Disclaimer: SM owns all of the main characters and the storyline is based upon her books in the Twilight Saga. This is simply fanfiction ladies and gents.

Chapter 1

For those who were capable of immortality, time left behind no true consequences, and a freedom from worry or fear was all that was left in its path. Nostalgia, however, was an eternal feeling, usually caused by a change in weather or a familiar scent that implored the mind to wander back to blissful memories. On such a beautiful summer evening, Bella found herself surrounded with a memory that was blurry, but resonated deep within her. The sweet scent of grass swirled in the breeze and fused with the smell of salt from the water. The sunset illuminated the island with an orange, reddish tint as shadows appeared among the brush and trees.

A faint memory passed through her mind and she recollected a time when she was a child, sitting in a hammock in the backyard reading a book while her mother ordered a pizza inside their quaint house in Phoenix. It was a summer evening, just like the one she was experiencing, and she could hear kids playing baseball and tag in the streets behind her. She was never one to play sports due to her lack of coordination and interest in more scholarly activities. Instead, she sat in the backyard reading Pride and Prejudice and enjoying the way the breeze cooled her damp skin. Arizona was known for its dry heat, but it was heat nonetheless in the summer, and the cool evening temperatures were always a welcomed change. The sweet smell of grass and orange glow on her skin marked another summer day coming to an end, but there was no sadness to be felt by the sun's departure. Instead, a wave of peace fluttered over her and her eyes focused on the small black print of her novel as she basked in the ambiance.

She could not remember much more from that moment in time since her human memory came in bits and pieces, but she remembered that feeling of calm and serenity. It brought back the feeling tenfold. Suddenly her senses detected a familiar presence and she smiled as his scent mingled with the grass and salty water. She giggled when his arms wrapped around her from behind to pull her securely to his chest and Edward's lips grazed her neck sensually. She looked over her shoulder at her mate and he looked even more breathtaking in the waning sunlight. His crooked grin made her yearn to be closer and his bronze hair seemed to glow in the setting sun. His golden eyes peered into hers and she was lost in him, like she had become so many times before.

"What were you thinking about, love," he whispered as he leaned his forehead against hers and she shrugged with a serene smile.

"Just about when I was a kid."

"What do you remember?"

"Not much, but I remembered sitting in the backyard during the summertime and reading." He chuckled and laced their fingers together.

"Not much of an adventurer during your summers," he teased.

"After several hospital visits, I figured reading a book was the safest option."

"Oh I am sure. What brings you to this side of the island? If I did not know any better, I would say you were hiding." She giggled and peppered his jaw line with kisses.

"I am, so hide with me," she urged and he groaned.

"Alice would kill us. You know she is excited about the big event as she is calling it."

"So," shrugged Bella and Edward took a step away from his wife to gain composure.

"I do not need to get back on her list. Being on Alice's bad side is not my idea of fun."

"I cannot believe she is still holding a grudge. It was four years ago. You would think the pixie would be over it by now. You burned some shoes, who cares?" Before Edward could answer, Alice's scent and rapid, but tiny footsteps filled their ears as she raced toward them. She appeared in an instant with pouting lips.

"I care," answered Alice and Edward rolled his eyes at his sister. Bella followed suit and Alice glared at the two of them. Edward chuckled at her annoyance and kissed her cheek.

"Don't worry Alice. The wedding will go off without a hitch. We have both seen that," assured Edward and Alice scoffed.

"It better because this is the event of the decade….no wait the century!"

"Hey, what about our wedding," asked Bella and it was Alice's turn to roll her eyes.

"You two made that wedding so difficult on me. Bella, you were the worst! At least Tia enjoys being pampered and the amount of attention that she is going to get," informed Alice.

"She is just humoring you Ali….."

"Do not ruin my fun Edward Cullen! Now you two come back to the house. I am happy to see you both dressed and ready for the wedding. At least you were kind enough to do that since I have to do virtually everything else around here."

"You are such a drama queen sometimes," mumbled Bella and Alice jutted her chin out.

"Takes one to know one," she countered.

"How old are you again? I thought vampires were supposed to be more mature than this," teased Bella and Alice nudged her as she looped their arms together. Bella shook her head, but appeased her sister by following her down the path leading to the house. Edward was right by their side and he could sense Bella's growing anxiety as they approached the mansion. Royal weddings could not compare to Alice's designs and she treated the wedding as if it were created for royalty indeed. The amount of décor was more for the guests in attendance than the couple and it took many nights of pleading and whining from Alice for Connell to go along with it. He wanted a small, simple wedding, but small and simple were not two words Alice understood. In her mind, it needed to be a wedding fit for a king and queen because the royalty of the vampire world would be in attendance.

