Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. It is the property of Stephenie Meyer. No infringement intended.

Author's Note: I'm really sorry for the big wait between chapters. I've started student teaching this semester and I'm teaching three classes of fourth graders math every weekday. My weekends have been filled with grading papers, lesson plans, and making activities. I try and squeeze in as much writing as I can, but real life has taken the front seat for a little while. I'm working on chapter 37 and I'll try to have it out as soon as I can. :)

Chapter 36 – The Big Day

Edward's PoV:

The flight to North Carolina went smoothly. Vanessa opted to fly with us instead of by herself after much coercion from Alice and Andria. The wolf pack arrived three days later, after Andria begged them to come to the wedding the day before we left. Emily and Jared's imprint, Kim, promised her they would make sure all of the boys were there.

Last night the men were sent to Wesley and Katherine's house, while the women and Katherine's children stayed at the plantation. Now we were getting dressed because in exactly forty minutes, Andria would be my wife.

We spent the evening drinking; well Wesley, Warren, and the wolves drank, and telling stories. I learned a lot more about Wesley than I had previously known, even with my power.

He loved Andria as if she was his blood sister, and would do anything for her. Of all the stories told, my favorite one was when Andria was still very young.

When Wesley's parents died, Andria had only been a toddler. Wesley moved in with Dorothy and Warren that summer and began working on their farm. Andria, like Wesley's daughter Kristin, had been a shy little girl and barely spoke to anyone other than her grandparents.

One day, Wesley was sitting on the back porch, upset about his parents, when Andria came outside and sat next to him. She placed her little hand on his arm, and told him he could live with her and her granny and papa forever. From that day forward, Wesley said Andria began to be more outgoing and talkative.

His memories of Andria were wonderful to see. Andria was a bright young girl with a passionate spirit. I was thrilled to know that even though her father was a complete asshole, her passion and her fire never left over the years.

Wesley snapped me out of my thoughts when he clapped me on my shoulder. "Take good care of Andria. She's real important to a lot of people here."

"She's real important to me, as well, Wesley."

He smiled and nodded his head. "Good, that's all that matters. I've got to go now. There's a little girl up at the house who wishes Travis was here today. I'm as close as she's got." Wesley left, already dressed in his tux, to go up to the main house.

Jasper didn't mention to Wesley that he was really closer, since Jasper was blood related to Andria. Instead he left it alone and continued to flip through the pages of his book. He looked up at me when he sensed my curiosity. She'll have me for the rest of eternity; Wesley won't be around forever.

Emmett came into the room knotting his tie. "You ready for this, man? You're about to be a married man again. Not too late to back out now," Emmett joked.

Jasper discarded his book and swiftly smacked Emmett on the back of his head. The wolves howled with laughter.

"What the hell, dude?" Emmett said, rubbing his head.

"He is not backing out on Andria," Jasper growled.

"Easy, Jasper. Edward is marrying Andria in just a few minutes. I think you should be more worried about their honeymoon activities, than him having cold feet," Carlisle said as he walked in from the bedroom.

He winked at me. Today had been one of those rare days when Carlisle acted his age. The excitement of the wedding caused him to briefly step out of the fatherly role.

The wolves laughed again. "From the way she smelled the other day, I think it's a little late for Papa Jasper to be worrying about protecting sweet Andria's virtue," Paul said with a chuckle.

Jasper frowned and flopped back into his chair with a disgruntled growl, which made the pack laugh even more.

Andria's PoV:

Alice finished the last touches of mascara just before there was a knock on the door. Rosalie opened it to reveal Wesley standing in the hall dressed in his tux.

He came into the room and pulled me into his arms. "You look gorgeous, Andria. Travis would be really proud."

I pulled back and looked at him with tears in my eyes. I wished with all my heart Travis could be here to walk me down the aisle today, but I knew he was watching from heaven.

"Now, now, don't cry. You'll ruin your pretty makeup, and the fairy will be mad at me," Wesley said with a chuckle, and I heard Alice laugh.

"I won't ruin my makeup," I whispered. "Thanks, Wesley. I love you, bro."

"Love you, too, sis. Remember to give him hell and keep him on his toes, okay?"

"Of course," I replied with a smile.

Wesley kissed the top of my head and then hugged me again before he stepped away.

