Chapter 26

Our Forever

Edward's POV

As I stared into the molten chocolate orbs and got lost in their depths, I felt my whole life pass before me. In their depths, I read love, triumph and another intense emotion that I could not even begin to fathom. My beautiful angel was dressed in a flowing white dress. She looked like a princess come alive from a fairy-tale. That was her dream, and although I was no prince, I was her choice. My mind was overwhelmed with images of our future together—Bella and me making love, Bella expecting our first child, our little family playing in my backyard. I don't know where the images came from, but I knew I craved them all the same. It was like a kaleidoscope of images from the life I envisioned for us. The beautiful sight of her walking towards me will be etched in my mind forever.

As they reached the floral arch under which I was standing along with the preacher, Charlie placed her hand in mine. I was surprised to see Charlie's eyes glistening with something that looked suspiciously like tears. I never expected that from the strong-willed chief. I knew without a doubt that Charlie's soft-spot was reserved for his wife and daughter. I nodded my head in acknowledgement when Charlie gave me a meaningful look. I read a wild mixture of emotions in his eyes: worry, relief, happiness and also a stern threat mixed in for good measure. I didn't have time to think of what Charlie meant because the preacher started the ceremony.

Once again, I met my Bella's beautiful chocolate eyes now brimming with tears. She stole a glance at her parents, and I followed her look. Renee was openly weeping, and Charlie was staring at his hands. This was the moment of truth. Bella and I were both leaving our previous lives to join together and start our journey in a new one. I might have not known her for more than a couple of weeks, but I was sure she was my destiny. They say you get cold feet at your wedding, but the feelings I had were burning hot. Bella's warm hand in mine made me all too aware of what this ceremony meant for us.

I smiled down at her and squeezed her hand in reassurance as I listened to the preacher going through all the lines. My "I do" rang out loud and clear, and Bella's was even louder. She practically screamed it out loud and covered her mouth in mortification when our little audience of wedding guests started laughing. Then came the part I was waiting for all my life.

"And I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

It looked like I was not the only one waiting for this moment, because Bella practically leapt on me, kissing me with wild abandon. My enthusiasm got the better of me, and I forgot everything around us but the feeling of her soft lips pressing against mine, her warm curves following every line of my body.

"I love you, Bella," I managed to say in between kisses.

"Love you too, Edward," she whispered back. I held her tightly to me, kissing her back as if my life depended on it. She was mine! Mine to hold and love forever…

I was startled when someone patted me on the back. Who the hell was interfering? I glared at Em's grinning face.

"Edkins, you might want to take it somewhere else, much more private or rather wait till the guests go home."

I quickly raised my head and sheepishly looked around. Everyone was laughing and clapping, giving us a standing ovation, except for Chief Swan who was glaring at me. I felt Bella hide her face in my chest. Even the chief's disapproval couldn't keep my elation down. I laughed out loud in happiness… and I felt Bella's giggles muffled by my coat.

Bella's POV

Mortified was too lame a word to describe what I was feeling. Did I just kiss Edward in a most intimate way right in front of my family and friends? I cringed when I thought of the look my father must be sporting now. Mom must be grinning from ear–to-ear though, and Em had been the voice of reason, pulling us apart. I might have jumped Edward right in front of everyone if Em hadn't stopped us.

Hey, you already did that! A voice in the back of my head reminded me. I groaned. Oh! Shit! This was so embarrassing. I quickly glanced around to see whether people were still staring at us. They were all grinning, but it didn't look like they blamed us for our little display. My dad on the other hand gave me a stern look of disapproval. He was going to have to get used to the idea that I was a married woman now and that I would be kissing my new husband a lot.

The ceremony had been everything I had ever wanted it to be. I had dreamed about my wedding all my life, but the reality was so much better than even my wildest imaginings. Jacob had finally agreed to wear the midnight blue suit we had made for him, but he had insisted on carrying a bouquet of flowers. I had grudgingly agreed since he had in fact been gracious enough to not wear that dress!

Speaking of the dress, Alice had hidden it, and even I couldn't find it. She had been very worried that Jacob might turn up at the wedding in the dress in spite of everything. Alice had looked beautiful in her midnight blue dress, carrying the bouquet of flowers. She of course had insisted on wearing a headdress made of wild flowers around her head. What's with my bridesmaids and flowers? Alice had also pinned some wildflowers around the small knot of hair I wore at the nape of my neck that was covered by the veil. It did in fact look really nice. It was the only colour I wore except for the blue hair combs that my parents had given me that morning, which had originally belonged to Grandma Swan.

My wedding dress and veil were in pure white. The dress clung to me like a second skin on the top, but it didn't look overly tight after the adjustments we had made. Alice had been right about the neckline—it looked elegant and showed off my curves to advantage. The skirt was long and flared. We had not made any changes to it. I guess the young and old me combined made the whole thing work. The clever changes to the neckline and waist made the dress look modern. From the look on Edward's face when he saw me in the dress, I'd say it was a great success.

