The Twilight Saga belongs to Stephenie Meyer, Summit Entertainment and anyone else who may legally claim ownership. No copyright infringement is intended.


Chapter 18: Fidelity

Alice and Bella stood facing a full length mirror as Alice fastened Bella's wedding dress. The dress was floor length, made of white silk and had an impressive train. The silhouette was classic, its lace and embellishments were understated. As Alice turned to pick up the matching jacket she spoke earnestly. "It's going to be a religious ceremony, Bella. You're okay with that, right?"

Bella laughed. "Seriously, Alice, how could I not be? Carlisle is a religious man. He may not have agreed with his father's way of practicing their faith, but Carlisle's religion has evolved along with him. Well, maybe a bit slower than him, but you know how tolerant he is; he'll be patient while it catches up. It's nothing like his father's religion anymore."

"We've never spoken of it, are you as religious as Carlisle? It doesn't seem like it."

Bella sighed as she bit her bottom lip. "No, I'm not. Carlisle doesn't mind that I'm not. I don't disagree with Carlisle's faith. I actually love it, it's part of what made him… him."

Alice's tone was sure. "Well, it wouldn't matter to him if you did disagree with it, him, whatever." Alice laughed. "You know that, right?"

"I do. We've talked about it, Alice, extensively." Bella smiled.

Alice's smile broadened. "That's Carlisle. He's never thought that everyone needs to have the same beliefs.

"His love for you is truly unconditional. I've never met anyone who genuinely loves like Carlisle does. There's not a self-serving bone in his body. He's tolerant to a fault."

"He is." The look in Bella's eyes was loving and devoted as she thought of Carlisle.

"Do you want me to walk you down the aisle? Jasper could do it, but I think Carlisle will need Jazz beside him. To calm him down while he waits for you." Alice smiled fondly.

Bella shook her head. "No, I can walk down the aisle all by myself."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. If no one walks me down the aisle, Charlie won't feel like he was replaced."

Alice grinned. "Good point. Jasper will help lift your veil though. Traditionally, it's done after the ceremony, to symbolize a father acknowledging the newly sanctioned husbandly rights the groom has to his daughter."

"No, Alice. Just no."

"My thoughts exactly. Jim doesn't seem to mind it if we break a few traditions. Would you like your veil lifted before the ceremony?"

"Yes, that's much better. Jim has been great about letting us customize things. We're not doing the two ring ceremony. I wanted to write my own personal vows to Carlisle. Jim says they can't be part of the ceremony, but I can do them in the church garden right after the official ceremony. What I wanted to say, kind of includes Carlisle's ring. So, I'll give Carlisle his wedding ring then. Jim will bless that part."

"I could start to like Jim. I won't. But, I could." Alice laughed.

"What is it with you two?"

"Oh, Bella, it's nothing really. We don't seriously dislike each other. We got into a disagreement. I didn't like the idea of Carlisle going to college with Jim. We argued. There's no real animosity. Our bickering is all in fun now." Alice giggled. "Let's talk about something better, let me see… any wedding night questions?"

"Alice!"

"Well, do you have any? Jazz and I-"

Bella blushed. "Alll-iccce!"

"Really, Bella, in a few short hours you and Carlisle will be-"

"Stop it!"

"If you can't talk about it, how will you do it?"

"I'm not going to talk about this with you, Alice. It's… it's private. That's final."

"But if-" Alice stopped speaking abruptly. Her hands, that were fixing a few flowers in Bella's hair, stilled. Her face took on a far away look.

Alice suddenly backed away from Bella and looked anywhere but at her. She drew in a breath and met Bella's eyes in the mirror, with a knowing and somewhat sheepish look on her face. "Yeah, I think you'll do okay tonight. Really okay. Amazingly okay." Alice smiled at Bella's blush. "If I hadn't had to see you two naked that would have been the most romantic and erotic thing I've ever seen." She resumed fussing with the flowers in Bells's hair.

Alice's words made Bella's blush intensify. "Alice!" Her voice went from appalled admonishment to unwilling curiosity. "Really? I'll... please Carlisle tonight?"

Alice gave Bella a knowing, devilish, smirk. "Oh yeah!"

Bella's eyes sparkled with anticipation until Alice's next words. "Now, aren't you glad I had you get a Sphinx wax last week?"

