The Greatest Gift - Honeymoon Outtake

~~~~OOO~~~~OOO~~~~

Honeymoon Outtake~ Fandom4Floods Submission

"Mr. Cullen, do you or your wife need anything?" the flight attendant asked with a slight blush on her cheeks.

She knew that he was on his honeymoon but she couldn't help but stare at him. He was so good-looking it was impossible not to, even though she knew she shouldn't. She glanced quickly at the sleeping form of his wife and sighed. She sure was a lucky woman.

"No, thank you," Edward said, a bit abruptly, but only because he was uncomfortable with her blatant perusal of himself and Isabella.

She could tell she'd upset him and she pulled back quickly. She'd flown on enough flights with him to know that for the most part, he liked to be left alone. It was a rather easy job working for Cullen Publishing as one of the flight crew for the private jet that Edward, his brother Emmett, and the other executives used. However, whenever Edward Cullen was on board no one knew quite what to expect. It wasn't that he was rude or obnoxious, but more that he was curt and gave off a vibe that he wanted only to be left alone.

She gave him a quick nod and went back to her seat. It was going to be a long flight to Italy. She pulled out her iPod and her book and got comfortable. It didn't seem likely that the newly-married couple would need her services for quite some time.

Edward sighed when the flight attendant walked away. He supposed he'd been rude and more than likely should apologize sometime between now and the more than twelve hours it would take before they arrived in Italy. Whether he would or not remained to be seen.

He lifted his hand and adjusted the soft blanket that covered his wife. She fell asleep as soon as the pilot had turned off the fasten seat belt light though his other hand was still firmly gripped by hers. Isabella didn't like flying; well, she didn't like taking off and landing, and had reached for his hand as soon as the plane started taxiing down the runway for take-off. Normally Edward wasn't much for holding hands, but in this case he found not only didn't he mind, he didn't want to let go, either.

He twisted their joined hands slightly and the movement caused the dimmed overhead cabin lights to shine on the ring that would adorn his finger from here on out. He felt his heart lurch at that thought, but it wasn't an altogether unpleasant one. He wasn't sure he believed in words like forever, but it didn't mean he couldn't hope, either. From the very first moment he laid eyes on the beautiful woman beside him, he'd wanted this. He wanted her, wanted her to be his, and he vowed to do anything within his power to make it so.

Edward picked up the glass of scotch the flight attendant had brought him earlier and took a long drink. He hoped the warm, soothing liquid would help calm his nerves, but he highly doubted it. Nervous was something Edward Cullen didn't do...ever...but he found himself completely unsure of what to expect once he and Isabella landed in Italy and began their honeymoon.

He actually shivered when he thought about making love to his wife for the first time. He'd thought about little else for weeks now it seemed. The fact that she was still a virgin was never, ever far from his mind and as today came closer and closer he felt himself grow more and more nervous until he was a jumbled mess of nerves. Saying 'I do' was nothing compared to what he felt like when he imagined making love to Isabella.

"Mmmm, Edward," Isabella mumbled in her sleep and he let out a low groan and felt himself grow uncomfortably hard in his pants.

Isabella shifted in her seat and he heard her legs move against each other. Immediately visions of those legs wrapped around his waist as he moved in and out of her flooded his mind.

"Fuck," he hissed quietly, leaned his head back against his seat, and closed his eyes.

It was going to be a really long fucking trip he was afraid.

He heard her breathing even back out again, thank God he thought, and let his mind wander. To say he never imagined he'd get married was an understatement, but he knew from the get-go that Isabella was different from any other woman he'd ever met. He hadn't been involved with that many before her; he never allowed himself to get close enough to anyone else to even think about taking this step. The moment she walked into his office to interview for the editor position, he was done for. No one had ever affected him the way she did and even though it scared the ever-living shit out of him, the thought of her belonging to anyone but him drove him to the brink of insanity. So, he did whatever was needed to make sure that didn't happen.

He loved her, God knew he did, but the feeling was foreign to him. It scared him in all honesty, only because he didn't know how to show her. He didn't know how to let her know how important she was to him and how happy she made him. He'd never been this close to anyone before and the fear of doing something to upset her paralyzed him.

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to keep the thoughts of his birth parents and Ireland away. He worked so hard on a daily basis to not think about them; he sure as hell wasn't going to let them ruin his day now. Instead he concentrated on Isabella.

Flashback~

"You nervous, Ed?" Emmett had asked him as they stood on the steps of the altar of Isabella's church.

Edward blew out a nervous breath but shook his head in answer to his brother and best man's question. "No," he told him.

Emmett chuckled beside him and said, "Yeah, sure you're not."

Edward grunted at Emmett but didn't say anything further. He shifted from foot to foot and curled his hands into tight fists before relaxing them. He was really fucking nervous, but there was no way in hell he would ever tell Emmett that. "You have her ring, right?" Edward demanded when he turned to look at Em.

"Yes, Edward. You've already asked me that like ten times at least. Could have fooled me you weren't nervous," Emmett needled again.

Edward rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything further. They both knew he was full of shit, no point in trying to say otherwise. He saw a movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see Father O'Connor take his place in the middle of the altar. His stomach almost fell out of his ass as he realized it was time but he tried to give the priest what he hoped was a smile. He had a feeling it came out looking like a grimace, especially when the good-looking priest chuckled at him.

"Edward, my boy, are you going to be all right?" Father O'Connor asked him.

