Chapter 12: Speeches and dancing

When we pulled away from our kiss I chocked slightly on my small sobs. I tried to catch my breath as we grinned widely at each other. Everyone stood up to applaud as we walked back down the aisle.

At the end of the aisle Chloe was the first to hug me. I laughed and hugged her back.

"Congratulations" she grinned.

"Thank you" I told her with a smile then looked over to Eddie. He pulled me into a hug. When are you going to ask my best friend to marry you? I asked in his head. Soon. He said pulling back to grin at me. I then got a hug from Chantelle before all the other guests came to congratulate us.

I was hugged by every single person there. I must have said Thank you about one hundred times, if not more.

There was a rare moment that I was alone with Jacob.

"You look beautiful by the way" he whispered into my ear. He had his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. My chest was against his and I had my arms around him in a hug.

"Thanks" I said to him looking up and smiling at him.

"I love you so much" he whispered and kissed me. When we pulled away I was smiling widely at him. I looked to my left to see my parents talking to Stephanie, I noticed my dad look at me and smile. I'd have to remember to talk to Stephanie later, I hadn't seen her in a long time and I was happy she came to my wedding.

"If you would all like to follow me, there has been a banquet set up down the beach" my aunt called and everyone followed her to where the food was set up. It wasn't far down the beach. There were tables all set out including a head table. Only my aunt would do this, it looked incredible and the fact it was all on a beach made it even more special.

The banquet was literally that. There was EVERYTHING. I didn't think I could name one thing that wasn't on the giant table.

After guests had eaten, it had come to the most interesting part of the day. The speeches, I was aware Eddie, my father and Jacob had all written speeches as traditionally expected from the groom, best man and father of the bride but I was suddenly nervous as to what he was going to say.

"Can I have your attention please?" my dad asked. I groaned. Uh oh. He laughed at my side but continued with his speech.

"This isn't going to last long don't worry" he said to me with a smile. Then looked up at the audience. "I'm not going to lie to you. I haven't always been forthcoming about Jacob being with my daughter. The day I found out he had imprinted on her I wanted to rip him to shreds…" he said looking over then turning to my mom. "I wasn't the only one either… From the day Renesmee was born Jacob owned her. He had her in a way Bella and I never could. He was a part of her and she was a part of him. I understood it but I didn't like it. I knew it was inevitable though… it was going to happen whether I liked it or not. I had seen it with Sam and Emily and with Paul and Rachel. I had also seen the way Quil was with Claire. I knew Jacob didn't see my daughter romantically but I didn't like that he had claimed her before her mother even knew her. Renesmee was our miracle baby but she wasn't just ours. It wasn't until Renesmee was a few months old that I accepted the connection they had. I had to consider giving her to him completely. The Volturi came to kill her but the one thing I was sure of was the fact Jacob would keep her safe. Bella planned for them to run away and the moment it came I was glad. I was glad that someone loved her as much as Bella and I, I was glad Jacob was there and I trusted him to take care of one of my most precious possessions. Jacob and I have a rough history but it's nice to be able to call him my son, because Jacob… you are, and I'll be forever grateful for everything" he said with emphasis on everything. He also lifted my mom's hand in the air, signalling he meant her "you have done for me. Thank you and I wouldn't want anyone else for my daughter. I've watched your relationship grow into something I never imagined, the relationship you hold with my daughter should be cherished, and I know you will cherish her for the rest of eternity. I wish you the best of luck in married life because if she's anything like her mother, you're gunna need it" he said with a smile. My mom slapped his arm and the audience laughed.

"Thank you Edward" Jacob said sincerely, coating his voice in devotion. My dad nodded and sat back down next to me. I reached over and took his hand before I kissed his cheek. Thank you daddy. I placed in his head; he turned to kiss my forehead in return. Next to stand up was Jacob. He dropped my hand that was by my thigh and put his champagne glass down on the table.

