Hey everyone! Sorry it's taken me so long to get this chapter up. I've been busy with school and I really wanted to make sure this chapter was done right. It's long, so you can't count that against me. I've been anticipating this chapter for a very long time, as I'm sure you all have. Thank you Keeper of the Covenant, who for months in advance, has helped me plan this wedding down to the smallest details. We spent so much time making sure each and every detail was covered that we felt it was a real wedding and that she should become wedding planners. This is how we feel about their unborn daughter, it's like she's our own. So thank you for all of your help! I don't know where I would be without you. Thank you CarlislaCooper just for being awesome and always contributing and helping me with ideas. Thank you all of you who review, read, and add me to your alerts and favorites; you all are awesome.
Playlist:
Blue Skies by Ella Fitzgerald
Connected by Sara Paxton
One Love by Bob Marley
The Right Man by Christina Aguilera
Driven by a Beating Heart by A Silent Film
Bound to You by Christina Aguilera
The Four Seasons
Canon in D
Way back into love from Music and Lyrics
I will always love you by Whitney Houston
Can you feel the love tonight from the Lion King
Let's get lost by Beck and Bat for lashes
What I did for Love from A Chorus Line
Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast
My life would suck without you by Kelly Clarkson
Killer Queen by Queen
Maybe I'm Amazed by Jem
Now on with the wedding chapter! Please read, review, and enjoy!
Chapter Fifty-Three
Mafia Wedding of Lion Love
Waking the next morning, Bella snuggled closer to the pillow caught in her embrace. She laid on her side of the bed, although thankful for the comfort of Da Vinci beside her during the night, she missed Carlisle. She did not wake to his embrace, and his warmth and love as she normally did. Only the softness of the pillow, and warmth of her faithful dog and blankets that covered her kept her warm. Carlisle woke in much the same state but in a different bed away from his love. He held the pillow close hoping to wake to his lioness, but to his disappointment she was not there. They realized after wallowing in their loneliness and longing for their partner that today was their wedding day. Finally they would be husband and wife. And so, now giddy with love, they rose from their beds to greet the new day.
As Bella looked in the mirror she couldn't help but notice how wide her smile stretched. Today was finally the day; today she would finally become Carlisle's wife. Slowly she caressed her baby bump and began to murmur to her daughter.
"Hello, my little cub, today's the big day." She paused for a moment when her thoughts drifted to Carlisle. "Daddy and I are getting married today, Sweetheart. Mommy is very happy but very nervous. I want you to know that if you think I'm afraid or nervous because something is wrong, that's not the case. It's a good kind of nervous, Sweetheart. I love you very much, and Daddy does too, and so today he and I are showing our love for one another to the world."
Not as hard as usual but still enough for her to feel it, her daughter kicked in response.
"Yes, you'll get sweets later. Mommy made a special cake and you'll get your turn."
She was so busy talking to her baby that she didn't hear Alice, Rosalie, Sue, Elizabeth, and Riley enter the room. She was in a white strapless dress, just something simple until she changed into her wedding gown once at the bridal suite at the hotel. She had already showered and so she was ready to be prepped and pampered by those that were helping her get ready. She was sad to not see Dean or Tanya, but he was working along side the wedding planner to make sure everything went smoothly and Tanya was at home with Mary and Edward. Bella had told Rosalie she could bring Spencer with her if she wanted but this morning Rose texted her saying Spencer wanted to sleep in until Cameron came over.
"There's the blushing bride." Riley swooned at the sight of one of his closest friends having a motherly moment with her unborn child.
Turning to face them, her smile only widened.
"Today's really the day." She swooned.
Sue and Elizabeth rushed to hug their daughter, both in disbelief that the day had finally come.
"Let's start getting you all dolled up." Rosalie chimed.
"Have Felix and Jane come out of their room yet?" Bella asked.
"Yes, he was walking Da Vinci when I got here." Alice replied.
"Oh, Good. I took him out right before I had breakfast, but I don't want him to be cooped up with all of us and then no one to take him out."
Alice led her sister to the vanity and told her to sit down.
"I'm doing her nails." Riley beamed.
"Fine by me." Bella giggled. "I already did my toes though."
"All right. Then I'll get to work."
And so they got to work, Alice was busy with Bella's hair and Rosalie with her make up. Elizabeth and Sue chatted with Bella to keep her entertained. All Bella could think about was Carlisle, it was painful to be away from him for this long and she couldn't even text or call him because Felix had her phone.
"You'll see him soon." Rosalie murmured, as if knowing where her best friend's mind had wandered off to.
"I know." Bella sighed. "It's just not soon enough."
After a little more pampering and a quick lunch the group packed up everything they needed and headed to the bridal suite at the Plaza Hotel. Felix and Jane would keep watch over the pent house and take care of Da Vinci while the couple was honeymooning, and so Bella said her goodbyes to Da Vinci just as Carlisle had yesterday, promising her return and that he would be in good hands until then.
"I love you, Baby." She cooed as she kissed the top of his head.
