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(BPOV)
I feel the light feathery touch of Edward's finger running up and down my stomach. I love when he wakes up before I do.
I decide to pretend I'm asleep for a while and see where this goes.
He continues to make a line from between my breasts, all the way down my stomach, and back up. Then, he replaces his finger with his lips. My body naturally wants to squirm under his touch, but I try to use a little self-discipline and stay still. I feel the desire building between my legs.
I always say that he's insatiable, but the truth is that I need him just as much or maybe more. It actually scares me sometimes how much I need him. I can't imagine going back to NY without him. I don't want to. I want to pay some moving company a ridiculous amount of money to go into my apartment and pack up all of my things and ship them down here. I know that's not reasonable or logical, but it's what I would do, if logic and reason weren't around. Damn, those two.
As I'm lying there, pretending I'm asleep, my bladder starts to betray me. I have extreme, sudden urge to use the bathroom.
I'm getting ready to open my eyes and break my facade, but suddenly Edward blows the biggest raspberry on my stomach and I start laughing uncontrollably.
"I knew it!" He jumps on top of me, pinning me down, and kissing anything he can touch. "You are such a faker!"
"Edwa...please...I...bathroom...emergency." Between my fits of laughter, I try to tell him that I need to go to the bathroom.
"What? I'm sorry, Ms. Swan. I can't understand you. You're gonna have to speak more clearly." He continues blowing kisses and nipping at my skin.
I finally take the biggest breath I can manage and yell at him, "I'm going to pee all over this bed, if you don't let me up!"
He finally relents and rolls off of me, slapping my bare ass, as I hop up out of bed and run to the bathroom.
Oh my god, I don't think I've had to pee this bad in the history of forever. Running over to the toilet and sitting before looking, I realize my ass is touching the water.
"EDWARD, you left the damn seat up again!"
"I'm sorry, Woman! I'm an injured man. I do good just to make it to the bathroom during the middle of the night."
"That's bullshit and you know it!" I yell at him from my position on the toilet without a lid. I had to pee too bad to put the lid down. "You can't use your bum leg as an excuse for everything!"
Ugh, men.
After a steamy shower, we get dressed and pack our bags.
We all decided the other night that Jasper and Alice need a bachelor and bachelorette party. Our best friends cannot get married without a last night of drunken debauchery, and what better place than New Orleans.
Rose and I have planned a girls only night for tomorrow night. The guys said they had plans of their own, but tonight we are all planning on hanging out together at a place called The Cat's Meow. I'm really excited. I've never been to New Orleans.
"I wish I could leave this damn cane at home," Edward says from the other side of the room. He's messing with his hair in the mirror on the vanity. I get a nice look at his ass in his jeans, as he leans forward. He is so fuckhawt. What did I ever do to deserve him?
"What are you staring at?" He's smirking in the mirror, looking back at me.
I give him a smile and shake my head.
"Don't make me come over there."
"Is that a threat, Dr. House?"
He throws the cane down on the ground and gives me a look of pure animalistic fervor.
"OK, I'm sorry. I take it back. We don't have time for you to look at me like that. I know what that look leads to and we're supposed to be out front, bags loaded in twenty minutes." I walk over, giggling at his display of rebellion and pick up his cane. As I hand it back to him, I reach up on my toes and kiss his cheek.
"Besides, the cane is hot. You know it turns me on," I whisper into his ear.
He clears his throat. "Let's go before I throw you down on that bed and tell them that we're stayin' home."
Twenty minutes later, we are all loaded up and headed to New Orleans.
"No, no, no! And, did I forget to mention, 'Hell No'?" Emmett yelled from the driver's seat. "I am not listening to that Usher song again, you hear me, Easy A?" I laughed at Emmett's latest nickname for Alice. He's been doing a great job of meshing characteristics of hers with famous rappers' names. So far, my favorite is 'TuShort Shakur'. I'm proud of Alice. She's in too good of a mood to let the nicknames bother her and she's only called Emmett 'Sir Shits A Lot' once.
"But, Emmett, I must hear this song at least one more time. You want to know why?" Alice asks and bats her eyelashes.
"No." A few seconds pass and we all know Emmett is going to cave. "Ok, fine. Why must you listen to this damn song again?"