"I haven't really prepared a speech. I know I was meant to" he said turning to look at my aunt. My aunt sighed. "I just want to use this time to thank you all for coming. I know a lot of you came a long way to be here today and I want to tell you how much my wife" he paused to smile and a few people cheered before he continued "and I appreciate that. I also want to thank Alice for making this day perfect. Your obsessive planning and your persistent determination to get Renesmee's views on things paid off." Everyone lifted their glasses to toast to Alice. I just smiled widely at my aunt and when I caught her looking at me I winked. "I also want to say how beautiful the bridesmaids look. Well done Alice again" he said. A few laughed.

"And I want to say thank you to both Edward and Bella for giving me their only daughter I will be forever grateful and yes Edward. I will cherish her for the rest of eternity. Thank you." he said looking at my parents then down at me to smile. Everyone applauded and he sat down. My mom reached across my father's lap and mine to take Jacobs. She squeezed it as they stared at each other. I knew they were having one of their best friend telepathy moments.

Next Eddie stood up. I sighed and Jacob wrapped his hand around mine tightly.

"I've been told by my aunt this is the part where I have to talk to you and embarrass the groom, but to be honest since the bride is my sister I would much rather embarrass her" he said turning to me and grinning. I rolled my eyes; there was a small wave of laughter from the people watching. "There are a lot of stories I could tell you about Renesmee and Jacob... but I would really like to make it through this day alive." He said, some laughed and I again rolled my eyes. "As you all know Renesmee grew up with Jacob. He imprinted on her as a baby and whilst I know my parents really did not like that…" he said looking to my mom and dad on the other side of me. "I don't think that even they could deny the fact that these two were meant to be together… When I was writing this speech I had to really think through some things. Firstly I had to be reassured you all knew about us otherwise telling you that I was only 6 years old would be quite a shock to some of you, but that doesn't mean that I haven't learnt in 6 years what siblings learn about each other in 18, 20, 25 years. I know my sister better than I know pretty much anyone. When I was younger the only way I would communicate was through my gift, and one of my most treasured childhood memories is just talking to Renesmee, she was there for me through anything and as my big sister I love her more than you could ever imagine.

"Secondly, I actually had to take a long time to think about how I could even begin to explain my sister and Jacob. I know they're not the first couple to have imprinted" he said looking at Emily and Sam only a few tables away from us. "But they are unique. There has never been a couple like Renesmee and Jacob. Their love brought together two rivalling species, their love made us all family and I think that deserves recognition of its own. If it wasn't for these two we wouldn't all be here today. In fact I don't even think my family would still be in this town anymore and so I thank you." he said then looked directly at me. "I exist because of you and I'm pretty sure you still exist because of Jacob… and I guess our parents played a small part in that too" Eddie said, guests laughed and my parents smiled. I remembered when Jacob told me about the treaty that used to bind my family. If it wasn't for Jacob imprinting on me the wolves would have went to war with the Cullen's after my birth.

"Now as the best man I am meant to be talking about Jacob specifically… so here it goes… I never knew that he would become my best friend. When I was younger I wasn't really that close to him. He was always around of course but I never spent actual time with him unless Renesmee was with us. In the past year or two I guess you can say we "bonded" – at least that's what girls call it" I smiled, and a lot of people laughed. "Either way, I don't think I would want anyone else as my best friend. With Nessie and Chloe so close it was bound to rub off on us and I couldn't think of anyone better to spend the rest of my very long life with than them three.

"Renesmee and Jacob have a relationship I've never seen before. They love each other unconditionally, and their love radiates off them and captures anyone around them. They get through anything that stands in the way, anyone who threatens to destroy what they have and they overcome it.

"As her brother I couldn't imagine anyone else for Renesmee." He said, tears were already falling from my eyes. "And just one more thing before I stop talking." He said taking Chloe's hand in his who was sitting next to him "Thank you for giving me your best friend" he said, reaching over towards me to kiss my cheek. I grinned widely.

"You're very welcome" I replied. He laughed. The audience applauded and he sat down.

"If you would all like to make your way to our house. The evening reception has been set up." my aunt said standing up from her seat to address the guests. She then walked over to me.

