“Thank you so much, for everything, both of you.”

Esme brushed a stray hair out of my face, “Not a problem, sweetheart.”

Rosalie fell in line and hugged me next. She only spared a brief congratulations and a quick kiss on the cheek. With the date of my change drawing so near, it was no secret why she was so evasive of me.

Emmet approached me and took the proper precautions not to crush me as he swept me into a huge hug.. “Hey there, little sis.” He teased. “How does it feel to have a big brother as awesome as me?!”

I giggled.

Alice and Jasper were next. I hugged Alice first, and then looked hesitantly at Jasper who opened his arms to embrace me willingly. It was harder for Jasper to resist the smell of my blood like the others. He was not as practiced, yet. I appreciated the effort, on his part.

“Thank you guys, so much.” I said gratefully. “You guys don’t know how much this has meant to me.”

“Yes I do.” Alice smiled. “I told you a big wedding would be better.”

I hugged her again. “I know. Thank you Alice.”

“Anytime Bella. You know that I love you. You were my sister long before this night.” I teared up again.

Edward grabbed my waist from behind and kissed my neck. The family exchanged knowledgeable glances and all bid us a hasty goodnight.

“Shall I carry you across the threshold?” Edward jested.

I nodded cooperatively.

“No, I’ll do you one better.” He swept me into his arms. “I’ll even carry you up the stairs.”

Even though Edward contained the full ability to have made it to the bed in 5 seconds flat, he took his time. Stepping deliberately on each stair on the way up. He stared at me, smiling. I returned his gaze. We entered the room and he set me carefully on the edge of the bed. He knelt down in front of me as if he was going to propose again. My heart jumped into my throat at the memory. Instead, he lifted the hem of my dress and removed my shoes. He sat next to me and removed his own shoes, next, setting them carefully next to mine. How very like a married couple, I thought.