Edward took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. He'd probably messed it up, but in all reality, it probably didn't look much different than it normally did. "Yes, sir," Edward answered him. He noticed that Father O'Connor didn't believe him anymore than Emmett had, especially when the older man chuckled at him.

"It's okay to be nervous, Edward. Today is a big step for you and Isabella," he told him kindly and Edward nodded in response.

Big step...well that was an understatement if he'd ever heard one.

He heard the music change and the guests situate themselves in their seats. He looked around the church and was again extremely thankful for his about-to-be wife's insistence on a small, intimate wedding. Being who he was, he was sure it had been expected that his wedding would be some elaborate affair, but Isabella being who she was, insisted that she didn't want anything lavish or ostentatious. She wanted to get married in the church she'd grown up attending, only wanted to invite family and friends, and wanted to have a simple reception afterward. He was more grateful for that than he could express. He would have given her whatever she wanted, but the fact that she somehow seemed to intuitively know that a big wedding would have been more than he could handle made him love her even more.

The doors opened and he saw Rosalie and he knew that behind her stood Isabella and Charlie. He chuckled when he heard Emmett whisper, "Damn," under his breath as Rose made her way up the center aisle. She did look very pretty, he had to admit. Isabella had let Rose chose her own dress because she was going to be the only person standing with her, just like Emmett was Edward's only groomsman. Rose had chosen a deep, dark red dress and she gave Emmett a big smile when she looked at him. The smile she gave Edward was a bit less enthusiastic, but it was a loving one at least.

The music changed again to Pachelbel's Canon and he swore every ounce of breath left his body in one fell swoop when he saw Isabella standing at the end of the aisle, her hand tightly wrapped around her father's arm. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen and he felt his eyes burn almost immediately with unshed tears; it almost hurt to look at her, she was such a vision. Her dress clung to her body and made her pale skin almost iridescent. It was elegant, but not plain by any stretch of the imagination, and it was exactly her. Understated, classic, with a hint of sexiness and he knew he would never, ever forget what she looked like as long as he lived.

Christ he loved her, so damn much.

He never expected to feel this way about anyone...ever...and the fact that she had the power to break him completely scared him more than he had words to describe. Of course he kept that realization to himself; there was no way he was telling her he was totally at her mercy. He'd seen what that had done and he was not going down that road, not ever.

As she reached the altar and Charlie placed her hand in his, he felt like he could finally breathe, like he was finally...home. The earrings he'd given her for a wedding present glittered in the candlelight from the candles on the altar. Her eyes were so bright, so clear, he swore he could get lost in them and not come out for days. She had minimal makeup on, not that he ever felt she needed any in the first place. She had the sweetest, warmest, most loving smile on her face and Edward felt his heart thump almost painfully in his chest as he squeezed her hand in his.

She was about to be his wife, be his forever, and he was so overwhelmed by all he was feeling, he couldn't think. The ceremony passed in a haze, though he somehow was able to speak when he needed to. Thankfully they'd chosen traditional vows to say to each other so he didn't have to worry too much about forgetting the words. When he finally spoke the words that would bind him to her forever, he was surprised when his voice didn't shake, but was instead confident and sure...as was hers. She pledged herself to him with a huge smile on her face and tears in her eyes, but there was no doubting how very much she loved him...everyone in the congregation could tell.

When he finally got to kiss the bride, he cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips to hers. He hoped with all he had that she could feel everything he was too scared to tell her. That he loved her with all his heart, that he was every bit as much hers and she was his, that he hoped he could make her happy...that he was afraid he wouldn't be enough for her.

There were hugs, kisses, and pictures to take before they made their way to the reception. He barely remembered the limo ride from the church to the hotel, but he could recall with vivid clarity how happy Isabella had seemed. They talked about their impending trip to Italy and he was more pleased than he could say that she seemed so excited to go there. He hadn't been sure of where to take her on their honeymoon, but once he'd spent time with her family, Nonna especially, he knew without a doubt that going to Italy was perfect.

The reception passed quickly, though he enjoyed it much more than he thought he would. He danced with Esme, Rose, Alice, Reneé, and Nonna. When he held Isabella in his arms for the traditional first dance as husband and wife, he knew without a doubt that he was the luckiest man on the planet. He knew he didn't deserve her, but he'd be damned if he was going to let that make a difference. He knew he couldn't live without her and now he didn't have to.

They left the reception after Isabella had changed into travel clothes, and after another round of hugs and kisses. He was uncomfortable with all the displays of affection, but in all honesty, most of it was directed at his beautiful wife, who still hadn't stopped smiling. With promises to call from Italy, they finally headed toward the airport.

End of Flashback~

Edward groaned in his seat as he again imagined her in her wedding dress, the way she looked when they danced in front of their friends and family…how sweet she was when she thanked him for taking her on a fabulous honeymoon, even though they hadn't even taken off yet. She was so good, so tender and loving and with all he had, he hoped he would be able to be the man she needed.

He didn't pray; he'd stopped long ago after he'd been broken and scarred, but for her he did. He prayed that somehow, someway, he would find the strength within to allow himself to be happy. That he would have faith in her and her love and not shut her out...that he could find a way to let her see who he truly was.

He still held onto her hand and closed his eyes, hoping that when he woke up, he could be the man she needed him to be.

