Vanity and Patience (25/?, Part II of II)
Title: Vanity and Patience
Author: Achelle
Category: Books, FanFiction - Twilight
Rated: NC-17 or MA
Genre: Romance, angst, smut, Pre-Twilight/Midnight Sun
Status: In Progress
Characters/Pairings: Emmett/Rosalie Canon Pairings
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, and its characters, or plot. The characters, books, and plot are property of Stephenie Meyer. I make no money from writing this. I just love Twilight.
Warnings: Rated NC-17/MA for a reason. Some chapters may contain adult language, violence, assault, and sexual content. Lemons in future chapters
Continued directly from Part I of Chapter 25: Vows
The seconds ticked by as I zipped as quickly as I could through my second to the last exam of the semester. I tried to recollect all of my knowledge and study of polynomials, first and second derivatives, and integrals.
I stared at the date on the chalkboard, my eyes focusing for a moment before they revealed to me December 10, 1936.
Time certainly flew when you had fun. I was glad to know that, and I wondered to myself why I had prolonged my denial of my happiness with Emmett once he'd returned his affection toward me. If I had known that I would look forward to each sunrise, or cherish each evening as much as I do now, I certainly wouldn't have played the many games that I did. However, I realized that the point was that I had, and after all that I had put him through, he still loved me. He still wanted and needed me, for all that I was. I was the luckiest girl ever, and I would be this lucky for eternity.
I looked over at Emmett, who was taking the exam from the seat beside me. His pencil was moving fiercely across the page, and with his math wiz mind, I was sure he'd finish at least thirty minutes before everyone else. His chest was still as a statue. Apparently, he was holding his breath as a classmate cut his knee in the class before this one, the scent of fresh blood in the air, though only in a small amount. He seemed at ease anyway, given such a circumstance, particularly since the exam was on material he was very comfortable with. We found that academics, especially when he enjoyed the subject, could also hold his concentration long enough to partially distract him from his thirst.
Because of that, I decided to add another level to it-a challenge. He and I were completely competitive at school, and I knew he was a bit miffed that I had completed and aced the Spanish final exam ten minutes before him just two classes before this one.
He was an incredibly attractive man, but his smarts were just much of an aphrodisiac as the bulging muscles that contoured his chest beneath the material of his shirt. And so, for the millionth time in his presence, and in the classroom, my arousal flooded within me, permeating in the air.
His pencil stopped quickly, and I heard a soft crackle of the lead tip breaking. A low, primal growl bubbled from his throat, but merely soft enough that only I heard it. I smiled to myself secretly for a moment.
The moment was short-lived, and suddenly, I winced to myself, knowing I shouldn't be doing this. Though it had become somewhat a routine through the semester, my arousal providing a distraction great enough that it prevented Emmett from slaughtering our innocent classmates and professors, I wasn't being fair. I had committed to a two week vow of celibacy before the wedding, trying to at least keep some semblance of a semi-virtuous situation before marriage, and to also make for an intense reunion after the wedding.
Emmett was luckily prepared for such mishaps, bringing three sharpened pencils with him that day. He continued on with his exam as a small growl rumbled through his chest once again. After a long while I knew he was done, his scribbling slowing down considerably as he checked over his work. I was still about three problems away from completing my own exam. He turned his test paper over, a sign that he was done.
Professor Dotson walked by to collect his exam before returning to his own desk in front of class.
I continued on with my exam, trying to graph the next equation.
In a sound too low for humans to hear, Emmett called out to me, "Rose,"
I checked the professor, busy with something at his desk before looking over at Emmett.
He leaned back, giving me a view of his notes from government class. I was puzzled at first that he'd call my attention to them, but outside of the margin, he had drawn different instances of a pair of stick figures in various sexual positions.
I let out a giggle, which I managed to hide with a cough, catching Professor Dotson's head pop up at the sound. I cleared my throat and coughed again, finishing up my last equation.
To my right, Emmett laid his book out before him, and with my preternatural vision, I observed each tiny diagram. Many positions were ones we had done recently, while others he had circled that I'd never seen before. Apparently he was suggesting new ones for us to try.