It seemed so surreal once they arrived at the Plaza and were ushered into the Bridal suite. Dean dropped by to let her know that everything was running smoothly. Now she sat in front of the vanity, staring at the wall where her dress hung. She couldn't believe it was getting closer to the ceremony.
"It's time to get ready." Elizabeth whispered from behind as she placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
A single tear threatened to spill from Isabella's eyes but she wouldn't let it. She had been waiting for this day to come since she realized that she loved Carlisle. There was not reason for her existence without him. A single man put her life back together when she thought she was broken beyond repair and now she would be his wife. She loved him beyond word's ability of expression. In tune with her groom, she sensed his presence, but she could not see him. He was in his own chambers preparing just as she was.
Elizabeth guided her daughter's vision to mirror of the vanity and prompted her.
"Soon you'll be sitting in front of the mirror and instead of saying you're Miss Swan, you'll be beaming that you're Mrs. Carlisle Cullen."
"Is that how you felt when you married Leonardo?" She asked suddenly.
Her mother smiled softly in reply.
"I did, indeed." That innocent smile turned to a smirk. "But I long for that feeling even more to become Alistair's wife. Just because you're somebody's wife doesn't mean you lose your independence. It's nice to be somebody's someone."
Isabella smiled at the words of encouragement and thanked her, but Elizabeth knew there was still something wrong.
"You're thinking about your mother."
She nodded and so Sue came over to see if she could find a remedy.
"I always imagined my mother at my wedding, but Carlisle gave me to courage to stand up to her. But I'm not upset."
Elizabeth kissed the top of her daughter's head with a grin as Sue squeezed Bella's hand.
"You look beautiful, Bella. Now let's get you into your dress so we can see you as a beautiful bride." Sue encouraged.
"I'm getting married!" Bella squealed, suddenly very giddy. "To Carlisle!" She added on, making her excitement increase just that much more.
All of her friends with her in the room laughed at her excitement. This would prove to be an emotional day, but nothing sad of course, only joy and love. The bridegroom had been dreaming of this day for quite some time and now it was finally time. Guests were filing into the ballroom where the ceremony would take place. This was a dream come true and Bella felt like dancing around the room singing about how much she loved her groom. But she digressed, and so she stood and walked towards her gown. It was absolutely gorgeous and she couldn't believe that she would be the one to wear such an elegant yet powerful gown.
After asking Felix to turn around for a few minutes so she could change out of her dress and into her gown, she slipped off her dress and stepped into her gown, covering her breasts with her hands until Alice and Rosalie pulled the dress up far enough so that she would be covered. She stood in front of the full-length mirror, looking at herself in complete awe as her two friends zipped up the gown and arranged the train. Just as she smiled a gasp escaped her, she was astounded by the beauty of her hair, make up, and dress all together. Hugging her baby bump and swollen breasts in the uttermost perfection, the off white fabric draped with elegance made it seem like it was made just for her. The asymmetrical pleats complimented her figure perfectly, sloping downwards in only a few pleats on the strapless top, and several pleats across her middle and womb. Along her right side, stopping just above her hip were several pearls clustered together in a romantic manner, complimenting not only the use of pearls in the wedding, but her pregnant state as if they symbolized small eggs that could create life as well as a symbol of elegance and romance. The pleats ceased for a little bit only a few staying in order to highlight the smoothness and fluidity of the fabric before branching off to the right which had a some pleating before reaching the side where several pleats joined with the back, and the left side which was very pleated just like the back. The train, though smooth, it poured from the many pleats and finished just over a foot behind her on the floor. Her chocolate brown hair cascaded down and around her shoulders with a wavy part on her right side and framing on her left. In order to tie into the nineteen twenties speakeasy, flapper and nineteen thirties old Hollywood glamour and film noir theme and inspiration of the wedding, her hair was styled after Gene Tierney when she starred as Laura in the black and white nineteen-forty-four film, Laura. Dean entered the room with a smile ready to help with some of the finishing touches. He arrived with the veil pressed and ready to be worn.
"I told you I'd have it here on time." He chimed.
Once he shut the door he really looked her over and gawked.
"Bella, you look, good heavens you look… oh my God, Carlisle is going to fall to his knees and thank the Lord when he sees you. You're drop dead gorgeous and we haven't even added the finishing touches yet."
Felix chuckled in the background as Bella blushed profusely. Alice, Rosalie, and Tanya were all dressed in their sleeveless, knee length and flowing, wine colored bridesmaid dresses with a small bow wrapped around the waist. Sue and Elizabeth, both aware of the color theme dressed in their own wine and plum dresses, fitting in perfectly with the wedding party. Felix was dressed like the groomsmen, black slacks, white button down shirt, black dress shoes, and a black vest with thin white pinstripes. Pinned to the vest was a red calla lily boutonniere.
"Thank you." Bella murmured shyly.
"You are a sight to behold." Felix beamed.
She turned her head to look at her dear friend and smiled.
"Thank you, Felix. I can't believe I'm getting married."
"Carlisle is a very lucky man." Felix said with a smirk.
"Well, shall we get on with the accessories." Riley suggested.
