As always a very grateful thanks to jkane180 and ReneeFF for their help.

Chapter Thirty-Seven — Rosalie — Wedding (Eight Months Later)

Jared proposed to Ana before she and the baby were even out of the hospital, and eight months later, the wedding day had arrived.

Ana said she wanted something small and low-key because they didn't have the money to spend, but Sarah insisted that they not worry because she'd pay. Now that the house was paid off, she was able to work less—like Jake always wanted her to—and have more money for the fun things in life. I didn't mind that Jake wanted to help his mother; I actually loved him all the more for his kindness.

Jake and I also offered to help; with everyone pitching in and planning together, it felt effortless. It was nice to have something to keep Sarah's mind off of her husband. He hadn't returned since putting her in the hospital, and the police hadn't found him either. I hoped he'd just stay away from us forever.

Sarah had since removed her wedding band and promised Jake she was done with his father. Unfortunately, I don't think it did much to help Jake relax about the whole thing. I felt it in him every time I touched him. His body was stiff with apprehension.

"Rosie, you ready?" Sarah appeared at mine and Jake's bedroom door.

I smiled at her and nodded, lifting my dress as I walked towards her so as not to step on it.

"You look so beautiful. My son's a lucky man."

I was happy with how quickly she and I had grown close once everything else was out of the way. "Thank you. But you're the hottest nana I've ever seen."

We both laughed as she took my hand, and we walked down stairs.

Even with Sarah, Jake, and I offering to pay for the whole thing, Jared and Ana had still opted for something smaller and simpler than we expected. They asked if they could use our backyard, and with Alice's help, it turned into something beautiful. We had so much room that she was able to bring a dance floor in and have separate sections for the reception and ceremony.

"How's Ana doing?" I asked. I felt terrible that our attempts to reach out to her parents weren't working. I'd really believed they would have come around by now. Veronica was so amazing and such a gift; how could they be mad at that?

Just as Sarah was about to speak, the doorbell rang, and she excused herself to greet our first guests. They were a bit early, but the music was already set up outside, and the guys were ready to entertain them.

I glanced outside through the glass and mused at my two brilliant men. Jake was laughing, and Aiden seemed to be showing off some kind of new sport moves. I couldn't be sure what though. I smiled to myself at the two before turning to see who had arrived.

My jaw dropped at the sight of Ana's parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Ortega, welcome, I'm so happy you're here." I quickly smiled and pretended like it wasn't such a shock.

"Thank you, Rosalie, your home is beautiful."

As soon as I thanked them, Sarah showed them to Ana and Jared's room. I could hardly wait the one minute it took for Sarah to return. Alice, Maria, and Elena followed, obviously leaving the bride to speak with her parents.

"I'll go tell Jared," Alice offered, making her way outside.

"What's going on?" I asked Sarah.

Sarah took a deep breath and shrugged. "They're dressed for a wedding, so let's hope they finally came around."

I bit my lip and turned to look to the back again. Jared had just been told, and I saw Jake walk over, placing his hand on his brother's shoulder as he spoke. He was probably telling him everything was okay and Ana needed to be alone with them for now.

In the next hour, we greeted guests and showed them outside, where drinks were being served. Jared had joined Ana and her parents in their room not long ago, and they had yet to come out. We still had time though.

I slipped my hand into Jake's and rested my cheek against his shoulder.

"Hey, mami," he smiled down at me, "I know it's hard for you not to be sexy and all, but you know you're not supposed to outdo the bride today, right?"

"Trust me, she's beautiful. I'm not outdoing anyone." I was glad he thought so though.

"You outdo everyone." He turned to me and gave me a kiss. "You think everything's cool in there?"

I nodded as I touched his jaw and chin. "They're probably just catching up. Your mom's going to check soon anyway. Don't worry."

He kissed me again and straightened his shoulders, looking around at everyone. "It's nice today."

"And it'll continue to be."

When the time came, Jared, Jake, Seth, and Aiden took their spots, and I went back to get Ana.

She smiled the happiest smile than I'd seen on her in a while and told me her father was going to walk her down the isle.

I gave her a hug and whispered an 'I told you so.' It was better late than never. She laughed happily and told us she was ready.

Sarah and Mrs. Ortega went to take their seats after Mr. Ortega handed me Veronica.

"Hey, Roni, you ready, darling?" Her little hands automatically went for my hair, but she didn't pull like Aiden used to. I kissed her forehead and walked up the isle to stand at by Ana's side. I was really honored she found a friend in me and asked me to be up here with her.

Jake was smiling his big beautiful smile at me, while Aiden was looking around at everyone and, I hoped, taking good care of the rings. Jared had worked overtime for them. I thought it was really sweet he asked Aiden to hold onto them. Aiden looked up to Jared as much as he did Jake lately.

It was heartwarming watching Ana's father cry as he gave her away. I think we all felt like we were in this with them, and I truly did understand how hard it must be for them. All that mattered was that they were here now.

Jared and Ana chose short, traditional vows and, thankfully, Roni wasn't a problem and didn't fuss. Besides, as soon as Ana and Jared were pronounced married, she was taken out of my arms by Ana's mother. I understood the void she suddenly needed to fill after being away for so long. It had been over a year that their family had been apart. It was time to heal.

I wrapped my arms around Aiden as soon as I could. "You did so well, my darling," I told him, kissing his forehead. I knew he was super proud to be a part of the wedding. "I love you."