"You and Jacob have an hour to be together. Then I want you at the house in the living room ready for your first dance ok?" she asked with a smile I nodded at her and mouthed thank you. She reached over the table and kissed my forehead. "You're welcome… Bella, Chloe, with me please" she said motioning to my mom and best friend. They groaned and followed Alice away from the table. Everyone started walking away from the beach and towards our house. My dad and Eddie gave me a quick kiss before they followed the crowd away. Jacob just took my hand and led me in the opposite direction. I let out a small giggle when I realised where we were going. We walked down the beach a little longer until we reached our 'bench'. He walked over and sat down.

"Can I sit on your lap please? I don't want to ruin this dress" I told him he smiled at me and opened his arms. "Thanks" I giggled and sat down. His arms wrapped around my waist pulling me to him.

"Your dress is beautiful by the way" he whispered into my temple.

"thanks." I said.

"You look beautiful. I always imagined this day… and how you would look but it doesn't compare" he said pulling away. His eyes looked down my torso and back up again. I was pretty sure I blushed.

"You don't look so bad yourself" I said with a smile. I loved Jake in a tux… sure I liked him shirtless and in just his shorts too but the tux just made him look incredible. He smiled at me.

"God I love you" he mumbled before crushing his lips to mine. I smiled against our kiss.

"I love you too" I laughed as he began attacking my neck and shoulder with kisses.

The hour we had together went way too fast. Before I knew it we were on our way back to the house. I couldn't wait to be alone with Jacob again. But I also wanted to spend time with my family and for today never to end. Jacob stayed by my side the entire night. Never moving, always touching me some way. The only time he wasn't touching me was when I danced with my dad and Eddie. Which during that time he danced with my mom, I quickly danced half a song each with the other male members of my family before I was returned back to Jacob by my grandfather.

"Thank you Carlisle" Jacob said with a smile. He reached for me and I practically leapt into his arms. I just needed him touching me again. My grandfather smiled and kissed my forehead before walking away. I socialised until around 8pm. I was just about to walk over to where Esther was talking to my brother when I heard my aunt call out to me.

"Renesmee" I turned to look at her.

"Yeah?"

"Come with me. I need to get you ready" she said.

"For what?" I asked.

"Your honeymoon" she grinned. My eyes widened.

"What we're leaving tonight?" I asked looking at Jacob.

"It's the only flight available to where we're going in the next 2 days" he said to me.

"Oh" I mumbled and turned to Alice. "Ok" I told her. She grinned and grabbed my hand before tugging me away. I walked into my room to see my mom and Chloe there. My mom was hovering over a suit case on my bed. Alice pushed me down into my dressing table chair. I was tempted to tell Chloe that Eddie was talking with Esther but I let it go. Ever since Chloe and my brother had… made love… Chloe had little self issues when it came to Eddie. I was pretty sure she still felt a little self conscious around other girls but I knew she wasn't so unsure when it came to how much Eddie loved her now.

"Do you know where I'm going?" I asked my aunt.

"Yes" all three of them answered. I sighed, of course they all knew.

"Do you know how long for?" I asked.

"3 weeks" my aunt answered. She was busy brushing through my hair.

"3 weeks?" I asked my voice rising. I looked between my mom and Chloe in the reflection of the mirror. I couldn't go 3 weeks without seeing them or any member of my family.

"It's ok. You'll see your parents and Eddie and Chloe after the second" Alice said.

"I will?" I asked.

"Yes" she grinned. I didn't understand why. Were they going to come and visit me on my honeymoon or something?

"Something like that" my dad said walking in the room. "You're not just going to one place" he said.

"Edward!" my mom scowled. Chloe and I laughed.

"Well, she was confused. We'll be meeting you somewhere. It's a surprise" he grinned and kissed my temple. I stood up from the chair and smiled at him, then turned to Alice.

"Do I have to change?" I asked. Alice sighed and looked up and down my body.

"It does seem a shame to have to take that dress off so soon. I guess not but let me make some adjustments to the train so you won't get it caught anywhere" she said.

