CHAPTER 10:

(Bella POV)

I was so happy walking down the aisle, keeping my eyes on Edward as I smiled at him. All my friends and family were there, and I was pleased that Sue Clearwater was actually sitting next to Charlie. As I took Edward's arm and faced the spot the minister was supposed to be standing, there were all three ancients from the Volturi. Marcus, Aro, and Caius. I feared for my human family and friends, but when I looked up at Edward, his face was covered in blood. I turned to look at everyone, and they were piled on top of each other in a large pool of blood. There we stood, on top of the pile of corpses, my dress drenched in their blood, and Edward with a grim smile of satisfaction on his perfect face. I dropped my bouquet as I saw the blood stains on my hands.

I sat up in a hurry, glad to see that it was only a night mare. A really bad one at that. There was a note that was folded over on my pillow next to my head. The writing on top was Charlies, letting me know he came in to deliver this message, and that no traditions were broken. I unfolded the note and read the message Edward left me. In his elegant script he wrote to me: I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle and officially become Mrs. Cullen. I will meet you at the alter with a smile on my face. See you soon. Love, Edward. That helped get the scary images of the night mare out of my head, and preparing for a different night mare.

After Jacob had received our invitation he had taken off in wolf form and hadn't been heard from since. Well, more like hadn't been seen but no matter how much he wished he couldn't be heard from, the pack knew where he really was. He wasn't happy about the note Edward had included in the invitation I didn't want sent to him, and that was enough to send him over the edge of sanity. I knew it would have been very hard for him to have the invitation around, so I told Edward we could give Billy a verbal invite to the wedding.

Sam, although had some trust in the Cullens, was not to thrilled to have Seth there without Billy being around to make sure he was indeed safe, and that Sue was to accompany the both of them. I headed down the stairs to grab a bowl of cereal to eat before Alice became real impatient with me. She was already in the kitchen waiting for me when I got there.

"Ugh! Bella, look at yourself! You are a mess! What did I say about beauty sleep?! You look like hell, and now I am going to have to work twice as hard to make you perfect today." Alice grumbled. "Sorry, Alice. I had a bad dream last night that kept me up." I said in a low voice.

"Where's Charlie?" I asked as I poured the milk into the bowl. "He is with the guys getting last minute things such as picking up Angela and her father." she said in her beautiful bell tone.

I finished eating, washed my dishes, and threw myself into the arms of Alice to be her human Barbie doll. "Bella, I think that Charlie and Sue might hit it off in a relationship. It's hard to see because Sue is a blind spot, but I see Charlie very happy, and it's her face I see reflecting in his eyes." Alice said casually as we were winding though the drive to the house.

"Well, he did tell me that he felt the electric flow when he had touched Sue's hands after he was changed. I guess I can see if Jasmine has any insight on this. She is coming, right?" I asked with a hopeful look.

"She is coming, and... wait a sec...Oh! Wow, that makes some sense, and Leah will actually be happy to know this information after all." I looked at Alice curiosity clear on my face as we sat just outside the house.

"It seems that when Leah phased, she thought she was a genetic dead end because it was only the boys who phased carrying the burden their fathers did. It seems that Jasmine and Sue are distant and lost relatives, and since in Jasmine's tribe the women can phase they aren't a genetic dead end like Leah seems to think she is." Alice explained her vision.

It was a mystery to all of us as to why Alice could see Jasmine and not the Quileutes, but for whatever reason I was glad. I liked Jasmine, and was really glad that she was coming to the wedding. Alice whisked me up the stairs, and five minutes later Rosalie knocked on the door. "Alice, the guys are back, and they won't be crossing your path until it's time. Do you want some help? I could do her hair." I looked at Rosalie's perfect beautiful face in shock. "Really?" I managed to say.

She came to stand behind me, smiled in the mirror, and ever so sweetly spoke to me. "Please, Bella. I am not opposed to your choice in groom." Wow, Rosalie wanted to help out. "Oh, so just my blatant disrespect for my mortality?" She smiled again with a half chuckle. "Essentially, yes." she smiled at me again. Alice clasped her hands together with a wide grin.

"Weddings...they bring everyone together!" I could swear she was just squeaking at this point.

(Renee POV)

I was so excited to see the Cullen's beautiful home in person. Bella had sent me pictures, but this truly was breathtaking. Jasper had picked me and Phil up from the airport, and we had a wonderful time talking on the way here. I walked into the amazing home, and there on the stairs I saw Charlie in his tuxedo. He was looking more handsome than I remembered. A beautiful woman with long black hair joined him for a second. I could see the way they looked at each other, and I could tell that they were falling very much in love. I was glad to see that Charlie was with someone after all this time.

