AVitD-Chapter 28 (Final Chapter)

I am so sorry that I failed to include this last chapter here. It has been a crazy time in my life as I am making a go at having one of my stories published. But if you are not on TWCS and were wondering how things went for this beautiful couple...here it is!

Chapter 28- The Start of Forever

Kate had been gone just half a day, but when she stepped into the house, she came upon a completely different scene than the one she had left. The family was in full on wedding mode with Alice leading the charge. The gazebo had been decorated with thousands of lights, and the path, along with the areas to the right and left, had been cleared of the several feet of snow. She walked into the house to see that there was no sign of the gigantic tree that had been there just twelve hours earlier. In its place were her sisters laughing and joking with Bella of all people. She felt her ire begin to rise when Rosalie stepped out from the kitchen.

“Kate! You’re back! Come, we have your things in the back guest room. You probably want to get freshened up after your hunt,” she offered kindly.

“Why do you doubt me, Rose?” Alice quipped from the staircase. “I told you she would be back this morning.” She skipped down the staircase and right up to Kate. “Now, I know you packed that killer little black number which you and I both know is completely inappropriate for the wedding.” Kate tried to interject but Alice was too fast. “Just hear me out. I have the perfect dress for you, dear cousin. I left it in your room. Trust me when I say, it was made for you.”

Alice stared her down as only Alice could do.

Kate just smiled slightly and nodded.

“Good. Now off you go. I need to start working on the bride over there.” She pecked Kate on the cheek, and then she was across the room dragging a protesting Bella away, but not before even she smiled in Kate’s direction. Is everyone on happy pills today?

Bella, of all people, would never look at her so kindly, but Kate couldn’t find it in her to sense any dishonesty in her manner.

“Come on, Katie! The wedding is going to start soon, and you don’t want to be seen by…ouch!” Tanya was cut off by Irina pinching her arm.

Kate puzzled at her sisters for a moment. “What are you two up to? And for that matter, what is with everyone today?” she asked as she gestured around her.

Irina grabbed her hand to pull her forward. “Come on. I’ll explain everything later. Just trust us, okay?” she pleaded.

“Fine. But I want a full explanation after the wedding.”

“Promise!” Tanya and Irina said in sync, causing them to giggle like a couple of school girls.

“Oh God, I left you alone with Alice for too long. Look at you two.” Kate sighed.

The other two sisters just laughed again and proceeded to drag Kate off.

~*~

In Alice’s room, Rosalie and Alice fussed over Bella as she, in classic Bella style, protested.

“Really, Alice, I can do this myself. I have been doing my hair all my life.”

“Bella, I love you, but you just need to shut the hell up and let me do my thing!” Alice snapped back, leaving Bella speechless.

Rosalie laughed so hard she had to stop painting Bella’s toes. Bella and Alice chortled right along with her.

The sisters continued to joke and tease as they finished their prep work. Alice brought Bella’s dress out of her closet and held it up on display. Bella nibbled on her lower lip as she took in the beautiful gown in front of her.

“It’s time, Bella,” Alice encouraged.

Bella slipped off the silk dressing gown she had on. Rosalie and Alice each held a side of the dress, allowing Bella to step in. They raised the dress up and quickly fastened the numerous buttons up the back. Bella stood as still as a statue for fear of tearing the delicate fabric.

Alice and Rosalie fussed about the skirt and train before fitting the hair comb in place that would hold her floor length veil.

“Breathe, Bella,” Rosalie chastised.

She shook her head slightly but didn’t speak, panic clearly written on her face.

Alice sighed and took her sister’s hand. “Bella, it is okay to breathe. I promise you will not hurt the dress.”

Bella shook her head again.

“Trust me,” Alice pleaded.

Bella held her tiny sister in a stare down as she slowly took a shallow breath. She listened for the first sign of a straining stitch, but she never heard one. The fabric moved with her. She tested a deeper breath and still nothing. Finally she relaxed and took one deep breath. The gown moved with her like a second skin, showing no signs of distress. Bella smiled brightly at her sisters.

“See!” Alice chimed. “Now, come on. Emmett is chomping at the bit to do his part today.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” the three called out in a sing song fashion.

Emmett opened the door and stepped in, and then he stopped cold. For the first time in history, Emmett was speechless.

Rosalie walked over to her husband and kissed his cheek. “You look very nice, babe.”

He pulled her close to him, taking care not to mess up her dress. “You shouldn’t look this hot. It isn’t fair to the bride,” he said with a playful smirk.

She kissed him chastely.

Alice continued to fuss over Bella as Emmett looked her over from head to toe. He looked as if he was going to make a smart-assed comment, but the nervous look on Bella’s face made him change his words.

“Bells, you look absolutely beautiful. You are going to take Carlisle’s breath away.”

She smiled in return. “You really think so?”