"Shoes!" Alice squealed as she ran to grab the box that held Bella's kitten heels to go with her dress.
Before Bella could even blink Alice was down on her knees reaching under Bella's gown to put on her shoes for her.
"I adore these shoes." Alice squealed.
"You picked them out." Bella teased. "But I love them too."
"What are you doing for your something old?" Sue asked.
Bella smirked and turned to look at Riley.
"Could you please bring me the box on the vanity?"
"Of course." Riley excitedly replied.
He took the ornate vintage box and handed it to his friend. Then Bella looked over at Dean, letting him know it was time for the veil as well.
"Something old." Bella murmured as if she were mystified.
She opened the lid and smiled widely when she found the perfect accessory inside. Bella lifted it from it's cushioning as Riley took the box, it was a pearl tiara.
"Oh, Bella, that's lovely." Rosalie swooned.
"It was Clarissa's." Bella explained, sounding like she was trapped in a distant memory that touched her heart deeply. "She was supposed to wear this the night she was going to become Donna, the night the Cigno bloodline was supposed to have been put rest, but here I am."
There was a moment as everyone took in what the bride had just said. The symbolism was overwhelming. Not only did it function as a bridal tiara, but it was the tiara of mafia royalty and of a rising mafia princess about to become Donna, just as Bella was today. She was accomplishing what her ancestor never could, and what her great great grandfather always wanted and she was happy and proud of it.
"That's perfect, Bella." Elizabeth complimented as she took the tiara from her and then moved in front of her to put it in her daughter's hair. Dean came up behind the bride and attached the veil, she would flip it to cover her face right before she had to leave the suite.
"Something new." Elizabeth chimed as she retrieved a small box.
Bella was surprised because she knew that her mom had chosen it but wasn't quite sure what it was. Elizabeth opened the box and Bella swooned when she saw pearl earrings, a single pearl for each lobe.
"Oh, Mom, they're beautiful."
"And they're all yours."
"Thank you so much." Bella cooed as she reached for the first earring and put it on and then put on the other.
"Something borrowed." Sue chimed as she presented her stepdaughter with a small heart locket on a pin.
"Something blue." Rosalie giggled as she held out the blue garter. "We'll have to attach the pin to her underwear, it's the only place to put it."
"That's where I put mine on my wedding day." Sue replied with a smirk.
Rosalie got down on her knees and lifted up the front of Isabella's dress to attach the golden locket clip and put on the blue garter.
"Oh my God, Bella! You have the prettiest panties on! Where did you get these?"
With her face flushed red, Bella managed to reply despite the awkward situation.
"Alice bought them."
"Don't forget your silver sixpence in your shoe." Dean suddenly remember, pulling it out of his pocket.
"Marcus tracked me down and gave it to me so that you could have this."
She smiled at the sentiment as he handed it to Rosalie who slipped it towards the front of Isabella's shoe to stay in place.
Everyone stepped back so that Isabella could see herself in the mirror. She looked absolutely lovely. She couldn't believe how perfect everything was, she wanted to cry but didn't want to ruin her make up.
Just then there was a knock on the door and Charlie came in. When he saw his daughter his jaw nearly hit the floor and tears welled in his eyes.
"Bells, you look beautiful."
"Thanks, Dad."
Silently Charlie crossed the room, allowing Dean to run out for a moment to retrieve Bella's bouquet of calla lilies and orchids that were plum and wine colored. Dean returned with a grin just as Charlie put the veil down over Isabella's face. Handing her the bouquet he wished her luck and left her to have a few words with her father. The rest of her friends in the room filed out, Dean, Riley, Elizabeth, and Sue going to find their seats and Alice, Rosalie, Tanya, and Felix filing out in the hall for the procession.
"I'm happy you're marrying Carlisle, Bella." Charlie murmured softly. "I wasn't so sure when I first met him. I knew he was a good man even after he told me about his job, but I gave him credit for being an honest man. But I've never doubted that he loves you. Every father dreads giving their little girl away, but at the same time I know that you're marrying a man that loves you and will always take care of you. It worried me to know you were newly engaged and having a baby, but neither of you have given me a reason to doubt the sincerity of your love. I want you to know that I'm proud of you, and that you have made me the happiest dad in the entire world."
Touched by her father's words, for Charlie was a man of few, she embraced him and he returned the gesture.
"I love you, Daddy." She whispered.
"I love you, too, Baby girl." He pulled back from the hug and looked into her eyes with a smile. "It's time."
She nodded with a grin and followed her father out.