~~~~OOO~~~~OOO~~~~

"Isabella, love, we're going to be landing soon," Edward said softly as he ran his fingers down his wife's cheek.

"Oh goodness," she exclaimed, embarrassed about sleeping so long. She'd woken periodically during the long flight, to use the bathroom and to eat, but most of it was spent sleeping. Between the chaos of wedding planning and getting their new house ready for when they returned from Italy, she had been going almost nonstop for weeks now. Work, planning, and ugh...shopping had kept her so busy she didn't know whether she was coming or going most of the time. Once the plane had leveled off and she could relax, she had been immediately lulled to sleep by the soft hum of the engine and the feel of Edward beside her.

During their short courtship, she'd spent the night with him a handful of times. He was very respectful, if a bit frustrated at times by her insistence to wait until they were married before they had sex. It was old-fashioned, she knew it was, but all her life she'd promised herself that she would save herself for the man she was going to marry and she'd held fast to that promise. Oh, there were plenty of times the urge to just give in almost overwhelmed her, but she was able to keep her promise. Edward was a very intense and passionate man and she knew it was difficult for him to adhere to her wishes. In all honesty, it made her love him all the more...if that was possible...that he made such an effort to respect what she wanted. There were many nights spent together where they each pushed the boundaries of restraint, but she arrived in Italy a virgin and that was what she wanted.

"What would you like to do when we land?" he asked her quietly as they fastened their seat belts.

She looked at him, her eyes dancing with excitement and wonder and said, "Everything!" She giggled and Edward felt a smile spread across his face at how happy she was. "I don't care, Edward. I just want to be with you. I would like to take a shower though, if that's okay?" she asked adorably and he couldn't help but chuckle at her.

"Of course, love. We do have two weeks you know. We can take it easy today, perhaps shower and change and then take a walk. I know it's been a busy few weeks for both of us and I know you'll be tired from the long trip. We can have a quiet dinner and then tomorrow we'll start working on the list Nonna gave us," he teased.

Oh yes, when Nonna Santoro had found out where Edward was taking her granddaughter on her honeymoon, she'd definitely been pleased and got to work right away on making sure Edward and Isabella knew all the important things to see and do while they were there. There was no way Edward was returning back to Chicago without having crossed everything off the list.

"I know, right?" she asked him with a shake of her head.

The plane began its descent and the landing gear was lowered. "Edward," she said in a shaky voice and immediately he took her hand in his.

"I'm here, love. I've got you," he told her softly.

"I love you," she told him once they'd landed safely. She knew it was foolish to be so scared about taking off and landing, but she couldn't help it. Having Edward next to her and holding her hand helped immensely. She wasn't scared of anything when he was beside her. "Thank you," she told him once the plane came to a complete stop.

"I'm your husband now, Isabella. It's my job to always keep you safe," he told her truthfully.

"Mmmm, husband. I really love the way that sounds, Mr. Cullen," she said with an impish grin.

He couldn't help himself when he leaned over and captured her lips in a scorching kiss. He held her face between his hands and he tilted it to the side as his tongue plunged deeply into her waiting and very willing mouth. It had been hours since he'd kissed her and he was almost frantic in his need for her. Between her words and knowing what the night was going to bring, he was close to losing control. Thankfully, the flight attendant made a noise and he restrained himself, though only barely, from attacking her right then and there.

"I like the way it sounds, too, Mrs. Cullen. Are you ready to begin our honeymoon?" he asked with a wink when he stood up and held his hand out to her.

"You bet I am," she said and Edward couldn't help but hope that meant she was looking forward to tonight.

Lord knew he sure as hell was.

The car he'd ordered was waiting when they disembarked from the plane, and he was extremely grateful to not have to worry about navigating his way from the airport to the hotel. It was late morning and the sun was high in the sky. The air was a bit cool, though comfortable. In all truthfulness, it was a perfect day and Edward could only hope it was an omen of how the next two weeks would go. Once the luggage was loaded in the trunk, they climbed into the backseat and he let out a deep sigh of contentment when Isabella snuggled up beside him and laid her head on his shoulder.

He kissed the top of her head and ran his hand up and down the top of her arm.

"I'm so happy," he heard Isabella softly whisper.

The words were spoken so quietly, but with so much love and joy, Edward was momentarily overcome. However, he answered her back truthfully, "I am, too."

He was terrified of what was to come, especially when they returned to Chicago, but there was no doubting how he felt about finally finding the person he would be with forever. He knew there was still so much she didn't know about him, so many things he'd not told her yet. He could only hope that he was able to find the will to tell her what she deserved to know. As afraid as he was of her rejecting him, he was even more afraid of losing her. It was something he didn't even want to think about.

They arrived at the Grand Hotel and he noted with amusement the way Isabella's eyes widened in surprise and wonderment as she looked around the opulent hotel. He was really excited to be here with her, to be able to show her all the things she'd talked about wanting to see, places she wanted to visit. If he could give her the world, he'd do it in a heartbeat, but he couldn't. He could give her the trip of a lifetime though, however in all honesty, he hoped it was just the first of many trips he would take her on.

The bellman helped get their luggage to their room and once he'd left, the newly-married couple stood and stared at each other.