He hugged me lovingly and told me he loved me too. He was growing up too fast, and I dreaded the day my affection towards him began to embarrass him.

After everyone congratulated the newlyweds, the celebration began. With Ana's family here, there was even more to celebrate.

It felt like a magical evening, with love all around. I was pleased to see Hector again—he was Bella's date. Jasper and Maria were still going strong also. It was really nice to see everyone so happy. I wished Sarah had someone worthy of her though. Tonight was the first night I'd met Billy—Jake's old boss and Jared's current one—he seemed to fancy Sarah. He'd been her dance partner for a few songs, and I saw the two of them chatting. They sure had chemistry.

"What are you thinking about?" Jake asked as he held me in his arms while we slow-danced.

I looked up at him, wondering if I should say anything or not. I was distracted by someone walking in through the back.

I'd never seen him in person before, but I knew who he was.

"Jake?"

"Yeah, mami?" He pulled back slightly to look at me.

The second I looked into his eyes, he turned in the direction I'd been looking in.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me."

I tried grabbing onto him, but he was walking away from me before I could. I ran after him for a second, calling his name. The person his father brought out in him scared me. He was like a whole different Jake when he was mad.

I didn't want tonight to be ruined, and I didn't want to lose faith in my boyfriend.

"Sarah?" I tried, knowing she was the only one who could fix this.

She was already rushing over to me. She grabbed my hand as the two of us hurried after Jake.

His father was standing there with his hands in his pockets as he watched the event.

"Jake?" I tried again, somewhat shocked when he just stopped and didn't proceed to lash out at his father.

"What are you doing here?" Sarah asked. She took Jake's hand and stepped in front of him, giving him a little push to ensure he stayed standing beside me.

"You weren't invited, and I don't want Jared seeing you," Jake told him, snatching his hand away from mine as I reached out for him.

He looked at me briefly with softness in his eyes before he took my hand this time. I guess I'd surprised him. I held onto his arm and watched his parents.

"Thought you'd be the first one getting married, Jake." His father looked at me, and I felt my blood run cold. I was hit by a wave of all those horrible ways I used to feel when I was with Royce in the end.

"Then again," he went on to say, "I also thought I'd be invited to my son's wedding."

"Where were we suppposed to send the invite?" Jake asked sarcastically.

"Okay, Jacob, stop it. Go back with Rosie."

"No," he refused, "I'm not leaving you alone with him."

"Okay, well, then come around front at least."

Once the four of us walked around to the front of the house, Jake stood there, silent as he kept a close eye on his father and mother. I was so nervous something would happen and Sarah or Jake would get hurt, but Jacob (Sr.) wouldn't be so stupid as to try something, would he?

Sarah made her husband step a little further away from us as they talked. We couldn't hear them word for word, but we got the gist of it.

He was sorry, and she'd had enough. She was so brave—thanking him for what he'd done and finally opening her eyes to make her see she deserved someone who'd be there for her no matter what, who would protect her and keep her safe, instead of putting her in the hospital.

He blamed his oldest son for being away so long—apparently afraid for his life after how badly Jake had beaten him, more than once now.

I knew Jake would probably do it again right now if not for his brother's wedding today.

"My son was only trying to protect me because his father wasn't man enough to do so. How could you put my baby through that? How could I?" Sarah's words became clearer as her voice got stronger and louder. "I never want to see you again. You've been out of our lives for a long time, and we all want it kept that way."

"What's he doing here?"

We all turned to the sound of Seth's voice.

"Dad?"

"Mijo, go back and enjoy yourself. Don't worry about this," Sarah told him.

"You know I listen to you, Mom, always, but not while he's here."

"Son, you know that what happened that night was an accident. I didn't mean to hurt your mother. We got into an argument, and she tripped and hit her head on the counter."

"How stupid do you think I am? Even if I was a child, I wouldn't believe that. I want you to leave Mom alone—leave all of us alone. You're not a part of this family."

"I'm your father. I was forced away by your brother, and now you're buying into his lies."

"Don't call him a liar," Sarah warred. She sounded like she'd had more than enough.

"You're not my father. Jake's more of a father than you ever were. Even when Jake's annoyed at me or pissed off, I know I can go to him and he'll care enough to be there and listen. You've never been there for me. What will it take for you to just stay away? And why'd it take you eightmonths to show your face again after hurting Mom?"

"I knew none of you would hear me out."

"Stop it, okay? Just stop it," Sarah injected.

Jacob (Sr.) reached out for her hand, asking where her wedding band was.

"I'm finally done with you," her tears broke through, "I should have been long ago, but for some reason, I was holding on to the hope that you weren't that man—the kind of man that beats the mother of his children for no reason and doesn't take care of his family."

"But we're made for each other, Sarah, remember?"

She pulled away and shook her head. "Maybe when we were sixteen, but not now—not for a long time. You don't deserve me, and you definitely don't deserve to know the wonderful men my sons turned out to be, despite who their father is.

"Listen to Seth—leave; go back to where you've been all this time and just leave us alone. Leave me alone—let me have a life."

"I won't come back again," he warned.

She cried, and I held onto Jake's hand tighter, knowing this was hard for him.

"Promise?" she asked, as if daring and begging him to at the same time.

With a final look at the four of us, he nodded and walked away.

I rushed over to Sarah, and she threw her arms around me. I held her until I couldn't see his car anymore, and then some.