Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [23]
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 truly 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 earlier sense of joy, my certainty that everything in my life was in the right place tonight. I smiled and laid my head against his chest. 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 time!
I felt a brief flicker of irritation with my new sister for the interruption.
Edward ignored her; his lips were hard against mine, more urgent 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 wasnt 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 hugely irritating.
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 blame 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 talented sister in the whole world.
That thawed her out; she smiled a huge smile. Im glad you liked it.
Renée 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 crazy; 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 visit me and Phil very, very soon. Its your turn to go south-see the sun for once, Renée said.
It didnt rain today, I reminded her, avoiding her request.
A miracle.
Everythings ready, Alice said. Your suitcases are in the car-Jaspers bringing it around. She pulled me back toward the stairs with Renée following, still halfway embracing me.
I love you, Mom, I whispered as we descended. Im 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