Quickly he wrote "Honeymoon," in his lovely penmanship beside one of the untested positions.
I smiled to myself. "Maybe," I wrote across one of my note papers in response. However, the increased scent of my excitement in my panties confirmed my agreement.
The corner of his mouth curled up into a half smile. "That's what I thought." He scribbled quickly.
I turned over my exam then.
As we drove home with Edward in the Volvo, the thought of such new positions were fresh on my mind, and judging by the sheepish grin on the larger vampire's face, it was clear that Emmett's mind was on the same thing.
Edward's face was contorted in a disgusted mess.
"Oh, come on, Edward," Emmett mocked, picking up on Edward's revulsion. "As if no woman's ever got you hot under the collar before."
Edward sat quiet, staring out the road as we came to as stop light.
"Wait, you have been with a girl before, haven't you?"
I opened my mouth to answer but Edward snarled "Shut up, Rose," before I could get a word out.
I watched as Edward's eyes flickered to Emmett quickly before returning to the road, squirming uncomfortably in his seat as he realized his brother was watching him closely. "No," he answered quietly.
"Really? So no touching, not even kissing?"
Edward shook his head wordlessly. "Next subject."
"No, I like this one," Emmett urged, fascinated. "So no touching," he concluded.
Edward's posture grew stiff, taking on a rather defensive aura.
"Well… have you ever... liked a girl before?" Emmett pressed.
"They're all the same," Edward answered quickly, his voice dull.
Emmett's expression looked dubious. "The same?"
"Yes, the same. You hear their minds, and nothing is a surprise, or a mystery. The internal ramblings of an everyday human girl are boring to me." His eyes flickered to me through the mirror and back to the road. "Even some superhuman girls bore me."
I glared at him through the mirror as I watched his laughing eyes squint from the annoying smile forming on his lips. "Like you're a regular prince charming yourself, Edward," I derided.
Edward chuckled.
"Well," Emmett egged on, "in your human years, you never found a girl attractive?"
Edward thought for a moment. "Well, no."
"No?" Emmett asked, completely shocked. "Never?" he asked again, earning a simple shake of Edward's head in response. "Are you serious?"
"Well, in my time my first priority was to join the Great War. I was just seventeen. Girls were not my concern."
"Hmm," Emmett responded, pondering. He was quiet for the first few moments.
"Will you just let it go, Em," Edward pleaded, his voice irritated.
"Fine," Emmett grumbled, looking out his window.
I watched as Edward's defensive posture become more relaxed for a long moment, before suddenly stiffening once again. I should have known that as a sign that something was brewing in Emmett's mind, but Emmett spoke before I put it together.
"Are you… queer?" Emmett asked slowly, his voice of amusement, and curious wonder.
I knew Emmett said it just as he thought it, never feeling the need to edit what he had to say. He was just that straight forward. Because of that Edward couldn't react and stop Emmett from saying what was on his mind, but his eyes rolled just as Emmett began to say the word "queer".
"For crying out loud, Emmett," Edward snarled, his voice cutting through my thoughts. "No, I am not queer."
I busted out into a fit of laughter at Emmett's comment, though I fear I only ignited Edward's temper as I felt him shoot daggers at me with his eyes through the rearview mirror.
"Because if you are, hey," Emmett continued, raising his hand in the air, palm forward, "no judgment."
"I said I am not queer," Edward growled, his knuckles becoming white as he gripped the steering wheel.
"I mean, being a soldier intrigues me all the same, but not enough to make me blind to the skirts within my reach."
Edward hissed.
"Edward," Emmett pressed through a chortle, "I will love you as a brother no matter what. I can accept your… preference, whatever it may be. You don't have to hide it, or deny it." He studied Edward and decided to follow up with some encouragement in the silenced that followed. "This is a safe space."
My hysteria grew louder as Emmett managed to say that all with a straight face before joining me, letting out a loud guffaw. Edward pressed his foot on the gas, pushing the car into it's fastest as he sped down the road to the house. "I'd hate to take you down before your wedding, Emmett."
