This is the last chapter before the Epilogue!

Thank you guys so much for the overwhelming amount of support for this story! Every favorite, follow, and comment has meant the world to me! Since this is the last chapter I just want to say a few thanks…

First, of course, thanks to my two wonderful betas Sherry and Paige who completely kick my ass and correct all my mistakes! You both are so wonderful and I appreciate you more than you guys know!

Thanks to the ROBATTACK blog for featuring my story when I was only two chapters in! That was so cool to see and I couldn't believe it then and still can't believe it now! So, if you're still reading my story, thank you very much!

Also, thanks to The Lemonade Stand for featuring my fic as well! I've been reading that blog for a while, so I was so excited to see one of my stories actually on it!

Thanks to the D JS White and The FicWhisperer Recommends for shouting out this story! That was awesome!

Thanks to MyWindowIsOpen, CullensConquest, and MidNightSun45 for making such beautiful banners for this story!

Thanks to SarcasticBimbo for helping me out with a few chapters, I really appreciate it!

Thanks to Fran for always supporting me and my writing!

Thanks to DataByteDL-FangirlinGranma and Ajfflady for always making me smile.

"I was a quick wet boy

Diving too deep for coins

All of your straight blind eyes

Wide on my plastic toys.

Then when the cops closed the fair

I cut my long baby hair

Stole me a dog-eared map

And called for you everyone.

Have I found you?

Flightless bird, jealous, weeping

Or lost you?

American mouth

Big bill looming."

-Iron & Wine-

*One Year Later*

Physical therapy had been a grueling process, and if I'd been the same man I was two years ago, I would've given up. I used to constantly ask myself what was the point in trying in life at all. I had this understanding that we were all going to be dead soon enough anyway, and never understood the point of focusing my energies on something that didn't make me feel good in that moment. Looking back on that time in my life, I barely recognize the man I once was. Sure, I can remember my thoughts, vividly, as if I were watching them on film right now. However, I don't remember the man who once had those thoughts. I don't remember how it felt when my mind worked that way.

Sometimes late at night, I'll reminisce about the man I was when I came back to Washington. I let my mind play over the past events like television reruns, seeing the same memories in my mind time and time again. My memories since high school are vague and cloudy. Drugs and alcohol had blurred those past events in my mind. Bright neon lights pulsing in dank, dreary rooms, the smell of sweaty bodies and smoke, and the shaking discomfort I experienced before finding another high is what sticks in my mind. Those days my mind felt like it was running a marathon and my body felt lethargic as I went from one bed to the next. I thought I was happy. Now, I realize I'd never understood what happiness truly felt like.

I take one last look on my old life before taking another step toward my future. Today, I'm getting married to the woman who saved me from myself. She's the mother to my son and everything I could ever want in a wife and partner. Even now, as I stand in front of the full-length mirror in the bathroom of our new house adjusting my bowtie, I wonder how the fuck I managed to get this beautiful woman to marry me. It doesn't make sense because she could have anyone she wanted, and yet, she chose me. I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face all morning.

"Do you need help, son?"

I smirk at my dad as I watch him approach in the mirror's reflection. I've been fumbling with the tie for the past ten minutes, and I've been way too nervous to get it right. I drop my hands and allow him to do the job for me. Dad smiles as he fixes my tie, and I smile back, enjoying the comfortable moment I have with him. This past year has been difficult for my dad; his life has changed completely, just like mine has. He was quiet for a long time after finding out about the truth behind Seth and Kate's death. Realizing the boy who grew up next to Seth and I, turned out to be the man who caused his son's demise was a lot for him to take in. I know dad still hurts because of it. He hasn't seen Paul since they both helped with my move. He couldn't even bring himself to go to his sentencing. I was there and I was rightly devastated. I felt for Paul, despite what he'd done to hurt the people I love. The fact that you can get behind the wheel of a car with no idea of the future consequences, is fucking chilling. Paul hadn't the faintest clue of what that one mistake would cause. He had no idea the man he loved was going to be torn violently away from him by his own doing.

I visited him in prison by myself last month. As devastated as I was, I realized that I missed him. Just knowing that he was all alone in there to dwell on what he'd done was enough to get me to go say a few words to him. I invited my dad, foregoing telling Elizabeth because I knew her reaction would be unpredictable at best. Despite my efforts to talk dad into joining me, he declined, stating he just wasn't ready to talk to him. I was surprised by this, because my dad has always been so forgiving and strong. That's one of the reasons I looked up to him as I was growing up; when I was younger I'd thought him to be the strongest man in the whole fucking world. However, maybe this doesn't have shit to do with strength. Sometimes it's hard to read my father, but during simple moments like this, I feel really connected to him.

As soon as dad's finished tying my tie, he pulls back and smiles at me as he looks at my reflection in the mirror. Then, out of nowhere, he starts to chuckle.

"What is it?" I ask, suddenly feeling insecure about my appearance.