“Abso-freakin-lutely!”

Bella giggled. She stepped into her Manolo Blahniks, and then Alice made one more adjustment to her train. She handed Bella her bouquet of white and blue roses, accented with veronicas and delphiniums and all bound together with a satin ribbon. Each shade of blue was slightly different from the other.

“Your something blue,” Alice offered with a smile.

Bella’s finger found a string of pearls laced amongst the flowers.

“Those,” Alice pointed, “are your something old. They belonged to Esme.”

Bella smiled softly and nodded. Then Rosalie pulled out a simple platinum and diamond bracelet from a small velvet sack.

“This is on loan. I will hunt you to the ends of the earth if I do not get it back. Emmett gave this to me when we got married the first time. I have worn it each time we renewed our vows,” Rosalie explained as she latched the clasp on the inside of Bella’s wrist.

“Rose.” Bella shook her head as words evaded her. “Thank you.”

Rosalie just nodded and went back to finishing a few touches on her own hair before walking over towards Emmett. She kissed him once more.

“Take care of our sister, Emmett. Make sure she doesn’t try to run away,” she said as she gave Bella a wink.

Emmett playfully slapped her derriere on her way out of the room.

“These are your something new.” Alice stepped in as she slipped a pair of diamond earrings in for Bella. They were set in platinum with a single row of diamonds trailing down to a beautiful blue stone surrounded by more diamonds.

“Sapphires?” she inquired.

“Pfft!” Alice scoffed. “Blue diamonds silly. As if Carlisle would choose anything less for his wedding gift to you.”

Bella felt the venom pool in her eyes; she was overwhelmed by his love for her. She reached up and caressed the new adornments as she took in her reflection in the full length mirror.

“I knew you would make a beautiful bride, but even my visions couldn’t compare to how you look right now,” Alice praised.

“Thank you Alice. Thanks for…for everything.”

~*~

Carlisle stood at the gazebo entrance, admiring the transformation that his children had done to it. The twinkle lights that were a constant had been replaced with rosebud shaped lights, but still with the soft white glow. The combination of roses, lilies, and stephanotis gave the look of a downy soft cloud. If he didn’t know better, he would have sworn that God had forgiven his many indiscretions and allowed him into His kingdom.

He fidgeted with his sleeves looking down at the disruption in the silken fabric. There he saw the cufflinks that Bella had given him as her wedding gift. They were black onyx. He knew what that color meant to Bella. The thought of claiming her as his wife for the first time began to play out in his mind.

“Carlisle,” Jasper whispered. “I know you are excited about marrying Bella, but give an empath a break, would ya?”

Jasper was breathing deeply, desperately trying to not let Carlisle’s emotions wash over the entire congregation.

“My apologies, Jasper,” Carlisle replied, having been duly chastised.

Jasper gave him his knowing grin. “Apologies are not necessary.”

“Then how about my gratitude?”

Jasper cocked his head in question. “Gratitude?”

“For everything you have done to help me get to this day. I don’t know how I would have survived that time after…” Jasper nodded in understanding before Carlisle continued—his voice hardly a whisper in order to keep the conversation private. “And then for all those months that Bella was ‘asleep.’ Your support and steadfast nature was the rock in which I was able to build my faith that everything would work out for the best.”

Jasper was never comfortable with praise, but it was Carlisle’s sincerity that really touched him.

“I’m just happy I could oblige and that all is as it should be.”

Carlisle smiled and took a deep breath to try and calm himself, but in that breath, he could taste her. That sweet, perfect taste that was his Bella. He looked towards the back of the house in anticipation as the double doors were opened. Garrett, one of his oldest friends, stepped out and stood to the left of the gathering. He raised his violin and began to play a soft melody, pulling everyone’s attention towards the house.

Kate turned begrudgingly, not wanting to take her eyes off of the groom. The violin sang as if a lover caressed its strings and she felt compelled to look where the beautiful notes flowed from. Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the man in the tailored suit playing the vintage Stradivarius. It was then that she realized that she recognized this man. It was the nomad she had seen just half a day earlier. And as if he could sense her eyes on him, he tipped his head up slightly and gave her a warm, yet slightly playful smile. His crimson eyes sparkled as he winked at her before gazing back down at the instrument between his fingers.

“Who is that?” Kate whispered to Irina.

Irina saw exactly who her sister stared at and smiled. Never bet against Alice, she thought to herself.

“That is an old friend of Carlisle’s. His name is Garrett.”

“Garrett.” Kate repeated the name softly. The double ‘r’ tickled her lips.

At hearing his name, Garrett looked in Kate’s direction once more. His eyes danced as a smile played on his lips.

The music continued as Alice appeared in the doorway and began her walk down the makeshift aisle.

Bella was not in Carlisle’s line of sight, but he knew she was just beyond the doorway. He felt the pull that was always there between them, the attraction of two souls needing to be connected.

