A/N: ok, so here we are. Chapter one of the actual wedding. I hope you enjoy what I've done. I did a lot of research for this so I could put in as much detail as I could. I will be putting any names of poets, or authors, or songwriters in parenthesis next to whatever it is they wrote or sung. Also anything that has (...) at the end means there's parts of that song, or whatever, that is missing. I only used the parts that fit my story. I will put the whole thing on the Pinterest page though, if I am able. Thanks for reading. Enjoy.
Chapter Fifty-One
Bella
Today is the day. The day I'm getting married. I will walk down the aisle and stand next to the man who has my heart and sets my body on fire. I will tie my eternity to his and nothing could make me happier.
Alex showed up yesterday morning and he and Eric went off for some brotherly bonding time. The joy on their faces was enough to make us all feel it with them. We actually did feel it. I wished that we could feel what they felt and suddenly my shield had pushed Jasper's gift off onto everyone. The joy they felt almost brought us all to our knees it was so strong.
Then of course there was the separation. Which Jasper tried to thwart, but Alice saw what he would try and called him to remind him to stay away from me. We were put into hotels on opposite sides of the town to keep us from seeing each other the night before the wedding. Unfortunately for Alice, she forgot that we now knew how to get around her gift.
When Jasper saw me at the bedroom window the happiness on his face was worth whatever wrath I had to face this morning. We didn't make love, just laid on the bed and held each other until just before the sun rose, then I kissed him and snuck back to my hotel. Of course Alice was sitting on my bed waiting for me, a frown on her face, but merriment in her eyes.
"Honestly Bella, I thought I could trust you."
That's all she said, she just stood up, hugged me and then pulled me into the other room where the other bridesmaids were waiting to escort me on our early morning hunt before they would blindfold me and take me back to the house. My heart wasn't really in the hunt and I satisfied myself on a small elk and then sat down on a boulder at our decided meeting place and waited for the girls to finish their hunt.
Angie decided to try hunting animals after Felix told her it wasn't too bad. They come back about an hour later and we run back towards the house. Before we break out of the forest and onto the property they stop me and Alice wraps the black satin blindfold, from my party games, around my eyes and they lead me into the house.
I'm moved upstairs and told not to go near any of the windows. I'm made to shower and put on a robe and then dragged to my vanity and sat on a stool where I'm poked and prodded by a hairbrush and make up brushes and curling irons.
The other girls are also getting ready. Alice had set up little stations all around my bedroom so each of us has a mirror, and as we get ready we gossip and giggle and I'm having so much fun I don't notice the time passing. It's about an hour before the ceremony starts that there's a knock on the door.
It's Jeremiah. And he has a small box in his hands, a small red box that says Cartier.
"Oh shoot Bella! I almost forgot!"
Alice goes fluttering into my sock drawer where I hid my wedding gift to Jasper and makes an exchange with Jeremiah.
"Go on handsome, I got this."
"Alright my love. I'll see you all later. Ladies, you look beautiful." He turns and walks out and Alice turns back to me.
"What was that about Alice?"
"Your wedding gift from Jazz, Bella. Surely you didn't forget. I just gave Jeremiah your gift for Jazz. Now, it's time for the dress."
I look at my best friends and sisters. Alice did a wonderful job on dress choice. Each woman is wearing a dark brown a-line chiffon empire waist dress with a ruched bodice and halter style neckline. The ones with long hair have curled loose side ponytails, while Charlotte and Alice have managed to curl their short hair- both have grown it out recently so it reaches to just below their ears.
On their feet are brown cowgirl boots with lizard details and an etched in design. And Leah is wearing a three row yellow sapphire and diamond hinged bangle bracelet, while the others are all wearing daisy corsages.
Their makeup is simple, minimal. They pull me up and move me to the center of the room while Alice leaves and heads to her room where she hid my dress. She walks back in with a large garment bag and the box with my Agent Provocateur corset and thong. I'm told to go to the bathroom and change into the corset and panty and when I come back out, Charlotte holds my arms as Alice laces up the corset. Once they're done, Alice opens the bag. What's inside is stunning.
