Thanks so much to the awesome kitchmill who has been with us from the beginning and we could never have done without. Also, special thanks to Mana Liz for all her prereading skills. We adore you both!

EPOV

I wake to bright sunlight and warm, naked skin under my fingers. Allowing them to lightly caress, I let my mind wander to what the day will bring and how we've come this far.

It's our wedding day.

A simple affair on the beach just before sunset with all of our closest. We've been planning and preparing for almost two months, and the day is finally here.

Right after our night of internet research, the planning began, and while it cost a pretty penny, my parents insisted on paying for the honeymoon portion while Charlie threw in on the actual wedding. Their contributions made it possible for everyone to get away for a few days to this beautiful, tropical resort.

To get to this day, though, there were a couple conversations that needed to take place. The first was when I asked Jasper to be my best man. You'd never think it'd be hard for a guy to make a decision like that, but for me it was. I've been friends with Emmett for years, but since Jasper's come to town, we've formed a bond. So in the end I chose him and I'll never forget how that conversation went.

"Hey, man, you got a minute?" I asked as I walked into his office.

He looked up, startled by my sudden entrance, but nodded to the seat across from him. "Sure."

I took a seat and rubbed my unusually sweaty palms down my thighs. "So, how's it going?" I asked, completely avoiding the reason for my visit.

He tilted his head, but answered, "It's going okay. Just typing up the report on that last bust Marcus helped me make."

My brows lifted. "Yeah? He did a good job then?"

He waved me off. "Pfft. Yeah, man, fantastic actually. You were right about him, he's a good kid who had a bad start. He's definitely on the straight and narrow now."

My shoulders slumped in relief. "I just had a feeling, you know? I knew that if we could get him away from that life and give him better options that he'd do something with them."

Jasper nodded as I spoke. "Well he's doing just that."

I sat back in my seat now, a little more comfortable with this kind of conversation than the one I'd come to have. "So, how about you, man? How have you been? I mean, really been?"

His lips quirked up. "Shit, man. You know life's good for me. I have a job I'm happy with, the love of my life agreed to marry me and I'm surrounded by great friends and a strong family. What more could a man ask for?" he asked, leaning back and propping his head on his hands.

"Fuck, man," I say. "I know all of that. What I meant was, how is everything else for you? Is your counseling working out?"

Jasper started seeing someone shortly after we came back from Seattle, and maybe it isn't my place to ask, but I want to know it's helping him. No one can go through the things Jasper did and learn the things he learned without it affecting them.

He sighed and dropped his hands in his lap, pondering whether he wanted to even answer. After a couple moments, he finally says, "Yeah, it has helped a lot actually. Look, I never blamed you or Bella so don't even think that. My counseling sessions are more about how to find peace with how my brother lived and why he died than how he actually died. So don't ever think you can't bring it up or ask me about it. Okay?"

I closed my eyes for a second and let his words sink in. "Right. I worry about you sometimes, but I figured if you wanted to talk you'd come to me."

He blew out a breath. "I'm really okay with it all. It's the past, nothing I can change, so I just needed to wrap my mind around the senselessness of it all." He looked up and met my eyes. "I'm just glad the motherfucker responsible has joined him in hell."

I looked down to my lap. "Me too. Not only for Peter's sake, but for Bella's as well." I looked back up and around the room. "He had her in his sights and I truly believe he would've never stopped as long as he was alive." My eyes met his again.

Jasper nodded. "Damn straight, he wouldn't have. I'm just glad to have been a part of taking him down."

"I never did say thank you," I said, reaching my hand across his desk. "You showed up just in the nick of time. If you hadn't made it back, I don't know if we'd have survived."

He took my hand and shook it readily. "You know there's no need, but I appreciate it anyway."

I pulled my hand back and allowed it to drop to my lap before bringing one up to rub at the back of my neck. "Well, I didn't come here for all that exactly, but I'm glad we had this talk."

Jasper's brows rose and a smirk formed on his lips. "Yeah? Then what exactly did you come for?"