"Ooh, is that a challenge, Edward? Because you know I love me a good fight."
Edward hissed violently.
They jumped at each other right as they hopped out of the car, heavily in a brawl before I could step out of the car myself. After stressing that Emmett not get a scratch on him I hurried into the house to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.
The evening closed in on us, and soon the boys had to prepare for the dinner after the wrestling match-a match that Emmett won, I must add, in lieu of my soon to be husband's wishes.
I chose a festive orange silk organza gown with metallic stripes by Elsa Schiaperelli. The saleswoman called it a "Sari" which intrigued not just me, but Carlisle as well. It was heavily influenced by Indian and Southeastern Asian styles, and was fit for a modern Hindu princess.
"Hey there, beautiful," Emmett whispered in my ear as he hugged me from behind. "The dress looks so amazing on you that I need to find out what's underneath."
I giggled. "Emmett, what is it with you? If it isn't the immortal drink, you're set on making whoopee."
"But I love making whoopee with you, babe," he insisted, his hand following the curve of my lower back and resting on the protrusion derriere.
"No, Emmett," I reprimanded gently, taking his hand in mine. Deep down I wanted it as much as he did, but I also wanted our first married night to be special. Holding off on making love was the only way to ensure it. "Not until the honeymoon, remember?"
He growled lowly, a sound only I could hear among the buzz of the guests. It was clear that my decision to keep from any sex for two weeks before the wedding wasn't well received.
Much like the engagement party, Emmett clung to me, leaning on me to keep him distracted from his thirst for most of the time. However, he did find the resolve to converse lightly with the Briggs family and Pastor Lawrence, our celebrant for the ceremony.
Pastor James Lawrence was a kind, pudgy man, in his mid forties, with thinning sandy-brown hair and a shiny forehead. Though he greatly esteemed Carlisle for his good work in the hospital and church, his demeanor gave way that his instincts had him on edge beside my towering, bulky vampire betrothed. In fact his body chemistry told me that if he didn't fear what my future husband might do to him if he didn't agree to marry us, then he'd run the other way.
Of course, Emmett was far from taking Pastor Lawrence's life. He kept a close eye on me the whole time, his sight either following the curve of my body or fixed on my lips. I wasn't surprised as his choice for distraction from thirst was the thought of his second most desired past time.
Either way, I was happy to provide him with such a distraction.
Moments passed, and Carlisle gave Emmett a nod to cue him that dinner was to begin.
"Look's like it's time," I pointed out to Emmett as he stood so closely beside me.
"Hmm, well there's no time like the present, huh?" he said, under his breath.
"You ready to do this?"
"Yep," he said, before hopping up on one step of our grand staircase and clearing his throat loudly to capture everyone's attention. "We'd like to thank all of you for participating in making tomorrow happen," he began, with his deep voice projecting through the house. "Nothing excites me more than to be married to this beautiful dame standing beside me."
He turned to me quickly, grinning proudly and turning back to the audience only after I'd returned his grin.
"I speak for both of us when I say we thank Carlisle and Esme. We certainly look forward to tomorrow, and sharing it with all of you! And to thank you all for your assistance, dinner is served. Please, enjoy the meal."
Dinner was another five course event, just as elaborate as the engagement party but with only a third of the guests. Soon, all the mortals wanted to leave to get an early night's rest for the big day. When the last of the guests had pulled out of the driveway, I helped Esme clear the table. Edward took Emmett out to hunt in preparation for the day ahead.
"Rosalie," Esme called, touching my arm to stop me. "Carlisle and I wanted to give something to you for tomorrow."
"Have a seat," she said, pulling out a chair, and producing a small wooden box before me. "It was my mothers. She wore it on her wedding day, and I wore it on mine. I'd like for you to have it now." She pulled off the lid, and revealed a divine brooch.
"Oh, wow, Esme," I breathed. It was white gold with delicate filigree detail and three shimmering stones inlaid in the design.
