I do not own any of the characters presented in this story other than Terry. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

25. MATRIMONY

The wedding was just about underway when the pack arrived. I loved the fact that they all sat next to and around Terry. I was thrilled that they accept him. Then again, it is either sit next to Terry or a bunch of leeches…

Edward turned and looked at me. Oh yeah… Sorry… I smiled sheepishly.

Edward and I were standing at the alter waiting for the wedding to start. Edward rocked back and forth on his heels, the first time I ever saw him show any sort of nervousness. You nervous enough?

He shot me a death glare. Ok geez… Sor-ry.

I looked through the crowd and I noticed Terry was staring at me. I mouthed the words 'olive juice' and smiled.

Edward once more turned to me, looking at me like I was an idiot.

I couldn't help but laugh. If you mouth the words 'olive juice' it looks like you're saying 'I love you'.

He rolled his eyes and looked forwards when the music changed. Alice walked down the stairs so gracefully it looked like she was gliding. Nice job Alice. Set the bar high. She walked down the aisle and stood near the arch.

The traditional wedding march started to play. I waited with baited breath for Bella's decent down the stairs. It was ten-to-one odds she was going to trip. It looked like Charlie had a death grip on her arm, keeping her from falling.

With both feet planted firmly on terra firma, she slowly began the walk to the alter. When she reached the arch, Charlie did the age old tradition of taking her hand and having Edward take it from him. He took his seat next to Dad.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman, in holy matrimony." The minister began his long and arduous speech.

I couldn't keep my eyes off of Terry. I hoped one day maybe we could get married. I let my mind wander, keeping constant eye contact with the love of my life.

As the speech went on, the minister finally got to the exchanging of vows. He turned to face Edward. "Do you, Edward Cullen, take Isabella Swan to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keeping yourself only unto her until death do you part?"

Don't laugh… don't laugh… It took every ounce of will power I had to keep myself from pointing out that technically he is already dead. All it took was a glance from the corner of Edward's eye to shut me up. He was serious. "I do."

The minister asked the same to Bella and she stared into Edward's eyes, tearful. "I do."

Edward took a ring and held Bella's hand. "With this ring, I thee wed." He slid the ring onto her finger.

Bella did the same. "With this ring, I thee wed."

The minister began his final speech. "In as much as the two before me have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring are now joined. And so, by the power invested in me by the State of Washington, I now pronounce you man and wife. And may your days be good and long upon the Earth. You may kiss the bride."

Edward place his hand on the side of Bella's face and leaned in to kiss her with the most intensity and passion I have ever seen. The crowd stood and applauded. Bella and Edward walked arm in arm down the aisle. I stepped forwards and Alice stepped closer to me. She smiled brightly and I held out my arm for her to grab. We walked down the aisle after them. Behind us walked Renée and Carlisle, and Charlie and Esme.

Everyone followed us outside and much to everyone's surprise, the backyard was filled with tables and chairs, and a dance floor and DJ, a bar and bartender, and thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights were strewn about.

As people started to sit down I made my way over to Terry. "That did take forever."

He laughed. "Longer than I thought it would take, actually."

"Tell me about it! I was dying of heat stroke up there. Although standing next to Edward made it easier to bare, given how cold he is." I walked around with Terry, trying to find a place to sit. I noticed Seth was sitting alone at a table and I figured we should sit with him. I took off my jacket and hung it on a chair. "Mind if we sit here with you?"

He shook his head.

"Looks like people are getting pictures taken." What? My eyes followed where Terry was pointing and saw Edward and Bella getting pictures taken by a photographer. There was a line of couples behind them.

I want a picture... I grabbed Terry's arm and started pulling him towards the camera. "We'll be right back Seth. Come on Terry."

When it was finally our turn to get the picture taken, I placed my hand on the small of Terry's back and smiled. I felt fantastic. He looked up at me and I saw a flicker of emotion in his eye I hadn't seen before. He smiled at the camera.

As we sat back down at Seth's table, Edward had walked over to us. He laid a hand on My shoulder. "I really want to thank you for being my best man. It means a lot to Bella. And it means a lot to me as well."

"It's nothing really. Bella's my best friend, and since Terry came around I have no reason to hate you anymore." I smiled. "I guess we can be friends now." I held out my hand for a hand shake.

Edward smiled and shook my hand. "I would very much like that." He looked a Seth. "Thank you for coming. I'm glad you're here."

Seth smiled and stood up. He walked over to Edward, who held out his hand. Seth pushed it aside and hugged him. "I'm happy for you Edward. I always knew you and Bella would be together. No offense Jake…"

"None taken." I turned to Terry and smiled. As much as it hurt losing Bella, it all went away when I met him.

"Thank you Seth. Now if you'll excuse me, I should go thank the rest of the pack for coming." Edward smiled as he left.

"Can I have your attention please?" Everyone turned to look at Charlie. "If you'd all take your seats…" After everyone sat down he continued. "I'd like to thank you all for being here for my daughters wedding. It means a lot to me to know she's being welcomed in to such a loving family." There were tears in in eyes. "Anyway. Umm… Before I start crying, I know the Quileute boys are probably starving, so I figured I'd let you all know that dinner is about to be served."

He said the magic words. The pack and I cheered. I looked over at Terry who had an adoring smile.