Author's Note: This chapter was very difficult to write… but it was also very fun. There were a lot of blanks to fill in as Bella didn't see Edward until the ceremony and I hope that I've filled them well. Please let me know what you think about the latest installment.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything unfortunately, but have borrowed the lovely Stephanie Meyer's characters and story for this little endeavor. All dialog and storylines from Breaking Dawn belong to her and no copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 3: Big Day

Emmett had been intolerable on the ride back home to Forks. Even Carlisle, with his infinite patience for the less desirable personality traits of his adopted sons, looked as though he was ready to throw himself out the door of the jeep. Poor Jasper had to deal with a double dose of unpleasant emotions that were intensified by the close quarters. Emmett had spent the last 4 ½ hours of the trip home alternating between hurling insults and double entendres at me regarding my impending 'deflowering' as he had gleefully put it at one point, to taking it upon himself to provide the musical entertainment. I couldn't decide what was worse… hell it seemed, was being locked in a car with Emmett. I sighed in relief as the familiar woods surrounding Forks came into view. A sudden wave of anticipation came over me as the reality hit that it was only a matter of hours before I would take Bella as my wife. An uncontrollable smile broke out over my face as I thought about the vows I would soon be taking. I was euphoric and had it been possible, my heart would have been racing with joy.

Jasper also broke into a smile, unable to resist the flood of happy emotions that was emanating from me. Thanks Edward… I don't know how much more of that I could take.

We pulled into the 3 mile drive that led up to the house and I saw that Alice had already left her mark here. Adorning the trees lining the road were the lights from our graduation party and large white satin bows. I smelled the house long before I could actually see it. Alice must have really gone overboard on the flowers. It seemed that she had cleverly tried to recreate Bella's unique floral scent as much as possible. I had to hand it to her… she'd come pretty close. Even with the overwhelming array of scents that swirled around our home I could easily pick out the one I'd been waiting for. Bella's lovely scent stood out above all the rest. It pleased me that the venom didn't even react anymore to picking up her delectable aroma.

Your grinning like an idiot, you know that right? Emmett rolled his eyes at my expression as we parked in the garage.

"Funny, that's what I always think about you when you're around Rosalie," I shot back with a laugh.

Oh good, the boys are back. Edward, will you let Jasper know that he needs to go pick up Renee and Phil from their hotel after he's dressed? Oh, and can you, Emmett, and Carlisle join me outback?

Esme's thoughts were musical and overflowing with joy. I couldn't tell who was more excited between the two of us. I relayed Esme's requests to the rest and Jasper disappeared swiftly into the main house. I could barely believe my eyes as I approached the backyard.

The large trees surrounding our property kept the reception area safely shaded from the sun that had made an appearance today. Thousands of twinkling lights adorned the trees and a large white tent dominated the space. There were flowers and candles as far as the eye could see and among it all was Esme scurrying around making adjustments. The content on her face was obvious and I heard Carlisle chuckling and shaking his head slightly as he took in the spectacle.

"They went a little overboard, didn't they?" he commented affectionately.

"It is a little overwhelming, isn't it?" I responded, somewhat stunned.

Esme flitted to my side. She was practically glowing with happiness.

"Do you like it Edward? I know it's a little much, but I have a feeling that you two will only do this once and Alice and I wanted to make it special."

I drew her into a tight embrace trying to express the things I knew I wouldn't be able to put into words.

"It's perfect Mom. Thank you."

She beamed at me in response. I knew she loved it when we used that endearment for her.

"There are a few things left to do. The bows still need to be tied to the backs of the chairs and there are floral arrangements in the house that need to be set up," she said suddenly shifting into business mode. "It will go faster if you gentlemen wouldn't mind assisting me. We need to be done before the caterers arrive lest we have to go at human pace."

"Don't worry Esme… Edward is such a fairy, I'm sure he can handle the bows and flowers without a problem!" Emmett teased.

"Alright boys," Carlisle interrupted before I could respond with my own biting insult. "Let's not destroy all of Alice and Esme's hard work with a brawl."

We both laughed and set ourselves to work. Before long, the caterers showed up along with many of the guests. I also picked up the scent of the Denali clan when they arrived and had to chuckle at the curious thoughts emanating from all of them; Tanya in particular seemed anxious to see the human that had 'conquered' me.

After the details had been attended to, Esme shooed us inside to get ready. As I made my way to my room I smiled when I heard Alice's mental threats of dismemberment should I try and peak at Bella's appearance through another person's mind. I dressed slower than usual, carefully adjusting the lapels on my tuxedo and examining my reflection in the mirror. My hair was, as usual, completely unruly. I didn't mind too much though, Bella seemed to like it better that way. And due to the extensive hunting from last night my eyes were a deep gold and I knew that would please her as well. I thought I would start to feel nervous at this point, but I all I could feel was an overwhelming sense of peace. As though all the pieces were finally falling into place… the world, or my world at least, was starting to make sense.

"If you're done checking your reflection, Maryann… Carlisle is waiting for you to join us in his study," Emmett said interrupting my thoughts. I turned to see a wide grin on my brother's face.

"Give it a rest, Emmett," I laughed, lightly punching his shoulder. Not even his teasing could sour my mood. As we entered the study Carlisle turned to greet us. I never thought I'd see the day! He looks so happy… finally! You deserve this Edward, I've never been more proud to be your father.