"Hey, Charlie. How have you been?" I asked in the most pleasant tone. "I am doing better now." he replied in an amazingly husky yet velvet like tone I have never heard before. Bella did say he sounded different since the violent vomiting damaged his throat and vocal cords.

"Renee, I would like to introduce you to Sue Clearwater. Sue, this is Bella's mother, Renee." The beautiful woman offered her hand for a handshake, and I gladly took it.

"It's very nice to meet you Sue. Charlie, Sue, this is my husband Phil." I offered in return the introduction to my husband, Bella's stepfather. "Nice to meet you Phil." they said at the same time.

"Phil, I hear you play ball. We should get together during the reception and talk a bit. It's nice to see Renee so happy after all these years. Good to see you are taking care of her, too." Charlie was being very polite to Phil, so much so, that I was somewhat unsure if he was honestly happy for me, but when I saw the two of them smiling, laughing, and getting along so well I put my suspicions to bed.

"Are those graduation caps?" Phil suddenly asked pointing to the large frame on the wall. "Yeah, the Cullen's have collected family graduation caps over the years. It's kind of a tribute to the family." Charlie explained. "Well if you look at it that way, it's actually kinda cool." Phil said in awe. "So, do you know where Bella is?" I asked. "Yeah, she is up the stairs and to the left." Charlie replied.

I knocked on the door, and Alice said to come on in, so I did. "Oh, Bella! You are so beautiful!" Tears started to well up in my eyes. "Crap! My mascara!" Suddenly Alice handed me a white handkerchief to wipe away the tears. "Oh, thank you Alice. You're a life saver. Bella, you look like you belong on the cover of a fashion magazine, and you aren't even in your dress yet."

Bella blushed a bit when I complemented her, but seriously Alice did such an amazing job with the makeup. "Charlie, now would be a good time to come in and take care of the early wedding gift we have for her." I hollered out to him.

"You look amazing, Bells. We wanted to give this to you. It was Grandma Swan's, so you have something old..." "We added the sapphires to give it the something blue." I rushed to say, not sure why I didn't let Charlie finish.

"It's beautiful! Thanks Mom, Dad. I love it." Alice cleared her throat, gave Charlie a stern look, and he retreated out of the room closing the door behind him. "It's time for the dress! Do you want to see it before Bella puts it on?" I was so excited I squealed. It was absolutely stunning. I couldn't wait to see it on Bella!

(Bella POV)

I was shocked to see the beautiful hair comb that use to be my Grandma Swan's. It was a sweet little family moment that I actually enjoyed. When Alice mentioned my dress, the nerves came back in full force. I was so worried I would trip and fall flat on my face. Just what I needed when pretty much the entire town of Forks was here in attendance, and me take a fall. I would be the laughing stock of Forks for years to come. I held my arms up as Alice slid the dress over my head, and fastened the back of the dress. "And now, we add the vail. There. So, Renee, what do you think now?" Alice asked my mom.

"Oh my! Bella, you are a stunning vision! Cindy Crawford, eat your heart out! My daughter is so beautiful! Alice, you are amazing! Bella, honey, the town will be talking about how stunningly breathtaking you are!" My mother said as she seemed out of breath.

"Okay, Renee, you need to get out there. Sue, Phil, you two as well. Scoot! Charlie, count to five, then follow me." Alice demanded. Once everyone was in their right places, Rosalie played the piano, Alice started to walk down the aisle.

"Don't let me fall Dad." I managed to say in a whisper. "I won't let that happen Bells. I promise."

The count of five was up, and we walked out the door, down the path, and then to the isle Alice made. When we turned the corner onto the isle, I looked up and there he was, standing at the altar. Edward was so handsome in his tuxedo. My heart rate sped up, and suddenly the music wasn't playing fast enough. Charlie squeezed my hand softly to remind me we had to do this at the usual human pace.

I never saw anyone in the chairs, not caring if eyes were on me or not, my eyes were focused on the Adonis God-like man waiting for me. When Charlie placed my hand in his, Mr. Weber, who was the minister we chose, asked, "Who gives this lovely woman to this man in marriage?"

Charlie smiled, "Her mother, stepfather, and I do." With that, Mr. Weber started out then it was our turn. We said the traditional vows, except at the end we asked that he change "til death do us part," to "as long as we both shall live."

As we exchanged vows and rings, I never acknowledged our guest. It was as if we were alone in paradise. I was only slightly aware of everyone when it was time for the kiss. I didn't want it to end, but I think after like five minutes, there were an echo of throats being cleared. After the final kiss, Mr. Weber cheerfully said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present for the first time together, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen!" Cheers and applause erupted, and then the celebration kicked off.