My dress is cream in color. An a-line silhouette with two tiered, asymmetrical, overskirts and pleated edging on a multi-layered ruffled skirt that continues around into the chapel length train. The neckline is scalloped lace and off-the-shoulder. It reminds me of those dresses the southern belles wore back in the time my man was human. But it's not over the top Gone with the Wind.
As I carefully step into it, I feel like a princess. Alice helps me sit on the edge of the bed and into a my toss garter- the one Jasper will take off at the reception and fling to the single guys- which is white lace with crystal embellishments. There's also one for me to keep like Emily had at her wedding.
After the garter is in place on my left thigh, they help me into my cowgirl boots. Yep, cowgirl boots. They're light tan with bone colored embroidered flowers. Then they stand me up and lead me to a stand mirror Alice brought into my room so I can see the full effect.
My makeup is simple. Just a light application of foundation, and concealer- we are flawless after all, she just used it on we animal drinkers ever present darkness under the eyes. Then there's a brightening powder on top of that, a light pink blush, Chanel's Winter Nights eyeshadow, black eyeliner on my upper lids, the same color liner as the eyeshadow on my lower lids and some black mascara. And to top it all off a touch of light pink lipgloss.
My hair is loose down my back in soft curls with two pieces from the front pulled back and twisted, then held together with an antique hair barrette that Alice said was a gift from Jeremiah. My something blue. It was their mothers. A family heirloom she sent with her youngest son, "just in case he ever needed money, he could sell it."
He never did, and decided that it was time to pass it down. Since Alice doesn't have long hair she told him to give it to me, a gift from the brother-in-law to the bride. It's silver plated with clear gems in the flowers that sit on either side of an octagonal sapphire that sits in the middle.
My something borrowed is Alice's Le Vian bracelet with round chocolate diamonds surrounded by vanilla diamonds with chocolate and vanilla diamonds alternating in between and it's set in fourteen carat honey gold. Then there's the matching earrings, which are also from the Le Vian collection. They're fourteen carat gold pendants with clusters of round chocolate diamonds capped by swirls of round vanilla diamonds. They're exquisite and I thank her profusely. To which of course she tells me it's nothing.
But the most important piece is Jasper's gift to me. When I open that red Cartier box I'm stunned. Inside is, what Alice tells me, Cartier's Caresse d' Orchidées par Cartier necklace. I don't care what it's called or that it has point two six carats worth of diamonds, or even that it retails at eleven thousand and one hundred dollars. All I know is that it's beautiful. White mother of pearl and diamond orchids are set on an eighteen carat gold necklace. When Alice places it around my neck it truly brings the whole look together.
I then take the note Jasper sent with it. It's a quote. I haven't gotten one of these in a while.
I am as wrapped up in her as a vine that clings to a tree seeking for sustenance.
She's tied me to her for eternity.
She's my home.
She's my reason for being.
To win and hold her heart is my only purpose. (Colleen Houck)
My Bella,
Today those words will never hold more true. You will become mine in the eyes of the law in front of all our family and friends. I will strive everyday for the rest of eternity to win and hold your heart, again and again and again. You are my reason for being, my home and I couldn't love you anymore today, as yesterday except for my tomorrow. I love you. I'll be the one standing at the end of that aisle beaming in pride at the woman that walks down towards me on the arm of her father. The pride I will feel is because I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful, beautiful equal to live my life with me. Thank you for granting me the honor of giving you my name and sharing my life with you. See you soon, darlin'.
Yours eternally,
Jasper
By the time we're done it's time to meet my man at the altar. Leah and myself pick up our bouquets, which are made of sunflowers, daisies, and baby's breath with a little greenery interspersed throughout. Leah's is just smaller than mine. This is it, the moment of truth. Where most brides might be nervous, I'm excited. I don't really need this wedding to keep the man. This is just a formality, and his gift to me. Every girl desires her fairy tale wedding after all.
