A/N Here we go, the start of the wedding festivities! I have to break these chapters up because they are so long. I Needed to tie up some loose ends. I made Alice less nutty than she was in Breaking Dawn. I think this Bella might strangle her otherwise.

I have a few surprises up my sleeve but, I promise the actual wedding ceremony is coming next!

Stephanie Meyer entirely owns twilight, and so I do not own anything.

"Edward I'll see you in a few days; unfortunately the 29th is the last night we will be sleeping together the same bed, single, well you know what I mean. Alice insists that you turn into a pumpkin at midnight. I'll have to sleep on the girl side of the house until we meet at the altar." Bella said, her arms encircling Edward's neck, "Spend time with your brother and family, have some fun. You are going to have a ball and chain in a few days."

Edward put wrapped his hands around Bella's waist and pulled her into him. There was no room between them; she rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and murmured, "why did we let Alice plan our wedding?"

"Because it was much easier this way. Just a few days, and you're mine forever."

"I was already, but yes, officially you will be my Isabella Marie Swan-Cullen," Edward replied.

"It's so weird you already knew I wanted to hyphenate. Thanks for not giving me any crap for that. If I weren't an author, I wouldn't." Bella's voice was endearing. Edward was noble in every way. He had considered everything, well, almost everything.

Bella knew that she would catch him off guard at their reception, and she was putting herself out there. He was worth it.

Bella and Edward's eyes were locked in a gaze when Joe cleared his throat, "sorry to interrupt but the luggage is loaded, and Rose is in the car, it's an hour drive to Albuquerque, Airport."

She grimaced in good humor at Joe, "k, I'll be there in a minute."

He nodded and returned to the car.

Bella pulled away and removed her hands, "I guess I'll see you in a few days, almost husband."

A grin overtook Edward's features; he laced his fingers with hers as he walked her to the car. Bella started to feel empty, and she couldn't help it, she needed to show him how much she loved him with their goodbye kiss, sincere, loving, sensual, and passionate. "I'm going to miss you."

Edward looked dazed, "understatement, I love you almost, wife."

"I love you too, Edward. Have fun."

"You, too, be safe."

"I always am," Bella was trying to blink away the tears she could feel coming.

Edward opened the door for her, ever the gentleman, "See you in a few days, Rose, take care of my fiancé."

"You know we are going to do more than that. We might have to tie her down, so she'll let us pamper her. Take care of Emmett."

Edward nodded in ascent and closed the door.

Xxxxx

Edward had no idea that the girls were not flying directly to Rio. They chartered a plane as they had a few guests to pick up. The first stop was LAX to get Genevieve and Seth. Their assistant and Edward's assistant were now an official couple. Carmen and Eleazar joined them. Bella had sent first class tickets to Hope and her Dad, as well as Kate and Garrett.

Hope was floored, she could not believe that telling her story at a premiere to her favorite author would change her life so dramatically. She could not wait to graduate and work for them. Bella gave her a shot, and she would not let her down. They had a lot more in common than anyone could imagine

Eleazar took care of the business before they arrived, making them all sign Non-disclosure agreements with added clauses, after the wedding, after the press release and official photos were released, they were allowed to talk about it. Kate would once again break the story, but they did not want to use Rolling Stone again. Vogue would get the exclusive. Bella had to bargain with Kate to get those photos for Christmas. Kate had proven to be trustworthy, and it seemed like a friendship had started to bloom. Especially when Kate and Garrett fell head over heels for each other. Kate had turned into a hopeless romantic, suddenly.

"I cannot believe this is happening," Carmen was tearful, "Edward has been so difficult with his love life, he made my job hell at times. He's getting married! To someone, I actually like at that! So rare! I have a feeling Emmett will not be far behind!" disarming all of them with her smile.

"Alice, too!" Rose added.

Everybody agreed with both statements. Rose wanted Emmett to propose to her. She understood that he didn't want to make the short time before his brother's wedding about them. They had already talked about it; a summer wedding was a sure thing. Nobody else knew yet.

"Okay, next, Seattle!" Bella bounced.

Bella had thought about the idea of the letter. It was something she was still planning on doing, but she knew the best way to express her love to Edward and for Edward in front of her family and friends. She needed Angela and Ben for this, both would be standing up for them, but they were also multi-talented musicians, as was Genevieve.

