A/N: This is my first fanfic, and I originally wrote this on a Twilight fan website, so it has been divided differently than the long chapters that you usually see on here. I tried the best I could to chunk multiple parts together to create a chapter, but I'm not quite sure how this is going to work for later chapters. So, when you read this, please keep in mind that this was my first fanfic and that it was originally written in a different format. I apologize in advance for anything OOC. I wrote this all from how I thought the characters would react in these situations. So, I'll spare you from my verbose author's note now. Please R&R. Thank you!
Chapter 1 – The Wedding
Part 1
I couldn't believe it. How had all those days gone by so quickly? It was August thirteenth, and I was facing a day full of over-enthusiastic relatives and friends. Today I was getting married, and I still wasn't totally convinced I was doing the right thing. I fingered the carved wolf on my charm bracelet and thought of Jacob; I felt a pang of pity and regret for him. I still loved him, and it pained me to see him hurt. What were you supposed to do in situations like this? I sighed at my reflection, smoothing out a crease in my white wedding dress.
Renee came in. "Honey, they're just about to start." I smiled, but the smile was half-hearted. By getting married, I was making Edward happy. I had promised myself that I wouldn't see that look of hurt in his eyes ever again. But it seemed that I would hurt someone no matter who I chose or even if I didn't choose. After one last sigh, I followed my mother into the vestibule of the church, waiting for the music to start playing.
Part 2
The church organs started up, and I began to walk up the aisle accompanied by my father. Everyone was staring at me, smiling. I could feel panic building up inside of me as I inched forward toward the altar. The walk seemed to last a lifetime. I breathed deeply, in through my nose, out through my mouth. This was not a time to lose control. There were hundreds of people I knew here, and I could not let them (or Edward, especially) see what a sacrifice this marriage was.
Part 3
I focused on Edward, standing in the sanctuary next to the minister, his face alight with joy. I looked into his eyes, and I remembered the reason I was going through with this. I loved Edward, and I loved my friends and family. I wanted them to know I was okay and happy before I vanished off the face of the earth. Finally, after the painstakingly long procession, I stopped to stand next to Edward. The minister had just started to speak when suddenly, the door banged open.
Part 4
I turned around, startled, to see who our late guest was. When I saw who it was, my jaw dropped. It was Jacob. I was too surprised to stop staring at him. Jacob glanced at me once before taking a seat near the back, but even in that one look, I could tell he was suffering. Edward gently tapped me on the shoulder, and I felt myself blush crimson as I realized what I had been doing. I turned back to the altar, feeling tears gathering in my eyes. I didn't blink, afraid that my tears would brim over and stream down my cheeks.
Part 5
"Will you, Edward Cullen, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Edward gazed at me intently, a look of intense devotion in his eyes, as he said, "I do."
"And will you, Isabella Swan, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" I fleetingly looked at Jacob, who was shaking, and then at Edward. "I do."
The minister smiled. "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Edward grinned and bent down to kiss me. He kissed me more passionately than ever before, and my heart thudded in my ears as the world spun. I felt the usual faintness sweep over me. I broke off and looked at the back of the church, catching a glimpse of Jacob on his way out the door.
Part 6
I wanted to run right out of the church and follow Jacob. I wanted to comfort him and tell him that I would always love him, at the very least, as a brother. But instead of following and comforting Jacob, I stayed with Edward. I loved Edward too much to run off from our wedding to console Jake. Once we were outside, Alice ran up to give me a hug, followed by the rest of the Cullen clan, Renee, Charlie, and Phil. "I'm so happy for you guys!" she exclaimed, "You're one of us now!" She embraced me again, but mid-hug, she stiffened, and her eyes grew wide. "No, not now," she moaned.
Part 7
"What's wrong, Alice?" I whispered. I turned to Edward, hoping he would tell me, but he just shook his head. However, it only took me a moment to realize what was wrong; Jacob was back, this time accompanied by his whole pack of werewolves.
Part 8
I gaped at them, alarmed by their sudden appearance and menacing looks. Sam and Jacob walked toward us.
Jacob spoke first. "I suppose you will be…um…leaving in a little less than a month."
There was a slight note of pleading in his voice.
"Yeah, we will," I said apologetically.
Sam cut in sharply, "So, you're definitely going to break the treaty and change her." It was more of a statement than a question.
Part 9
"That's the plan." Edward swiftly positioned himself protectively in front of me.
Jacob looked at me one last time, and the pain in his eyes was horrible. I couldn't stand it. "I guess this is it, Bella. Goodbye."
I just looked at him, tears streaming down my cheeks. Jacob turned to go, and I shouted, "Wait!" He halted, facing me with a questioning look. "I'm sorry, Jacob," I sobbed. "I didn't want to hurt you, I really didn't."
Jacob swept me into a bonebreaking hug, and I choked out, "Jake, you're suffocating me."
Jacob grinned momentarily, but then, with a somber look, he walked away, followed by Sam and the others.
Part 10
I watched them leave, willing myself to stay calm; this was my wedding, after all. Edward gently embraced me, as if I was something easily broken, and I leaned against him, inhaling his sweet scent. I could feel my panic beginning to subside somewhat as Edward held me close.
Part 11
The festivities passed slowly. How many people had Alice invited? It seemed never-ending, the constant barrage of congratulations and well-wishers. Little did these people know that they would, most likely, never see me again.
Part 12
It was nearing the end of the reception, and I was looking forward to finally being able to spend some time alone with Edward. We ran to Edward's silver Volvo, which Alice had decorated in honor of our wedding. Once inside the car, Edward and I waved out the window until everyone was out of sight. After a couple minutes' drive, we pulled up in front of the Cullens' house.
Part 13
"The rest of the family moved out for the week," Edward explained, "We have the house all to ourselves." Edward opened the door for me, and I stepped out of the car. No sooner had my feet touched the ground when Edward lifted me up into his arms and said, beaming, as he nudged the front door open with his foot, "So now, Mrs. Cullen, I believe I get to carry you over the threshold." I giggled, and Edward carried me up to his room.
Part 14
Edward placed me on one side of the ornate bed, and he lay down on the other side. I shivered.
Edward looked at me with concern and inquired, "Are you cold?"
"Nope. I'm fine." I didn't want him to move away from me. I'd rather be cold. I leaned forward to kiss Edward, but for some reason, he pulled away.
Part 15
"Bella, there's something I have to tell you." His face was serious. "I don't think I can hold up on my end of the bargain we made, at least not tonight."
"Why?" I asked.
"Today has been one of the best days of my life," Edward said, "If I were to," he paused, "hold up my end of our bargain tonight, I might lose myself in the moment and crush you. That is a danger on a regular day, but on a day such as this, the danger is even greater. How about tomorrow instead?" He pulled out his flawless crooked smile that I could not resist.
"Fine." I pouted, feeling especially childish.
"Good." Edward kissed me on my forehead, then on my lips. As usual, I did not control myself, and Edward broke off. "Seriously, Bella. You have no sense of self-preservation."
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
He kissed me and held me to his chest, and I fell asleep in his arms.
