A/N: I thought it would be cool to write this mostly from Esme's point of view, since we don't really learn much about her in the books…. Anyway, here it is!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Stephanie Meyer owns all!

Chapter One

The Wedding

Esme's POV:

Standing beside Carlisle, I watched as Bella walked slowly down the isle, arm in arm with Charlie, who looked as if he had had happier days. Bella looked truly stunning in the dress Alice had picked for her, and her hair! It had been pulled back carefully into a braid, a few loose strands falling and framing her face perfectly. Her makeup was also perfect; Rosalie had made sure of that. Behind Bella walked Alice and Rosalie, Rosalie carrying the dress's long white train, and Alice skipping happily while tossing huge bunches of flowers into the rows of seats.

I felt Edward catch his breath next to me, staring lovingly at Bella as she walked towards him. I hope Bella doesn't fall, I told him silently, and he smiled.

Despite Alice wanting to plan the wedding completely on her own, Bella had insisted that it be outdoors. So here we stood, in the beautiful meadow in the woods. It wasn't a long hike, but, as usual, Alice had gone overboard and rented ten horse-drawn carriages to carry the guests to the meadow.

The trees surrounding the clearing had been wrapped with pink roses and lilies, and rose petals had been strewn everywhere, on the ground and across the rows and rows of white seats. Pink and orange lanterns were strung overhead, casting a gentle, lovely glow over everything.

I shook my head inwardly. Alice will be Alice.

After what seemed like an eternity, Bella reached us and ascended the white steps to join us under the huge silk canopy. Charlie was still glowering, and I heard Renee crying softly as she gave Bella a huge hug. Alice was still hurling roses, and seemed to be aiming the particularly thorny ones at Mike Newton.

I don't think Bella or Edward heard a word that was said throughout the entire ceremony. All they did was stare at each other. And then, finally, it was time.

"Do you, Edward Cullen, accept the hand of Isabelle Swan as your lawful wife, and promise to love her and care for her until you are separated by death?"

Edward smiled. "I do."

"And you, Isabella?"

Bella's voice was barely more than a whisper. "I do."

And then they kissed. It was a long, passionate kiss, and when they separated, the two of them were smiling hugely. Suddenly, the band, which had been silent throughout the ceremony, began playing a happy, rousing tune, and people hurried over to congratulate the newly-weds. Renee's sobbing got louder, and Charlie, who had been rigid the entire time, smiled a tiny smile.

"Throw the bouquet, Bella!" Alice yelled above the noise.

Bella grinned, reached back her arm, and tossed the exquisite white roses high into the air.

A hand reached up and neatly caught the delicate blooms. Suddenly, everyone was silent, and Bella's bright smile turned to an expression of utter shock. Slowly, the crowd parted, letting the tall figure walk slowly toward Bella.

"J-J-Jake!" Bella stuttered.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rosalie wrinkle her nose involuntarily. I noticed that the boy had come on his own, without his pack. Strange.

Jake smiled a sad smile. "Edward invited me," he said softly. "I wasn't going to come, but then I realized that I couldn't miss your wedding. After all," he paused. "You are my best friend."

"Oh, Jake!" Bella cried, and ran forward to embrace him.

And then the inevitable happened. Bella seemed to have forgotten the fact that she was wearing stiletto heels, and had gone no more than two steps before she went flying. Jacob and Edward were beside her in an instant, both catching her at the same moment. They stood glaring at each other hatefully, until, suddenly, Jake let out a chuckle. That was all it took. Soon the three of them were in hysterics. It wasn't long before me and everyone else present joined them, Emmet's booming laugh sounding above everything.

"Come on!" Alice squealed. "Let's eat!"

Soon everyone was digging in to the elaborate array of food that could probably feed three times as many people as had come. But I soon realized that it was a good thing she had ordered so much food. Jacob ate about half of it. I swear, those werewolves never stop eating!

After a little while, Alice called everyone's attention. "Bella would like to say a few words now!" she exclaimed, pushing Bella forward excitedly.

Bella blushed slightly, and then cleared her throat nervously. "Well, I would like to thank you all for coming… it means a lot to me." She glanced happily over at Jake. "I would especially like to thank my parents, Charlie and Renee. I know they weren't expecting me to get married so… so young, and I really appreciate their support despite everything."

I saw Charlie attempt to wipe the tears from his eyes before someone noticed.

"And lastly," Bella continued, "I would like to thank Alice Cullen for taking charge of all the planning… and decorating."

Alice bounced up and down excitedly, and I saw Edward roll his eyes.

"Okay, Bella!" Alice chirped. "Time to cut the cake!" She held out a long, pointy knife in Bella's direction.

I laughed silently at Bella's expression.

"Umm… Alice, you do realize who you are handing that to?"

Alice giggled.

Edward swept up gracefully behind Bella and lifted her off her feet. Carefully he took the knife from Alice, and, placing his hand gently but firmly over Bella's, he cut a huge slice from the cake.

"Here's to the father of the bride," he said politely, handing the slice to Charlie. I sighed inwardly. Edward was so polite to Charlie, yet still Charlie refused to like Edward. It puzzled and angered me slightly. How could someone not like such a sweet boy? But then, I was supposed to think that, I'm his mother.

Once everyone had a slice of cake and was digging in happily, I saw Jacob approach Bella. He asked Edward if he could have a moment alone with Bella, and I saw him nod. Jacob took her to edge of the clearing, where he thought no one could hear them, but with my acute vampire hearing I could make out every word that was said.

"Look, Bella…." Jake began. "I- I- I wanted to say goodbye."

Bella looked puzzled and dismayed. "Goodbye? But what do you mean, goodbye? We can still see each other, I mean, just because I'm married-"

Jacob shook his head slowly. "No. We can't. Once you're one of them, I… look, I don't know how to say this without hurting, but I won't want to see you again after that. Don't get me wrong, I love you, and I swear that I will always love you. But I don't think that I could stand it, having your very being repulse me, and having to constantly resist the urge to tear you to shreds. So I think it's best if I say goodbye now. If there's a… a clean break."

I watched, horrified, as Bella seemed to fold slightly inward, as if she needed to hold herself together at the seams, for I knew that that was what Edward had said when we left.

"No, Jake, no!" she begged desperately. "Please don't do this!"

But he just shook his head, heedless of her pleas.

Suddenly, I saw anger bubbling up in her, anger that had been repressed for far too long. "What about Edward?" she hissed fiercely. "Do you think it was easy for him to live ever moment wanting to suck my guts out?"

Jacob was speechless.

"Fine," she whispered. "You want a clean break, then you'll get it. Go."

Jacob's eyes widened.

"You heard me. Go. Leave. Get out of my sight."

Slowly, I watched as Jacob turned and stormed off into the forest.

A/N: Please please PLEASE review!!!! I am totally open to any suggestions that people have, and criticism always helps. Thanks so much for reading!!