"Because," she answers sweetly, "when I asked my Jazzy to marry me, he said..." She pauses so that she can time the rest of her answer with the song and blurts out "Yeah!" at the same time Usher does.
We all make a sound that is part groan and part laughter, but Alice doesn't care. She just continues to do the Cabbage Patch dance in her seat, while Jasper watches her with a huge grin on his face.
They are completely in love and perfect for one another.
I feel Edward squeeze my hand and I look up at him and smile. We are sitting in the third row of Esme's SUV, while Alice and Jasper are in the second row, leaving Rosalie in the passenger seat and Emmett navigating. He claimed that he should be the one to drive since he's made the trip to New Orleans more times than he can remember. Edward was quick to remind him that his forgetfulness could be blamed on the famous Hurricane drink that Emmett loves so much. I have heard a lot about Pat O'Brien's, the bar that sells Emmett's favorite fruity drink, lately and I am excited to finally go there and try one. I just hope it doesn't kick my ass too hard.
"It's too bad we're taking I-10 into the city," Emmett calls out. "Bella's missing the drive over Lake Pontchartrain!"
I look back at Edward with my eyebrow raised. "Lake Punch-a-train? What is he talking about?"
Edward laughs and answers, ""Lake Poncha-train." Remember when we were driving to Mississippi the other day and we were on I-12?"
I blush and whisper, "Not really. I was a little distracted for most of that trip."
Realization dawns on him and his eyes get a wild look in them. He lowers his voice and leans into me, "That you were, Ms. Swan. I'd apologize, but I'm really not sorry at all." He is kissing me now, forgetting all about what he was telling me before. I hate to stop him, but I really am interested in what he was saying.
I slowly pull myself from his lips and catch my breath. "You were talking about a lake or something?"
"Yeah, well, technically, it's not a lake; it's an estuary. But it is one of the largest wetlands in the world, and to cross it you have to drive over the Causeway."
"That's a bridge, in case you didn't know, City Slicker," Emmett interrupts. "It's actually 2 parallel bridges that are just under 24 miles long, putting the Causeway in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest bridge over continuous water." He is smiling like he had something to do with building the bridges.
"24 miles, huh? I'd like to see that one of these days," I tell Edward.
"Well, since you are making the fine state of Louisiana your permanent residence soon, I imagine we can drive over it. 24 miles is a long way, though. I'd hate for you to get bored," he whispers in my ear as he starts stretching his fingers out in front of him.
I jab my elbow into his side, making him cough and laugh at the same time. "Shut up, Edward! One of these days, I'm going to give you a blow job while you're driving down the road, and we'll see how you handle it!" I whisper-yell at him.
His face gets serious and he tries to stifle a groan by grinding his teeth together. "Baby, please don't joke about that. Don't even talk about it while we're in the car with these yahoos. They don't need to see my dick straining to get through my jeans right now, okay?"
I giggle and kiss his cheek. "I'm just getting you back for teasing me with your fingers. Besides, I'm sure we can fool around all we want when we get to our room. You just have to wait a little bit longer."
I turn my body so that my back is leaning against Edward's side, and I snuggle into him, looking out my window. His right arm is around my shoulders and the fingers of his left hand are intertwined with mine. I love how our bodies mold together perfectly no matter what position we are in. I want it to be like this forever.
The drive into New Orleans is not what most people would call 'beautiful', but I like it because it is different from anything I've ever seen. Seeing swampland and small bodies of water right off of the highway blows my mind. Up until this point, I've only seen that sort of thing on TV or in pictures. Here, though, it is a way of life for people. I love seeing the boats in the water and the locals on the banks fishing.
We are mostly driving past the smaller towns that flank the interstate, but once traffic starts to build up, I know we are getting close to the city.
I've heard tons of stories about how wild and crazy New Orleans is, and I have no doubt that it is true, but what I'm really looking forward to is experiencing the culture. Eating, drinking, and laughing with my friends, while jazz music plays in the background, sounds absolutely perfect to me.
The hotel that Edward booked for us is amazing. It's right in the heart of the city, in the French Quarter. Everything about this hotel screams "Big Easy". It has an Old World feel, but lots of modern touches. I can't wait to break out my camera and capture some of the sights around our hotel.
