When we arrived at the castle, all our reception guests were gathered outside to welcome us back, standing to the sides so as to make an aisle to the door for us to walk down. Alec got down first and then walked round the carriage to help me out and then we led the way into the castle. We separated once inside Alec heading into the ball room and me down to having my dress bustled because dancing in a cathedral length train was not going to happen. For this reason, I was also going to leave my veil in the room.

It didn't take very long to bustle it with my Aunt Esme and Jane working at vampire speed. I was using a ballroom bustle because it was perfect for ball gowns with long trains and tended to be very secure. Jane and my aunt did a great job pulling it out since it looked like a normal ball room skirt and like there had never been a train at all.

Alec met me at the top of the staircase we had descended at the engagement party and I grinned at him as I made my way towards him, feeling happier that I had in a long time.

My father announced as just as he did that night when we told the vampire world of our engagement – except this time we were husband and wife – and the large golden doors in front of us swung open. We descended the stairs and walked through the crowd toward a long ten seater table at the end of the room. Next to it at a slight angle looking at the dance floor in the centre was a table for the bridesmaids and groomsmen and on the other side on the top table was a small square four seater table for the "children". I could see Edward sat with my Uncle Carlisle receiving what I was sure was an extremely stern word though he stopped as soon as he smelt Alec and I. Edward seemed more resigned now though angry still.

At the centre of the tables were small candles surround by a garland of flowers just as we had for the reception. Vines, once again, hung the ceiling amongst butterflies, a few wrapped in tiny fairy light. The chairs were pale golden with the same red organza sash we had at the wedding with the small golden butterflies attached while the head table was the opposite. The tablecloths were the same colour as the chairs.

Sitting at the top table, from left to right, was: Emmett, Felix, Demetri and then Esme with a gap for Alec and me between her and my father who was then next to Jane, followed by Alice and then Rosalie.

Once we had taken our seats, my father got to his feet again: we had decided to do our toasts straight away since we obviously weren't having a meal.

'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,' he said and everyone feel silent turning to face him. 'To be on the safe side, I'm Aro, Isabella's father and it is my pleasure to welcome you all here today and to thank you for coming to watch my daughter Isabella Maria marry Alec Talor in, what I'm sure you all agree was, a beautiful ceremony.

'Today seems like a magical dream to be honest. Earlier today, I proudly walked my beloved daughter down the aisle to marry Alec, the man whom she loves so much. It was so beautiful to watch them exchanging their vows in the forest where Izzy spent most of her childhood running around in. It's marvellous seeing these two good people come together.

'Isabella is a gem in our family; a blessing to both her uncles and me; a ray of light.' – I cringed lightly once again glad I couldn't blush as I smiled up at him. 'Over the years I've had the privilege of watching her blossom from a gorgeous baby girl into the beautiful young woman we see before us today. Isabella is a wonderful daughter; she has provided me with so much joy and happiness over the years. I, along with her Uncles and Aunts, have always been proud of her in everything she does.

'I love you, Isabella, I have since the moment you were placed in my arms. But all too soon, you took your first steps and toddled off to explore your surroundings. Before long, you strode out confidently to make your mark on the world.' – I knew this was his way of saying I left without it sounding the slightest bit harsh – 'Over the years, I watched you grow, sharing your childhood excitement, your triumphs and setbacks. Your uncles and I always saw and felt the love reflected back in your sweet smile and bright eyes. I don't know what you think of me as a father and sometimes I really don't want to know but while I may not be the greatest dad in the world ... I hope you know how much I care, and how I'm trying my best for you. Seeing the fine young lady you have become, I know you have received the riches of our hearts: Love, encouragement, a solid foundation of knowledge, and good counsel. These are wonderful gifts.'

My smile widened as I gazed up at him from my seat next to him.