"Let's go outside, Wes. I want to see if Esme needs my help with anything before we get started," Granny said. She put her hands on my shoulders and smiled. "My beautiful granddaughter. I'm so very proud of the young woman you've become. You and Edward, you're like one, so in tune with each other. I saw it the first time you visited, and I've seen it over the past few days. Your love was strong, it has grown stronger, and I know it will continue to grow in time. I've never seen you smile the way you do with him, and I'm overjoyed you have found someone who makes you truly happy, Alexandria. Wesley was correct; your brother would be so proud of you. You're a wonderful and talented young woman, and I love you, Alexandria, so very, very much."

This time, I could not stop the tears that raced down my cheeks. "I love you, too, Granny. You mean the world to me; I wouldn't be half the person I am if it hadn't been for you and Papa. Thank you."

"This is exactly why I used waterproof mascara," Alice commented with a smile.

All the girls laughed, and my grandmother hugged me one more time before taking the tissue from Alice's outstretched hand and dabbing my eyes and cheeks gently.

She softly kissed my forehead before taking Wesley's arm and turned to Alice. "Are all of you ready?"

"We're ready when you are," Alice said.

"Then I'll send Warren to you in just a few minutes. It won't be much longer," Granny said and then left the room.

All that was left in the room was Vanessa, Rosalie, Alice, and Nessie. I turned and walked back to the mirror examining myself one last time.

Alice had pulled the sides of my hair back and lightly teased the crown into a delicate pouf. Soft curls fell down to the middle of my back. Holding back the pieces of hair were two hairpins that had belonged to my grandmother. The marquis diamonds made a small flower, at the center of the flower was a small, round sapphire.

Sticking to tradition, Alice classified the hairpins as my something blue. My something old was the diamond earrings that had a round diamond stud with a tear drop cut diamond dangling just below the round one.

New, of course, was my dress and borrowed were the shoes. They came from Rosalie. She wore them for her and Emmett's second wedding and liked them so much she kept them over the years. The delicate white shoes had slightly pointed toes and two and a half inch heels. Small diamonds adorned the backs of the heel of the shoes.

Rosalie said that when I danced, and my dress moved, people would be able see the sparkle. They were beautiful, and I thanked Rosalie many times for letting me wear them. I loved the shoes as much as she did.

I turned back around to look at the four women that I called my sisters. Vanessa was wearing her knee length, pastel purple, chiffon bridesmaid's dress, and her curly dark hair bounced just below her chin.

Alice was wearing a pale green dress that clung to her slim figure and swished around her knees when she walked. Rosalie had opted for a long, pink dress, and Nessie wore a soft blue tea length dress. I joked and said we looked like a pastel rainbow, and Alice had scowled at me.

Papa walked into the bedroom, and I quickly shuffled across the room and hugged him tightly.

"You look beautiful, and all grown up, but you'll always be my little girl," Papa said. "Alice, Dorothy said to tell you they're ready whenever you girls get lined up or whatever it is you're going to be doing."

We all laughed at Papa, and then each of the girls hugged me one last time. Vanessa handed me my bouquet of purple and white flowers before she left to join Jasper for the procession. Kristin was our flower girl and Jack was the ring bearer. The both looked so cute all dressed up.

Papa and I went out the back bedroom door and into the side yard. We made our way across the giant strip of creamy carpet Alice had stretched across the yard. We stopped behind the trees where Alice had planned to hide me before I walked down the aisle.

The two large oak trees were the closest to the house, and were the perfect distance away from the porch to make the aisle. Jasper, Vanessa, Kristin, and Jack were already there.

Jasper hugged me and reached to pat my head, but frowned at my pouf and patted my shoulder instead. While Papa and Vanessa were momentarily busy with Jack and Kristin, Jasper mouthed "I love you, sis." I smiled and whispered it back too low for the others to hear. Jasper turned back around as the music started. Vanessa gave a soft push to Jack and then Kristin, and they went down the aisle.

Vanessa took Jasper's arm and they began the trip down the aisle as well.

"You ready, Alexandria?" Papa asked as he smiled down at me.

"Born ready," I replied.

He smiled at me and chuckled. "Of course you were," he said as the music changed.

