Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [13]
She laughed. Ill throw my bouquet at you when it gets close.
Thanks.
At least youll have plenty of time to sleep on the plane tomorrow.
I raised one eyebrow. Tomorrow, I mused. If we were heading out tonight after the reception, and we would still be on a plane tomorrow well, we werent going to Boise, Idaho. Edward hadnt dropped a single hint. I wasnt too stressed about the mystery, but it was strange not knowing where I would be sleeping tomorrow night. Or hopefully not sleeping
Alice realized that shed given something away, and she frowned.
Youre all packed and ready, she said to distract me.
It worked. Alice, I wish you would let me pack my own things!
It would have given too much away.
And denied you an opportunity to shop.
Youll be my sister officially in ten short hours its about time to get over this aversion to new clothes.
I glowered groggily out the windshield until we were almost to the house.
Is he back yet? I asked.
Dont worry, hell be there before the music starts. But you dont get to see him, no matter when he gets back. Were doing this the traditional way.
I snorted. Traditional!
Okay, aside from the bride and groom.
You know hes already peeked.
Oh no-thats why Im the only one whos seen you in the dress. Ive been very careful to not think about it when hes around.
Well, I said as we turned into the drive, I see you got to reuse your graduation decorations. Three miles of drive were once again wrapped in hundreds of thousands of twinkle lights. This time, shed added white satin bows.
Waste not, want not. Enjoy this, because you dont get to see the inside decorations until its time. She pulled into the cavernous garage north of the main house; Emmetts big Jeep was still gone.
Since when is the bride not allowed to see the decorations? I protested.
Since she put me in charge. I want you to get the full impact coming down the stairs.
She clapped her hand over my eyes before she let me inside the kitchen. I was immediately assailed by the scent.
What is that? I wondered as she guided me into the house.
Is it too much? Alices voice was abruptly worried. Youre the first human in here; I hope I got it right.
It smells wonderful! I assured her-almost intoxicating, but not at all overwhelming, the balance of the different fragrances was subtle and flawless. Orange blossoms lilac and something else-am I right?
Very good, Bella. You only missed the freesia and the roses.
She didnt uncover my eyes until we were in her oversized bathroom. I stared at the long counter, covered in all the paraphernalia of a beauty salon, and began to feel my sleepless night.
Is this really necessary? Im going to look plain next to him no matter what.
She pushed me down into a low pink chair. No one will dare to call you plain when Im through with you.
Only because theyre afraid youll suck their blood, I muttered. I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes, hoping Id be able to nap through it. I did drift in and out a little bit while she masked, buffed, and polished every surface of my body.
It was after lunchtime when Rosalie glided past the bathroom door in a shimmery silver gown with her golden hair piled up in a soft crown on top of her head. She was so beautiful it made me want to cry. What was even the point of dressing up with Rosalie around?
Theyre back, Rosalie said, and immediately my childish fit of despair passed. Edward was home.
Keep him out of here!
He wont cross you today, Rosalie reassured her. He values his life too much. Esmes got them finishing things up out back. Do you want some help? I could do her hair.
My jaw fell open. I floundered around in my head, trying to remember how to close it.
I had never been Rosalies favorite person in the world. Then, making things even more strained between us, she was personally offended by the choice I was making now. Though she had her impossible beauty, her loving family, and her soul mate in Emmett, she would have traded it all to be human. And