With very few minor exceptions the characters are the creation of Stephenie Meyer and belong exclusively to her. Thanks to my niece Shannon Fawr for being my beta reader and for adding all the lovely touches to the tale. Also many thanks to my research assistant, Jonathan Dobson, for all the times he answered my call for just another odd piece of information.

High Noon

Chapter 14

The wedding rehearsal went off without any glitches. Jake was about to be spirited away for his bachelor party. Eleazar, Carlisle, and Henri had decided to forego the bachelor party but were relegated to the guest house, which would be Gentlemen's Central until after the wedding. The main house was Ladies' Central. The dome was neutral territory but the bride and groom were not allowed to see one another again until the wedding. Charlie, Phil, and Billy were also skipping the bachelor festivities and wanted to go back to their hotel. Edward had volunteered to drive them. Afterward he'd join the bachelor festivities in progress since his brothers could advise him where they were at any time.

Jacob swept Ness outside. She was distracted by all the plans for the evening and looking forward to the wedding the next day. "Jake? What is it?"

He got her full attention by kissing her and then murmured, "I think I promised you something old."

Ness smiled. "So you did."

Jacob presented her with the box he'd shown Alice. "These have been given to brides in my family for a while. Both my mom and my grandmother wore them."

Opening the box with care, Ness smiled at the simple beauty of the earrings. "I love them, Jake… and I'll be wearing them tomorrow." She reached up to kiss him.

He held her in his arms and gazed his fill at her beautiful face, while trying to calm his racing heart with the mantra in his head, 'Just a few more hours. Just a few more hours…'

Ness gazed back, loving what she saw, and presently said, "You do know what I like best about all this, don't you?"

"I hope it's what I like best."

"I get to have you – in every way – and when I say goodnight to you, I'll just snuggle in your arms. We never have to be apart again."

His mantra was getting a workout as Jake nodded. "Yep. That's my favorite part too."

Sam clapped Jake on the back. "You two – back inside. This isn't goodbye forever. You'll see her tomorrow."

"Sure, sure," Jacob assured Sam, but went on to kiss Ness possessively a few more times first. "How can I leave you when you're so beautiful?"

"It's hard having you leave too," she admitted. "Somehow, though, I don't see myself figuring into a bachelor party… and you would look very out of place in a crowd of women."

"Too true." He kissed her again. "I love you."

"I love you too!" she beamed as she towed him through the door.

"Before everyone gets going with the rest of their evening," Edward called out and the great room became silent. "Carlisle would like to make an announcement."

"Thank you, Edward," Carlisle said. "As many, but not all, of you know, our family is relocating shortly to a new and exciting property we have recently renovated. It's an island north of Scotland that we have named QuilCullen. We would like to issue an invitation to all of you to come visit whenever you'd like. Please let me know your plans in advance and a helicopter or boat – your choice, weather permitting – will meet you. The castle is spacious and I look forward to welcoming you."

The room began buzzing with excitement. Above it Renee's voice rang out. "Castle? Did he say castle?"

Bella laughed. "Yes, Mom."

Renee's eyes danced. "Like in fairy tales?"

"Exactly like in fairy tales."

"We'll be there…" Renee sighed, "but probably not until next summer because it sounds cold. It's nice to get out of the midsummer heat and go someplace cool, but a little cold goes a long way for us." She looked over at Phil who had been trying to catch her attention. His eyes were pleading with her about something. "Oh, yeah. Not this year. He's reached his quota of cold."

"It is cold and damp. Well, it's a castle," Bella agreed. "We'll look forward to seeing you next summer. With any luck we won't have so much company while you're there and we'll have more time together than we did on this visit." She cocked her head to the side. "If I remember correctly, it'll be your first visit to Scotland."

"Or anyplace outside the country except for Mexico and the Bahamas," Renee said.

Charlie wandered over with a pained expression on his face. "Do you have to keep moving? And to all these weird places?"

"We were only visiting here, Dad," Bella explained. "Besides, I'm absolutely sure you'll like the place in Scotland."

"Why?" asked Charlie. "What would I find to do in Scotland?"

