reception party, the graceful whirl of the dancers, the fluttering petals falling from the garlands I looked with him. It all seemed very removed(p) from this black, quiet space. Almost like watching the white flurries swirling inside a snow globe.Ill give them this much, he said. They know how to throw a party.Alice is an unstoppable military unit of nature.He sighed. Songs over. Do you think 1 get another one? Or is that asking too much?I tightened my hand around his. You can have as many dances as you want.He laughed. That would be interesting. I think Id better stick with two, though. Dont want to start talk.We turned in another circle.Youd think Id be used to telling you goodbye by now, he murmured.I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but I couldnt force it down.Jacob looked at me and frowned. He wiped his fingers across my cheek, catching the weeping there.Youre not supposed to be the one crying, Bella.Everyone cries at weddings, I said thickly.This is what you want, right?Right.Then smile.I tried. He laughed at my grimace.Tm going to try to remember you like this. Pretend thatThat what?That I died?He clenched his teeth. He was struggling with himself with his decision to make his presence here a gift and not a judgment. I could guess what he wanted to say.No, he finally answered. But Ill see you this way in my head. Pink cheeks. Heartbeat. Two left feet. All of that.I deliberately stomped on his foot as hard as I could.He smiled. Thats my girl.He started to say something else and then snapped his mouth closed. Struggling again, teeth gritted against the words he didnt want to say.My relationship with Jacob used to be so easy. Natural as breathing. But since Edward had come back into my life, it was a constant strain. Because in Jacobs eyes by choosing Edward, I was choosing a fate that was worse than death, or at least eq to it.What is it, Jake? Just tell me. You can tell me anything.I I I dont have anything to tell you.Oh please. Spit it out.Its true.Its not its its a question. Its something I want you to tell meAsk me.He struggled for another minute and then exhaled. I shouldnt. It doesnt matter. Im just morbidly curious.Because I knew him so well, I understood.Its not tonight, Jacob, I whispered.Jacob was even more obsessed with my humanity than Edward. He treasured every one of my heartbeats, knowing that they were numbered.Oh, he said, trying to smother his relief. Oh.A new song started playing, but he didnt notice the change this time.When? he whispered.I dont know for sure. A week or two, maybe.His voice changed, took on a defensive, mocking edge. Whats the holdup?I just didnt want to spend my honeymoon writhing in pain.Youd rather spend it how? Playing checkers? Ha ha.Very funny.Kidding, Bells. But, honestly, I dont see the point. You cant have a real honeymoon with your vampire, so why go through the motions? Call a spade a spade. This isnt the first time youve put this off. Thats a good thing, though, he said, suddenly earnest. Dont be embarrassed about it.Im not putting anything off, I snapped. And yes I can have a real honeymoon I can do anything I want Butt outHe stopped our slow circling abruptly. For a moment, I wondered if hed finally noticed the music change, and I scrambled in my head for a way to patch up our little tiff before he said goodbye to me. We shouldnt part on this note.And then his eyes bulged large-minded with a strange kind of confused horror.What? he gasped. What did you say?About what ? Jake? Whats wrong?What do you mean? Have a real honeymoon? While youre still human? Are you kidding? Thats a sick joke, BellaI glared at him. I said butt out, Jake. This is so not your business. I shouldnt have we shouldnt even be talking abo ut this. Its private His enormous hands gripped the tops of my arms, wrapping all the way around, fingers overlapping.Ow, Jake Let goHe shook me.Bella Have you lost your mind? You cant be that stupid Tell me youre jokingHe shook me again. His hands, tight as tourniquets, were quivering, sending vibrations deep into my bones.Jake stopThe darkness was suddenly very crowded.Take your hands off her Edwards voice was cold as ice, sharp as razors.Behind Jacob, there was a low snarl from the black night, and then another, overlapping the first.Jake, bro, back away, I heard Seth Clearwater urge. Youre losing it.Jacob seemed frozen as he was, his horrified eyes wide and staring.Youll hurt her, Seth whispered. Let her go.Now Edward snarled.Jacobs hands dropped to his sides, and the sudden gush of blood through my waiting veins was almost painful. Before I could register more than that, cold hands replaced the hot ones, and the air was suddenly whooshing past me.I blinked, and I was on my fe et a half dozen feet away from where Id been standing. Edward was tensed in front of me. There were two enormous wolves braced between him and Jacob, but they did not seem aggressive to me. More like they were trying to prevent the fight.And Seth gangly, fifteen-year-old Seth had his long arms around Jacobs shaking body, and he was tugging him away. If Jacob phased with Seth so closeCmon, Jake. Lets go.Ill kill you, Jacob said, his voice so choked with rage that it was low as a whisper. His