Chapter 10: Special Blessing

2nd/3rd September 2009

Bella P.O.V

Leah Clearwater re-enters the tent and I barely recognise her. I had been too preoccupied by Angela to notice her before. Alice had braided her hair and she was in a beautiful flowing dress, she looked so feminine.

"Quit staring Bella or I'll take it off" she snapped, but her smile betrayed her.

"You look fantastic!"

"Well yeah, I guess I do. Now just wait till you see Edward."

"You've seen him? Is he okay?"

"He's ready and waiting. His face looks like shit, but then again he's a vampire and you all look like shit to me! But, he's still standing and he looks pretty good in a suit..."

I can't help but laugh at Leah. Her personality has never changed, not even after falling for Jacob... It just seemed so wrong now with her looking so lady like; rather than her usual shorts and vest combo.

Leah rushed back out of the tent, taking Angela with her to join the others and everything is ready. Esme and Rosalie give me a kiss on the cheek then head out too, leaving me alone with Alice.

Alice passed me a bunch of flowers and I took one last deep breath; out of habit. I followed Alice outside of the tent and my ears were treated with beautiful music. I didn't recognise the tune, but it sounded like it was being played by a harp. My eyes took in the crowd of people, who had joined us.

Jacob and Leah were near the front with Sam and Emily. Angela and Embry where just behind them and the rest of the pack were near the edges of the aisles and a part of me wondered if they were on guard.

Sue Clearwater was the one playing the harp and she smiled at me warmly as I approached. I had a lot of time for Sue, she had always been a good friend to my dad.

Billy Black was in front of me and he looked regal, even in his wheelchair. I had to work hard at not laughing as I took in all the flowers that were weaved around the wheels of his chair.

Rosalie and Esme were sat directly across from Jacob and the others and they both looked stunning in their dresses.

Then Edward stood up and faced me; and nothing else mattered.

He had been sat in front of Jacob and Sam but rose when he heard me approaching. He wore a stylish suit and his whole face was beaming with joy. The fear that had plastered his face earlier was long gone and his eyes were studying my appearance intently. My pace quickened, but Alice pulled me back and made me slow down.

Eventually after what felt like an eternity, I reached Edward and we stood together, both grinning like fools. Edward took my hands in his and we stared into each other's eyes, barely noticing that the music had stopped and the hum of voices had halted.

When Billy spoke I heard a reverence in his voice that I had never noticed before.

"This is a momentous occasion. Never in our history have we partaken in a celebration with those who were once sworn enemies. Good fortune and grace have brought together our kind with a small number of their kind in what can only be recognised as a growing friendship."

As Billy spoke the words the intimate gathering was abuzz, as Vampire, Werewolf and Tribe member alike agreed fervently with his sentiments.

"It was a surprise I was asked to carry out this blessing, but my own son Jacob convinced me to do it and as I stand in front of Edward and Bella this evening, I am glad that I dismissed my initial reservations and agreed. I believe that this blessing marks a new chapter in our history, one of acceptance and hope for a peaceful coexistence. I only wish absent friends could be here to celebrate with us."

I watched Edward out of the corner of my eye; he was clearly moved by this new information but he stayed rooted to the spot and didn't turn around to look at Jacob. I couldn't resist though and flashed him a brilliant smile, one which he returned fully.

"This evening I exercise my position within the council of this reservation to give my blessing to the union of Edward and Bella. Before I begin, are there any objections."

Silence descends and after a few moments, Billy resumes.

"Love is friendship, sharing and forgiveness. It's loyalty through the good and the bad. Love isn't about perfection; it's about finding contentment with the present, whilst forgetting the past and sharing hope for the future. Love is about working together towards common goals. If you have love, you can deal with anything that life throws at you. This blessing, recognises that Edward and Bella have that love. It recognises that no matter what life throws at them and whatever the future brings, they will always share in the love they have for one another... And that no-one and no-thing can break that bond. Here in front of us all they will cement that bond and tie themselves together."

I am truly moved by Billy's words and from the look on Edwards face so is he. I feel his hand tightening around mind and we share a smile.

"Edward, do you in front of all those gathered here today, promise to love Bella now and forever more?"