Edward grinned at his father-in-law. "Fish, Charlie. Some of the best fishing to be had in the world is in Scotland. There's water for miles around the island and we have both powerboats and a sailboat."

Charlie listened with an expression that almost comically changed from gloom to excitement. "Sounds promising. Might enjoy it at that." He looked sideways at Edward. "Don't suppose any of you fish?"

"We've been known to, Charlie. Jake and Seth do too. Why don't you plan to bring Billy and we'll all go fishing?"

"Good idea!" Charlie was about to go find Billy when a thought stopped him. "What about Sue? Is there anything for her to do?"

"Seth and Leah will be living there, too, Dad," said Bella. "Sue might enjoy doing things with Leah and Ness while you guys are off fishing."

"She would!" He turned away and then stopped, turning back. "Why are they going? What is this? A traveling camp?"

"They thought it could be interesting to see more of the world," Edward said smoothly. He leaned his face closer to Charlie's ear and murmured, "Need to know…"

"Right." Charlie nodded his head. "I'll just go talk to Billy about it. This idea is too good not to share…" He crossed the room toward Billy.

"Did Carlisle really mean to invite everyone who is here tonight?" Bella asked her husband.

He took her hand, looking down and playing with her fingers. "We talked about it and decided it was the best time to let people know. And we might as well invite them. These are the people we will continue to see. It was easier to announce it than to personally contact each of them."

Paul, a wolf from Sam's pack, came up to them. He was towing his wife Rachel, Jake's sister. "Edward! How soon are you going to be up for having guests?"

Jacob, hearing him, snorted with laughter. "We're not opening for business, Paul. It's a private home and you've received an invitation. Give us a few weeks to get settled. Okay?"

Paul's face flushed to match the color already in Rachel's cheeks. "Okay, Jake! Just asking."

"You and Rachel are welcome any time after we're settled, Paul," said Edward politely. "Perhaps early September?"

"How does that sound, hon?" he asked Rachel eagerly.

She looked up at her husband and said, "It would be the best time, I think."

Rachel turned to her brother, Edward, and Bella. "I'm expecting a baby. So far the morning sickness is driving me crazy. By then it should be gone, hopefully. From what I hear I'll probably be feeling my best – after morning sickness, but before getting huge – until after the baby comes."

Bella nodded. "Come then, Rachel. It should be fun!"

Paul added, uncharacteristically shy, "It sounds so romantic. I thought it would be a good place to get away and visit before the baby comes. Sort of a final romantic trip for a few years."

"Excellent idea!" Edward approved.

As she watched them walk away, Bella mused, "I wonder how many more guests will be booking early?"

"It's not a hotel," Edward reminded her. "If it gets too crazy we can stem the tide for a while."

Bella grabbed the lapels of his shirt. "I'd say the tide will be stemmed sometime in November at the latest."

He smiled. "You really think so?"

"Winter," Bella reminded him. "We have a suite and lots of time this coming winter. We won't be company or have company. I'll have you all to myself and, my love, I plan to spend as much time as possible with you. Just you. In bed." She kissed him passionately.

Edward lowered his forehead to hers. "Maybe I should just make the hotel run and forget the party," he murmured.

"Nice try," she said, "and, by the way, I wish! Most of the women in the place will be here. It's my daughter's wedding. I can't leave." She hustled him toward the tired group of humans waiting patiently near the door. At the last moment she pulled him back toward her for another fierce kiss, then looked deeply into his eyes as she added, "But tomorrow night you are all mine!"

Edward grinned at her, letting go of Bella's hand reluctantly. At the door he met her eyes and smiled again… just for her.

Bella sighed and went to find Ness. The ladies had not all been together until just before the wedding, so they were giving Ness a bridal shower while her fiancé was at his bachelor party.

Next day…

The guests were in their seats. Jasper escorted Alice to their seats, followed by Carlisle and Esme, Phil and Renee, Charlie and Sue. When Emmett escorted Bella to the row in front to join the rest of their family the music paused. Billy Black had offered to perform the ceremony and obtained the online credentials to make it legal. He looked regal in his chair as his son stood by him, waiting for his bride. Behind Jacob, Seth was wearing a huge grin.