Isabella couldn't believe she was finally here...with Edward...on her honeymoon. Their whole relationship thus far had felt like a whirlwind and like a dream, too, if she was being honest. It wasn't as if she had blinders on though, and she was well aware of how difficult and stubborn her new husband was. She'd already had to work hard to get through the few walls she'd managed thus far. Lord only knew how many more there were, but she had faith she could do so. She knew Edward loved her; she could feel it every time he kissed or touched her. She knew there were things he was hiding from her, too, and though she wished with all her heart he would trust her enough to share what those things were, she knew she had to be patient with him.

She also recognized how different he was with her when they were alone versus how he acted with others most of the time. Every now and then with Emmett, Jasper, Marcus or Alec, even with Esme and Rose or her parents, he'd let his guard down and be the Edward she knew and loved. It never took long before that mask went back on and those walls went back up, but she was certain that with time and lots of love and patience, he would learn that he was her whole world and she loved him with all her heart. If he didn't know it already, he'd surely learn that giving up was something she just didn't know how to do.

As she looked around the extravagant suite, her eyes fell on the bed and her stomach fluttered when she thought about what would be taking place on that bed later on in the evening. When she turned around and looked at Edward, he was looking at her with a look of longing, fear...and need.

She gasped and before she knew what was happening, he'd crossed the room and wrapped her tightly in his arms. His mouth found hers for a bruising kiss that was completely different from any other kiss he'd ever given her before. It wasn't gentle or hesitant the way it usually was, instead it was needy and demanding and Isabella felt a flood of heat between her legs immediately. He wound her hair around his hands; he pressed his waist against hers, and when his hand covered her ass and held her tightly against him, her entire body reacted.

"Damn, Isabella, I want you so bad," he whispered in a rough voice when he moved from her lips to the side of her neck.

He knew he was probably scaring her attacking her the way he did, but he couldn't help it. The instant he saw that look pass across her face when she looked at the bed, he was done for. All the pent up anxiety and nervousness coupled with how badly he wanted and needed her raced through him at one time and he felt like if he didn't touch her, he'd go out of his mind.

"Oh, Edward," she moaned when he sucked on the tender skin behind her ear. She wantonly ground herself against him and quite enjoying the way he reacted when she did so. When she slid her hands into his hair and ran her fingernails across his scalp, she smiled when she heard the low rumble in his chest. Her nipples were hard and she unabashedly pressed her chest tighter against his; she couldn't help herself.

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how he looked at it, he knew they had to stop. He wanted their first time as man and wife to be slow and gentle, not ripping her clothes off in the middle of the living room and then throwing her on the couch. There would be time for that later, at least he sure as hell hoped so. From the way her body reacted to his, he knew he could alleviate one worry that had been nagging at the back of his mind...his wife certainly didn't appear to be shy or hesitant when it came to being physical with him...a fact which caused him to grow uncomfortably hard in his pants.

"Love," he said very reluctantly. "As much as I hate the thought of stopping this, we really need to. There is no way in hell I'm making love to you for the first time like this. I plan on taking a very long time with you, and if we keep this up, that isn't happening. So," he said when he took a small step back from her but still held onto her hand. "Why don't you shower and change, we'll have some lunch, and take a walk and do a bit of sightseeing. I thought we could have dinner on the balcony and then, well, you know," he stammered a bit unsure of how to proceed.

Luckily, Isabella was more confident than he was and said, "That all sounds lovely, Edward, especially the well, you know." She giggled at him and then kissed his cheek. "I can't wait for the 'you know,'" she told him sassily and then went to the bedroom to shower and change.

He stared at the closed door and let out a long breath and whispered, "Neither can I."

The rest of the day passed in a blur as they did exactly what Edward suggested. There were lots of intimate touches and looks, plenty of passion igniting kisses, and more than a few gropes when they found themselves either alone or without anyone looking at them. They were madly in love with each other and there wasn't a person that looked at them that couldn't tell. Edward had never laughed or smiled so much and he positively knew he'd never been as happy as he was with her.

By the time they made it back to the hotel, both were exhausted and after a short nap, Edward ordered dinner to be sent up to the room. The atmosphere had changed between them, so much so you could almost see it, it was so palpable. Every time they would look at each other, the air that surrounded them crackled and sizzled. Isabella's heart started pounding in her chest and when he touched her hand while they ate, her skin felt like it was on fire. Edward could feel the hair on his arms and the back of his neck stand on end as he stared at his wife across the table. He watched her eat, shifting in his chair to keep the erection that threatened at bay. He groaned softly when her lips closed around her fork; he licked his lips when she took a drink of wine and she swallowed and then flicked at a drop on her bottom lip.

They finally finished their dinner and the second she laid her napkin on the table beside her plate, he'd pulled her into his arms.

"I love you, Isabella," he whispered after kissing her senseless...again.

He was so ready for her; ready to make her his in every way and he hoped she wouldn't make him wait any longer.

Thankfully, she must have felt the same way. "Um, I'll just go change," Isabella whispered as she stepped from his embrace. She kissed him tenderly, a lingering kiss full of promise for what was about to happen and then made her way to the en-suite bathroom.

He swallowed convulsively, his mind immediately flooded with images of all the different pieces of lingerie she could be changing into...and how she would look as he undressed her. He got hard just thinking about it and groaned almost painfully as he undressed and put on a pair of pajama pants. Edward paced around the suite; a jumbled mess of nervousness and excitement...lust and want. He walked back toward the balcony and picked up his glass of champagne and quickly swallowed the whole thing in one long drink.