"I do!"

"Bella, do you in front of all those gathered here today, promise to love Edward now and forever more?"

"I do!"

"You may now have the opportunity to say a few words. Edward, please go first."

"Bella, before you came into my life my eyes were open, but they did not see. You brightened up my life and filled it with love and joy. I was a fool to run away from it all, thinking I was somehow doing you a favour... but all I did was lose out on precious time together. I never stopped loving you though and every time I feel certain I couldn't possibly love you anymore, you prove me wrong and I feel my love growing. Bella, you are my love, my life, my everything."

My throat felt constricted as I took in his words, his eyes never left mine and there wasn't an ounce of mistruth in what he said.

"Bella…" Billy encouraged.

"Edward, when you came into my life I wasn't looking, but our connection was instant. Our worlds were never meant to collide, but they did and I will never regret that. My life has changed beyond all recognition since then and I am now firmly in your world, but blessed to still be a part of my old one. My love for you was never lessened by distance and will never lessen by time. You complete me."

Billy raised his arms in front of him and spoke with a voice of pure authority.

"I bless the union between you. May nothing tear apart, that which we have seen cement together."

As Billy spoke the words a round of applause and cheer spread throughout the guests. Edward and I leaned together and kissed. The kiss was full of passion and tension and neither of us wanted to stop, but it was me that pulled away first, before Edward ran out of breath.

Our hands held together firmly as we turned to the guests and smiled. Everyone looked genuinely happy for us, even Leah; though as soon a she saw me looking at her, she tried to wipe away the few stray tears that adorned her cheek.

We were led to a large marquee and were seated at a table; The room soon filled with the guests and they took part in the feast with us. We were both totally blown away with the ceremony.

Edward seemed so happy. His hand still grasped my own firmly.

Jacob wheeled Billy over to us and I was overcome with emotion.

"Billy, what you did for us means so much. Thank you!"

Billy grinned and looked almost embarrassed.

"It's my pleasure. I sure wish Charlie could have been here though but I am sure he's looking down on you. "

"Thanks," I responded, not quite sharing the belief that Charlie would have entirely approved of today.

"Mr Black. I'd just like to say what a great honour it was that you agreed to do this for us." Edward said, his voice cracking as he spoke.

Billy motioned for Jacob to move him closer towards Edward and Billy leaned forward and placed his hand on Edwards shoulder.

"First of all, it's Billy. I don't like it when people call me Mr Black. It makes me think I'm old or in trouble, or worst that that, both! Secondly, the honour was mine. I just wish that it could have been in better circumstances…" Billy's voice trailed off, but he didn't need to say anything further.

The party carried on and I sat by Edwards side watching the festivities. After a while Jacob stood up and banged on the table to get everyone's attention and call order to the room.

"It's time for a toast!" He roared.

I watched as the guests were all handed glasses of what looked like red wine. After everyone had received a glass I watched on as Leah and Emily approached our table with a tray of glasses. They proceeded to hand a glass to myself, Alice, Rosalie and Esme. I was confused, but as soon as I had my own glass in my hand I caught the scent. They were filled with animal blood. From the weak scent I'd imagine nothing bigger than a rabbit, but still the sentiment was there.

I watched in awe as Edward was given an empty red glass, which matched the colour of our blood filled glasses. I was beginning to marvel at just how every little detail had been considered and couldn't work out how much of this was Alice and how much was the Pack.

Jacob looked over to our table and winked.

"I propose a toast to Edward and Bella!"

We all took our drinks gladly, Edward held his to his lips and mimicked our movements and soon the room fell back into an easy hum of chatter.

As the night wore on, I could sense that Edward was struggling. Others noticed it too. After a brief conversation with Alice, Rosalie and Esme - in which Esme discretely informed me that Carlisle had tracked the doctor down, but they were biding their time - I explained to them that I was going to take Edward home. We made our excuses to everyone else and slipped away .

Esme, Rosalie and Alice were quite content to stay at the party for a while longer and had promised to help with the clear up.

"We'll be back sometime tomorrow," Alice chimed in.

I read between the lines and realised that they were also giving Edward and I some alone time.