Only Exception || C. Cullen ✓

t w e n t y f o u r

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chapter twenty-four
epilogue.

"I can't believe you two convinced me to attend prom," Bella grumbled. She sat in Christina's room, Alice sat in front of the young Swan brushing on makeup, while Christina twisted and pulled on her brunette locks.

"It's all a part of the human experience, Bella," Christina bit back. Christina was bitter towards her younger sister for a reason— a difference of opinions.

Bella had told Christina the full story of what happened in the ballet studio with James. She mentioned how the tracker managed to bite into her wrist, and Edward had to suck the venom out before it was too late in the transition. All of this, Christina already knew— what the young mother didn't know was that Bella didn't want Edward to suck the venom out.

Both sisters fought about their opinions about whether Bella should be a vampire or not. The only heartsease that Christina has was that Edward was also on her side. He wanted Bella to remain human and experience life as it should be.

Bella wasn't too pleased with either of them for disagreeing with her wishes.

"And... done!" Alice exclaimed before stepping back to admire her work. A grin was etched onto her face ever since she was able to convince Bella to go to prom. "I have to run home to change." Alice placed all of Christina's makeup back in the bag on her desk. The pixie pointed her finger in Bella's direction. "I will see you at prom."

Bella wordlessly nodded her head. She didn't have a choice in the matter anymore. Edward was already sitting downstairs with Carlisle and Charlie.

Alice gave the young mother a quick hug, and a kiss on her cheek before disappearing out the window she came in to.

With one last hairpin, Bella's hairdo was also done. "Alright, you're prom-ready."

Bella took a deep breath of air in through her lungs before looking into the mirror next to Christina's bed. Bella was surprised to say that she actually liked her hair and makeup. Alice had promised that she wouldn't cake her makeup on, and Christina knew Bella didn't like complicated hairdos. The only issue that Bella seemed to have about how she looked was the ugly boot on her leg, protecting the weakened bone underneath.

"You look good," Christina complimented as she noticed Bella's gaze stuck on her cast. "Edward's not going to be able to keep his eyes off of you." A smirk found its way to Christina's face as she watched Bella's face flush at her words.

Bella sighed. "Let's get this over with."

"That's the spirit!"

Christina walked down the stairs before Bella. The three men and Annabelle all turned their attention to the young mother as she cleared her throat dramatically. "Introducing! The lovely, and ever klutzy—"

"Alright, Christina," Bella snapped, slapping the eldest Swan's shoulder. A deep red blush was on Bella's face at the attention.

Christina just laughed. She walked out of Bella's hitting range and stood next to Carlisle.

"Aunty looks like a princess!" Annie exclaimed, waving her barbies in the air excitedly.

Christina didn't think Bella's blush could get any redder, but she's been wrong before— this was one of those times.

"Thanks, Annie," Bella muttered, smiling down at the five-year-old.

"Not that this isn't fun," Christina started, grabbing Carlisle's hand next to hers. "We have a date to attend. Dad, you okay with watching Annie?"

Charlie just shook off her concern. "Go. Have fun."

The young mother grinned as she pulled Carlisle, who willingly let her, towards the door. "Bye, you beautiful couple. Be safe, have fun!" She paused before sticking her head in the doorway again and making eye contact with Bella. "But not too much fun."

"Christina!"

The young mother laughed as she closed the door, interrupting both Bella and Charlie from yelling at her. Carlisle just laughed as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Are you ready for the time of your life?" Carlisle asked. He opened the passenger side door for the brunette. She leaned up against the back door as she stared intently at Carlisle's amber eyes.

"As long as you're involved, it will be." Christina smiles cheekily as Carlisle chuckled softly.

"I thought I was supposed to be the sappy one." Long fingers draped over her face, gently pushing her bangs out of her face in the process.

The young mother leaned her head in his palm, a smile still placed on her face. "We can take turns."

Carlisle chuckled with a nod. "Deal." He leaned down and placed his lips on top of hers softly.

"I love you," Christina whispered against his lips.

He leaned back just enough to make eye contact with her green eyes. A smile gracing his features as he processed her words.

"I didn't get to say it back to you before you left," she continued. She placed her right hand over the one still on her cheek. She threaded their fingers together before holding their entwined hands in front of them. "You ran off."

Carlisle shook his head slowly. "I didn't expect to hear it back." He lightly squeezed her fingers. "I know you've been through a lot—"

Christina shook her head, interrupting him. "I love you, Carlisle. I know I do."

A bright smile lit up on the vampire's face. He couldn't imagine a more perfect being saying those words to him. He never thought it was possible— it didn't seem like this moment would be written in his books. And yet, here she stood, a knowing grin placed on her soft face, saying that she loved him.

He leaned down again and kissed both of her cheeks before finally landing on her mouth, trying to convey his emotions through the act of affection. He stepped back once Christina's breath disappeared.

"I love you, too."

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Holy shit, how am I already done with Twilight? I'm really not ready for New Moon yet! Ugh!

I do want to say thank you to everyone that takes the time to read this book, I really can't thank you enough. Without your continued support, I wouldn't have gotten this far with this story. So thank you x100, and I will see you all in New Moon.

Happy reading—