The long-awaited wedding! This was very special for me to write - I used some bits and pieces from my own wedding ceremony. Definitely cried a time or two writing this. Wedding playlist at the end.


Katie

I'm only partially aware of what Alice is doing to me. I spin my engagement ring around my finger for close to an hour while she works her supposed miracles on me in Sue and Charlie's living room, sipping my coffee slowly in an attempt to wake up fully.

I never sleep well away from Seth, and that goes double in an unfamiliar place. I'd ended up in Bella's old room last night, now a much more neutral and guest-friendly set-up according to Sue. The new setting, combined with the fact that in less than twenty-four hours Seth and I would be married, had my stomach twisting in knots until well after midnight.

"Is this a good time, Alice?" Sue calls from over Alice's shoulder.

"Of course. I just finished. I'll go touch up Laura's hair," Alice says before floating away to somewhere else in the house.

Sue's wearing a beautiful knee-length navy dress and gold heels. Leah has on a body-hugging dress, and the emerald color makes her russet skin glow.

"You all look so good," I say, setting down my now-cold coffee. I pull my robe tight around me as I stand.

Sue laughs. "You must not have seen yourself yet."

"Seth's gonna be a mess," Leah says, nodding.

My face blazes with embarrassment. "That makes two of us," I murmur, looking down at my feet.

Sue clears her throat, and I find her eyes again. "I wore these when I married Harry. I thought you could borrow them," Sue says, looking down at her extended hand.

It's a pair of gold earrings. The gems are set in the shape of a leaf, or maybe a feather, and underneath is a single dangling pearl.

A lump forms in my throat, and I have to swallow to clear it. "They're beautiful. I'd love to," I say, voice thick. Am I going to be like this all day?

Sue smiles, taking a sure-footed step closer to me. She puts in the earrings with ease, and when she pulls back, her eyes are shining as she squeezes my shoulders. She doesn't say anything, but she doesn't need to.

"Seth sent this for you," Leah says, holding an envelope out for me.

I accept it gingerly and give her my thanks. Sue slips an arm around Leah's shoulders, and they leave me in privacy.

I return to my seat, running my fingers over my name scrawled in Seth's clunky handwriting before I flip the envelope over and pull out the letter. My eyes cloud as they gloss over the words, and I have to blink several times before the page comes into focus again.

Katie,

You are my perfect match. Even the way your name fits with mine is perfect. Seth and Katie. Katie and Seth. When you told me your name on the beach, I remember thinking that one day, maybe you'd be Katie Clearwater. And now here we are.

You told me once that you like sunrises better than sunsets, because they make you feel like you can change the world. That you saw a sunrise the morning you left on your road trip, the one that brought you to me. Brought us together.

You succeeded. You changed my world, Katie. From the moment I saw you, there was nothing else. My life belongs to you. Everything I am and will be, is only because I can share it with you. Everything I do will be for you.

I am yours forever. I will follow you anywhere you want to go, and I will be anything you need me to be. A friend, when you need to laugh. A mirror, when you forget how beautiful you are. A concert buddy, if The Cure ever decides to come anywhere near Washington.

I'm not sure who I should thank for you – God, my Ancestors, or maybe my dad. Whoever's watching out for me sure knows what they're doing, though. I couldn't have imagined my life more perfect than it is with you. I'm happy I saved so much of myself for you, but mostly my heart. You are my first and only love.

Just you and me. Today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

Promise.

Seth

I read the letter several times over, until my tears spill onto the page and blur the ink. I go to wipe my eyes, but cold fingers wrap around my wrist.

"Let me," Alice says softly.

I only nod, allowing her to fix my face while I work with shaky fingers to tuck the letter back in the envelope for safekeeping.

Mom and Sue help me put on my dress, and after they smooth the fabric, I finally allow myself to look in the mirror perched in the corner of the bedroom as Mom works behind me to finish tying the bow in the back.

The bodice is topped with lace appliqué, sheer through the cap sleeves. It's a plunging neckline, and if I had more cleavage, I may be more concerned. The tulle skirt flows perfectly to the floor.

When Mom is finished, she rests her hands on my shoulders. "You are so beautiful, Katie," she says, voice heavy with the emotion I see clearly displayed on her face.

