Chapter 17

They lived happily ever after.

When I was young, those were prettiest words in the whole world to me. I liked butterfly, too. Pretty word and a pretty bug. I was five. That's the kind of thing a little girl like me loved back then.

Of course, Astronaut Barbie was going to marry Surfer Ken. He wore only those flowery swim trunks with plastic flip flops. Barbie had on her flight suit and it was decided she had to wear her space helmet. She isn't going to kiss him and the helmet made sure to protect her face. My grandmother's kisses always left a slobbery residue on my cheek. When you're a girl in Kindergarden, kissing is gross.

I used to prop an old book about fairy tales open on my bed against the pillows. There was a full two page illustration of a castle that I thought would be the perfect location for an astronaut and her surfer boyfriend to get married. A My Little Pony named Pinkie Pie was the priest, because I lost Rainbow Dash in my closet.

Someday, I imagined my wedding would be as special as this event. There probably wouldn't be any Smurfs passing out packets of Skittles at the reception, but that's okay as long as there was a space helmet.

XXXXXX

"Let me get this straight, you want to wear an astronaut's helmet when we get married?" Edward asked. My head was using his chest as a pillow and he was gently scratching my scalp with his nails. It felt heavenly. "That's kinky."

I grinned up into the starry sky. "I was a bit against the kissing thing in elementary school, darling, which is completely appropriate."

We were drunk on open bar and had run barefoot through the grass near the lake. Collapsing into the grass, we were cuddling under a full moon and discussing our memories. Remembering both the recent events of our reunion and the situations of the far past that shaped us into who we are today.

Edward sat up and my head slid into his lap. He leaned forward and kissed me three times. My forehead, nose, and lips tingled from his kisses. He stated into my mouth, "I'm glad that you changed your position."

"You would have to wear surfer shorts at a castle." I tugged at his pants. "I want to see those fine legs of yours."

"I think beach wear is frowned upon at European castles," he said looking thoughtful. "I guess we need to find some king who won't mind us bribing him with Made In The USA tee-shirts."

"We heading to Europe, Cullen? I think we need to be getting engaged first. We have plenty of time for that." I sat up and looked out onto lake. The moon's reflection was moving from the waves that a breeze was making on the water. "It's so pretty here."

"It is pretty. Though I wouldn't want to get married here. This is definitely a Jacob type wedding setting." It was an outdoor sculpture garden with huge pieces of metal structures. A forest was nearby that was filled with trails and more sculptures nestled in the trees for visitors to discover.

"I was thinking the meadow by my parents' house. It's covered in flowers in the spring. It is a very Bella type place."

Edward's parents, Esme and Carlisle, were lovely people. They were gardeners who had the most lovely way of putting flower and plants together. They made me feel like a part of their family and I was so grateful for them.

"We aren't planning anything yet, but I still love that idea." I wrapped my arms around Edward's waist. "Just let's not do what Alice and Jasper did."

"Absolutely no Vegas," Edward agreed with a smile.

Alice and Jasper's Vegas adventure so she could perform a concert two days ago, became a drive-through wedding performed by an Elvis impersonator. It was the kind of thing that worked for those kooky kids. They were deliriously happy. I watched them dancing by a giant sculpture of a cow.

I saw James and Rosalie joining Alice and Jasper to dance. The faint sound of the bluegrass band that played under the tent could be heard, but the songs from the bullfrogs were more prominent.

"We need to help those two move next weekend," I said and pointed to James and Rose. They were moving in together. Everything was changing and for once I wasn't scared of it. "Want to join them and dance under the stars?"

"I have a better idea." There was a twinkle in his eye as he said it. That always meant the most delightful trouble.

I stood up and wiped the dirt off my dress. "Are you asking me to marry you?"

"Not yet." He stood up and took my hand. He was beaming. "You'll never know when I'll spring the big question. I could be anytime, but no holidays or birthdays."

"Anytime?"

He pulled me close. "I promise you soon."

"Soon." I liked the sound of that.

Edward led me to the woods. "Off to frolic under the cover of the branches, my nymph!"

"Oh? What's your plan?"

He pushed me against a tree. "You know how you wanted to be intimate outside?"

"Yes," I answered. I looked around me just in case other guests were around, but we were alone. "Is the wedding making you amorous or is it the vodka on the rocks?"

His laugh was beautiful. "Both."

Edward's hands went under my dress and lifted it over my waist. His fingers rubbing the skin. The slight chill in the air made me tremble. "It's a tiny bit cold."

"I'll warm you up, Bella."

His lips definitely did the trick as he kissed me all over. I removed his belt in return. This was us. Spontaneous and always feeling loved was my new normal.

Touching him was so easy, but there was so much clothing. "Can you imagine doing this skin to skin?"

"Can you imagine having the bride and groom taking a lovely stroll and seeing us naked against a tree?" His fingers went into my underwear making me bite his shoulder to stop from making a loud noise. "Wouldn't that be hilarious?"

I really didn't need to be quiet, because Edward's loud laughter filled the air.

"Shh! Be quiet!" I hissed, but then started laughing too. We were awful people. I started to stroke him and helped him get his pants down.

"I love that sound. Its like beautiful music to me. You sound like a tuba."

This made us both giggle loudly. We both tried to stifle each other's laughter by putting our hands over each other's mouths.

