Chapter Forty Eight

Esme

I couldn't get Bella to come inside. She insisted on sitting out on the porch, her gaze fixed on the track that led to the highway. I knew she was desperate to catch sight of Jasper and I couldn't blame her. It must have been terrible not knowing where he was or what had happened to him. Thank goodness everything had worked out in the end. Why couldn't life ever be simple for us? Everything was invariably a drama.

Maybe it was just one of the drawbacks of being a vampire. Or perhaps it was what happened when your past was so murky. This could just be the result of being a Whitlock! No, that was unfair. None of this was Peter's fault.

Talking of Peter, I volunteered to call the celebrant and explain that the wedding had been delayed because I knew that in his present mood Peter was likely to say the first thing that came to mind and they might need his services at a later date.

I knew without a doubt that had Peter not heard from Jasper, Gabriel was unlikely to still be alive. He was having enough of a problem keeping his hands off Alice's husband as it was.

I couldn't help feeling sorry for Alice who had been ignorant of what Gabriel was doing. It was evident that she loved him deeply, but could she ever trust him again? It would be hard, especially as the family had now turned against him. Why did life have to be so complicated? I sighed, wishing I could wave a magic wand and have everyone happy and settled but that was impossible. All I could do now was act as a bridge between Alice and the others.

Bella concerned me the most. I had an inkling that she could be as dangerous as any vampire here. I was sure Alice's headache was down to her. We had underestimated her when she was involved with Edward. It had been easy to dismiss her ability to block Edward from reading her thoughts as an aberration. I suspected it was just the tip of the iceberg. I wondered if Carlisle had considered this yet. If not I wasn't sure it was wise to speak about it. The walls have ears and vampires have a very long audio range. It would be a tragedy if my suspicions were somehow to find their way to Italy. I'd heard enough about Aro to be cautious about what I might think.

"Do you think he's OK, Esme? Shouldn't he be back by now?"

Bella's words interrupted my thoughts and I went to stand beside her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. She felt so fragile and I was suddenly filled with the urge to protect her, to take away her fears. Instead, all I could do was stand beside her and try to reassure her that Jasper would be back soon.

"I'm sure he'll be here soon. We don't know how far he had to come. Try not to worry, Bella. You must be the only person who would think he might be in trouble. Jasper can take care of himself."

She turned to me and I saw a flash of anger in her eyes but it died immediately and a wan smile appeared.

"I know you're right but I can't help worrying. After all, he shouldn't have to look after himself anymore. He has family, he has me. Just because he was forced to fight and kill by Maria doesn't mean he can't be hurt."

I opened my mouth to answer her then just smiled as a voice spoke out from behind us, "You looking for someone, darlin'"

We both turned and there he was, looking a little travel-stained but Bella didn't care. With a squeal of joy, she threw herself into his arms and he held her tight to him.

Seeing they needed some privacy I walked back into the house smiling to myself.

Jasper

I guess I should have come up the track so Bella could see me but I couldn't resist surprising her. To have her in my arms again filled me with a warmth and joy I had never felt before.

She clung tight as I covered her face and hair in kisses breathing in the scent of her and only too aware of my own dishevelled state. I was covered in dust and my clothes were rumpled and covered in seeds and parts of bushes where I had hunted quickly before running back. Bella didn't care, her warmth and love enveloped me and I realized for the hundredth time just how lucky I was to have her love.

"Sorry, I'm late. I had a problem but better late than never."

I stepped back holding her hands in mine and saw that she was crying. Tears for me? Would wonders never cease?

"Hey, you didn't think I'd miss the wedding, did you? It took too long to find you."

"I thought…I thought I'd lost you."

"No way. It'll take more than a crazy Mexican to get rid of me. So, are we ready? I'll just have a shower and change and…"

She interrupted me. "I canceled it. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing everyone waiting while I stood alone."

"Did you change your mind? I wouldn't blame you. I'm not exactly a good bet."

"No. I just decided I didn't care about getting married as long as you're here with me."

I smiled, "Oh no. You don't get out of it that easily. You may not care but I do. I want you, body and soul and I am getting that ring on your finger, celebrant or not."