He looked to his best man and saw the same yearning that he felt towards Bella and smiled. They were lucky to be blessed with their other halves, and they both knew it.

Alice made her way to her place across the aisle from Jasper and turned in wait. Her vision of today was coming together perfectly, and she was giddy with excitement to see it happening now.

The violin flowed seamlessly into a beautiful rendition of Canon in D and everyone stood and turned to see the bride.

Bella stood in the doorway, her delicate arm laced through Emmett’s as he stood proudly by her side. He puffed out his chest a little and smirked as his antics caused her to giggle slightly.

“Let’s get you hitched, sis,” he said with a smile.

Bella nodded. “Let’s do this.”

She looked up to the gazebo for the first time, and had her heart not already have been silenced by the venom, the sight of Carlisle in his tux would most assuredly have stopped it cold. Carlisle was, to her, the most handsome man to ever walk the earth, but now, in his tux with his hair combed back, he was more godlike than anything she had ever set her eyes on.

Emmett tried to step forward, but Bella was frozen in place and stopped his motion. He looked down to his sister and whispered, “Bells, you need to walk now. I could carry you, but Carlisle would most likely tear my arms, off and Alice would have his ass for ripping my tux.”

Bella pulled herself back from wherever her mind had taken her just then and patted Emmett’s arm.

“Don’t worry, brother bear. I won’t let him hurt you.”

They laughed at the jest and proceeded down the snowy aisle.

Her dress fit her perfectly. It was sleeveless, which would have looked odd on anyone but a vampire bride here in the middle of a snow covered landscape. It was tight in the bodice and flowed into a chapel length skirt. Her veil was pinned into the curls of her hair that had been pulled back to expose her long, beautiful neck. The muted sunlight caused her to glow, and she gave the appearance of an angel as she glided forward.

My angel, Carlisle thought as he took in the vision that was his bride. No woman had ever looked more stunning and beatific. His smile grew exponentially the closer she came to him. It took all his self-control not to run up the aisle and snatch her away from Emmett. But mercifully enough, she was at his side just eighteen and seven-tenths of a second later.

She stopped and reached up to kiss Emmett on the cheek before he placed her hand in Carlisle’s. Carlisle looked to his son and placed his free hand on his and squeezed it as he spoke a simple, “Thank you.”

Emmett smiled and took his place next to Alice.

Carlisle and Bella stepped forward so they were in front of Rosalie, just under the lip of the gazebo’s roof. The violin music faded to a natural conclusion and the handful of guests returned to their seats.

“I am beyond joyous to be here today, in front of you all, to join these two souls as one in the bonds of marriage. It was something that at one time I would have never expected, but now can see no other way. I discovered this in reading a book of love letters, and I found the words to be truly telling of a love that exists beyond all measure of time.”

Rosalie paused before reading the passage.

‘Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together.’

‘Never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.

ever thine

ever mine

ever ours’

“And with this I ask you, Carlisle, to make your vow to Isabella.”

Carlisle turned to his bride as she handed her bouquet to Alice. He took both of her hands in his and looked deep into her loving eyes.

“My dearest Isabella, I love you with everything that I am and I will continue to love you until the world is no more. You are my heart and soul. You are my everything. When I was born into this world, I was incomplete until you loved me. And should you leave this earthly plane before me, know that I will be only seconds behind you. For there is no life, no existence, no purpose without you.”

The venom pooled in Bella’s eyes as she listened to each and every word of Carlisle’s promise, and she knew, with every stitch of her being, that no truer words had ever been spoken.

Rosalie turned her attention to Bella as she spoke, “Isabella, please make your vow to Carlisle.”

Bella took a deep breath that stuttered with unshed emotion as she focused on the words she wanted to say now.

“Carlisle, you are the true meaning of my other half. For without you, I would not be here. You saved me when I did not feel I had a place in this world, and you gave me a life beyond the one I was granted when I first drew breath. You have shown patience, kindness, and unrequited devotion without any promise of a future. Your faith in me is what has brought us here today, and I will never let you doubt your instinct to do so. I am yours wholly and completely, without reservation, and that will never change from this day forward.”

Jasper held firm in his place at Carlisle’s side, though it became increasingly difficult as the love around them seemed to be threatening to burst out of him.

Rosalie looked to her brother as he handed her the rings.

“A ring is a mere outward symbol to the world that you two are bound to one another. But that bond was tied between you when your souls first existed. For those who love you, know that there has never been, nor will there ever be, another who would be a more perfect mate for either of you two.”

Bella looked to her most unexpected ally, defender, and sister, then smiled.

Carlisle took the smaller ring and held it to Bella’s left ring finger.

“This ring is a physical representation of my promise to love, cherish, and stay devoted to you and only you, all the days of my life,” he said as he slid the ring in place.