"Alice, stop seeing me naked!"

"Trust me, if I could turn a vision like that off, I would." Alice smirked, but not because of her vision. She hadn't really had a vision. She knew that no matter how much Bella was looking forward to her wedding night, she had to be nervous. So nervous that she wouldn't ask any questions. Alice did the only thing she could think of to help put Bella at ease. She convinced her that everything was predestined to be wonderful. It wasn't a lie. Bella was marrying Carlisle; Alice knew Carlisle would be romantic, thoughtful, and sexy. His gentleness wasn't even a question; it knew no bounds. Bella just needed a confidence boost. Not too unlike Carlisle had needed a little self realization when she helped him decide he should marry Bella today. She wasn't being manipulative, she had seen that this was what they both really wanted, and she had seen her part in it. They simply needed her encouragement to get there.

Bella gazed at her reflection. "I can't believe this is me."

"It's you." Alice smiled. "You're beautiful." Alice's tone turned businesslike. "Now, let's make sure we haven't forgotten anything. "Something old?"

Bella fingered the necklace that lay against her collar bone. "The necklace that belonged to Carlisle's mother."

"I would say a necklace from the early sixteen hundreds will count as old. For your something new..."

"I think my dress will count as that."

"True, but I wanted to give you something. Alice handed Bella a small box.

Bella looked at the box warily.

"Don't spoil this for me, Bella," Alice said warningly. "I'm your matron of honor."

Bella laughed nervously. "Yeah, okay. Thanks Alice."

"Open it!"

Bella lifted the lid of the jewelry box. Inside she found intricately set diamond stud earrings.

"They are Eternal Cut, they were designed by Gabi Tolkowsky. They will shine softly, instead of being garish. People compare the shine to the unfurling petals of a flower, instead of the spotlight flash of most modern cut diamonds. I chose them because I know you don't like to be flashy, and I kept their size down for your peace of mind. They are only three carats total weight. You will be able to put them in and keep them in. No changing earrings unless a special outfit demands it." Alice smiled. She knew this would please Bella.

Bella smiled at the woman she considered a sister. "They're perfect, Alice."

"Now for something borrowed." Alice opened a box that was on a chair by the mirror. From it she produced a simple white silk tulle veil. She began draping the halo veil over Bella. "I wore this when I married Jasper, so I'll want it back to wear when we renew our vows."

Bella fingered the light hand cut floral lace appliqués that edged the veil. "I thought only Emmett and Rosalie did that?"

"They don't own the rights to vow renewals, you know." Alice's smiled. "They just overdo it. Rose really loves to be a bride."

"The sapphire's in my ring will work as something blue." Bella hoped that Alice wasn't planning to give her anything else.

"They could, but then how would you get Carlisle's hands under your dress at your wedding supper?"

Bella hadn't realized that Alice planned a wedding supper. It was an odd thing to do, considering she was the only one who could eat. However, her mind got stuck on the thought of Carlisle's hands under her skirt. She was brought out of her salacious musing by Alice waving a white garter in her face. Its sumptuous white lace was gathered and adorned with a small blue bow, the center of which showcased what seemed to be a genuine sapphire in the same shade of blue as those on her engagement ring.

"This lace is an exact handmade replica of Alençon lace from Carlisle's time. It matches the lace you will find on the lingerie I have set out in the bathroom of your suite for you to wear tonight." Alice held up a second, smaller garter. "This is the one Carlisle will take off you and toss to Jasper. Carlisle won't take the one you get to keep off you, unless you want him to, when you're alone with him."

Bella looked closely at the garter she would keep. Her voice was wary. "Alice, is that a sapphire?"

Alice smiled. "Yup."

"A real sapphire?"

"What else would it be?"

"Alice, that's ridiculous. That garter must have cost as much as-"

Alice interrupted Bella. "Don't you be ridiculous, Bella. You're marrying into our family. We are well off, you know. You will be too. Not just because you're marrying a multi-billionaire, but because you will…" Alice trailed off. "Bella!" She caught Bella before she hit the floor.

Bella didn't notice Alice arranging her on a chair. Her head was buzzing and there was an unpleasant rushing sound in her ears. Only the feel of Alice's cold fingers as they brushed her thigh brought her around. Alice withdrew her hands from under Bella's skirt, leaving the garters on the uppermost spot on her left thigh, waiting for Carlisle.