Carlisle was ready to explode with nervousness as he stood in the front of the room with Father Anderson. Everyone was waiting for the procession to begin and Carlisle was waiting for his bride. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with white pinstripes, and a wine colored orchid for his boutonniere. The room was fantastic; everything was illuminated by candlelight because they wanted to create an intimate atmosphere that could not happen with electric lights. Hanging from the ceiling was an old fashion candle chandelier with strands of white pearls hanging down from it. Draped above the alter was a wine colored fabric, making a tent like opening that went to both side of the opening but did not interfere with the view of the altar. The altar was made of marble and covered in candles, flower petals, black pearls, and ostrich feathers. The room was packed, and at each end of a row of seats was an arrangement of flowers attached to the chair. The aisle covering was a deep wine with hints of purple, and lining the aisle were tall clear glasses that had candles in them, but they were high enough that when Bella walked down the aisle her dress would not catch fire. At the entrance of the aisle near the door were two lion sculptures. Carlisle had commissioned a sculptor to carve a lion and lioness to represent the bride and groom, and much to their pleasure they resembled Nala and Simba. On the left side of the aisle was the lioness sculpture; standing tall and straight, and yet there was love in her eyes. On the right side was the lion, looking strong and noble, and yet still loving. There were floral arrangements on columns against the wall to compliment the flowers used in the bouquets and boutonnieres. Finally, the touch that he and Bella loved the most, standing on the ends of the two separate parts of the altar, for there was a gap in between the two pieces for the bridegroom and Father Anderson, were two extremely intertwined lions standing together nuzzling each other.
Everything was absolutely perfect, all he needed was his bride. Emmett was beside him, as his best man knowing that Carlisle was getting anxious to see Bella. Suddenly "The Four Seasons" began to play and the doors opened to reveal the first pair of members of the bridal party. Alice, looking lovely as ever, walked out first on the arm of her husband, Jasper. They were both smiling and Carlisle was so happy to have so much of his family involved in the wedding. Aro, Marcus, Caius, Sulpicia, Didyme, Athenodora, Elizabeth, Alistair, Dean, Riley, Sue, Leah, and Seth were all seated in the front row, on their respective sides of course. Spencer and Mary would sit on the bride's side with Charlie once the three of them finished their procession. Next to walk down the aisle were Edward and Tanya. Carlisle couldn't help that his grin got just a bit bigger; before Isabella came into his life he couldn't have imagined not only getting married but also Edward being at and in his wedding. The two brothers had come so far, once having been the bitterest of enemies, and now they were the closest brothers could be almost as close as Carlisle was with Emmett. Following the couple were Felix and Eleazar, walking side by side with some space between them, ascended the aisle, both proud to be part of such a spectacular and meaningful event. Following them was Rosalie, the maid of honor. Emmett winked at her from across the stage and she winked back. Carlisle knew he would be with his Isabella soon, when he saw Spencer proceed down the aisle carrying the bridegroom's wedding bands, and behind her was Mary, the flower girl, looking beautiful and adorable as ever.
Finally the time had come. The music changed to "Canon in D" and there she was on the arm of her father. His Isabella gracefully began her march down the aisle. She didn't look at anyone who was watching her in the congregation because her eyes were solely on him who was watching only her in return. His knees felt weak and he was prepared to fall on them to the floor. His heart raced because he couldn't believe how primal and refined she looked; she was absolutely breathtaking. He couldn't believe that this was his bride. She was his perfect bride, beautiful, ravishing, round with child, fierce, and utterly and undeniably his. She couldn't believe how gorgeous Carlisle looked; he was in pinstripes a full tuxedo of them. He knew just what they did to her, and to those who understood their secret lives of the mafia, understood the significance. It also fit in rather well with the inspiration for the wedding.
"I love you." Carlisle mouthed.
Her already large smile grew and she replied in the same.
"I love you."
Charlie watched his daughter and his son-in-law share a stolen moment meant only for each other in a crowded room, and he knew he was giving his daughter away to the right man. Neither the bride nor the groom could take their eyes off one another, and everyone in the room seemed to notice for they swooned at the love radiating from the pair. She couldn't get to Carlisle soon enough, she wanted to run to him but knew she couldn't. So when they finally reached the end of the aisle, Carlisle stepped down to meet his bride. They were both grinning like fools in love, but who could deny that they were.
"Who here gives this woman to this man?" Father Anderson asked when the music ceased.
"I do." Charlie spoke up with a smile on his face.
Placing Isabella's hand in Carlisle's, Charlie felt a sense of humbleness. He was sad to see his baby girl growing up but it was time and she wasn't a little girl anymore. She was a full-grown woman and had been for quite some time. She would soon be a mother and the co-leader of a powerful organization. Babies can't stay babies forever, but to Charlie Bella would always be his baby girl. After releasing his hold on his daughter's hand once it was secure in Carlisle's, he reached for the front of Bella's veil. He pulled it back so that his daughter's face could be seen clearly. Then, after kissing his daughter quickly on the forehead, he moved to his seat beside his wife who took his hand in hers in comfort and encouragement.
Carlisle led Isabella up the stairs to the stand between the alter pieces with Father Anderson, who now began to address the congregation while Rosalie took Bella's bouquet from her.
