To make it perfect.
Thats a tall order.
Good thing youre so tall.
He groaned at my bad joke and then sighed. Im just here to be your friend. Your best friend, one last time.
Sam should give you more credit.
Well, maybe Im being oversensitive. Maybe theyd be here anyway, to keep an eye on Seth. There are a lot of vampires here. Seth doesnt take that as seriously as he should.
Seth knows that hes not in any danger. He understands the Cullens better than Sam does.
Sure, sure, Jacob said, making peace before it could turn into a fight.
It was strange to have him being the diplomat.
Sorry about those voices, I said. Wish I could make it better. In so many ways.
Its not that bad. Im just whining a little.
Youre happy?
Close enough. But enough about me. Youre the star today. He chuckled. I bet youre just loving that. Center of attention.
Yeah. Cant get enough attention.
He laughed and then stared over my head. With pursed lips, he studied the shimmering glow of the reception party, the graceful whirl of the dancers, the fluttering petals falling from the garlands; I looked with him. It all seemed very distant from this black, quiet space. Almost like watching the white flurries swirling inside a snow globe.
Ill give them this much, he said. They know how to throw a party.
Alice is an unstoppable force of nature.
He sighed. Songs over. Do you think I get another one? Or is that asking too much?
I tightened my hand around his. You can have as many dances as you want.
He laughed. That would be interesting. I think Id better stick with two, though. Dont want to start talk.
We turned in another circle.
Youd think Id be used to telling you goodbye by now, he murmured.
I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but I couldnt force it down.
Jacob looked at me and frowned. He wiped his fingers across my cheek, catching the tears there.
Youre not supposed to be the one crying, Bella.
Everyone cries at weddings, I said thickly.
This is what you want, right?
Right.
Then smile.
I tried. He laughed at my grimace.
Im going to try to remember you like this. Pretend that . . .
That what? That I died?
He clenched his teeth. He was struggling with himselfwith his decision to make his presence here a gift and not a judgment. I could guess what he wanted to say.
No, he finally answered. But Ill see you this way in my head. Pink cheeks. Heartbeat. Two left feet. All of that.
I deliberately stomped on his foot as hard as I could.
He smiled. Thats my girl.
He started to say something else and then snapped his mouth closed. Struggling again, teeth gritted against the words he didnt want to say.
My relationship with Jacob used to be so easy. Natural as breathing. But since Edward had come back into my life, it was a constant strain. Becausein Jacobs eyesby choosing Edward, I was choosing a fate that was worse than death, or at least equivalent to it.
What is it, Jake? Just tell me. You can tell me anything.
II I dont have anything to tell you.
Oh please. Spit it out.
Its true. Its not itsits a question. Its something I want you to tell me.
Ask me.
He struggled for another minute and then exhaled. I shouldnt. It doesnt matter. Im just morbidly curious.
Because I knew him so well, I understood.
Its not tonight, Jacob, I whispered.
Jacob was even more obsessed with my humanity than Edward. He treasured every one of my heartbeats, knowing that they were numbered.
Oh, he said, trying to smother his relief. Oh.
A new song started playing, but he didnt notice the change this time.
When? he whispered.
I dont know for sure. A week or two, maybe.
His voice changed, took on a defensive, mocking edge. Whats the holdup?
I just didnt want to spend my honeymoon writhing in pain.
Youd rather spend it how? Playing checkers? Ha ha.
Very funny.
Kidding, Bells. But, honestly, I dont see the point. You cant have a real honeymoon with your vampire, so why go through the motions? Call a spade a spade. This isnt the first time youve put this off. Thats a good thing, though, he said, suddenly earnest. Dont be embarrassed about it.
Im not putting anything off, I snapped. And yes I can have a real honeymoon! I can do anything I want! Butt out!
He stopped our slow circling abruptly. For a moment, I wondered if hed finally noticed the music change, and I scrambled in my head for a way to patch up our little tiff before he said goodbye to me. We shouldnt part on this note.
And then his eyes bulged wide with a strange kind of confused horror.
What? he gasped. What did you say?
About what ? Jake? Whats wrong?
