Chapter 36: Executing a Top Priority Mission

Alice's POV

Fifty-two days turned out to be more than enough time to plan the perfect wedding. Bella chose me for her matron-of-honor and I of course pretended to be surprised and graciously accepted.

For her bridesmaids, she chose Charlotte and Mandy. I know she wanted to include Jil and Victoria too, but chose not to. Because then she'd have needed to include Kelsey, and well, let's just say things would still be a bit strained between those two until Bella eventually decided to embrace her past.

The Major chose for his best man, my Jazzy. Which I was excited about because it meant he would have to let me dance with Jazz at least once.

And his groomsmen would be Peter, of course, and Carlisle, actually. Which made sense, given that, of the Cullens whom we had lived with for decades, Jazz was closer to Emmett and Edward, whereas The Major had a lot more in common with Carlisle, whom I knew he respected very much. They were both leaders. Strong, intelligent, task oriented men. I could already see their friendship growing in the years to come.

And then little Baker was going to be their ring bearer, which was trickier to organize, since we couldn't bring him to the rehearsal. But, we had planned it so he wouldn't see that Mandy was there until he was set to go down the aisle. The rings would be tied on a string in his pocket so that when he ran to Mandy at the front, he would be effectively bringing the rings toward, however unintentionally.

And of course, Charlie would be walking Bella down the aisle right after, so he would get to see Mandy and Baker's reunion in its entirety.

Eleazar was going to preside over the ceremony, because he had taken ministry courses many years ago at the request of the Denalis sisters, who wanted him to preside at their own eventual weddings.

Edward was going to play the music for the ceremony and some of the others had formed an impromptu band for the reception. They were calling themselves Three Wolves and a Drummer. The drummer was Garrett actually and they were surprisingly good. If they made a record, I for one would buy it.

Flowers were easy to arrange, because Mandy was just going to teleport to a tropical garden somewhere and get wild tiger lilies because they would go nicely with the camo wedding dress. And yes, I just said camo wedding dress. I couldn't talk her out of it, but it was a very beautiful dress.

The bridesmaids dresses were military green and The Major, as well as the groomsmen, would be wearing a mockup of a military style dress uniform that I had made.

It was actually a prototype of a potential Guard uniform I had been working on. Because I thought the Volturi uniforms were ridiculous and when the Whitlocks took over, there was no way I wanted our men parading around in those formless black cloaks.

I had something slightly more feminine but equally badass in mind for the women, too. But I had yet to create the prototype of that one. For the time being, it was wedding first, strategizing later, for once. Besides, I would have plenty of time to work on my projects while Bella and The Major were away on their honeymoon.

I knew everyone was worried about me. Because they were going away for a month and of course, Jazz had no choice but to go with them. But he planned on having Mandy teleport him back here for brief intervals throughout their absence, so it wouldn't be too bad.

And The Major felt so bad about essentially taking my husband and my lover and riding off into the sunset that he was being extra nice to me, which I appreciated. I had tried teasing Bella that I might have to take a new female lover to keep me occupied while they were gone, but she had thought I was serious and said that as long as it wasn't Kelsey, she wouldn't be jealous.

Not that I planned on doing that, but it was nice to know I had permission if I had wanted it.

The day before the wedding had finally arrived, and I was helping the crew who were setting up in the clearing. Bella had chosen to have the wedding there because we wanted to reclaim it for happier memories rather than war. Not to mention there was a lot more space there than in our backyard. Which was good because we had all of our vamps coming as well as all of the wolves and all of their imprints, as well as the tribal council.

All in all we would have around one hundred thirty people present for the joyous occasion. Roberto's family were providing all of the blood for all of the vampires and the vamp ladies were making all of the food for all of the wolves and humans.

Another reason the clearing was ideal was because we had fireworks planned for the reception and we didn't want any humans to know where we lived if they decided to try to come watch the fireworks. Whereas they'd just get lost trying to find the clearing and someone from the tribe could easily help them find their way back to town.

"Where are the perimeters for the giant tent, Sissy?" Em asked me.

"They're marked with green spray paint, Em so that we can see them just fine but humans won't be able to, unless they get close," I told him as he looked around the clearing.

"Okay, now I see! Thanks!" And he rushed off to tell the others where to put the tent up.

"Where does the runner go for the aisle?" Chico asked. He and Gabriella had asked to help set up, since they were Whitlocks by extension, because Pete was Chico's sire.

