world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 27

Bella and Edward's ceremony was nothing short of a dream. It was any girl's dream to have a wedding such as theirs--enchanting and romantic, a fairytale come true. Alice had, without a doubt, gone all out for their special day. She'd ensured it was nothing short of perfect. That much was clear from the five-tier cake Lucia had seen once they made their way to the reception later that evening.

Lucia's eyes took in the decorations as she and Paul walked in, her hand tucked in the crook of his arm, mouth parting in awe. Twinkling lights were strung from tree branches of the tower evergreens that surrounded the Cullen home. They were akin to the stars scattered across the night sky, winking at the guests as they entered the space.

Paul looks down at the suddenly quiet Lucia as they follow Billy and Charlie to their assigned table, where Sue and Seth are already seated. He placed his forefinger under her chin, closing her mouth. He can't help but tease her. "Careful, Lou. Don't want any flies to get in there."

A soft pink wash over her freckled cheeks, an adorable scowl gracing her features. She looks away from him and Paul can't help but chuckle at her, the sound rich and warm in her ear. She glances over at him, catching his eye, and she can't stop the smile from pulling at her previously pouted lips. "You think you're funny don't you?"

"Maybe a little." Paul shrugs as they reach their table, which is draped in a lace tablecloth just like the others. Each round table is adorned in a lush floral arrangement -- small freesia florets, cream roses and green viburnum -- and flickering candles that cast shadows that dance across the linens.

Lucia purses her lips in a mock pout, pinching his arm lightly, drawing a chuckle from him once more. He pulls out her chair for her which she settles into with a grateful smile. He takes his seat beside her, shifting his closer to hers until they are next to each other, legs brushing against one another.

Emmett walked to the stage overlooking the crowd with a champagne glass in hand. He looked towards the bride and groom who had arrived not too long ago, opting to head in first to avoid the usual cheers the newly married couples received upon entering the reception. It was for Bella more than anything. The burly vampire grinned broadly at the couple.

"Uh, I'd like to propose a toast." He raises his glass and the guests follow in kind, their glasses filled upon arriving. "To my new sister. Bella, I hope you've gotten enough sleep these last eighteen years 'cause you won't be getting any more for a while."

Lucia grimaced at the awkward silence that fell over the crowd while Emmett chuckled to himself, finding his joke rather funny. It wasn't long until a few other guests came to the stage to say their speeches, Charlie approaching the platform early on rather reluctantly, the man just as awkward as his daughter.

"Edward will be a good husband. I know this because I'm a cop. I know things. Like how to hunt somebody to the ends of the Earth." Charlie took a sip of his champagne, drawing chuckles from the crowd at his obvious threat. Edward didn't seem the least bit intimidated by it. "And I know how to use a gun."

A few more speeches ensued, a few rather hard to sit through. Lucia had to say Renee's was among the harder ones as she chose to sing for her daughter. It was cute, though. Edward rose from his place beside Bella and stepped up to the mic, his eyes landing on his wife with a look of utmost adoration and unbridled infatuation. As much as Lucia didn't like Edward, he truly did love Bella, that much was certain.

"It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to. And who will accept you for what you are. I've been waiting, what seems like a very long time, to get beyond what I am. And with Bella, I feel like I can finally begin." Edward raises his glass with a smile. "So I'd like to propose a toast to my beautiful bride. No measure of time with you will be long enough. But let's start with forever."