Judging by his demeanor, he already knew why I was here, but didn't intend to make it easy. I bet Alice had already prepared him for this. Damn sis seemed to know everything.

"I … uh …" I rub the back of my neck a few more times before deciding to just spit it out. "I want you to be my best man."

Jasper choked out a laugh. "Was it that hard to ask? Man, of course I'll be your best man. Don't stress yourself out over it, geesh." He shook his head like I was an idiot, and I guess he may have been right.

The memory brings a small smile to my face and the body next to me curves, catlike, closer to mine. My hand starts a longer circuit, up, down, up, down. A small sound, almost like a purr, escapes before she stretches her arms over her head.

Bright brown eyes open to meet mine. "Morning," she says in her sleep-roughened voice.

"Hey, beautiful. Guess what today is?"

Her mouth curves up into the brightest smile and her hands round my neck, pulling her naked form as close as she can get. "This is the day you become mine, Detective." Her lips start a slow, torturous circuit up my chest and along the lines of my neck. She places open-mouthed kisses and nips along the way.

My body can't help but to react, firming at the contact. I bring her face up and plunge my tongue deep into her mouth where a battle ensues. My hands reach around and cup her ass, bringing her closer to press firmly against me.

A moan escapes between our lips and she pulls away, panting and writhing, gyrating her body against mine. And as much as it feels so fucking good, I can't allow her to continue.

"Baby," I say, placing my hands on her hips to stop their movement. "We can't."

A beautiful pout forms on her lips, but she agrees. It's written all over her face. "The next time I have you, you're going to be Mrs. Cullen." I punctuate those words with one more searing kiss, then I jump from the bed before she can tempt me any further.

"You're not playing fair, Mr. Cullen," she says, lying there eye-fucking my naked body.

I smirk. "No, I'm not, but just think of how great it will be tonight when I have you all to myself." I wiggle my brows and trail off to the bathroom, her eyes burning into me the whole time.

After a nice cool shower session, I walk back into our room with a towel wrapped around my waist. Surprisingly, Bella's already up and out of the room. I pick through my luggage, grabbing my clothes for the brunch we have scheduled today.

Before I can make a move to get dressed, the towel is suddenly snatched away. I jump around, startled, only to be met with a delighted giggle. "Damn, baby. It took some mighty cool water to calm him down earlier. Please don't wake him again."

Bella lifts her brows and props her fingers on her chin. Then she starts a slow circle around me, appraising every inch. Finally, she stops before me and leans in for one small peck. "Hurry up. Brunch is in ten minutes," she says and scoots from the room, flinging the towel back over her shoulder before exiting.

I take a deep breath and release it before shaking my head and getting dressed. During this time I think of my family in an effort to forget the image of Bella surveying my naked body. That thought only leads to trouble.

When I join her in the kitchen a couple minutes later, she grabs my hand and leads me from our suite. The actual Honeymoon Suite at Chabil Mar on an island off the mainland of Belize. The resort is all inclusive and our wedding coordinator planned everything via telephone with Bella in the weeks leading up to today.

We stroll to the private pier where we have scheduled a family brunch. By the time we arrive, most of our friends and family are already gathered.

"It's about time," Emmett says with his boisterous voice. "I'm starving."

I chuckle and lead Bella to the table for a seat. "You would be."

He rubs his belly. "Well, I am eating for two."

Everyone cracks up at his dumb self and takes their seats.

The waiters are swift and take our orders immediately. After they move off, small conversations break out among our guests.

When our drink orders arrive, Jasper stands and clears his throat. "I'd like to make a toast in honor of the bride and groom."

He lifts his brows, and when no objection comes, he starts speaking. "I haven't known Edward as long as most of you have, but the one thing I know best is how dedicated to Bella he is. And why not? She's an amazing woman who's made his life better every second she's been in it. They've had to fight through a lot to get where they are today, but I can assure you, just by looking at the love that beams from their eyes, that every second was well worth it. So I raise my glass to this amazing duo and wish them all the best for today and their future to come."

