Disclaimer: The Twilight Series and its characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. Any other characters, settings etc. are property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

A/N: This is the last chapter of Just Surrender. I hope you enjoyed reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Please read the Author's Note at the end of the chapter. Thank you.

Chapter 25:

"Ice sculptures? Come on, Alice," I said. "This is Southern California —in September."

As a way to appease Alice, for the way I'd almost left without saying goodbye to her, I gave her free reign to organize my wedding. She had been pretty good with the planning —nothing over the top. Until now.

Alice pouted and then smiled. "I know, I know. It's just that this kind of art is so beautiful; it'd give the atmosphere an air of fantasy. Like a fairy tale. We could've chosen double swans, since swans mate for life, or the classic hearts and doves." She flopped on the chair, shoulders hunched. "I wish you were getting married in Aspen, around Christmas time."

I shook my head. "Just so we could have ice sculptures?"

"They're spectacular," Alice said, defensively.

"O-kay." I looked at my watch; it was almost time to leave work. James had been nice enough to give me my job back without any repercussions. He simply ignored my resignation and I started working the next day as if I'd never left. "We need to go to the house. The furniture will be delivered at five," I said, gathering my belongings.

"Yes! Let's go," Alice said enthusiastically. Icy sculptures forgotten.

Besides organizing the wedding, Alice also helped me choose the furniture and décor for our new home —since Edward left it all in my hands.

He told me that because he chose the house, I'd get to make it a home. Alice and I have been busy going all over the city, finding the right pieces that would suit Edward's and my personality.

"Oh," Alice said. "Don't forget that your last fitting is tomorrow at noon," she reminded me as we left for the house.

My dress

I was very happy with the beautiful design I picked. A strapless, crystal-belted ball gown that was elegant and spectacular. I knew that the style didn't really fit the type of wedding we were having, which was a backyard wedding, intimate and simple. But I was planning on getting married once, so my dress had to be beautiful. I hoped Edward would like it as much as I did.

We arrived at the house. The furniture was delivered on time, and after everything was settled I walked around the place in awe. It was like a dream. The beginning of a new life. My life with Edward.

"Everything looks so perfect," Alice whispered.

I looked at her and smiled. "I'm so happy, Alice, words cannot describe it."

She walked toward me and hugged me. "And I'm happy for you and Edward. I can't thank you enough for bringing light to his darkness. You made him believe in love again. My family and I will always be grateful to you."

"Alice," I said, trying to contain the flow of tears. These days it was hard not to be emotional. "I'm the one grateful for the acceptance and the love all of you have always showed me."

Now, we both were crying. "Let's go back to Edward's," I told her as I released her from my arms.

We made our way toward the car while sniffling and laughing.

~x~

One week before the wedding, I was sitting on Edward's black couch, working on a manuscript when a knock on the door startled me. Edward was not home; he'd gone to pick up his tuxedo.

I set my laptop on the couch and went to open the door.

She was the last person I expected to see. Tanya

She stood there, towering over me from her lofty height, her cold blue eyes staring at me with loathing.

"What do you want?" I said without moving from the doorway. I was being rude and I didn't care.

"May I come in?" she asked.

I thought about it for a couple seconds. Why not? Let's get this over once and for all. I moved out of the way and gestured an invitation to come in.

She passed by me, leaving a trail of sweet perfume —too strong for my taste. I closed the door, walked toward the living room and stopped a few feet from her. I crossed my arms around my chest. "Again, Tanya, what do you want?"

Tanya turned to look at me and didn't seem intimidated by my rudeness. "Can we sit and talk?" she said.

"I don't believe this is a social visit. Why don't you say whatever it is you came to say, and be on your merry way?"

Tanya smiled without humor. "Feeling confident, aren't you?" she said. "I guess you should. You did find a way to trap Edward in your tiny little web of lies."

"You don't know anything, Tanya. And the only liar in this room is you."

"You are going to ruin him," she continued, ignoring the insult. "Edward can never be happy with a simpleton like you," she spat at me.

Oh-no-she-didn't! I started seeing red. "You wouldn't know about happiness if it bit you in the ass! How dare you tell me about Edward's happiness, when you caused him so much pain with your betrayal?" I spat back. "And you are damn wrong. I love him more than life. I will make him happy."

A hint of regret flashed across her blue eyes, but whatever she was about to say was cut off by the sound of the front door slamming. Edward came in holding a tuxedo garment bag. His eyes were fixed on Tanya and he looked angry. His gaze then drifted to me, his face now showed concern. "Are you okay, Bella?

