Chapter 4

Running, running, hunting, hunting.

I tried to keep repeating these things in my mind, to be sure to to keep my mind off of going home.

I wanted so sorely to see Bella, but I knew as well as anyone in our family, messing with Alice... not a good combination.

Looking down, 3:30pm.

Gliding through the trees, interchanging trees with my brothers.

I stopped, sitting down in the branches.

We were close enough to the house that it wouldn't take more than ten minutes to arrive.

My brothers noticed my immediate stop, turning around to meet me.

"Something wrong Eddie?"

Shaking my head, I couldn't help the smile I had.

"That's terrifying..."

Rolling my eyes, I looked at Emmett.

"Nothing is wrong at all. I'm just truly feeling that excitement I've been waiting to feel all night. I'm getting married." I mused, looking into the distance.

Jasper's mind was fueled with happiness, feeling my mood entirely.

"Our new sister is one lucky girl."

"It is I who could be feeling lucky."

Jasper tilted his head. "Why?"

Looking down at my hands, rubbing them together.

"Without her, without meeting her, without her giving herself to me completely, I'd still be alone. I owe her a lot."

A hand came down on my shoulder, definitely Emmett's hand.

"I'd say you both owe one another. You kept her safe, even when things seemed dire."

"She also saved my life."

Huh?

Chuckling, I leaned back into the trunk of the tree.

"You remember when we had to fight off Victoria's army?"

Emmett's smile gleamed.

"Yeah! We finally got to kick some ass!"

Of course that's where Emmett's mind would go first. Though I could understand, Emmett always did like action, in whatever form he could get it.

"How does that relate to her saving your life?"

"Well... Victoria had made it to us. Her and Riley had come together to ambush me. She was smart, knew that Bella would have been with me."

Both of them nodded.

"It had gotten to a point where Victoria and Riley had gotten the upper hand on me. They were so close to killing me."

Emmett hissed at the thought.

"But Bella... she... she distracted them."

Emmett just pictured her yelling, waving her arms about like a sky dancer.

I almost chuckled at the thought.

"Not quite Emmett." I said, trying not to laugh. "She... found a sharp rock... and sliced a deep gash into her arm... her fresh blood distracted them enough for Seth to get ahold of Riley and for me to kill Victoria."

I looked up at them, their expressions not exactly shocked, but surprised.

"So that's why I smelled fresh blood on her."

I nodded.

"Even though I have saved her life, she has also saved me."

Glancing down at my watch again, 3:45pm.

"I'm ready. To leave this single life behind."

Jasper grinned, standing up as we prepared to head home.

"You deserve it. Let's get going Edward. You've got to get ready too."

Nodding, we continued, hopping quickly from tree to tree, the house for us quickly coming into view.

Stopping once more, I over looked the wedding setup.

The backyard was decorated beautifully with the benches made beautifully from repurposed logs and vines, the backs of the benches make with a whimsical twist as sticks were bent in an elegant style.

At the ends near the aisle, there were white lilies wrapped with ivory ribbons.

Above the ceremony, there hung multitudes of wisteria flowers, some of the petals gracefully falling to the ground.

At the altar was an arch, also adorned with wisteria.

The scents coming from the house, even a mile out were intense, but very beautiful.

Orange Blossoms, Roses, Freesia, Baby's Breath, Lilies, and of course Wisteria.

The scents overloaded my mind.

I smiled as I made haste to my room, where I could hear Rosalie talking to Alice.

"They're back."

I could hear Bella's heart beating faster, excited to see me.

"Keep him out of here!"

I rolled my eyes, as if I'd risk my life... although the idea of snatching up Bella and running away with her held a hilarious reaction in my head.

"He won't cross you today. He values his life too much. Esme's got them finishing things up out back," Mostly Emmett and Jasper "Do you want some help? I could do her hair."

Shockingly, Rosalie was finally being kind.

Turning my attention to my bathroom.

I knew I wanted to shower and to clear my mouth of any taste of remaining blood. That was the last thing, I was sure, that Bella would want to taste when we kissed at the end of our ceremony.

Moving into the shower, turning the dial, the hotter the better, the heat of the water would be enough for those at the ceremony to assume I was at an ideal temperature, if anyone got close enough to touch me.

Letting the hot water rush over my body, I could almost feel my mind clearing.

For just a moment, I thought to my mother. My biological mother, whose ring was not on my bride's hand.

I smiled to myself, remembering when she had given me the ring.

"Give this to someone worthy of your love my son."

Moving shampoo through my hair, I rinsed, scrubbing myself clean of dirt that had covered my skin from the many hours of hunting.

Stepping out, eyeing myself in the mirror to ensure I'd removed all the dirt from my body.

Feeling pleased, I moved to dry my hair.

I could feel the excitement getting to me, so I moved to focus on getting ready.

