Author's Note: Since I am never one for big affairs, I kept Alice's wedding a muted affair. I think it is much more meaningful to have their renewal of vows in such an intimate setting. I hope you enjoy this chapter and look forward to Chapter 37. I assure you that it will be explosive. ;) Thank you for all the reviews, they mean a lot to me and really encourage me to keep and writing and posting on an almost daily basis. :)

036. Hanging On By A Moment

I woke up feeling incredibly disorientated and hung over. Last night had been insane thanks to Alice's makeshift bachelorette party. We were up well after midnight, and although it didn't effect anyone else, it was sure as hell affecting me. My head was pounding, and I regretted all the cocktails that I had downed last night. I groaned as a ran my fingers through my hair, pulling out bits of flower petals. I hoped that most of Alice's flowers survived last night.

I pulled myself out of bed and tried to make myself presentable. The wedding was due to start in two hours, and no doubt Alice was itching to do my makeup and hair. I pulled a hairbrush quickly through my hair and slipped on my dress. I smoothed out some nonexistent wrinkles and took a deep breath. At that moment, Alice burst through the door and smiled hugely at me. In her hands was a gigantic box, whose contents I hazard to guess contained every makeup product she ever purchased.

Conceding with good grace - it was her wedding day after all - I sat obediently on the edge of the bathtub. She bustled around, setting up her makeshift salon.

"You look like hell," she commented, as she applied a thick coat of mascara.

"I wonder why," I replied sarcastically, trying not to blink. I really did like my eyes.

"Don't laugh," Alice warned as she completed the finishing touches on my makeup.

When she stepped back to admire her masterpiece, a smile lighted her face. At least she was happy. I knew that no amount of makeup would ever make me even worthy of comparison with Rosalie or her.

"Rosalie and Nikki are all ready, the guys should be ready," Alice said happily.

I got up and followed her as she walked out. We met Rosalie and Nikki at the top of the stairs, and Rosalie complimented me on my appearance. I returned her compliments and gushed at how cute Nikki looked.

The only person left to get ready was Alice, and Rosalie and I offered to help. She declined, and disappeared into her room for a few moments. When she emerged I gasped. Alice looked breathtakingly beautiful in her wedding dress. The bare backed halter neck gown with its form fitting cream bodice and plunging neckline set off Alice's pale skin perfectly. The floor length tulle skirt in lavender accentuated the 'princess' effect, and completed her overall look splendidly. Her normal pixyish hair was lengthened with the addition of hair extensions and pulled into a simple updo with a single orchid placed precariously to hold it all together. Nikki smiled delightedly and ran over to Alice. Alice bent over to pick up Nikki, and together the four of us descended the stairs to join Esme and Carlisle who were waiting with Kellan.

"You look wonderful," Esme and Carlisle said with a smile, as they saw Alice. They in turn complimented the rest of us.

Carlisle was dressed simply in a classic tuxedo, whereas Esme channeled the thirties with her pencil skirt, and simple ruffled top. Kellan looked adorable in his little tuxedo. He was bursting with pride that he got to be the ring bearer. The group of us made our way to the Cullen garage, and Alice was careful not to ruin her dress.

We piled into the Mercedes, with Nikki on my lap, and Kellan in Rosalie's lap and Alice in the back with Esme and Carlisle in the front. We were headed to a small chapel on the edge of a private beachfront property. Today was slightly overcast, which was good, because then the full vampires in our party wouldn't give off a heart stopping sparkle. When we reached the chapel, we filed out of the car carefully. Esme excused herself so that she could see how the boys were faring, and Carlisle bent down to give Kellan the rings.

Rosalie and I were handing Nikki the flower basket and taking care of all the minute details. We smoothed Kellan's hair down, and fluffed out Nikki's skirt. Esme hurried back out and told us that they were ready for us. She and Carlisle went back into the chapel, as he was officiating the ceremony. The chapel was to be mostly empty, as the only guests were the Cullen family, Lucas and myself. We neared the chapel doors, and I could hear Edward playing on the piano. We nudged Nikki forward and she walked delicately down the aisle with her little basket of flower petals. Kellan followed after - walking slowly and taking great pains not to drop the rings. Rosalie and I followed after, one after another. As Rosalie and I took our positions at the front, Edward began playing the first strains of Wagner's march. I looked up to smile at him, and noticed a glaring gap in the groomsmen. Where was Lucas?

I fidgeted slightly with my flower bouquet, trying not to worry about Lucas. There was no reason why he wasn't here, was it my fault?

As Alice made her way down the aisle, I ran through a hundred different reasons why Lucas wasn't here.

As touching as the ceremony was, I was barely there. My mind was miles away. Why didn't Edward tell me that Lucas wasn't here? Was seeing me here, in this setting too painful for Lucas to handle? Maybe he'd be back for the reception? Maybe he needed to hunt?

As the ceremony ended and we all filed out I made my way quickly to Edward.

"Where is Lucas?" I asked him worriedly.

"I don't know," he said, his face a mask of confusion, "He told us last night that he couldn't join us for our bachelor party because you needed him."

"What? He said he was going with you guys," I replied, my voice equally confused.

"I'm sure he's fine," Edward said with confidence, "Don't worry about it Bella, love, he'll be here for the reception," Edward said, pulling me into a hug.

"I don't know," I said, biting my lip, "I think I should go see…"

"I'll come with you," Edward offered.

"No, its fine," I assured him, "You need to stay here, Alice's wedding party is starting to diminish at an alarming rate, I'll be back soon," I paused, "I promise."

Edward looked at me hesitantly, but let me go. He kissed me softly on my mouth and I smiled at him.

"Tell Alice I'm sorry, and I'll be back soon," I said as I slipped away. I went quickly to Carlisle and asked if I could borrow the car. He agreed instantly, just as worried as I was about Lucas's mysterious disappearance.

I climbed into the car, racing off with only one destination in mind - Charlie's house.