Charlie, Sue, Billy, Seth, and Jasmine were the first ones to come congratulate us on our nuptials. "I hope you will be very happy Bella." Billy said with a genuine smile. "I am so happy for you both man." Seth chimed in enthusiastically.

"Well, son, welcome to the family." Charlie said with a smile. "Congratulations to the both of you." Sue said. "Congratulations Edward, Bella. It was a beautiful wedding. Sue, the feelings you seem to be confused about are simple. If you phased like your daughter and son, it would be called imprinting. It seems that Charlie is your soul mate, because Charlie has an electric charge when he touches you." Jasmine said in a cheery tone.

I looked at both Charlie and Sue, as did Billy. Billy was somewhat upset by this news, but not completely. Billy huffed out a sigh, and turned to Sue. "I guess since the feeling of what would be imprinting has taken place, Sue, you are no longer in mourning. Charlie, if you hurt her, so help me there won't be enough around to help you out of the pain I will cause. So, my best friend, with that warning, Sue, Charlie, I am happy for you. Again, Bella, I hope you will be happy."

"Thank you, Billy. Have you heard from Jake?" He grimaced a bit, then looked up at me. "I am sure Jacob wishes you the best." We both were worried about him, and he knew I would continue to worry no matter what direction my life takes me.

Renee and Phil were next. Phil stopped Charlie before he headed to the dance floor. "Thank you, Charlie, for including me in giving Bella away. That was a very nice and unexpected. I am touched, truly."

"Well Phil, I figure it's better to include all parents no matter what." Charlie replied with a warm smile.

"Bella, you are a vision. Congratulations both of you." Phil said shaking Edward's hand and hugging me. "Edward, please take care of my baby. I am so happy for you both. I love you both. Welcome to the family, son." My mom said in-between sobs of joy as she hugged us both. She and Phil made a dash for the champagne then to their table so they could set their drinks down.

"Bella, welcome to the family." a beautiful pale but olive skinned woman said to me. "Carmen and Eleazar, right?" I was certain I had it correct. "Yes. Welcome to the family Bella." Eleazar answered.

"Edward, congratulations. Your Bella is very stunning I have to say." I was shocked when the supermodel perfect smile flashed to me in a friendly welcoming way. "Thank you, Tanya." Edward said.

"It's nice to have a fresh face in the family. Congratulations to you both." This beautiful woman had amazingly long straight blonde hair, down to her waist.

"Thank you, Kate. We appreciate you all coming." Edward said. Kate was looking over at another tall blonde woman, shame came to her face as she saw the look on her face.

"Irena, come meet Bella." she encouraged. Just then she walked over, leaned in a bit then spoke with such venom in her voice. "I can't do this! They invited one! They killed my Laurent!"

Edward shifted me closer to him, cleared his throat then spoke. "Irena, I am sorry about your pain, but he was going to kill Bella, and they did the honorable thing by protecting her. He is our friend, and we will not ask him to leave."

"I don't believe that he was after HER! He wanted to learn to live with the humans, hunting animals, and to be with me!" The venom in her voice was more clear this time, and aimed at me no less. "Well, I am sorry anyway Irena." She turned and stormed off.

"We are so sorry and embarrassed for and by her actions. Please forgive us." Tanya said with sorrow and sincerity. "Let's not monopolize the bride, shall we." Eleazar said as he moved them off to the side. After the long line of congratulations stopped, we finally got our chance on the dance floor. In the middle of our second dance, Edward stopped.

He smiled my crooked smile, then said in his velvety voice, "Another one of your wedding gifts just arrived. Come on, I will take you to it." He led me behind the house, and I looked up at him in confusion.

"What's a wedding present doing way out here?" He smiled again, "It's just a little more private." He looked into the dark forest then spoke again.

"This is very kind of you." Just as I was about to ask who he was talking to, Jacob come out into the open.

"The best man didn't have time to get a tux...and kind is my middle name. Hey Bells. Sorry I am late." I stood there shocked, then rushed out. "Jacob! Oh, Jacob! It's all complete now!" I ran to him, giving him a hug. "I am going to see if Rosalie wants to dance. I know she will never let me hear the end of it if I don't dance with her." Edward said, giving me and Jacob some privacy.

"Dance with me?" Jacob asked. I nodded as he put his arm around my waist, and my arm on his shoulder, taking my other hand in his other one. We danced for a few seconds before I could speak again. "Where have you been? We were getting ready to put your face on a milk carton." I muffled into his shirt.

"Northern Canada, I think. I am a bit out of practice with the whole human thing. It's strange being on two legs, wearing clothes, and all." he chuckled in my ear. I was so happy to have him back, but I was a little worried.