'All parents have dreams and hopes for their children. I've tried to keep them hidden so as not to impose them on you. You have exceeded them all! You are a part of me and yet, unique. You are an individual, but your character shines with some of the best and noblest traits of your family heritage: your mother's kindness and compassion; Grandpa Aldo's honesty and common sense, Grandma Caterina's good judgement and devotion to family, and, yes, even your Grandmother Antonietta's strong will and sharp wit.'

I let out a breathy laugh, rolling my eyes at him.

'I especially want to take this opportunity to tell you that I admire you. You have a strong moral compass and clearly defined values that you let guide you every day.

'And, my daughter, and you look beautiful, absolutely gorgeous, today - I'm surprised Alec was still standing when I handed you over to him on the aisle.'

I turned to look at Alec and he lifted the hand his was holding to press a kiss to it. My father had paused and, once we both turned our attention back to him, he continued

'Alec,' my father now spoke to my new husband – the thought of him being my husband sending butterflied through my stomach. 'I've know you for many decades now and I'm proud to official welcome you, along with your sister, to the family and to call you my son-in-law.'

I saw, out of the corner of my eye, Alec nod almost unnoticeable in response.

'Alec has been a great guard member,' my father said, turning to face out guests, 'he is a hardworking, talented, and an ambitious young man. He's also kind, funny and attentive...his has all 10 fingers...he's well-mannered and I find him to be reliable, sensible and considerate... He is clearly a man of vision...occasionally blurred...sometimes double...' – chuckled swept through the crowd – 'but nonetheless a vision that enabled him to find and win over Isabella's and her families hearts although I can't say that I have totally figured him out. And because of all those things, and that he loves my daughter first and desires that she have the best, I know that my daughter has found in him a partner, a trusted friend, a husband who will love her, honour her, cherish and take good care of her … I couldn't ask anymore of you.'

He said the final words to Alec.

'You and my daughter have proven that True love really does exist and seeing that, plus knowing the type of man you are, makes me glad it was you she choose to spend the rest of eternity with.

'Now, traditionally I meant to give some advice here so ...here goes.'

I cringed, not sure what he would come up with.

'• Be partners in marriage and friends too.

• Never abandon your career or your beliefs for the sake of your spouse.

• Try not to be too judgmental or critical of your partner.

• Always build each other up, but never at your own expense.

• Encourage your partner, and ignore them have their minor faults.

• Don't sweat the small stuff.

• Listen to each other and make the other feel that they are the most important person in the world.

• Always greet the other with a kind word, a smile and a kiss.

• Save the day's problems until after you've both unwound.

• Agree with each other in most decisions, and let them make mistakes. You can always disagree and diplomatically change decisions later. However, stand your ground on major issues.

• Never go to "bed" angry. Argue fairly, expressing your feelings without judging your partners. Always talk things out.

• Give each other emotional space.

• Enjoy life together, but don't be afraid to pursue your own interests independently.

• Be flexible and forgiving. '

Deciding that was good advice I smiled at him and he moved onto the next part of his speech.

'We would like to thank all who helped make today possible...A couple of special thanks: Esme Cullen, who had helped Izzy so much over the past year as she stood in for my late wife; Christen Solar - who is the florist, DJ - William Calhoun who is responsible for getting everyone up and dancing tonight; Mark Ligen who officiated today's ceremony. Thank you!

'Now it is my pleasant duty to propose a toast to the happy couple...I know that Alec has chosen well and I believe that Isabella has too and I wish them everything need for a long, happy and prosperous future together so ladies and gentlemen please rise and raise your glasses' – there was a rustling off clothing as the vampires in attendance rose and picked up their glasses of jewels and rose petals (our alternative to champagne since we decided blood wouldn't be a clever idea) – 'to wish the Bride & Groom, Isabella and Alec Talor, a long and happy married life together. May your lives be entwined like the strong leaves of ivy on a high castle tower. May your joy never end like the circles of your wedding rings.

'To Mr and Mrs Alec Talor.'

The crowd repeated his word as he reached down to hug and kiss me before clapping Alec on the shoulder.

