BPOV

"You should take a nap," I murmured to Charlie. "You are getting very, very sleepy."

She squawked, grabbing a handful of my hair to pull. She was fighting sleep now after she had been a nightmare last night. I had to get ready for Alice's wedding and she wasn't making it easy on me.

"I'm going to tell Edward how you're behaving," I threatened gently.

A laugh erupted from her. I felt like that was a big 'fuck off' meant for me.

"Charlie, please," I groaned.

Last night was weird in general. Angela abruptly left after talking to Esme. I had a feeling Edward had talked some sense into her. She apologized to me for coming off judgmental and claimed that she saw I was in good hands.

I continued rocking Charlotte for God knows how long when a knock came on the door. "Save me," I called.

Carlisle's head popped in. "Esme called from Edward's to check on you."

"I'm not doing well," I grumbled.

"Let me take the baby, so you can get ready for the wedding," he offered.

Carlisle opted out of the wedding so I could go, which made me feel horrible. Alice grew up with the Cullens, knowing them the longest. My brother and Rose were also attending the wedding so they were out. Carlisle volunteered to stay home, reassuring me that he wanted to stay behind with my child.

After I gave him Charlie, I hesitated at the door. "Go, I got this, have more faith in me," he teased.

"It's not you, it's her and her rare form I'm worried about."

"I think I can handle a very spirited Charlie," he teased.

Spirited is one word for her.

I made my way down to my room to grab a shower. Esme offered to send someone over to do my hair but I insisted that wasn't necessary. I was learning that the Cullens were good people with extravagance at their fingertips. They weren't showy about it, only generous with offering it to you.

After my shower, I grabbed my phone to see texts from Edward.

I miss you. - E

Is Charlotte giving you a hard time? - E

Getting nervous that you aren't answering me. - E

My dad said he has a spirited baby. – E

Showered, now I need to get dressed and my hair done. Your dad does have a spirited baby, thank God… - B

Instantly he answered. Need me to stop by? – E

She's fine but I do need to get ready. – B

I needed him here with me, but knew that Tony needed him more. A huge change was coming his way now that Whitlock was officially joining the family.

I pulled out the dress that Rose had bought me. It was an interesting fashion for a wedding. At first, I thought it was kind of over the top, but Rose assured me that her dress was just as fancy.

I looked at the emerald silk dress that clung to me in the mirror. It had no back and a low-cut front. My prom dress wasn't this extravagant, or revealing, sighing I went to start my hair. I decided on a low chignon which was the only style I could do for a formal event. I only added mascara and lip gloss.

With another glance in the mirror, I sighed. I hoped tonight went well for all parties involved. As I grabbed my clutch my door opened. Edward waltzed in all gorgeous in his tux and my kid snuggled into his side.

"She's supposed to be napping, and you're supposed to be at the church," I told him with a slight glare.

"I made a deal with her that she sleeps for my dad after we leave. Also, I had plenty of time to get you," he said. "I'm impatient and wanted to see you in your dress."

"You could have seen me when I arrived. Who's wrangling the ring bearer?"

"Your brother," he shrugged. "You look breathtaking by the way."

"Thanks, but I feel overdressed."

"You should see the bride," he teased.

Charlie took this opportunity to grab Edward's glasses. He dodged her before blowing raspberries on her cheek.

"This kid is a true monster when she doesn't see you within a twenty-four-hour period," I told him, placing a hand on his chest.

He leaned down, giving me a peck on the lips. "A monster?" he asked Charlie, horrified.

She squealed happily trying to pull his face to her.

"Mmhmm," I frowned, she was playing him for a fool.

"Dad will get her to sleep," he assured me.

"I feel bad leaving her with him when she might go for round two of this again tonight."

"Mom will be here by then, she opted out of staying at the hotel. She's bringing Anthony back with her too," he explained.

"Yeah, but I still feel guilty that we will have quiet, while the rest of the house may not," I confessed.

"My parents live for loud kids, they'll have Ant and Charlotte being as chaotic as ever and love every minute of it," he told me with another kiss.

I gave him a skeptical look before allowing him to guide us down to the living room where his father was waiting.

"Have fun, Bella, and don't worry about Charlie, I got this," Carlisle smiled.

