Disclaimer: sigh I so-oo do not own any of these characters, except Meghan. They belong to Steph Meyer.
Chapter 10 - Until Eternity
I'd been ordered to Alice's room so I was making my way up there when I ran into Tanya laughing softly as she descended from the third floor. Edward's floor. "Oh, Bella," her smile faltered. "I was just congratulating Edward," she said stiffly. "Thank you so much for inviting us down here. We're all extremely fond of Edward, as you well know."
Jasper and Rosalie were suddenly behind me. He'd unleashed his powers sending out happy thoughts that left both Tanya and I smiling, despite our obvious animosity. We'd been tap dancing around each other for the last two days. If I wasn't near Edward she was glued to his side. I was feeling less than charitable towards her. Jasper had been a life saver, keeping me level headed.
Rosalie smiled sweetly at Tanya. "If you'll excuse us," she clasped my hand in hers and began tugging me up the steps past Tanya, "we really need to get her ready," she called over her shoulder.
--
I peeked out of Alice's window taking in the many mingling guest who were taking their seats in the Cullen's backyard. It was a twilight ceremony, so Alice had taken it upon herself to decorate every tree around the perimeter in sparkling butterfly and dragonfly lights. Every other chair was covered in what we referred to as Edward's blue while the rest were draped in silver with matching flower arrangements placed sporadically throughout. She even had an ornate archway built where we would exchange our vows. I shook my head. There was no point in being bothered by all the fanfare; it was just a part of being Alice's sister. I guess you just had to take the bad with the good.
I searched the crowd diligently for any sign of Jacobs's dark hair. Quil, Embry, Sam and their dates were already there talking to Charlie and Billy. Seeing Billy there without Jacob really made it hit home. He would not be here. Could I really blame him for not wanting to sit through my wedding to a vampire? Yeah, I really could. Even though I knew that I'd have trouble doing the same for him.
A gentle tap on the door brought me out of my sulking thoughts. "Come in," I called.
"Now, how do you know it's not Edward?" Renee's bubbly voice filled the room. "You know he's not supposed to see you before the wedding." She wrapped her delicate arms around me.
"He's already outside with Emmett." I motioned toward the window.
She stepped back holding out a minute package wrapped in blue paper with a silver bow. "What's this," I asked curiously. I hated surprises and presents, but the Cullens seemed to be having a bad effect on me; I found myself immensely enjoying all the gifts.
"An early wedding present," she smiled. "You know? Something old, something new, something barrowed, something blue? Well, this will take care of the old and blue, but you can keep it, so I can't help you with the barrowed part."
I threw the wrapping paper aside and carefully lifted off the lid. It was a navy and cream cameo on a pale blue velvet ribbon.
"It's been passed down to each new bride for three generations. Here, let me help you put it on. I already cleared it with Alice." She smirked as she lifted it out of the box. "She had a beautiful necklace picked out for you, but I really wanted you to wear this. I hope you don't mind." She fumbled behind my neck for a few seconds then said, "There, take a look in the mirror."
I walked hesitantly to the mirror. So far I'd avoided seeing myself in the dress. I took a deep breath then stepped in front of it. I was floored by my reflection. Alice had really outdone herself. My hair was curled and piled on my head with a few wisps of tendrils flowing free and my makeup - flawless. Not that there was any doubt in Alice's abilities. The dress was even more amazing on my body than the hanger, it fit my curves perfectly. The cameo at my neck seemed to bring the whole look together. I touched it lightly, marveling at how many women had worn it before me. Thinking the same thoughts as me.
Tears welled in my eyes as my mom's arms snaked around my waist. "None of that, now." She kissed me lightly on the cheek. "You'll ruin your makeup."
Alice danced in with Rosalie in tow. "Oh, you look perfectl," she shrieked. "Don't you agree, Rosalie?"
Rosalie smiled a bit hesitantly. We still weren't exactly what I'd call friends, but we were getting there. She shot a quick glance to Alice who smiled encouragingly. "I have something for you." She held her hand out to me.
The earrings were sapphires of the deepest blue. "Alice mentioned that you still needed something barrowed." She smiled sheepishly. "Emmett bought them for me for our first anniversary; I thought you might like to wear them today."
The tears that had been threatening to overtake me all day finally fell. "Rosalie, they are beautiful. Thank you." I hugged her tightly. "This means so much to me, more than you can imagine."
"Bella," Alice chastised. "You're undoing my masterpiece. Come here." She began the arduous take of repairing my makeup.
--
There was a gauzy blue curtain separating me from the backyard. Alice was fussing over Angela and Rosalie's dresses, making everything perfect when she went rigid. I noticed that Rosalie also looked tense. Alice grabbed both Angela and Rosalie and went back inside, leaving me standing there by myself. What the heck had that been about? I chanced another glance through the curtain taking in Edwards's godly form when a hand brushed my shoulder tentatively.
I turned and my mouth gaped open. For a full minute I did nothing but stare. "What? I was invited, remember?" His deep voice rumbled over me indignantly.