'Thank you,' I whispered to him so low even Alec, sitting next to me, wasn't able to hear. He winked at me and I giggled slightly before turning to Alec. 'You're turn, honey.'

Alec shot me a wary look as he stood up.

'Distinguished guests, guests of no particular distinction, relatives young and old, friends, freeloaders, hangers on, gypsies, tramps, thieves and anyone else who may have wandered in,' he said causing me to slap him gently on the side which only resulted in him giving me the cheeky grin I loved so much, 'you are all about to witness a unique event in history. The very first and very last time that my wife is going to let me speak on behalf of both of us.' I chuckled lightly in agreement. 'However, it is a privilege and an honour to do so. I just hope that, so soon into our married life, I don't let Izzy down.'

'You better not,' I warned him teasingly.

'Firstly, we'd like to thank Aro for his kind words and good wishes and to thank him for paying for this lovely reception. On that, I, alone, would like to thank him for letting me marry his daughter,' -my father nodded at him – 'and for turning her into the woman that I love more than anything in this world, the beautiful, intelligent, caring woman that I had the pleasure and honour of marrying today.'

I smiled but deep down I knew that we both knew that the person Alec should be thanking was more my Uncle Carlisle although my father did have a hand in it. My eyes flickered from my new husband to the uncle in question, even though his eyes were still on Alec, and I sighed

'It's great to see so many of our family and friends here today to help us celebrate the happiest day of our lives. I know that some of you have travelled a long way to be here and that means a lot to us. It really wouldn't be the same without you all. It'd be a darned sight cheaper,' – I sent his a wide eyed glance – 'but that's not the point. So raise your glasses, here's to family and friends.'

I smiled and raised my glass before Alec continued.

'We'd like to thank all our flower girl, Harriet, our ring bearer, Renny, and the train holders, twins Ben and Abi Tanner. I'm sure everyone will agree with me that you all look fantastic and did a brilliant job. You added something special to today that we probably couldn't have managed without you. If you could all raise your glasses the "children", cheers!

I grinned and raised my glass again as I stood up and gestured them towards me. The floor of them exchanged glances as they came toward Alec and me and I reached to a ledge under the main table where I had hidden our little presents for them. For Abi and Harriet we had brought them each an expensive bracelet and a beautiful gold bridesmaid's book which was basically an impressive scrapbook. For the boys we gave each of them a personalised cap and then a personal bit. For Ben, who like his music, we gave him a charming silver harmonica and for Renny, who liked his sport, a fancy baseball bat. They all grinned at us as I handed the presents to them; Abi and Harriet both hugged me but not Alec, knowing that he wasn't a fan of affection from anyone besides me and Jane.

Once they had returned to their seats, I took my own and Alec continued with his speech.

'Apart from my wife,' – the word sent a jolt through my stomach – 'there are eight other beautiful ladies here today that I'd like to thank: the bridesmaids - my sister, Jane, Izzy's cousins Alice and Rosalie, Heidi, Renata, Chelsea, Adrianna and Corin. We'd like to thank them very much for being such wonderful bridesmaids and all the help and support you've given Izzy and myself up to and including this day. It couldn't have been better. So, please join me in a toast to the bridesmaids.'

The glasses were raised and I once again reached under to pull out our thank you presents to them. We had already given Heidi, Renata, Chelsea, Adrianna and Corin theirs, which was the jewellery they were wearing, but my three special girls we had something more special. Although it wasn't necessary, we had brought them all Italian perfume and, as an extra for Jane as my maid-of-honour, an engraved pocket mirror

'This leads me onto my gorgeous new wife,' Alec said before adding thoughtfully, '- I think I'm going to like getting used to saying that –' which caused several people to chuckled and me to grin in agreement, 'and I'd like to thank her for agreeing to marry me and for making me the happiest man in the world. They say you don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you can't live without and I think that sums us up perfectly. Now if I had to single out one thing about why I love Izzy so much, it would be the fact that she makes me happier than I ever dreamed I could be. And I intend to spend the rest of my life making sure that the reverse is also true.'