I tried to cool my temper, not quite managing it, and smiled at him. "I'm good."

Edward seemed to believe me and relaxed. "Good." He then turned back to Tanya. "What are you doing here? You know you're not welcome."

Tanya looked a little hurt. "I only came because I want you to realize you are making the biggest mistake of your life, Edward. I feel guilty. Because of what I did, your self-esteem has been compromised. But you don't have to settle for someone inferior just because—"

"Enough!" Edward shouted, cutting off Tanya's words. His face was a mask of fury. "I'm not going to stand here and let you offend my future wife. For your information, Bella is the most amazing woman in the world. She is superior to both of us put together, in so many ways. So don't you dare say another insult. I will not allow it."

Tanya's gaze turned to me, her whole body vibrated with loathing.

I smiled smugly at her. "Goodbye, Tanya. And never come back." I told her.

Without another word Tanya left in haste.

Edward set the garment bag on the couch, walked toward me and hugged me. He kissed the top of my head. His anger dissipating. "Are you okay? Was she unpleasant to you?" he asked concerned.

"Far from it. The unpleasant one was me," I said unrepentant.

Edward took a step back without releasing me and raised an eyebrow.

I smiled sweetly at him. "Well, you know me, The All Mighty; always arrogant and treating the lesser beings with disdain," I said playfully.

Edward grinned at me. "You know that I meant every single word?" he said, in a serious tone.

I kissed the tip of his nose. "I know."

Edward searched for my lips and we kissed passionately. I showed him a side of my superiority; when I made him surrender every time we made love.

~x~

Three days before the wedding, my parents arrived. Renee and Phil flew in from Jacksonville, and my dad and Sue, along with Sue's kids —Seth and Leah, drove down from Washington. I was happy that my dad had finally taken the next step, and Sue would soon be part of the Swan family.

At first I was going to make hotel reservations for them —Edward's apartment was not big enough to accommodate them, but Esme insisted on having them stay at their house, so they could get to know each other. My mom was delighted. Dad not so much, but Sue's subtle persuasions made him accept the kind offer without too much grumbling.

I was thankful for that.

My best friend, Jake, could not be with me on that special day, but he sent me a heartfelt E-mail, which I printed out and will always treasure.

The evening of the rehearsal dinner —the day before the wedding, was nice and warm. My parents, Edward's parents and siblings, and the Clearwaters were the only ones attending. My dad and Carlisle seemed to get along greatly. My mom, Esme and Sue talked like they were old friends. Phil fell into the younger group, being younger himself and as an athlete he had a lot in common with Emmett.

Leah and Rosalie hit it off right away, which was a surprise. Also surprising was Rosalie's attitude toward me. She was... friendly. Her days of animosity seemed to be over.

After dinner, I left with my parents and stayed at the Cullen's, following tradition of spending the night before the wedding away from the groom for good luck. I wasn't being superstitious; I've never been one. But I didn't want to upset Esme, Renee and Alice who looked appalled when I announced Edward would drive me to the ceremony. Needless to say, plans were immediately changed.

I thought it was silly, although I was glad I got to spend the last hours of being single with my parents. We talked, laughed and cried as we walked down memory lane, remembering my childhood and the time I spent growing up with each one of them.

~x~

My wedding day finally arrived.

Alice picked me up early in the morning and, along with Renee, Esme, Sue and Leah, drove us to Edward's and my house. It felt good calling it our house.

A team of makeup artists met us there and immediately started working on us. Super talented Ken worked exclusively on me. I knew before hand how the man could create magic. I confidently put myself in his expert hands.

The result was extraordinary. I looked at myself in the full body mirror and smiled. I looked so beautiful I glowed. I looked radiant. I think that the happiness from within just poured out of every pore on my skin.

Edward would be proud to call me his bride.

The time came, and Charlie was waiting by the French doors, as I came down the stairs. "You look beautiful, Bells," he said, and smiled tenderly at me.

I joined him. "Thanks dad," I said, and took a big breath trying to hold back my tears.

As a way to distract myself, I looked through the glass, and was amazed how Alice had transformed our lawn into a beautiful wedding scene.

There were floral urns matching the wedding's colors. The chairs were festooned with bows and ribbons. A palm arch, overlooking the ocean, decorated the ceremony site.

It was lovely.

The music started, and my dad and I walked down the aisle, formed by scattered white rose petals, that began from the French doors, all the way to the small altar where the most beautiful man in the whole universe was waiting for me.

