Alice had gone overboard. Again.

Deep breaths. Remember whatever makes them happy.

That's what I repeated to myself over and over as I stared through the window of the Cullen house. Of course this was where it was going to happen-a church would have been more than ironic.

Breathe, relax…

Edward had been reluctant on the idea of getting married in his house. He wanted me to end my human life with all the human experiences possible. Getting married in a church was one of them.

My heart quickened just thinking his name,Edward….

I focused on his name, not willing to look up at Alice's handiwork again. I tried not to look at the Cullen's lawn (finally recognizable when the grass was cut) littered with tulips that Alice had surely planted. They stood out in stark contrast to the sea of green around them. Their blue petals even matched the ribbons Alice had hung on the trees surrounding the Cullen's property. I knew this was nothing compared to what Alice had done to the backyard. I gulped.

"Hold it Alice; I've got a few limitations for you"

Of course she had planned to ignore this as soon as the words were out of my mouth. I had probably only believed her at the time because Edward had been there, holding my hand. I had been calm; I had been so sure…Then again that could have been Jasper. He was only a couple yards away from me in the house. Alice had probably asked him to keep me calm now that I think of it.

"Don't worry Bella, it will be perfect"

You know what, I'm not even going to see the backyard, I don't want to until the last minute.

I walked over to the mirror against the wall studying my reflection. Rosalie had done my hair into curls to my dismay, but she made my hair so beautiful each lock seemed to shimmer and sparkle in the sunlight streaming through Rosalie's window. Alice had listened for once, thank god, and kept my make-up scarce and understated. I didn't need blush that was certain, but she forced upon me some pale shade of blue eye shadow and a pale pink lipstick. She might have put various unknown's on while my eyes were closed, but I didn't bother to check properly. My eyes strayed unwillingly to my dress. A Perrine Bruyere creation at its best. Not like I had ever worn anything remotely designer before or even seen another Perrine Bruyere.

"If I hadn't thought ahead you would be wearing something off the rack!"

I appraised the material for a minute, chaffing the material between my fingers. The lace was vintage; I remember Alice stating that, but the dress was completely modern. Somehow Alice had gotten it to look like my 'Anne of green gables' vision without making it look disastrous.



My emotions instantly scattered-love for Alice for all she had done. Edward the love of my life, waiting to marry me in a few hours time. Gratitude for Jasper and all the times he had fought back the thirst that was so hard to deny. Carlisle and Esme, so willing to let me into their family. Emmett just waiting for when I was strong enough to arm wrestle. And Rosalie… she was finally accepting me into her family. One single tear of happiness fell from my eyes.

I turned around at the sound of a soft knock on my door. I brushed away the tear and bit my lip to stop from crying. Then I paused; Edward, Rosalie, Alice, Esme and Jasper had left earlier to hunt before the wedding. Carlisle had left for some last minute appointments at the hospital. Emmet had raced out to get his latest video game this morning and get his tux. I was not expecting any of them back so soon.

"Come in."

Jasper peered inside the room. "Can I come in for a minute Bella?"

Jasper tried to shove past Edward, snapping his teeth just inches from Edward's face…

I tried to appear not at all shocked when I answered "Of course Jasper, this is your house."

He slowly walked into the room-I could tell he was trying not to frighten me- and sat down on Rosalie and Emmett's bed. He gestured for me to sit and I plopped myself down with as much dignity as I could muster while at the same time struggling to sit comfortably over the layers of lace. He stared into nothingness for a few moments before he began.

"I came home a little earlier than the others as you can see because I felt as I had something to say before the wedding."

He paused, I'm sure to decide on what to say next.

A grisly snarling…

"We haven't really ever talked, have we Bella?"

I answered his question with a shake, trying to understand what he was saying.

"No, it's never really been like that with us. Soon that will change though. I can't ignore my own sister."

I was shocked into silence before I could say anything. I knew I was planning to join his family, -my family but he had never referred to me as his sister before. I think he realized this too.

"No, you can't" I finally agreed.

He smiled "Bella I just wanted to say welcome to the family. I know I've picked an awkward time and an unusual wording but I've never had a chance to say that. I'm glad you're here and I can't wait for you to properly become part of the family."

"Jasper…I…" I never finished, choking up at the end.



His face was suddenly alarmed. "Please don't cry! Alice is going to kill me if your make-up runs!"

"Jasper, what happened to you?"

Immediately waves of happiness and calm were coursing through me. Alice must be pretty scary when she's angry.

"It's ok Jasper" I could barely stifle laughter now "I'm just happy… about the wedding… about becoming a part of your family. It's hard to control all of the emotions at once."

"Oh" the calm seemed to halt then stop.

"Of course I understand that" he said, smiling gruffly "that's the other reason why I'm here. Alice really doesn't want your make-up running and from what you were feeling earlier I could tell I was needed."

"Thanks" was all I said before I leaned forward in to hug him. Instead of flinching away as he would have done before, he patted my back somewhat awkwardly. I pulled back slowly prepared for an 'Edward' reaction but he was smiling.

"I think I'm getting better at this" he chuckled.

"Definitely" I replied.