I sighed letting Edward wrap his arm around me. "Let me kiss her goodbye," I mumbled.

"I swear that you won't regret tonight," Edward said, while helping me into his SUV.

"Uh-huh," I said, frowning at him.

"Trust me," he said, kissing my temple.

He held my hand over the console as he drove. He looked at ease which made me feel less on edge. I hoped that Edward's parents knew how much I appreciated them.

"So I assume you saw the bride?"

"I did," he said. "She wanted to spend some time with Anthony before everyone started to arrive."

"Are you annoyed that you have to stand up for Jasper?"

"I'm not a fan of his, by any means, but I've known Alice just short of my whole life, so when she asked, I couldn't say no," he said, shooting me a glance.

"I think it's great that she's your best friend."

"She's one of my best friends," he corrected, with another glance my way.

"My point is your dynamic is really admirable," I said, knowing she was his friend for life. I once thought I had people in my life like that but now I'm not so sure.

After he had talked to Angela, Edward said he understood her. He suggested that I look at it from different points of view. At first, I was pissed with him. He was my support person and he wasn't siding with me.

When I snipped at him, he disappeared for the day. At one point I thought he was avoiding me, but this was Edward, and he was simply giving me space to get over my mood. He did pop in yesterday evening for dinner and to check on me. That was just before Angela told me she was leaving.

"You're being quiet," he said, squeezing my hand.

"I'm being reflective, perhaps."

"About marriage?" he asked, giving me a nervous glance.

"No," I snorted. "About friendships."

"Ours?"

"No, my past life ones."

He nodded but didn't react. It was something that he tried to talk to me about. He encouraged me to talk about the past and my regrets, however, he also pointed out that focusing on the what-ifs wasn't good for me in the long run.

"Are you thinking about reaching out to Mike?" he asked.

"I don't know, I would rather him hear everything from me and not Angela," I mused.

"Hmm," he said in understanding.

I knew what he was doing. He wasn't making any sudden movements and didn't want me riled up before the wedding. I pulled my hand out of his slipping further into my funk. I felt Edward's eyes on me, but I remained looking out the window.

The church we drove past fifteen minutes later was massive, Edward pulled into the lot and then helped me out. I noticed Alice and her bridal party getting pictures along the vined walkway near the exit.

Her dress was on par with a modern-day princess who tapped a French designer. Stark white lace with a boat neck and long lacy sleeves. "Wow," I breathed.

"Told ya you aren't overdressed," Edward said in my ear.

Now that I thought about it Alice did grow up in the same gated community as Edward. Edward did also say Jasper came from an old oil family in Texas. This was definitely something you wouldn't see in Forks and suddenly I felt overwhelmed.

As we walked up the church steps Alice started calling us over. "Is she sure?"

"She's Alice, and we have to listen to the bride," Edward said, rolling his eyes.

"Bella, you look amazing," she gushed, taking my hands in hers.

"Thanks, you look like a literal princess," I offered.

Her genuine smile in response told me she appreciated the compliment. "Edward, I'm going to need you to sit Bella next to your mom and get Tony for me, please," she asked.

"Sure thing," he responded.

"See you after the nuptials," Alice giggled, giving my hand one more squeeze before letting go.

"I didn't expect her to be so…"

"Hands-on?"

"Yeah, Rose was just short of being a bridezilla for her wedding," I explained. "I just thought that was the general bride vibe," I explained.

He nodded leading us into a very packed church. "Good lord," I said under my breath.

As we started to move closer to the front I stopped. "Why are we going all the way up there," I whispered.

"Mom is up there," he said slowly.

"I can sit with Em and Rose," I insisted, looking around trying to find my brother.

"Bell, I'm not sure where they're at," he said, mirroring my actions.

If I could I would have yelled for Emmett but that would have caused a scene. I let Edward guide me into the second row of the bride's side. An uppity woman sat in the front row in front of Esme, the woman had pin-straight raven locks cascading down her back. She looked like Alice in twenty years and with Botox.

"Don't be mad at Edward, I wanted you close," Esme said as I scooted closer to her.

She matched me in an emerald velvet pantsuit. She looked more appropriate than the mother of the bride.

"Carlisle texted me a few minutes ago that Charlie was out," she informed quietly.

I let out a sigh of relief. That kid.