I take in a deep breath to steady myself, and we all head downstairs to line up for the procession. Charlie joining us at the bottom of the steps, dressed in a light yellow button up dress shirt, black slacks and black belt. Pinned to his shirt is a sunflower and burlap boutonnière and on his feet are plain black leather cowboy boots. He even tried to tame his hair a bit.
The smile on my face prompts a smirk on his.
"Yeah I know, I look hot. You ready for this Bells?"
"Yeah Dad, just don't let me fall."
"Never."
Jasper
Today is the day. The day I stand at the altar and watch my Bella walk towards me to seal our lives together officially for eternity. As we guys get ready, my groomsmen and I, the conversation flows and before I know it it's an hour before I have to take my place at the altar.
I send Jeremiah to the ranch with my gift for Bella and he returns minutes later, gotta love vampire speed, with her gift for me. When I open the box and look inside a smile comes to my face. Inside are a pair of gold cufflinks. Engraved on one is 'Eternity is Ours' and on the other 'Love Bella'.
I planned to have my sleeves rolled up like the others, but this gift needs to be shown off so I roll them back down and pin the links into my cuffs. I look around the room at the men I consider my best friends as brothers. When Bella and I let Alice plan this wedding neither one of us was sure just what we were getting ourselves into. I was right about the country theme. And the sunflowers.
My groomsmen are all dressed in white dress shirts tucked into light tan slacks that are held up with suspenders, white patterned tied and dark brown boots. Each has a daisy and burlap boutonnière except Jeremiah. Because he's the best man he has the same boutonnière as I do, one made of sunflowers and baby's breath.
I'm also wearing the same thing they are, the only difference between us is I'm wearing a belt instead of suspenders and a brown vest. Because it didn't take us long to get ready we sat around and played games before we started getting ready. During the time I wondered what Bella was doing at that moment. Was she getting her hair done, was she having her makeup done, maybe she was gossiping with her girlfriends. But I hoped she was thinking of me like I was of her.
Now here we are, ready for the ceremony. And where I might have felt nervous, I felt elated. In little more than an hour Bella would officially be mine for eternity. I'm pulled from my musings by a knock on the door. Carlisle is standing there and I know it's time to go. He's wearing a light yellow button up dress shirt and black slacks with a black belt and black leather cowboy boots on his feet. Pinned to his shirt is a daisy and burlap boutonnière. We head out to the cars, no running for us per Alice's instructions, and head to the ranch.
This is it, I'm getting married.
We pull up into the garage and walk to the side where Alice has set up the area for the ceremony. I have to admit I like it. It's country, but not too country. The seating for the guests are hay bales covered in pale yellow and white sheets. There are only two rows on each side of the aisle, five bales in each row, two people would fit on each bale, so ten people per row. Seated in the first row, on what would be the bride's side, starting on the second bale- the first will be for Charlie and Sue I'm assuming- are Marcus and Renata, Sam and Emily, Jared and Kim and Paul and Rachel.
The second row is Seth, Embry, Quil, Shannon and Alex. Then on my side in the front row, the first bale also empty- probably for Carlisle and Esme-, is Eleazar and Carmen, Demetri and Eric, Garrett and Kate and Tanya and Irina. The second row is Chelsea, Felix, Alec, Jane and Wilhelm. The aisle itself is decorated with tall wood poles strung with yellow and white ribbons, down the sides of the bales. Then in the actual ground at their bases are sunflowers of differing heights.
The aisle itself starts at the bottom of the hill on the side of the house and ends in an arch where Bella as I will stand to be married by Billy. The arch itself is tree limbs nailed together into a square with a bower of vines, baby's breath and sunflowers on top. We never actually had a rehearsal, Alice just felt that telling us how we would walk down or stand at the end of the aisle would work. In a way she's right since we don't really forget anything.