"Thank you for joining us today to share these precious and joyful moments of the union of these two lovers in holy matrimony before God. Anxiously, Carlisle and Isabella have waited for this day to come, and now it is finally here. Today we celebrate the beauty of love, such as that shared between these two. But we also celebrate the sanctity of marriage, it is not always easy, but it is always worth it." Father Anderson smiled at Bella. She knew he was happy because recently he baptized her and she now considers herself a catholic just as Carlisle does. "If anyone knows a reason that these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Galileo was so mystified by Isabella, only adding to the infatuation he had with her since the day they met, he almost missed the objection offering to the congregation. He was very tempted to object even though he knew that with the several mafia leaders from various clans he should remain composed and respectable, he couldn't help the urge to want to jump up and object. He wanted Isabella for himself. As if knowing the thoughts of his close relative, Aro turned around in his seat to glare at the Italian Don, warning him to think about his actions.
"Very well then." Father Anderson said with a grin. "Carlisle and Isabella have written their own vows and would like to share their deepest sentiments with not only us but with each other."
Carlisle, already holding on to one of Isabella's hands, took the other in his hand. They stared into each other's eyes, and more than anything he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her passionately. But he decided against it and lost himself in her as he confessed his everlasting love for her.
"Isabella." He began, a smile flickering across her lips just at the sound of her name falling from his lips. "I stand here today as a man in love, something I never deemed possible until you walked into my life and turned my world upside down. We have been on quite some journey, several chapters of our life together have been filled. But now we can begin writing the story of our lives together a married couple, something I'll only ever want with you because you are the one for me, Isabella. You have healed me, made a man out of me, and taught me to love life again. You teach me something new everyday and I thank God each day because I have you. You are my love, my lioness, my Doll Face, my partner, my lover, my equal, and my best friend, but you are also the mother of our child, our daughter. Together we create miracles and spectacular wonders that I could never imagine on my own, but with you, Isabella, anything is possible. I promise to love you forever. I promise to always support you in everyway that I can, as well as care for and look after you. I promise to always be loyal to you. I promise to always treat you with the respect that you deserve. I love you more than words can ever express and I am blessed to be the one you chose to spend your life with. I love you, Isabella, I love you."
Tears streamed down Isabella's cheeks because of Carlisle's words, but they were tears of joy. Carlisle shed a few tears as well because this was the happiest day of his life. When she began to speak he wanted to fall to his knees and thank her for loving him because, yes he did love their daughter wholeheartedly, there wasn't anyone whom he loved more than Isabella.
"Carlisle." She began with tears of love still rolling down her cheeks. "You once told me that if you pull the trigger you cannot put the bullet back in barrel, and so you must face the consequences. You and I, the day we met, we both pulled the trigger, but not on a gun, but on love. And if there are consequences I don't see them as negative because this moment, right now, is the result of a leap of faith and a chance at love. True happiness, confidence, security, and love was all Greek to me before you put me back together with your love. We have conquered several challenges in our relationship and traveled over many bumps in the road, and I am sure there will be more to come, but I know with the strength of our love that we will face anything and everything together. You are the love of my life, the other half of my soul, and the father of my child. But you are so much more than that; you are my teacher, my equal, my confidant, my rock, and my best friend. Somehow you and I fit together like pieces of a puzzle, and I am thankful that God paired us, because this is a combination that works like a charm. We discovered so much about each other and ourselves, but we'll discover so much more. I promise, Carlisle, to always be there for you to support and comfort you when times are trying. I promise to always be faithful to you, for my love belongs to you. I promise to look after you, care for you, and be your guiding light when you need me to do so. But most importantly I promise to love you, forever and always. You are my lion, my love, my lover, and my partner. I am the luckiest woman in the universe to stand here with you today, for we will raise the loveliest daughter and I hope we have more. We have a rather large family, but I look forward to making a family of our own with you. I love you, Carlisle, always."
Tears rolled down Carlisle's cheeks but he was smiling with all the love in his heart. He wanted kiss her senseless and hold her close to him, but he knew that they only had a little longer to wait.
Letting go of one of her hands, Carlisle wiped away the tears with the pad of his thumb as he held her face in his hand. Moved by the sentiment; Isabella turned her head to kiss his palm. There was a hushed "awe" from the crowd. Several members of the congregation were crying, and even some sobbing.
"I love weddings." Athenodora cried.
Caius smiled sweetly, and then removed his hand from hers in order to wrap his arm around her and press a kiss to her temple. Father Anderson smiled at the bride and groom and then addressed them for the moment they had both been waiting for.
"Do you, Carlisle, take Isabella to be your wife?"
Staring deeply into Isabella's eyes, and all the love he possessed for her present in his voice as he answered.
"I do."
"Do you, Isabella, take Carlisle to be your husband?"
Replying in much the same manner, Isabella gazed into Carlisle's crystalline blue orbs and answered with love.
"I do."
Father Anderson looked over to Spencer with a grin.
"May I have the rings please?"
Spencer hopped up from her seat and hurried to give him the rings, and then returned to her seat. He blessed the rings and the bridegroom was anxious to finally present one another with their bands. Just then they both looked at the other's left hand. Isabella had removed her engagement ring and put it on her right hand while waiting for her processional, she would put it back on after the ceremony. The wedding band went first because it should be the closest to the heart. Carlisle removed his Don ring, which he normally wore on his ring finger of his left hand, but changed hands this morning because he wanted his left hand to be adorned by his wedding band alone.