What do you mean? Have a real honeymoon? While youre still human? Are you kidding? Thats a sick joke, Bella!
I glared at him. I said butt out, Jake. This is so not your business. I shouldnt have we shouldnt even be talking about this. Its private
His enormous hands gripped the tops of my arms, wrapping all the way around, fingers overlapping.
Ow, Jake! Let go!
He shook me.
Bella! Have you lost your mind? You cant be that stupid! Tell me youre joking!
He shook me again. His hands, tight as tourniquets, were quivering, sending vibrations deep into my bones.
Jakestop!
The darkness was suddenly very crowded.
Take your hands off her! Edwards voice was cold as ice, sharp as razors.
Behind Jacob, there was a low snarl from the black night, and then another, overlapping the first.
Jake, bro, back away, I heard Seth Clearwater urge. Youre losing it.
Jacob seemed frozen as he was, his horrified eyes wide and staring.
Youll hurt her, Seth whispered. Let her go.
Now! Edward snarled.
Jacobs hands dropped to his sides, and the sudden gush of blood through my waiting veins was almost painful. Before I could register more than that, cold hands replaced the hot ones, and the air was suddenly whooshing past me.
I blinked, and I was on my feet a half dozen feet away from where Id been standing. Edward was tensed in front of me. There were two enormous wolves braced between him and Jacob, but they did not seem aggressive to me. More like they were trying to prevent the fight.
And Sethgangly, fifteen-year-old Sethhad his long arms around Jacobs shaking body, and he was tugging him away. If Jacob phased with Seth so close
Cmon, Jake. Lets go.
Ill kill you, Jacob said, his voice so choked with rage that it was low as a whisper. His eyes, focused on Edward, burned with fury. Ill kill you myself! Ill do it now! He shuddered convulsively.
The biggest wolf, the black one, growled sharply.
Seth, get out of the way, Edward hissed.
Seth tugged on Jacob again. Jacob was so bewildered with rage that Seth was able to yank him a few feet farther back. Dont do it, Jake. Walk away. Cmon.
Samthe bigger wolf, the black onejoined Seth then. He put his massive head against Jacobs chest and shoved.
The three of themSeth towing, Jake trembling, Sam pushingdisappeared swiftly into the darkness.
The other wolf stared after them. I wasnt sure, in the weak light, about the color of his furchocolate brown, maybe? Was it Quil, then?
Im sorry, I whispered to the wolf.
Its all right now, Bella, Edward murmured.
The wolf looked at Edward. His gaze was not friendly. Edward gave him one cold nod. The wolf huffed and then turned to follow the others, vanishing as they had.
All right, Edward said to himself, and then he looked at me. Lets get back.
But Jake
Sam has him in hand. Hes gone.
Edward, Im so sorry. I was stupid
You did nothing wrong
I have such a big mouth! Why would I I shouldnt have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?
Dont worry. He touched my face. We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence.
I shook my head, trying to reorient myself. Before someone noticed? Had anyone missed that?
Then, as I thought about it, I realized the confrontation that had seemed so catastrophic to me had, in reality, been very quiet and short here in the shadows.
Give me two seconds, I pleaded.
My insides were chaotic with panic and grief, but that didnt matteronly the outside mattered right now. Putting on a good show was something I knew I had to master.
My dress?
You look fine. Not a hair out of place.
I took two deep breaths. Okay. Lets go.
He put his arms around me and led me back to the light. When we passed under the twinkle lights, he spun me gently onto the dance floor. We melted in with the other dancers as if our dance had never been interrupted.
I glanced around at the guests, but no one seemed shocked or frightened. Only the very palest faces there showed any signs of stress, and they hid it well. Jasper and Emmett were on the edge of the floor, close together, and I guessed that they had been nearby during the confrontation.
Are you
Im fine, I promised. I cant believe I did that. Whats wrong with me?
Nothing is wrong with you.
Id been so glad to see Jacob here. I knew the sacrifice it had taken him. And then Id ruined it, turned his gift into a disaster. I should be quarantined.
