A/N: This story idea occurred to me the other day and I just went with it. I'm still in the process of figuring things out but I thought I'd post it up to see what people thought. Comments would make my day.

Disclaimer: All affiliated characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

PREFACE

As I walked down the aisle, many thoughts occurred to me simultaneously. Thoughts that I had not realized until this very moment, the moment that would bind my life forever to another.

"Bella? Bella, what's wrong?" A quiet, anxious voice pulled me out of my epiphany. I blinked and looked around. I hadn't realized that I had stopped walking, standing in the middle of the aisle. My eyes focused on the voice, Charlie. His eyes searched mine for an explanation as to why I just stood here, petrified. When I didn't answer he lightly shook me. My arm fell limp to my side, his hands were now placed on my shoulders.

"I-I…" I tried to speak but all that came out were fragmented pieces of words.

"Breath Bella, breath. What's wrong? Are you okay?" I did as I was told and attempted to speak again, this time succeeding.

"I'm fine dad. I just…zoned out, sorry." I finished lamely. Charlie looked at me disapprovingly, instantly I knew he didn't believe me. I had never been a good liar and now was no exception. My eyes wandered around, taking in my surroundings. I saw the beautiful arrangement of flowers that adorned the outside of the pews, the ancient wood architecture of the church, the sparkling chandelier above and finally…him.

He was looking at me, smiling. Even from here I could see the twinkle in his eyes, I could feel the happiness radiating from him. Then he did what I least expected, he extended his hand out to me. Offering me everything that I dreamed of, except one thing. A feeling of dread came over me and I had to look away.

"You don't have to do this Bella." I looked up, startled. Charlie had noticed.

"But I have to, Dad." I whispered.

"No, you don't. For once Bella, make yourself happy and not others. Is this what you really want?" The emotions that flickered past Charlie's face knocked the wind out me. I grabbed onto his arm for support. I swallowed the lump in my throat. My head was spinning; my father's unexpected caring words, the sudden revelations that I had made and the dread that I was feeling, all came crashing down on me. Was I making the right choice? Is this what I really wanted? Why were these thoughts just occurring to me? Was I really in love with the man waiting for me at the altar?

I looked back up to Charlie and blinked away the tears that were threatening to fall. I had to follow through, I had made a promise and I was going to keep it.

"Yes dad, this is what I want." My voice held a conviction that surprised not only Charlie but me as well. I wrapped my right arm around Charlie's left arm, brought the bouquet back up, and started to walk again. As I walked the remaining path to the altar, I looked straight ahead. The last thing I wanted to see was the expression on the guests face, they probably thought I belonged in a mental institution. I then felt the veil being pulled back, Charlie whispering something to my soon-to-be-husband and handing my hand over to him. Charlie had to practically yank my hand from his arm, he handed my hand over hesitantly. Just before he let my hand go, Charlie glanced at me. In that one glance, I knew he was asking me if was picking the right man to marry. I merely nodded at him and turned to see the man that I was to begin my life with. His smile was beaming, the twinkle in his eye blinding me and his hand holding mine protectively. As I looked at our intertwined hands, I couldn't help but imagine him instead. I closed my eyes and imagined his eyes, his smile and his hand. I felt a tear trickle down my face but as soon as it fell, a finger gently rubbed it away. I opened my eyes and to my disappointment, saw blue eyes staring down at me. I heard a cough and looked toward the priest

"Are we ready to begin?" I nodded my head quickly. I just wanted to get this over with. The priest began his speech. I knew I should of paid attention since it was the most important day of my life but I couldn't get his face out of my head. Unconsciously, I drowned out the priest's voice and replaced it with his voice. I thought back to our conversations, our time spent together, the way our laughter filled the room, how my hand fit perfectly in his. A smile began to form on my lips as I was pulled back to reality.

"If anyone objects to this holy matrimony speak now or forever hold your peace." The priest's words fell from his mouth, circled around the church, and landed in my ear. This was my chance, I could still back out. I still had a chance to go back to him. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. I forced the words to leave my mouth, but they stayed inside, trapped. I closed my eyes, defeated. Tears began to fill my eyes, my breathing became staggered and I gripped onto the bouquet as if my life depended on it. Then, I heard the voice of my savior.

"I object!"