Sue leaned toward Charlie and whispered, "Look at Seth! He's so excited anyone would think he engineered their romance personally!"

Charlie grinned. "He is one good natured kid. You got lucky there, Sue."

"I know," she said and leaned her head briefly on his shoulder before straightening quickly as the music began again. "What is that music? I don't know it."

Esme leaned over and explained. "Edward composed it for them. They asked him to write it."

"It's lovely," Sue murmured.

"I didn't know he could do that," Charlie mumbled.

Rosalie drifted by them, a vision in rose silk. Emmett gulped audibly and Rose winked at him as she went by.

The music changed again and, unlike most wedding marches, actually picked up the pace. It was exactly as requested; Ness had no intention of doing a hesitation step or wasting any time getting to Jacob. She almost danced down the aisle on Edward's arm. He smiled at her, kissed her temple, placed her hand in Jacob's and sat down by Bella.

Jake looked almost in a trance as he met her eyes and Ness squeezed his hand to make sure he remembered the script they had worked on for weeks. Billy started the ceremony by stating, "The best thing in life is to love and be loved. Love is the most powerful force in the universe. To be loved is to be known as we are known to no other. The Great Spirit united these two from the very beginning. Their love for one another was immediate and eternal. Jake and Ness have asked you to join them as they declare their love. So here we are, celebrating one of life's greatest moments in the joining of these two beautiful spirits that burn brightly individually and are indomitable together."

Jacob and Ness faced one another, holding hands as they spoke to each other. They were so happy there was an almost tangible glow around them.

Jake began, "Ness, you are my beloved, my best friend, the most wonderful part of my life … and I ask you to be my wife, keeper of my deepest friendship and love today… tomorrow… and always. I desire nothing more than to be with you forever."

"Jake, you are my beloved, my best friend, the most wonderful part of my life … and I ask you to be my husband, keeper of my deepest friendship and love today… tomorrow… and always. I desire nothing more than to be with you forever," Ness responded.

Billy smiled at them and said, "Rings symbolize your love, which is endless. As a circle goes on forever, so too does the love between soul mates. Jake and Ness, I am a witness for the Great Spirit. Only you have the ability to declare your lives joined, for it is entirely your choice. It is time to say your vows, Jake."

Seth gave Jake's wedding ring to him. Jake, smiling, put it in Ness's hand, saying, "You are the fulfillment of my dreams. With this ring, I promise to love you, to cherish you, and to be your partner all my life. My soul and yours are one."

Billy directed, "Ness, if you accept Jake as your life partner, place the ring on his finger." Ness slipped Jake's ring onto the third finger of his left hand, clasping his fingers for a moment as Billy continued, "Ness, if this is where your heart leads you, say your vows."

Rosalie gave Ness's wedding ring to her. Ness set her ring in the center of his large palm, saying, "More than anything, Jake, you are all I've ever wanted. With this ring, I promise to love you, to cherish you, and to be your partner all my life. My soul and yours are one."

Bella surprised herself by sobbing. Edward put his arm around her and dropped a kiss on her hair. She opened her mind to him so that he could see that her emotion was joy at seeing her best friend and her daughter perfectly united… just as she and Edward were. He squeezed her shoulder to let her know he understood. He, too, was aware that somehow all of them had come full circle and settled into the perfect place for each.

Billy had continued, "Jake, if you accept Ness as your life partner, place the ring on her finger."

Jake slipped Ness's ring onto the third finger of her left hand. He did not release her hand but took the other also so that they stood holding hands again.

Billy smiled at them both and concluded the ceremony, saying, "Jake and Ness, you have taken vows to declare that you belong to each other and choose to live your life together. From this day forward you are one another's home, comfort, and refuge. May your days together be good and long upon the earth."

He paused. Jake and Ness both looked toward him expectantly. Some of the guests broke into snickers. Billy beamed at them again and said, "I think it's time to seal your vows with a kiss."

Jake pulled her into his arms, even as Ness ran into them. Their kiss began tenderly and became scorching as they seemed to forget their surroundings entirely. Finally Seth hissed at Jake, "Wait until you get her to the room, man!"