Her 'vision' is that I will stand at the end of the aisle under the arch, with Billy. Then Carlisle will escort Sue and Esme to their seats and take his. Then the groomsmen and bridesmaids will walk down the start of the aisle together then split right before the bales and walk down the outside of the bales and meet in the middle, then Jeremiah and Leah will walk down together while spreading sunflower petals behind them for Bella's walk. Once they take their places, Charlie will walk Bella down the aisle and hand her off to me and the ceremony will start.
Bella and I chose all the important songs and everything to do with our vows to each other. I don't know what she's chosen to walk down to though, although I do know what we'll walk back up to since I chose it. She doesn't know that though. I move to help Billy into our positions while the guys go and take theirs. The first of the girls make their way outside and I know it's really time. Embry takes his place at the stereo, he's apparently in charge of the music, and starts the song. As the first strains of the song start I recognize Train's - Marry Me.
Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I've had long enough with you...
Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry me
Today and every day...
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Together can never be close enough for me
To feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words
"I love you"
And you're beautiful
Now the wait is over
And love has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and ever day
Marry me...
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all music dies
And marry me
Today and every day...
As the music plays Carlisle walks Sue and Esme to their seats, Sue on his left, Esme on his right. Both women look beautiful. Thanks to Alice and all her shopping, I know Sue is wearing a ivory lace a-line dress with rounded neckline, empire waist, pleating, rhinestone embellishments and an open back. On her feet are nude Louboutin pumps. Her hair is left long and pulled over one shoulder with a dramatic side part.
Esme is in a champagne colored chiffon drape style strapless dress with pleating, ruffles and a sweetheart neckline. Gold metallic peeptoe slingback wedges adorn her feet. Her hair is also worn long with barrel curls and a dramatic side part. Neither woman is wearing makeup and the only other adornment is corsages. These corsages also match Carlisle's- Esme- and Charlie's- Sue- boutonnières. He sits the ladies down and takes his own seat.
Next are the bridesmaids and groomsmen. They walk down together and then make a perfect split, which brings a wide smile to Alice's face, at the bales and take their places behind me and behind were Bella will be standing. The girls are also wearing corsages and I wonder if Leah will be too. This is answered a moment later when she and Jeremiah make their way down the aisle. Arm in arm they take sunflower petals from a basket Jeremiah is holding and spread them out behind themselves.
In Leah's left hand is a bouquet of daisies and sunflowers. I can just catch the shine of gold on her pinky finger, which has to be my ring, before she's standing in front of me behind where Bella will be and Jeremiah is behind me, Bella's ring in his pants pocket, where he put it this morning when I handed it to him. He sat the basket down next to the bale Carlisle and Esme is seated on.
Then, finally, as the final strains of the song begin to play, Bella and her father appear over the rise of the hill.
From here I can see a cream colored dress reminiscent of those worn by the girls of my youth. Only not full on Gone with the Wind, which I appreciate. Her mahogany hair is laying in soft curls down her back, pulled off her face and pinned by what I know is my mother's hair barrett. Jeremiah told me he gave it to her. Her something blue. Her something old is her rings, something borrowed is some jewelry Alice let her borrow, new is something no one would tell me about. They told me it was a surprise.
As she gets closer I take in the sunlight dancing off her skin, and the jewels she's wearing. The necklace I bought her a perfect addition to the rest of the look. She's absolutely stunning and the pride, love and lust I feel at this moment is almost overpowering. This lovely creature is mine, all mine. I'm brought out of my perusal of my soon to be wife, by Peter.
"Hey Major, could you do us a fucking favor and stop projecting? The amount of love and lust you're throwing off is enough to start an orgy!"
"Peter Whitlock!"
"What woman? I'm just telling it like it is."