Alice made eye contact with her and laughed. "You did know that we have accumulated a lot of money, right?"

"I did, but that… It's just..."

"Don't get used to that amount. No matter how much we give to good causes our individual wealth keeps going up. Do you want to know how much we have as a family?"

"No." Bella shook her head vehemently. "Knowing how much money Carlisle has is more than I needed to know."

"In an hour it won't be Carlisle's, it will be yours and Carlisle's jointly." Alice smiled as Bella blanched. "As I was saying before you so rudely lost your ability to stand on your own, you, Bella, will soon have just as much money. Not by marrying Carlisle today; although, that will make you a multi-billionaire too, but you will accumulate personal wealth like we all have. It really can't be helped. Carlisle didn't seek wealth. He just wanted to have enough money to keep up our façade and be able to help people. Once you get enough money to really help, it sort of snowballs uncontrollably. You can't give, it all away, even anonymously, without attracting too much attention. If you attract that kind of attention the Volturi will consider you a risk to the secret and kill you. If you're dead, you can't help anymore. So, for the good of others, you have to suck it up and be rich."

Bella's voice was a monotone from the shock as she parroted Alice. "Suck it up and be rich."

"That's right. We aren't any different just because you can sort of put a number on us now are we?"

Bella laughed weakly. "No, I guess not."

Alice reached over and opened a large white box. She withdrew a gorgeous white bouquet and pressed into Bella's hands. "Here look at your flowers and think about your wedding night."

Bella forgot all about the Cullens' staggering wealth as she admired her flowers.

"I'm going to dress, it won't take me a second." Alice moved into the bathroom at vampiric speed. Before Bella had time to really appreciate her bouquet, Alice was back. She wore a floor length, tiered, silk organza dress in a color that reminded Bella of the gold of sunrise. It was tastefully ruffled, the bodice sported appliqued flowers of the same iridescent fabric. It made Alice look like she belonged in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Alice knelt at Bella's feet, removed her slippers and put Christian Louboutin flat sandals on her feet. Bella didn't have time to realize that the sandal's understated, bespoke, embellishments were platinum and diamond. "The car is here, are you ready to go marry Carlisle?"

Bella grinned as she thought of the man she loved. "I am!"

The carillon sounded as Bella came around the doorway. She glimpsed Carlisle standing beside Jasper. He was resplendent in a bespoke Gieves & Hawkes morning suit. Bella's gaze travelled to Carlisle's blond hair. It glowed with a multitude of shades of gold in the candlelight. Then, she looked at his face. She became ensnared in his loving and eager gaze. She grinned. It took all of her willpower to refrain from running down the aisle and into his arms. Only her sure knowledge that she would trip on her skirt and never reach Carlisle stopped her.

The carillon quieted, Jasper and Alice smiled widely as they turned to see Bella. When Jasper felt Bella's emotions, he shared Bella's unrestrained joy and excitement with Alice. Alice knew then, that her decision to follow her vision and help this wedding along had been the right one.

A recording of the London Symphony Orchestra playing The Trumpet Voluntary began.

Alice laughed aloud as she caught a brief flash of Bella's decision. Before Jasper could even look questioningly at his wife, Bella had picked up the front of her voluminous white skirt and begun to dash up the aisle. The look on her face was open and ecstatic.

Carlisle left his place and ran at top human speed, meeting her halfway. He scooped her up, her arms wound around his neck as he embraced her. She hugged him fiercely, heedless of her large bouquet. Carlisle slowly lowered Bella to her feet. The collection of varieties of white David Ausrin garden roses, other various shapes, sizes and types of white and ivory roses, the other white blossoms, and variegated ivy that made up her bouquet had made it safely through their exuberant emace.

Still holding her in his arms Carlisle leant down and whispered in her ear. "Are you ready to marry me, Isabella?" He pulled back and looked into her eyes.

They shone with love and certainty as she nodded. "Yes, Carlisle."

He leant in again and kissed her cheek through her veil. He released her and moved to her right side extending his arm to her. Miraculously, Bella's train fell into the right place as she took Carlisle's arm. She realized just how much she had gone against tradition. She looked up at Carlisle's smiling face. He didn't seem to mind. She blushed as she grinned joyfully.