Jacob threw Seth a glare while Ness and those watching laughed. The bridal couple paused by the front row to be greeted first by their families. Then they headed out to the patio where the reception was set up, followed by their guests. The sky was overcast, but no rain was predicted. The midnight sun would continue to light the grey blanket through the rest of the night and the party was expected to last that long.

Renee asked, "Where did you find those vows? They were beautiful, but I've never heard a wedding just like it."

"We wanted it that way. After all, they were our vows… so we wrote them. Billy memorized his part while we memorized all of it," Ness replied.

Jake was holding her tenderly and he looked into her eyes as he told her and Renee, "It was easy to memorize. We meant every word."

"That was more than apparent," said Renee assured them. "Hey! Where was your bouquet? You can't throw a bouquet without one…"

"No bouquet," Ness said firmly. "My hands were too busy to fool with one and as for throwing it! I don't care who gets married next; it's a silly custom." She looked penitent and touched Renee's hand. "I hope it doesn't offend you that I'm not very traditional."

"Not at all," Renee smiled at her. "It's more important for you to be you! And you're right. A lot of wedding traditions should be obsolete for all the sense they make."

Jake reached over to hug Renee briefly. "I'm going to like having this lady for a Grandma!"

Renee blushed, "Thank you, Jake!"

"Told you she'd be worth knowing," Ness murmured.

They danced to their favorite songs and enjoyed spending time with their friends. Jake had thought he'd be impatient but, now that he knew she was his, there was no hurry. It seemed no time at all before Edward was touching his shoulder and saying, "If you're changing before you catch the plane, you need to hurry."

Ness laughed up at him. "I only need about fifteen minutes."

Jake left to change into jeans and a black sweatshirt while Ness hurried into the house to find Alice and Rosalie waiting for her. They eased her out of her dress. Ness scrubbed off her makeup, removed the tiara, and released the pins so that her hair tumbled to her shoulders. She ran a brush through it and left it down.

"But, Ness!" Rosalie protested.

"Jake likes it that way and it's more comfortable." Ness slipped into the waiting jeans and the green sweatshirt that Jake liked on her.

"Are you sure that's the way you want to dress to leave on your honeymoon?" Alice asked, watching in distaste.

"Yep. We'll be incredibly casual where we're going," Ness grinned.

"You know where you're going?" Alice gasped.

"Sure," Ness assured her. "My honeymoon too."

Rosalie sighed. Even though she didn't look it, she felt old when confronted with ways and things that were very different from those she remembered. "Just be sure you return in time to help move."

Ness hugged her, then Alice. "Don't worry. We'll be back in plenty of time. Thank you both – for everything. No one ever had nicer aunts!"

Rosalie hugged her again, holding tight for another moment. "You're my only baby, sweetheart. I love you!"

"With any luck," Ness beamed at her, "Jake and I'll give you more babies to love."

Rosalie paused, a look of wonder on her face as she realized that hadn't occurred to her. Then she said, "That will be something to look forward to."

"No rush though," Alice said sternly. "Let's make sure we don't have to worry about the Volturi again first. You'll have plenty of time for babies later."

Ness laughed and hugged her, while Rosalie muttered, "Spoilsport!"

Edward and Bella had taken them to the airport in Anchorage. They had offered to take Billy too, but he shook his head, "I think I've played my part. I'll stay here and party with my friends. It's great to finally celebrate my son's happiness and I love my new daughter." He paused. "It's odd to be in-laws with you. When you turned Jake down, Bella, I thought it was the worst thing that could have happened… for both of you." He glanced toward the sky. "Someone up there knew better." He nodded. "I'll come fishing at your place in Scotland."

Jake appeared, holding hands with his bride. Ness hurried over to Billy and hugged him. "You were perfect! No one else could have made exactly the impact you did. Thanks so much for all the work you did in memorizing and the suggestions you made when we were writing. You know, you are the only one who knew about our vows before the wedding…"

Billy kissed her cheek. "It was my very great pleasure and it was your vows that were perfect. They echoed your souls."