We don't want to waste any time, so after checking in and getting all of our luggage to our respective rooms, we head out for a little bit of sightseeing. First stop, Jackson Square.
Jackson Square is an area of the French Quarter that faces the Mississippi River and it is where the majority of the local artists and street performers are found. As we walk around the square, looking at St. Louis Cathedral and other historic buildings, I take as many pictures as I can. It will be hard to capture the amazing atmosphere, but I plan on doing the best I can. I also make sure to steal some shots of everybody as they walk together and goof around.
We stroll through the French Market and buy some delicious beignets and cafe' au lait from Cafe' DuMonde, before heading toward Bourbon Street. I can honestly say I have never been to a place like Bourbon Street before. There are people of all types to be found: tourists, street performers, vendors, and some people are already drunk, even though it is still relatively early in the evening. There are souvenir shops, sex-toy stores, strip clubs, dance clubs, jazz bars, and restaurants along the street.
After spending some time walking around and visiting the shops, we finally arrive at Pat O'Brien's Courtyard Restaurant for dinner. Emmett buys the whole group a round of Hurricanes and I am looking forward to the first sip. When we've all been served our drinks, he stands and raises his glass in the air.
"Here's to gunpowder and pussy!
Live by one; Die by the other!
Love the smell of both!"
After laughing at his absurd toast, we all take a huge gulp of our drink. Do not let the fruity garnish fool you; Hurricanes are strong! Strong, but very tasty, and I soon find that my glass is empty.
"Watch out, Bella. The night is still young and we have a lot of partying to do!" Rose yells at me, before downing her drink.
"Do not worry about me. I can hold my liquor!"
Edward starts laughing next to me and I cut him a sideways glance.
"What's so funny?"
"I'm just thinkin' about the last time you drank a lot of liquor. Wonderin' who you'll be drunk dialin' tonight!"
He winks at me, as he tosses his drink back.
"I don't know," I say, tapping my chin with my middle finger, letting Edward know that he's 'number one'. "I'll have to take a trip to the bathroom and see who's up for a good time."
Edward wraps his arm around me and pulls me closer to him, kissing me good and hard. I guess that's his way of letting me know that he's the only good time I'll need tonight...or ever.
"Get a room!" Emmett yells from across the table.
Dinner is wonderful and the drinks flow freely. We all laugh until our sides hurt. The more Emmett drinks, the louder he gets, which is hard to believe, but it's true. There were a couple of times I thought we would get asked to leave, but it seems as though we blended right in.
Rosalie insists that we change locations and head over to The Cat's Meow. From what they all say, it is a karaoke bar that is set up like a concert; no tables or chairs, just a stage and a floor. Alice and I used to be regulars at a karaoke bar close to our apartments in New York. So, this is right up our alley.
When we walk in, the place is already packed and a group of girls are up on stage belting out a horrible rendition of 'Respect'. My philosophy when it comes to karaoke is, regardless of your vocal aptitude, you must own it and sing with passion and conviction.
"I hope they have some Snoop Dogg!" Alice squeals beside me, holding onto my arm.
Rosalie, Alice, and I put our heads together and come up with a song to sing. They didn't have a lot of Snoop to choose from, which was a disappointment to Alice, but they did have Salt-N-Pepa, which was something we could all agree on.
As I heard our names being called over the microphone, I quickly kissed Edward and started to walk towards the stage. He grabbed my elbow and asked, "Where're ya goin'?"
"You'll see." I wink at him then make my way through the crowd, joining Alice and Rosalie on the stage.
With our backs to the crowd, we wait for the music to start. Even though I have performed at karaoke bars before, I'm nervous this time because I'll be singing in front of Edward. He has never heard me sing or watched me dance and I want to show off for him. Plus, I'm feeling a bit tipsy from the Hurricanes, so I'm worried I'll forget the words. Thank goodness they show the words on a big screen behind the crowd!
When the music to "Whatta Man" starts, the girls and I immediately start dancing. We are shaking our asses and wiggling our hips as we sing the beginning chorus. When we decided on this particular song, we also chose a rap for each of us, so that all three of us would have a time to shine on the stage.
My rap is the first one in the song, so I take a deep breath and let it out before turning and facing the crowd on the downbeat.