I take Bella's hand in mine and place a kiss to the back of it before raising my glass. "Hear, hear."

Echoes of my sentiment pass and fruity drinks are thrown back as Jasper returns to his seat just in time for brunch to be served. We all sit and enjoy a wonderful meal filled with conversation of the day to come.

At some point, Alice takes over, going over the agenda and pointing out who needs to be where at what time. When she gets to Charlie, instructing him to be at Bella's dressing room no later than five fifteen, I can't help but remember back to the day Bella asked him to walk her down the aisle.

We were in Charlie's office, eating lunch Bella had brought, when she suddenly cleared her throat. Both Charlie and I looked up, giving her our full attention. She toyed with the hem of her dress for a minute before she noticed we were watching.

"Oh, sorry," she said, sounding surprised.

"What are you apologizing for, baby?" I asked, unsure of what was up with her.

"It's just that … well I had something I wanted to ask Charlie," she responded shyly, which was so not my Bella.

"Oh?" My brows rose. "Well, go ahead then." I motion for her to continue.

Her eyes focused on Charlie and she swallowed nervously. "I … I, uh …"

A frown marred Charlie's features, and when Bella didn't say anything further, he finally spoke. "Bella, what is it? Whatever you have to say, just say it."

She took a deep breath and blew it out. "I was wondering if you'd walk me down the aisle." She sat back in her seat twisting her fingers, waiting for Charlie to reply.

He sat stunned for a moment. "I … I, um, don't even know what to say," he finally muttered.

She was quick to assure him. "No, no. It's okay. I understand if you're not ready for something li—"

"Wait just a minute," Charlie interrupted. "I didn't mean that. I was just shocked is all." He stood up and came around his desk, pulling her from her seat. "Bella, I'd be honored to walk you down the aisle. I don't think I ever expected you'd ask."

Bella was fast to reach over and throw her arms around Charlie's waist. "Of course I'd ask," she said, her voice muffled by his shirt. Then she pulled back and looked to him with wetness in her eyes. "We may have started out rough, but you've been better to me in the year I've known you than my mother was my whole life. That has to count for something, right?" She let out a shaky laugh.

"Oh, Bella. I'll always be there for you. Anything. All you have to do is ask," Charlie said and pulled her back in for a tight hug.

Sitting there watching that moment filled my own heart. it meant everything to me to see Bella finally get the right kind of parental support. And I knew if she let him, she'd always have that.

"Edward." Bella saying my name brings me out of the memory.

I shake my head. "Yeah, baby?"

Her brow lifts. "Did you hear what Alice said?"

My eyes scan the table; everyone is waiting for my answer. "Uh, no, sorry. I was thinking about something else."

Alice huffs but repeats her demand. "I said, you and Jasper are to be on the beach, under the arch by five twenty, not a minute later. Got that?"

"Alice, you don't have to order me. I'll be there with bells on." I focus my eyes on Bella, running a finger along her cheek. "This is the best day of my life. I wouldn't miss a moment of it."

Bella sighs. "I love you."

I lean over and press my lips to hers, and when I pull away, I repeat her sentiment. "I love you and can't wait to make you Mrs. Cullen."

"All right, you two. That's enough," Alice says. "Time to hit the spa, ladies."