I wrapped my arm around his and leaned up to kiss his cheek quickly. "I love you, Papa. I'm glad you're walking me down the aisle."

"I love you, too, sweet girl," he said. I could hear the emotion in his voice and knew he wouldn't say any more; afraid he would start to cry.

Then Papa led me out from behind the trees and I saw the entirety of what Esme, Alice, and my grandmother had done to the backyard.

The wisteria was in full bloom and dripping from the porch. Two rows of white chairs had purple tulle bows tied across their backs. Purple and white tulle mixed with strings of white lights wrapped around the pillars of the porch, along with large flower arrangements. I saw the preacher, Jasper, Jack, Vanessa, and Kristin.

Then my eyes met Edward's, and everything else melted into the background.

My heart pounded in my chest as Papa and I made our way down the aisle. When we reached Edward, Papa kissed my cheek and placed my hand in his before going to sit beside my grandmother.

I was lost in Edward's eyes throughout the ceremony and was glad I was able to say my vows even though I barely remember hearing the preacher. Edward and I had opted to use the traditional wedding vows instead of writing our own, but we did change one part. Instead of saying,' until death do us part', Edward and I said, 'until the end of time'.

"You may now kiss your bride," the preacher said.

I smiled as Edward leaned down and pressed his lips softly to mine. Even though Edward's lips were cold, the kiss was warm and full of love, and I knew without a doubt that I was meant to be with Edward for eternity. I heard Emmett whistle and everyone else clapping before Edward pulled back with a megawatt smile.

"Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen."

Edward took my hand and we turned to face our families, who were all smiles. Since it was only our two families and the pack, we did not walk back down the aisle. Instead, Edward and I walked the short distance to where everyone was gathered, and were instantly swept into the embraces of our family and friends.

Kim was kind enough to volunteer to take the photos of the wedding party, and our families. Alice and I decided after the main photos were taken, we would just have the camera passed around for everyone to take pictures during the reception.

As a group, we made our way to the huge white tent that was strung with lots of twinkling white lights and pale purple tulle, complete with a sound system and dance floor. Emmett moved over to the set of speakers he had set up and started the music that was put on his iPod with suggestions and demands from Alice and Katherine.

The first notes of Sara Evan's "I Could Not Ask For More" filled the air as Edward led me out to the middle of the floor. He spun me around and then dipped me low enough that my hair brushed across the floor before straightening and pulling me tight against his chest.

Edward was a spectacular dancer and we waltzed around the floor with ease. Emmett and some of the wolves occasionally whistled when Edward would lean down to brush his lips against mine. When the song ended, Papa and Esme joined us on the dance floor for the mother/son, father/daughter dance.

After that, Emmett cut the music, and Jasper caught everyone's attention with a quick, sharp whistle. "As Edward's best man and brother, and now Andria's brother, I would like to take a moment to congratulate the happy couple. Alexandria, you have brought light to this family and made us whole. You have blessed us in the most extraordinary manner and I, as well as my family, will be forever thankful for your beautiful presence in our lives, especially Edward's. I am honored to call you my sister, and I wish you and Edward the best in your many years to come."

Edward kissed my temple, and then I rushed into Jasper's arms as the music started again. It was another slow song, so Jasper began to lead as he smiled at me.

"That was really beautiful, Jas," I whispered.

"Yeah, well, I had to say something didn't I? That's what the best man does."

I swatted his shoulder playfully and giggled. "Seriously, Jasper, that was really sweet."

He pressed his lips to my forehead, and I felt the rush of our signature mix of emotions, but intertwined was something new. I had never felt it coming from Jasper before but now, added to the others, was just a touch of acceptance.

I leaned my head back to look up into Jasper's shining honey eyes and smiled. "Are you finally facing the fact that you can't stop the intimacy?"

"I'm not going to say I like it, but no, I can't stop it, and I like for you to be happy. You're the happiest when you're with Edward. I'll do everything in my power to keep you happy, even if that means I have to suck it up, and deal with the fact that one day you'll smell more like him than yourself."

I laughed and let go of Jasper's hand to wrap my arms around his shoulders. "I love you, Jas." I concentrated on sending him all of my emotions, and heard him gasp slightly.

Patting my shoulder, he whispered, "I love you, too, Sis."