Once he met Tia, Connell left the guard to settle down in Dublin, but his connections to the elites of the vampire world caused quite a stir when the wedding invitations were handed out. Marcus and Didyme made a personal phone call to Carlisle to let him know they would be in attendance along with Alexander, Lena, and several other guards when the wedding took place on Cullen Island. Tia's coven was more than happy to help with the preparations and Maggie was her maid of honor. Alice was in heaven the moment Maggie and Siobhan offered to help in any way they could and the wedding planning went from lavish to ostentatious within a few days. Connell was not excited about the extravagant affair, but Tia's beaming smile made it all worth it for him.

Burnet roses adorned the exterior of the house and the backyard, the golden yellow of the middles and white petals matching the green Irish silk perfectly. Guests filled the lawn and mingled as they waited for the festivities to begin and the last rays of sunlight shimmered off of their skin to add to the surreal scene. Bella slipped her hand into Edward's and he kissed the top of it sweetly as he pulled her toward the crowd.

"Even now you are still not a fan of crowds and attention," he chuckled and she shook her head.

"I will never become comfortable in such an environment. Then too, I will never get enough of seeing our beautiful baby girl dressed so elegantly," she whispered to him and he beamed with pride when he saw Renesmee's statuesque form standing happily beside her husband. Nahuel's smile matched hers as he made eye contact with his wife. They shared an intimate glance and she winked at him before kissing his cheek, which made his smile deepen.

"Beautiful, just like her mother," whispered Edward and Renesmee bit her lip nervously as she noticed her parents watching her.

"And just as self conscious," added Bella as she glided over to her daughter. They embraced and Bella kissed her cheek proudly.

"You look beautiful sweetie. Nahuel, you clean up well as usual," said Bella and Nahuel hugged his mother-in-law.

"Thanks mom. You look…" A loud crashing sound echoed through the air and all of the vampires turned toward the noise. Zach's booming laugh followed and Edward chuckled as he shook his head.

"Oh this is going to be good. I wonder who Alice will be more upset with," laughed Edward and Bella looked at him curiously.

"Zachary Carlisle McCarty Cullen," shouted Rosalie, but what followed shocked all in attendance, except for Edward.

"Jasper Whitlock, how could you," shrieked Alice and Bella's eyes widened. She raced to the side of the house with Edward, Renesmee, and Nahuel as the rest of the family began to gather around the commotion. Zach was rolling on the ground in laughter, inheriting his sense of humor from his father. Jasper looked disappointed and frustrated. Alice and Rosalie were glaring at the two of them and the others looked on in astonishment. Jasper was flat on his back with pieces of a wooden chair splintered all around him. Emmett's jaw dropped to the floor at the sight and Seth was laughing so hard he ended up choking on a cookie he was eating. Kaya gave him a firm pat on the back and he sputtered, coughed, and laughed in amusement. Carlisle tried to look concerned, but his smile betrayed him as Esme cleared her throat.

"What happened here," asked Esme, but before Jasper could defend his actions, his mate slapped his shoulder.

"I told you! You cannot sneak up on him and you cannot defeat him! What part of that do you not understand? Did you think I was not telling you the truth? I mean really Jasper and now of all times," scolded Alice and Jasper dusted himself off as he stood up.

"I thought I would have the element of surprise," he explained. Zach flipped to his feet and gave the deep dimpled grin that mimicked his father's.

"Told you Uncle Jasper, there is no way you can beat me! I am invincible," he gloated and began to laugh rambunctiously until he received a swift slap to the back of his head from his mother. He flinched and rubbed the spot as Rosalie quirked an eyebrow at him.

"You are not invincible and you two will stop this game immediately! Jasper, I love you, but if you attack my son one more time, things are going to get ugly." Jasper pushed out his bottom lip.

"But Rose….."

"I mean it," she warned with a finger pointing at him sternly. "You two have been at this for two months. My goodness! When it is not Zach and Seth, it is Zach and Emmett or Zach and Nahuel. Now I have to add you to the list?" Edward grinned from ear to ear.

"I think I could take you Zach. My mind reading ability might…"

"Don't you start too Edward! Jasper, you cannot defeat him in battle and it is very hard to discipline Zach for using his powers when the four of you keep encouraging him to do so," scolded Rosalie and Jasper sent a wave of calm her way. He put on his best southern gentleman smile and carefully wrapped an arm around his sister.