Bella faxed them all the sheet music, while she was in Germany. On the days, that Edward was on set, filming extremely taxing scenes, Bella was able to sneak off to a recording studio and work on a few songs Edward had not heard yet and lay down the tracks. Then she sent them to everyone. Although they had not practiced together, however, everyone seemed prepared for it.

You were supposed to call when you landed. Is everything okay? -E

Bella cursed; she had forgotten.

Layover, not there yet about to take off. I will call when we get there. We're about to take off. I love you. Xoxo.

Have a safe flight, and I miss you already.

Ditto

Bella nerves must have been wrapped tight; she had been on so many airplanes in the last few months. The flight from Germany to New Mexico and this flight hit her hard, with jet lag and flight sickness.

Rose looked at her strangely, "since when?"

"I don't know! I'm about to get married! I've been crisscrossing the globe. I guess I am still not used to it. I have bouts of nerves. I am not nervous about marrying him…." Bella explained.

Rose cocked an eyebrow, "no regrets?"

"No, not a single one. These days are taking so long, and I want it to be over already." Bella grimaced.

"We're going to have fun, I promise. We are going to stay at the hotel tonight, get pampered tomorrow and head over to the house after that. You guys can practice then, Alice is starting the staging for everything then. I cannot wait until you see it!" Rose's smile was contagious.

"The DJ has the playlist?" Bella asked.

"We don't have a DJ, we have Seth, and yes, your cheesy wedding songs are loaded. I cannot believe some of them. I wonder what Edward is going to think." Rose pondered.

"I don't think he will be paying attention," Carmen smirked, "he's far more excited than he's letting on."

"Well, I am going to put this audiobook on and take a nap. I'm exhausted," Bella announced as she covered her ears. A few minutes later, she was out.

Rose filled everyone else in on the details, enjoying each other's company as Champaign flowed. Bella never stirred. She would need to rest up.

Joe was given the duty of waking her. Bella slept for a very long time. Everyone was concerned she would be up all night.

"Bella," he lightly nudged.

She shot up like a dart.

"We're here, and everything has been loaded, all of the guests just left, Rose is waiting for you in the car."

Bella looked refreshed, "K... sorry."

"No apologies, I am glad you were able to sleep," Joe assured. He helped Bella out of the plane.

Another wave of nerves hit her.

"Do not puke Bella! Take some deep breaths. I am worried you are going to vomit all over Edward if you don't get a grip." Rose snapped, seeing her friend turn green.

"Sorry," Bella closed her eyes and took deep breaths.

"Good girl, let's go, Joe!"

Xxxxx

Alice was waiting for her best friends in the lobby of the hotel. She and Jasper had arrived much earlier, so she was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Yay! You didn't run away!" Alice teased, hugging Bella.

"As if I would let her," Rose scoffed.

"Where is Jazz?" Bella looked a little worried. She had no idea how Alice's holiday with the Masen's had gone.

"Asleep, he was exhausted after we got off the plane. It was an experience. I will give you all the details tomorrow. We have a lot of time at the Spa."

"A lot?" Bella's started to sound concerned.

"Yes, Bella," Alice sighed, "listen, I know this is a private ceremony with very few people coming, but the pictures will be everywhere, and it's your wedding! So, expect the works. Facials, wraps, massages, manicure, pedicure, waxing. We have hair and makeup coming to the house to do everything right before the wedding,"

"Waxing?" Bella sounded horrified and didn't look so good. Alice was starting to worry, and she needed to talk to Rose about it. "Well, I need to call Edward, order food, and take a bath. I need some time alone. It feels like years since I have had any." Bella broke the silence.

Alice grinned, "of course! Let me show you your rooms. We are all on the same floor."

Xxxxx

As soon as Bella shut her door, Alice pulled Rose into her room, "what the hell is going on with her?"

"Nerves, homesick, overwhelmed, missing Edward. I am sure she'll be fine once the ceremony is over." Rose tried to act nonchalant about it, but she was worried too.

"She's not going to back out?" Alice scowled; she didn't know if she wanted to hear the answer.