I continued smiling but fought the urge to roll my eyes; he didn't need to because it was already the case. He had turned to me, taking one of my hands.

'I can't even begin to explain how absolutely stunningly beautiful you look today because there aren't words for it. I love you in so many ways and for so many reasons that I could list now but if I start then I probably won't stop. So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please stand and raise your glasses to my wife, Isabella Talor.'

Alec winked at me as though knowing that the jolt had just struck through my stomach again.

'Next I want to give thanks to out ushers. They lent an air of 'nightclub bouncer respectability' to their roles' – I snorted quietly – 'and I particularly admired the way they searched the ladies' handbags and frisked the men as they came in with such discretion and subtlety while our "usherettes" were perfect ladies. I'm not quite sure that the ushers saying "You'll sit where you're ruddy well put" was really in the spirit of the day, but we'll let that pass. Thanks to all of you.'

I grinned by shook my head in half-mock disappointment.

'Now there is an unwritten rule at weddings that no one should look more handsome than the groom and I am pleased to say that my groomsmen have stuck to that rule. You were a great help in planning the finer details of today, and you've done a superb job. Raise your glasses to the groomsmen. Cheers guys.

'And finally my best man Demetri. I would like to say thanks for agreeing to be my best man and for organizing the stag do but most importantly I'd like to that him for being a great friend… I've known Demetri for centuries now and throughout that time he had been there for me when it mattes and is always ready with an encouraging word - or a punch in the face- ' (Demetri just grinned, completely unabashed) 'when he thinks I need it. I'd also like to take this opportunity to point out that he suffers from a rare medical complaint that came into his vampire life which makes him prone to dipping in and out of reality when it comes to telling stories that he believes to be true...So if you could all bear that in mind for his speech and not judge him on it, that would be great because like I said he's a great friend.. Raise your glasses to my best man Demetri!'

Demetri now look rather put out and punched Alec on the arm from around my aunt. I laughed as she help up her hands in peace.

'Boys, boys,' she quietly warned by everyone heard her anyway and chuckled.

'So again, thank you all for coming,' Alec finished his speech once the laughing had died down, 'and I'd like to hand over to Demetri - brace yourselves.'

Alec sat down, pressing a kiss to my cheek, and I cringed at Demetri stood up: "brace yourselves" was usually an appropriate statement with Demetri.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' Demetri began his speech his glass already in his hands. 'I hope you are all enjoying what has been a brilliant wedding. Unfortunately every silver lining has a cloud so here I am.'

There were several snorts of agreement around the room.

'When I told Alec I had finished my speech for today, I immediately had a visit from Isabella saying she would like to proof read it. I thought, fair enough. So here is the final version.'

He raised his glass and I glanced at him wondering what he was doing.

'To the bride and groom.'

Alec and I stared at him as he sat back down in his seat to stunned silent. He must of sat there for over a minute before he stood up again.

'In all seriousness,' he said and I shook my head. 'I know this day means so much to everyone involved, and I know Alec and Isabella are delighted that you are all here to share their special day and on behalf of everyone here I would like to say congratulations to Alec and Isabella and to thank you both for making us all…. take the day off work to be here.'

I tutted as Alec laughed.

'Before I undertake the customary duty of giving Alec an uncomfortable few minutes it is part of the official duty of the best man to thank Alec on behalf of the 8 bridesmaids - brace yourselves, Jane, Alice, Rosalie, Heidi, Renata, Chelsea, Adriana and Corin - , the flower girl, the ring bearer and the train holders for his kind words and for having them play a part of this really special day. I have to say they all look wonderful and have done an excellent job. Indeed the bridesmaids are only eclipsed by Isabella herself, who, I'm sure you'll all agree, looks ab-so-lutely stunning.' I smiled sisterly at him in thanks although ducking my head. 'Oh and Jane, if you thought organising the hen do was a challenge – you haven't danced with me yet!

