Author's Note - Hello, my lovies, without further ado...the wedding!

SEVEN

I watched the clock with rising nerves and excitement. I'm certain there would be a permanent rut in the wood floors from my pacing and glancing out the window at the crowd that was slowly settling themselves in the chairs facing a large wooden arbor, decorated with lace and sunflowers strung and draped along it. I had no further visitors after Rose and Char left to get the rest of the things ready, and after what seemed like forever later - Rose finally peeked her head in taking in my anxiety ridden face she smiled softly.

"Ready?"

Charlie waited for me downstairs of the new house, he looked probably as nervous as I felt, if not more nervous. Rose stood in front of both of us and nodded when she saw us as I took Charlie's arm as we had practiced. Char went first, as I heard the melody of Hoppipolla float from outside into the house. Rose was next, but not before handing me my bouquet of sunflowers, roses, blue delphinium, babies breath, and sala. The fragrance was soft and sweet, but not at all overpowering.

Charlie must have been counting, because I certainly know I wasn't. The only way I knew it was relatively time was because a gentle tug from Charlie pulled me from my inner thoughts. Before we stepped onto the porch leading towards the arbor my hand tightened on his arm.

"Don't let me fall," I whispered.

"Never," He vowed.

The aisle to the arbor seemed much longer than it did in practice the previous day. Part of me was frightened we'd go the wrong way and everyone would laugh at us. But I should have known that Rose would never let something like that happen to us. She had everything under control and planned out, I daresay she'd give Alice a run for her money. Sadness tugged at my heart as I thought about the smallest Cullen. We were very close, part of me wondered if I had done something to upset her to the point where she didn't want anything to do with my wedding. Almost as soon as the thought came up to me, I shoved it back in the box. I was getting married. No upsetting thoughts allowed.

Finally after what seemed like miles - when in all actuality was only a few feet - we arrived into the aisle with family and friends gathered on either side. I did manage to see the wolves, and Jacob, his face was already watery and teary-eyed, as was Billy beside him. Angela was already crying, blotting her eyes with her handkerchief that Ben had passed her. Phil and Renee sat in the front, across the way was occupied with Carlisle and Esme, both beaming. Behind them were Denali family, and other various family guests. But i didn't look at anyone for long, my eyes were glued to the vampire at the arbor,

They say when you get married all you see is your partner at the end of the aisle. If you had said that to me two years ago before our move to Forks, I'd smile wistfully and nod - but I wouldn't have believed it. I was a hopeless romantic, but I wasn't certain I'd ever find it, especially given my past. That all changed, Jasper changed it all. To have someone just accept you, ALL of you, your past, your baggage, and still want you after the trials and tribulations - that was what love was. To accept someone so utterly completely - that was a fairy-tale. I found that with the man standing at the arbor. The man who wore a crisp white shirt underneath a dark blue suit with a denim blue tie. A sunflower pinned to his lapel. Peter stood off to the side with Emmett beside him, both wore navy blue slacks, a white shirt, with matching denim blue tie, brown boots and suspenders. Jasper's eyes were like molten gold and seemed to brighten even impossibly more as he caught sight of me coming down the aisle.

Finally we arrived in front of the aisle and paused, I was almost bouncing anxiously in my shoes. Jasper's mouth quirked a fraction from his beaming smile, he must be tasting the atmosphere with his gift.

"Who gives this young woman away?"

Charlie cleared his throat before answering.

"Her mother and I do."

His voice was thick and hoarse. Jasper stepped down to take my hand as Charlie passed me over to him. Charlie lingered a moment, before patting Jasper on the arm before taking his spot beside Sue. Out of the corner of my eye I saw surprise on Renee's face. But I was distracted as I followed Jasper up the step to where the priest waited.

I sort of tuned out the priest and focused entirely on the immortal being in front of me. His eyes shone like molten gold, bright as the sun. I don't think I had ever seen such adoration in anyone's face. I've seen something close with the family couples, and maybe my dad at one time with my mom. But it has been ages, and you rarely see this with people from this day and age. We - like my sister and Masen did in their vows - decided to forgo - love, honor and obey - until death do you part. Instead we exchanged that for - love, honor, and cherish, for forever plus one. I heard chuckles around the room for that one. The next part came for the ring exchange. My band was simple and complementary to my original ring, and Jasper's was simple, a band wrapped in a gunmetal grey. Rose and Char helped me pick it out, both knowing Jasper's likes, new and old.

We were just getting to the part where the priest would announce us man and wife, when I saw Carlisle look discreetly at his phone, a frown etched on his face. I felt my heart drop to my stomach but I focused my gaze on Jasper.

"Jasper, you may now kiss your bride." He said kindly.

Jasper grinned at me roguishly and he leaned in, a hand around my waist and another cradling my neck as he pressed his cool lips to mine. Honey, chocolate and warmth spread throughout my entire body, his adoration and absolute love weaved into my own feelings for him. It brought tears of happiness to my eyes. When he pulled back to rest his forehead on mine, his eyes had ambered slightly.

"I now introduce for the first time - Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Hale."

As we turned towards the crowd I was keenly aware of two missing participants. Trying to not let it affect the happiness I felt, I followed Jasper as we walked down the aisle towards the house.

We were in our bedroom now, having a few stolen moments away from the prying eyes before the photos started, Rose and Char were handling getting everyone moved over to the barn for the reception. Meanwhile, Peter and Emmett were folding up the seating from the ceremony. The arbor would remain on the property, likely in the barn for safekeeping. Jasper and I's foreheads were touching as we just took each other's presence in.