Carlisle bent down again. His cool breath soothed Bella's heated cheek as he spoke in his deep soft tenor. "Isabella, you are so beautiful. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you, inside and out. When I first saw you in your wedding dress…" Bella hadn't thought it possible but somehow Carlisle's smile widened. "Well, were I not a vampire you would have brought me to my knees. Literally. You take my breath, you take my thoughts, all I can see is you. You are everything, you are my world, Isabella."

An intense rush of emotion threatened to overwhelm her as she listened to his words. She spoke as they began to make their way to the front of the church. "I love you, Carlisle, more than anything in the universe." She looked into his eyes, her own glistening with tears of love and joy as she smiled at him. "I always will."

"I love you, Isabella, I shall love you for eternity and beyond." Carlisle looked into her eyes and returned her smile. Their smiles spoke for them now; they didn't need to say more.

When they reached the end of the aisle, and the song ended, Carlisle ignored convention, wrapped his arm around Bella's waist and pulled her against him. As they waited before the priest, they glimpsed Jasper and Alice. The blissful couple saw the indulgent, patient smiles on their faces.

Carlisle and Bella stood between Jasper and Alice. Carlisle reluctantly let go of Bella and fully faced their priest. Bella handed her bouquet to Alice while Jasper moved around Carlisle to lift Bella's veil off her face.

They decided to forgo any hymns and get right to the ceremony. There was a moment of silence fraught with anticipation. Finally the priest, the Cullens' old friend Jim, spoke. "Dearly Beloved... and Alice." Any tension was immediately broken. Carlisle, Bella, and Jasper laughed as Jim and Alice smiled at each other through their playful glares. They greatly enjoyed their feud.

Jim winked at Bella and smiled at Carlisle. He continued, his voice somehow both serious and joyful, as he began the Solemnization of Matrimony.

Bella drew in a breath as Jim finished the admonitions: the reading and the homily. She had read this ceremony that very morning. She knew it was time for their vows.

There was no curate present so Jim looked at his friend and spoke in a quiet, earnest voice. "Carlisle, wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall... exist?"

Carlisle smiled at the unexpected word change as his eyes locked onto Bella's. His whole being radiated joy when he answered. "I will."

Jim turned to Bella. "Isabella Marie, wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall exist?"

Bella smiled so widely her face ached. Her eyes held Carlisle's. Her voice was quiet and sure. "I will."

Carlisle couldn't stop gazing with supreme joy at the woman who had just consented to be his wife. Jim waited patiently. After a few moments passed, Carlisle startled out of his Bella induced stupor. His voice was unrepentant. "Sorry." He released Bella's hand so that Jasper could move to her and take her hand along with Alice. Jim's voice was mirthful. " Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?" Jasper and Alice had taken Bella's right hand, together they placed it into Jim's hands. Jim then placed Bella's right hand into Carlisle's right hand as Jasper moved back to Carlisle's side.

Knowing the words, Carlisle spoke without prompting as he smiled at Bella, his eyes full of affection. "I Carlisle take thee Isabella Marie to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till…" His golden eyes sparkled. "Final death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth." Carlisle released her hand.

Their happiness shone in their eyes.

Jim took Bella's right hand and turned it over so that she could take Carlisle's in it. Bella voice was strong, sincere and joyful as repeated after Jim, "I Isabella Marie, take thee Carlisle to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love… and to cherish," Bella's eyes flashed with a brief moment of happy indulgence. Carlisle had refused accept a vow of of obedience from her, so that bit was omitted. "Till final death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth."

They released each other's hands and faced Jim. Jim turned to Jasper who placed the ring on the book Jim held.

Jim smiled and spoke. "Bless O' Lord this ring and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other and abide in thy peace and favour and live together in love until their lives end: Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Carlisle took the ring from Jim's book and slid it onto Bella's finger. The eighteen karat, Welsh yellow gold band glowed in the light. Again, Carlislebneeded no prompting. He looked deeply into Bella's eyes. His gentle voice was filled with love. "With this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee honour, and all my worldly Goods with thee I share: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." Carlisle's eyes gleamed with mischief, he raised Bella's hand and kissed the finger on which he had placed the ring.