He lifted the hand to his lips and kissed the spot where the ring now lay just once.

Bella took the match to her ring from Rosalie and held it to Carlisle’s fingertip.

“This ring is a physical representation of my promise to love, cherish, and stay devoted to you and only you all the days of my life.” She repeated the same promise as she placed the ring on his finger.

Surprising Carlisle, she too lifted his hand to her lips and kissed where the ring sat. It was the first time that he wore a ring from her, and she could not help the overwhelming joy that poured off of her in seeing it there.

“By the powers vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Carlisle, please kiss your bride.”

The smile shown across his entire face told her she need not ask. He brought his hand to Bella’s cheek and drew her close as his lips pressed to hers.

The small crowd erupted in applause as they separated.

Rosalie smiled brightly. “It is my most incredible honor to introduce you all to Dr. and Mrs. Carlisle Cullen.”

More applause and cheers rang out around them as Garrett began to play a beautiful but upbeat song of procession. Bella reached for her bouquet. Alice beamed with pure joy.

Carlisle escorted Bella back down the aisle and to the house where the reception would be held. Before the others would join them, Carlisle pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. It was a kiss meant just for them.

“My most exquisite, Bella. No bride has ever looked more radiant than you do this day. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for loving me and for doing me this honor,” he whispered to her.

“Oh, Carlisle. Didn’t you hear Rose? This was merely a formality. I was yours before I ever knew you existed,” she said with a sweet smile on her perfect lips.

He leaned in to kiss her once more before the family and guests joined them.

A vampire reception is much like that of a human wedding, with the exception of food and drink. Everyone took their turn in line to congratulate the couple, and when it was time for the first dance, Bella was shocked to see Jasper with his guitar and Alice with her violin in hand. Bella had heard her play on very rare occasions, but when she did, even angels wept at the beautiful sound she could create. They began to play in perfect tune the song that Bella and Carlisle had agreed upon for their first dance.

Carlisle offered her his hand, and they stepped into the center of the room. He led her effortlessly in a simple waltz as Rosalie and Emmett stepped up next to Alice. No microphone was needed in the intimate space to project their voices in flawless pitch.

Emmett began to sing.

‘For all I've been blessed with in this life

There was an emptiness in me

I was imprisoned by the power of gold

But one honest touch could set me free’

Rosalie joined in on the chorus.

‘Let the world stop turnin'

Let the sun stop burnin'

Let them tell me love's not worth going through

If it all falls apart

I will know deep in my heart

The only dream that mattered had come true

In this life, I was loved by you

Emmett took over the lead vocals once more.

‘For every mountain I have climbed

Every raging river crossed

You were the treasure that I'd longed to find

Without your love I would be lost’

Rosalie and Emmett continued to sing, but Bella was lost in her husband’s eyes. He lip sang the words that he had made reference to in his vows. The world could stop and all that would matter was that she loved him. She knew, without a single ounce of doubt, that he truly would love her till the end of time.

More applause surrounded them as the song came to an end. Bella reached up to kiss her husband before they turned to applaud their beautifully musical family. More hugs and kisses were exchanged before Alice cued up the sound system and everyone was encouraged to join the happy couple on the dance floor.

Kate was talking with Tanya and Irina when she felt a frisson in the air and a familiar voice spoke.

“It is so good to see you again, my timid fawn.”

She turned to find herself face to face with the violin playing nomad who she now knew as Garrett. She wanted to say something, but his very presence rendered her speechless.

He bowed to her like he had done the day before in the woods. “You steal my heart with your radiant beauty. Would you be so kind as to grant me a dance?”

He did not hear her answer, so Garrett tipped his face up enough to see Kate’s head bobbing up and down. He righted himself and extended his hand to her. He did not let on that he was more than the slightest bit concerned that such gesture would land him on his back again, but he would be willing to take that chance.

Kate silently took his hand, and he led her to the other dancing couples. He held her in picture perfect frame, and they danced in time to the music.

“I apologize for failing to introducing myself properly when we first met. My name is Garrett, and you are Kate?” he asks.

Kate was brought out of her apparent stupor. She was completely stunned by her reaction to this man. It was as if he had hung the moon. No one else existed as long as she had him.

“I am.” Was all she said in response.

She felt entranced by his ruby red eyes.

“Is Kate short for something?” he inquired, to try and keep the flow of conversation between himself and this beguiling woman.

“Yes, Katrina, but no one calls me that. Just Kate.”

They continue the circuit around the room. His strong hands held her firmly. She liked the way she felt in his arms and could not get passed her comfort with this stranger.

“How do you know the Cullens?” Was his next question.

Kate found herself wanting to tell this man everything. It was a little unnerving, but she did it anyways. “We consider ourselves cousins. Eleazar, who is a member of my family, knew Carlisle from his time with the Volturi over three hundred years ago. My sisters and I met him just about a century ago. And you?” she asked in turn.