"My apologies ma'am, I should know better than to let a little horsin' around get so out of control. You know I would never hurt my lil' nephew darlin' right," he drawled and she smirked before looking at Alice.

"Does this deep in the heart of Texas crap really work on you," asked Rosalie and Alice sighed dreamily as she slipped her hand into her mate's.

"Yep. My Jazzy knows how to woo a woman," she cooed, but then slapped his shoulder again. "But no calling her darlin', that is reserved for me only!"

"Sorry darlin'," he drawled into Alice's ear and she giggled as she melted into him. Bella rolled her eyes.

"You sure do know how to lay it on thick don't you Jazz," giggled Bella and he winked at her.

"It's not my first rodeo," he informed and Emmett clapped him on the back.

"Man Jazz, how many times are you going to get your butt kicked by my boy before you realize you are no match," asked Emmett and Jasper puffed out his chest as he spoke.

"I will have you know that I have taken down many a vampire in my time. He does have a weakness. I just have to find it. I thought maybe if he did not see me coming, his power would not work as well. I made the assumption that he needed his target locked in his eyes and his hands free, but I guess he is more powerful than I thought." Zach flexed his arms as he pretended to stretch. Even through his red dress shirt, his muscles bulged.

"Yea well you know what they say about assuming," he taunted and received another smack in the back of the head from his mother. He rubbed the spot again and Emmett snickered.

"Better you than me son," he mumbled as Rosalie shook her head at both of them. Seth sighed in relief as he looked at the broken chair on the lawn.

"Wow, this is kind of nice you know? Me not being the one that is in trouble with Zach, I kind of like this feeling," mused Seth and Kaya stroked his hair with a smile.

"Enough to not get into so much trouble with him anymore," she asked and he scoffed.

"Now let's not get hysterical or anything, I'm just saying it is nice this one time." Esme giggled at her children.

"What are we going to do with all of you? The wedding is about to start and you cannot stay out of trouble long enough to get through it. Now, all of you straighten up, be on your best manners, and if we have any incidences like we did at the last wedding, there will be repercussions, understand," asked Esme with a stern look and everyone nodded, including Carlisle. Her expression softened and she smiled adoringly at them before pointing at the broken chair.

"Now clean this up," she instructed and Jasper began cleaning up the pieces of chair. Zach chuckled at his uncle, but his mother's frown made him jump to attention as well. Within three seconds, the mess was cleared and the lawn looked as if nothing occurred between them. Esme giggled and shook her head as she glided back toward their guests with an arm hooked around Carlisle's. They approached the couple they were mingling with before the commotion occurred and sighed.

"Kids, what can you do? No matter how old they get, they are still a handful," explained Carlisle and Marcus laughed along with Didyme.

"Oh I am sure. I have heard the stories and I must admit Carlisle that running a multitude of guards with varying talents is nothing compared to the trouble your family gets into. I do not know how you do it on a daily basis," said Marcus and Esme smiled.

"We would not trade them for the world," added Esme and Jasper's chuckle alerted them of his presence as he approached.

"Well it is good to know we are not too much of a nuisance. Pardon my interruption, but it seems your power is drawing me to you. It is much more powerful than anything I have felt ma'am," explained Jasper as he bowed to Didyme. She waved him off with a kind smile.

"You are being modest. My aura is nothing compared to the emotions you can influence. It is a pleasure to formally meet you Jasper. Your wife is an amazing decorator," said Didyme and Alice appeared in front of her with a beaming smile.

"Thank you! Oh wow…..you are powerful. I could feel the happiness from across the lawn. No wonder my Jazzy is so enamored by it," explained Alice and Marcus looked at Jasper curiously.

"Is it stronger for you," asked Marcus and Jasper nodded as he closed his eyes.

"It is like a natural high, a euphoria that I have never felt before. I have felt happiness, even ecstasy before, but never at such a concentrated level. I can actually feel her aura circling around her. It emanates off her in such a controlled form that it is fascinating. I believe she is able to spread it amongst others with ease, but without truly realizing she is doing it," informed Jasper and Didyme nodded.

"It is not something I control consciously. It is such a natural part of me that I do not realize what is happening until people begin to gravitate toward me." Marcus grinned adoringly at his mate.