"That one I marked with green painter's tape. But please be sure to put the runner pins in every two feet exactly down each side and every half a foot along the ends. If the runner isn't flat and secured, our little human ring bearer is much more likely to trip and fall and that would be disastrous," I advised.

"You got it, Boss Lady!" Chico winked.

Gabriella was helping Mandy and Char to arrange the bouquets so they'd be ready in time for the rehearsal. Then we just had to keep them watered so they would still be fresh for the wedding the next day.

Once everything in the clearing was under control, I was able to leave things in Pete and Char's capable hands and go track down the bride. I wanted to make sure Renée wasn't driving her too crazy. Human mothers always think it's their job to drive the bride crazy. At least if television could be believed.

"Bella, it's time to put on your rehearsal dress!" I told her, as I joined her in our room to get ready.

She happened to be lying naked on the bed waiting for me.

"I was going to, but then I realized this will be my last opportunity to make love to you for a whole month, Alice. So we're not going anywhere until I've managed to make you cum at least three or four times," she insisted, beckoning me over with the crook of her finger.

I knew she was doing this for me. She'd be getting a lot of sex over the next month whereas I wouldn't be.

So when she insisted on keeping the focus of our love making all about me as she laid me down and began kissing all over my body, I didn't protest. I allowed her to lavish me with her love and affection, because I was going to miss her terribly and I wanted these memories to get me through the next month.

"I wish you could come with us, Alice," she whispered after I had succumbed for her countless times.

"No you don't, Bella. Not really. It's a nice sentiment, but you and The Major need this time together to build a strong foundation. It's important. Jazz and I had several decades to do the same." I smiled.

"I know. I'm just gonna miss you, that's all." She nodded.

"Me too. But you know what they say...absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that. Besides, it is only a month, it will fly by before you know it," I assure her.

"You're right, Alice. Just...do me a favor and don't ever stop loving me, okay?" She insisted.

"I never will, Bella. I never will."

The rehearsal went so smoothly. Everyone did their parts perfectly and no one stood in the wrong place or said the wrong thing or missed their cues. In other words, we were ready as could be for tomorrow.

Afterwards, we went out to Four Squared for celebratory drinks. And everyone had a blast. When we got home, The Major used an empathic cocktail to put Bella into a calm, sleeplike state, claiming that she needed her rest for tomorrow.

But I think he also just wanted to give Jazz and I some time together before we had to be apart.

When my man came to find me, I was surprised. It was a last minute decision, so I hadn't seen it.

"Hi Babe." He grinned, pulling me into a hug.

"Jazzy!" I cheered, peppering him with kisses. "I didn't know if we'd get much time before tomorrow."

"I didn't either. But he feels so bad about taking me away from you," he explained, shaking his head.

"I know, but he shouldn't. He had to put up with you and I monopolizing things for decades, while he could only watch and he was starving the entire time because we didn't know he needed to eat separately! Not to mention how long he had to wait to find Bella. He has no cause to feel bad." I shrugged.

"I know, Sweetheart, I feel the same way you do. But if it was you and I taking him away from Bella for a month, we'd feel guilty, just the same as he does," he reminded me.

"That's true." I nodded. "Well, at any rate, I'm really glad you're here now." I smiled.

We were out in the baseball clearing because I had gone there to double check that everything was ready for tomorrow. I took him by the hand and led him into the nearby woods. Then, finding a soft bed of moss, we laid down on it.

"I'm gonna miss you, wife of mine." He smiled softly looking into my eyes.

"I'm gonna miss you too, Jasper. So much," I admitted, kissing him slowly and languidly.

We stayed like that, kissing and gazing into each other's eyes for a long time, before we slowly started undressing one another. I kissed each expanse of his skin as I exposed it. I had to wonder, if they did ever did decide to live in separate bodies, what that would be like. But that was a problem for another time. Right now, I just wanted to treasure my husband. My mate.

When I reached his manhood, I took him in my mouth, hoping to make him feel even a fraction as good physically as his love made me feel always. And, as I always enjoyed so much, he began allowing me to feel the pleasure I was bringing him through his gift.

When I brought him to completion, we came together. And that was accomplished without him even having touched me yet. Mind you, after that, when he used his skillful mouth and fingers on me, he could feel my pleasure too and again we reached our bliss together.

After a few more rounds of foreplay, I lowered myself down onto his length as I straddled him. There were definite advantages to having died a virgin. I would always be tight for him and he would always fill me so completely. And vampirism meant we would always stay young and beautiful. Of course, it had its drawbacks but it definitely had its perks.