"That's at least one thing I don't have to worry about now," I whispered.

The processional started not long after that. I took in Jasper's parents who were on the other side. His mother looked like she belonged on Dynasty and his dad wore a black Stenson matching his suit.

Jasper looked at ease in his tux. His blonde curls pulled back in a low ponytail. A shorter man with short sandy blonde hair stood beside him as his best man. Edward was in the middle as a groomsman, his hands casually in his pockets.

The flower girl skipped slowly up the aisle, dramatically placing each petal on the floor as she went. Anthony rolled his eyes from where he waited. A lady by the door motioned for Tony to go and he wasted no time making his way down to Jasper and company. He handed the best man the rings before turning our way.

Then Tony politely sat on my lap as the rest of the wedding party made their way down the aisle. I looked at Edward and he laughed at us. We stood once Alice and her father appeared. Her father was shockingly older, having to be at least eightyish. I wrapped my arms around Tony, swaying him a bit. Alice winked at us as she passed, her eyes landing on Jasper.

It was a beautiful ceremony if not a little drawn out. Tony started bouncing and moving around about halfway through. I couldn't blame him. I was feeling just as antsy as him. When they did the vows, Alice's tears hadn't surprised me but Jasper's did. Once they were declared husband and wife, Anthony whispered "finally" to me and Esme, making us laugh.

"I think you have to go get pictures," I told him, as the wedding party exited in order down the aisle.

"Ughhhh," he whined.

"You look so handsome it needs to be documented," I teased, pinching his cheek.

He laughed playfully pushing me away. "Is that any way a gentleman treats a lady?" Esme asked, quirking a brow at him.

"She isn't a lady, she's Bella," he snorted.

I started to give him a noogie when I heard Emmett from the outside of our pew. "Hey kid, is she giving you a rough time?" he asked, causing Anthony to go into more hysterics.

"I'm going to get him out to his mother," Esme said with a smile. "You can catch up with your brother."

I wanted to groan but checked myself.

"Well if it isn't my dear older brother," I said.

Emmett regarded me quietly being more reserved with Anthony gone. "So Dad said Angela left."

"She did," I confirmed.

He looked like he had something to say but Rose squeezed his bicep. "I knew that dress would look great on you," she said, cutting him off.

Rose looked elegant in a silk red strapless dress. She looked every bit the doctor's wife. "Thanks," I smiled tightly. "You too."

"You gonna go join your boyfriend?" Emmett asked.

"He's getting pictures with the rest of the wedding party," I glared.

Rose stepped in looping her arm through mine leading us away from Emmett. "I think he's trying to pull the big brother card," she explained.

"A little late for that," I told her.

"He knows Edward is good to you, and your dad gave him a glowing review too."

"You have lived next to him for years, shouldn't you have already known how great he is?" I argued.

"You need to understand, Emmett doesn't trust his own judgment anymore," she murmured. "He truly likes Edward, but he also was best friends with Jacob too."

I let her confession sink in and realized maybe Edward was right. I needed to see all points of view.

"Myself? I think Edward is an interesting choice but not a surprising one," she nudged me with a grin.

"He is really something," I laughed. "Rose, I'll be honest I've never really been mushy over a guy but he makes me a sap."

"I get it, it's the way he is with Charlie. She is lucky to have him in her corner. You both are." We were out of the church and standing just outside of the reach of the wedding party.

Alice had her arms around Tony as the photographer snapped away. Alice turned to motion Edward over. He leaned down so she could whisper something to him. He gave her a look before his eyes found me.

He waved me over. "Looks like you're being summoned," Rose said, shooing me in their direction.

When I made it over to them Edward wrapped his arm around my shoulders pulling me into him. "The bride demands the wedding party get photographed with their dates."

"Oh," I breathed.

"I can tell her I'm done with photos," he murmured in my ear.

"No, I'm fine with pictures if Alice insists," I told him.

I was surprised by how casual he was when the photographer moved around us. I only ever posed for Homecoming and Prom photos. These felt more natural than those. Anthony jumped in wrapping his arms around me and I naturally wrapped mine around him with his father grinning down at us.

Yes, this felt totally natural.

A/N: This one was a struggle… The next chapter will be part two of the wedding. Thanks for reading! CoppertopJ thanks for the edits on this one!