"Fuck, what the hell is the matter with me?" he asked himself out loud when he noticed his hands were shaking as he set the now empty flute on the table.

He leaned on the railing of the balcony and took a few deep breaths, hoping to calm his racing heart...and his growing erection. Isabella had to know how much he wanted her, how long he'd waited to get to this moment, but he didn't want to scare her either. He had no idea what to expect, and he supposed that was what was causing him the most distress. She'd always been receptive to his touches, his caresses, even when they became more heated than he'd intended.

He had never been promiscuous, even though there had been opportunities aplenty for him to choose from. During college there had been a few women, casual flings he'd had only to satisfy an urge when it had been too long, but that was it. Except for Anna, though he tried not to think of her, and Sophie, even though there was no sex involved in that relationship, there hadn't been any other women. He was too focused on work and his business to bother, and until Isabella came along, too afraid to even try again. Things with Anna had ended so abruptly...and painfully as much as he hated to admit that, and he hadn't been ready for Sophie when their paths crossed, so he kept himself occupied with work to avoid any and all distractions.

He'd tried, Lord knew he'd tried, to keep from getting too close, too invested with Isabella, but he couldn't help it. From that very first meeting, she'd consumed all his thoughts, both waking and when he was asleep. He was drawn to her in a way that was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. He was plagued with the thought of not being enough for her, of not being able to love her enough, of not being able to show her how much she meant to him...almost to the point of paralysis. When he'd asked her to marry him, he swore he felt like he would be sick because he'd been so nervous...and afraid that she would reject him and he didn't know what he would have done if that had happened. Gone mad he supposed, but thankfully she'd said yes, and now here they were on their honeymoon and about to consummate their marriage in the most intimate of ways.

Isabella looked at herself in the mirror and took a deep breath. "You can do this," she whispered. God knew she'd dreamed about this moment often enough. In the years before Edward, it had always been some vague, faceless man, but from the moment she met him, she knew it had always been him...she just hadn't met him yet.

She knew, with a perception and wisdom that went far beyond her years, that she was taking a hell of a chance on Edward. He was cold, distant, and so emotionally stunted it was a wonder he'd made it through their vows without keeling over, but she couldn't help herself. She saw past all those flaws and saw the man she knew he was. The one that was loving and gentle, and the one that made her heart soar. He was different with her, but she knew that was the real Edward. Her heart and her body knew what they wanted...and they wanted him with a force too powerful for her to fight. She had no idea why she was so drawn to him, what it was about him that grabbed her and wouldn't let go, but whatever it was, she was in it for life now. She took her vows and her commitment to her husband very seriously, and when she pledged to love him forever, she meant it. She was young and inexperienced; she recognized that. She was very liable to get her heart broken, a fact which she didn't take lightly either, but she could no more fight her feelings for Edward than the sun could stop from rising every day.

She was his completely and irrevocably.

Isabella looked at herself one more time in the mirror of the luxurious bathroom. From the moment they'd arrived and she'd seen their hotel and then the suite, she'd been in awe of the lengths Edward had gone for her. She knew he was well-traveled and was used to such opulence, but it was a new experience for her. Oh, she'd known right from the beginning that their backgrounds were completely polar opposites, and while that bothered her at first, it sure as hell wasn't enough to stop her from falling in love with him...not that anything would have been able to do that to begin with.

She ran her hands through her hair in one last futile attempt to calm the butterflies in her stomach. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. As nervous as she was, she was so excited to finally be able to share this experience with Edward. She knew, without question, that after tonight, nothing would ever be the same again.

Resolving herself that they'd waited long enough, she opened the door of the bathroom and walked into the bedroom.

Edward stood against the window and whipped his head in the direction of the door when he heard it open. While he was waiting for his wife in the bathroom he'd turned the lights off, save for one in the corner of the room by the sitting area. He'd thought about candles and music, but decided against it. In all honesty, he didn't want to concentrate on anything except for her, especially for their first time. He assumed there would be plenty of time for that later.

"Damn," he breathed out.

The sight before him was everything he'd ever dreamed of...and then some. He'd tried to picture what she'd look like but he hadn't even been close. She was fucking breathtaking; a vision of innocence and desire, of sin encased in white lace and satin...of unbridled sex personified.

He had never wanted anyone...anything as much as he wanted her right at that moment. Nothing...not one fucking thing mattered except feeling her beneath him, of being buried deep inside of her, of touching and tasting every inch of her body.

"Isabella," he said on a very uneven sigh. "You look, I don't have...there are no words," he stammered.

He hungrily drank her in as he stared at her, burning the image onto his brain so that he wouldn't ever forget how she looked. Her hair was piled high on her head in riot of soft brown curls that framed her face. She'd kept her diamond earrings in her ears and that fact touched Edward so deeply he couldn't even put it into words. The gown she'd chosen was pure white and he had to be honest and admit he didn't know whether it or her wedding dress looked more beautiful on her. It clung enticingly to every curve and dip of her body, and plunged almost obscenely low in the front...except nothing on his mesmerizing wife could ever look such a way. There were bits of lace strategically covering her breasts and her center, only hinting at the wonders that lay beneath. Her feet were bare and that turned him on more than if she'd had on shoes. Her cheeks were rosy, her eyes sparkled, and her lips shimmered with the bit of lip gloss she'd put on.