The meadow had transformed into an exotic, living, breathing setting for the wedding. A colourful array of wildflowers bloomed around us in abundance, swaying softly in the wind. The morning sunlight lit the entire area with natural streaks of light streaming through trees, adding an otherworldly beauty to the whole atmosphere. The wooden benches from the reservation in the middle didn't seem to clash with nature's beautiful canvas. Edward's music played in the background, adding a touch of romance. The sound of water flowing from the little creek and the birds chirping from the nearby trees added more harmony, rather than detract from the melody. There was hidden enchantment in the surroundings—as if time, itself stood still celebrating this joyous moment. The most picture-perfect of them all was Edward himself, who had stood under the beautiful floral arch glowing with happiness. It was like an invisible thread had held us together and bound us for an eternity. He was the prince from my dreams. And finally, I had married him.

It was surreal yet, amazingly real. I didn't have words to describe what I was feeling at this moment. I looked at my husband and met his piercing green eyes. Edward looked so beautiful in his tux with his messy bronze locks. I know it was wrong to describe a man as beautiful…but he just was...and he was mine. His mesmerising emerald gaze held me captivated. There was so much love and adoration in those green depths. I tried to convey my love for him through my suddenly moist eyes. I was so happy.

"Bella… smile." I looked up as Alice quickly clicked a picture. The photographer was right behind her, clicking like mad.

And then everything happened at once. First, I felt my mother's tearful hug.

"Oh! Bella." I hugged her back, feeling an ache in my heart.

"Even though it was rushed, everything went so well. It was just as you imagined. I'm so happy for you." She sobbed as she carefully adjusted my veil.

"I know, Mom."

"And he loves you, sweetie." As if he heard his name, Edward turned to look at my mom and me, and to my surprise, he blushed. He gave us a huge grin, and my mother turned to hug him.

"So…" I heard a throat clearing.

I turned to my father, who now stood awkwardly in front of me. I flung myself into his arms.

"Bells…my little girl."

My father's voice sounded gruff, and I knew he was feeling the significance of the moment. He had just married off his daughter. I would always remain his little girl. It must be very difficult for him to see his little girl married. I wondered how it would be, to one day watch your son or daughter marry and walk away from you. I would never have that pleasure…I would never see my son or daughter getting married, because I was this stupid, barren woman. I felt the flood of tears swallow me whole and let my grief take hold of me. Human nature was such that, at one moment, I was blissfully happy and the next...

"Shh…Bells, I'm happy you found Edward. And I trust him, little one. He'll take care of you. Don't cry." Charlie was trying to sooth me.

"What's all this? Hey! Bells, you have to stop crying. I wore a suit for you." A grinning Jacob pulling me out of my father's arms.

"It's the maid of honour's turn for his hug." Huge arms lifted me up and hugged me tight.

"Jake…can't…can't breathe." He suddenly let me go.

"Oh, sorry, Bells." A sheepish-looking grin was now pasted on his face. I couldn't help smiling back at him. He could always make me smile—even when I was really down.

"You must be glad you didn't marry me now, huh, Bells?"

"Why?" I had to ask.

"After seeing that kiss! Holy shit! That's way hotter than porn. Although I wish he was kissing me instead of you."

"I could kiss you." Someone tapped Jake on his shoulder, and we both turned to face Seth.

"Er…no thanks." Jake quickly turned away, hugging a very surprised Edward and planting a huge wet kiss right on his mouth. Seth and I both burst out laughing.

The expression on Edward's face was priceless. His eyes were filled with horror, and he was gasping for breath and desperately trying to push Jacob away. I decided it was time I saved Edward. After all, I was supposed to take care of him as per our marriage vows. And I was actually feeling a bit territorial.

"Hands off, mister—he's my property now." I pushed Jake away, giving him a good punch with my elbow for good measure.

Jake doubled over. "What was that for?" He was pouting.

"Hey! I have a right to be jealous. And you were mauling my man." I put my hands around Edward and pulled him down for a kiss. He happily complied.

"It's my turn! My turn now!" A screeching pixie pulled Edward away from me and flung herself at Edward, who, to his credit, managed to catch her.

"Oh, Ally!" Edward laughed as he picked up the little pixie. She reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Congratulations, Ed! Oh! God! You are married! I'm married! Oh, God! This is crazy! Oh, wow! Imagine…just in the same week! It's incredible, Ed…you know…" she continued speaking, but I didn't hear the rest as Jasper came to stand right in front of me. He held out his hand. I could do better; after all, his wife was now hugging my husband. So I hugged a very surprised Jasper.

"Glad to be your sister-in-law too." I giggled and Jasper laughed out loud.

"Well, I'm glad as well. Guess you are right…you are my honorary sister-in-law. Edward always treated Ally as his sister."

"Hey! What am I? Chopped liver?" Emmett, who was right behind Jasper, asked with a pout.

"Oh, you are also my honorary brother now." I smiled.

"I am?" The big oaf of a man pulled me out of Jasper's arms and flung me up in the air.

"Sure you are. Now put me down." Emmett's laughter only grew louder.

"Put her down, Em." Edward's voice rang out.

"Let me have my fun with my new sister." Emmett flung me up again.

