A/N: First of all, thank you to all who reviewed, favorited this story, or added it to their alerts. I really appreciate it. I think I replied to everyone, but there were one or two that I couldn't get in touch with because their messaging thing was disabled. Anyway, I'm going to keep going with this one. It was originally supposed to be a one-shot, but I couldn't leave it unresolved. Read and review! Hope you enjoy!

We're all the same/And love is blind

The sun is gone/Before it shines

And if the answer is no/Can I change your mind?

-The Killers, "Change Your Mind"

JPOV

Operation "Make Bella See Reason" is in full swing when you receive a phone call from a most unexpected source, Cullen's sister. Blondie, not the crazy short one.

Rosalie tells you (Blondie gives commands, she doesn't ask) that you are to accompany Bella to Seattle for a whirlwind of last minute wedding activities, including the final wedding cake tasting and a frightfully long list of decorations to pick up, courtesy of Alice.

The Pixie seems to want Bella out of the way so she won't sneak a peek at the wedding dress.

Seriously?

You know Bella could care less about the damn dress.

But, Rosalie reaching out to you; this is strange. You had rarely had any interaction with Blondie prior to the phone call, except being on the receiving end of her icy glares. But on the phone, she is strangely civil. If you didn't know any better, despite the fact that it is Alice ramrodding the trip idea, it seems to be Rosalie who insists on you going with Bella.

This suspicion is all but confirmed when Rosalie concludes the call with, "I'm pulling for you, mutt. Don't make me regret it." You decide at this moment, that even if this plan goes to hell completely, at least you will have one Cullen you won't want to tear apart when this is all over. You figure if there is one leech to have on your side, it's Rosalie.

The Leech isn't accompanying Bells, his sisters firmly insist that he is needed at Cullen house for wedding stuff; you chuckle darkly to yourself at the thought of Alice forcing Edward to help tie ribbons onto favor boxes. Oh, who are you kidding? He'd probably enjoy it, actually.

But really, it makes since that you go. It's not like Deadward eats cake; and there's nothing more depressing than a bride picking a cake by herself. You are clearly the man for the job.

Seattle doesn't necessitate an overnight trip, but Charlie suggests Bella get away for a few days to get her mind off of the wedding jitters. She's been so quiet lately, and paler than usual (even for her). She's at the breaking point; it's not quite but nearly comparable to when he left, and she can barely hold herself together.

The Cullens insist on funding the trip; but you stubbornly refuse. One thing that you and Bells have in common is the preference for simplicity. You don't think 5-star hotels or fancy restaurants will impress her in the least bit. Those kinds of comforts might appeal to Alice and Rosalie, but Bella has never been that type of girl.

Esme gently insists that you take some of the money, just in case—for emergencies or whatnot. You finally relent, mainly because Esme has a kind face (for a bloodsucker, of couse), and you agree mainly just to spare her from disappointment. But, you firmly insist to yourself, I'm taking the tent as well. This trip will be simple and spontaneous.

You figure that you and Bells can decide together while you're on the road where to stop for night, whether it is camping, a hotel room, or sleeping in the damn truck.

As long as she's with you.

Though you are hell-bent on preventing this freak show of a wedding at all costs, you can't deny that this presents a wonderful opportunity for you; a road trip where you will have Bella all to yourself.

Sure, the thought of being alone with Bells is tempting (Quil and Embry have never let you live down how many times you've laid in your bed fantasizing over her.. .stupid Pack Mind), but honestly, you just want to be able to talk to her again, to really be able to talk like you use to, warm sodas and the garage and all of that.

You figure that in putting some distance between she and the Leech on your makeshift road trip, she'll become Bells again.

And, if it doesn't work, if your efforts don't prevail, at least you'll have this last trip together.

Your goal is to at least make her smile, and maybe make her laugh if you are lucky.

You know you will preserve every moment in your mind.