Disclaimer: Not mine

Chapter 10

Bella grinned as they wandered the woods, hands clasped together. Jasper was carrying the basket with food for her, but he wasn't carrying her. Edward would have insisted on carrying her and running to their destination. The only time Jasper would do something like that would be if he caught the scent of another vampire, in that case she didn't mind, she trusted him to do what had to be done to keep them safe. They came to a clearing and Jasper but the basket down before spreading out a blanket for them to sit on. Bella opened the basket and set out the food within to nibble while Jasper pulled out a book and set it up, reading to her.

Jasper was nervous, though being very careful not to broadcast it. today was the day. He'd had a rather interesting call from Peter and Charlotte yesterday, berating him for being a coward over asking her. He waited anxiously as she reached into the basket, watching her brow furrow in confusion as she found it and then her eyes widened as she pulled out a velvet box.

Bella stared at the innocent little box in shock, it wasn't…was it? She glanced up at Jasper, seeing nerves he was trying to hide. She opened the box and her jaw dropped. "Jasper…" it was an antique ring, that much was obvious immediately. The stone was looked like an emerald to her and rather flat, with smaller diamonds set around it, and all in a gold band.

"Bella?" he asked nervously. "I know it's not really flashy, but it was my Grandmothers. I found it in an auction a while back and the history was listed. It's a step cut emerald, it was a popular cut back then. It's an Edwardian era-ring, the emerald is set within a milgrain-encrusted platinum setting. Diamond accents decorate the top and shoulders while the band is 18K yellow gold," he was practically babbling the information he'd found on the ring.

"It's beautiful," she smiled and held the box out to him before extending her left hand. She'd been against marriage all her life but with Jasper it felt right and a natural next step.

Jasper grinned as he took the ring out and slipped it onto her finger before kissing her. "I love you so much," he murmured, and she grinned.

"I love you too. Guess I really will be Mrs Whitlock soon." She still had that drivers licence but that wasn't the name she was using at the moment since it hadn't felt right to pretend once out of the hospital, but Jasper had kept his last name.

"I look forward to that day Darlin'." He kissed her again and she pushed him back on the blanket, curling into his side and he picked the book up again to continue reading.

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Bella grinned as the connection was made and held up her hand, hearing Charlotte squeal as she spotted the ring. "Oh Bella, it's beautiful! Congratulations. I swear, we were going to come up and make him propose if he didn't act soon."

"You knew?"

"Peter helped him find the ring. We never expected to find one connected to his family," she admitted. "Have you set the date yet?"

"After graduation, that way we don't have to worry about class schedules."

"Sensible, though a bit of a wait. You have what, two years left?"

"Just under, but I don't mind."

"Are we going to get you into a white gown?"

"Well….I was thinking." She began explaining and Charlotte grinned.

"I love it! Don't worry, I'll start looking so you don't tip Jasper off."

"Thanks."

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It didn't take long for her ring to be noticed once school restarted and Bella did answer questions but the girls in her classes were more acquaintances than friends. None of them expected to be invited to the wedding but they did love hearing the details. While she wasn't the only engaged person in class, most had seen her with Jasper and loved hearing more about the gorgeous Southern Gentleman. Even some of the married women joined in. Jasper just chuckled and ignored the looks he got from the girls who wished they were the one wearing his ring. Thankfully they lost interest within a few months and she could focus on studying and checking out anything Charlotte sent her. Finding just the right gown was not as easy as it might appear. At least Jasper's clothing was far easier to arrange.

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Bella laughed as Jasper scooped her up and ran through the trees, her arms wrapped around his neck even as she watched the dark, shadowy trees. He stopped and set her down and she gasped in wonder as she stared out around them. She was rugged up against the cold and she needed it, standing on the peak of Mount Hood. The view was amazing, and she leant into him as they watched the sun rise. This was a view worth being carried for.

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At the end of the school year, Jasper and Bella travelled to Texas to stay with Peter and Charlotte for the summer. The two women spent many days in Houston, shopping, something Bella once hated. But shopping with Charlotte wasn't like shopping with her Mom or Alice, she didn't drag her around and use her as a dress up doll. After a year of looking they still hadn't found exactly what they were looking for, so Charlotte took her to a dressmaker to have a dress created just for her.

"Charlotte, this is too much."

"Nonsense. Even if you and Jasper choice to remarry in a few decades or centuries, this is your first wedding. You should have the perfect dress and it will be my wedding gift to you," Charlotte told her as they entered the shop.

Soon they were going over design ideas with the little Italian dressmaker, who loved all of their ideas. Most people went to bridal shops or costume stores for this kind of thing. Creating a dress from scratch, with a few old photos and the imaginations of two charming women was a wonderful project and a way to stretch his skills. It was also amusing to watch one woman try and talk the younger into more elaborate designs.

Far too soon they returned to Portland for their final year.