But my idiocy would not ruin anything else tonight. I would put this away, shove it in a drawer and lock it up to deal with later. There would be plenty of time to flagellate myself for this, and nothing I could do now would help.
Its over, I said. Lets not think of it again tonight.
I expected a quick agreement from Edward, but he was silent.
Edward?
He closed his eyes and touched his forehead to mine. Jacob is right, he whispered. What am I thinking?
He is not. I tried to keep my face smooth for the watching crowd of friends. Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly.
He mumbled something low that sounded almost like should let him kill me for even thinking . . .
Stop it, I said fiercely. I grabbed his face in my hands and waited until he opened his eyes. You and me. Thats the only thing that matters. The only thing youre allowed to think about now. Do you hear me?
Yes, he sighed.
Forget Jacob came. I could do that. I would do that. For me. Promise that youll let this go.
He stared into my eyes for a moment before answering. I promise.
Thank you. Edward, Im not afraid.
I am, he whispered.
Dont be. I took deep breath and smiled. By the way, I love you.
He smiled just a little in return. Thats why were here.
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 badwith you. But I was thinking more of this,and I pressed myself to him even tighterof never having to let you go.
Never, he promised, and he leaned down to kiss me.
It was a serious kind of kissintense, 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 southsee 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 carJaspers 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 the little crowd that was waiting to see us off.
Dad? I asked, my eyes searching.
Over here, Edward murmured. He pulled me through the guests; they made a pathway for us. We found Charlie leaning awkwardly against the wall behind everyone else, looking a little like he was hiding. The red rims around his eyes explained why.
Oh, Dad!
I hugged him around the waist, tears streaming againI was crying so much tonight. He patted my back.
There, now. You dont want to miss your plane.
It was hard to talk about love with Charliewe were so much alike, always reverting to trivial things to avoid embarrassing emotional displays. But this was no time for being self-conscious.
I love you forever, Dad, I told him. Dont forget that.
You, too, Bells. Always have, always will.
I kissed his cheek at the same time that he kissed mine.
Call me, he said.
Soon, I promised, knowing this was all I could promise. Just a phone call. My father and my mother could not be allowed to see me again; I would be too different, and much, much too dangerous.
Go on, then, he said gruffly. Dont want to be late.
The guests made another aisle for us. Edward pulled me close to his side as we made our escape.
Are you ready? he asked.
I am, I said, and I knew that it was true.
Everyone applauded when Edward kissed me on the doorstep. Then he rushed me to the car as the rice storm began. Most of it went wide, but someone, probably Emmett, threw with uncanny precision, and I caught a lot of the ricochets off Edwards back.
The car was decorated with more flowers that trailed in streamers along its length, and long gossamer ribbons that were tied to a dozen shoesdesigner shoes that looked brand-newdangling behind the bumper.
Edward shielded me from the rice while I climbed in, and then he was in and we were speeding away as I waved out the window and called I love you to the porch, where my families waved back.
The last image I registered was one of my parents. Phil had both arms wrapped tenderly around Renée. She had one arm tight around his waist but had her free hand reached out to hold Charlies. So many different kinds of love, harmonious in this one moment. It seemed a very hopeful picture to me.
Edward squeezed my hand.
I love you, he said.
I leaned my head against his arm. Thats why were here, I quoted him.
He kissed my hair.
As we turned onto the black highway and Edward really hit the accelerator, I heard a noise over the purr of the engine, coming from the forest behind us. If I could hear it, then he certainly could. But he said nothing as the sound slowly faded in the distance. I said nothing, either.
The piercing, heartbroken howling grew fainter and then disappeared entirely.
5 ISLE ESME
Houston? I asked, raising my eyebrows when we reached the gate in Seattle.
Just a stop along the way, Edward assured me with a grin.
It felt like Id barely fallen asleep when he woke me. I was groggy as he pulled me through the terminals, struggling to remember how to open my eyes after every blink. It took me a few minutes to catch up with what was going on when we stopped at the international counter to check in for our next flight.
Rio de Janeiro? I asked with slightly more trepidation.
Another stop, he told me.
