If the Boughs Break, Blood Will Flow

Chapter Seventeen ~ Blood Joining

Chapter Seventeen

Blood Joining

Bella stood in front of the mirror and looked at the finished process. Staring at the reflection, she couldn't believe that it was her. Alice's dress was nothing less than perfection and fit her like a glove. Where most wedding gowns for expectant mothers were large, flowing dresses, much like a circus tent, Alice's design was the opposite. The dress was made of white satin, with a plunging neckline and a fishtail silhouette. It hugged her belly, showing off her every curve. She loved the dress but adored the full-length lace cape, made from the combination of Esme's family's lace and her grandmother's lace. When the two laces were joined, it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began. Alice had not made a veil, not wanting to take away from the cape. Rose and Alice had gotten her a pair of Christian Louboutin "Kate" blue ombre crystal-covered suede pumps, with a 4" stiletto heel.

When Bella had opened the box and saw them, she looked frightened. "There is no way I won't fall and break my neck if I wear these," Bella groaned.

"Bella, Bella, Bella, these are Louboutin and they are made to be an extension on your feet," Alice explained as she helped Bella put them on.

Standing up slowly, Bella waited to see if she would fall and when she didn't, she took her first timid step. Damn, if Alice wasn't right. The shoes were the most comfortable thing she had ever worn. "Oh, Alice, they feel wonderful."

"Haven't you learned by now that when it comes to fashion, I am God," Alice proclaimed with a wicked smile?

Esme stepped forward and presented Bella with a red velvet box. "Edward's gift to you."

Bella opened the lid and inside was a diamond necklace with a large sapphire stone in the middle. It was stunning and, of course, expensive. Taking the necklace out of the box, she felt the weight of all the stones. "Will you help me put it on?" She asked Esme, her eyes full of unshed tears.

Esme draped the necklace around Bella's delicate neck and closed the clasp. When she stepped back around to the front, she gasped. The necklace hung perfectly down her neck and into the plunging neckline of the dress. It was like it was made for the dress. "God, he is so much like his father when it comes to picking out jewelry."

Bella ran her finger over the hard, cold blue stone. It was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen in her whole life, and it was hers. How had she gotten so lucky to have a man like Edward in her life?

"Now for a few more things to make sure we start this marriage off right," Esme said, as she held out a sixpence coin. "Rose, will you place this in her left shoe?"

"I would love to," she replied, taking the coin and slipping it into the shoe.

"Now, let's go over the list. Your gown is new, the lace is old, the shoes are blue, and this is your something borrowed," Esme explained, handing her a delicate handkerchief with a Celtic knot, a thistle flower, and a horseshoe embroidered on the soft material. Along the edge was the Cullen lace. "It was my great grandmother's."

"Oh, Esme. It is so lovely and I promise to take care of it," Bella cried, tears rolling down her face.

"Now, now. You are ruining your makeup and we need to be leaving for the church in a few minutes," Esme murmured, reaching up with a tissue and patting away the tears.

Alice rushed over, touching up Bella's makeup. After finishing covering any signs of tears, she prepared to put on the long, white, heavy cape with a hood. It was the second weekend in November and the weather had already turned cold. The weatherman had predicted that Wednesday a massive nor'easter was on track to hit New York City; with at least a foot of snow. Though before the snow would hit, a chance of freezing rain and ice could blanket the city.