“Carlisle and I also have a long history. Not as long as your Eleazar, but longer than most. I actually met him when he first arrived in the New World. I was a vampire for just over twenty years when I was relaxing on a secluded beach.”

He laughed at the memory that played in his mind as if it was the day before.

“He stepped out of the water and reached out to shake my hand and introduce himself. I was leery of his golden eyes, but his nature screamed pacifist. He explained what brought him here, and as we set to part ways, he nearly headed south. I explained the inherent dangers of the region and warned him against that venture. He thanked me and changed course to New York, instead.”

Song after song played, but neither Kate nor Garrett seemed to be inclined to leave the other.

Alice and Jasper danced nearby. She smiled as a flash of Kate’s future popped up in the back of her mind. A golden eyed Garrett was with her as they fed on a large bear together. She nudged Emmett as they passed by him and Rosalie.

“Watch those boney elbows, Pix! Control your woman there, brother,” he said to Jasper.

“You owe me fifty bucks, brother bear!” Alice snarked.

“What? What are you talking about?” Emmett tried to play dumb.

Alice nodded towards Garrett and Kate as they seemed lost in conversation while they danced.

“That means nothing!” Emmett attempted to defend his foolish decision to bet against Alice.

“I’ve seen it. He’ll have golden eyes, and they will be sharing a meal. Pay me now. Pay me later. Either way, you lose!” she sang to him.

Emmett begrudgingly pulled out the fifty dollar bill from his lapel and handed it over. Alice giggled as she slipped it into Jasper’s pocket since she had none of her own.

Bella was talking to Carmen, and planning a trip that spring to visit them all in Denali, when she felt his loving arms wrap around her waist. Carlisle.

“Please excuse us, I believe my wife owes me one last dance before the night is over.”

Carmen laughed and shooed them away. Eleazar came up to pull her into his side.

“Ella es su corazón,” she said as she watched the couple laugh and kiss as they danced. [She is his heart]

“As you are mine, mi amor.” Eleazar kissed her softly before leading her out to dance as well. [My love]

Just after midnight, the last of the guests made their exit after wishing the happy couple all the best. Garrett and Kate had left together several hours earlier. Carlisle was pleased to see her so happy. He hoped that Alice’s premonitions were correct. But then, after all these years together, he learned never to bet against Alice.

“I am so beyond happy for you!” Alice exclaimed as she pulled Bella into a bone crushing hug.

“Thanks for everything you did for us today, Alice. This would have never been such an amazing day without out.”

Alice waved her off. “Please. For you and Carlisle to get your happily-ever-after, I would have given up shopping for a year. But thank God it never came to such extremes!” she said mockingly, but her eyes held the truth of the statement.

“So! We are all skedaddling for the night. Emmett and Jasper will be here to pick you up at ten in the morning for your plane.”

“Plane? What plane?” Bella asked confused, turning to Carlisle. “I thought we weren’t going on a honeymoon? How can I be on a plane with humans? It’s too soon!” Panic evident in her words.

“Shhh, relax, my wife. We chartered a private plane that Emmett and Jasper will be flying.”

Bella wanted to interrupt but Carlisle placed a single finger against her sweet lips.

“I have rented a private island off the coast of Australia for us to enjoy for the next two weeks. There will be no humans anywhere nearby and plenty of wildlife to keep us sated.”

She wanted to admonish herself for thinking that Carlisle would ever put her in a position that would set her up to fail. He would always protect her. So instead, she leaned up and kissed him soundly on the mouth.

“Thank you for thinking of everything, husband.”

Carlisle growled lowly at the sound of his new title. He wanted to consummate this marriage, now!

“And that is our cue to go!” Alice chimed.

Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper were by her side and heading out the door with overnight bags in hand.

“Alone at last,” Carlisle said as he swept Bella up into his arms, bridal style.

She giggled in nervous excitement, wrapping her arms around his neck. This was obviously not their first time, but it would be their first time as husband and wife. There is something reverent and special in that. He walked them to their room at a slow human pace. His lips paid homage to hers as they continued down the hall.

Carlisle refused to release his hold on Bella, so it was up to her to open the door. They were both blown away by what they walked in to.

Their bedroom has been transformed into a honeymoon suite that would rival any four-star hotel. All the bed linens had been replaced with the whitest of white sheets and duvet. The only color was the deep blue rose petals that were arranged in the shape of a heart in the center of the bed. The walls were all draped in white fabric except the glass doors which were covered in midnight blue curtains.

White pillars were burning around the room while a gentle fire crackled in the hearth. Soft music was playing in the iHome, setting the mood perfectly.

Carlisle begrudgingly set Bella on her feet. She truly was the most exquisite beauty standing before him in her wedding gown. Had he not known what lay beneath was even more breathtaking, he might have been content to keep her in the stunning dress a bit longer.