Edward in his impeccable tuxedo was a sight that words cannot describe.

The ceremony was short, but beautiful. When the words "I now pronounce you, man and wife" were uttered, I couldn't contain the grin that spread across my face. This smile never left my face the rest of the night, and I intended on keeping it there forever.

I was Mrs. Edward Cullen. I was the luckiest, happiest woman alive.

Edward kissed me and looked so happy my heart did a little flip at the sight. I was proud to be the one to bring joy to his life.

After my family and Edward's family hugged us, sharing our happiness, the rest of the small party who attended took their turn to congratulate us. Angela, Ben, Jessica and Mike, along with five of Edward's closest friends were present, as was James.

I was surprised he attended. I had invited him out of courtesy, but didn't expect his presence. "Congratulations, Edward," he said, as he approached us. "Bella is the most amazing woman I've ever met."

"I know," Edward said.

"May I kiss your bride," James asked Edward, surprising me with the fact that he was requesting something everyone else was doing.

Edward kept quiet for a moment. Then shrugged. "It's up to her."

James turned to look at me and smiled. He slowly moved his face toward me and for a moment I thought he would kiss me on the lips as he did that day in his office. But no; his lips softly grazed my cheek, and he finally kissed it with what could be described as fervor. "I wish you all the happiness," he whispered.

He took a step back and looked at me one more time with longing. He didn't stay for the reception.

"I pity the bastard," Edward said, looking at James' retreating back.

I hit him softly in the shoulder. "Don't call him that."

He was about to argue with me, but Emmett interrupted, "Hey, guys, are you going to open the dance floor by having the first dance?"

"Of course," Edward said, and took my hand, leading me toward the dance floor. I welcomed the warmth of his arms as he held me close to him. He whispered loving words in my ear and kissed me tenderly while we danced. Soon everyone else joined us.

It was the most amazing day of my life.

Way past midnight, our family and friends said their goodbyes mingled with wishes for our happiness. We stood together; arm in arm on the front porch, as the last of the guests left the property.

Edward and I were finally alone. We were going to leave for our honeymoon the following day. This night we were going to spend in our house for the first time. My husband and I.

My husband the phrase was music to my ears.

In a romantic gesture, Edward swung me up so that I was cradled in his arms and carried me through the threshold. He set me on my feet, kissed my lips, kissed the back of my hand and then led me outside.

Once more we stood by the altar; Edward hugged me close, running his mouth from my ear to my lips. "I love you," he whispered against my mouth and kissed me; his tongue lightly caressing. I sighed contently and enjoyed the union of our lips. We could kiss forever.

After a moment of pure heaven, I broke the kiss and I held his face between my hands. "I love you, Edward Cullen. I love you more than life itself. And I will do my best to make you the happiest man in the world. That I promise."

Edward smiled. "I love you, Bella Cullen. I'm already the happiest man alive, because you're my wife. And I promise to fill your life with love every day of our lives for as long as we both live and breathe."

With the Ocean as our witness, we sealed our promise of love. Forever.

The end.

A/N: Many thanks to Marijee. You rock!

Sooo, what do you think? Did you like the story? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks to everyone who read the story. Especially to those who left me a review; it always brought a smile to my lips. Thank you.

It's silly how sad it feels to end a story. So in my refusal to let Edward and Bella go, I've started writing another story.

This new story is very different to Just Surrender. It's an Alternate Universe with Vampires and Werewolves. And it's OOC, where Bella is a strong, independent vampire (and likes to curse —OOC) and Edward is a happy, sexy vamp who is looking for his soul mate (Yep, he believes he has a soul) and thinks he has found it when he meets Bella. But he has to fight many obstacles to reach his goal, starting with Bella herself, since she is a vampire who hates her kind.

The title is: Conflicting Emotions. This is the summary: Bella Swan is a normal college student who attends night courses and works as a bartender. She loves to spend time with her werewolves friends with whom she shares a vicious loathing for vampires. Only problem: she is a vampire as well. What would she do when she meets the Cullens? —A different kind of bloodsuckers. AU OCC

Bella was changed by the Aro in a traumatic way. This created abhorrence toward vampires she is not willing to overcome. But then she meets Edward, and her whole theory that all vampires are monsters is put to a test.

What would she do? Forget her hatred for vampires and embrace a future with Edward? Or be faithful to her beliefs and her friends (The Wolves)?

Go to my profile and check it out. You might like it.

Thanks again, and I hope to see you around —cyberneticly, that is. :)