"You look like a dream Mrs. Whitlock," he murmured, hands lightly skimming my arms, following the curves of the dress.

To the world we'd be Mr. and Mrs. Hale, but on paper officially - we were Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock - Jasper's true surname.

"Lookin' mighty fine yourself Major," I whispered back.

I heard a low appreciative rumble in his chest. If we both heard the footsteps, door opening and the sound of the camera shutter, neither one of us acknowledge it.

"Not an official photo I have planned for you guys, but I love it."

Snapping out of our own little bubble we turned smiling softly at Angela. Angela had offered to do the wedding photos as a gift to us. As long as we promised to credit her for the photos. She really was a force to be reckoned with, Her pictures were gorgeous, she'd have an amazing career as a professional photographer if that is what she wished. With our family promoting the photos I'm certain she'd have no issues getting business.

Photos took a good fifteen to twenty minutes both inside the house and outside. We took photos among the arbor and the trees surrounding the property. Before long Angela released us along with the wedding party and family back to the barn where the reception was waiting. Our DJ announced us officially and we sat at the head table while the reception began. The first bit was meeting everyone who came. Jacob and Nora of course were the first ones in line.

"You look gorgeous Lettie!" Nora gushed as she wrapped me in a gentle hug.

Jacob scooped me up next, his warmth was warm and comforting, I missed Jake. We were pretty inseparable growing up, but with all the supernatural stuff, imprinting...and life in general, we didn't see each other as often as I'd like. He must have sensed where my thoughts were cuz he pulled back and beamed at me.

"We'll see each other more! You live practically down the road." He assured me.

I nodded and he moved out of the way for Billy who rolled up behind him and I leaned down and hugged the old man tight. His eyes were suspiciously misty as though he had been crying. He shook Jasper's hand, and I was happy to see there was no distrust, or anger and shuddering on his part. He seemed completely at ease. He then handed a tan mailing envelope with a stack of papers inside to Jasper.

"You'll find everything is in order, stamped, sealed and signed."

I looked at Billy and then at Jasper who looked slightly stunned. I then realized what it is and Billy looked at me amused at my findings.

"We agree, it's not fair to ask a pack member to age and wane while her mate lives forever. We also acknowledge the new family group," He said. He turned towards Jasper. "Once you have the members, just me know their names and we'll get them officially recognized."

Jasper nodded, he looked at a bit of a loss for words.

"Thank you, this means…"Jasper trailed off.

Billy smiled kindly and laughed at his lack of words.

"I understand son, just take care of her and we'll be just fine."

Jasper nodded as Jake rolled Billy out of the line of procession, as we greeted more guests. It was still a strange hollow feeling not having Jasper's 'parents' in the procession to greet and congratulate us. Something that did not go unmissed by Charlie or the Denali Clan. After the meet and greets we moved on to the dinner portion of the reception. Something I'm certain our wolfy friends were looking forward to. I was too, I could smell the food as soon as you entered the barn. Rose assured me by communicating with Sam we'd have enough food. By the end of the banquet we still had some food leftover, but no outrageous amounts, enough to probably keep me fed for a few days. Which was good - the food was divine. True to Texas cuisine it was BBQ, and I was quite proud of myself for not getting any on my dress. We waited a bit after to start the other wedding traditions.

The first up was the bouquet toss, and it ended in the surprised hands of Angela, when she glanced over at Ben he had a peculiar look on his face.I vaguely wondered if I'd be receiving a notice on an engagement. Emmett pulled a chair out to the middle of the dance floor. I tilted my head questioningly as he held out a hand to me, escorting me to the chair. As soon as I sat down I realized which wedding tradition this was. I felt a blush creep to my cheeks. Emmett was laughing at my embarrassment as he faded back into the crowd away from my hands that wished to throttle him. Jasper seemed to materialize from the crowd, his blazer off. He looked downright sinful. His shirt was crisp and white, the suspenders that were hidden beneath the blazer were now visible, the dark blue matching his dress slacks. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows, revealing his forearms. Unbidden memories very keenly of how powerful those forearms came to mind. He must have been able to follow my logic of thinking his eyes were amber, I could see that even in the low and colorful lights flashing from the DJ.

He knelt at my knees, his hands delicately tracing the designs on the dress before he lifted the dress, disappearing beneath the sheer and lace. While I saw the movement under the lace, I couldn't quite see him. But I could feel him. His hands gently traced the lace on my boots which were partially hidden by the dress, and almost with feather-light touch I felt them skim up my legs, raising goose-flesh in their wake.

I then felt his nose trace upwards to the garter-belt that currently rested on my thigh. I felt his tongue dart out and taste my skin, I struggled to keep my face neutral. Emmett was laughing at the blush on my face, as was Jacob and Paul. I nearly jumped when I felt his teeth gently tug on the garter-belt. When he finally emerged his hair was tousled and his eyes were dark, promising mischief later. He then took the garter and with a wink he shot it off to where the single men were arranged. I didn't look to see who caught it. Jasper tugged me up gently from the chair and into his arms. Music began to softly play, I recognized it as the music Jasper and I chose for our first song. I melted into his touch as we swayed to the music. After a while I saw other couples join us. despite the craziness of the wedding so far I was blissfully happy, and so utterly content.

It felt as if nothing could go wrong...yet knowing my life, things tend to go wrong when things go utterly right.