"I wanna take a minute or two and give much respect to the man that's made a difference in my world."
I'm no Salt, but I think I'm doing a pretty good job, as I rap the words and continue to dance. The crowd is cheering loudly and when I finally make eye contact with Edward, he looks completely enthralled. If I stare too long, I will definitely mess up the words, so I start moving around the stage, letting myself go and hamming it up for the audience.
When I get to the end of my rap, I make sure to look back at Edward when I say "You so crazy. I think I wanna have your baby." I rub my tummy for emphasis and then blow him a kiss. I don't think I've ever seen Edward's mouth hang open like it is right now. I think I have definitely stunned him, and hopefully, turned him on.
Rose is up next, rapping to Emmett about him having "a body like Arnold, with a Denzel face." Of course, he yells out, "Yeah, Baby! That's my girl!" When her part is over, he is jumping up and down, whooping it up like a mad man.
Alice gets the third rap and her inner sexual beast comes blazing out of her body. As she raps "from seven to seven, he's got me open like 7-11", she does this shimmy with her body, while running her hands down her sides, and looking right at her fiancee'. Jasper is the only one standing still among a crowd of people dancing and cheering. The only movement of his, that I can see, is his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. I don't even think he is blinking anymore.
We sing the chorus again before it is my turn to do the closing rap. I give it my all, rapping and dancing all over the stage. I dip my body seductively and roll my head around my shoulders, letting my hair fly all over the place, before we all three end the song with the last chorus.
The crowd erupts in applause but no one is cheering for us louder than our guys. I hop off the stage into Edward's arms, not caring that I am completely covered in sweat and out of breath.
He has his arms wrapped tightly around my waist, as he picks me up off the floor. "That was amazing, Baby!" He puts me back down and kisses me hard. "I had no idea you could do that. That was the sexiest thing I've ever seen!"
I laugh and move my sweaty hair away from my face. "I'm glad you liked it. I do private performances, you know."
"Well, I can't wait to see you perform in our room tonight."
My stomach tightens and I clench my thighs together in anticipation.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Up next we have Emmett Cullen singing 'I'll Be There For You'! Show him some love!"
Edward and I look at each other in shock. "I didn't know Emmett can sing," I say.
"He can't carry a tune in a bucket! This should be good!" Edward laughs.
The crowd starts cheering as Emmett makes his way up to the stage. He grabs the microphone and says, "This is for my Rosie", before belting out the words to the song. What he lacks for in musical talent, he makes up for with sincere passion. I think Jon Bon Jovi would be proud, once he has covered his ears.
Emmett's eyes never leaves Rosalie's, as he sings and she just stares up at him like he hung the moon. It is such a sweet moment, that even the crowd gives a big "Awwww" when the song ends and Emmett bends over the edge of the stage to kiss her passionately.
Taking a break from the karaoke stage, we move to the back of the room to get more drinks and watch other people perform. I make a trip to the bathroom, and when I meet back up with the group, I am finally starting to cool off.
I hear the announcer ask for another karaoke volunteer, just as I ask where Edward is.
"Look," says Alice, nodding her head towards the stage. I follow her eyes and look up to see the man of my dreams, on the stage. He is always gorgeous, always sexy, but there is just something about seeing him up on the stage that almost makes me come undone right then. His eyes are closed and he is gripping the microphone like his life depends on it. The music starts and all the ladies in the audience start squealing. So much for me staying cooled off.
I am in a complete daze as Edward begins singing 'Wonderful Tonight'. I didn't even know he could sing, but I know in an instant that his voice is the only one I ever want to listen to again. His voice is smooth and perfectly in tune, sounding even better than Eric Clapton does on the CD. He is putting so much passion into the song and, when he finally opens his eyes and looks right at me, I swear I feel my ovaries explode.
The song ends and it feels like he and I are the only two people in the room. No one else matters; it's just us standing still and gazing at each other. I'm pulled out of my Edward-induced haze when he smiles and speaks into the mic, "I'd like to do another song, if that's ok." The crowd is cheering like crazy by this point and the DJ asks what he'd like to sing next.
