Disclaimer: The characters belong to the very talented Stephenie Meyer

EPOV

I took a deep breath as I prepared to knock on the door and greet my future. While I was nervous, I was completely ecstatic as well. I had never been happier, and I was so grateful for Bella's presence in my life despite the circumstances and danger we found ourselves in. I had always expected to finally be forced to marry in order to provide an heir for the title, never in my wildest dreams had I expected to fall so quickly and irrevocably in love with the woman I would marry. Now if I could just find a way to keep her safe and bring her home to live the rest of our lives in peace and joy.

After my knock, I called out softly to let Bella know it was me. The door opened and I was struck breathless. She was a vision standing there in that deep blue dress. The color set off her pale skin and brought out the darkness of her eyes. She looked so beautiful that it was all I could do to remain standing.

"Bella, you are a vision." I choked out. I stepped forward to take her hand and began tugging her toward the captain's cabin. He would be performing the ceremony for us. I knew this was not going to be the romantic ceremony that she deserved, but I would make it up to her. I could hear the footsteps of Jasper and Emmett with the other ladies following closely behind. We all reached the cabin door at once and there was a brief, intense argument among all of us about who deserved to be wed first. In the end, Emmett won out. Being the biggest, Jasper and I didn't want to draw the argument out intoSillitoe punches and have our brides wedding day ruined with their grooms nursing wounds.

The captain smiled as we all fell into the room when he opened the door. Jasper and I had been leaning against the door away from the very threatening scowl Emmett had on his face. Our ladies were laughing at the spectacle we were making of ourselves. It was wonderful to hear Bella's clear tinkling laughter when I knew she was still in pain from the previous day.

Captain Johnson was a man who was very efficient and prompt in his manner. When he said something would take place at a certain time, he meant it. In his normal manner, he quickly restored order to his cabin. "All right you scoundrels, which one of you is up to be shackled first?" he questioned heartily.

Emmett stepped forward exuberantly. "That would be us! This is my beautiful bride, Lady Rosalie Swan. She will soon be my countess." Rosalie looked up, shocked as he said those words. Emmett must not have informed her of that fact. As I thought of that, a new thought entered my mind. I had not told Bella that I was a duke and upon marrying me, she would become my duchess. My heart filled with gladness as I realized that Bella truly loved me. She was not marrying me for my title or my money, of that I could be absolutely sure. She had no idea that I had either one. My sweet, Bella was marrying me out of love and the thought humbled me.

My musings were cut short when a small hand tugged on mine. Bella was positioning me next to Emmett as his best man. Emmett had a wide grin on his face and he held Rosalie tightly about the waist. For her part, Rose looked just a little bit frightened. I didn't think she was frightened of Emmett, but more the prospect of a marriage with him. After positioning himself in front of Emmett and Rose, Captain Johnson began to speak the words that would bind them together as man and wife.

After the brief ceremony, Rose and Emmett shared and even briefer kiss. I could tell that Emmett wanted to prolong the contact, but he was worried about upsetting her. She broke the kiss and gave him a slight shove to the left, changing their positions so that Alice and Jasper were not in front of the captain. Alice eagerly turned to Jasper and grasped his hands. The look on her face was full of excitement. No trepidation darkened her countenance. Jasper was much the same. I doubted I had ever seen him so happy before. When Captain Johnson finished the words to the ceremony, he swept Alice into a fierce kiss, only stopping when Emmett cleared his throat next to him.

Now it was my turn, MY turn to marry the woman of my dreams. I could hardly believe that I was standing there, waiting to be wed to someone who could turn my world upside down so suddenly and quickly. There was no doubt in my mind that she loved me and I loved her. I was so happy that I made a vow right there to go on my knees and thank God for the gift of her the moment I had a chance. Gently, I took Bella's hand and turned her to face me. The look in her eyes struck me all the way to the heart. It was filled with such love and devotion, a look that I am sure mirrored my own. The captain quickly spoke the words to the ceremony. As he began , he spoke my title and I felt Bella startle. I had not had time to inform her that she was becoming a duchess, but I knew that she would make a wonderful one. Finally, we were pronounced man and wife and I swept her into my arms and sealed my mouth to hers. I could not get enough, and it was all I could do to keep it a chaste kiss. I pulled back, my eyes smoldering. Suddenly, I saw Lady Alice stiffen out of the corner of my eye.

RPOV

I felt like a lamb being led to slaughter as Emmett tugged me along to the captain's cabin. I was panicking-I didn't want to be getting married to a man I hardly knew who had the potential to break my heart. I wasn't scared of him, but I was certainly scared of the feelings he roused in me. This morning, he had been so tender with Bella when he had brought us breakfast. He had given her a big hug and carefully questioned her about her wounds. It had touched my heart, and I did not want to admit it.

This man made me feel things that I had never felt before, and I was terrified to become closer to him in the way that being man and wife would. We would be in each others company quite often and that might allow him to seep more into my heart. I was so worried that I would fall in love with him, yet he would only ever see the beautiful side of me and not my other strengths. Beauty fades, while intelligence will linger on forever. This was my biggest concern, and I knew that I couldn't allow Emmett to win me over until I was sure he could love me for me.