Bella rolls her eyes but moves to stand. I hastily jump up and pull out her chair, offering my hand. She smiles and takes it before standing with a small curtsey. I pull her to me for one more tight hug before I make her my wife. Our fingers stay connected until the very last second as she walks away.

~~~~~WS~~~~~

"You ready?" Jasper asks, standing at the door of my dressing room.

I meet his eyes in the mirror and take one more swipe through my tousled hair. Ready? He can't even begin to imagine how ready I am. "You have no fucking idea," I say, turning to join him.

He clamps his hand on my shoulder as I approach and looks me dead in the eye. "Yes, man, I'm pretty sure I do." He sighs. "I can't wait for my day like this."

I give him a small nod. "Let's do this."

Dressed in white dress pants and a simple white button-up, I make my way to the beach, sand squishing between my toes. As I approach, I take in the scenery. The ocean stretches as far as the eye can see as a backdrop to the scene of an intimate gathering. There's an arch covered in flowers of differing colors and simple white chairs sit just feet away.

Drill Sergeant Alice is already walking to meet me before I can reach her. "Perfect timing." She smiles and takes my elbow, leading me to take my place under the arch. "Stand here and we'll be starting soon." After positioning me, she turns to Jasper, and after a quick kiss, places him to my right.

"There, all set," she says and twirls off, headed toward the wedding coordinator.

"You do realize this is going to be nothing like your wedding day, right?" I ask Jasper.

He chuckles. "Yeah, I do know."

"Oh, my boy," my mom calls as she approaches, already with a tissue in hand.

After a kiss on the cheek, I pull back. "Mom, you don't need to cry. This is the best day of my life."

"Happy tears, son, happy tears." She sniffs.

Alice clears her throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Time to take our seats. The bride is ready."

When the music starts, my full attention focuses on the pathway leading to the beach. First to appear is Rosalie, and even though she's beautiful, I can't even stop and take her in. My eyes stay glued to the spot she appeared from, waiting with bated breath for a glimpse of Bella.

After a sufficiently slow walk to stand opposite Jasper and me, the music changes. My whole body vibrates in anticipation for that moment when I lay my eyes on her. When it comes, I can do nothing but suck in a huge breath of air.

Beauty personified.

She's on her father's arm, but I barely notice Charlie. All I see is Bella. I take her in from her bare feet up to the ruffles that cascade along her calves. Allowing my eyes to move upward, I recognize the curve of her hip as the dress tightens and hugs her form, ending just above the swell of her luscious tits. Bare skin entices me to continue along her neck and finally to her gorgeous face.

The smile that awaits me there is as bright as the sun that's setting over the ocean. Her hair hangs wild and free in loose curls underneath a veil that flows behind her. My eyes lock on hers and hold steady.

Closer and closer she moves until I can finally reach for her. The first contact of skin as she takes my hand sends a jolt throughout my body. This woman is about to be my wife. The reality of it is stunning.

I vaguely hear Charlie respond to the minister before he quietly moves away to take his seat. With our hands clasped, we face forward to cement the already unbreakable bond we share.

~~~~~WS~~~~~

Under the twinkle lights on the dance floor, I hold her body close to mine. My palms rest on her hips as I stare into her eyes. There are no words being said; there's no need. We're one now. One entity bound together by so much more than a simple piece of paper.

Swaying from side to side with the crashing of the ocean's waves as a backdrop, I continue to take in my wife's beauty. The veil is long gone and her mahogany locks flow freely around her face. The serene smile that curves her lips is a direct reflection of my own feelings.

A throat clearing attempts to pull my attention, but I refuse to look away. Bella giggles at my antics and focuses her attention over my shoulder. Reluctantly, I glance to the side. Emmett is standing there with his hand held out.

I turn so my wife is as far away from him as possible. "Uh, sorry, man, but that's not happening right now." I look back to Bella as I speak again. "I'm just not ready to let go yet."

She smiles and allows her hands to slide up the front of my shirt along behind my neck. "I'm not ready either." Her eyes flick to Emmett. "Get lost."

I throw my head back and an exuberant laugh escapes my lips. Then I tilt my head at Emmett. "You heard my wife. Get lost."

Effectively dismissing him, I pull her tighter to me and we dance right out of his vicinity. Her giggles reach my ears and it's pure magic.

"I think we're safe now," she says, trying to contain her jubilance.

"No, baby. We're not safe. Not until we're far, far away from these people," I reply, running my nose along her jaw. "We're not safe until I have you naked beneath me. That sexy body writhing against me, begging for me to take you. Then, and only then, are we safe."

I can almost feel her thighs clamp down with my words, but I should know better than to play with my firecracker. She's never been one to let things go.