He leans over, whispering to the DJ his song choice. Then, says into the microphone, "this next song is also for my girl. My Bella." I feel my face flush, not with embarrassment, but with love and pride as the music for 'Brown Eyed Girl' begins. I can't help but laugh and cheer as my sexy man dances across the stage singing to Van Morrison. He keeps his eyes locked with mine the entire time, and when the music stops, I am a hot mess.
Edward walks up to me and gives me a shy look. "Well? Did you like your songs?"
I do not smile, nor do I laugh. I just give him a dead-serious look and say, "You. Me. Bed. Now."
He doesn't need to be told twice. He looks at the rest of our group and yells, "See y'all tomorrow!" Without waiting for anyone to respond, he grabs my hand and quickly pulls me out of the club, taking me straight to our hotel. When we reach our room, he puts the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the outside of our door, before he closes it for the night.
****SoCo****
"It's beautiful," Alice says, with tears in her eyes.
"I swear, Alice. If you keep up this crying shit, I'm gonna kick your ass," Rose says, blotting Alice's eyes with a handkerchief. She wraps it around the bottom of Alice's bouquet of roses and peonies, and hands it to her. "Here, at least you'll have this handy. I know you're gonna need it."
"Thank you, Rose. I don't know what I would do without you guys." Alice sniffles, as she takes a look at herself in the full-length mirror.
She looks so stunning. I feel like I'm on the verge of tears myself, but I know if I break the seal, we'll never make it to the backyard for the ceremony; and Rose will kick both of our asses for messing up her make-up jobs.
"You've got your something blue on already, right?"
"Sure do," she says, lifting her dress up, so that Rose and I can see her little white panties with "Jasper's Shawty" on them. I had the lady put blue gemstones outlining the letters. Alice couldn't walk down the aisle without properly representing her gangsta side.
"Her dress can count as something new, right?" I ask, looking at Rose.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? I've never been married before!"
"Where is Esme when you need her?"
Just as the words leave my mouth, she pops her head around the corner. "Alice, you look absolutely beautiful, Sweetie. Are you ready to go get married?"
Alice takes a deep breath, "I think so. Ready as I'll ever be."
I take my place in the backyard, under the oak tree where Alice proposed to Jasper. Edward is standing across from me, in khaki pants and a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. A couple of the buttons are left undone at the top and his hair is perfectly imperfect, as usual. He looks up at me and mouths, "You look gorgeous."
I run a hand down my yellow chiffon dress and blush a little. Giving him a small smile, I mouthed back a "thank you" and a "you, too".
About that time, the music starts. Jasper steps up to the center and waits as Alice walks out of the back doors of the house.
I've never seen my best friend look this beautiful. Her dress is sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline. There is a rhinestone belt around her tiny waist, and then the dress flows out. The bottom of it is covered in fabric gathered to look like roses. Rose swept her hair up in a loose bun. She looks timeless and perfect, just as a bride should on their special day.
My eyes start to fill up with tears and I try not to blink to keep them from spilling over. I glance at Edward and he's not looking at the bride like everyone else, he's looking at me. His face is serious, but happy. We hold each other's gaze for a few moments and then he whispers, "I love you." My heart is so full at that moment that I can't help but let a few tears roll down my cheeks. "I love you too."
The minister clears his throat and Edward and I both laugh a little at being caught, turning our attention back to Alice and Jasper as they step up to the front.
The ceremony is short and sweet, just like Alice. Before I know it, the minister is announcing the newly wed couple.
"Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Whitlock"
Everyone is applauding, and as the processional music starts playing, there is an eruption of laughter from the guests.
"walk this way, talk this way
she told me to
walk this way, talk this way
just give me a kiss...like this"
Nothing says Alice and Jasper, like Aerosmith and Run D.M.C..
"Well, Alice," Rose says, as she walks up to the table where we're all sitting having some hors d'oeuvres and champagne, "I always wanted a little sister. I didn't necessarily mean short, but I guess you'll do." She winks at Alice. "Thanks for making an honest man out of my brother." She pulls Alice into a tight hug. I love this new family that's forming right before my eyes.
"Now, when is someone gonna make an honest woman outta you? That's the question!" Jasper teases Rosalie.
"Don't make me hurt you on your wedding day." Rosalie says, about the same time Emmett sits down with a triple-stacked plate of food.