"Em! I'm warning you. Put my wife down." I felt a tremor pass through my body at the words "my wife." Wow! I was Edward's wife now! Me… Bella Swan! The wife of the famous Edward Cullen!

"Okay, okay! But I'm not finished yet." Emmett laid a huge sloppy kiss on my cheek and finally let me go. I had barely managed to take in a breath of air when I felt as if I was hit by a train.

"Bella! Bella! You are my new sister! Oh! I'm so happy! We can do so much together. Oh!" The little pixie was surprisingly strong as she held me tightly to her. She kept on talking, and I was feeling a bit dizzy from the lack of oxygen.

"Hey! Let my bride breathe, will you! You are suffocating her." Edward finally managed to rescue me from her iron grip.

"And you've got some more guests to greet." I turned and saw Esme standing in front of us.

"Bella, I'm so glad to be here." I tearfully hugged Esme.

"How is Colin?"

"Oh, my boy is doing great, thanks to you two. I'm so happy to be here." Esme smiled as Edward too pulled her into a hug. I could tell this surprised her.

"How can I ever thank you?" She had tears in her eyes as she looked up at Edward.

"Being Bella's friend is thanks enough for me. And thank you for coming all the way for the wedding."

"Oh, it was nothing—you flew me in, after all." Edward had flown her in the company helicopter.

After that, we were greeted by a string of wedding guests. Most were from the reservation, but I was glad to see officer Mark and Tom along with their spouses among the guests. I next received a hug from Rev. Webber's wife, Mary. Edward had slept at their place the night before as Charlie thought it was not appropriate for Edward to sleep at our place the night before the wedding. He hadn't wanted to send Edward to the reservation with Jake either. Neither had I. So when the Webbers offered, we gladly accepted.

Edward's POV

Everything was a blur of activity. We posed for numerous photographs and Bella introduced me to everyone. Then I proudly led my beautiful wife to the middle of the clearing for our very first dance as a couple. She felt so warm and soft when I held her in my arms—it was with the greatest difficulty that I stopped myself from devouring her then and there. Her beautiful brown eyes stared at me with an intensity that told me her need was as great as mine. I stared right back, my eyes burning into hers, telling her of my desire while I torturously followed decorum and spun her around the clearing. It was one of those special moments, when time stood absolutely still, and everything around us blurred, with only the two of us existing in our very own private world. I wanted it to last forever.

I was very reluctant to let her go when Charlie claimed his dance. When I danced with Renee, to my utter embarrassment she told me she was very glad that Bella married such a handsome man. Although her words sounded harmless, the wink that followed spoke volumes.

We were preparing to have lunch when Charlie pulled me aside to discuss our next move. We were hoping to fly back to Seattle tonight. He wanted to make sure everything would go as planned. One of the deputies had already left with our marriage registration details. Seth had come up with the idea of having Alice and Bella put in a witness protection programme. That meant that all their records were not available for anyone who wanted to find them. So as far as anyone knew, Jasper and I would still be unmarried, although we were married to Bella and Alice. Talking with Charlie made me think about Carlisle again. I had called him in the morning. I couldn't bear to get married without at least hearing his voice on my wedding day. Our conversation had a double meaning to it. I don't think Carlisle realised it.

"Hello, good morning, Dad."

"Morning, Edward, where are you?"

"I had to come back to Forks and will be flying back tonight."

"Is Bella well?"

"She's doing fine, Dad."

"Good. I trust you've got Emmett with you."

"I do. Why?"

"No, I'm just worried. I have a feeling Aro is behind the industrial espionage attempt. Do you know that Bella is Marcus Volturi's granddaughter?"

"Yes, I found out about it."

"Well, according to Aro, they don't get along. But you never know. So keep an eye on Bella." Oh…I planned on keeping a very good eye on Bella, well more than an eye, my hands and every other part of my body on her too.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you—I'm planning on starting a new project. Wish me luck." I wanted Carlisle's words of blessing. I knew it was silly, but I just needed to hear him say the words.

"You know, Edward, you always have my best wishes. So what's so special about this one, that you need my blessing?"

"I haven't worked out the details yet." Meaning, I haven't got married yet.

"Okay, fine. I don't want to know more about this mysterious project. I know how secretive you are about your new ideas. At least, tell me… do you think it will be profitable?"

"Of course." Well, marrying an heiress can be considered profitable, couldn't it?

"Well… then see you tomorrow."

"Yes. See you tomorrow."

I sighed. I wished my father was here with me today.

As I turned away from Charlie, I felt a tingling sensation in my neck, as if someone was watching me and looked up and stared right into the ice blue eyes of my father. Close behind him stood Rosalie Hale, with a frosty glare aimed right at me. Be careful what you wish for…

A/N: Thank you very much for all the lovely reviews. I'm so sorry for the late update—real life intruded and I had to make a hasty trip. So what do you think of the wedding? Was it like you imagined? What is Carlisle doing there? And Rosalie? What's she upto? Thank god they are already married!

Thank you Dazzleglo and Twimarti for beta'ing this chapter.