"No! That's the strangest thing; she's super excited to marry him. I think it's the whole performing thing. It's easy to see how much they love each other looking at their body language alone. This is different, and they are going to be expressing it in front of everyone she cares about. The only person she wants to tell is Edward. Part of the reason she is doing the songs instead of vows. She has been all over the place in the last few months. She doesn't even know what her house looks like, so she's grumpy, tired, and green occasionally. She was like the night at the concert when she got embarrassed."

"Bridezilla?" Alice questioned.

"Maybe!" Rose snickered, "we'll see, and she needs to take it easy and relax until the day. Tomorrow will be good for her."

Xxxxx

Bella woke up when her phone rang. Alice was giving her a one-hour warning. They would be going to breakfast in an hour. She couldn't believe she was in yet another country, and tonight she would be on a private island.

She wouldn't have to wear makeup today, and that was refreshing. Bella put on a grey tank top, jean shorts and Chuck's. Bella pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and swaggered down to the restaurant downstairs to meet the girls.

"Somebody looks better," Rose internally smiled.

"Well, I don't remember the last time I was able to put on comfortable clothes, no makeup and wear a ponytail. It's refreshing. Coffee."

"So, Alice, did you finish the bridesmaid dresses?" Rose asked.

"I cannot believe you are not letting anyone see them until the day!" Angela said flabbergasted.

"They are simple, beach wedding an all. Silver, a line, spaghetti straps, backless with ruffles. You'll love them, I promise. Bella's dress is much fancier than ours." Alice said, narrowing her eyes at Bella.

"What?"

"Nothing, let's go get pampered." Alice changed the subject.

Xxxxx

Rose, Bella, Alice, and Angela were all getting pedicures. Finally, Bella couldn't take it.

"So, spill! What happened with the Masen's?"

"It went well, Nikki stayed away from me. I never really knew his family, so they were super polite to me. The way they subtlety inquired about you; I got the feeling they wanted me to give you a good report card. I hung out with Ashley a lot; her husband is great. She had a beautiful little girl. She was sad she couldn't come, but she did send a gift." Alice explained.

Bella's eyes went wide, "So they know I am getting married?"

"Well, you already invited Jasper and Ashley. I didn't know they didn't know until Elizabeth asked me about Rio and I started yammering on about the wedding. I saw Anthony's face and realized I had made a mistake. He stayed quiet, but the color drained out of his face and got very sad. So, I asked him to go for a walk with me, and we talked. I mostly talked at him. He apologized for the way he acted at the book signing and for he did to me. He seemed sad that you didn't respond to his email."

Flashback Christmas day.

"You know she's not upset with you anymore. Everything that happened her last birthday made her realize that without you, and what she went through, we wouldn't be where we are in life. Right now, it feels like this was how it is supposed to be." Alice put my hand on his shoulder.

"She handled it better than I did," Anthony replied

Alice scoffed, "You're not serious, are you?"

"No, that's not what I meant. I mean she worked to get past it. I didn't even think that far ahead; I have no idea what I even want to do with my life. I never had a long-term plan to get Bella back. I wanted her back, though. When I read everything, I wasn't seeing that she is a different person, and I was too late."

"Yes, that was an idiotic thing to do. You knew that it would cause Bella and Edward to fight. It worked, it was a big fight, but they came out stronger than they were before.

She is who she is because of her hard work. We were terrified that we were going to lose her that first year. She was so self-destructive. Even worse, I wasn't there, but Rose was, and she shut us out. All she did was hang out with Jacob, and that guy was seriously crazy."

Anthony frowned and shook his head, "I cannot believe I left her in so much danger when I was trying to keep her safe."

"Well, let that teach you not to make assumptions again." Alice shrugged

"Yeah,"

"She had to find a way to work past you. I am not sure she really dealt with it until the book tour; that was rough. Edward was a saving grace for her. Anthony, you cannot imagine how bad it was for her to relive all of that, night after night. She represses memories and unpleasant feelings. It was good for her in a way, until she had to unleash them. but I hated to see her that hurt."

"How did Edward help her?"

"They were constantly talking; he watched every reading. He was either on Skype or the phone with her when she got back until she fell asleep. A lot of the times he would keep it on while he fell asleep because of the nightmares she was having. He's a good man."