Jane groaned, lowering her head to the table as several people including Alec and I laughed.

'To the groomsmen: well done, we got everything done, without getting Jane or Izzy too angry with us.'

Jane and I shared a look which clearly stated that the "too" was needed in that sentence.

'Aro, Esme, Carlisle, Marcus, Caius, Athenodora: I know Alec and Isabella really appreciate everything you do for them and what you have done to make this day possible. All six of you deserve a massive thank you and Aro, you must been the proudest father in the world today as you walked Isabella down the aisle.'

My father was nodding as I glanced at him. I smiled before gesturing with my head for Abi and Harriet to take flowers to my aunts.

'It was a great honour to be asked by Alec to be his best man on this important day in his life. Actually when Alec asked me to be best man my first thought was bloody hell I need to make a speech. What am I going to talk about? My research told me that my speech should involve some humorous stories at the groom's expense, well, character assassination really.'

I saw Alec sink in his seat and looked at him curiously.

'I once went to a wedding and the best man stood up and explained how the groom being a man who had led a chaste and quiet life had given him very little juicy material for off colour and racy stories to fill his best man's speech. Well the good news is that is not the case with Alec…'

Even from my seat, I could see Emmett's grin and I shook my head.

'The bad news is that I have so much material we could be here for some time so I hope you are all sitting comfortably and have no pressing engagements for a few hours. No of course I am only kidding … I do have plenty material but all of it I have been forbidden to speak of.'

I could see Alec staring at Demetri, practically yelling at him to shut up. I glanced at Edward and his face was extremely amused although slightly pained and I had a feeling it was to do with what Alec was no doubt screaming at Demetri in his head.

'But I suppose I'm actually getting ahead of myself, the first thing the best man should explain is how he knows the groom. Alec and I first met when I joined the Volturi guard as the tracker and Alec was the one who had to, rather unwillingly I might add, show me around and make sure I knew all the rules. My first impression of him was what most of the vampires in the world think but really once you get to know him, he's a bit of a trouble maker' – I smiled at that, Alec had been a bit of a trouble maker from what I could remember from the early years of my childhood, which was a lot – 'and he's a great man. We've got into louds of trouble together over the centuries and, although I'm still as childish as ever, Alec, however, has matured.'

'Only a little bit,' Jane muttered under her breath.

'I want to say what a privilege it is today to be your best man. I couldn't wish for a better mate and how much you mean is really impossible to put into words. The whole guard is proud of you Alec, and we are all thrilled to see you marrying your beautiful bride Isabella today.

'One of the main things for me as Best man was to organise a proper send off for Alec. He wanted nothing too extravagant! After many words of reassurance we picked him up at the start of his stag and gave him a T-shirt reading 'Wed's Stag, Budapest 2027'. We were only kidding but you should have seen his face, you could literally hear the cogs in his head trying to work out how he in the world was going to explain this to Izzy.'

I was among several who laughed causing Alec to send me a betrayed look.

'I know a lot of people here are probably wondering just what does Isabella see in Alec? Well I have known him a long time and too be fair….I don't know either!'

'Oi!' Alec objected and I tried to stop an amused smile spreading across my face.

'One of life's great mysteries. To be truthful, Isabella did actually tell me Alec always seems to find a way to brighten up her life,' – Alec smiled at me and I sent him a sweet one in return – 'and that they have shared many romantic moments. I would like you to both share one with us all here today.'

Alec and I both snapped our heads to look at him warily.

'Izzy, please can you put your hand flat on the table and Alec please can you place yours on top of it,' we did as he said before looking up at him curiously. 'Marvellous, I would like you to remember and treasure this moment forever….the last time you will ever have the upper hand on Izzy, Alec.'

Alec and I both rolled our eyes as people laughed, me twisting my hand over to link my fingers with his.