Jim laughed silently and shook his head at Carlisle's misbehavior.

Carlisle released Bella's hand and they both faced forward, Carlisle supported Bella's elbow as they knelt before Jim. They bowed their heads as Jim said, "Let us pray."

When Jim finished the prayer, he joined Carlisle and Bella's right hands again and wrapped a small stole around them. He smiled as he spoke. "Those whom God hath joined together let no... being put asunder."

Jim unwrapped the stole and made eye contact in turn with the few people in the room as he continued. "Forasmuch as Carlisle and Isabella have consented together in holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Together they repeated: Amen.

Focusing on Carlisle and Bella alone, Jim raised his hand and signed the cross, blessing them and speaking the final prayers of the ceremony before he moved to the Lord's table to recite a Psalm and pray; omitting, as he would if the bride were past her childbearing years, the prayer for them to have children. He concluded the marriage with a final prayer and Blessing.

Alice handed Bella's bouquet back to her, and adjusted her train as they turned and Carlisle took his bride's hand. He placed it in the crook of his arm as a recording of Beethoven's Hymn To Joy began to play. They walked back down the aisle and out of the church into the overcast garden, their elation obvious on their faces. Once outside, they didn't have to wait for Alice, Jasper or Jim. The three were right on their heels as the carillon began to sound again.

Jim didn't have to direct Carlisle. Carlisle cupped Bella's cheek with his right hand, brushing his thumb along her cheekbone as he gazed into her eyes. He brought his other arm around her waist and gently drew her near to him. His smoldering gaze dropped to her lips. He bit his own bottom lip between his teeth as his eyes languidly roved up from her lips to look into hers again. Time seemed to stop before he drew her even more tightly to his body and leant down slowly, brushing her lips tenderly with his. The first meeting of their lips was gentle, soft, loving. His lips caressed and worshipped hers.

She savored the feeling as his soft inner lips sensually wrapped around hers. Her body taught with anticipation, she almost whimpered when he pulled back.

Alice handed Carlisle's ring to Jim before Bella again handed her bouquet to Alice. The priest blessed the ring with same words he'd spoken over Bella's ring in the church. "Bless O' Lord this ring and grant that she who gives it and he who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other and abide in thy peace and favour and live together in love until their lives end: Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." He smiled and handed it to Bella. Carlisle grinned and extended his left hand. Jim placed it in Bella's hands. Carlisle's smile was unrestrained as they held eye contact while Bella spoke words she had composed. "Carlisle, I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have made to each other before God and as a symbol of my troth. With this ring, I give you my sacred promise that from this day forward you shall never again walk alone. You have my devotion and faithfulness, you are my best friend, my lover and my partner in all things, now and forevermore." Bella radiated happiness as she placed his ring on his finger.

Carlisle surprised Bella by responding. "Isabella, I will wear this ring with pride today and every day for all eternity, as a tangible symbol of the vows I made to you, of my fidelity and of my abiding and unconditional love for you." Carlisle briefly kissed Bella's smiling lips before he moved his mouth and whispered directly into her ear. "We belong to each other now."

She had no time to respond as he reclaimed her lips and held her firmly to his body. This time their kiss deepened. His lips moved lovingly with hers, gently coaxing her to open to him. They tasted each other for the first time as husband and wife. Her hands twined in his soft hair. Carlisle groaned almost inaudibly at the fire her hands in his hair ignited within him. Bella inhaled sharply as desire flooded her body. They were lost to each other, until the unwelcome sound of applause began to filter through. They drew apart reluctantly to find Alice, Jasper, Jim and a small clutch of passersby applauding their kiss. Alice's eyes were filled with venom. Tears of happiness she couldn't shed as she handed Bella's bouquet back to her.

Jim's gaze flicked to the people who had paused to watch the proceedings from the sidewalk. He raised his voice, happiness for Carlisle evident in his tone. "I present to you for the first time, Dr. and Mrs. Carlisle Cullen!"

There was more applause and shouted well wishes from strangers. They all smiled at them in appreciation. Jasper's military voice rose over the slight din to thank them on behalf of the newly wedded couple.

Alice squealed and drew Bella into an enthusiastic hug. Jasper grinned crookedly and clasped Carlisle's hand.