Jake started to shake Billy's hand, then leaned down and hugged him. "I love you, Dad," he whispered in his ear. "Thanks for everything."

Billy waited until Jacob was standing again and trying not to look emotional. Then he said, "I love you too." He smiled at his new daughter-in-law. "Both of you." His glance shifted to Edward. "Get going or you'll miss your plane even with him driving!"

That broke the emotional tension and everyone in the small group laughed. Esme, Carlisle, Renee, and Charlie came up in time to get quick goodbye hugs and kisses. Then they were gone.

When they got to the airport, they had to run for their terminal. Bella and Edward said goodbye curbside.

"It's wonderful to see you so happy!" Bella said as she hugged Jake.

"Well," he joked, "Sooner or later it had to be my turn!"

Edward hugged Ness, saying, "I love you. Have a wonderful time and enjoy one another. If you want to extend your stay it's on me and we can move without you."

Ness rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't miss moving, Dad! I'm setting up my own suite and acting like an adult. Okay?"

Edward noted the form of address and smiled. "Okay, Ness. Enjoy your honeymoon."

She beamed at him. "I will." She turned to Bella and threw her arms around her. "I love you, Mom." Bella drew away to look into her face, surprised, and Ness shrugged. "It may be the last time I call you that. I don't know. But it really feels like you're my parents right this minute."

Bella hugged her tightly. "We are. Always. And we love you. Love one another as much as Edward and I do. That makes everything else possible."

Ness smiled and nodded.

Meanwhile Edward started to shake Jake's hand and then startled him by drawing him into a hug. "I took the liberty of upgrading you to first class. You'll sleep a lot more comfortably. You want to be rested for your honeymoon." He grinned at him as he released him. "Remember that you're as perfect for her as she is for you."

Jacob nodded. "I will. You really do know how I feel about her. And thanks for the upgrade."

Edward nodded. "You're welcome. Hurry! You don't have much time."

Jake and Ness had sped through the airport with the canvas bags each carried in their hand. Their passage might have caused notice most places, but many people had to run in an airport and anyone noting their speed was merely envious.

They got to the plane just as the doors were about to be sealed and went aboard. A steward showed them into their first class seats in the dimly lit cabin. Jacob was relieved to see that there was actually enough legroom for some comfort. Ness pulled up the arm between their seats, they fastened their seat belts, and she curled into his arms with her head against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and she raised her head to meet his lips. She returned her head to his chest and yawned while he laid his cheek against her hair. Ness was asleep before the plane took off but Jake watched the lights of Anchorage recede and saw darkness replace it before he nodded off.

The door had just closed behind the newlyweds, Edward, and Bella. Those who made a point of seeing them off were dispersing back to the party.

"I'm so glad I came," Renee said softly.

Esme put her arm lightly around her. "So am I. You'll have to spend more time with us. It's not like we don't have a lot in common."

"True," said Renee. "My God, I could end up a great-grandmother!" She looked at Esme. "And you too!"

"It's certainly likely," Esme agreed with a smile.

"But not any time soon, I hope," Alice muttered as she walked by Esme.

Esme frowned and her eyes met Carlisle's. She directed hers to Alice and Carlisle followed Alice. "Alice, do you know something that you haven't shared?" he asked cautiously.

Alice looked around. "It's not immediate, Carlisle. We've had all the effort of the wedding and the move. There hasn't been any need to address it right away."

"When did you plan to address it?"

"Tomorrow. After our guests leave."

Alice sighed and Carlisle put his arm around her shoulders, hugging her affectionately. "It can't be easy to have the weight of the future on your shoulders. Does Edward know?"

"He might. Probably not, though. He's been so concerned with how Bella was feeling about the wedding and about Renee. Even though he would never admit it, he's had his own issues about Ness getting married. He's glad she married Jake though."

"I think we all… "Carlisle caught sight of Rosalie. "Er, most of us are glad she married Jake."

Rosalie heard him and came over. "I don't have to love him and I won't be living with him. Personally I don't know how she stands the stench. But he's growing on me." She shook her head and went looking for Emmett.

Alice grinned and Carlisle chuckled. Then he nodded. "Tomorrow then."