Father Anderson handed Carlisle the first ring to put on Isabella. Both of them had diamond bands. Carlisle took Isabella's left hand and slid the ring on her ring finger as he joyfully proclaimed.
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Father Anderson then handed Bella Carlisle's ring, and so she took her love's hand and put the ring on his ring finger as she too joyfully proclaimed.
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Carlisle took hold of both of her hands and found that she was smiling just as much as he was. This was really happening, it was finally happening.
Father Anderson seemed to be grinning as well. It was finally time to give the couple what they had been waiting for.
"By the power invested me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Carlisle didn't waste a second. He pulled her close, taking her face in his hands as she wrapped her arms around his shoulder and neck. They didn't care that they had an audience, they kissed lovingly and passionately as if they were the only ones in the room. They had gone without for far too long but now they were married. There were a few clearings of throats, and reluctantly the newly married couple withdrew but with promises of finishing that later. Quickly they signed the register, making it even more official, and then they proceeded to leave the ballroom.
Instead of heading straight to the reception with everyone else, Carlisle stole his wife away for a few minutes to have her all to himself. He pulled her into a small powder room and crushed his lips to hers. She eagerly returned the kiss as she chanted her love for him as they kissed.
"You look absolutely spectacular, Isabella. You're radiant, spectacular, beautiful, sexy as hell, -"
Isabella cut him off with another kiss. She was hungry for her husband and wanted to play.
"You know damn well what pinstripes do to me." She practically purred.
He pressed her against the wall and kissed her more fiercely. After a few minutes they broke from the kiss to gaze into each other's eyes.
"You are my wife." He swooned, still in disbelief although he knew it was real.
"And you are my husband." She giddily replied.
Taking her left hand in one of his he pulled her wedding band off to show her the inscription inside: Forever may we roam our savanna in love. He put it back on and then took her engagement ring off her right hand and put it where it once was, only this time her wedding band was in its company. With a smile she took his left hand and removed the band to show him the inscription she chose: Forever by your side, two lions in love. He kissed her once again and pulled her even closer. Then their daughter began to kick and he rubbed his wife's womb in order to calm their child.
"Daddy's right here, Sweetheart. Go easy on your Mommy."
And she complied, relaxing knowing that her Daddy would stay with her Mommy. She didn't like that her parents were apart last night.
"I have something for you." He murmured to his wife, still lovingly, and excitedly, but the thought occurred to him that she was now a powerful woman and not just his wife. "My Donna." He added with a smirk.
His Don ring was a flat surface with a silver lion's head protruding from it with diamond eyes. Now he could present her with her Donna ring. He retrieved it from his coat pocket and presented the diamond lion's head ring, though a symbol of her power it was still very feminine and some not so outrageous in size and design that it would draw suspicions. It could easily be a statement piece, and no one would be suspicious at the wedding because of the several lions scattered throughout the ceremony and the reception venue. She gasped when she saw the ring.
"It's beautiful, Carlisle. Oh, my it's perfect."
He was so glad that she loved it, and so he took her right hand and slipped it onto her ring finger, a perfect fit. Before he could blink she threw her arms around him and kissed him lovingly.
"I love you so much." She swooned.
"I love you, too." He moaned into the kiss.
He was about to run his fingers through her hair when she stopped him.
"We have pictures to take. Save that for the honeymoon."
He smirked and then took her hand in his.
"The Donna is always right."
She giggled and pecked another kiss on his lips.
"Hubby."
"Wifey." He replied happily.
Everyone in the wedding party teased them about being late, but weren't upset in truth. They knew exactly where they newlyweds had been and the two things they had done. The lion ring didn't escape Edward's notice, and all he could do was smirk. Then the couple went out into a separate area to have their pictures taken. Carlisle couldn't take his hands of his wife. He didn't want her out of his reach for even a second. Isabella felt the same way, wanting to keep her husband close.
After they finished their photo shoot they went to the reception in the terrace room where their guests were having drinks and beginning to be escorted into the dining room. What they didn't expect to see was Esme and Jacob over in the corner making out.
"Holy-" Carlisle gasped.
"Let's just keep moving." Bella suggested, pulling her husband into the dinning room.
Just like the ceremony the reception was done by candlelight to create the same intimate atmosphere. Only there were more shadows this time to pick up on the film noir mood they were going for. There was a pearl chandelier hanging from the ceiling and plum and wine colored drapes were hanging on the walls. On open ledges were ostrich feathers and candles. Scattered throughout the room were a few of the intertwined lion sculptures. Then on each table there was a floral arrangement and some black pearls in the vases. Surrounding the vase of flowers were candles. Carlisle and Isabella decided they would start making their rounds to say hello to their guests and thank them for coming before going to their own table.
Once they were at their table it was time for the first course, and by this point Bella was starving. She was so thankful for her meal and their daughter was as well.
"Does it taste good, Love?" Carlisle teased.
"Amazing." Bella swooned.
"Pregnant women." Alice teased.
Bella just rolled her eyes and let it slide. Charlie then gave a speech and so did other members of the wedding party. Bella was extremely moved by Elizabeth's speech.
