A/N: Hello! Glad to see there are still some people enjoying this story. I apologize for this chapter being short, but I think it's effective enough.
I couldn't believe I made it to this day. After everything, this day had arrived.
My wedding day.
I sat in the room and looked at myself in the mirror. I was absolutely glowing. And I knew why. It wasn't because I was a bride; it was because Jasper was the groom.
I can't believe we made it here after all we've been through. I hope he understands now that I love him and always will.
My right index finger touched the ring on my left hand and I looked down at it. He insisted on buying me an engagement ring even though I proposed to him this last time. I went with him to pick it out and chose something similar to the first one he presented me with.
I was such a fool then.
I shook my head at that thought. I thought I knew what I wanted; thought I wanted my freedom more than I wanted him. That wasn't the case. I was miserable during our time away from one another.
December will always be memorable for us.
That was true. Not only did I break his heart on New Year's Eve, but I also agreed to marry him on New Year's Eve. It seemed odd, being here on the eve of a holiday and getting ready to exchange our vows. But for us, it was right. And while people may criticize and not understand why we chose this date, it is our wedding and our special day.
"What could be better than marrying the man I love on the most important day of the year?" I asked myself.
I smoothed out the slip that I was wearing and then adjusted my pantyhose. I hated wearing those, but thought that today was so important that I would go through hell to make it special.
And it already was. I woke up to snow covering the ground, blanketing everything in honor of my wedding. It wasn't enough to hinder driving, but it was enough to make everything a beautiful white canvas. It was as though Heaven itself wanted nothing to go wrong today.
My phone beeped with a new text message. I reached for it just as my sister-in-law Bella walked into the room. It only made sense that she would be my matron of honor since she was so supportive of me getting back with Jazz.
She screamed through the phone when I first told her. "Alice, I am so happy for you!" she shouted. I laughed and then heard her join in. "You must let me congratulate you. I know how much you loved and missed him and I am so happy you two are back together!"
I laughed again. "Thanks, Bella."
"Is Jazz still as hot as ever?"
That led to a conversation best not worth repeating.
I opened my phone and stared at the text message, not understanding it.
"What's wrong?" Bella asked, coming to my side.
"Nothing," I said, showing her the text. "Edward just said that Jasper hasn't arrived yet."
Bella shrugged. "We are extra early." She picked up the silver-plated brush lying on the vanity table and began brushing my hair. "Men have it easier than we do; they don't need to be here as early."
"That's true." I knew Bella would have some nugget of wisdom. I smiled at her in the mirror and began to apply my makeup carefully.
One smudge and I'll be a wreck.
Bella was right; we had arrived at the church two hours before we were required to, a full three hours before the wedding. I was so excited to get here that I didn't realize how early we had been. I should have figured that Jasper wouldn't be here yet.
It takes him about ten minutes to get ready. He's probably just getting into his car now.
"Did you finish your vows?"
I nodded. "Yes, about two nights ago. Jasper was really on it; he finished his the day after we agreed to get married." I brought the mascara wand to my eye and began lathering it on. "Honestly, I think he had them written the first time."
Bella laughed. "Knowing Jasper, probably."
The rest of my bridal party arrived and began getting ready. I had chosen navy blue and burgundy for my colors as they were dark and worked for winter. My dress had a fur trim and flared out at the hip.
The room was noisy as everyone dressed. Not only was there talking, but the radio was playing. I hated dressing in complete silence so they brought in music. I thought it added to the excitement of the day.
I watched as Bella zipped up her dress. She never thought herself beautiful, but she truly was. Edward had fallen for her the moment he saw her. Her long brown hair was swept into an up do and she hooked a pearl necklace together. That is what made her stand out from the rest of the bridal party; she was the only one wearing pearls.
"So Alice," Angela Webber asked at one point, "are you ready for the wedding night?"
Everyone giggled and I blushed. "Yes."
Bella took notice of that. "Looks like someone's been thinking about it already."
I threw a tissue at her. "Jazz said that he had something planned for tonight, but refused to tell me what it was. The only thing I could get out of him was 'whipped cream.'"
The girls screamed as our thoughts shifted to the bachelorette party. That was definitely a learning experience! I had no idea that Bella was so versed in sex and preferred not to know what she did with my brother.
"Fair enough," she said with a laugh.
Overall, the party went great. I wasn't looking to get drunk and they respected that. We actually spent it indoors, ordering pizza and watching movies. And of course, a stripper showed up, courtesy of Angela.
I told all of the girls what happened at Jasper's office regarding Victoria. Kate, a girl at the party, spoke up.
"I know her," she said, taking another slice of pizza. "She tried hitting on my brother at this bar a month or so ago. He said she looked really trashy; wore way too much makeup and way too short a skirt. She also didn't stop when he told her he was gay."
We all laughed at that.
Great night.
"Earth to Alice?" Bella waved her hand in front of my face. I snapped out of my memory. Everyone was looking at me.
"I was wondering if you wanted help." She was holding my wedding dress out towards me. I nodded and got up from the vanity, glancing at the clock.
"Wow, I can't believe all that time has gone by. I have a half hour before walking down the aisle!" I stood in front of Bella as she and the other girls helped me into my dress.
Since I hadn't heard anything else from Edward, I figured everything was cool. He tends to overreact to things. Bella once got a paper cut and he thought it was the end of the world. But that overreaction also made him a great brother.
Once I was finished being poked and prodded, I stood in front of the full-length mirror and examined myself. I couldn't believe how much I had changed. Less than one year ago I was miserable, going through the motions but not really living. I had made a huge mistake and couldn't forgive myself for it.
"Forgive yourself, Alice. I have."
Jasper said that to me once after we got back together. I was lying in bed with him and I was feeling guilty about what happened. He was so sweet and caring. He stroked my cheek as he said those words and placed a gentle kiss upon my lips. I was so lucky to have him.
Finally, it was time to start. The girls squealed and excitedly left the room, taking their places in the procession. Bella remained behind with me to help with last-minute adjustments.
The minutes ticked by and Edward didn't come to get me. At ten minutes past the start time I asked Bella to find Edward and ask what was going on. She smiled and left the room quietly.
I hope everything is okay.
Five more agonizing minutes passed before Edward came into the room. I was about to ask what the hell was going on when I noticed his face.
"Edward, what's wrong?" I crossed to him and placed my hand on his arm.
He sighed and looked down, not wanting to tell me. I squeezed his arm tighter.
"Edward?"
Finally, he made eye contact. When he spoke, his voice was low. I knew that tone. It meant he was furious.
"Jasper isn't here. No one has been able to get a hold of him."
I chuckled, thinking it was a joke. "What are you talking about?"
Edward placed my hand in his and squeezed lightly. His eyes were ablaze with anger.
"He's gone, Alice."
A/N: Uh-oh.
I have chapter 8 written, hope to have it up soon so you don't wait too long. Thanks for reading, as always.