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The last year of their degree felt like it dragged in forever but also flew by. It went too fast for all the papers and yet too slowly with the anticipation of their wedding. She'd had jasper check her measurements several times and surprised him by taking his to send to Charlotte to ensure his outfit would fit perfectly. She even went down over Christmas for a fitting.

Graduation finally came and Peter and Charlotte came to cheer them across the stage. Then it was off to Texas after packing up their place. They were keeping it since they might come back one day but they took everything except the furniture. On Peter's ranch was a second, cosy house that the vampire had built for them.

"Thank you, Peter!" Bella hugged him and he picked her up to spin around.

"You're family kiddo," Peter told her as he set her down.

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Wedding preparations took centre stage after that, confusing Jasper a bit since it was just the four of them, right?

The first time Bella saw herself in her almost completed gown she burst into tears. Her Mom should be helping with this…her Dad walking her down the aisle…but Victoria had robbed her of that. Charlotte hugged her, knowing what she was thinking. Bella couldn't stop staring…she loved her dress! It was everything she'd dreamed of once she'd had the idea.

"You are beautiful, Bella," Charlotte smiled gently as Bella was helped off the stand where there had been work on the hem happening and then out of the dress.

"I can't believe in two weeks I'll be Mrs Whitlock," she admitted as they left the store.

"Nervous?" Charlotte asked as they went to check on the small wedding cake being made. Since she was the only one who ate it was a very small cake, but Jasper had told her he wanted her to experience everything a wedding should mean.

"Some," she admitted softly.

"You love Jasper and he loves you," Charlotte assured her. "Seeing the two of you together, you complement each other. You are much better for him than the pixie ever was."

That got them giggling but it was a pretty accurate description of Alice. "The guests?"

"All coming without the Major knowing about it." she had been pleased when Bella had asked them to invite anyone Jasper would want there, showing no fear at the fact they were all human drinking vampires. They spent the day together in the city, shopping for the few things needed for their new home and Charlotte dragged her off to look at wedding night lingerie, making her go red.

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Jasper opened the suit bag only to stare in surprise at the contents. "Peter?"

"Just get dressed Major," he brother yelled back.

Jasper pulled the uniform out, it wasn't some cheap copy or costume, someone had made an exact replica of his old uniform. He dressed and then stood in front of the mirror, he'd almost forgotten what he had looked like in the army. His unfirm had been destroyed during his newborn year and hi memories of the war hadn't been very clear, most of what he knew he had read about which had then jogged old memories. Had his parents ever seen him like this? Had they been proud of him? Or had they been angry he had volunteered too young?

Peter walked in and whistled, "looking good. Bella won't be able to take her eyes off you." He was dressed more traditionally in a suit but in a grey/blue colour to blend with Jasper's uniform. "Ready?"

"Definitely." He picked up his hat and followed Peter out, heading off across the field to where they'd set up a gazebo for the wedding only to stare in shock. There was the Reverend….and Garrett, Eleazar, and Carmen…was that Thomas? He looked at Peter who grinned and slapped his shoulder. Jasper walked down the aisle, able to feel amusement coming from most of the guests. "They know?" he breathed too low for any but Peter to hear and his brother nodded, they all knew Jasper's bride was human.

"Who do you think sent the invites?" Peter offered, he'd had them delivered but Bella had written them after asking him and Charlotte who she should invite. They trusted everyone here to keep quiet.

"You've got the rings, right?" Jasper asked and the guests laughed as Peter made a production out of searching for them before finally pulling them out of a pocket. Jasper just shook his head and turned to talk with Reverend Thomas.

Eventually they all turned as the sound of horses reached them to see a white, horse drawn coach approaching. The door opened and Charlotte stepped out first, dressed in a simple yet elegant dark blue gown. And then Bella emerged, and it was a good thing Jasper didn't need to breath. Bella who very rarely wore a dress….was dressed as a Southern bride all for him.

The gown was ivory silk. The bodice was heavily boned, with a lace-up back and modesty panel. The bodice also had some beading to give it sparkle but nothing over the top. The skirt was unlined, with a netted underskirt and a short train. Underneath she was even wearing a 4-bone hoop to give the gown volume. Around her waist was a double-faced satin ribbon sash in baby blue, hiding the v where the skirt met the bodice. In her hair was a rhinestone band tiara, 3/4-inch-tall at the tallest point. She was wearing ivory lace wrist gloves as well. To match her engagement ring, she was wearing an emerald teardrop necklace and matching earrings. Under the dress were stockings and ivory, low healed shoes.

Peter had to nudge Jasper to snap him out of his staring as Bella slowly walked towards him, smiling shyly. As she approached Jasper held his hand out to her and she took it. "You look…incredible." He kissed the back of her gloved hand. They then turned to face a smiling Reverend Thomas.

"Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Jasper and Isabella a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife." He cleared his throat. "Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make to stand together as lifemates and partners," he paused and put his book aside. "Will you, Jasper Whitlock, take this woman to be your wedded wife?

"I will."

"Will you, Isabella Swan, take this man to be your wedded husband?"

"I will."

"Now for the reading."