I have to avert my eyes, because I'd really like not to be a complete mess for my entire wedding day.


I'm at the mercy of the photographer for the next hour, and I'm thankful he's so good at keeping me on track.

There's a sweet moment when, at his direction, I peek my head around the corner and find Shelby, Bailey, and Leah talking softly. I know the photographer's probably there somewhere, but I'm overwhelmed by emotion (yet again) as I watch them take me in.

Bailey wells up immediately, and Shelby has to wipe away a tear of her own. And I've never seen Leah cry, not sure if I ever will, but I know based on the look she's giving me that if she were any less hard-edged, she would at least consider it right now.

Time passes both swiftly and slowly as we head to the reservation. There's little idle time, which I'm thankful for, especially after Dad sees me for the first time, and I start shaking.

Soon I hear the melody Edward and I'd agreed upon.

"Ready, baby girl?" Dad says, stepping up and offering his arm. I'm not sure if he calls Shelby or Bailey that, but he's only ever called me that in private. It makes me realize that we won't have many more private moments like this, if any.

In addition to the tears that are constantly lingering behind my eyes, I now feel like a serrated knife is working its way through my lungs. I'm able to give him a small nod.

"Don't forget to breathe," he reminds me.

I grip my flowers tight with my left hand, my father's arm with my right, and my deep breath mirrors my father's as we start our walk.

There's a uniform whoosh as the crowd stands, but I'm too busy trying not to trip on my feet to bother looking up at anyone.

Until Dad gives my hand a squeeze and whispers, "Look up, sweetheart."

So I do.

And there's Seth, beaming his signature just-for-me smile, eyes shining, cheeks wet as he waits for me to join him at the end of the aisle.

The knife in my lungs disappears, and an overwhelming sense of excitement replaces it. I know Jasper's probably here somewhere, but I think this time it's all Seth. There could be a thousand people here, and I wouldn't care. I'd only have eyes for him.

My tears have dried by the time we reach him, and an unrestrained smile takes over my face. Someone reaches up to take my flowers – maybe mom or Shelby – and Dad places my hand in Seth's. It is warm; I feel at home in it. I reach for the other one too, and Seth chuckles as he knots our fingers together.

Seth's eyes scan me, my dress. So beautiful, he mouths to me. I feel my pulse pick up, and Seth gives me a wink.

"Welcome. We are gathered here today," Dad starts, "to witness and to celebrate the marriage of Seth Clearwater and Katie Prescott. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for gathering everyone here…"

I try to pay attention during the prayer, because I know Dad means what he's saying. But I just have to look at Seth one more time.

When I lift my eyes, he's peeking down at me, too, and we both have to choke back silent fits of laughter.

"In Jesus' name, Amen," Dad finishes, motioning for the audience to sit.

"Hello everyone," Dad says with a big smile. I don't imagine he gives the same bright smile, uses the same cheery tone when he's in court. "My name is Greg Prescott, otherwise known as Katie's father, and it is my greatest honor and privilege to be here with you all as we celebrate the union of Seth and Katie. Today they promise themselves to one another forever before each of us and before God.

"Today is made possible not only because of your love for each other, Seth and Katie," he says, "but through the grace and support of your family and friends."

Dad gestures to the guests, saying, "And you have come here not to simply witness Seth and Katie's commitment, but to take part in it. Each of us represent not only ourselves, but all of the people who have and will touch our lives.

"Katie, Seth, I'd like you to take a moment, if you can stand to look away from each other for a few seconds," he says, chuckling to himself, "to look out at the people here with you today, the ones you've chosen to surround yourselves with."

I tear my eyes away from Seth and turn to our guests. My heart swells.

Sue, Charlie, and Leah are perched in the front row, and across the aisle are my family and Jenna. A few rows back, I see Ashley and Devon. I scrunch my nose at her, and she blows me a kiss. Further back, and hard to miss, are a cluster of wolves and imprints. I catch Nessie's eyes, and she gives me a sweet smile from her place next to Jake.

I see the Cullens at the very back, Edward still situated at the piano and waiting for his next cue. I mentally send him my thanks, and he smiles a dazzling smile in return.