"You are a remarkable woman. I always knew that and I vowed to never let you forget it when I was blessed with you again. Your rule is strong as a queen, but your heart is what keeps our followers loyal, and my heart forever immersed with yours," whispered Marcus as he gazed into his wife's eyes. Alice giggled as Jasper passionately captured her lips in his and scooped her into his arms. Marcus and Didyme were amused by the sudden display of affection, but Carlisle cleared his throat as his children began to devour each other's lips.

"Get a room," called Emmett from across the lawn as Edward scrunched up his nose in disgust and Rosalie and Bella giggled like schoolgirls at the display. Kaya covered Zach's eyes while Seth gawked at Alice and Jasper's groping of each other.

"Alice," whispered Esme as she tried to pull the two of them apart and Alice stumbled backward from the waves of lust and desire coming from her mate. She blinked several times to clear her mind and fixed her lipstick.

"Um….I think Jasper and Didyme should sit on opposite sides. The two of them being this close is not the best uh…um….scenario," suggested Alice and Jasper pulled his mate back to him, causing her to squeal in delight.

"What do you mean? I have never felt better," he purred and she nodded.

"I see that, but that is the problem. You're intercepting her happy vibes a bit too much Jazzy. As fun as this is, I doubt our parents would like for the vision I saw in my mind to come true."

"You had a vision of us," he asked with a blissful smile and Edward cringed at the thought. Bella quickly shielded his mind, much to his relief.

"Yes and I do not think that our family would appreciate us putting on that kind of show in front of our guests. Come on Jazzy let's get you some distance from Didyme. It was a pleasure seeing you two," said Alice and Jasper grinned lazily.

"Definitely a pleasure," he agreed and Didyme and Marcus laughed. Alice pulled Jasper away and Esme smiled sheepishly.

"We apologize for….."

"No worries Esme, they are not the first couple to act so blissfully in my presence. Though I will admit it has never been to that extent," assured Didyme and Carlisle chuckled.

"Yes well, like we said, kids," he stated and the four of them laughed.

Several minutes later, Alice had Jasper calmed down and composed enough to continue with her mental checklist for the ceremony. The guests had all arrived, the Denali coven were the last to arrive which Alice made sure to let them know about at once, and the ambiance was set. There was only one problem, the groom was missing. Benjamin and Tia were waiting inside for the music to begin and Alice marched in with a look of fury spread across her pixie-like features.

"Your future husband is so dead! How dare he think he can show up whenever he wants to his wedding, blinking in and out all the time like he owns the place and….." Alice began to ramble and Tia eyed her suspiciously as Benjamin chuckled.

"Don't worry about Alice. This is normal for her," whispered Benjamin and Tia slowly nodded as the tiny woman paced back and forth. Tia stepped in front of her with a comforting smile.

"He will be here Alice. Connell loses track of time. His power makes it easy for him to come and go as he pleases, so he forgets about looking at a clock sometimes."

"Oh do not make excuses for that mate of yours. After all I have done for him. After all the time and energy and…..damn it Connell," she shrieked as Connell appeared out of thin air with a wide grin. Tia giggled as Alice held her chest.

"How the hell can you get used to him sneaking up on you like that? No one sneaks up on me Connell, ever," informed Alice and Connell shrugged.

"Actually little one, I believe I just did and I can usually make you look like a muppet. I figured out why too. You see, your talents depend on me making a decision, but since I can blink in and out as I please, my decisions are made before you can even get that glazed over look you do so well….you know the one that makes you look like a lush….."

"Connell, we do not have time for this! People are waiting. It is a wedding. You should know to be on time," scolded Alice and he scoffed.

"It is my wedding so I can do what I want. Besides, I need a minute with my mate if you don't mind." He slipped his hand into Tia's, but Alice stepped between them.

"Oh no, you can give that to her out there. That is kind of the point. Benjamin, help me out please," whined Alice, but Benjamin was too confused to say anything. Connell rolled his eyes.

"Stop trying to Molly coddle everyone and let me have a moment with my mate you little leprechaun." Alice gasped.

"I told you never to call me…." Before she could finish, Connell disappeared with Tia in his arms. Alice stomped her foot and Benjamin could not control his laughter as Alice pouted.

Tia blinked several times as she looked around her surroundings. She was still in Connell's arms, but they were not in the Cullen house. In fact, they were not even on the island anymore. Instead, they were on the Eastern shore of Ireland, and she giggled as she looked down at her white dress, heels, and the sand below her feet.

"Alice is going to kill you." He picked her up into his arms as he chuckled.

"I'm not going to let you get dirty mo ghrá. Don't let the wee leprechaun know, but I love this dress on you. Irish silk has never found a better home than on your body. I look forward to taking it off later." She kissed him tenderly, but he pulled away with a quick shake of his head.

"Alice will kill me if I do what I want to do with you right now. I just wanted to give you something before we share such a private moment, like our vows should be, with the entire Volturi clan and our other guests." She looked at him curiously and he pulled an antique locket from his suit jacket. It was a silver locket with an Irish rose carved into it. Tia opened it and smiled when she saw the engraved writing on the inside.

"D'fhéadfadh a bheith do ghrá shíoraí. May your love be eternal. Connell, it is beautiful. Where did you get this?"

"It was my mother's. It is the only thing I have of hers and now it is yours."

"I can't….."

"Of course you can. It is meant to be worn elegantly, so it might as well be around that beautiful neck of yours where it can be nice and safe. Besides, you and I are going to be together forever so it is not like I am letting it go." She hugged him and sighed happily.

"Thank you. It is beautiful my love. The significance of this setting is not lost on me either," she said with a serene smile and he chuckled as he looked around.

"This is where we shared many of our firsts. I knew the moment I saw you that you were my mate, but it wasn't until we left the reception and I brought you here that I knew this is what I wanted forever. I don't want the guard or the battles anymore. I want you and our life together, so how about we put the leprechaun out of her misery and go get married?" She giggled and nodded.

"I think that would be best," she agreed and within a blink they were back in the Cullen house beside Benjamin, who jumped at their sudden reappearance.

"So nice of you two to join us, are you ready," asked Benjamin and Connell winked at his mate one more time before disappearing again. She nodded and wrapped her arm around Benjamin's.

"Yes, I think I am. Are you ready to walk me down the aisle?"

"I don't know. You sure this guy is good enough for you," he teased and she giggled.

"You tell me. You are the one that fixed us up."

"Well I figured it was the least I could do. You have always been there for me. The least I could do was make sure someone was always there for you as well. I love you Tia. I am so happy for you."

"I love you too and you were right. When you find your mate, the feeling is not something you can explain. You just know it is right and real." He kissed her cheek and she beamed with happiness as he walked her down the aisle. Liam, Siobhan, and Maggie were in the front row, smiling from ear to ear. They were so happy for Tia and knew that she had been waiting for her true mate for a long time. Alexander was Connell's best man and he winked at Connell as Tia made her way down the aisle to him. Lena sat beside Marcus and Didyme and the happiness radiating off of Didyme touched everyone in the room. Jasper was in bliss and Alice snuggled up close to her mate as Carlisle performed his duty as minister over the ceremony.

The reception was lively and everyone was more than happy to dance and mingle. Didyme's aura of happiness carried over the dance floor and everyone on it was in high spirits. Rosalie was blissful, but still cautious as she danced with her husband and kept an eye on Maggie, who was dancing with Zach. She thought the woman was too willing to engage with Zach as she spun around the dance floor with him. Bella giggled when she saw Rosalie's glare at Maggie and Edward smiled sympathetically at his sister.

"Poor Rose, I definitely do not miss those days," said Edward and Bella frowned in confusion.

"What days?"

"The days of worrying about Renesmee, especially when she was younger and Jacob was waiting on her to mature enough to date him, it was so unnerving to think about her growing up and not being our little girl anymore."

"She is still our little girl Edward," assured Bella as she smiled at her daughter. Renesmee smiled at them before giggling as Nahuel dipped her. A sense of serenity washed over Bella in that moment as she was surrounded by her family and friends, able to let loose and just enjoy their lives together. She rested her head on Edward's chest and closed her eyes as she reveled in the moment. Time passed so quickly for vampires, but she wanted to savor the moment as much as she could.

However, it did not last long for her or any of the Cullens. It seemed to happen in an instant. Alice gasped, her eyes glazed over as she became lost in a vision, and Edward stiffened in Bella's arms. She looked up into his eyes and they were wide with shock. Soon they drooped with sadness and she gulped, knowing that their happiness was about to be abruptly interrupted.

"Edward, what is it," she asked as Jasper whispered the same question to his wife. Alice and Edward's eyes locked and he gave a curt nod, causing Alice to snap into action. She disappeared into the house with Jasper right behind her and Edward tried to smile reassuringly at his mate.

"We have to get to Forks. Billy Black is dead," he whispered somberly. With those words, all of the happiness seeped out of her body and reality crashed over her.