'On a more serious note,' I sighed pleased, 'I have known both Alec and Isabella for many years and value their friendship immensely. Alec has always been a great friend and, once he got with Isabella, they have both always been there whenever I have needed them.

'I know, and I am sure everybody else here would agree with me, Alec, you could not have made a better choice in Isabella, and, you are very lucky, you leave here today gaining a partner who is warm, loving, caring, funny and who radiates kindness wherever she goes!'

I smiled, really wanting to run a hand through my hair just to do something other than receive a compliment but being an able to since it was still up.

'Isabella,' I turned my head back to look at Demetri, having turned away at the compliment, 'I'd like to thank for countless get out of jail free cards with her family despite my leading her now husband from the path of righteousness on more than one occasion.'

'You're welcome,' I said, a slight smile pulling at the corner of my lips.

'It has been a privilege knowing you both and, Izzy, your family have welcomed me almost as much as Alec and I can't thank you more than that.'

I smiled up at him. He and Alec were a package deal, everyone knew that, just as much as Jane and Alec were.

'So then Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me immense pleasure to invite you all to stand and raise your glasses in a toast to Alec and Isabella. The new Mr & Mrs Talor. We wish them well for the future and hope they enjoy a long and happy marriage.'

Everyone stood and raised their glasses again towards Alec and I. They all, besides Jane, sat down quickly. It was the last toast of the night and then we would move onto the dancing part of the evening.

'Hi, well, I'm Jane,' I grinned: Jane wasn't the most eloquent speaker, 'Isabella's best friend, sister-in-law and guard, but we don't talk about that last part, and I've known Izzy since the moment she was born and I love her so much. Partly because of how she lights up any room she walks into but mainly because of how she is also the first one to help a friend in need.'

Jane smiled sweetly at me and I leant against Alec.

'She also known Alec for as long as she's been alive but, trust me, that didn't get along at first,' I felt Alec cringe: he wasn't a big fan of any reminders of how he acted before I left, 'and the two of them co-existed but it was anything but harmonious.' I felt a sheepish expression flick onto my face; although Alec avoided me, the few times were did cross weren't good and usually resulted in tense words being explained or me screaming at him. 'Until Isabella left to explore the world - I'm not perfectly sure what she did in that time –' (I bit my lip, the only people who knew what I got up to while I was gone was me and the people I met. Of course, everyone knew about my time with the Cullens but that was it) 'but it was only then that Alec started to realise his feelings for her. When she returned it wasn't long before she returned his feelings and they became the wonderful couple they are today.

'Of course, Alec is my brother so I have to love him -'

'Was the "have to" necessary in that sentence!' Alec interrupted her but she ignored him.

'- but what made me love him even more is how he treats Izzy like she's gold. Like she's something so precious and important and beautiful that it's indescribable. Indescribable how much he loves her and what he would do for her.' (I leant over to kiss him cheek) 'He has many other great qualities as well but that's the most important one today - how much he loves Izzy.

'To most of you, Alec and Isabella's relationship was unexpected.' – several guard members snorted loudly in agreement – 'Mostly because Isabella is classy and beautiful and Alec is … not' ("Hey!") 'and that's not even to mention the behaviour of the two of them before becoming a couple … but even if it was unexpected there still made for each other.

'The thing about these two, this amazing couple, is that I look at them and know when life gets hard, when things change, true love, their love, will remain the same. I look at the two of them and somehow I feel safer - I don't think I could explain that but they give me hope… and I'm afraid to say it out loud because, maybe if life finds out, it'll try to beat it out of them and that would be a shame because we can all use a little hope sometimes, you know, that feeling that everything's going to be okay and that there's going to be someone there to help make sure of that, is always needed.'

I smiled up at her, glad that Alec and I could give her hope without even meaning to but amazed at the same time that she saw that in our relationship.

'Another thing that's special about these two is that they give their hearts to one another, unconditionally, and that's what true love is. It's not this fairy-tale life that never knows any pain but it's two souls facing together and diminishing it with their unconditional love.