"These people will be your support system," Dad says, drawing our attention back to him. "There are plenty of loved ones here who have seen hard times, been through what I'm sure you will face together. Lean on them. Count on them. Trust their opinions and their counsel.

"Marriage is one of the greatest gifts given to us by God. The union Katie and Seth are entering into today is a commitment in life unlike anything else, where two people can find and bring out the very best in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal, a physical and emotional joining that has the promise of a lifetime."

Okay, Dad, really? Can we not talk about physical joining in front of people? My flush spreads down my neck, and the corners of Seth's mouth tug upward.

After Dad performs a reading from the Bible, Dad turns to Seth.

"Seth, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Katie in marriage? If so, answer, 'I do.'"

"I do," Seth says eagerly. I can't help but smile.

"Katie, love," Dad says. "Do you also come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Seth in marriage? If so, answer 'I do.'"

I nod. Dad clears his throat, and I remember from last night's rehearsal that he needs verbal acknowledgement. "Oh, I do," I correct quickly. That wouldn't have happened if we'd rehearsed everything like I wanted to yesterday.

Everyone chuckles, and even Dad's voice is laced with humor as he says, "Normally this is where I'd tell couples to hold hands, but I don't think they've let go of each other since we got up here."

I even laugh at his joke this time, embarrassment giving way to an unnatural sense of peace. This time I know it's Jasper.

Dad instructs Seth to repeat his following words, and I focus in on Seth as he says his vows.

"I Seth, take you, Katie, to be my wedded wife," he says, squeezing my hands. "To have and to hold from this day forward. For better or for worse. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health." He rubs his thumb across my hand and gives me the tiniest of winks as he continues, "To love, honor, and cherish, as long as we both shall live."

When it's my turn, I have to take a deep, steadying breath before I feel confident enough to speak.

"I Katie, take you, Seth, to be my wedded husband." The word feels weighty and substantial coming out of my mouth, but I'd say them five hundred more times if I had to. "To have and to hold from this day forward. For better or for worse. For richer or for poorer," I repeat, giving his hand a squeeze this time. "In sickness and in health. To love, honor, and cherish, as long as we both shall live."

My eyes are still trained on Seth's face, but I register the sound of Dad flipping over his page before he continues. "The wedding ring is an ancient symbol, so perfect and simple, just like today. A circle has no beginning or end and is therefore a symbol of infinity. It is endless, eternal, just the way love should be. The way God's love for His children is.

"You two standing before me today, looking at you both, the pure joy on your faces…" Dad trails off, studying us. When he continues, his voice is just a hair thicker. "It's so evident that you have the other's heart. As you wear these rings, let them remind you of where you are, where you've been, and where you're going. Together."

I nearly drop Seth's ring as I try and grab it from Dad's palm. Seth catches it, causing a few murmurs of laughter from the crowd. I think I can pick out Leah's among them.

When Seth slides my wedding band onto my finger, his molten chocolate eyes don't stray from mine as he repeats Dad's words. "With this ring, I thee wed. You are the love of my life, and my very best friend."

"With this—" I nearly drop the ring again trying to glide it onto Seth's finger, and I get so flustered I have to start over. "With this ring, I thee wed. You are the love of my life, and my very best friend."

"Seth and Katie, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your family and friends. By the power vested in me by the State of Montana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Seth, you may kiss your bride."

And the cheers of the audience become background noise as Seth smiles that blinding, eager, all-consuming smile at me.

He cradles my face, and I grab his waist, tiptoeing up to meet him, impatient. I feel him smiling as he places his lips on mine. I hold him to me, and he holds me to him.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I wonder why the thought of PDA made me so uncomfortable for so long if this is the benefit of it, kissing Seth whenever I please. Which is a lot.

I'm not sure how much time passes before a wolf whistle breaks me out of my trance.

"Family and friends, it is my pleasure to present for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Seth and Katie Clearwater."


After dinner, Leah approaches the lone microphone stand, drink in one hand and a wrinkled piece of paper in the other. Leah's kept her speech a total secret, and I'd forgotten all about it until now.

"So," Leah says after she has everyone's attention. "Seth asked me to give a speech, and for those of you that know Seth, you know how persistent he can be."

That earns a laugh from the crowd, and Seth takes the opportunity to scoot my chair closer to his. I settle comfortably against his shoulder.

"For those of you that don't know Seth, you probably don't know me either. My name is Leah Clearwater, and Seth is my baby brother. When my parents sat me down and told me that I was getting a sibling, I was so excited. But when I found out it was a boy, that went straight out the window. I'd specifically asked for a baby sister.

"Seth turned out to be okay, though. Annoying as hell, yes. But always in a good mood, always ready to jump to the aid of the people he loves, always willing to try anything to make you smile. And then one day in October, Seth came home and he was glowing. I thought his face was going to split open from how hard he was smiling. And he told me he met the girl he was going to marry."

I flick my eyes to Seth. The tips of his ears are going red. I'm sure my cheeks are flushed, too, especially after he leans down to give me a kiss.

"When I met that girl for the first time a few weeks later, Katie, I saw the same glow on her face. It was a look I'd seen plenty of times before. It was transcendent. Supernatural, maybe. And I thought I recognized it, in our friends who had found love, but that didn't feel like it fit either."

Well, that's one way to describe imprinting.

Leah continues, "It took me a few times seeing Katie and Seth together before I was finally able to place it. It was the way that my parents had looked at each other every single day of my life. The way that Dad looked at Mom, like she was the center of the universe, was the way that Seth looked at Katie. And the way that Katie looked right back at Seth, like he was her own sun. Mom looked at Dad that way, too."

Seth rubs his thumb across my shoulder, and despite the heat, it sends a chill through my body.

"Katie thought I didn't like her at first. And if you know me, that's not really surprising. I don't like most people. But Katie, like Seth, is persistent. She didn't give up on trying to get me to like her. Which, I will admit, was incredibly annoying. Also like Seth," she says, and everyone laughs along with her.

"My first real conversation with Katie happened after Thanksgiving. It was about fate versus circumstance. She was working on a paper for school. I'm not sure where Katie landed, what grade she got on that paper. But she said something that stuck with me. 'Do you ever think that if you spent more time around happiness you might find some for yourself?' And there I was, knocked on my ass by a tiny nineteen-year-old girl from Great Falls, Montana of all places."

Leah finds my eyes then, and she gives me a wink. I have to swallow to clear the lump in my throat.

"Katie became a part of our family quickly after that, the missing piece. The more time I spent with her, the more I did like her. Because what's not to like? She's honest, impulsive, and stupidly talented at whatever she tries – except for cooking. Good luck with that, Seth.

"She's even good at convincing you to be more yourself. One time Katie, my mom, and I were cooking together. AKA, Katie made my mom too nervous with a knife and got demoted to stirring. One of my favorite songs came on the radio.

"Katie remembered it was my favorite, even though I'd only mentioned it once. She's good at stuff like that. Again, just like Seth. And she turned it all the way up and forced me to dance around my kitchen. Literally moved my arms for me at one point. She said Seth told her you have feel it. Before long the three of us were all dancing and singing at the top of our lungs. I've never done that before. But I assure you, I will be doing it again."

Leah takes a final breath. "So, I'd like to propose a toast. To Seth and Katie," she says, lifting her glass. "For forcing me to spend more time around pure happiness, so much so that I actually did end up finding some for myself. Because now I have a baby brother and a baby sister. The sister I'd wanted all along."

Thanks to my tears, I can barely track Leah's movements toward us. After she embraces Seth, she pulls me in for a tight hug.

"Love you," she whispers in my ear.

I'm not sure Leah's ever said those words to me before. But before I can say them back, she's off, returning to her seat, and my dad is stepping up to the microphone.

Like Leah, he's nursing a drink. "I'm sure my speech will not be nearly as funny as that," he says, motioning to Leah with the hand that holds what I'm sure is bourbon.

"In case you've had too much to drink since the ceremony," Dad says, shaking his cup, "My name is Greg Prescott, and I'm Katie's father. I have three girls. Safe to say, I need Jesus a little bit more than most people.

"I've continuously prayed over my girls, each of them, since before they were born. I prayed for their safety, their health, their futures. I've also spent time praying for their future spouses. For each of them I prayed that they would find someone kind. Someone hard working, honest, dependable. And then as I got to know my girls, saw the women they were becoming, I added things to each of their lists."