"Hey, you guys, did you ever tell the boys about that stripper from the other night?" Alice asks, as she takes a bite of a canape.
Edward looks at me, with his eyebrows raised and asks, "What stripper?"
"Oh, yeah, um. The stripper from the strip club we went to the other night. Do not look at me like that. You know you guys went and watched some girls swing around on a pole."
"Yes," Emmett pipes up, "and that is called exotic dancing. It's a sport."
"Emmett Cullen, you are so full of shit," Rosalie says, as she rolls her eyes.
"Anyway, this stripper from the club the other night looked really familiar."
"Yeah, he kinda looked a whole hell of a lot like that guy," Alice says, pointing over toward the bar where the drinks were being served.
Edward nearly chokes on his crab cake. "You mean, Riley?"
"Well, if that's the name of the guy with the dark hair and chiseled jaw, then, yes." She replies.
"Holy shit, I thought he gave that up a long time ago," Edward says. "So, exactly how much did you see?" He turns around to look at me and my face immediately heats up to a hundred degrees.
"Not...not much."
"Was there touching involved?"
"Edward! We were at a bachelorette party. What happens at a bachelorette party, stays at a bachelorette party. How would you like it if I went all CSI on your bachelor party?" I don't know why I'm feeling so defensive, but I feel a little under attack here. Emmett and Jasper are both sitting back laughing it off, but Edward seems a little...jealous, maybe?
"Besides, touching is against the law," I tell him and give Rosalie and Alice the death-stare. I dare one of them to open their big fat mouths. I will cut a bitch. Truth is that I was beyond tipsy when we went to the strip club, then I drank some more. It wasn't my fault that everyone kept buying us shots. It would have been rude to turn them down. There are a few minutes that are unaccounted for in my memory. Rose and Alice swore that I didn't do anything bad. I'm trusting them.
"Yeah, but there were a lot of lawbreakers in that club," Rosalie says under her breath. I kick her under the table and she giggles. What the actual fuck?
"Well, hello, Ladies," a deep, smooth voice says from behind me. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit.
Alice and Rosalie clear their throats at the same time, trying to act like they didn't hear anything.
"Congratulations!" He shakes Jasper's hand. "Alice, you make a lovely bride," he says, leaning over the table. He makes pointed glances at the three of us.
"Thank you," Alice manages to get out.
"How's the shoulder, man?" Edward asks him, breaking the awkward silence.
"It's healing up quite nicely. The bullet didn't hit anything important, so I've regained my full range of motion pretty quickly," he answers.
"I'll say," Rose whispers only loud enough for Alice and I to hear. I try to give her the death-stare again, but I can't help but smile and hold in a giggle that's dying to come out.
Edward and Riley walk away from the table as they start talking about how things are going at the police station, saving us from a moment of impending embarrassment.
I glance back over at Rosalie and Alice, and we all lose it. Who knew that Riley, the police officer, twilighted as a stripper? I knew he looked awfully comfortable in that holster.
I turn around just in time to see a tall redhead walk up to Edward and Riley. I remember her from Edward's birthday party, but I can't recall who she is.
(EPOV)
While I'm standing there talking to Riley, I catch a glimpse of red hair walking towards us. Victoria walks up and wraps herself around Riley's arm. What the hell is she doing here? I feel myself go on high alert and I take a deep breath, trying to keep my cool.
"Victoria." I nod my head in her direction.
"Edward," she replies back. She looks up at Riley and I see them having a silent conversation. Riley motions his head toward me and clears his throat. Victoria takes a deep breath and starts to speak again, but stops.
"What brings you here today? I have my doubts that you're here to celebrate Jasper's nuptials, and I don't recall you being a friend of Alice." I know I'm being rude, but I can't help it. Her being here puts me on edge.
"Listen, I know this isn't the time or place, but I just need to tell you that I'm sorry for everything that happened with my dad and brother." Her eyes look sad, and for once in my life, I feel sorry for her. "I know that they both caused you and your family a lot of trouble. I'm sure I have too in the past, and I'm sorry for all of it. I just want to live my life without feeling like I have enemies around every corner. I'm not asking you to forgive me or anything, I just needed to apologize."