Dad quickly shakes his head, but I give him a look that causes him to smirk and fess up. "It's just incredible how much you've changed, son. I still can't wrap my head around it."

I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "Thanks," I say somewhat shyly, still not used to receiving praise. "It's pretty fucking crazy, isn't it?"

Dad rolls his eyes at my f-bomb and nods his head. "Bella's a lucky girl."

"No, I'm the lucky one."

Before dad can respond, there is an urgent tapping on my bathroom door. I smile, and cross the room to open the door for my impatient, excited little toddler. He scampers in, running straight between my legs, and stops right in front of the mirror to get a look at himself in his new tux. I used to think tuxes looked fucking creepy on kids—giving them some serious The Omen vibes—but my two year old just looks adorable.

"Are you ready to see mommy and daddy get married?" I ask, as I kneel down beside him.

"Yeah, Daddy!" He squeals, clapping his little hands together in excitement.

Since Paul won't be with us today, I've asked my dad and Charlie to be my best men, giving Charlie the important task of handing us our wedding bands. He's been excited about it all day, constantly patting his little pocket to make sure they're still there. He wanted to hold onto them all day, so I made sure dad kept a watchful eye on him because losing our wedding bands on our wedding day would be the last thing I need.

"I good man!" Charlie tells me, pulling the rings out of his pocket to show me he still has them.

"You're the best, best man," I tell him with a smile.

"Love you, daddy." Charlie throws his small arms around my shoulder and hugs my neck.

"I love you too, Charlie. So much."

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Alice and my mom have both really outdone themselves. This wedding is beyond anything I could've ever imagined. The small affair that we had planned in our backyard, has turned into an event fit for my princess. I notice the lights, the flowers, and the décor that could be taken directly off the pages of one of those wedding magazines my girl has been looking at, but what I notice the most are the people present. All of our friends and family have come to celebrate with us, and I couldn't be fucking happier.

My mom watches me as I walk up the aisle with Charlie holding my hand because he'd insisted on walking with his daddy. I suppose it's a good idea, since Bella is getting both of us out of this deal. With one thumb in his mouth, and the other clasped tightly in my hand, Charlie scurries beside me, gazing out at our little audience with wide, curious eyes.

As soon as I reach the end of the aisle and find my place, I look eagerly ahead, waiting to see Bella in her wedding dress for the first time. The small band my mom hired begins to play and the melody of the song and realization that Bella will be walking down the aisle any minute, has my heart beating rapidly in my chest. Charlie is eager as well, bouncing back and forth as he swings on my arm, waiting for his mommy to come.

The melody transforms into an intoxicating ballad and our bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs, smiling at Charlie and I the entire way. I look straight through them, wanting to see my beautiful bride. When Bella appears at the end of our makeshift aisle on her father's arm, it takes my fucking breath away. The entire world stops, and all I see is her. I don't memorize the details of her gorgeous dress, nor do I look at the way her hair has been styled, and I can't seem to truly appreciate the beauty of her long white veil. Instead, all I see is her glowing smile and the luscious look in her brown eyes. I've never felt more whole until this very moment.

"Mommy!" Charlie gasps at my side, his little eyes filled with wonder as he looks at Bella. "Princess!" He exclaims, pointing toward his mom.

All of our guests softly chuckle at him, and Bella's eyes fill with tears and her smile grows more stunning. The muscles in my face grow tense and my eyes grow misty as she takes the final steps to reach me at the altar. I didn't think I'd fucking cry on my wedding day, but Bella is just so goddamn beautiful. She's a fucking angel and I can't believe she's mine. I wipe away a few of my tears before her father hands her off to me. I shake his hand and smile in a way that says, 'Thank you for giving me your daughter, I'll love her every day for the rest of my life'. I'd say it aloud, but I'm feeling too fucking sappy and I know if I opened my mouth to speak, I would just fucking cry at the sight of her. She completely overwhelms me, and I guess I should be used to it by now. However, I doubt I'll ever be used to her, I'll yearn for her every day as if we were meeting for the very first time.

The minister starts the ceremony, but I can barely register a word he's saying, because all I can focus on is Bella. She seems to feel the same way, because her eyes never leave mine. It's like we're all alone, as if we're in this bubble that no one other than our son can touch.

I'm tearing up like a fucking baby by the time we exchange our vows. With a shaky hand, I grab the folded-up piece of paper from the breast pocket of my tux. I spent hours writing my vows. I considered just finding something nice off the internet, but I decided that I wanted these vows to be personal. I wanted them to illustrate to Bella just how much I love and cherish her. She's so fucking special, and even after hours of trying to find the right words, I know they still don't do my love justice. I don't know the words to describe my love for her, I just fucking feel it in my heart.