My father commands attention with his booming voice. He's not looking at any paper or notecards. He's just looking around the room, at our family and Seth's. This is the lawyer-Dad I imagine.

"Shelby, our oldest, is exactly what you'd expect for a firstborn. Responsible, dependable, scared to have flaws. I prayed for someone who would teach her to have fun. Someone who could show her how to be herself, wholeheartedly, all the time, even if it's not that perfect. Because the right person would see her perfection anyway."

I turn my head to view Shelby, grinning ear to ear as she slips her arm around Jenna and pulls her in for an embrace.

"My youngest, Bailey," Dad continues, "is carefree and overtly friendly. I prayed for someone who was… responsible. Someone who knew how to fold laundry, for starters," he laughs, winking in Bailey's direction. "And for someone who would protect her heart, above her sisters even, because she wears it on her sleeve, for the whole world to see.

"And Katie…" He pauses for a second, turning his attention to me. "Katie has always been a free spirit. Never wanted to stay in one place for too long. When we would go on family road trips, Shelby would be the one reading or watching the clouds quietly. Bailey would beg for a candy bar at the gas station. But Katie always wanted to know – what next? Where are we going next?

"So for Katie, I prayed that she would find someone who was stable. Steady. Someone who could show her that while 'what next' is good, 'here now' is good, too.

"When I met Seth for the first time, I knew that he was the guy I'd been praying for Katie to meet. And when I spoke to Seth about it, he knew it too. And I thought we'd buttoned things up right then and there. I gave him conditions. In the legal world, people don't usually give conditions unless both parties are serious.

"But Seth…" he trails off, eyes flicking to Seth. "I think the word Miss Clearwater used was persistent. That fits well," he says with a chuckle. "Because not three months later, he's calling me again and making sure that it's actually okay, and do I really give him my permission to marry Katie?"

A chorus of laughter echoes through the tent, and I grin up at Seth. The tips of his ears are red, but he's returning my gaze with affection.

"You might think I'm crazy," Dad says, "but I'm grateful they found each other so young. Life is hard, messy. But when you have someone who keeps you grounded, rooted, it makes it just a little easier to withstand the storm. Seth, Katie. I wish you a lifetime of love and laughter and light and joy. All my love. Dad."


Seth twirls me around in a circle, and a giddy laugh escapes my lips as I settle into his arms, wrapping my arm around his neck. The opening melody of "Just Like Heaven" plays, a slower and softer cover I'd chosen.

"I hope you like it," I say. "I know "Pictures of You" is more of our song, but it's kind of depressing for a wedding."

He laughs, nodding in agreement. His fingers brush the exposed skin of my back before settling lower, around the small of my back. I feel my heart thudding in my chest about where those hands will be later. I hope Edward's already gone.

"I have a surprise for you, too," he says softly. My husband leans down to kiss the flush on my cheek, but his lips linger near my ear. "Jake's in love with Nessie," he whispers.

I laugh. "That's not exactly a surprise," I say softly.

"It was to Jake," he says, mouth still next to my ear. The closeness, the huskiness, makes my heart skip a beat. "He let it slip during patrol this week. I wanted to tell you so bad. You and I haven't seen much of each other lately, have we?"

"It's been a busy week. I missed you," I say, resting my head against his chest.

He makes a noise of agreement, pressing his lips against my hair.

"The bet's not over, though, right? It was for them to get together," I say. I want to look around for Jake and Nessie, but I can't bear to pull away. And after only a few seconds, I all but forget there are other people around.

"No," he says. "Plus, Embry wouldn't have won if it was, so I'm sure he'll draw it out so it works in his favor."

"I still don't think they're there yet. My bet's the farthest out, right?"

Just like in his kitchen months ago, in time with the lyrics, Seth spins me in a circle again, pulling me to his chest to kiss my cheek and kiss the top of my head. "Yes, yours is the farthest out," he confirms, holding our intertwined hands to his heart.

I place a small kiss on his hand, and I feel his lungs release a contented sigh against my cheek. "I loved my letter," I say.

"I love you," he says in return. "Was today everything you wanted?"

