A Fresh Start

The Dress and Wedding Preparations

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

I got my first flamer...Apparently I pissed someone off with the last chapter. So, I apologize for the way it played out, if it offended you. I'm strangely proud of the fact that I got flamed...is that wrong?

Chapter 37: The Dress and Wedding Preparations

"Isabella Marie Swan, you've procrastinated long enough. We're going to After Twilight Designs and getting your dress," Alice said. "Right, Rose?"

"Right. Even Esme's coming," Rose said.

I was sitting in the guest house at Carlisle and Esme's. Edward didn't want us moving back to the house until he had an alarm installed and the window had been repaired. I was getting antsy to return to my house. However, I understood Edward's trepidation. Hell, I was still freaked out. I hadn't had a good night's sleep since the night of the brick. Neither had Edward. "But, I'm comfortable," I whined. I was wearing a pair of Edward's sleep pants and his Dartmouth hoodie.

"Suck it up, Swan," Rose said as she tugged on my hand. I got up and was promptly shoved into the bathroom. I got dressed in the clothes that were laid on the counter. I brushed my hair and put on some makeup before I left the bathroom. Esme had joined Rose and Alice. She was holding baby EJ and cooing to her grandson.

"Guess what, little man? We're getting Auntie Bella a wedding dress today," Alice said to her son, kissing his head. "And it's going to have to be off the rack since she's slacked off."

"Alice, be nice to Bella. She's had it rough the past few days," Esme admonished.

"Please, Mom. Bella just hates shopping," Alice said.

"It's true. Shopping is eeeeeeeeeeevil," I said, wiggling my fingers. "EJ, your mom will always have this illness. She's a shopaholic. I think there's a twelve step program for that."

"Shut it." Alice took EJ from Esme's arms and loaded him into the stroller. We all got into her car and we drove to After Twilight Designs. Gianna was standing in the door with a huge grin on her face. Alice turned to her. "This one is getting married. She wants a pale blue dress. It's a beach wedding."

"Oh, sounds lovely. Let me pull a few dresses. Have a seat, okay?" Gianna said with a wink. She reached for me and dragged me back to the dressing room. "Do you have a strapless bra?"

"I'm wearing it," I said with a tired grin.

"Good. I'll be back. Take off your clothes and put on this," Gianna said as she handed me a robe. I removed my jeans and sweater. I was not happy with my body today. I felt very bloated and I struggled to button my jeans. This is why I wanted to stay in Edward's sleep pants. They are comfortable. Little restrictions. Damn it. Gianna returned a little bit later with an armful of dresses. I chose a few in the pile that I immediately detested. I didn't want a strapless dress. So, all of those were out. That left me three dresses. I tried on the first one: a chiffon dress that had a Grecian feel to it. I slipped it over my body and liked the shape of the dress. However, it was too casual. I walked out to the girls and EJ. He immediately started crying.