The song ended and Alice, who had been dancing with Edward, dragged Vanessa and I to the middle of the floor as one of her favorite songs began playing. Emily, Kim, and little Claire joined us, as well as Katherine and Araya, and we continued to dance to the steady rhythm of the music.

Later, while I danced with Wesley, I noticed Jasper was leaning down slightly as he swayed back and forth with little Kristin. Wesley noticed me glancing over and chuckled.

"She's never taken to anyone like she has to Jasper," Wesley said.

"I know, I think it's sweet. Maybe she'll open up more like I did with you," I replied with a smile. "She'll come out of her shell when she's ready."

"I'm really proud of you, Andria. I know for a fact Travis would be, too."

"Thanks, Wesley. Your parents would be proud of you, too, you know. I'm really going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you, too, but you'll come back to see us again. It's hard to stay away from this place for too long. I guess it's why I've never left."

I frowned. Would I be able to come back before my change? I hoped I would, but it might be impossible.

"Hey, now, it's your wedding day; no frowning!" Wesley exclaimed. He smiled brightly at me. "Besides, if you don't come back, that just means that you no longer need the safety that you've always found here in Bath. I think you've found your place, Andria. You'll always be safe with Edward. I see it when he looks at you, and when Jasper looks at you, too. It's like he's a super protective big brother."

I laughed. "Yeah. Jasper's something like that."

As the evening carried on, I danced with each of the wolves, Emmett, Carlisle, and Jasper and Papa again. Edward and I also danced together several more times before Alice finally took me into the house long after the day ended.

"It's almost time for you and Edward to leave for the airport!" Alice squealed with excitement. "I have both of your bags packed and they're already in the rental car Jasper picked up yesterday."

"Then what on earth did you drag me in here for?" I asked.

"To refresh your makeup and hair, of course. The dancing made a few strands come out of place! You can't go into public without perfect hair!"

I shook my head in amusement, but allowed Alice to drag me into my grandparents' room so she could do the touch-ups she deemed necessary. When she was done, my hair was perfectly coiffed and my makeup back to its original flawlessness.

We walked back outside to where our family had gathered together to bid us goodbye. I stopped next to Edward, and Alice embraced both of us quickly before darting to Jasper's side. The pack and their imprints were the next to hug, or shake hands with Edward, and then the Cullen's. Katherine and Wesley, plus their children, bid us goodbye before Edward and I were both wrapped up in the arms of my grandparents.

"I hope you have a wonderful time on your honeymoon, Alexandria," Granny said.

"But not too much," Papa added, giving Edward a pointed look before he smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Take good care of my little girl."

"Always," Edward replied.

Everyone went to the front of the house, and Alice quickly handed out little pouches of rose buds and petals before Edward and I walked down the steps. We were showered with the tiny pink buds and soft petals as we quickly jogged down to the car. Edward opened the car door for me, still being pelted by Emmett and Paul, before he dashed around to the driver's side of the car and ducked in.

The engine of the sleek grey car roared to life, and Edward pulled out of the driveway slowly. Once we cleared the view of the house, he accelerated, sending gravel flying behind us. Edward's hand rested on my thigh while his thumb rubbed slow circles during the drive to a small airport about thirty minutes west of Bath.

When we arrived at the gate, Edward said something to the guard before the security bar was raised, and we drove through. Much to my surprise, Edward drove past the small, almost empty, parking lot and straight up beside a runway where the sleek private plane was waiting.

Edward flashed me his crooked grin before exiting the car. He held my door open and extended his hand to help me out before I could blink. "Are you ready to begin our forever together, Mrs. Cullen?"

"You have no idea."

A man, in what resembled a bellhop uniform, greeted us and took the car keys from Edward before leading us over the plane. I climbed the set of stairs carefully, holding my dress up to make sure it didn't snag on the steps, and entered the immaculate interior of the plane.

Edward and I settled into the plush leather seats and moments later the plane began to taxi down the runway before taking flight.

I twisted to face Edward. "So, do I finally get to know our destination?"

"We have to land in New York to refuel, but the destination is a surprise," he said with a smirk and then kissed the tip of my nose.

"Why did Alice make us stay in our wedding attire?" I questioned.

Edward shrugged, but had a smirk on his face. "She wanted you to make a grand entrance I guess."