Bella smiled but I could see she was still worried about me. The stress was evident in her voice and her actions.

"You have me already. A piece of paper won't change that."

"Who said anything about a piece of paper? I just want to hear you swear your life to mine."

The joy in her smile as she heard that filled me with warmth once more.

"So, let me get tidied up and…"

She shook her head refusing to let go of my hands.

"No way. You are not leaving my sight until it's done. Peter?"

Her shout had Peter with us in seconds.

"So, you finally decided to show your ugly mug. About fucking time. It's been like a fucking funeral parlour here. What do you need Bella? I can kick his sorry ass around the ranch if you like?"

"I want you to marry us."

He shook his head, "Sorry, babe. I'm already married."

"Peter" her voice held a warning although it was a sham.

"OK, OK. You're getting as demanding as my fucking wife. So, what do I have to do?"

Bella turned to me, "Just witness us pledge our love to each other."

Peter grinned, "I can do that. Shall I get the others? It's not a wedding without guests and there's a motley crew hanging around I could rope in."

Bella nodded then turned back to me, "I hope you can find something to say."

I smiled down at her, "Are you sure you don't want to do this properly? I can get cleaned up and you could put on that gown Charlotte made for you."

"That doesn't matter. She'll understand."

I thought she was probably right, Charlotte would understand. I just wasn't so sure the others would but it was our day so our rules applied.

The others joined us, except for Alice and I wasn't sure I wanted to see Her right now but I did wonder where Gabriel was and who was guarding his sorry ass.

As if he could read my mind Emmett nodded, "Don't worry about Gabriel. He's well guarded. I swear that dog knows he's a weasel. He's standing there growling at Gabriel as if he'd like nothing better than to chew off his gonads. Besides, that little shit knows if he tries to run he's dead. Peter read him his rights, frightened him to death."

"Yeah, Peter can be very coherent when it comes to warnings."

Peter grinned but didn't answer. He was enjoying his position as a celebrant. I just hoped he would remember it was a wedding and not do something to spoil it for Bella. Still, I guess she knew what she was doing. She knew Peter well enough and if she was happy to juggle with dynamite then so was I.

"Right folks. You all know why we are here today. I honestly never thought I would see my best friend happy. He's been through a lot in his life, most of it alone. The Major gave me the love of my life, my beautiful Charlotte and I'm touched to be here to see him with the love of his. It's a privilege for all of us. Bella saw the man behind the mask. It's something few of us ever do. So, we're going to hear their vows to each other. I think that's all any couple needs to make them soul mates. Major? Are you ready?"

I nodded wondering if the words I wanted to say would come. I wasn't much of a talker at the best of times but here goes. I took Bella's hands once more and looked into her beautiful face.

Bella, firstly I want to thank you for being here at my side. I'm not good with words so please excuse me. I think what I want to say is that I love you with every fiber of my being. I love you for what you are and whatever you become, just stay at my side and I will protect you from harm and never hurt you in any way. I promise to share my heart with you and always show you how deeply I care for you. I will love you loyally and fiercely and God help anyone who tries to harm you or get between us."

Peter nodded his approval but I only had eyes for Bella as she smiled, her cheeks flushed pink.

"Wow! How can I follow that? Jasper, you complete me in ways I never knew possible. Showed me a depth of love I thought only existed in fiction. I wish I could promise you the world but it isn't mine to give. What I can promise you is my love, support and passion. I know our life together will be full of excitement and adventure and together nothing can beat us. I pledge all of me to you. I love you and I'll never let you go."

A hand appeared holding a gold band and I slipped it on Bella's finger then we kissed. I didn't know much about weddings but this was perfect for us, I could feel that.

"OK OK. Let the bride take a breath, Casanova. I now pronounce you man and wife. Congratulations, Major, Bella."

The family crowded around us with hugs for me and kisses for Bella. I'd never seen her look more radiant even though she was dressed in jeans and a sweater. My wife, my soul mate, my future.

Of course, everyone was eager to hear what had happened to me and I filled them in watching as Peter's expression darkened.

"Nathan? That fucking weasel. When are we going to pay him a visit?"

"We're not. Nathan's been taken care of. A wedding gift from Maria."