Bella watched as his eyes darkened with his growing lust. It wasn’t just his eyes, but a slight change in the smell that he exuded that allowed her to know his true yearning. She reached up to remove the pins that held her veil in place. Carlisle stood perfectly still as he watched with baited breath. Bella turned her back to him and looked over her shoulder. Her darkening irises smoldered with unspoken desire.

“Would you please help me with the buttons?”

He swallowed back the pool of venom before answering. “Of course.”

Where his feet had been slow to get them here, his fingers were inhumanly fast as he undid all fifty buttons in seconds. He didn’t damage one. Bella held the bodice in place till she felt the fabric release its hold on her. Turning slowly back to face her husband, she lowered the dress to reveal the ivory white corset that hugged her body.

She heard Carlisle as he sucked in a breath. Her eyes shot up to see onyx. The deepest black that has ever been known held nothing on the color of his eyes in that moment.

Beautiful. Angelic. Perfect. Stunning. Divine. None of the words Carlisle had learned over his three hundred plus years could describe her. Mine. My wife. My. Wife. Those were the only ones that mattered in that second.

He extended his hand to assist her in stepping out of the gown. He then took it from her hands and draped it gently over a nearby chair along with his suit jacket and tie that he quickly divested himself off.

Bella remained in the same spot, waiting, watching, and loving every move he made. Her vampiric eyes took in every twist of sinew as he returned to her. He was absolutely perfect.

Her hands reached up to his collar as he stood before her. She had been denied the feel of his flesh against hers all day with the exception of his hands and face, and she couldn’t wait any longer. She rivaled Carlisle’s speed and dexterity in opening each button down the center of his chest as well as the cufflinks at his wrist. Her eyes caught the flicker of light reflected off his wedding ring. Her ring. My husband. Mine.

Carlisle hissed as the scent of her juices engulfed him. Her head shot up to see the untamed hunger in his beautiful stare. Her hands drove up his chest to get lost in his silken tuft of hair.

“Kiss me, my husband,” she whispered against his parted lips.

His mouth crashed down on hers as his tongue sought out refuge in her luscious mouth. He wanted her—needed her. His body felt as if it would die a thousand deaths if he did not penetrate her at that very moment. Bella was brimming with the same uncontrollable desire. It was as if she had not touched him this way in days. She needed to feel him deep inside her.

Carlisle’s hands held her close, running down the length of her back. He felt the slight tear of the fabric under his fingers and it was like a bright red stop sign flashed in his mind. This was not how he wanted their wedding night to be, frantic and animalistic. He slowed his motions till Bella began to heed to his unhurried pace. He held her face in his palms as he reverently kissed her supple lips. She felt her need burn deep inside, but she knew Carlisle would not rush, not tonight.

He swept her up into his arms and lay her in the center of the bed. The flower petals gave way to press against her flesh. The floral scent mixed with Bella’s natural allure was as sweet as early morning dew. The gossamer covering embraced her like a gentle cloud. Carlisle looked down at her—at his sweet seraphim. He let his shirt slip down his arms till it drifted to the floor behind him. Leaning over her flawless body until his face was a breath away from hers, he gazed into the deep pools of her eyes.

“I am the luckiest man to ever live.”

His lips touched hers with a whisper of a kiss. He looked to the wrapping that stood between him and his most precious gift. With the greatest care and delicate touch, he reached for the baby blue ribbon and pulled. The binding at the valley between her breasts gave way and the corset fell open. He gasped at her perfection as if he was seeing her for the very first time. He dipped down to place one single chaste kiss to each peak causing Bella to shiver at the restrained desire coursing through her.

Her hands sought out his flaxen hair. She lovingly raked her nails over his scalp as he marked a trail of tiny kisses heading lower down her exquisite body. She wanted more but did not want to rush him. Her body screamed for release while her soul never wanted this to end. His lips were all that touched her as he came closer to the simple white silk panties she was left wearing.

She instinctively brought her feet up to spread herself wide for her husband, her mate, her love. Carlisle looped his fingers in the sides of the delicate fabric to guide it lithely down her sculpted legs.

Her lips glistened with her interminable desire for him. No man could resist such a treasure. Carlisle placed a soft kiss on her lower lips and then opened his mouth to slip his tongue into his very own transcendent fountain. He fell to his knees in front of his goddess. His mouth kissed her reverently, loving her only the way he could. His tongue traced every intimate detail of her womanhood. Carlisle was rewarded with the taste of her sweet nectar, encouraging him to continue. Bella’s body fell into a total state of incomparable nirvana. She would swear that no woman ever was so loved as she was. She was his in every sense of the word. She would never belong to another. Bella felt her climax begin to near, and she battled with her natural instinct to fall over that cliff of ecstasy. She did not want to leave where she was.