"Today, I gained a daughter, even though I had her all along. I look at Bella and I know she's my son's soul mate. They've been waiting for this day to come, as have I. My eldest son is now a husband, and soon he will be a father. What more can I ask for than for a wedding of my own as lovely as this, and the health of my granddaughter. Welcome officially to the family, Bella."
Riley stood up with Dean and everyone was in hysterics of their speech.
"So if you haven't figured it out by now, we're Bella's gay husbands as Carlisle likes to call us. Since we couldn't convince him to play for the pink team, we're happy for both Carlisle and Bella, two of our closest friends. There isn't really a sexier couple than these two, well except for us."
From there on the guests were laughing so hard. There needed to be some comic relief after many sentimental speeches.
"It's now time for the newlyweds' first dance." Emmett declared.
Carlisle led his wife out to the center of the dance floor. They thought they would be dancing to prerecorded music through the DJ, but to their surprise Cameron, Spencer's guest, and Spencer moved to the front of the room with microphones.
"Congratulations Uncle Carlisle and Aunt Bella. I wanted to do something special for you and what could be more perfect that to use the talent you all have helped me find, for your first dance."
Moved by the gesture Isabella and Carlisle thanked the couple, and then their pair began to sing, Spencer singing the main part and Cameron merely singing refrains or accompaniments. And the bridegroom danced happily to the musical talents of their niece and her boyfriend, everyone watching the couple and the singers with love.
"Kiss today goodbye, the sweetness and the sorrow. Wish me luck, the same to you. But I can't regret what I did for love, what I did for love. Look my eyes are dry. The gift was ours to borrow. It's as if we always knew, and I won't forget what I did for love, what I did for love. Gone, love is never gone. As we travel on, love's what we'll remember. Kiss today goodbye, and point me towards tomorrow. We did what we had to do. Won't forget, can't regret what I did for love. What I did for love. What I did for love. Love is never gone. As we travel on, love's what we'll remember. Kiss today goodbye. And point me toward tomorrow. Point me toward tomorrow. We did what we had to do. Won't forget, can't regret what I did for love. What I did for love. What I did for love."
It was a bittersweet song, but very fitting for the couple because of all that they had done love. Love fueled the fires of their hearts and souls; it was what brought them together. When the song was over Bella rested her head on Carlisle's shoulder and he rested his head on hers as they embraced while swaying slowly. The rest of the bridal party was invited to join the couple on the dance floor. Cameron kissed Spencer on the cheek and left her for her solo. The music began and Spencer began to sing the familiar tune that was the base of the start of Carlisle and Isabella's relationship. She sang "Beauty and the Beast" and when she was finished she took her bow, and was given a standing ovation. Then she made her way off stage to her boyfriend and the DJ took back over. Everyone else was invited to join the dance floor and the fast dance music came on, starting with "My life would suck without you" by Kelly Clarkson.
Carlisle and Isabella went around to thank their guests for coming. When they got to Jacob and Esme they weren't sure what to say.
"Congratulations!" Esme squealed as she hugged the newlyweds.
Jacob just stood behind her and smirked.
"Thanks." Bella replied happy. "I see you've been busy."
Blush flushed Esme's cheeks and she wasn't sure how to respond.
"You finally did it, congratulations." Jacob offered his hand to Carlisle.
The two men shook hands and Carlisle smiled.
"Thank you. I know just how lucky I am to have Isabella for my wife."
"You got that damn right." Jacob laughed.
Isabella rested her hand on Carlisle's arm as she swooned over his muscles that she could feel through his jacket.
"That's right, I'm Mrs. Carlisle Cullen now." Bella chimed.
Carlisle looked down at her with nothing but love and adoration.
"My wife." He swooned.
"My husband." She cooed in reply.
"So when did you two meet?" Bella asked Esme and Jacob curiously.
"Um. Today?" Jacob wasn't quite sure how to explain this.
"Today." Esme clarified.
"Well congratulations-" Bella started, but then Felix approached letting them know that some of the mafia leaders wanted to speak with and congratulate them.
"If you'd excuse us." Carlisle apologized and then walked away with his wife.
"What in the world? Those two?" Bella gawked.
"We'll think about that later. It's our wedding so let's celebrate."
The thought was instantly gone from her mind and she was consumed with the fact that she was Carlisle's wife and that he was her husband.
Carlisle pulled her over to one of the velvet seating areas where there were several glowing candles and helped her sit down before taking a seat beside her. Several capos came to congratulate them and pay their respects. Each time when they went to kiss Isabella's hand they were shocked to see the ring on her right hand, knowing very well what it and the ceremony they had just witnessed meant. Each one was shocked but happily so, and if they were not happy they did not let it show, and began addressing her properly. Isabella was the Donna of the most powerful mafia clan in North America, and some believed the Cullen Clan to be the most powerful in the world. Each of the mobsters they spoke with asked her just how she qualified to be Donna, with no disrespect intended of course, and they were all shocked when they learned of the decision about equality and her Cigno bloodline. All of the Italian capos kneeled before her, holding their heads down and only looking at her once given permission. They were in complete awe that a Cigno lived and when they heard the true story of her escape they were all amazed. The union of Cullen and Cigno blood and power was a threat to the influence of the Volturi, but newlyweds knew very well that Galileo would not take a stand against them.