eyes, focused on Edward, burned with fury. Ill kill you myself Ill do it now He shuddered convulsively.The biggest wolf, the black one, growled sharply.Seth, get out of the way, Edward hissed.Seth tugged on Jacob again. Jacob was so bewildered with rage that Seth was able to yank him a few feet farther back. Dont do it, Jake. Walk away. Cmon.Sam the bigger wolf, the black one joined Seth then. He put his massive head against Jacobs chest and shoved.The three of them Seth towing, Jake trembl ing, Sam pushing disappeared swiftly into the darkness.The other wolf stared after them. I wasnt sure, in the weak light, about the color of his fur chocolate brown, maybe? Was it Quil, then?Tm sorry, I whispered to the wolf.Itsall right now,Bella, Edward murmured.The wolf looked at Edward. His attentiveness was not friendly. Edward gave him one cold nod.The wolf huffed and then turned to follow the others, vanishing as they had.All right, Edward said to himself, and then he looked at me. Lets get back.But Jake Sam has him in hand. Hes gone.Edward, Im so sorry. Iwas stupid You did nothing wrong I have such a big mouth Why would I I shouldnt have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?Dont worry. He touched my face. We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence.I shook my head, trying to reorient myself. Before someone noticed? Had anyone missed that?Then, as I thought about it, I realized the confrontation that had seemed so catastrophic to me had, in reality, been very quiet and short here in the shadows.Give me two seconds, I pleaded.My insides were chaotic with panic and grief, but that didnt matter and the outside mattered right now. Putting on a good show was something I knew I had to master.My dress?You look fine. Not a hair out of place.I took two deep breaths. Okay. Lets go.He put his arms around me and led me back to the light. When we passed under the twinkle lights, he spun me gently onto the dance floor. We fluid in with the other dancers as if our dance had never been interrupted.I glanced around at the guests, butno one seemed shocked or frightened. Only the very palest faces there showed any signs of stress, and they hid it well. Jasper and Emmett were on the edge of the floor, close together,and I guessed that they had been nearby during the confrontation.Are you Tm fine, I promised. I cant believe I did that. Whats wrong with me?Nothing is wrong with youId been so glad to see Jacob here. I knew the sacrifice it had taken him. And then Id ruined it, turned his gift into a disaster. I should be quarantined.But my idiocy would not ruin anything else tonight. I would put this away, shove it in a drawer and lock it up to deal with later. There would be plenty of time to flagellated protozoan myself for this, and nothing I could do now would help.Its over, I said. Lets not think of it again tonight.I expected a quick agreement from Edward, but he was silent.Edward?He closed his eyes and touched his forehead to mine. Jacob is right, he whispered. What am I thinking?He is not. I tried to keep my face smooth for the watching crowd of friends. Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly.He mumbled something low that sounded almost like should let him kill me for even thinking Stop it, I said fiercely. I grabbed his face in my hands and waited until he opened his eyes. You and me. Thats the only thing that matters. The only thing youre allowed to think about now. Do you hear me? Yes, he sighed.Forget Jacob came. I could do that. I would 60 that. For me. Promise that youll let this go.He stared into my eyes for a moment before answering. I promise.Thank you. Edward, Im not afraid.I am, he whispered.Dont be. I took deep breath and smiled. By the way, I love you.He smiled just a little in return. Thats why were here.Youre monopolizing the bride, Emmett said, coming up behind Edwards shoulder. Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush. He laughed loudly, as unaffected as he usually was by any serious atmosphere.It turned out there were actually lots of people I hadnt danced with yet, and that gave me a chance to very compose and resolve myself. When Edward claimed me again, I found that the Jacob-drawer was shut nice and tight. As he wrapped his arms around me, I was able to unearth my forward sense of joy, my certainty that everything in my life was in the right place tonight. I smiled and laid my head against his che st. His arms tightened.I could get used to this, I said.Dont tell me youve gotten over your dancing issues?Dancing isnt so bad with you. But I was thinking more of this, and I pressed myself to him even tighter of never having to let you go.Never, he promised, and he leaned down to kiss me.It was a serious kind of kiss intense, slow but building.Id pretty much forgotten where I was when I heard Alice call, Bella Its timeI felt a brief flicker of irritation with my new sister for the interruption.Edward ignored her his lips were hard against mine, more imperative than before. My heart broke into a sprint and my palms were slick against his marble neck.Do you want to miss your plane? Alice demanded, right next to me now. Im sure youll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight.Edward turned his face slightly to murmur, Go away, Alice, and then pressed his lips to mine again.Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane? she demanded.I was nt really paying much attention. At the moment, I simply didnt care.Alice growled quietly. Ill tell her where youre taking her, Edward. So help me, I will.He froze. Then he lifted his face from mine and glared at his favorite sister. Youre awfully small to be so hugelyirritating.I didnt pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted, she snapped back, taking my hand. Come with me, Bella.I tugged against her hold, stretching up on my toes to kiss him one more time. She jerked my arm impatiently, hauling me away from him. There were a few chuckles from the watching guests. I gave up then and let her lead me into the empty house.She looked annoyed.Sorry, Alice, I apologized.I dont blest you, Bella. She sighed. You dont seem to be able help yourself.I giggled at her martyred expression, and she scowled.Thank you, Alice. It was the most beautiful wedding anyone ever had, I told her earnestly. Everything was exactly right. Youre the best, smartest, most bright sister in the who le world.That thawed her out she smiled a huge smile. Im glad you liked it.Renee and Esme were waiting upstairs. The three of them quickly had me out of my dress and into Alices deep blue going-away ensemble. I was grateful when someone pulled the pins out of my hair and let it fall loose down my back, wavy from the braids, saving me from a hairpin headache later. My mothers tears streamed without a break the entire time.Ill call you when I know where Im going, I promised as I hugged her goodbye. I knew the honeymoon secret was probably driving her weirdy my mother hated secrets, unless she was in on them.Ill tell you as soon as shes safely away, Alice outdid me, smirking at my wounded expression. How unfair, for me to be the last to know.You have to learn me and Phil very, very soon. Its your turn to go south see the sun for once, Renee said.It didnt rain today, I reminded her, avoiding her requestA miracle.Everythings ready, Alice said. Your suitcases are in the car Jaspers br inging it around. She pulled me back toward the stairs with Renee following, still halfway embracing me.I love you, Mom, I whispered as we descended. Tm so glad you have Phil. Take care of each other.I love you, too, Bella, honey.Goodbye, Mom. I love you, I said again, my throat thick.Edward was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I took his outstretched hand but leaned away, scanning the little crowd that was waiting to see us off.Dad? I asked, my eyes searching.Over here, Edward murmured. He pulled me through the guests they made a parcel for us. We found Charlie leaning awkwardly against the wall behind everyone else, looking a little like he was hiding. The red rims around his eyes explained why.Oh, DadI hugged him around the waist, tears streaming again I was crying so much tonight. He patted my back.There, now. You dont want to miss your plane.It was hard to talk about love with Charlie we were so much alike, always reverting to trivial things to avoid embarrassing emotion al displays. But this was no time for being self-conscious.I love you forever, Dad, I told him. Dont forget that.You, too, Bells. Always have, always will.I kissed his cheek at the same time that he kissed mine.Call me, he said.Soon, I promised, knowing this was all I could promise. Just a phone call. My father and my mother could not be allowed to see me again I would be too different, and much, much too dangerous.Go on, then, he said gruffly. Dont want to be late.The guests made another aisle for us. Edward pulled me close to his side as we made our escape.Are you ready? he asked.I am, I said, and I knew that it was true.Everyone applauded when Edward kissed me on the doorstep. Then he rushed me to the car as the rice storm began. Most of it went wide, but someone, probably Emmett, threw with uncanny precision, and I caught a lot of the ricochets off Edwards back.The car was decorated with more flowers that trailed in streamers along its length, and long gossamer ribbons that were tied to a dozen shoes occasion shoes that looked brand-new dangling behind the bumper.Edward shielded me from the rice while I climbed in, and then he was in and we were speeding away as I waved out the window and called I love you to the porch, where my families waved back.The last image I registered was one of my parents. Phil had both arms wrapped tenderly around Renee. She had one arm tight around his waist but had her free hand reached out to hold Charlies. So many different kinds of love, harmonious in this one moment. It seemed a very hopeful picture to me.Edward squeezed my hand.I love you, he said.I leaned my head against his arm. Thats why were here, I quoted him.He kissed my hair.As we turned onto the black highroad and Edward really hit the accelerator, I heard a noise over the purr of the engine, coming from the forest behind us. If I could hear it, then he certainly could. But he said nothing as the sound slowly faded in the distance. I said nothing, either.The pi ercing, heartbroken howling grew fainter and then disappeared entirely.