In a word she was magnificent.

She began to take another step and he held up his hand. "Wait. Don't move," he whispered in a husky voice. "Let me look at you."

He sauntered forward, gracefully and silently with his eyes focused solely on her. As much as he wanted to try to continue staring into the brown eyes that had captivated him for months now, he couldn't help but let his eyes wander. It was futile, really, to try to stop them.

He walked in a circle around her, doing all he could not to reach out and touch her. He was afraid if he did, he wouldn't be able to stop, and he didn't want to scare her. He was so overcome, so turned on he could hardly see straight and he needed a few moments to get himself together. She was a virgin for fuck's sake and he knew he was going to have to be gentle with her.

He only hoped he could.

Finally, when he felt like he had some semblance of control over all the emotions that were raging within him, he lifted a hand and pushed her hair over one shoulder. He stood behind her and pressed his warm, soft lips to her naked shoulder. He inhaled deeply, her skin smelling like warm honey mixed with some un-named exotic flower…something that was totally unique to her. "Never in my life, have I ever seen anything as beautiful as you, Isabella," he whispered in a voice that sounded like the world's smoothest whiskey combined with the most decadent melted dark chocolate. It was smoky, smooth, and full of unrestrained need.

"You have no idea how much I've dreamed of this night. To finally get to be with you fully. To finally get to experience loving you the way I've wanted to since the first moment I laid my eyes on you. I want you...so fucking much," he breathed in her ear when he moved his lips to her neck.

He couldn't wait any longer to touch her. Slowly, he lifted his shaking hands and ghosted them down her arms. He felt the goosebumps beneath his fingers, but he didn't still his movements. He couldn't. Slowly he turned her around so that she faced him. He looked deep into her eyes, searching for any hint of hesitation or fear, and thankfully he found none. He wouldn't push her if she decided she wasn't ready, but he hoped with all that he had she didn't tell him that.

Isabella stared into the green-black eyes of her husband and felt her entire being come alive beneath his intense gaze. Her heart pounded, her blood raced...she felt an aching throb between her legs, and she'd never felt so alive in her life. Her skin tingled, practically screaming for him to touch her. She moved closer to him, feeling the heat from his body seep through the thin material of her gown and that mixed with the cool air of the room caused her nipples to get almost painfully hard.

She lifted a tiny hand and laid it firmly over his chest and gasped softly when she felt his heart beating wildly beneath her fingers. It wasn't like she'd never felt it before, but somehow, feeling it thump because of her made her feel like she was a part of him. She used a feather-soft touch and slowly trailed just her fingertip along the ridges of each of his muscles. Her fingers moved across his chest, around each nipple which caused a surprised hiss to escape his lips. They traveled down to his abs where she followed the contours of each well-defined muscle and through the soft line of hair that disappeared beneath the loose waistband of his pants.

There wasn't a trace of nervousness to be found anywhere inside of her. She burned for her husband, wanted him desperately… ached to feel him inside of her.

He must have reached his limit as well and before she knew what was happening, he'd crushed her body to his and attacked her mouth in a ravenous frenzy. His large hands pressed firmly against her back, holding her tightly. His tongue plunged greedily into her mouth, dipping and twisting over and over again until they were both panting.

"Isabella, love...please. I can't wait any longer," Edward told her. He was wild in his need for her, his chest heaving as he looked at her.

"Take me, Edward. I'm yours; I'm ready to belong to you," she breathed out.

Her words hit him like a tsunami, flooding him with a force so powerful he almost dropped to his knees. "Oh, God, Isabella. Yes," he said with a shaking voice.

He closed the distance between them again and lifted his hands to her shoulders. With trembling fingers, he pushed the thin straps of her nightgown off her shoulders and watched as it floated to the ground in a diaphanous cloud around her dainty feet. For a moment he lost all touch with reality as he stared at her, naked in the pale moonlight that streamed into the room. The warm glow from the small lamp in the corner seemed to cast a golden shadow on her and he would have sworn she'd been sent straight from heaven she was so beautiful.

She was everlasting love, overwhelming need, and unquenchable desire all wrapped in a body that was his and his alone...and would only ever be his.

"Edward," she said and her voice went straight to his hardening erection.

"Oh, God," he said in voice laced with hunger. Hunger to feel her, touch her...taste her.

In an instant, he'd swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her carefully in the center. He pushed his pants down, finally allowing his erection to spring free and he groaned in relief.

He crawled up her body and felt his skin ignite when he was finally able to feel all of her pressed against him. He bent his head down and caressed the side of her neck with his nose and then with his lips. "Isabella, my love, you feel so good beneath me. It's better than I ever imagined," he whispered when he moved his lips to her ear.

He slid his hands under her back and held her to him. His lips traveled from her ear, down her jaw, across her cheeks until they finally settled against her mouth. He used the barest of pressure, and whispered, "You're my wife." He spoke in a reverent, awed tone, as if he could hardly believe that what he spoke was the truth.

"I am," she whispered back, though her voice was more sure. "Always yours," she told him. "I love you."

"I love you," he answered fervently.