"ok" I told her and stood very still as she came back in with a mini sewing kit and got to work on my train. I wondered if she was ruining the dress but then I realised what she was doing. She sewed a loop of material under my dress so that she could connect the end of the train underneath. She was simply folding it in half to make sure I didn't step on it.

"Alright all done" she said and stood up.

"Thanks" I told her.

"You're welcome" she said.

"And thank you for making everything today perfect" I said with a smile. She smiled back and I pulled her into a hug.

"You're welcome" she said and pulled back. She then took a glance at Chloe who was helping my mom pack my suit case. "I hope I get to plan another soon" she whispered to me with a smile. I smiled back.

"I hope so too" I said and looked over at my best friend. She hadn't heard us; we had said it too low and too fast for her to catch. Although soon enough she'd have senses as sharp as ours and we wouldn't be able to whisper without her hearing. "Wait… am I going to be back for when Chloe turns?" I asked. Chloe turned to look at me then.

"Yes you will. You'll be back by the 30th of July. That's as long as nothing goes wrong… like I don't know… getting pregnant" my aunt said looking at my parents. My mom laughed and a smile escaped my dad's lips.

"Please not yet. I'm not ready to be a grandfather" my dad said.

"Don't worry dad. I'm not ready to be a mother either" I told him.

"Neither was I but things happen" my mom said walking over to me.

"Well grandpa put me on the pill 2 months ago. I definitely won't be coming home pregnant" I said to them. My mom smiled and kissed my forehead.

"I know." She whispered and pulled me into her chest. I wrapped my arms around her and breathed in her scent. I didn't know how I was going to last 2 weeks without my mom.

"Your husband is getting impatient" my dad said. I noticed the tone of voice as he said 'husband' I pulled away from my mom to smile at him.

"Alright. Let's go" I said. My dad grabbed my suit case and we all walked down stairs. Most of the guests were all in the hall waiting for me to return. Jacob was at the bottom step smiling up at me. My heart involuntarily skipped a beat when I saw his beautiful smile. I said goodbye to all of my family and friends. I realised I hadn't gotten a chance to speak with Stephanie as much as I had hoped so I made her promise to come visit me after I got back and she agreed gleefully. I was hugging Chloe when I could feel tears falling from my eyes.

"Ness it's only a few weeks." My brother laughed from her side. I stuck my tongue out at him.

"I know" I said but didn't pull away from Chloe. She laughed slightly but I heard her intake of breath. She was struggling not to cry too. I laughed and pulled away from her.

"Ill see you soon" I said to her with a smile. She nodded in agreement. I then turned to my brother. "Look after her."I told him sternly.

"Always" he grinned and pulled me into his chest. I sighed taking in my brother's scent. I held onto him for a long time. Jacob started tugging on my waist.

"We have a flight to catch Ness" he reminded me.

"Ok" I said through my tears pulling away from my little brother. Eddie kissed my forehead and I leant away from him. I said one last goodbye to my friends and family before getting in the car with Jacob. As he drove away I took a glance back at my family standing outside the door. My mom was wrapped up in my father's arms. He had his head resting on her shoulder and I could see him whispering something to her. Chloe had hold of Eddie's hand and I could see her eyes all red from her tears. Chantelle was wrapped up in my Uncle Emmett's embrace and my aunt rose was combing her fingers through Chantelle's hair. Pancrazio had his back against Jaspers chest and Jasper had his arms draped over Pancrazio's shoulders with Alice at his side. And my grandparents were waving goodbye to us. I finally brought myself to look ahead at the road as we sped towards the airport.

"Are you ok?" Jacob asked. He reached for my hand and settled them in between the seats.

"Yeah" I whispered. He lifted our hands and kissed mine.

"You'll see them soon" he told me.

"I know" I said with a smile. I knew I was being irrational. It was only a few weeks. A few weeks was nothing compared to forever. I shook off my sad feelings and started thinking about what the next few weeks would be like and where we would spend them.


I suck at speeches.. im sorry. I tried my best. So much lovey dovey squishy stuff I had a lump in my own throat :P Next chapter = the honeymoon ;)