The flight to South America was long but comfortable in the wide first-class seat, with Edwards arms cradled around me. I slept myself out and awoke unusually alert as we circled toward the airport with the light of the setting sun slanting through the planes windows.
We didnt stay in the airport to connect with another flight as Id expected. Instead we took a taxi through the dark, teeming, living streets of Rio. Unable to understand a word of Edwards Portuguese instructions to the driver, I guessed that we were off to find a hotel before the next leg of our journey. A sharp twinge of something very close to stage fright twisted in the pit of my stomach as I considered that. The taxi continued through the swarming crowds until they thinned somewhat, and we appeared to be nearing the extreme western edge of the city, heading into the ocean.
We stopped at the docks.
Edward led the way down the long line of white yachts moored in the night-blackened water. The boat he stopped at was smaller than the others, sleeker, obviously built for speed instead of space. Still luxurious, though, and more graceful than the rest. He leaped in lightly, despite the heavy bags he carried. He dropped those on the deck and turned to help me carefully over the edge.
I watched in silence while he prepared the boat for departure, surprised at how skilled and comfortable he seemed, because hed never mentioned an interest in boating before. But then again, he was good at just about everything.
As we headed due east into the open ocean, I reviewed basic geography in my head. As far as I could remember, there wasnt much east of Brazil until you got to Africa.
But Edward sped forward while the lights of Rio faded and ultimately disappeared behind us. On his face was a familiar exhilarated smile, the one produced by any form of speed. The boat plunged through the waves and I was showered with sea spray.
Finally the curiosity Id suppressed so long got the best of me.
Are we going much farther? I asked.
It wasnt like him to forget that I was human, but I wondered if he planned for us to live on this small craft for any length of time.
About another half hour. His eyes took in my hands, clenched on the seat, and he grinned.
Oh well, I thought to myself. He was a vampire, after all. Maybe we were going to Atlantis.
Twenty minutes later, he called my name over the roar of the engine.
Bella, look there. He pointed straight ahead.
I saw only blackness at first, and the moons white trail across the water. But I searched the space where he pointed until I found a low black shape breaking into the sheen of moonlight on the waves. As I squinted into the darkness, the silhouette became more detailed. The shape grew into a squat, irregular triangle, with one side trailing longer than the other before sinking into the waves. We drew closer, and I could see the outline was feathery, swaying to the light breeze.
And then my eyes refocused and the pieces all made sense: a small island rose out of the water ahead of us, waving with palm fronds, a beach glowing pale in the light of the moon.
Where are we? I murmured in wonder while he shifted course, heading around to the north end of the island.
He heard me, despite the noise of the engine, and smiled a wide smile that gleamed in the moonlight.
This is Isle Esme.
The boat slowed dramatically, drawing with precision into position against a short dock constructed of wooden planks, bleached into whiteness by the moon. The engine cut off, and the silence that followed was profound. There was nothing but the waves, slapping lightly against the boat, and the rustle of the breeze in the palms. The air was warm, moist, and fragrantlike the steam left behind after a hot shower.
Isle Esme? My voice was low, but it still sounded too loud as it broke into the quiet night.
A gift from CarlisleEsme offered to let us borrow it.
A gift. Who gives an island as a gift? I frowned. I hadnt realized that Edwards extreme generosity was a learned behavior.
He placed the suitcases on the dock and then turned back, smiling his perfect smile as he reached for me. Instead of taking my hand, he pulled me right up into his arms.
Arent you supposed to wait for the threshold? I asked, breathless, as he sprung lightly out of the boat.
He grinned. Im nothing if not thorough.
Gripping the handles of both huge steamer trunks in one hand and cradling me in the other arm, he carried me up the dock and onto a pale sand pathway through the dark vegetation.
For a short while it was pitch black in the jungle-like growth, and then I could see a warm light ahead. It was about at the point when I realized the light was a housethe two bright, perfect squares were wide windows framing a front doorthat the stage fright attacked again, more forcefully than before, worse than when Id thought we were headed for a hotel.
My heart thudded audibly against my ribs, and my breath seemed to get stuck in my throat. I felt Edwards eyes on my face, but I refused to meet his gaze. I stared straight ahead, seeing nothing.