Garret stood up and flashed a grin at Jasper before beginning to recite from memory.

"O my luve is like a red, red rose,

That`s newly sprung in June:

O my luve is like the melodie,

That`s sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,

So deep in luve am I;

And I will luve thee still, my dear,

Till a` the seas gang dry.

Till a` the seas gang dry, my dear,

And the rocks melt wi` the sun;

And I will luve thee still my dear,

While the sands o` life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only luve!

And fare thee weel a while!

And I will come again, my luve,

Tho` it were ten thousand mile." He bowed and retook his seat.

"Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other, but also the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to this couple. By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today. Will everyone please rise." Everyone stood up. "Will you who are present here today, surround Jasper and Bella in love, offering them the joys of your friendship and supporting them in their marriage?"

"We will."

"You may be seated."

Jasper listened, taking a deep breath before beginning his vows when prompted. I love you, Isabella. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life."

"I take you, Jasper, to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. Because of you, I laugh, I smile, I dare to dream again. I look forward with great joy to spending the rest of my life with you, caring for you, nurturing you, being there for you in all life has for us, and I vow to be true and faithful for as long as we both shall live. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us," Bella recited, trying not to cry.

"And now the rings," the Reverend smiled, and Peter held them out. Jasper took the delicate gold band as Bella passed her left glove to Charlotte.

"Bella, with this ring, I give you the promise that from this day forward you shall never walk alone. My heart will be your shelter; my arms will be your home. We will walk together through life as partners and best friends. I promise I will do my best to love and accept you exactly as you are. With this ring, I give you your freedom and my trust in you. I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give. Wear this ring as a symbol of this love and of my devotion to you." He slipped the ring onto her finger with a smile.

Bella took Jasper's ring and took a deep breath. "Jasper, with this ring, I give you the promise that from this day forward you shall never walk alone. My heart will be your shelter; my arms will be your home. We will walk together through life as partners and best friends. I promise I will do my best to love and accept you exactly as you are. With this ring, I give you your freedom and my trust in you. I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give. Wear this ring as a symbol of this love and of my devotion to you." She slipped the ring onto his finger, hands trembling slightly.

"And now, inasmuch as Jasper and Isabella have demonstrated their commitment to one another and their desire to live their lives together through the taking of vows and the giving of rings, it is with great pleasure that I, through the power vested in me by God Almighty, now pronounce you Husband and Wife." Reverend Thomas announced and Jasper swept Bella up into a kiss while the guests cheered.

"I love you Mrs Whitlock," Jasper whispered, staring down at her and she smiled.

"I love you Mr Whitlock," she returned before they kissed again, briefly and turned to face their guests.

"It is my pleasure to introduce Mr and Mrs Jasper Whitlock," Reverend Thomas announced as they walked down the aisle and got into the carriage. Peter thanked the man and he headed home while everyone else rushed off to ensure the barn was ready for the reception.

They all stayed away from the small amount of food that was there for Bella and Peter started the music while they waited for the carriage to arrive. Soon it did and Jasper helped his new wife down. They walked into cheers and Bella blushed even as Peter and Charlotte moved in to hug and kiss the couple.

"I am so happy for you," Charlotte kissed Bella's cheek.

"Thank you, and for all the help."

"So this was what all the whispers between you were about," Jasper shook his head before removing his hat since they were indoors.

"Do you have any idea the difficulties involved in finding authentic civil war clothing? You were relatively easy to dress, Bella took far more work, but it was definitely worth it."

They moved on and another couple approached. "Elazar, Carmen, thank you for coming," Jasper shook Eleazar's hand and kissed Carmen's cheek.

"Congratulations. It is good to meet you Bella, you look lovely."

"Thank you, Carmen, and thank you for coming." Inviting them had been awkward, she knew Laurent had gone to their coven to learn how to be a vegetarian only to come after her and be killed by the wolves.

"Carmen is right, you look beautiful Mrs Whitlock," Eleazar kissed her gloved hand. This was the girl who had driven Edward to spend time with them several years ago. He had heard it ended badly, and then Jasper had left the Cullen's, divorcing Alice. He had agreed to say nothing to his old friend Carlisle, Peter had explained how the family had abandoned Bella and the bloodshed that had led to. He was ashamed of Carlisle for allowing it to happen. He had not told Irina either, due to her feelings for Laurent, since Peter had said he had been killed going after Bella. He just hoped young Bella was set to become one of them soon.

Bella smiled and laughed as she was introduced to Jasper's nomad friends and then the dancing began. Everyone laughed as Bella and Jasper cut the cake and Jasper fed some to Bella before she grinned and smeared some on his face, getting some in his mouth. They all enjoyed his expression at the taste.

TBC…

Bella's ring is here https (colan) The-Freele-Ring-Mixed-Metals-BMC05213/

Wedding dress based off: https(colan)/ civil-war-wedding-dress/vintage-catherine-rayner-gown-coming-soon although it does not have the beading or train. Some pretty period dresses on this site. just remove commas and spaces