As a precaution, I gargled water as well as a mouthwash to cleanse my mouth.

Grabbing some pomade, I tousled my hair, into a clean but also messy style.

I couldn't help but want to picture Bella. Even though I'd tried to see her through Alice and Rosalie, both had been an expert of how to block any thoughts involving Bella.

Wrapping the towel around my waist, I walked out, seeing Carlisle in the room.

He was placing a suit on the bed.

"Hello Carlisle."

He nodded, a smile on his face.

"Finally, you can be happy. You deserve this my son."

This was normal for Carlisle, his moods usually very happy for me.

I was confused as I watched his very carefully examining the tuxedo.

"Where did you get the suit?" I asked, thinking it was his as he wasn't yet dressed.

He turned towards me after placing a box of something next to it.

"I suppose I should have told you about this."

"About what Carlisle?"

This is your father's suit.

My eyes widened as I walked closer to the vintage suit.

Walking slowly towards it, I touched the silk black vest adorned with many, nearly minuscule white pin dots. The polyester tailcoat and trousers brought back a memory of my father. He and I didn't get along, very well at all, but this was one thing. He loved polyester. The coat was so smooth, the back end of the tailcoat coming down in a rounded shape.

I moved to put the suit on, finding that the clothing fitted me perfectly.

Alice tailored it to your size, it should fit.

I almost felt like I was back then, looking in my mirror.

I almost swore it was my father standing here and not me. The white satin button up and white bowtie on my neck, the rest contrasted beautifully with the black vest, tailcoat, and trousers. My feet wore black leather, shined almost perfectly.

Looking back to Carlisle, I honestly felt like if I was human, I would have definitely cried.

"How did you?" I couldn't find the words to finish my question.

Carlisle patted my shoulder.

"Well... I found it when we went through your home, after your change. When you found your mother's things, I found this. I figured it would be a nice touch."

I could feel a whole new sense of appreciation for Carlisle.

"As for the cufflinks, those were my family heirloom. I took them from my father after my change, something to help me remember some of my fading memories. I wanted to give them to you."

I shook my head.

"No, Carlisle, if anything were to ever happen to these-"

He ignored me, putting the cufflinks into the sleeves.

He stepped back and smiled at me proudly.

"Handsome as ever." Esme's voice sang from my doorway.

She walked over to me, gently wrapping her arms around me.

"If there was one thing about your father that I can seem to tell, he had good fashion sense."

I nodded, being unable to not laugh at my mother's comment.

She held something out to me, a box.

"It's a gift... something else Carlisle and I found when we searched your home then."

Opening it carefully, but swiftly, I gasped for the first time being in actual shock.

In the box laid a beautifully kept wooden frame. Inside the frame was a photo of my biological father and mother at their wedding.

It was surreal, looking at the image now. My mother was just as beautiful as I remembered. My father, I had some of his features that I could relate to myself, but I could also remember how strict of a man he was, in life and in business.

I felt so thankful for this.

"Thank you mom. I... this is perfect."

She smiled.

"If I was human, I would cry. You have so much in the future for you. It is almost as if you were my birth son. I am so happy for you and Bella."

"How is she?" I couldn't help but to ask.

Esme nodded, being careful to block what she saw of Bella.

"She is good. Nervous, as she usually is during these events, but... oh Edward, she is so beautiful."

The sound of heels brought our attention back to the door.

There stood Renee with Rosalie and Phil.

Renee's eyes met mine and she gasped.

"Oh my! You look amazing Edward. So handsome."

I smiled kindly at her, shaking her and Phil's hand. "Thank you Renee."

"Bella looks gorgeous kid! You're a lucky man." Phil winked.

Renee looked at him, elbowing him, pulling a guttural laugh from the large man.

Rosalie walked in.

"You look good. It is near time."

My eyes widened, looking towards the clock. It was 4:30. I could hear the guests filing in, being led to the back by Emmett and Jasper.

Esme walked to Renee and Phil. "Lets get downstairs. Give the brother and sister a moment."

Renee waved at me as she turned, them moving down the stairs carefully.

"You ready?"

I nodded.

"I am. I'm... I'm uncharacteristically giddy."

Rose shook her head, fighting a smirk.

"Well, we should get you downstairs, get you ready at the altar. People want to meet with you before the ceremony."

I rolled my eyes. "Let me guess... Stanley?"

She nodded, unable to lie to me.

"So, let's go." As we walked down the stairs, she stopped at the piano, speaking to the pianist. "Remember, we can play Yiruma's 'River Flows In You' until the bride walks the aisle. Then we'll go traditional with the wedding march."

I grimaced as I saw Jessica Stanley staring and nearly drooling.

That should be me! Not Bella! He is so hot! Why are they getting married to early! Bella has to be pregnant! There's no other reason!

Rolling my eyes again, I really disliked this human.