"It's quite old, but the Austrian crystals have held up well. I think it would add a charming touch to both of your gowns tomorrow."
"Oh, my word. It's gorgeous," I gushed. I wanted to accept it, but I felt guilty, questioning whether I deserved such an heirloom from her. We weren't blood. I was far from a Platt, and I know that I wasn't always the best daughter to her. "Esme, I can't. How could I take something from your family?"
"Rosalie," she said, placing her hands gently over mine. "You are my family. You're my only daughter, and it brings me joy to be able to pass this Platt tradition onto you."
I pulled my hands from hers and wrapped my arms around her. "Thank you so much Esme. It's beautiful."
"You're welcome. You can consider that your 'something old,'" she suggested before her eyes drifted behind me. "But now, it's Carlisle's turn." She stood up and allowed Carlisle to take a seat next to me while she sat on the other side of the table. "He's been practically itching to give you his gift."
I turned to him, his face held excitement and anticipation. Such an expression had me overly curious.
Carlisle handed me another velvet box, one decidedly newer, secured with a red satin ribbon tied in a huge bow. It was flat and wide, and my eyes grew with just as much eagerness.
"I had this matching set custom made just for you," he explained. "Esme helped me with the design. I guess you could consider it your dowry." His tone was smooth with a hint of animation.
I lifted its lid enthusiastically, and I gasped at the gorgeous contents. It was a pair of art deco style sapphire and diamond drop earrings, and pendant to match. I couldn't contain my squeal of delight.
Carlisle laughed. "Since it's basically two pieces, we figured one could act as your 'something new,' and the other your 'something blue.'"
"Oh wow," I breathed. "It's amazing." I lifted up an earring and hung it off my ear as I looked at my reflection in the dining room mirror. "Truly amazing… and so perfect."
Carlisle appeared behind me, placing both hands on my shoulders. "It is, indeed, perfect," he agreed, a handsome smile cracking across his striking features.
I turned back to them both. "This is all just… so overwhelming."
"Oh, honey," Esme beamed, shaking her head as she walked over to us. "Just wait until tomorrow. This won't even compare to what tomorrow will bring." The thrill in her voice was palpable. I took it as a promise.
I hugged them both in gratitude and joy. So maybe I didn't care to be a vampire, but for as long as I was, I was in high spirits that I could have parents that cared so much for me in this life.
After laying out my wedding ensemble for tomorrow's event with Esme's assistance, she'd left my room to go tend to other things. I followed my nightly routine of stepping into a house dress and brushing my hair at my vanity. I played close attention to every feature of mine, knowing that the next day was extra special. I heard a knock at my door a few moments later.
I smiled to myself. "Come on in," I said, assuming it was either Emmett, eager to have one last kiss, or Esme, coming in with more last minute items for tomorrow's ceremony.
"Hello," I heard a smooth, male voice say-one that didn't belong to Emmett or Carlisle.
I swung around, stunned, meeting the dashing young vampire behind me with his shaggy, bronze coiffeur, and his topaz gaze hesitantly on me. "Edward?"
"I'm not disturbing you, am I?" he asked.
"No, not at all," I answered, putting down my brush. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong," he said, giving me a small, shy grin.
I arched a suspicious brow at him. "What is it then?"
He took in a deep sigh as I turned in the seat of my vanity to face him. "I didn't want to interrupt Carlisle and Esme's time as they gave you your gifts. That's why I chose to utilize that time to hunt with Emmett."
"Oh, all right then," I said. "Please, go on." I wasn't sure what to expect. He hardly ever came to my door, let alone stand in my bedroom. "What is it?"
"I had picked up that you had your something old, new, and blue."
I cocked my head to the side. "Yes?"
"Well, that would leave you in need of something… borrowed," he said, sticking his hand in the inner pocket of his jacket. He retrieved a box from it. The box was thin and long, and it looked rather antique. He placed the box on my vanity and slid it right in front of me.
I looked up at him, before switching my eyes down at the box and back to his face, completely stunned.
He chuckled. "Well, what are you waiting for? Open it," he urged.