"Jacob," I whispered, still unmoving. I'd dreamed about him so many nights and had finally convinced myself that I'd never see him again. And yet here he stood in all his glory, as amazing as the last time I saw him. Time had not made me less attracted to him.
He stood there with a ridiculous grin plastered on his face in his navy suit that looked scrumptious, but out of place, on his body. I knew he'd hate every second he was trapped in it. He hadn't even bothered with a tie.
I finally flung my arms around him not caring that it probably wasn't the best idea. "You came!" And I couldn't keep the giddiness out of my voice. I caught sight of Alice and Rosalie's perfect faces peeking out the window as I pulled reluctantly away from him.
He ran his gaze over every inch of me. "You look beautiful, Bella." There was a tightness around his eyes belying the smile he kept on his lips.
I ran my hands nervously down my dress. "Thanks." I could feel the blood wash over my face. I had no clue why his compliment made me react in such a manner.
Jacob pulled a small charm out of his jacket pocket. "Here. I didn't know what to by a future vamp," he snickered, some of the tension leaking away. It was a silver B to add to the charm bracelet that he'd given me earlier.
I held out my wrist for him to help me get it on. Alice had been most put out when I'd refused to take it off for the ceremony, but seeing as it was the only thing I'd insisted on- I'd won that round. "Thanks, Jacob, it's beautiful." I chuckled. "And now I have my something new."
He winked at me. "Glad you like it." We seemed to have stepped back in time for a brief moment. A time before we knew that werewolves were real and Edward was still gone.
"Jacob," an unfamiliar voice called. He tensed immediately and glanced at me uncertainly, the moment lost. "I hope you don't mind, but I brought someone with me." His expression was almost comical. He looked stuck between beaming and mourning.
Realization hit me. "You imprinted?" I asked flatly. I tried for nonchalance, but I don't think I kept my jealousy from leaking through.
He nodded. "I met her in Canada. Her name's Meghan." He held out his hand to a girl about my height with brilliant red hair and pearlescent skin. She was wearing a simple burgundy wrap dress, but there was nothing simple about her. She was nearly as gorgeous as Rosalie. The green eyed monster was rearing its ugly head. I tramped it down, plastering a fake smile on my face as he introduced us.
I took in his arm wrapped possessively around her waist, and the glint in his eyes as he stared down at her. Yep, definitely did not like this girl. Fortunately, Alice and the rest of my bridesmaids saved me from keeping up my charade.
"It's time," she whispered.
"Congratulations," Jacob whispered as he leaned in and kissed my cheek gently. He parted the curtain for Meghan and took his seat near Billy.
I caught sight of Edward. Something told me he'd been very aware of our whole conversation. If nothing else he'd have been able to hear Jacob's thoughts. Carlisle had a restraining hand on his shoulder and Emmett was whispering furtively into his ear. Thank god he wasn't in my mind, god only knew what he'd have done if he'd felt my jealousy.
Charlie came through the curtain smiling from ear to ear. "Jacob's here," he gloated. He couldn't conceal his glee. He offered me his arm. "You look so grown up, Bells. I can't believe you're getting married." For a minute I thought he was going to tear up, but then he let out a shaky breath and asked, "You ready?"
The CD that Edward had given to me for my birthday echoed throughout the yard and Alice stepped daintily through the curtain.
It seemed like I had all the time in the world while I waited for my turn to move forward. That I was getting ready to marry the most amazing man in the world, still blew me away. I knew that I wasn't anywhere near his league. Yet, for some strange reason he loved me. I watched Angela pass the curtain, and took a deep breath. This was it. Just had to get through a little ceremony, then I could do what I'd been dying to do for two years.
"Its time," he whispered. Charlie escorted me to Edward. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. His eyes had darkened, burning just for me as he took in every ounce of me in the wedding dress from his era. A naughty smile played on his lips making my heart race. The promise in those eyes was plain for all to read. I flushed about three shades of red as Jasper chuckled softly. Charlie kissed me on my cheek and placed my hand in Edward's.
Emmett was officiating. Yeah I know – crazy - but it's what we all wanted. The closer we got to the very public kiss, the dizzier I became. He looked like he was about to eat me alive, and I was sure that I didn't want to put on that much of a show for everyone.
I realized that I hadn't heard anything being said after we'd exchanged vows; that I'd been, yet again, dazzled by him. Edward was just suddenly pulling me passionately into his arms, his icy lips on mine. Softly at first, then he bent me back and deepened the kiss. I knew we'd been going at it for a little too long because there was a lot of laughing and applauding from the guests. He raised me up, eyes boring into mine and whispered hoarsely, "I love you, Isabella Cullen." And kissed me chastely before leading me down the aisle.
A/N: I'd planned on having the honeymoon scene with the wedding chapter, but I must admit I'm a little embarrassed about posting it! I've written it and re-written it, but so far it's too graphic. I've gone ahead and changed the rating for this fic to M.
I'm so-oo open to suggestions. I don't want it to be some tawdry scene but I want to do it justice, just not sure how to do that.
Sabrina