Another such perk was that we had perfect recall which meant that while Jazz and I were away from each other, we could revisit those memories whenever we wanted to.

We took our time with our love making, cherishing each other. Body, heart, mind and especially soul.

When we finally finished, we knew it would be a while before we could do that again, but also that it would be heated and passionate when we did, for all the waiting. And that was definitely something worth looking forward to indeed.

Major's POV

When Jazz got back from his time with Alice, he thanked me and gave me the reins again and they both seemed to be in much better spirits.

I went into our shared room right away ta wake my sleepin' beauty.

"Bella Darlin' it's time ta wake up an' get ready. My eyes are closed, 'cause it's supposed to be bad luck ta see the bride before the weddin', but I still need a good mornin' kiss from my bride before I let yer girls whisk ya away to prepare." I beamed happily.

"Good morning, Jasper," she said and I could hear the smile in her voice. I loved it when she called me by my given name, so I was smilin' too. In fact…

"All day, Isabella, please?" I asked, lickin' her neck to scent her a lil'.

"I was planning on it," she agreed. "We mostly use the title to differentiate, but today is our day. Today you are just my Jasper. And soon to be my husband. How does that feel?" She asked me.

"That feels phenomenal, Darlin'. I can't wait to make you a Whitlock officially in name an' not just in venom." I said, kissin' her eagerly.

"I can't wait either. But the sooner you let me go get ready, the sooner I'll be your wife." She reminded me.

"Well shoot, then skedaddle, don't let me keep ya!" I chuckled. "It's been nice knowin' ya, Miss Swan, but I hope ya won't take offense when I tell ya I am simply delighted ta be makin' the acquaintance o' one Mrs. Isabella Whitlock, later today." I teased. "Or is it just Bella now? I know ya ain't overfond o' yer whole moniker."

"True, but Isabella provides a lot more options for aliases, so I'm actually keeping it. Besides, I know you like to call me Isabella on occasion and when you say it, it isn't so bad," she admitted.

"It is kinda fun ta say it in the throws o' passion, I will admit." I nodded. "And at other times, of course. Now git up on outta here, before I decide we have time fer me ta ravish you before the weddin'!"

"Yes, Jasper." She laughed gettin' up ta go, just as we heard Alice complainin' that there definitely wasn't time fer any shenanigans.

"I'll see ya soon, my lovely bride." I beamed, headin' off with the menfolk ta let her do her thing.

Bella's POV

"How are you feeling, Bella?" Alice asked me as she started on my makeup and Char started on my hair. Mandy was so nervous about seeing Baker that Alice wouldn't let her help with my getting ready. She could barely focus on getting herself ready as it was.

"I feel great. A little nervous about everything going off without a hitch but I know your preparations will be more than sufficient. Everything so far has been wonderful," I assured her. "And I'm definitely not nervous about marrying Th...Jasper. I promised him he'd be Jasper all day. It's just counter intuitive when I'm talking to you, because they're both Jasper. But yeah, I'm definitely not nervous about that part." I beamed.

"Glad to hear it." She nodded. "And don't worry, I knew about the Jasper thing, so I've got absolutely everyone on board with that. Today, your Jasper will be Jasper, and mine is still Jazz."

"Thank you, Alice!" I exclaimed, impressed. "I assumed everyone else would still be using the title, which would've been even more confusing for me."

"Don't worry, Bella. I've got your back today. And everyday," she assured me.

"We all do, Sugar." Char added, making me smile.

"Thanks Char! The hair is looking great so far." I smiled excitedly. "How are you hanging in, Mandy?" I asked. She was watching out the window, but I knew she wasn't watching to see Baker because he was already occupied with getting ready. I had picked him up in Seattle myself before heading to the clearing.

We were getting ready in a fancy tent that Kelsey had helped Alice design, stating that it was reminiscent of a tent Jasper and I live in, in a previous life.

Baker was getting ready with the men, but he had been very nonchalant about it when I'd turned him over to Charlie. He was a good kid and was just happy to be included in whatever big thing was happening today.

"Good. I'm just keeping an eye on the weather. I don't want it to get too sunny in case Baker sees us sparkle," she stated.

"Uh, Mandy, you do know Akio teleported Baker and I back here?" I worried. If she didn't want him to know about the supernatural it was a little late for that.