He removed his hands from beneath her and glided them over her body. He watched, enraptured, as her body responded to his touch. Her nipples pebbled, her stomach clenched, he could smell her arousal emanate from between her legs with each passing movement.

She was more than he ever imagined. There was not a trace of hesitation, nor a hint of apprehension. Her body invited him to touch, to explore...to take.

And take, he did.

He slid off of her and laid beside her so he could see all of her. He touched every part of her. He ran his fingers through her hair, along her cheek, down over her neck and took a moment to chuckle when he felt her pulse beat erratically beneath them. "You're not scared of me are you?" he questioned teasingly.

God, he would die if she was scared of him but she'd given him no indication so far that she felt that way.

"Of course not, Edward. You'd never hurt me," she whispered back in an impassioned voice.

"Never," he vowed, though the promise made his heart clench. He knew better than to make that promise, especially with the litany of things he'd yet to share with her, but he couldn't take the words back now.

His fingers continued their tantalizing dance over her skin. He trailed them along her collarbones which he noted with a low grumble of appreciation, turned him on immensely. The path continued until he circled the dusty rose-colored skin of her breast. He took the hardened peak between his fingers and plucked and pulled until she writhed beside him.

"Edward, oh please," she begged and hearing that breathy plea made him throb almost painfully.

Lowering his head he flicked his tongue against her nipple. He sucked her into his mouth, curling his tongue around the tip and then, flattening his tongue, licked her over and over again. He moved from one breast to the other, using his fingers and his tongue to drive her wild.

Isabella thrashed her head back and forth across the soft pillows beneath her and arched her back, trying to find the friction her body so desperately craved.

Edward's tongue was wicked as he drove her closer and closer to the edge, but then would stop. She whimpered in the back of her throat and her eyes flashed. He ducked his head, peppering the swell of her breast and then her stomach with kisses.

"Patience, my love," he whispered against her fragrant skin. "I want you just as badly, make no mistake. But, I don't want to hurt you. Your body needs to prepare. I hate the thought of you being in pain because of me," he finished as he placed a kiss on her hip bone.

Isabella gasped and lowered her hand to run her fingers through his hair. "Edward, look at me," she implored and waited until he lifted his head to do as she asked. "I've waited for this moment for so long now, dreamed about it...about you. I want you; I want you to take what I've saved for you. Make love to me. Make me yours," she whispered urgently.

"God, yes," he hissed fiercely.

He kissed her again, and rolled on top of her once more. He slid his fingers through her slick folds and found her bundle of nerves. Rubbing her in a circular motion he coated his fingers and then lowered them further, gently pushing them inside of her.

She was so hot, so tight, and he moaned into her mouth as he continued to ravage her mouth with his. His need was building, climbing higher and higher and he rocked against her. Oh, how he wanted to sink into her, to move in and out of her with abandon, but he knew he had to be gentle and move slowly. As desperate as he was to be inside of her, the thought of hurting her pierced through the fog of lust he was in.

Isabella sunk deeper into the bed, giving herself over completely to her husband's talented, deliciously tortuous fingers. He'd touched her before, made her come with his fingers but it had never felt like this. Perhaps it was because they'd promised each other forever when they exchanged vows and rings; perhaps it was knowing that he would be the only man she would ever love and would ever share her body with...she didn't know and didn't care. All she did know, the only thing she was aware of, was that her body felt like it was a spring wound too tight and was about to explode.

"Oh, God, Edward...please, so close," she said between panting breaths.

"Spread your legs, Isabella," he commanded in a dark, silky voice. He picked his head up and watched, pushed almost to the brink, as she did what he asked. "Mmmm, yes," he praised her. "You should see how you look spread out beneath me, wanting and ready. So fucking beautiful."

His words mixed with his voice, not to mention the way his eyes burned with desire for her, sent her into a tailspin and she ground her dripping center wantonly against his hand.

"Fuck, yes...that's it love. Come for me," Edward ground out.

His nostrils flared as the scent of her need for him permeated the air around them. He stared into her eyes, losing himself in their bottomless depths. In them he saw her love for him, her need for him...her complete trust in him and what they shared. In that moment, he truly believed that he would be enough for her, that he would be able to love her and treat her as the treasure she was. He hoped with all he had that was true.

Faster and faster he moved his fingers as he pushed her closer and closer to the edge. The muscles deep inside of her clenched and squeezed his fingers. She arched her back, she bent her knees and pushed against the bed...she flung her arms around him and held on for all she was worth.

Edward was beside himself, desire to claim her burning hotly within him. "Yes, Isabella...yes! Come for me, let me feel you on my fingers. Come so I can take you, make you mine," he ordered in a raspy voice.

His words obliterated the last tenuous hold she had and she let go, coming with such a force it took them both by surprise. She shattered, screaming out an "Oh, God, yes!" on a long breath. The orgasm shook and rocked her to the core, spreading over her from head to toe.

He watched his fingers move in and out of her body, saw the light sheen of sweat that glistened on her chest, noticed the damp hair that stuck to her cheeks...stared at her red, swollen lips. Licking his own lips, he settled himself between her legs, and with an almost painful groan removed his fingers from her body.

Isabella responded in kind, missing the feel of him inside of her the moment he was gone. "Don't worry, love, I promise you won't be empty for long," he spoke against her lips. She tipped her head back so she could look into his eyes.

"Now, Edward. Don't make me wait any longer for you."

