Our loss is great, and I will miss you every single day.

Thank you for your unwavering support and many years of friendship.

I'm signing in on the retirement home visitors' log when the receptionist and my longtime friend pops in.

"Hi, Bella! Long time no see."

I roll my eyes because we just met for lunch last weekend. "Hello to you too. Do you know where she is?"

Angela checks the schedule.

"B.I.N.G.O ended about twenty minutes ago and lunch isn't for another half hour so I'd imagine she's—"

"Having tea in the sunroom." I pluck a single flower out of the bouquet and hand it to Angela. "Thank you."

Her eyes zero in on my left hand, widening in surprise, and I place one finger against my lips, silently telling her to be quiet.

"Lunch, next week. Text me your schedule," she demands.

I nod and place my visitor's sticker on my shirt.

The halls of New Moon retirement home are rather empty given the time of day. The residents are either busy with their extracurriculars or napping before lunch. Not Granma though. I've inherited many things from her, including the inability to nap during the day. If the sun is awake, then so are we.

The sunroom is located toward the back of the home. The few employees I encounter are familiar with me and smile in greeting.

I find Granma sitting in her favorite spot, sipping tea and watching the rain falling through the picture windows. Her eyes light up when I enter the room.

"Bella dear! What a pleasant surprise."

I kiss her weathered cheek and pass her the flowers I brought to liven up her room.

Granma closes her eyes and buries her nose in the lilac carnations and baby's breath. They're her favorite—another thing I inherited from her. "Beautiful, as always." She sighs and looks around expectantly. "And where is my favorite florist today?"

I laugh and take the seat beside her. "Edward is down at the shop. It's prom season, so he's busier than ever lately."

Granma scoffs. "The boy better be making time for my granddaughter."

I nod. "You know he does. In fact, just last night we celebrated our fifth anniversary."

"My gosh. Has it really been that long?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Granma asks for all the details, and I share with her the entire night. Starting with dinner at the Bloated Toad, the restaurant we went to on our first date. Ending with the private stroll through the Shakespeare Garden.

"That sounds dreamy."

I nod and hold up my left hand. "Edward finally decided to make an honest woman out of me."

Granma claps her hands excitedly, an uncharacteristic squeal leaving her mouth. She ignores the dirty looks sent our way. "I knew it! I was just telling Tally the other day that I could hear wedding bells."

"I wanted you to be the first to know, and I also wanted to ask you for a favor."

"Anything. Ask away," she says as she admires the ring on my finger.

"I would like for you to be my maid of honor."

~~~~MoH~~~~

I waste no time, springing Granma from the retirement home the following week so she can help me plan and prepare for our impending nuptials.

Edward and I aren't wasting any time. We've waited five years to take this step, and we want to be married by the end of the month. There's another reason for the hurry, but we're keeping that a secret from everyone, at least until we've reached the second trimester.

I pat my flat tummy and open the door to the bridal boutique for Granma. Our first errand on the agenda is finding her the perfect dress for the wedding.

"Are you sure, Bella dear?"

She's asked me the same question about a million times since I told her my decision.

"Absolutely," I reply and pull her toward the collection of dresses in various shades of light pink. "We've chosen various hues of purple, so we'll start with your dress."

Granma fumbles with her purse strap, an apprehensive frown set firmly on her weathered face.

"You have so many beautiful friends who would look lovely standing beside you on your big day."

I look up from the dress I've pulled off the rack. "I have plenty of friends and acquaintances but I only have one best friend and that's you."

Granma opens her mouth to argue, but I grab her hand and place it on my cheek.

"Who took me in after Mom left and Dad passed away?"

"I did, but it was the only option. I wasn't going to let you go into the system."

"And who pushed me to succeed when I chose to pursue a career in writing?"

"I did."

"And who supported me when all the rejections rolled in? When I was at my lowest?"

"I did. But, Bella, it was my duty as your grandmother to want the best for you and to be there when you needed me."

My emotions get the best of me and my eyes fill with tears. "You are my best friend, and I wouldn't want to stand up and commit myself to Edward with anyone else by my side."

Granma looks at the dress I'm holding. "There's no way I could pull off a strapless dress, dear. Perhaps something more modest."

I chuckle and put the dress back on its hanger. "I suppose that's a start."

By the end of the day, we've chosen the perfect dress for her. Simple with a beaded pattern and a silk shaw.

We then meet up with my cousin Alice for fitting alterations and measurements for the custom gown she's making me for the big day.

Like always, Granma is supportive of my choices, adding her own input when necessary.

I drop her back off at the retirement home where she informs me she's throwing me a hen party.

"You really don't have to. We're not planning bachelor and bachelorette parties or a bridal shower, considering the limited time."

"It's my duty." She pats my hand. "You asked me to be your maid of honor, so let me do this for you."

"Okay."

~~~~MoH~~~~

The day has come.

My dress is perfect. Luckily, the morning sickness has calmed for the most part, and my Granma is by my side where she's always been.

There are plenty of tears and lots of laughter as we prepare. The photographer catches each little moment that transpires in the tiny room attached to the church. When it's time, we walk hand in hand to the doors leading to Edward.

"You look breathtaking, Bella dear." Granma chokes out. "Like an angel."

I breathe through my nose in an effort to keep my emotions in check. My makeup artist, Rosalie, would kill me if I ruin my makeup after all her hard work.

"Thank you."

Granma smiles.

"I'm serious." I squeeze her hand. "Thank you for always being there for me, through thick or thin. Thank you for your unwavering support after all these years and the endless love you've shown me my entire life. I am so glad you're here where you've always been, by my side for as long as I can remember. Thank you."

"Of course, dear."

Angela checks her watch and smiles. "It's time ladies."

A/N: I've been going through all of my conversations with Dee and found this advice she gave me when I was battling the dreaded writer's block and thought I'd share with everyone:

"I think each writer has to kinda figure out what they need to bring their "muse" back into gear. I have no doubt you'll get there. You have so many wonderful unique stories going around in your heart...maybe they are caught in a whirlpool at the moment. But "bunnies" need to run free...so they will find a way. *winks*

Write on... and always write your heart! Love you! {GIANT GRANMA HUGS AND SMOOCHES!}"

-Dee