I hesitated as my fingers met the wooden surface of the box, turning up its hinged lid. Inside laid a gorgeous Edwardian style bracelet, intricate in its own geometric design. It was one that would match the brooch that Esme had given me, but with decidedly more shimmering stones and less filigree work. "Oh, Edward-"
"I'd inherited a bunch of these… trinkets… when my mother passed. This was from my father, of course, for their tenth anniversary. And since you were in need of something borrowed, I figured I'd make my contribution to your bridal trousseau by lending you this."
"Diamonds," I concluded in a dazed whisper, watching the way the stones bent the light.
"Yes they are, and set in platinum," he confirmed, following my next thought.
Astonished, I looked him again, searching for a hint of humor, assuming immediately it was a joke. When I found nothing in his facial expression, my eyes flew back to the gorgeous piece of artwork in the box.
"You should try it on," he suggested, amused by my surprise.
"Oh, Edward, I can't," I refused, pushing the box away. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable, even more than just moments ago when Esme gave her the Platt family brooch. I could no sooner accept a Masen heirloom as well. "It was your mother's."
"On loan," he reminded me, pointing his finger forward. "And," he said, taking it with his hand and fastening it to my wrist at preternatural speed, "please do. It would do nothing for me if it sat in its box during such an important day. And, besides," he continued, his head cocking to the side, "it looks lovely on you."
"Edward," I breathed, moving the bracelet along my wrist with my other hand. Without a moment's thought I stood up to hug him. Too caught up in the moment, I realized we both stood awkwardly against one another.
His body was stiff, but I felt his arms slowly rise around my back, his hand lightly patting my shoulder blades.
We pulled away in an instant, with awkward giggles between us.
"Thank you so much," I said, truly humbled by his generous offer.
He gave me a striking smile. "My pleasure," he muttered, and almost immediately, the striking smile became a smug grin, reading my admiration of his features in my mind.
"Ugh," I snarled, playfully pushing him away.
He gave out a light chortle.
"Don't get too attached though," he joked, pointing at my wrist. "Remember, it's on loan."
I smirked at him and stuck my tongue out.
He laughed quietly. "I'll see you at the church tomorrow."
"See you," I replied, watching his figure retreat from my room.
I thought of my brother, and for the first time, I felt warm and happy inside. It was a strange feeling indeed. I smiled at the thought.
"Ready?" Carlisle asked, as I stepped out of the Bentley.
"Yes," I said, taking his hand as he positioned himself to my right. Esme winked at me and fixed my train, finding little tasks to do for her to keep from crying for joy.
"Let's get you married," Carlisle smiled, walking toward the door.
The dim sunlight poured in through a partially cloudy December afternoon, with the smell of snow that had come and gone. The air was crisp and cool, but pleasant.
It was a great day to get married.
With my free hand, I felt my hair, getting one last look in the reflection of the Bentley's paint job to check on my appearance. Though I trusted Esme's hairstyle was gorgeous, I could never be too sure how much it would withstand or for how long. I chose to wear my hair half down, letting the locks behind my neck flow down my back, much like I did the day Emmett had awakened from his change. It wasn't a common hairstyle for a wedding, as most wore their hair upswept in finger waves, but I knew how much Emmett loved my hair, and this day was just as much his as it was mine. I also couldn't help but a step above the norm, the uniqueness of such a nuptial hairstyle was sure to start a fashion trend in this town.
I held a bouquet of large white calla lilies, Vendela roses, and stephanotis in my left hand, and once I'd felt all my tresses were in tact I looped my right arm through the arm that Carlisle offered me.
"Stop fretting, dear," Esme assured me, placing her hand on my shoulder in a gesture of encouragement. "You look perfect." She gave me brisk embrace before straightening up her posture, positioning her own bouquet of roses in her hand and walking through the double doors.
She walked before us, her ice-blue dress floating behind her in her wake. The chapel attendant shut the door behind her in anticipation of my grand entrance.