"How does she do it?" He asked.

"In college, once we lived together in New York; we couldn't allow her to act the way she was. Bella is stubborn, and she was resistant, but we pushed her into being bold. We challenged her, asking her why in the world she was throwing away her future over you when she was capable of doing whatever she wanted. We told her to pick two dreams of hers that seemed the most impossible to her. When she said dancing and getting serious about music, we supported the process she needed to get there. Those two dreams required confidence and to get over being averse to the spotlight. Her clumsiness was almost entirely confidence based. With PT, running, swimming, her confidence built, and eventually she was remarkably balanced. Yoga freed her in that way.

The habit she started turned into something permanent really, she's always busy. She only allowed herself time to eat and sleep. Other than that, she was working on school, taking music lessons, getting fit enough to start dancing lessons. We had to schedule time with her to hang out. Eventually, we had to start dancing with her if we wanted time, it was crazy. I am glad we did, though." Alice explained. "That is how she can juggle writing a book, writing screenplays, handle the production process, compose music, attend different events, travel, and keep her relationship intact. They are in it together, everything."

"What should I do?" Anthony asked.

"You are asking me?"

"You're the psychic," Anthony teased.

"Anthony, finish your education. You wanted to go to medical school, that will be an activity that will keep you busy like she was. Go for your dreams. Figure out who you are! Define yourself outside of what happened in Forks, and outside of your family. I know that you love them, but it's time you find your place in the world. That's what Jasper is doing. Be selfish, go for what you want, and get it." Alice advised. "When you have finally dealt with being haunted, then and you are good with who you are, and what your life looks like. You'll find someone. I know you will."

"Is that what happened with Bella?" He asked.

"Yes, and no. She became who she is now and liked it. She never felt like she was missing out on anything by being alone. She met Edward, and everything changed. It was the when and the who. Since then, they are rarely separated, and when they are, it doesn't seem like it; other than Bella tends to mope. It was obvious from day one; this was where they were headed. Emmett and Rose too. I think that Jasper and I are close to that as well."

"Who she is now isn't compatible with who I am." That was a statement.

"No, you aren't, even if you managed to get her back it wouldn't last long. She's different now. I don't believe that you are a controlling, arrogant snort at heart. I think you are and were just as insecure as she was. You need someone who challenges you and shares your values. I think those will change; you aren't there yet. You need to find someone you consider an equal though."

"I never thought Bella wasn't my equal."

"What you thought and how you acted didn't match. You talked at her, not to her. You didn't listen to her. You made choices for her. You manipulated her. You controlled every aspect of your relationship…" Alice blushed; she didn't want to talk about their sex life.

"Yeah, I know that was a mistake."

"That's why I say you need to find someone who shares your values."

"That makes sense."

"Concentrate on you, and what makes you happy, for as long as it takes. Screw anyone who doesn't understand that. That is what Bella wants for you. Happiness, only you, can find."

"That's hard to believe."

"Look, months ago she and Edward said that it was inevitable that you would be part of her life and she forgave you. Edward and Emmett certainly have embraced Jasper. I wouldn't be here; we wouldn't be talking if I didn't think you were capable of it."

"You are nicer to me than anyone else, even my own family and you hated me from day one."

"I was right to. I believe you now, so does Jasper. Ashley will see it when she sees an effort. She's dealing with her guilt and loss. She will never have that relationship with Bella, and she doesn't just blame you. She could have made her own choice, but she didn't. We all face the consequences of our actions."

"Did Bella invite Ashley to the wedding?"

"Yes, but we knew she couldn't leave her baby. If she came, that would be awesome, but it was symbolic, more than anything. You are welcome to hang out with Jazz and me in L.A. He misses you. You two get each other in ways that Edward and Emmett don't. It would make him happy."

"I won't force myself on her."

"You aren't, Anthony. She's getting married in a week, and after that work is going to be nonstop. I've got three clients for award season, so Jazz is going to be lonely. When they come back, it will be crazy, nominations are going to be announced, and Edward is a sure thing. Our newest screenplay will start production. The one that just finished filming will premiere. She has to finish her second book, and we need to keep cranking out screenplays. We live busy lives, and Edward wouldn't say he could deal with you being around if he didn't mean it. It's time to move past high school. I wouldn't expect to be best friends with her, as much as you both miss your friendship; and she does. Trust is earned. You will have to earn his too."