Peter frowned, but it was Bella's reaction I was more interested in.

"Maria?"

I smiled and pulled her closer, "There's no need to worry, darlin'. I think she was probably fed up with him anyway."

"He was a fucking moron. Not a patch on you. I never understood why she promoted him. Fucking court jester is all he was good for."

Bella burst out laughing at Peter's words. "I was beginning to think you were an alien parading as Peter Whitlock. Thank you, Peter. That ceremony was…"

She broke off and we saw tears in her eyes,

Peter shrugged, "Hell, I can behave when I want to. It's just that I rarely want to. Congratulations, Bella. Just you make sure you look after him."

"I will."

Bella surprised him by throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him. It was the first time I'd ever seen him lost for words.

Aware that I looked like a tramp I was about to clean up when I remembered Gabriel and with Bella's blessing Peter, Emmett and I went to talk to him. I had wanted to rip his head off for deceiving us but he was merely a pawn. I could still remember how intimidating Maria and Carlos could be and Gabriel was no warrior.

"So, how do you want to play this, Major? You want me to build a pyre?"

"No, Peter. This is my wedding day. I'm not going to spoil it by killing anyone. Besides, he's just a kid."

Peter laughed, "A kid? Are you getting soft, Major? He's almost the same age as we were when we were caught by Maria."

"Maybe, but he didn't have our background. He's not a killer, he's barely a vampire."

Peter shrugged, "Well, OK. It's your show."

Hugo was standing with his hackles up growling menacingly at the young man who stood up nervously when he saw me.

"Your little plan didn't work as you can see."

Gabriel's eyes flickered from me to Peter and Emmett then back to me once more.

"I had no choice. They threatened me, they threatened Alice."

"And you never thought to talk to me? How much did they tell you about me, Gabriel?"

He shrugged, "The usual stories. Everyone's heard about the Major. If vampires had kids you would be the boogie man in their stories. I never really believed them. I thought Maria had exaggerated your prowess to frighten newborns."

"And now? What do you think now? Do you wish that you'd thought of speaking to me instead of following their orders?"

"I don't know. I guess so. I didn't know that you could protect us. How could I? I wasn't prepared to put Alice in danger to prove it."

I stared at him and saw him shrink further under my gaze.

"Peter here thinks I should kill you and he's probably right. If not for Bella, trust me, you would be screaming for mercy right now. As it is, I'm inclined to let you live."

I could feel the relief flood through him.

"Which is not to say that I don't think you deserve a lesson in what happens to people who try to double-cross me."

"I don't need one, really I don't. I promise you we'll leave. You'll never see either of us again."

"Really? You think Alice will just walk away from her family for you?"

He frowned, "Of course, she's my wife. She loves me. We're meant for each other."

"Maybe. That's the other reason you're still breathing. It wouldn't be fair to torture her by killing you."

Again he relaxed a little and I pulled him up by his arm, Hugo snarling now and worrying his pants leg as if ready at a word to bite him.

"Emmett take him out. Bella will want to see him."

Emmett, understanding that I wanted him out of the way, took Hugo by the collar and half dragged him away from Gabriel.

Peter and I waited until he had gone then I pushed Gabriel back down.

"Mind you remember this lesson, boy. There won't be a second."

Peter grabbed Gabriel and threw him across the barn to crash into the far wall and before he hit the ground I was on him. He was terrified and I amplified that until he was shaking with fear and groveling on the ground. It didn't save him from a beating and each time he hit the floor his fear increased and the pain I sent had him scrabbling into the corners begging us to stop.

When we did he remained crouched on the floor with his arms wrapped around his body whimpering and groaning.

I walked over and pulled him to his feet, "If there's a next time we'll dismember you and burn the limbs in front of you. Then I'll send you mad with fear. See if Alice wants to spend eternity with a limbless lunatic. This is the only warning you'll ever get. Remember it well. Now, go. I'll send Alice to find you."

He scurried out still whimpering and I turned to Peter, "I think he got the message. Let's go join the others. I need a shower and then I'm going to take my bride home."

Peter nodded his approval and we walked back to the house together in companionable silence.