It was as if Carlisle could read her thoughts and halted his intimate kiss. He ascended her body simultaneously removing his pants so that they too fell to the floor. Her essence still wet on his lips, she pulled him down to her. She gently sucked his lower lip into her mouth tasting her essence on him. He groaned in need.

“Make love to me, Carlisle. Make me yours again.”

“Forever.” he rasped.

He tore his remaining clothing from his body as he positioned himself between her thighs, her heat pulsating towards his waiting manhood. Her body called to him. He was only complete when he was with her—in her. He shifted forward and felt the tip slip past her swollen, hungry lips. He was catapulted back to the very first time he was granted such entrance. He thought about how she had just agreed to marry him. Her heart had sung a thousand different songs that night, and as he made to enter her, it slowed to a perfect, contented rhythm. He heard the tear of the flesh that made her his and only his for all their lives.

Her heart was silent this night, but the love in her eyes sang those same melodies.

His steel length pressed further inside her welcoming flesh. The head made its way through her pulsating walls, relishing the hot wetness that coated him. His hips shifted forward deepening their connection.

More. Deeper. Closer. Heaven.

Their hips met as he had seated himself in as far as the restraints of their bodies would allow. He let himself get lost in her blackened gold eyes. He would never deserve her love, but he would take it for as long as she was willing to offer it to him.

“My wife.” Were the only words that poured from his lips.

He began to slowly pull back only to return to his place inside her. Bella’s hands caressed up Carlisle’s arms and into his silken hair, urging his mouth to hers. She kissed him with all the passion she could, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted him to know how much she loved him. She straightened her leg beside his as she pushed off with the other. In doing so, she had rolled them so that Carlisle now lay prone beneath her body. She needed to make love to her husband and show him just what she was feeling. He looked up to Bella as her hair cascaded around them.

Her hips shifted down, causing her lower lips to grab hold of his prominent length. He moaned in absolute pleasure. She leaned in to capture his sounds and let them filter through her. His fingers caressed and squeezed the flesh of her ass. She swiveled her lower body slightly as she ascended and then pulled him back in. Their tongues danced within their joined lips, never losing connection. Bella moved slowly, letting their bodies absorb every ounce of indulgence.

Part of her wanted to move fast and push them towards their climax, but the stronger part demanded she go slow. She savored every inch of his body, every ounce of delight. They would only have this night once, and it was going to last.

What is greater than nirvana? Being intimately joined with that person who means everything to you. They are your reason for being. They are your other half, for without them, you are not the true person you were meant to be. They are the very definition of soul mates.

Carlisle loved the way Bella felt on top of him. He could feel her muscles flex both inside and out. His fingers ghosted over her skin, touching her intermittent beauty marks and tracing the faint scars of her human life. He let his hand drift up to trace the only scar that mattered. Bella’s breath stuttered as she felt Carlisle trace his mark on her neck. Her head tipped back as her eyes closed in desire. His bite was the most sensitive spot on her body and in touching it, he beckoned her climax out from its hiding place.

She leaned up so she was no longer lying on his chest. With each thrust, she impaled herself upon Carlisle’s weeping shaft harder, deeper. She tightened around him and milked him with each extraction. His balls constricted in sync with the hot coil that tightened deep within him. They were both panting as their climaxes threatened to explode. Bella could not hold back a second longer and slammed down firmly as her eyes shot open.

“CARLISLE!!!!!!” she screamed in ecstasy.

“YES. ISABELLA!!!!” he called out in time with her.

His body released inside her over and over as her orgasm grabbed him and held him tight. She stayed completely still as the pyrotechnics within them went off repeatedly. When her climax finally began to ebb, she leaned in to kiss his waiting lips.

“I love you beyond words,” she said.

“As I will always love you.”

They continued to make love till the candles burned down to nothing and the sun rose up to mark the beginning of a new day—the first full day of their lives as husband and wife.

~Three and a Half Years Later~

Carlisle strolls in from the back garage. Everything is boarded up and secure. The last of the luxury cars have been shipped to the house in Surrey. He had made a promise, and he always kept his word. Bella wanted to see Europe, so when it came to be time that moving was what was safest for the family; it was unanimous that they all wanted to move to Surrey. Bella was having the hardest time with the move. She knew that secrecy dictated that they never stay in one place long enough to raise suspicions, but this was the only home she really knew. She still received reports on Charlie which did include pictures of a house that Bella vaguely remembered, but it was not the same. This was where her and Carlisle fell in love, where they first made love, where he saved her and changed her forever. And this was where they were married.

Carlisle understood her emotional attachment to this place. He vowed that it would not be sold, but that they would have a property management company take care of it for them as they did with their other properties across the states and the world for that matter. He also assured her that by the time they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary that they would move back here. With that Bella kissed him and agreed to the move without another word of complaint.