"I'll have to think about it."

"That's sensible.

Anthony swallowed, "So Bella is getting married,"

"She is, and I cannot imagine how that feels for you. Hopefully, one day, you will be friends, and you will see her life with Edward. You will see it as the miracle is. I hope you will be able to separate the good and the bad—She will always be your first, everything and you are hers; as heartbreaking as the book is, there is no doubt about that. I read the manuscript about the good times you had together, and that love was intense. If it can happen for her twice, it can work for you. When the time is right, and we will all celebrate that."

"When I ask Jasper this, he gets defensive, but I wanted to know about her life with Edward. I know he thinks I have some devious plan, but I don't. I wish we could be friends, but I want to know about her life and that she's happy."

"You want to know about her life with Edward?"

"Yes."

"Okay, Edward and Bella are so much alike, it's scary. They both are in their heads a lot. He loves acting and hates being famous. She deals with the press better than he does. They bought a house together before leaving town that his mom Esme, renovated for them. His mom and dad have taken Bella in as if she was their own. Carlisle is walking her down the aisle. You've heard about the music hobby they share. It's the most profound part of their bond. When they met all of a sudden, she started composing nonstop. She has a hard time expressing her feelings verbally. He does too. There is no way to doubt their feelings when you see them playing together.

They are both busy, but they find ways to be together. When she's filming, he goes with her and hangs out, reading scripts or memorizing lines. It's the same when he's working. She almost finished her second book while Edward was shooting his latest film. It's good for them both as individuals too. No matter what, their relationship comes first. When they finally come home, the life that has been waiting for her for so long truly begins — starting with a wedding. I have a feeling this year will be a big year of firsts and surprises and success, and after seven years of work, she deserves it. I know she will be happy to have most of your family in her life again, give it time."

"Most?" Anthony asked.

"Oh! You are not the most hated Masen by a long shot. I doubt Nikki will ever get in her good graces. She wants to punch your sister."

"Don't we all."

"Well let's not tell Nikki about Bella's hand to hand combat training, maybe they need to throw down."

"Thanks, Alice. I am glad she has you guys and that she is so successful in what makes her happy."

He meant it too.

"I know you can have it too. Jasper might call a search party if we don't get back. Are you going to be okay?"

"I had it all—but ruined it. I thought maybe I could have it again, but she's not the same girl. Bella came into her own; she is happy and in love with someone who seems like her other half.

I don't like me anymore, so I guess I need to start sorting myself out before I get involved with anyone else again. I only hope that one day we will all be friends because I am pretty sure we are going to be family."

"Exactly,"

Anthony and Alice walked back to the house. He felt much better about it all. He was doing a lot of thinking. Jasper was really pleased and looking forward to seeing his brother move on and finally be happy.

***End Flashback ***

The girls were almost finished with their nails by the time Alice finished her story.

Bella smiled, "I hope he takes your advice."

"Me too," Alice smirked, "but you are getting married, no more thinking about Anthony."

xxxxx

Ben and Jasper showed up just in time. It was time to make their way to the Island. Alice had Rose run what must have been a critical errand before they left the mainland, or it seemed, by the way, Rose's face contorted when she found out what, and the fact that Alice wouldn't say what it was. When Rose returned, they departed for the Island.

Bella was finally able to get in the practice in that she needed to. She felt much better. It sounded just like imagined.

Carlisle and Esme were going to be in Rio around 5 am, so they could get folks from the airport and get them settled in their hotel rooms. Emmett and Edward would arrive around noon and head straight to the island. Bella managed to talk Alice out of a bridal shower. They would explore the island together and play cards with the boys instead.

Although time slowed, it was not long now until Bella Swan would Marry Edward Cullen.

A/N I wanted to tie up Anthony's involvement in Bella's story. I thought about doing an outtake about the entire experience Alice had with the Masen's. I think the conversation Anthony and Alice have is essential. Yes, Anthony is a dick, but I want him to be better. Everybody deserves redemption.

Expect it soon.