"Apology accepted." I look at her and see the truth in her eyes. "And, I'm sorry about your dad and brother. I'm sorry things had to go down like that." She nods her head in understanding and Riley pats her on the back, like he's telling her she did a good job. I can't say the way they are acting today is romantic, but it seems like they have some sort of friendship or understanding. I wasn't sure what would become of the two of them after what happened at the cottage.
"I'm moving out of French Settlement and I'm starting over. I don't know if I'll ever be back. There's just too much bad blood around here. But, if I am ever back around here and we run into each other, just know that there aren't any bad feelings." She gives Riley a small smile and then turns around and walks off. Riley and I just stand there in silence for a minute, watching her as she makes her way around the side of the house.
Well, that was unexpected. I let out a breath of air and run my hand through my hair.
"Sorry about that," Riley says, motioning to where Victoria was just standing. "She needed to say her peace. I felt bad bringing her with me, but I had to do that one last thing for her."
"So, what's going on between the two of you?"
"Nothing, anymore. We aired all the dirty laundry and had a few heated conversations, but in the end we realized that there had been too many lies to ever make anything work between us. I think we just have an understanding now."
"It's probably for the best."
Riley nods his head in agreement. "Well, I'm gonna let you get back to the celebratin'. I'll see ya around." He gives me a friendly slap on the back, as he makes his way into the crowd.
I turn around to look for Bella and I see her with Alice and Rosalie out on the dance floor. I have a feeling those three are going to be nothing but trouble from here on out.
The DJ comes over the speakers and announces that the groom would like to give a toast to the bride. I walk up toward the edge of the dance floor, so that I can have a front row seat. Jasper worked long and hard deciding what he was going to say to Alice, and with a little help from me and Emmett, I think he's going to knock this one out of the ballpark.
Jasper takes the microphone and clears his throat. The small crowd hushes, and Jasper pulls up a chair for Alice to sit in. "Alice, baby. This is for you..."
He pulls out a few note cards from his pocket and starts into his speech.
"A great philosopher once said these words," he winks at Alice, "and in an effort to show you my undying love and devotion, I would like to quote them back to you today..."
"You're the ink to my paper
Where my pen is to my pad
The moral, the very fiber
The whole substance to my rap.
You are my reason for being
The meaning of my existence
If it wasn't for you
I would never be able to spit this
As intense I do and the irony
Is you rely on me as much
as I rely on you to inspire me like you do.
You provide me the lighter fluid to fuel my fire
You're my entire supply
Gas, the match, the igniter.
The only way that I am able to stay so stable
Is you're the legs to my table
If you were to break I'd fall on my face.
But I'm always going to make you feel
I don't need you as much as I really need you
So you don't use it to your advantage.
But you're essential to me
You're the air I breathe...
"Alice, I love your gangsta ass so hard. You made me the happiest man alive by saying 'I do' today. I'm going to make it my goal in life to make you just as happy for the rest of our lives. I love you."
Alice jumps out of her chair and onto Jasper, almost knocking him on his ass. Everyone is standing around clapping and wiping their eyes, some from laughing, some from crying. Of course, my mama is standing beside me, bawling like a big ol' baby. I don't think I've ever seen her as emotional as I have these past couple of weeks.
"You ok?" I ask her, as I put my arm around her shoulder.
"Oh, of course! I'm just so happy. Weddings always make me sappy," she says, as she wipes her eyes.
I kiss her forehead and walk onto the dance floor to find Bella.
Marvin Gaye's silky, smooth voice starts singing 'Let's Get It On' over the speakers, and I walk up behind Bella, spinning her around into my arms.
"How about me and you sneak into the house and get it on?" I whisper into Bella's ear, as I pull her close and start to slow dance with her. There is nothing in this whole world that beats holding Bella in my arms, except making love to her, which I would like to be doing right now.
She laughs and lays her head on my chest, as we sway to the music. "Well, I think the guests might think that is a bit rude of us. We are the best man and maid of honor, after all. Doesn't that mean we have some sort of obligations?"
"I think our work is done here. Besides, we could make it quick." I raise my eyebrows at her suggestively.
"I don't want quick. I want long," she swallows and pauses for effect, "and hard," she gives me a smirk, "and forever." She looks at me seriously and I feel the meaning behind her words. If I didn't think I was stealing Jasper's thunder, I would get down on one knee right here in front of everyone and ask her to be mine...forever.