I licked his hand and he let go. "You're a bit of an oboe, Mister."

More laughing, as he pushed into me and started thrusting hard. His one hand twisted into my hair. It was going to be a mess when we finished.

That's the important part of what makes us work. The laughter makes even the worst day, so much better.

I clutched his shoulders and started kissing his neck. I moved my mouth to his ear and whispered, "A little to the left."

"Demanding woman," he announced in his husky sex voice. "Be quiet and let me love you."

He stopped my chatter with his mouth.

With touches and caresses, we showed our feelings in the most amazing way under the cover of leaves. The bright moon slipped little bits of light that shined through the branches making the place look magical. Of course, any place with Edward was magical to me.

In that magical place, we came together. I held him tightly. Both of his hands gripped my ass. I looked up at him and said, "That was—"

"Incredible," he answered for me.

We started getting redressed. I looked at him as I tried to put my hair back up. "How do I look, Edward?"

"Fantastically fucked, my love," he replied with a chuckle. "Me?"

I cocked my head to the side. "Like I rode you hard, stallion."

We both cracked up.

"You see, Ben? This is what we should be doing in the woods!" Angela exclaimed, as she approached us with her husband.

"Usually, we have the baby. That would be indecent," Ben answered. He looked confused.

She rolled her eyes. "We do it now, Ben! I'm lactating and horny."

"That's too much information, Ang," I told her.

Angela grinned. "Can we borrow your tree?"

This has to be the best wedding ever.

XXXXXX

Seven Years Later

"What's happening, honey?" Edward had just come home from work. He tossed his bag on the kitchen island and looked at me typing on my laptop.

It was Friday afternoon and I was looking forward to the weekend. Even taking the Girl Scout troop camping tomorrow night was going to be fun. We had plenty of volunteers and I was going to sneak a new Stephen King book to read with a flashlight in my tent.

"Signing up to volunteer at the book fair. It's all done electronically this year. I'm trying to get the Wednesday slot. Sammy has full day preschool, so I can help with Janie's class at it. She wants some more of those pixie books."

"Oh Jesus, the ones that have the same plot in every book. They're awful!" My husband shuddered dramatically.

The stupid site keep freezing. I shut down the computer. "My goal is going to try and have her make good choices about her book selections. This thing isn't working. I need to just call Rosie and have her put me on the list for that day."

I was secretary of the Parent/Teacher Organization and Rosalie was running the book fair. We were officially adults now. It was scary.

I continued, "Emmett's wife asked to help with the fair. She's really sweet. I think he definitely met the right girl for him."

The Emmett and Victoria relationship crashed and burned. I guess when you fake a pregnancy that was bound to happen. The rumor was that even though he was trying to escape the grip of Victoria, he was depressed about not having a baby. That was when he met Sarah. Every interaction I've had with the quiet blonde with wild, curly hair was lovely. Their son was in Janie's second grade class and my daughter was smitten with the boy already. I hoped the kid takes after his mother.

Emmett and I were in a good place. We were a little more than acquaintances, but not at all the best of friends. It was a good place to be in.

"At least that right girl wasn't you," Edward pointed out and swiveled the stool I was sitting in to face him. He stood in between my legs. His hands went around my waist.

He had a tentative friendship with Emmett. The trust was growing slowly like some sort of lichen on a stone.

My nose rubbed against his. "The only boy I belong with is you."

"I want to make-out with you. Where's the kids? Are they upstairs playing?" Edward motioned his head at the stairs.

"Nope. The kiddos at your parents. We need to get ready to get over there for dinner, " I explained.

Being parents was a wonderful experience, but a tough one. Sam was four and Jane was seven going on twenty-two. It made love making tough. Our children enjoyed sneaking into our bed at night. We needed to set some new boundaries around these parts.

"Is she making something delicious?" Edward's eyes were excited. His mom was a fantastic cook.

"Chinese take-out."

"Damn it," he grumbled. His bad mood only lasted a moment. "Do we have time to have sex?"

I wrapped my arms around my neck. "Yes. I bet we can even get creative."

"Best Friday ever!" He kissed me and then stated, "Can we use the scarves?"

Before I could answer, the phone rang. Edward groaned in response. I grabbed the phone next to me. It was Alice. "I need to take this. Alice is bringing the food for tomorrow night. Kate has been bitching about the menu."

We all had daughters in the same troop. It was fun being with my friends and having our girls being friends too, but sometimes the drama was annoying. It sucked always being the referee.

I pinched Edward's butt. "Go upstairs and get naked, babe. I'll only be a minute."

"As you wish, hot stuff," he answered. I watched as he ran up the stairs.

The phone rang once more, before I answered it. "I don't want to hear it, Al. You need to work it out with Kate."

This was the way happily ever after really is. Sneaking in lovemaking when the kids are with the grandparents. Helping your friends get along. Loving those babies that took hours to push out. Learning to forgive those that hurt you.

That's how real life works. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Honey, are you coming? I'm lonely up here," Edward yelled from the bedroom.

I would definitely be coming very soon. In the very best way.

The End.

AN: This is the end for these two. They had two kids. Had ups and downs, but are still very much in love. That's real life for you.

Emmett's happy, so I've heard. I think that's good. Forgiveness is great, kids. We should all try it.

Thank you for reading. I'm off to write some more teen angst in This Girl's Life.