Immortal Redemption

I leaned on the edge of Alice’s bathroom counter and took a deep breath.  I finally had a few minutes to myself for the first time all day.  In less than an hour, I would be on Charlie’s arm walking down the aisle to Edward. 

I concentrated on what had made the past several weeks go by so quickly.  I quickly thought of my concerns about today:  Renee’s incredulousness, Charlie’s discomfort, my former classmate’s gossip, and I focused on what I wanted.  And every part of me wanted to show Edward that I was ready to belong to him.  Thinking of Edward’s warm, golden eyes, I took another deep breath and knew that standing here in this dress was exactly what I wanted. 

There was a light knock on the door and I hoped against hope that it was Edward.  Alice had made it very clear that we were not to set eyes on each other before the ceremony tonight, but I longed to see him and get a few moments of peace in his arms.

Alice danced in, glowing with happiness as she radiated with joy at today’s events.  I knew that she was in her element with her role in today’s events.  The details she had seen to perfecting throughout the wedding planning were staggering; and after my initial reluctance, amazingly thoughtful. 

“I have your present from Edward!” she sang. 

In my efforts to remain calm today, I had forgotten what had been the biggest puzzle of today’s events.  I had predictably insisted that he get me nothing today and he had simply responded with a breathtaking, peaceful smile and told me that there was nothing for me to get upset about, that I would be unable to refuse his gift to me today.

My eyes fell on the box in her hands.  I couldn’t help reaching for it and touching the silk fabric that covered it.  An envelope was tucked under the perfect bow holding the lid on.  My initial irritation was overruled by my curiosity.   I had expected more ‘baubles’ forced upon me, but this box was clearly too large for such a gift.  I began to smile in spite of myself.

Alice reached for my hand and stopped me from pulling the envelope.  She gently pulled me to the sofa in her room and sat me down, keeping both of my hands in hers.  Her wise eyes waited for mine to lift my gaze up from the present and focus on her.

“I know that you will want a few minutes to yourself before everyone comes in to give you last minute wishes.  I simply want a minute to tell what you mean to me.”

She paused and gave me a breathtaking smile.  “As you know, I have seen today’s events before I even set eyes on you and I could never have imagined that you would be so perfect not only for Edward, but for me as well.  You have come to mean the world to me and I couldn’t be happier than I am today to finally have you as my sister.”  Tears welled up in my eyes as she took a breath and continued, “Bella, I love you.  You deserve to have the happiest of days today.”

She pulled me close to her as I tried to find what words to say.  She put her cool hands on each side of my cheeks and kissed me lightly and dashed out of the room.  As she shut the door, she said, “Now open Edward’s present!  I’ll be back with everyone shortly!”

I lightly rubbed my eyes, happy for the light makeup I insisted on.  I now understood why Alice hadn’t argued with me over the amount of make up she used today.  I looked down at my hands, and let my gaze linger on the sparkling ring shining on my left hand and turned towards my present from Edward.

The envelope had my name on it in his perfect penmanship.  I ran my fingers across the indentation and again wondered how I could be so lucky to have him love me so much.

I slid out the paper and read:

My Dearest Bella:

My present to you on our wedding day is your wedding bouquet.  I wanted to bring something from my past to us today, so Alice allowed me to choose each flower you will carry next to your heart as you come down the aisle to me.

Eternity is too short to make you discover the extent of my love.

Yours always and forever,

Edward

Edward had given me flowers throughout our time together, usually left in my room when he was off hunting or when he wasn’t there when I woke up in the morning.  I knew that when he was human, it was symbolic to present flowers according to their meaning.

I pulled the ribbon from the box to reveal the most beautiful bouquet I’ve ever seen.  There were several different types of flowers, but all in the most beautiful pink and ivory colors.  The result was amazing and so very perfect.  I reached in to pull the bouquet out to reveal several ivory ribbons draping off the stems of the flowers. 

I picked up the largest of the ribbons and read in Edward’s script, “The blush color is to symbolize your blush I love so very much.”  I took a deep breath and marveled in his this most unexpected and welcome moment with him as if he was here next to me.

I started reading all of the ribbons:  “Pink roses to symbolize perfect love”, “Lilly of the Valley to symbolize purity”, “Violets to promise my faithful heart will always be yours”, “Hibiscus to symbolize your delicate beauty”, “Daisies for innocence”, “Primrose because I am not complete without you”.

I was overwhelmed.  The tears that had started with Alice poured down my cheeks.  He was right.  This is one gift that I would accept and always treasure. 

I am still trying to navigate my way around LJ.  I am still not sure how to give credit for userpics, etc., so forgive me for any possible offensive errors.  I hope to correct any soon. 

I am in love with some of the fan fiction posted.  It has really helped minimize the cravings before Breaking Dawn is released.  I don't know if I will be as brave as everyone posting to attempt some of my own, but I am working on it!