I heard Pachelbel 's Canon being played on an organ, filtering through the crack of the chapel's double door before Carlisle grabbed for the handle, the fragrance of a million flowers wafting onto us as the door swung open. As we stepped through the door of the chapel, the beauty of the decorated church first hit me, draped with silk organza and an aisle lined with pillars topped with green and white floral arrangements Esme and I had planned. Each arrangement was of white gardenias, stargazer lilies, iris, and cream colored roses, in combination with green cymbidium orchids, and pistachio colored amaranthus that draped from their ornate stone pots. I knew there would be two five-foot versions of these arrangements that stood at the end of the aisle on either side of the altar, and I was pleased with the beauty that Appalachia's town florist had created with the large budget Carlisle and Esme so generously given to us for today's most important event.
Closely following my admiration of the gorgeous ceremony backdrop, my stomach filled of butterflies as I looked for the one person that mattered to me the most. We took another few steps past the first set of pews to the aisle. I wasn't even at the aisle when I found what I was looking for, a window opening between two figures in the crowd in front of us to allow me a glance.
At the end of the walkway, I caught him from the corner of my eye, next to Edward and in front of Pastor Lawrence. My heart soared as my eyes drank in his vision, dashing and clad in a smoke grey tuxedo and bow tie. He was fidgeting as he stood, his face in great concentration as his eyes roamed the pews full of excited townspeople, eager to get a glimpse of me. Edward grabbed hold of his arm in a soothing manner, helping him to ease into his struggle. He was holding onto his resolve, as I assumed he was battling his thirst once again. For that I was happy that I had chosen a bias cut gown-accentuate my curves and hopefully distract him from the countless warm-blooded mortal guests gathered to witness our ceremony.
On Carlisle's arm, I turned the corner to the beginning of the aisle lined with silk draping and an abundance of flowers and a sea of people, and the moment I caught his eye, Emmett immediately relaxed in his posture. His stance seemed to weaken, before he made a concerted effort to straighten his chest and shoulders back up again. I made out from the movement on his throat that he took a large gulp in obvious anticipation. A small grin formed on his lovely mouth, his soft topaz gaze fixed on me through the veil of his thick lashes, a detail that I could still make out several feet away with my preternatural vision. I grinned back at him, my eyes never leaving his, and I was overcome with a tidal wave of emotions and memories.
From the day I found him slain by a bear, my being was completely altered. The dreary clouds of my fruitless, lonely existence parted to make way for the beams of sunlight that Emmett radiated everywhere he went. He was my own personal sun. There was no doubt in my mind that he was just as much my angel as I was his. Every heartache and disappointment I experienced during his newborn craze-every day of laughter and smiles in our newfound relationship, all came to this very day. As I walked down the aisle towards his towering, brawny figure-his plump lips in a small grin, framed by the dimples that weakened my very soul-the entire world made sense. Everything that happened to me, to Emmett-to both of us-happened to bring us to this very moment. And even if-buried deep down inside of me-I did want the impossible, and longed for a human life, this breaking moment overshadowed such a desire. I knew that within my immortality, and in this eternity, I belonged to Emmett.
It was like a magnetic force that drew me down that silk draped walkway, as I positively floated in all my beauty towards my future husband. The aisle seemed to go on forever before I got to him, but I still enjoyed the sight as I approached. Details of his virile features slowly revealed themselves to me as I neared him. The distinct line of his masculine square jaw was set off by the neckline of his tuxedo. His melted honey eyes almost seemed glassy, looking at me for once with adoration and reverence, rather than his normal mischievous, playful lust. They stood out the most on his face, aside from the blush color of his lips, set off by his close-cropped dark hair and the charcoal color of his tie and jacket. His lower lip trembled lightly as his smile finally deepened, his lips parting to reveal his perfect white teeth.
In turn, I deepened my own as Carlisle and I came to a stop, before I reluctantly turned to the Pastor. Carlisle stood with me as the Pastor made his opening remarks, awaiting the one question he'd been waiting to answer. All the while, I felt Emmett's eyes never leaving me.
"Who gives this woman?" the Pastor asked.