"Yes, but if he says to someone: I went from one place to another really fast with my babysitters. That doesn't get him in trouble with the Volturi. Even if he says: They say my mommy is in heaven, but I saw her at a wedding, that still doesn't point to vampires. But if he says: my mommy and a bunch of other people can sparkle in the sunlight? That does," she reasoned.

"True. I didn't think of that." I nodded.

"Don't worry, Mandy, I did," Alice assured her. "I didn't see any sun breaking through the clouds in this area in my visions, but if it does, our Elementals have been instructed to whip up some cloud cover right away."

"Thank you, Alice!" Mandy beamed, rushing over to hug her.

"No problem at all!"

As per usual with weddings, the men were ready long before the women. So my dad showed up at our tent while we were still doing the finishing touches.

"Wow! You look absolutely beautiful, Bells." He beamed with radiant pride.

"Thanks, Dad." I smiled, grateful for porcelain vampire skin that didn't blush.

"That man of yours might've had a heart attack when he saw you, if he weren't already dead. I can't believe my little girl who showed up in cargo pants and a wife-beater when she moved here is in there somewhere under all this fancy stuff." He grinned.

"It's still me, Dad," I assured him, looking in the mirror as the girls put my veil on.

"It is but it isn't. I can also see a little of the woman who ruled Egypt shining through those eyes today." He smirked.

"Ugh, you've been talking to Alistair, haven't you?" I rolled my eyes.

"Naw, Kelsey told me some stuff. That was the only one I knew you knew about, which is why I used that one. But I sense the truth of all that when I look at you. You really do look like a Queen today." He nodded.

"Oh!" Alice and Char both exclaimed.

"What's the matter? Is something wrong with the veil?" I worried but they had just stepped back from it, and it seemed to be sitting perfectly.

"Don't worry, Bella. We'll think about all that later. Today, we have a wedding to get to."

We all started putting stuff away and getting ready to head out to our places, so I chose not to worry about whatever Alice and Char had figured out. Not today.

Mandy pulled my dad aside. "How is he?" She worried nervously.

"He's perfect, Mandy. Everybody loves him. He was having a blast getting ready with the boys. Esme's watching him now and she'll get him to the start of the aisle, just before he needs to run up." He beamed, kissing her cheek so he wouldn't mess up her lipstick.

"We're putting so much faith into the fact he'll run to me. What if he doesn't, Babe? What if seeing me scares him? Even with the contacts in, I don't look the same. I was so sick the last time he saw me, he might not even recognize me," she fretted.

"He'll know it's you, Mandy. I've seen it. He'll run. You don't have to worry. Baker loves you, so much." Alice told her as we took our places and got ready to process.

Soon, Edward started to play the music and Mandy began to process down the aisle, albeit nervously, but she didn't mess up, which I knew Alice had been a bit worried about, initially.

Next it was Char's turn. Each of them taking their places at the front. Mandy's place was on the outside and everyone would still be seated until my turn, so Baker would have a clear line of sight to her. Alice walked next and when she got to the front, she signaled Esme, who brought Baker to the start of the aisle.

"Baker, look over there!" She exclaimed quietly but excitedly, pointing right at Mandy.

We all saw his eyes register and heard him gasp. "Mommy!"

Mandy waved and motioned him forward and that was all it took. That kid ran so fast, he was practically a blur even with my vampire vision. If we were human, we all would have been crying. Mandy looked like she might anyway.

When he got there, she lifted him up into her arms and held him, whispering soft assurances that everything was okay and that she would always love him with her whole heart, even if they couldn't be together anymore. I think he thought she was an Angel.

"You okay, Dad?" I asked, when I saw that Edward was waiting for his cue to change the music.

"Yeah Bells, I'm better than okay. I'm great." He nodded, looping my arm with his, which was Edward's signal. And then, I took the antidote to the invisibility potion I had been wearing.

We didn't exactly have anywhere we could hide and still see what was happening with the reunion. But Alice had been adamant that everyone's first glimpse of the bride needed to coincide with the first notes of the Wedding March. So the invisibility potion had been Mandy's idea and I had taken it just as we were leaving our tent.

As the music changed, I heard everyone gasp as I became visible.

My eyes were locked on Jasper's though, who looked stunning, I might add, standing there at the top of the aisle, waiting for his bride.

Waiting for me.

Oh yeah, time to move, Bella.

And so, I began to walk.