Alberto came to pay his respects next and when he kissed her ring everything made sense.
"This is why then?" He asked playfully.
Bella just smirked and motioned for him to sit rather than kneel as she told the story.
"I would have never guessed, Donna. You will be a wise and honorable leader."
"Thank you, dear friend."
After a bit of friendly conversation, Alberto took his leave when he saw Galileo waiting to for an audience with the Don and Donna.
"Galileo." Carlisle beamed at his friend and ally.
"Carlisle." He returned the sentiment. "I offer you my congratulations."
"Thank you, Galileo, it is a joy to have you here on this special evening." Bella spoke with a regal essence.
He took her hand and when he went to kiss it he gasped at the ring, knowing exactly what it meant. He dropped down to one knee and hung his head, fisting one hand over his heart.
"Donna." He addressed her, sounding awe struck.
"You may sit, Galileo. I know you."
He quickly complied and then gazed at her.
"So it is true? I was right about Clarissa?"
"It seems so." Carlisle replied, wrapping an arm around his wife and placing his other hand on hers.
He saw the way his friend looked at his wife. It could very well be the Volturi curse at play, but he would not get jealous when he was the one whom she wed. It would be foolish to challenge Carlisle for Isabella, not because she was a person but because she was a Donna and had just as much power as Carlisle did. They ran the clan together, and to challenge Carlisle was to challenge Isabella.
"We still have an ally in you?" Bella asked Galileo, just as she had all of the other leaders.
"Of course, Donna, I cannot think of a reason to sever our ties."
Carlisle nodded in agreement and Isabella analyzed the game she was playing. She knew very well about the feeling Galileo had for her, for she had seen it ignite the day they met. But now she was a married woman and it seemed to increase his longing for her.
Emmett wandered over to them with a grin.
"Time to cut the cake."
Carlisle and Isabella rose to go cut the cake. For those, mostly the little ones, who didn't want cake there was an assortment of cupcakes on cupcake trees. Carlisle stood beside Isabella, his hand on hers with the knife. She didn't want to cut her masterpiece but she knew that she needed to. It was a six-layer cake, wine colored with fabric like draping. There were white and gold accents on the cake such as flowers, and elegant designs. What the newly weds loved the most was the topper, it was an exact replica of the intertwined lions on the altar at the ceremony. They cut the cake and everyone cheered as they each stuff a piece in each other's mouth. Carlisle leaned in for a kiss but instead licked a bit of icing off her lips.
"Such an animal." She teased.
"But I'm you're animal." He purred.
Her face flushed red and made him promise to tuck the animal away and it was free to come out and play once they were alone. He happily agreed knowing just how willing they both were to drop the regal and proper routine and let their lion and lioness to come out to play. Though Carlisle couldn't help but admit how sexy it was to see Isabella take on the role of Donna and assert herself over the other mobsters.
After the cake was severed and a bit more dancing it was time for the garter and bouquet to be tossed. Isabella sat down in a chair with the crowd gathered around them. Carlisle lifted her skirt just enough to get underneath and searched for her garter without his hands. Once he found the garter he bit it with his teeth slowly dragging it down her leg. He was careful not to take too much time so it wouldn't be awkward for everyone watching, but he could tell how is close proximity to her center affected her. He couldn't wait to consummate their marriage, but they had to wait. He pulled out from under her dress with the garter clasped between his teeth. He took it from his mouth and tossed it into the crowd, not caring who caught it. He helped Isabella out of her seat as she announced that it was time to toss the bouquet. Isabella turned her back to the crowd and tossed her bouquet over her head. Some lucky lady caught it. Refreshments continued to be severed and Carlisle and Isabella went to go change out of their formal attire into their going away outfits.
Elizabeth returned Isabella's great great grandfather's ring before she left, and then the newlyweds bid farewell to their guests and thanked them for coming. They hopped into the limo that Carlisle had hired and were now on their way to their honeymoon. Alistair stood at the curb with Elizabeth as the limo pulled away, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, and smiled at the back of the car that had a sign reading: Just Married, finally.
Yay! They finally got married! I am so happy.
Bella's wedding dress:
http : / www. fhiky. com / wp- content / uploads / 2010 / 09 / Wedding- Dress- with- Asymmetric- Pleats- Picture- 2. jpg
Bella's hair:
http : / www. doctormacro. com / Images / Tierney,%20Gene / Tierney,%20Gene%20 (Laura)_ 01. jpg
Cake Topper and intertwined lion sculptures:
http : / www. deviantart .com / ?qh= §ion= &q=lion+ king+ disney# /d2flx2
Bridesmaids' dresses:
http : / www. weddingbycolor .com / reneyney214 / milestones / 33459
So what did you think? Please review. This was a super long chapter and I hope I covered everything. Next stop: honeymoon!