I tone down my feelings, barely registering what's going on around me as the laugh of my bride has grabbed my attention. She's thrown her head back and is a laughing a full blown, from the belly, laugh. Her mirth is just as beautiful as she is. Her laughter like bells. Somehow Carlisle gets everyone settled down and Charlie moves forward with Bella. He takes my hand and places Bella's in it.
"Son, I am giving you one of my most treasured possessions. Take care of her. Bells, you'll forever be my baby girl, no matter that I hand you over to a new protector, I love you kiddo."
"You have my word Charlie."
"I love you too Dad."
He kisses her cheek and takes his seat and Bella and I turn to Billy, hand in hand.
Bella
When I saw Jasper at the end of that aisle it took all I had not to sprint towards him, dragging my poor father along for the ride.
"Calm down Bells, we'll get there soon enough."
"Im trying Dad, but it's hard. He looks so handsome."
"Well I wouldn't know anything about that, but I know how hard it probably is to not sprint down this aisle to him."
We're so close when we hear Peter make a snide comment about Jasper's projecting causing an orgy. The following exchange makes me laugh, but in truth all my attention is on the emotions Jasper is pushing on to everyone. The amount of love, pride and lust I feel makes me just want to jump him and kiss him all over his handsome face.
Finally, my dad places my hand in Jasper's, and we face Billy together.
"Anyone who's still standing, please be seated. Thank you. Now, we are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts and to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite this couple in marriage. Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, Shush!" Alice has to have added that part. It does it's job though and everyone laughs.
"Now, who gives this woman today to be married?"
"I do."
"Thank you Charlie and now a prayer for this marriage selected by the Maid of Honor:
God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.
We honor all you created as we pledge our hearts and love together.
We honor Mother Earth- and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grown stronger through the seasons.
We honor fire- and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts;
We honor wind- and ask that we sail through life safe and calm as in our father's arms;
We honor water- to clean and soothe our relationship, that it may never thirst for love;
With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as we forever grow young together." (A Cherokee Prayer)
Leah's choice for a prayer is beautiful and so appropriate for Jasper and I, I turn to her and mouth thank you, to which she mouths back welcome and then I turn back to Billy as he continues.
"Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love, and are finalizing it with their wedding. A good marriage must be created. It is never being too old to hold hands. It's remembering to say I love you everyday and it is not just marrying the right person it's being the right partner. Jasper, Bella please hold hands and recite the poems you have selected for one another."
As I recite the poem I chose for him, I think back on that day in Port Angeles and all that has come since.
"It was a quiet way-
He asked if I was his-
I made no answer of the Tongue
But made answer of the Eyes-
And then he bore me on
Before this mortal noise
With swiftness, as of Chariots
And distance, as of Wheels.
This World did drop away
As Acres from the feet
Of one that leaneth from Balloon
Upon an Ether street.
The Gulf behind was not,
The Continents were new-
Eternity it was before
Eternity was due.
No seasons were to us-
It was not Night nor Morn-
But Sunrise stopped upon the place
And fashioned it in the Dawn. (Emily Dickinson)
"I chose this poem for a few reasons. The first is because of those times spent together while you read poems from the book of Emily Dickinson's Complete Works. The second is that this particular poem described, at least to me, our love for one another.
"When I first met you, you were a quiet presence. We didn't know what we were to each other then, we didn't know until one faithful day in a meadow when I was trying to rekindle the ghostly presence of another. You saved my life that day and from that moment on ours was a fast paced romance.
"One that made the seasons run into each other and become one, and made the world drop away. It was in those moments that I came to realize that eternity was always meant to be for me, but that it was meant to be spent with you. I love you so much, it's like the sun has risen in my heart and chased all the darkness away. I love you, cowboy."
And as I said the last word he silently kissed me, a kiss full of all the love he feels for me. Of course Peter just had to put his two cents in and make everyone laugh.
"Now, Major. You know you're supposed to wait to do that until after Billy here says 'you may kiss the bride', right?"