I was grateful for my years of Capoeira which had served to eliminate my natural clumsiness. Because the little girl I used to be many years ago probably would have tripped several times over in spite of having vampire reflexes. It was hard to focus on walking when I was looking into the beautiful eyes of my groom and seeing the depths of his soul.

But I had kept him waiting long enough and somehow, I made it to the front of the aisle, though I swear, time stood still from the moment I looked at him.

"You look gorgeous. Like Royalty, Darlin'," he whispered, sounding as awestruck as I felt.

"Then we match, Jasper, because I swear, I'm staring at a king." I smiled softly.

Eleazar stepped forward.

Silence fell as the service began.

"Marriage, and war...have a lot in common." He began. Everyone had a good chuckle over that.

"Seriously, though. When you think about it, they do. Just like in war, in marriage, you have to pick your battles. You have to know which fights are worth fighting and when to stand down.

"You have to know who your allies are. Sometimes, outside forces will attack a marriage, just like in war, and it pays to surround yourself with friends and family who will respect the sanctity of your union and respect your spouse and all that they mean to you.

"And when outside forces do attack, be it, someone speaking ill of your spouse, or even on rare instances, someone trying to kill them, you have to know what you're fighting for. And I don't just mean whom you are fighting for, that part is obvious. But you have to truly know that person.

"People can spend decades, or in the case of some, even centuries, living among others and never really know them. But in marriage, you have to commit, not just to loving your mate and respecting them, but also to knowing them in the ways that count.

"Sure, I could tell you what Carmen's favorite color is, it's blue if you're wondering. I could tell you a story from her childhood, I know most of them by heart. But these are not soul deep things. It means a lot more to my mate, when I notice that she is hurting. Or when she has something on her mind.

"Now, being able to read your mate, might be easier if you are, oh, let's say, an Empath…" again everyone laughed.

"But do you know why she is hurting? Do you know what he has on his mind? Do you know what she is excited about? Do you know what makes him angry?" He looked back and forth between us as he said those things.

"Because even though some of us may live for a very long time, there is no surefire guarantee that we will use those years wisely. And even though our Mates or Imprints, in the case of the wolves, are pretty likely to stay by our side, regardless of how we treat them, it doesn't mean they will be happy.

"I've seen this happen. I've seen some who think that being mated means that they don't have to work as hard at their relationship as regular people do. When really, it is actually the opposite. Average folks in this day and age, seem to expect a spouse to be at their side until one or the other gets bored or finds someone they like better or things just...fizzle out.

"But we join with our mates expecting them to stand by us through eternity. So to me, it seems reasonable that they should be able to expect more effort on our parts than that of ordinary couples. Because the commitment is far greater.

"And so, if there is one ultimate piece of advice I ought to give you as you enter into holy matrimony, it is this...strive for each other's happiness. If you both do so, you'll never need worry about your own."

I looked into Jasper's eyes once again and smiled. He was smiling too. We had already intended to do as much, but the reminded was nice to have. And I knew that the ceremony was being recorded and we would have it to watch, if ever we got off track along our journey of life together. Just because we had perfect recall, didn't mean we wouldn't need a nudge on occasion.

"Now, as I understand it, the two of you have some vows for one another. Bella, ladies first, I believe," Eleazar encouraged.

I took an unnecessary breath and began. "When people at school saw that Alice and I appeared to be sharing you, not realizing of course that there are two Jaspers, there were murmurs. Murmurs that even as a human, I often couldn't help but overhear.

"One girl, even went so far as to say that I was getting half a man. And I let her comment upset me for a long time. Not because I agreed with her, of course, I knew better. But because it saddened me that anyone would think that way. And as I got to know you, I found myself wishing that she could see the reality of our situation. Especially once I learned exactly what kind of a man I was getting.

"The kind of a man who loves so fiercely that his love for his son would propel him out of paradise? To return as his son's protector, in a body that wasn't his? Just to keep his son safe? Or how about the kind of man who would lie dormant for decades, starving, just to allow his son the time to find happiness? Or the kind of man who would move mountains rearranging the lives of many and create an army, just to protect one simple human girl?

"Jasper, you are a greater man than I ever could have hoped for. You are the kind of man I am so very grateful to be destined for. And you are the man I am privileged to be marrying today. So no, I am not getting half a man. I am getting the most amazing man in the entire world. Not to mention, my soulmate.

"I only hope that somehow, I can be as good of a wife to you as I know you will be of a husband to me. I pray that I can be worthy of the love I know you have for me and the devotion I know you will show me. And above all else, I hope that you will be as happy in our marriage as I have been throughout our courtship, or maybe, God willing, even happier.