"Her mother and I do," Carlisle answered in a soothing tone. He then turned to peck me on the cheek. I gave him one quick embrace as Emmett took one slow step toward us. In a gesture as old as time, Carlisle took my hand and tenderly placed it onto Emmett's, before taking a seat next to Esme.
We turned ourselves to face the Pastor as he gave his first blessing, but I sensed Emmett's eyes fixed on me the whole time. Even as Edward gave the first reading, Emmett only glanced at him for a small instant before his gaze switched back to where I stood. It felt like an eternity in itself to wait for the part of the ceremony where we could turn towards each other. Words were said regarding the affirmation of love, as well as the challenge to be the best to one another as husband and wife, before he called upon Edward for the rings. He blessed them, and afterwards prompted the both of us to turn to one another, and I could hear Emmett let out a small sigh of relief.
With a cue from our pastor, I had moved my engagement ring to my right hand. Pastor Lawrence, with an expression of lingering fear of the large vampire that stood before him, handed Emmett my ring. With his shaky thumb and forefinger, he placed it just past my fingertip as he recited his vows.
Even though our vows were short and simple, and many couples before us had said them, I felt a sob erupt from my throat as he spoke, his own voice quivering through his recitation. He took a small step forward, his hand sliding the ring down my finger. His loving, buttery irises gazed upon me with adoration. I turned to him with his ring, trying to find my composure before I recited the vows myself. I began to slide the ring on his finger as I looked up at him, now smiling down at me. My own heart melted at the sight.
As Esme began the second reading, we didn't bother to turn away from each other. Our eyes were glued to one another, and in his eyes I saw the reflection of the best that I could be. In all that I had learned from him, and all that I had learned about myself through loving him, I had become a better person. I thought about the patience I had to endure as he worked out his bloodlust and waited for him to notice me. I contemplated the forgiveness I had to find in my heart for every instance where he shunned me or hurt me, from the day he woke up and strangled me to near death. I recollected my unconditional support for him, even though he almost hurt me after rescuing me from Victor. I had always believed in him, in his good-natured heart, and in his capability to love me. I had always believed in us, in what we could be, in what I always knew we were. I couldn't believe that after all this time, it was all coming to fruition.
The pastor made his pronouncement as husband and wife, and even before he finished prompting that he could kiss his bride, Emmett had crashed his lips onto mine. I complied eagerly, moving my lips against his, before I remembered we had a large audience and we were in a house of God. I pulled away gently, and Emmett's face followed, his lips after more. He was still catching his breath, reluctant to let go of me.
We heard the crowd laugh in response to Emmett's eagerness before the pastor announced, "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Emmett McCarty Cullen."
The crowd cheered in a roar, and all around I heard applause. I faced the crowd, my eyes sweeping the packed chapel, with rows of pews filled with Appalachians, and people from neighboring towns like Big Stone Gap.
I turned to Emmett, his eyes already on me.
"Wave to the crowd, Mrs. Cullen," he whispered, trying out my new name for the first time. The corners of his lip turned upward, his dimples deepening on his cheeks-the dimples that were the destruction of all of my pride, the inspiration for all of my patience, and the reward for all my unconditional love.
I smiled in return, but more to myself, at my next thought.
They were the dimples that belonged to my new husband.
Author's Endnotes:
It's only beginning to hit me that this is about to end. I want to thank all of you who have stuck around to read this little story. I do sincerely apologize for not getting the updates sooner, but life has proven to be a challenge. I'm glad to know that I won't be leaving anyone hanging, though. I refuse to an author that abandons a fic, especially this one that i care so muh about, like many of you refuse abandon it to as well. ;-)
The next chapter will be the last chapter in the 1930s. I will be doing an epilogue in the summertime that will tie this into twilight on Bella's first day, and possible a prologue to this story. I will also be continuing with Strength and Remorse, Emmett's side of V&P's story.
Please review and let me know what you think, as each review feed my creative soul, and inspires me to keep writing.
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And if you like the story and want to discuss that or anything further, please come by and play on the Vanity and Patience Thread on the Twilighted.net Forum.