She gasped when the tip of him teased at her entrance. "Isabella, you have to relax, baby. I promise I'll go slow," he crooned in her ear. He felt her settle back against the bed, felt her legs open wider for him and he lowered himself to her.

Slowly, so very achingly, tantalizingly slowly he slid into her. He kept his eyes trained on hers, prepared to stop the moment he saw the slightest twinge on pain on her face. Seeing none, he pressed further until he could feel that thin barrier that would make her fully his.

"I'm okay," she whispered when he stopped.

"I love you, Isabella Marie Cullen," he choked out.

The gift she was about to give washed over him and threatened to carry him away. He had never realized, until just that moment, how truly special and sacred what they were about to share was. He'd had sex before, but he'd never...ever...made love.

And, Christ Almighty, he loved her.

Totally.

Completely.

Forever.

"I love you. Please, Edward," she begged and felt the hot sting of tears in her eyes.

"Shhh, my love. I've got you," he told her softly.

He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed each of her eyelids gently. He was so hard and he throbbed inside of her, but still he didn't push any farther.

"Look at me, Isabella," he said in an uneven but tender voice. When her brown eyes looked into his he swore they spoke to him. He'd never experienced anything like it, like their souls were speaking words neither could hear, but he understood anyway. They were a part of each other and always would be from then on. There would never be another day that passed when that wouldn't be true.

"It's always been you, Edward, even when I didn't know who you were. I saved myself for you," she told him and this time the tears spilled from the corners of her eyes.

"Oh God," he cried out and lowered himself fully against her, pressing through that barrier. "I'm sorry," he whispered and swallowed the gasp of pain that escaped her lips.

He held himself still once he'd filled her completely, waiting for her body to adjust to him. He felt her walls flutter and pulsate around him and he picked his head up and looked in her eyes.

Isabella didn't move as she waited for the sting to subside. It hurt, yes, but only for a moment. It was replaced by a sense of relief, of pleasure...of completeness.

"I'm okay, I'm okay," she said quickly to reassure him.

He began to move then, slowly in and out. She was so hot and completely engulfed him. He'd never felt anything so exquisite or pleasurable in his life and he knew immediately it was because, even though he was sure he didn't deserve her, she was his and always would be.

"Oh, Isabella, yes...so fucking good," he panted as his hips thrust faster and faster.

Isabella felt herself floating and free falling, getting closer and closer to her climax.

"Harder, Edward. Faster," she pleaded and he threw his head back and moaned loudly at her words.

He was so damn close, so close. He pressed his lips to hers, giving her a bruising kiss. "Together, Isabella. Come with me," he said.

"Yes...oh yes." She gripped his biceps, digging her fingers into the solid muscle. Her legs wrapped tightly around his waist and she raised her hips, meeting each of his thrusts.

The sound of their bodies moving against each other filled the room. Heavy breathing mixed with soft cries. Sweat dripped from his hair and Edward watched, mesmerized, as the drops slid across her chest, between her breasts.

"You're mine, Isabella," he rasped.

"Always, Edward, just as you are mine," she answered back.

"Let me feel you come."

She came as he instructed throwing her head back and stretching out beneath him. Her body shook and convulsed as she fell apart.

"Fuck! Isabella!" Edward roared and released in a powerful burst inside of her.

He felt her come again, pulling him deeper inside, milking every drop he had to give. Each of their orgasms seemed to go on forever, but after a few moments, Edward collapsed on her, unable to hold himself up any longer.

His arms burned, his legs ached, but he'd never felt more alive in his life.

"Are you okay?" he questioned immediately and grinned when Isabella had a radiant smile on her face.

"Oh, yes," she answered back in a sweet, loving voice.

He stayed inside of her as long as he could, but eventually he had to move. Each of them groaned when he did so, a fact of which caused them both to laugh softly. "I know you have to be sore and tired, love, wait here," he told her and then kissed her quickly on the lips.

He slid out of bed and Isabella stared at him in appreciation. Naked Edward Cullen was certainly a sight to behold, that was for damn sure. When Edward walked out of the bathroom with a steaming, wet washcloth for her, he crooked an eyebrow at her and gave her a smirk. "Were you checking me out, Isabella?" he teased as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Mmmm hmmm," she answered without a hint of embarrassment. "You are quite sexy when you're naked, Edward."

"Good to know." He chuckled.

He gently placed the warm washcloth between her legs and grimaced when he saw the bit of blood, but she covered his hand with hers and said, "It was beautiful, Edward. Everything I ever hoped it would be."

"Yeah?" he asked, just needing to make sure.

"Absolutely," she answered back immediately. "In fact, we need to do that again, soon," she said, though she yawned before the words were out.

"No need to worry about that, my love," he told her as he climbed into the bed beside her. He pulled her against him and she went willingly. "I plan on making love to you over and over again, as many times as you'll let me. I've never felt anything so incredible in my life, Isabella. I can't even begin to tell you how much what you gave me means to me," he told her as he settled them in the bed.

"I love you, Edward," she whispered as she relaxed against him.

"I love you, Isabella," he answered back. She was asleep before his words reached her, but she smiled against his chest.

"Lord, please help me be good to her. She's my everything," Edward said quietly as he held his sleeping wife in his arms, and began counting down the minutes until he could make love to her again.

~~~~OOO~~~~OOO~~~~