'I wish you two a lifetime of love and joy, surrounded by family and friends who love you, for all your wishes to come true and, even if your love can diminish pain, a life ease and abundance.

'So, here's to Alec and Isabella, for proving to us that love is real and genuine and still attainable for the rest of us, here's to hope, and here's to a love that will not alter.'

She gave a cute little curtsy as she sat down and I reached over to hug her, my father leaning back so we could. Music started playing as soon as I leant back and Alec offered me his hand since it was the music we had picked out for our first dance.

We danced for half the song before we were joined by Jane, Demetri, Alice, Felix, Rose and Emmett, leaving only my aunt and father sitting at the head table. However, I soon saw my aunt smiling sweetly across to Uncle Carlisle, and, glancing around the room, I saw many other couples holding hands and smiling at each other. I had no doubt they were all remember their own special moments.

Alec spun me around and I finally noticed his clothes, having been far too distracted by his face for the whole of the wedding and trip back to the castle. He match Demetri, I now realised, with a blood red tie, black suit and ivory satin waistcoat with sparkling gold embroidery.

At the end of the song, Alec passed me off to my father and we danced the father daughter dance while Alec danced with Jane.

A few hours later, I excused myself from the festivities and headed out of the castle. I found myself in the garden looking at a smart golden haired man leaning against a fence, seeming deep in thought.

'Uncle?' I asked softly trying not to disturb him even though he probably heard me coming and could smell me.

I received no response, so I lifted my skirts and made my way towards him. I stopped next to him, leaning against the fence as well and staring out at the garden.

'Feeling sentimentale (sentimental)?' I asked gently a few minutes of silence later, although I didn't turn my face to look at him, slipping into Italian for the last word since I had been talking to someone in Italian for the past half-an-hour. It was okay though since my uncle could speak fluent Italian.

He turned his head to look at me and then smiled weakly and sheepishly: I had hit the nail right on the head. I sighed as he turned his gaze back to the perfectly manicured garden and lent my head on his shoulder.

''Spose, that's fair,' I murmured. 'I'm sorry I grew up so veloce (fast).'

He chuckled gently and wrapped a fatherly arm around me, 'it's "fair", huh?'

I nodded, raising my head from his shoulder but not looking at him, thinking were to start what I wanted to tell.

'We both know my father didn't have much to do with raising me,' I said, feeling bad saying it about my father but knowing it was true none-the-less. 'The person I am today is thanks to you, he barely had a hand it. If I wasn't for you, I might have drunk human blood and I hate the idea of doing that; if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have had the sorprendente (amazing) childhood I did. That "strong moral compass and clearly defined values that I let guide me every day," where do you think I get that from … because it's certainly not in my genes? If it wasn't for you, I don't what I'd do. I rely on you far more than you realise, far more than I realised originally.

'You know the saying, "you don't know what you have until you lose it"? I didn't realise how much I needed you and how much I relied you till you left. Then when I met you again, I didn't realise how much I'd missed you until you were my life ogni giorno (every day). You don't how much it's meant to me having you nearer me this last year. I don't like when you leave, although I know you have to, because, when you're gone, I don't know who to go to for things, I don't who to tell things to, I sometimes feel lost when you're gone.

'You know, my motto for some years was "persone lasciano sempre" (people always leave) even though I was surrounded by people who had stayed in the same place for centuries but even they left, either to be with their mates – fair enough – or they died or they went to see the world. I went through a kind of pessimistic stage. It's kinda what made me start to think of leaving – no one knows my reasons for leaving except Father, so don't tell anyone.' I saw him nod absently even though I knew he never would without having to state the fact so I continued, kind of surprised he had let me go on with my monologue uninterrupted. '"People always leave" so there must be something out there worth seeing. Of course, that wasn't the only reason I left but it was part of it.