I feel a tap on my shoulder and, before I can turn around, I hear Tanya in my ear, "I'd like to cut in."
Bella pops her head up and gives Tanya a look of disgust and frustration. She lets go of me and assumes her position, with her hands on her hips. I hate Tanya, but I love the side of Bella she brings out. I wouldn't tell her right now, but she's adorable.
"I thought we discussed this already? Apparently, you need the remedial version." Bella whips her head around and finds Alice and Jasper dancing behind us. "Alice," she yells over her shoulder, "do you mind if I kick a bitch's ass at your wedding?"
I look back at Tanya, but she's not budging.
Alice looks over at the situation and her face goes from blissful to bitchy in a matter of seconds. "Bella, you know the policy, 'hos before bros'. I think that applies to this occasion."
Bella turns around and starts taking off her earrings.
Oh, shit.
I step in front of Bella, putting her behind my back. I'm sure she could take Tanya, but I would hate to have to hit a girl; and I'm afraid that's what would happen if Tanya laid a hand on Bella.
"Tanya, you better leave," I warn her. Bella is trying to get around me, and I'm holding her back with my arm.
"You wouldn't let her hit a pregnant lady would you, Eddie?"
It takes a second for what she just said to register, but Bella stops trying to get around me and I just stand there staring at Tanya.
"Yeah, Edward, that's right. I'm pregnant. You're going to be a dad and we belong together. I know family is important to you. You wouldn't want our child growing up without a family, would you?..."
She's keeps talking, but I stop her. "Back the fuck up, Tanya. What the hell are you sayin'?"
I feel a dozen sets of eyes on me. Our altercation has drawn an audience.
"I'm sayin' that I'm pregnant with your baby!," Tanya says, smilin' and pattin' her belly.
_________________________________________________________________________________
A/Ns:
Jiff: Hello, there! Are you still with us? We FINALLY post a chapter this week and we leave you with a cliffie like that? Good thing we're gonna post the next chapter soon, right, JK?
Jenny Kate: Yes! And by "soon" we don't mean next week! Swearsies!
Jiff: Absolutely! I, for one, can't wait to find out more about this baby-business and TFD! Can you believe the nerve of that woman, showing up to Alice and Jasper's wedding with that kind of news?
Jenny Kate: Actually, YES! Crazy bitch is crazy! I can't wait to find out about all this baby daddy business either. Man, I hope SoCo updates again soon! Oh, wait...that's us. Damn, Jiff, we've gotta get our act together. Looks like some all-nighters are in our future.
Jiff: Umm, we do that any way, remember? Besides, technically, we already know what's gonna happen...we just have to write it! *turns on coffee pot* JK, you were sick for our last post. Are you feeling better now?
Jenny Kate: *holds cup out for a refill* I am feeling much better! Thanks for all of the well wishes! I finally feel like I can breathe and my head is unclogged. Makes writing a lot easier!
Jiff: I bet! I'm glad you are feeling better, too! I didn't like my JK being sick at all! Especially since I couldn't cook you chicken noodle soup or rub Vicks Vapor Rub on your chest, I mean, feet!
Jenny Kate: Face it, you just like my boobs. ;)
Jiff: This is true. You've got a great rack! Before we sign off, we received some awesome news today that we are excited to share with you. Southern Comfort is on the Fictionator's "What's Pwning You?" Poll of the Week! If you feel like it, click on the link and vote for your favorite fic, even if it's not ours. ;-) pwn-of-the-week/whats-pwning-you-june-2012/ Thanks to Darcy Knightley for the nomination and review! What are you rec'ing this week, JK?
Jenny Kate: This week I'm rec'ing No Ordinary Proposal by TwiLover76. We also want to thank TwiLover76 for rec'ing us on her update last week!
Jiff: Yes! And, hello, to our new readers that took her advice and found us! Welcome to the crazy! This week I am rec'ing the latest two fics by Cosmogirl7481. Dear Veronica is still updating a few times each week and Adult Book Store is a short fic that she posted over 2 days.
Thanks to Twifanmom for beta-ing for us! Oh, and my husband, too! LOL See y'all soon!