I chew my lip briefly. "Better, I think. Plus I get to leave with you," I say softly, eyes fluttering closed.

He makes a noise that, against my cheek, feels like a purr, and his hand slips almost imperceptibly lower on my back. My heart pounds in my chest.

"Do you want to know where we're going?" Seth asks, chuckling at my display of nervousness. Although he can't read my mind, he can read my body, which is almost as bad.

I nod against him.

"Alaska."

"That sounds… cold."

He laughs softly, but the sound still vibrates my chest and warms me from the inside out. "That's the point," he says. "I'm like, kinda hot, remember?"

"Oh," I say, my face flushing deeply as I remember him using those same words the day he'd taken me to James Island.

"It was actually Edward's idea," Seth explains. "It's actually pretty mild in the summer during the day. Nights get chilly, though. And besides the temperature thing, there are all kinds of parks and glaciers where you can take pictures. Good chance to see the Northern Lights, too. You've always wanted to try out that astrophotography thing, right?"

I pull back to look at his face. "Really?"

He nods enthusiastically. "I made sure Leah packed your camera. You've got to start growing your portfolio if you're going to be a professional photographer one day."

I'm pretty sure my heart might explode with joy. To keep myself together, I just snuggle a little closer into Seth's chest.

I dance with my father next – he sings the lyrics softly to me and I spend most of the song trying not to cry. Then Seth dances with his mom, who spends the song also trying not to cry, and I make small talk with Leah on the edge of the dance floor while we watch.

After their song ends, they approach us, and Seth grabs Leah's hand before she can protest. He'd told me if he asked her that she would have refused, so surprise was the best tactic. Sue and I laugh together as she tries to push him away, even as the music starts.

It doesn't take Leah long to settle Seth's his arms – like she said, he's very persistent.

For at least the next hour, I'm whisked from one pair of arms to the next. I'm sure I dance with every wolf. When I wind up in Embry's arms, his eyes are mischievous.

"Tell me about your sister," he says slyly.

My nose wrinkles as I say, "Which one?"

"The tall one," he says, looking over my shoulder.

I turn my head and see Shelby and Jenna talking softly at a table off in the corner. "You're not her type," I say with a laugh.

When I look back to Embry, his eyebrows are drawn together. "How do you know? I could be," he says.

I laugh. "See the girl she's sitting with?" When he nods, I say, "That's her girlfriend, Jenna. She's her type."

Embry groans. "Do you think they could use some company?"

"Go away, Embry," Seth says as he appears next to us. "Get another drink or something."

We track Embry as he leaves, bumping into Nessie, who falls against Jake's chest as they dance. Even I can see her cheeks flush in the dim light, but she doesn't move back. Based on their body language, I feel like I might end up losing the bet after all.

When I toss my bouquet, Leah conveniently sidesteps it, causing it to land in Kim's hands.

I'm already incredibly nervous for the garter toss, even more so when Seth disappears beneath the tulle of my skirt. My heart stops completely when his lips brush my thigh as he approaches my garter. My cheeks glow red, and I hear some wolf whistles that I'm almost positive belong to Quil and Paul. I can't see them, though, because I'm hiding behind my hands.

Seth kisses the skin below the garter before grabbing it with his teeth. Once again, my heart stops. He emerges, victorious, and waits only briefly before tossing it over his shoulder, landing with scary accuracy in Jared's hands.

Leah finds Seth and I a bit later as we're talking with Ashley and Devon. "Ready to go?" Leah asks.

"You're driving us to the airport?" I ask.

She nods, giving me a smug smile. "I might even let you both sit in the backseat."


Playlist (Alternatives are what I would have chosen if timeline consistency wasn't so darn important to me (AKA if I didn't care that the songs hadn't been released yet))

Ceremony - Arioso by Bach (Piano)

First Dance - Just Like Heaven by Katie Melua (Alternative: The Night Beds version)

Father/Daughter Dance - Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel (Alternative: So Will I by Ben Platt)

Mother/Son Dance - 93 Million Miles by Jason Mraz (Alternatives: I Wouldn't Be by Kodaline or Close Your Eyes by Emily Sage)

Leah/Seth's Dance - Wonderwall by Oasis