'The other part was finding myself. I felt perso (lost) and confuso (confused) and intrappolati (trapped) in my title but do you know what I always thought when I battling with myself? I remembered what you told me a few weeks before you left – "titles, beauty, riches; none of it matter's if you don't know who you are underneath all that" and I had no clues to that, no clues to who I was besides the Principessa di Vampires, the eredi (heir) to the Royal throne. You caused me to find myself, to become me and not what everyone expected me to be. You did that without even being here and I think it was then that I realised how much an impact you make on my decisions – in a good way.

'I've kind of gone off topic but my main point was that I would honestly be surprised if you weren't feeling more sentimental than my father because you have a larger imprint on my life and on who I am. You've shared more of my "childhood excitement, triumphs and setbacks" than he ever did.

'So yeah, be sentimental, Uncle, it's perfettamente razionale (perfectly rational),' I kissed his cheek almost finished with my speech. 'Ti amo, lo sai? (I love you, you know that?).'

We had stopped leaning against the railing now and were facing each other. I closed the small gab and wrapped my arms around him tightly.

'I love you too,' he murmured into my hair, leaning back and placing a kiss to my forehead. 'Nice speech.'

'You're not meant to tease me,' I complained. 'That was the most I've said at once in years.'

I then stepped out of his embrace and walked a few steps back towards the castle before turning back to him and extending my hand.

'Ballare con me?(Dance with me?)' I asked, gesturing back to the castle with my free hand.

He gave me a funny bow causing me to giggle and the serious cloud hovering over our conversation blew away.

'I did a good job with you,' he mused as we entered the castle again. 'You're something special.'

About four hours later, Jane whisked me out of the room and we spent at least an hour getting me out of my dress but not before I stood on the balcony at the top of the stairs Alec and I entered in and tossed my bouquet over my head and the balcony to the crowd of women below – an mate-less American Nomad called Haley caught it.

Once we got the wedding dress off, Jane helped me quickly change out of my wedding dress and into a beautiful white strapless dress with a flared A-line skirt in a modest knee length and an empire waistline. It had vertical shirring at the top and a gold sash, which I had added. We then let my hair fall loose and topped up my makeup.

I saw Alec at the side of the room talking to my Uncle Carlisle but by the looks on their faces I knew it would be best if I left them for a while so instead I went over to my father.

'We're going to leave in a minute,' I told him, 'do you want to gather everyone outside for me?'

'Of course,' he smiled at me, and I felt bad once again for my words to my uncle even if they were completely true.

I turned away and struck up a conversation with Adrianna. I knew my father loved me and I love him but the truth was the truth and, no matter what way you tried to twist it or excuse it, it would always be the truth.

'You look troubled?' Adrianna said gently, she was like Angelina Weber from Forks: perceptive but not one to pry if you didn't want to tell her something.'

'I'm fine, don't worry,' I grinned at her and the smile wasn't the slightest bit fake as I saw, out of the corner of my eye, Alec heading our way.

'You look nice,' he smiled, placing a kiss on my cheek as my father's voice boomed over the crowd for the too head outside.

Once the room was empty, Alec pulled me closer to him unexpectedly causing me to yelp in surprise which then in turn made him chuckle before he kissed me.

'Not that I'm complaining,' I grinned as we broke our kiss, 'but we have guest waiting to see us off on our honeymoon.'

Alec grinned, nodded, and kissed me once more before dropping his hands from my waist and taking a single hand, the hand the happened to have my engagement and wedding ring on. With my hand linked with his he led us out the castle to where the guests were lined as they had been when we arrived at the reception.

As we began walking through them they began throwing rose petals and, laughing, we ducked our heads and moved a little faster. It was odd how fun it was being rained on my soft rose petals.

I blew a kiss to our family as I clambered into the carriage I had ridden to the wedding in with my father and waved while Alec walked round and pulled himself into the other side. As the carriage began moving, I sighed and twisted so as to rest on Alec, shuffling closer to him so I could put my feet up on the same seat we were sitting on.

Woo! It's done and I like it! I hope you do too. Please review xxx