"Either way, I promise to always put my best foot forward in our life together. As we walk hand in hand, I promise to let you lead, because I can't wait to see the wonderful things you have in store for us. And always I promise that you will have my love, my respect, my loyalty and my trust, because Jasper, you have earned all four."

When I finished my vows, his smile was so bright, I thought it might catch us all on fire.

Then it was his turn to make me melt.

"Before you, Isabella, there was darkness. Fer a long time, I resided in darkness. I didn't know that you would come into my life an' light it up like ya did. I didn't know that I had a soulmate. Hell, fer a long time, I didn't even know that I had a soul. I thought that I was just the darker side o' my son. The part that even his mate was afraid of.

"It wasn't until Kelsey an' all her pesky knowledge came into our lives that I fully understood who I was. But that wasn't when I began ta understand. Ya see, Isabella, you were the beginnin' of my understandin'.

"When Alice first told me that I had a mate, an' then, when I first met you...the instinctive pull that drove me to you was...more than a little intense. An' while that mighta been what brought me to ya, it certainly wasn't why I stayed.

"I stayed because I could see that fate or destiny or the hand o' the Almighty, had truly gotten it right fer us. That fer me, there would be no better match. Not ever. What girl in her right mind would be willin' ta put up with my ornery ol' ass? What beauty could ever fit into my world of methodical plannin' and strategy? What soldier could be my equal and in many ways my superior and yet somehow still submit when I needed her to? What perfect specimen of womanhood could take one look at me an' instead o' runnin' scared would think…Mine?

"Darlin' you truly are somethin' incredibly special ta be able to have done all that. You walked into my wreck of an existence and somehow never looked back. You absorbed the blows of the chaos that seemed to follow us fer so long and ya rolled with the punches, even throwin' yer own as needed. You never did anythin' half assed, you've always been all-in.

"Which is why I am so proud ta have you standin' at my side fer the rest if our days. You're perfect fer me, Bella, in every single way. An' not a day goes by that I don't find myself wholly grateful fer what we have together. I will always consider you the greatest blessin' in my life. I will always love, honor, respect and cherish you. Because as corny as it sounds...you make me wanna be a better man."

Eleazar smiled and our family and friends looked as though our words had truly touched them.

"And now, the rings." Eleazar cued. Mandy handed them to Eleazar, and Eleazar handed me Jasper's and gave Jasper mine.

"Rings are a physical symbol of your forever love for one another. You already have one such symbol because you have marked each other as mates. But these rings will tell not just our specific community, but the world at large that you belong to each other. So now, if you are ready, Bella, please speak the words as you place Jasper's ring," he concluded.

We had practiced this part at rehearsal and with our perfect vampire recall, he didn't need to repeat it for us now.

"I, Isabella Marie Swan, give you, Jasper Whitlock Sr. this ring as a token of the eternal flame that burns brightly for you within my soul." I smiled radiantly.

"And I, Jasper Whitlock Sr. give you, Miss Isabella Marie Swan, this ring as a token of the eternal flame that burns brightly for you within my soul." He echoed, grinning like a giddy school boy.

"And so, if no one present here today sees any reason why these two should not be wed…" Eleazar paused, looking around before continuing.

"I now pronounce you, Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Whitlock Sr. And you may now proceed to kiss your bride!"

And boy, did he! We kissed for so long people almost started throwing stuff at us. It wasn't until the cheers had turned to raucous that we reluctantly parted. The postlude music played and my groom whisked me down the aisle to go get our pictures taken at the edge of the clearing so that everyone who wanted to could watch.

"How does it feel to be a married woman, Mrs. Whitlock?" He asked me, as we waited for everyone to gather in the field.

"Pretty dang wonderful, Mr. Whitlock. How about you?" I beamed.

"I'm about as happy as a kid in a candy store, I reckon. Naw...prolly even happier!" He chuckled. "Although I have to admit, I'm already lookin' forwars ta that honeymoon." He smirked waggling his eyebrows at me.

"Me too, Babe. Me too."

AN: Well, our Whitlocks are hitched now!

Next comes the reception and a brief glimpse of the honeymoon!

After that, all we have left is the Epilogue, which segues right into the sequel :D

Please remember, reviews are the best gifts because they don't cost more than a few moments of your time, but they certainly mean the world to me.

Hugs and Blessings,

-BMW