Her leg "mistakenly" brushes against me and stays put just a little too long while her lips burn a trail to my ear. "Oh, baby, that's the last thing you'll be." She licks my lobe and tugs it between her teeth. "You'll be in for more than you ever imagined."

I press my hardness against her. "And I can't fucking wait."

The screech of Alice's voice coming from the microphone breaks into our moment. Why can't they let me have my time with my wife, dammit! Sensing my irritation, Bella laughs it off and lifts her brow as if to say "chill out."

I roll my eyes and take her hand, facing where Alice is standing. "I think we've given our bride and groom sufficient time to enjoy their moment. It's time to cut the cake!" She throws up her hands excitedly and makes her way to where a large cake sits. "Come on!" She motions Bella and me over with more enthusiasm than a cake calls for.

Following my wife's lead, we make our way over to the table. It's a pretty cake, but pales in comparison to woman beside me. Grabbing the knife between both our hands, we make the first cut together as lights flash around us.

Alice stands with a plate at the ready. Removing a piece, we place it on the plate and face our over-enthusiastic guests.

"Feed her," Em yells over the rest of the crowd.

I pick up the fork and fill it with cake before slowly bringing it to Bella's mouth. Her plump lips enclose over the bite, her eyes locked on mine. Everything she does is sex, even something as simple as eating a piece of cake. It does nothing to calm the already large problem from our dance floor antics.

She releases me from her spell by removing the fork from my hands. Ever so slowly, she brings my own bite to my lips. Trying to affect her as she did me, I stare into her eyes and wrap my lips around her offering as she slowly pulls the fork away.

Realizing that everyone here is staring, I place the plate back on the table and turn to Alice. "Happy now? My wife and I have more dancing to do."

As I lead a giggling Bella back to the dance floor, Alice yells, "You better let someone cut in this time!"

I shake my head and spin Bella to face me, and her arms go around my neck instantly. "You know we are going to have to mingle at some point."

My lip curls. "I don't want to."

"Baby," she says softly. "Just remember that in about an hour, we're going to be free to retire to that honeymoon suite and not come up for air for days." Her hands slide to my chest. "So for now, we're going to have to mingle and then we'll make our escape. This will be the last we'll see of them for two whole weeks."

"Ah, you're right," I say, finally giving in. "I guess I'll have to share you."

She leans up and presses her lips to mine then coaxes them open with her tongue. With a tenderness we aren't accustomed to, she so thoroughly reminds me who she belongs to.

When we break away, I push my forehead against hers. "All right, one hour."

For the next hour, I dance with Rose, Alice and my mom, I have a drink with the guys and smoke a cigar with our fathers. But in all that time, my mind never forgets her presence. She's like a beacon to my eyes and light for my soul.

When she finally returns to my side, my world is set right again. Instead of tossing the bouquet, she just passes it to Alice, and with many hugs and well wishes, we're left to finally make our way back to the Honeymoon Suite as husband and wife.

As we approach the door, I swing her up in my arms. "Are you ready, Mrs. Cullen?"

"So fucking ready, Mr. Cullen," she replies.

We enter the suite and allow our passion to burn bright.

We spend the next two weeks exploring each other and the country of Belize.

We return home to our life as husband and wife.

We attempt to trade a family of two for a family of three.

And when that happens, maybe we'll need four?

Just an epi left to post *sniffs*

Be sure to check out the new Straight Thru the Heart contest. They begin accepting entries on the 21st and Lissa is a secret keeper!

Also, the Age of Edward contest is in the voting stage, have you read and voted?

Wedding pics are on our FB page, Fyregirl Fics, Links to it and the contests are on our profile.

This is my last AN so I want to take a minute to thank every one of you who have read along with us. This fic was out of both of our wheelhouses, but we are happy with what we were able to accomplish. I don't know what exactly is next for us, but you can bet, there will be a next. And at some point, we'll definitely have the Smoke sequel. Make sure we're on alert so you don't miss it. Huge hugs and kisses to you all and until next time! Muwah!

Fyre