I also disliked Mike, as he mentally wondered how Bella would look.

As I went through the terrible chat with Jessica, I listened, seeing Alice's signal as she moved her hand through the curtain.

I looked to Mr. Weber, and nodded, who gestured for the guests to take a seat.

Angela Weber's father was clearly the right choice.

If there were any human to know of us that I knew we could trust besides Bella, we knew it was her. She was the only one to truly want to be friends with Bella and not have foul intentions.

I was immediately alerted when I heard Charlie's concerned voice.

"Easy, Bells, She looks a little sick. Do you think she's going to make it?"

I looked to my mother. She nodded and got up for a minute to go over and check on her.

"She'd better." Alice hissed. I wanted to snarl, obviously more concerned with Bella's physical health.

"Focus, Bella. Edward is waiting for you down there." Alice stated, seeming to help and Bella's heartbeat slowed to a normal pace, or as normal as it could be.

Esme came back and nodded to me that she was okay, easing my worries.

"Bells, we're up to bat." Charlie stated, his voice sad and nervous. I could understand, he didn't want to let go of his little girl. If I had a child, I'd be the same.

"Bella?" Alice repeated, to get her attention.

"Yes, Edward. Okay."

The music began and everyone was fully seated, awaiting to see Bella's entrance.

I watched, keeping my eyes forward.

She's coming Edward

Alice called to me.

I couldn't help the smile.

"It's my turn, Count to five and follow me." Alice stated, moving down the stairs in a dance.

"Don't let me fall, Dad," Bella begged, as I could then hear Charlie's clumpy steps down the staircase.

Why did Alice make her wear these heels? With Bella's lack of balance... Hold her tight Charlie.

I kept my eyes glued to the end of the aisle, excited to finally see her.

It was almost agonizing how slow this was going, but I also understood that for Bella's safety, to not get a sprain, this was necessary.

But suddenly, all the agony of waiting had disappeared and I was shown an angel.

This was my Bella, as beautiful as ever.

Her white dress cascaded down her body, hugging her tightly while also allowing for an elegant flow.

Bella's face was strawberries and cream, her lip a gentle dusty pink and her eyes decorated in a subtle bronze.

When Bella's eyes met mine, her heart sped up again, seeing her wanting to move quicker than she was allowed to.

Within a minute, she was right before me, the heat from her body radiating heavily.

Charlie turned to his daughter and placed a kiss on her cheek before looking at me and reluctantly placing her warm hand into mine.

She let out a relieved sigh, happy to be with me.

Damn Bro! She's beautiful!

Once Bella was with me, Mr. Weber began the ceremony.

"Good Evening." He started, smiling at Bella first, then me.

"We are brought here on this beautiful day, to witness the union of Edward Anthony Masen Cullen and Isabella Marie Swan."

He turned to me first.

"Mr. Cullen, please repeat after me?"

Nodding to him, I took her hands in mine, while Alice held her bouquet.

"I, Edward Cullen,"

"I, Edward Cullen, take thee, Isabella Swan, to be my wedded wife," I smiled, seeing the blush on her cheeks deepen. What I wouldn't give to kiss her now. "To have and to hold, for better, for worse... for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live."

He nodded to me, turning to Bella, whose voice was skittish but also excited.

"Please repeat after me."

She nodded.

"I, Isabella Swan,"

She smiled at me, looking into my eyes to calm herself down.

"I, Isabella Swan, take thee, Edward Cullen, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish," She paused, taking a deep breath. "As long as we both shall live." She smiled at that part, knowing as well as I did, that forever was exactly perfect for us.

Mr. Weber nodded.

Looking to Alice, she handed us our rings, me holding Bella's while she held mine.

"Do you, Isabella Swan, pledge yourself and your love to Edward Cullen."

She nodded as she responded, "I do."

I could feel everything within me, shining brightly as Mr. Weber turned to me.

"Edward Cullen, do you pledge yourself and your love to Isabella Swan?"

I smiled, my voice victorious as I answered, "I do." Slipping my mother's ring onto her warm finger, the diamonds shimmering.

"By the power invested in me and the state of Washington, I pronounce you husband and wife." He turned to me one last time, smiling wide. "You may kiss your bride."

Without being able to hesitate, I placed my hand on her cheek and pressed my lips to hers, moving ours together.

Bella pushed towards me more, wanting more when Emmett cleared his throat, snapping me out of it.

I glared at my brother who was smirking at me.

Wait for the honeymoon dude!

Shaking my head, I placed one last kiss on her cheek as we turned towards the crowd, their claps ringing loud, echoing off the trees.

Taking her hand in mine, I could feel nothing but happiness as we walked.

Bella Swan was now Bella Cullen, my wife.

Those words made me happier every time I heard them in my head.

Today was the start of a new life, a long life, one that I hoped would be nothing but pure happiness.

To Be Continued...