Most of the house had been packed up and shipped except the larger furniture which was being donated to a local homeless shelter; everything except the piano that he could hear being played as he walked past the gazebo and flower garden. The memorial stones had also been removed and packed carefully. The markers for Esme and Edward would always come with them no matter where they called home.

‘I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart

But you came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start

You put your arms around me

And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go

You put your arms around me and I'm home’

He smiled as he listened to his love’s angelic voice. He was glad that she enjoyed the concert he took her to for Valentine’s Day so much. Bella had become acclimated to living amongst humans shortly after the second anniversary of her ‘make-over’. Now she and the girls took regular trips into the nearby towns to pick up the mail and supplies as if it was nothing.

Carlisle walked to the doorway of the library/music room. Its shelves were vacant and the only furniture that remained was the piano. Bella knew it was silly, but she couldn’t stand the thought of it being given away. It was Edward’s and though her memories of him were foggy, she always felt a certain connection to him when she played it. Carlisle would never deny her anything and why would he, especially ever since she had begged Rosalie to teach her how to play.

Her fingers gently caressed the beautiful ivory and ebony keys as she sang the lyrics to her favorite Christina Perri song.

‘I tried my best to never let you in to see the truth

And I've never opened up

I've never truly loved 'til you put your arms around me

And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go’

She didn’t need her vampire senses to know Carlisle was watching her. She always knew when he was near, even more acutely than when she knew he was away. She smiled to herself as she continued to play and sing.

‘I hope that you see right through my walls

I hope that you catch me, 'cause I'm already falling

I'll never let a love get so close

You put your arms around me and I'm home’

He stepped into the room and walked around to the end of the piano as she sang out the last chorus. It is a terrible shame that the world would never hear her voice, but that could never be, he ruminated. Even if they could risk exposure, Bella would never agree. She only sang like this because she knew Carlisle was the only one here to hear her. The others had left on an earlier flight because Alice could not wait to get to the new house to settle in before her trip to Milan for fashion week.

As much as she loved music, and Carlisle loved to listen to her, she did not choose to pursue it academically. Instead, she opted for medical research. She wanted to make a difference in the world, even if it was behind the scenes. She also loved the fact that it was something that she could discuss at length with Carlisle, yet they still would have their separate careers.

Bella smiled as their eyes met. Love. There was so much more between them than that, but when it came right down to it, that was what it all equated to in the end. Carlisle walked around and leaned in to kiss her neck on his mark. He wrapped his arms affectionately around her shoulders as she sang out the last line.

‘You put your arms around me and I'm home.’

The End

A/N

So, that’s it! Was it the happily ever after you had hoped for? Were all your questions answered? Have you forgiven me for killing Edward off in the first chapter? I hope so since this is it! No epilogue, no outtakes, no extras. This is every word I have written for these two. I have nothing left to give.

Thank you is such an inadequate phrase for all the gratitude I have pouring out of me, but it is all I have, so here it goes. Thank you so much to all of you who have stuck with me through the heart fail, the angst, the lyrics and the hot, HOT loving. A special thank you for all those who transitioned to TWCS from FF.net. Your love of this story means the world to me. Thanks to all of you who read, reviewed and recommended AVitD. The devotion you showed to the characters helped to push me to complete this when I was being pulled to other ideas. This story will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope it will in yours as well.

A final thank you to my beautiful, magnificent, talented and steadfast betas, Snarkymuch82 and Simaril. You girls have given me so much of your time and energy, and I will be eternally grateful. And to my tried and true pre-reader, Marissa0827, you my friend are the loudest silent cheerleader; always pushing me to have confidence in my writing and to put it out there for the world. Without you, none of my stories may have ever been seen by anyone but you.

Speaking of confidence, I am taking a serious leap of faith and trying my luck at having one of my stories published. If you haven’t noticed, ‘Use Somebody’ is no longer on here. I am working hard at cleaning up my rookie mistakes and making the necessary changes to make the story 100% my own.

As I will be focusing on this monster task for the foreseeable future, I will not be posting anything new for the time being. Do not lose heart. I am still writing as inspiration strikes, but I will not begin posting any new stories unless I at least have the rough draft written. I cannot keep up with any regular posting schedule (as is evident from the epic lengths you have been forced to wait for these last few chapters).

So, this is goodbye for now. Be safe, be well, and come chat with me on Facebook. I have an author page where I try to update everyone on the progress (and stumbling blocks) of publishing ‘Use Somebody’. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nickeyd26/314561435261264

All my best,

Nickey

A/N:

The quote Rosalie sited in the wedding was by [Ludwig von Beethoven]

The song Emmett and Rosalie sang at the reception was ‘In This Life’ by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

The song at the end of the story was ‘Arms’ by Christina Perri