He didnt ask what I was thinking, which was out of character for him. I guessed that meant that he was just as nervous as I suddenly was.
He set the suitcases on the deep porch to open the doorsthey were unlocked.
Edward looked down at me, waiting until I met his gaze before he stepped through the threshold.
He carried me through the house, both of us very quiet, flipping on lights as he went. My vague impression of the house was that it was quite large for a tiny island, and oddly familiar. Id gotten used to the pale-on-pale color scheme preferred by the Cullens; it felt like home. I couldnt focus on any specifics, though. The violent pulse beating behind my ears made everything a little blurry.
Then Edward stopped and turned on the last light.
The room was big and white, and the far wall was mostly glassstandard décor for my vampires. Outside, the moon was bright on white sand and, just a few yards away from the house, glistening waves. But I barely noted that part. I was more focused on the absolutely huge white bed in the center of the room, hung with billowy clouds of mosquito netting.
Edward set me on my feet.
Ill go get the luggage.
The room was too warm, stuffier than the tropical night outside. A bead of sweat dewed up on the nape of my neck. I walked slowly forward until I could reach out and touch the foamy netting. For some reason I felt the need to make sure everything was real.
I didnt hear Edward return. Suddenly, his wintry finger caressed the back of my neck, wiping away the drop of perspiration.
Its a little hot here, he said apologetically. I thought that would be best.
Thorough, I murmured under my breath, and he chuckled. It was a nervous sound, rare for Edward.
I tried to think of everything that would make this easier, he admitted.
I swallowed loudly, still facing away from him. Had there ever been a honeymoon like this before?
I knew the answer to that. No. There had not.
I was wondering, Edward said slowly, if first maybe youd like to take a midnight swim with me? He took a deep breath, and his voice was more at ease when he spoke again. The water will be very warm. This is the kind of beach you approve of.
Sounds nice. My voice broke.
Im sure youd like a human minute or two. It was a long journey.
I nodded woodenly. I felt barely human; maybe a few minutes alone would help.
His lips brushed against my throat, just below my ear. He chuckled once and his cool breath tickled my overheated skin. Dont take too long, Mrs. Cullen.
I jumped a little at the sound of my new name.
His lips brushed down my neck to the tip of my shoulder. Ill wait for you in the water.
He walked past me to the French door that opened right onto the beach sand. On the way, he shrugged out of his shirt, dropping it on the floor, and then slipped through the door into the moonlit night. The sultry, salty air swirled into the room behind him.
Did my skin burst into flames? I had to look down to check. Nope, nothing was burning. At least, not visibly.
I reminded myself to breathe, and then I stumbled toward the giant suitcase that Edward had opened on top of a low white dresser. It must be mine, because my familiar bag of toiletries was right on top, and there was a lot of pink in there, but I didnt recognize even one article of clothing. As I pawed through the neatly folded pileslooking for something familiar and comfortable, a pair of old sweats maybeit came to my attention that there was an awful lot of sheer lace and skimpy satin in my hands. Lingerie. Very lingerie-ish lingerie, with French tags.
I didnt know how or when, but someday, Alice was going to pay for this.
Giving up, I went to the bathroom and peeked out through the long windows that opened to the same beach as the French doors. I couldnt see him; I guessed he was there in the water, not bothering to come up for air. In the sky above, the moon was lopsided, almost full, and the sand was bright white under its shine. A small movement caught my eyedraped over a bend in one of the palm trees that fringed the beach, the rest of his clothes were swaying in the light breeze.
A rush of heat flashed across my skin again.
I took a couple of deep breaths and then went to the mirrors above the long stretch of counters. I looked exactly like Id been sleeping on a plane all day. I found my brush and yanked it harshly through the snarls on the back of my neck until they were smoothed out and the bristles were full of hair. I brushed my teeth meticulously, twice. Then I washed my face and splashed water on the back of my neck, which was feeling feverish. That felt so good that I washed my arms as well, and finally I decided to just give up and take the shower. I knew it was ridiculous to shower before swimming, but I needed to calm down, and hot water was one reliable way to do that.