"Are you okay, you know, being here right now?" He stopped and looked into my eyes, "Afraid I might trash your party?" he said teasingly but accusingly at the same time. Then he looked into the forest where there were the sounds of someone or something in the brush. "Looks like you aren't the only one." He noted out loud.

We started dancing again. Then we stopped again. "This is just how I am going to remember you. Pink rosy cheeks, two left feet, heart beat..."

"Cause what, soon I will be dead to you?!" I asked hurt clear in my thick throat. We made a circle again, then he sighed. "I'm sorry. I am just trying to appreciate your last night as human." Understanding came to me.

"It's not my last night, Jake."

"But I thought you..." I nodded. "I really didn't want to spend my honeymoon writhing in severe pain." He let out a scoffed.

"What's the point Bells? It's not like you can have a REAL honeymoon anyway." he said flatly. I stopped our dance just then, looking at him like he had just told me he burned my house down.

"Jake, it's going to be as real as anyone else's! And it's none of your business anymore anyway!" Horror came over his face.

"What while you are still human?! Tell me you are not that STUPID Bella!" Just then he grabbed both my arms just above the elbows and shook me like a child needing disciplined.

"JAKE LET ME GO!" I shouted. Just then Edward was at my side, moving me slightly behind him.

"Jacob, you need to calm down." Edward said in a calm but threatening tone.

"You will kill her Edward! And when you do, I will be here to kill you!" Jacob snarled back at him.

Just then Seth rushed past us, and jumped on Jacob's back. "Just walk away Jake! Leave now and calm down!" Seth yelled, but Jacob just flung Seth to the ground as he charged us.

Sam, Paul, Embry, Quil, and Jared ran out of the forest and restrained Jacob. "That's enough Jacob!" Sam yelled. "Stay the hell out of this Sam! He will KILL her!" Jacob spit angrily at Sam.

Sam looked at us, apologetically, then the Alpha tone come out of him. "She is not our concern anymore! Bella has made an educated decision about her life, and the least we can do is honor it!" Embry and Quil grabbed Jacob's arms and hauled him back into the forest.

"Let's go Seth! Jacob has made a mess, and we need to have a meeting now." Sam ordered. Seth looked back at us, clearly upset that he had to leave the celebration and sorry for the trouble his tribal and pack brother had done.

Edward put his hand on the small of my back to lead me back to the party. "Come on, people are probably missing us." I nodded. "Edward, I am so sorry. I feel really stupid right now for telling him." He held me closer with a sideways hug.

"He figures that with you being completely human you will be killed unlike Jasmine's mother." Just then we heard rustling in the near forest. "I was beginning to think I was going to have to pull out the Chief in me to settle the little dispute with Jake." Charlie said noticing our stress for a second. "Don't worry Bells, I know things will be just fine."

The rest of the night we spent doing the traditional things you do at weddings. We cut the cake, did the drink thing, and then we had the toasts. I could have killed Emmett for the no sleep comment he made.

After all that, I got to toss the bouquet. Surprisingly it landed in Angel's hands without her jumping for it. Edward flung the garter and it hit Mike Newton in the face. We all had a laugh at that, then Alice dragged me upstairs to change into my honeymoon dress.

As Edward and I stood at the doorway of the house, all our family and friends were waiting in a line that led to the car ready to throw rice at us as we left. At the end of the line, my mother and Phil were waiting to see us off.

I hugged my mother as she started to cry again. "I love you Bella, so much! Be safe, wear sunscreen, wear a hat, and have fun." she managed before she started into a full cry. Phil opened his arms up for a hug. "Thank you Phil, for coming and taking care of my mother. I love you as well." I said.

"I love you too, Bella. More than you think. You and Edward are always welcome to visit us anytime you want. Take care and have fun." he said as he kissed the top of my head.

Charlie was waiting closest to the car. I walked up, and smiled. "It's going to be odd you not living under my roof. You do know it will always be your home, right?"

"It's going to be strange for me too, Dad. And thank you. You will always be welcome to the Cullen house anytime Dad. I am sure you are welcome to go hunting with them any time." I said.

We hugged a few minutes, then Alice broke in politely. "Everything is packed and ready to go."

"Okay. Thanks, Alice." I smiled at her. "Go on, you don't want to miss your plane. Have fun, and be careful." he said with a sad look on his face. I am sure that if he could cry, he would be right now.

Edward led me to the car, opened and closed my door for me, then go in himself. I fastened my seat belt, and as he started the car, he turned to me. "Are you ready, Mrs. Cullen?" I took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then smiled. "I am ready." As we pulled away from the house our family and friends waved to us, then as we hit the blackness of the highway, we both heard a pain filled mournful howl of a wolf in the woods. Neither one of us commented on it, but we both knew that it was Jacob's cry as we headed off to the airport.