I bowed my head as emotion swelled up in me at my father's thoughts. If I were still human, I'm sure my cheeks would have been scarlet red. I knew he thought of Bella as my well deserved reward; I could only hope that he was right about that.

"Come on, Emmett. We should probably take our places, I think we're going to be starting soon," Jasper said as he pulled Emmett towards the door sensing the atmosphere between Carlisle and myself. It feels like you two need a moment, I'll see you out there. Good luck brother. Emmett flashed me an enthusiastic smile and a thumbs up before exiting the room.

"Carlisle, you've always been far to kind in your assessment of me."

"And you've always been far too modest," he smiled back at me.

May I offer some advice son?

"Of course, you know I'll always welcome your guidance."

Carlisle drew himself up in front of me and straightened the front of my jacket before adjusting the white tie at my throat. He locked his golden eyes on mine as he placed his hands on my shoulders, holding me steady as he had done for the past 90 years.

"I'd like you to remember that you and Bella have overcome the impossible to reach this day. And I truly believe that you were made for each other, please don't doubt that you are good enough for her, Edward. She is your match… in every sense of the word. Enjoy this day and take it all in. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that I can finally see you happy and complete. You have made me prouder than any father has ever been of a son."

His words were my refuge of reassurance. If a being as great as Carlisle thought I was worthy of Bella's love and devotion, then surely I could be.

"Thank you, father," I could only whisper softly in reply. I hoped that he understood his confidence in me was a great source of my strength. He placed a hand on my cheek and smiled as if he understood what I could not say out loud.

My head cocked slightly to the side as I picked up on Alice's directed thoughts. Edward, it's time to take your place.

"Alice?" Carlisle asked knowingly. I nodded with a grin.

"Shall we then?" he said as he guided me through the door to the great room.

As we approached I took in the scenery around me. The rows of chairs were covered in white satin and dripping from almost every surface were freesias, roses, orange blossoms, and lilacs intricately arranged with fine gossamer fabric. Alice and Esme had transformed the house into a Victorian fantasy.

Rosalie sat at the piano and began to play Pachelbel's Canon. Even though she scarcely played, she was very talented in her own right. I started my walk down the isle and was so overcome with anticipation of seeing Bella I could barely make sense of the thoughts that were cascading from all the guests and my family. Carlisle walked beside me as my father and my best man. We took our places at the front of the room underneath an arch overflowing with white blossoms. I barely noticed the minister and could only focus my eyes on the stairs, waiting for my angel to descend.

The notes shifted into Wagner and my body tensed as the moment came closer and closer. Alice came into view smiling brightly and practically danced down the isle. She's beautiful, Edward! You can thank me later!

And then it felt as though time itself had stopped. She appeared at the base of the stairs, a vision of lace and satin. How could it be possible that such perfection existed in human form? And yet there she stood before me; a living breathing incarnation of the most brilliant angel to have ever been created. And she was mine, she'd chosen me.

An inviting blush spread over her cheeks as she looked around and then her eyes finally found mine. The sheer joy and happiness I felt, spread over my face in a wide smile. It took all my self control to restrain the urge to dash to her side and scoop her up in my arms. As Bella made her way to me and couldn't take my eyes from hers.

When she finally reached me, I solemnly extended my hand out to accept the gift that had been bestowed upon me. As Charlie placed her delicate hand in mine his single thought reverberated in my mind, Take care of her. And I intended to, with every fiber of my being.

My eyes stayed focused on hers as the minister began to speak. His words flowed over me as I took in the ethereal woman before me. In all my time of walking this earth I'd never known such feelings were possible. I'd waited a century for her and now she truly was mine. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears of joy and I thought my heart would swell through my chest at the sight. She knew that I was truly hers as well.

And then she spoke the words I'd ached to hear for so long.

"I do."

The minister turned to me to recite vows older than I, vows that would now guide my existence from this point on; vows that would superceed any laws of man or God. Knowing this I looked deep into Bella's open and trusting eyes and voiced my promise to her out loud for all to hear.

"I do."

We were pronounced to our family and friends as husband and wife. And with that pronouncement, I felt a peace and euphoria unlike anything I'd ever felt before… I was whole. I carefully cupped Bella's exquisite porcelain face in my hands and leaned down to seal my promise with our first kiss as husband and wife. She wrapped her arms enthusiastically anround my neck and pulled herself to me as close as she could. I pressed my lips to hers with all the love I possessed. The moment seemed to last an eternity and I could think of nothing but my angel's burning kiss.

Reality slowly crept back to me and I realized that we had been kissing longer than what was considered appropriate. Bella's very human response made me smile slightly through our kiss. My family's thoughts began to penetrate the bubble that had formed around us.

You might want to save that for the honeymoon, Edward.

Emmett could always be counted on for inappropriate jokes, but he was somewhat right. I gently and most reluctantly pulled Bella's face back from mine. Her dazed expression made me smile even more… I hoped I would always be able to dazzle her. The pieces of our world were at last, settled into their proper places.

Applause erupted from our guests and they all rushed to congratulate us. Their thoughts were a jumble of awe and happiness. And through the hugs, kisses, and well wishes…I could still only focus on one person, my beautiful Bella, my beautiful wife.

I hoped you enjoyed it. Please review... it encourages me to keep going!