I gulped as Emmett and I stood before the captain and he started to speak the ceremony. I had never been so nervous in my life, and I am sure that Emmett felt me shaking. What was I doing? Was I prepared for this? Yes, I intended to have this union annulled, but I was putting myself into the power of a man who I barely knew! I had seen him be tender and gentle, yes and even seen that he could be a man of honor, but who was to say that he wouldn't turn into a monster like Uncle Laurent behind closed doors. Finally, it came to the point where I had to answer. I took a deep breath and said "I do" consigning myself over to fate, praying that she wouldn't prove fickle.

I was hardly expecting him to lean over and kiss me then, but that is exactly what he did. A firm press of his lips on my mouth, something that sent small shivers shooting through me. My heart fluttered and panic seared my chest. I broke away from him and shoved him to the side, allowing room for Alice and Jasper to come stand before the captain. I wanted to forget the fact that I was standing next to my husband-my husband, I still couldn't believe I was saying that-and concentrate on watching my cousin marry the man of her dreams.

Alice looked so radiant, standing next to Jasper. This was the happiest I'd ever seen her. Away from her father's influence, she and Bella seemed to blossom. It was like two shiny petals opening and finally living a life away from fear and danger. While I was unsure of my own situation, I was profoundly grateful for these men that had stepped into Alice and Bella's life and made it a place of safety, refuge and happiness. I was brought out of my musings as the captain pronounced Jasper and Alice husband and wife and told them that they could kiss. Jasper swept her up into a passionate kiss, one that made even me blush. Emmett cleared his throat loudly next to me, and they broke apart, both grinning happily at one another.

Edward and Bella eagerly positioned themselves in front of Captain Johnson. They both were staring in one another's eyes and one could see that they had forgotten everything but each other. It made me slightly uncomfortable, like we were intruding in their world of love for each other. Finally, when the ceremony was complete, Edward gently kissed Bella and as they pulled apart, I saw the look of love that passed between them. Finally I was content that he truly loved her and would take care of my sister. She had found a man that would give her everything that she deserved, and I was truly happy for her. Suddenly Alice, who was standing next to me, stiffened. I could tell she was having a vision and wondered what was in store for us.

APOV

I couldn't believe it! I was finally married to Jasper and I was never going to let him go. I had waited my whole life for him, and here he was. I had never felt safer, or more sure of a decision in my entire life. I knew that no matter what, he would be there to protect me and our love would hold strong through our lives. I knew, for I had seen this in my vision and they never proved wrong.

I had watched as Rosalie and Emmett had been married. I knew that she was unhappy about this situation, but I had a small glimpse of her future with him the night before, and I knew that they would be very happy with one another once they let trust build in their relationship. Jasper had swept me off of my feet with that kiss, and I truly couldn't wait to learn more about the aspects of physical love with him.

I watched as Bella and Edward were married as well. Now if ever a couple were meant to be together, it would be them. The love that they shared as they looked into each others' eyes spoke volumes to me. This was a love that would endure the tests of time, that was for certain. I watched them kiss, not as passionate of one as Jasper had given me, but infinitely more tender. Just as they pulled back from one another, a vision came into my mind.

In my vision, I saw a great black shipping moving menacingly towards us. The very presence of it in my mind sent a child down my spine and I knew that this was one encounter that we would want to avoid if we hoped to escape with our lives. Whether it was pirates or the men who had been sent after us, I knew not but one thing I did know was that it brought danger with it.

The vision changed, and I saw the men boarding this ship, equally menacing expressions on all their faces. They each held cutlasses in their hands and the captain carried a pistol. Slowly, methodologically, they questioned the passengers. They were looking for us! They were asking about three young girls traveling on their own, perhaps dressed as maids. I saw the passengers pointing our cabin out, and the subsequent search of not only that room but many others aboard the ship. Their intent was obvious. They were to find us and destroy any hope we could have of escaping and going back to our normal lives.

I came out of my vision and saw the others looking at me curiously. The captain and his wife sensed our need to talk, and discreetly excused themselves from the room. As soon as the door shut every eye turned to me. Bella was the first to speak, she was always so perceptive when I was upset. I knew that we had to leave the ship someway or Jasper could be harmed trying to defend me. They were just too outnumbered to stand and fight, so the next best option was retreat. "What did you see?" she asked softly.

"We need to leave the ship right now. There is a ship that will catch us no later than tomorrow morning and we need to be gone. We have no other option left. They are looking for us and will stop at nothing to find us."

"Well, then we'd best gather our belongings and go." Jasper said soothingly.

I looked at him in shock. I knew that he had this plan, but I didn't see it happening so soon. We would be safe, I knew that but being in a small boat in the middle of the ocean was a terrifying thing indeed.

"I have already stored fresh water and supplies aboard. The captain has the money for a new longboat once he reaches port. Gather your things and we will lower and board the ship shortly. I promise to keep all of you safe."

I looked around to my companions. Bella and Rose looked serene under the circumstances. They were used to us getting in scrapes and also knew that I would not allow us to get in a dangerous situation. I had always foreseen when we were headed into certain danger before, and they had no reason to suspect that would change. Edward and Emmett looked worried. I knew that they were thinking of the dangers we could encounter on open water, perhaps even men more dangerous than the ones we were avoiding now. I could sense their concern, but it mattered not. Our options were few and this was the course we were destined to take. We would now see where it led us.

I'm sorry that I have not had time to update lately. Our car broke down and we had to get a new one, so that took forever researching our options, etc. I should be able to be back to updating regularly now! Thanks.