"Bella, I fear there aren't words to describe how deeply I feel for you. From the moment I saw you pass me by in the local grocery store, I knew you were way too good for me. I don't think you noticed me, but I noticed you and I was completely in awe. Even today, almost two years later, I'm still in awe of you. You're beautiful, loving, and give everything you can, while expecting nothing in return. You have helped me triumph over every challenge life has presented me with. In the darkest of times, you were my light, and without you I wouldn't be the man I am today. I pledge to be your best friend, lover, and equal, every day for the rest of our lives."

Tears are trailing down my cheeks by the time I'm finished. I honestly didn't think I was going to fucking cry at my wedding, but here I am… sappy as fuck. Bella's crying too, with a bright, tender smile on her face. Alice hands her a tissue to wipe away her tears, before handing Bella a piece of paper containing her vows. She rewards me with a gorgeous smile before it's her time to speak. Charlie reaches out his free hand, as his other hand tightly grips mine, and grabs ahold of the skirt of his mom's dress. Bella giggles at this, and reaches down to give him her hand.

"Edward, I can't begin to thank you for this life you have given me. You always say that you don't deserve me, but so often I think that it is I who doesn't deserve you. You are the most caring, loving, and humble man I have met in my entire life. You've been my anchor, my guiding light, my everything. You love with a tenacity that I've never seen in anyone else. You're so courageous, intelligent, and stronger than you could ever imagine. You say you have faults, but I love you for everything that you are. I promise to be your rock, your best friend, and your lover for the rest of our lives."

Before I can stop myself or realize what I'm doing, I bring my lips down to meet hers. Kissing her as if we were the only two people in the room. Although, of course, we are not, and it doesn't take long for the room to fill with sighs from the women and chuckles from some of the men. I break away, even though I'm still not sated. I consider casting our guests an apologetic smile, but after that wonderful kiss I feel anything but sorry.

The minister announces that it is time to exchange rings, causing Charlie to perk up at my side. I've never seen my toddler more fucking excited to do anything before. With a giant, toothy grin on his face, Charlie carefully pulls each ring out of his jacket pocket under our watchful eyes.

"Good job, buddy," I whisper to him, giving him a satisfied smile.

"Dank daddy," he loudly says, interrupting the minister as soon as he began to move ahead with the ceremony. "Did it, daddy! I do right?"

All of our guests chuckle at this and I can't seem to stop smiling at my son. With a proud smile, Charlie hands me the rings and I hold onto Bella's and give her mine. Charlie wraps his arms around my leg and watches Bella and I with curious eyes. I know he doesn't completely understand what's happening between us, but he's excited to be a part of it nonetheless.

I slide the wedding band on Bella's finger and repeat after the minister. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. This circle of this ring represents my never-ending love for you. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am."

Bella gives me a teary-eyed smile before staring at the ring on her finger. I stare at it as well, completely captivated by the fact that she's now mine. My beautiful wife. Bella gently takes hold of my left hand, while holding my wedding band in the other.

With a loving smile, she repeats the vow. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. The circle of this ring represents my never-ending love for you. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am." She slides the ring in place and whispers, "I love you."

"I love you too, beautiful."

"Edward and Bella, you have heard the words about love and marriage, have exchanged your vows and made your promises, and celebrate your union with the giving and receiving of rings. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!"

I barely let him finish before my lips cover hers. I intend to keep it short and sweet, since all of our friends and family are watching, but that idea flies out the window as soon as her soft lips meet mine. This kiss is different from the rest. This kiss is the first I share with her as husband and wife. Bella's my wife. That thought overwhelms my senses and I have to break away from her, knowing that if I don't, I'll have her on the floor in her birthday suit before I could stop myself. I take a step back so I can look at her lovely face, which is flushed with excitement and glowing with happiness. I'm sure I look exactly the same. We must look like a pair of lovesick fools.

I feel my son tugging on my pant leg, and look down to see Charlie holding his arms up, indicating he wants me to carry him.

"My turn, daddy!"

He's so fucking jumpy. Everything I've heard about two year olds was seriously no joke. I pick my eager son up and kiss him on the forehead before holding him toward my wife so she can kiss him as well.

"Kisses mommy!" Charlie giggles before Bella smiles and kisses his cheek.

My heart feels so full at this moment. I have everything I never knew I wanted. The rest of the night feels like a dream. With Bella and Charlie in my life, heaven is truly on Earth. Throughout the reception, I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience. It's like I'm watching the luckiest guy on Earth as he experiences the first few hours of married life, and I can't fathom that man is truly me. The smiling, carefree, whole man I've become is so different than the man I once was. This is a life I would've never imagined for myself, and I love living it.

In the backyard of our home, dancing under the stars with my new wife, I enjoy the first moments of our forever together.

A/N: So, I'm a little teary-eyed. How about you guys? It feels like this has all gone by way too fast! I have an epilogue for you guys as well as a special surprise for you on my facebook group (The Highlander Princess's Clan). That surprise will be posted right after I post the epilogue!

Also, I'll be posting all of my outtakes at the end of this story. So, if you couldn't get to my blog for whatever reason, you'll still get the chance to read them!

Song- (Like I need to tell you) "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine.