Prologue: *August 13th*
"Deep Breaths Bella…" Charlie murmured at my side as he led me down the aisle. I tried in vain to follow his advice, focusing instead on Edwards face as he stood next to Emmet underneath the canopy of wild roses and jasmine. Edward smiled at me and I felt my heart skip a beat. Jasper reached out and brushed my shoulder as I passed, sending an instant wave of calm over me. I suddenly wished Edward and I had eloped. I hated being the center of attention, even if it is my wedding day. Within moments Charlie released my hand and placed it in Edwards. Charlie smiled at me and took his seat next to my mother. As I nervously scanned the crowd of joyful faces I felt a deep ache in my chest at the sight of the empty seat next to Seth. As much as Jacobs's refusal to stand with me in my wedding had stung, the absence of his presence at all left a gaping hole in my heart. I quickly averted my eyes and gave Edward a watery smile. "I will not cry…" I thought desperately as I struggled to breathe. "Do you Isabella Swan; take Edward Cullen to be your lawfully wedded husband as long as you both shall live?" I vaguely heard the priest asking me the question that would unite us as husband and wife. Surely my eyes were playing tricks on me? "Jacob?" I screamed silently in my mind. I would have sworn on my life that I saw a giant russet wolf hiding among the trees just behind Edward. I blinked rapidly to clear my vision and when I opened my eyes there was nothing there. "Bella…are you okay?" Alice whispered into my ear. I nodded and gave Edward an apologetic smile. The priest repeated his earlier statement and this time I answered. "I do" Edward and I exchanged rings and before I knew it we were making our way down the aisle in a flurry of petals.
The reception seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye. Edward and I were so wrapped up in each other that I barely registered the faces of everyone around me. "Bella… it's time to change and get ready to go to the airport." Alice said as she tugged me away from Edwards's arms. I giggled at the look of anger on his face as she led me towards the house. "Alice… please I need a minute" I mumbled as I pulled away from her insistent grasp and made my way to the tree line at the edge of the yard. My heel suddenly became tangled in my gown and I stumbled forward colliding with the trunk of a nearby tree. The fabric on the front of my dress ripped a little as it brushed against the roughness of the bark. "D*mn it, Alice is definitely going to kill me." I cursed out loud as I tried to reach down and take off the annoying shoes. Once I was free of the death traps I threw them as far as I could into the trees thankful to be rid of them. "Ouch, sh*t, what the h*ll?" I stood frozen to the spot as I saw Jacob emerge between the trees holding my shoe in his hand. "Bells, I know we didn't part on the best of terms, but I don't think I deserve having spiked heels thrown at my head." I couldn't help but break out into a huge smile at the sight of him. He was completely healed and looked better than ever. "Jake…" I whispered as I ran into his arms. I sighed in contentment as I breathed in his familiar scent. "You came…" I murmured as I pulled away to search his face keeping my arms around his waist. He smiled but I noticed that it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You look beautiful Bells, even if your dress is torn. " I blushed and fingered the delicate fabric; suddenly shy after months apart. "Why did you hide Jake? You're my best friend and I wanted so much for you to be here." I frowned as Jacob released me and stepped back, his face hidden in the shadow of the leaves. "You know the answer already Bells, please don't make me say it." I wanted desperately to see his face to gauge his emotions. "Bella, where are you?" I moved deeper into the trees as Alice searched for me. "You'd better go back to your bloodsu…husband." Jacob spat the last word like it was the most revolting thing in the world. He turned to go and I found myself reaching out to him. "Jake…" I whispered. He turned and quickly swept me into his arms. "My sweet Bella...I hate myself more everyday for failing you. I told myself I should stay away and leave you to the life you have chosen. But the pull I feel for you is so strong…even now. Please know that I'll always love you…even after your heart stops beating." He laid a gentle kiss against my forehead and released me. "Goodbye Bells…" And then he was gone. "Bella there you are! What in the world are you doing and why is your…? Alice's words ended abruptly as she wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Bella, do I smell Jacob?" Alice's eyes searched my face looking for answers. I was thankful for the cover of the trees, even though I knew her vampire sight was perfect. I could only nod as I felt a few tears finally slip free. "Alice, please hide your thoughts from Edward. I don't think I can handle his wrath right now. Jake was just…saying goodbye." I finished as I stared at the spot where he had been moments ago. She nodded as if she sensed my unease and quickly led me to the house so that I could remove the smell of Jacob from my hair and clothing before Edward could find out. As I stood beneath the spray of the shower I allowed myself to absorb the true meaning of Jacob's words. He was telling me in his own way that he was letting me go. And that he would mourn for me when I finally fade from this world to join Edward in eternity. Even though I had yet to embrace the darkness, I felt the absolute emptiness inside of me without my personal sun.