When Alice let Bella go, Jasper was before her. Her eyes sparkled as she looked into his. She smiled in remembrance of what Jasper said to her in a small coffee shop in Kingston Washington. "My spirit is soaring, Jasper."

He gave her one of his roguish southern smiles. "Don't I know it, Honey."

When Bella found herself in Jasper's congratulatory embrace, she put her lips to his ear. She spoke in a voice no one could hear even in such close proximity. She had learned the lack of volume needed to accomplish a vampiric whisper. Only Jasper heard her thanks as she breathed them into his ear. He pulled back and smiled his acknowledgement.

Bella glanced to her side. "You can let go of my him now." Bella laughed. Carlisle was caught in Alice's arms so tightly that if he were human she would have squeezed all the breath from his body.

Alice released Carlisle. She was vibrating with happiness for them. "I'm just so…" She unexpectedly hugged Jim, wrinkling his white surplice.

Jim's eyes widened, but he returned her embrace. "It's wonderful to finally see Carlisle so happy, isn't it?"

Alice looked into his face and beamed. "It is!"

Jasper's southern drawl agreed. "There's no one that deserves it more, unless it's our Bella, here."

Conversation stopped as a horse drawn carriage pulled over in front of the churchyard.

Alice turned to Bella. "It's not over the top. It's a local thing. There are forty-five miles of roads through the wilderness here that were specifically designed for this. They're called Carriage Roads and cars aren't allowed. I decided against a restaurant because I know you would protest about us all having to eat. This," Alice exclaimed, gesturing to the horse drawn carriage, "is a compromise. We are taking the roads to a place where we will have a picnic. We can watch the sun set as we go. Trust me, you'll love it!" In a voice no one else could hear, Alice spoke for Carlisle's ears as a second horse drawn carriage arrived. "It took ages for us to find horses that weren't spooked by vampires."

Carlisle smiled in understanding at Alice's reassurance. He had already been worrying over the potential of Bella becoming injured if the horses weren't comfortable around vampires.

Alice stood by the first open carriage as Carlisle helped Bella into it. After Carlisle joined Bella, Alice and Jasper got into the other carriage.


Carlisle cradled Bella to his chest as he reached around her and opened the door to their hotel suite. Once across the threshold he put her down slowly, relishing the feel of her against his body. Never taking his eyes from his bride, he reached blindly behind them. In one fluid move he closed and locked the door then turned her and backed her into it. He smiled. "Did you enjoy your wedding supper…" He leant down to her, his voice lowered with desire he spoke the last word of his query heatedly against her ear. "Wife?"

Bella thought back to the hours directly after their wedding.

Carlisle never let go of her hand as they rode over arched stone bridges, beneath the canopy of the deep forest and along the cliff tops at the edge of the sea. Only the clip clop of the horse's hooves, and a few stolen kisses, interfered with the sounds of nature and the setting of the sun behind the clouds.

After a breathtaking journey, they had stopped briefly, where the woods sheltered a clearing that could not be seen from the road. Here, Alice had leapt out of her carriage, deftly retrieving Bella from hers. Alice held Bella in her arms and whisked her through the woods to the clearing at vampiric speed. In the blink of an eye Alice had Bella out of her wedding gown and changed into a different wedding dress. This one was loose and flowing. It had an empire waist with a slightly ruffled collar that reached up to Bella's hairline in the back. The bodice and cap sleeves were lace with trailing vines, the skirt and slight train were made of the same re-embroidered trailing floral lace. The flowing look was ethereal, and almost other-worldly. Alice had Bella back in her carriage being admired by Carlisle in less than ninety seconds.

Their romantic journey ended almost immediately after Bella's unexpected change of dress. They came to stop at a large expanse of land that she later learned Jasper and Alice had purchased for them, as their wedding present. The majestic land had a perfect view of the mountains, it was backed by forest and edged by the sea. When she and Carlisle drew near for the first time they beheld a magical scene.

On the edge of the forest, where it met the small bit of land that led to the sea, there was an open room. The structure looked like an offering of nature herself. It seemed to somehow be part of the trees, though it wasn't. It was spectacular in its artistry, it was made of wood and stone, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. From inside one would be able to appreciate both the forest at its back and the spectacular view of the Atlantic at its front.

A fire blazed in a stone fireplace giving it a warm and inviting glow in the chill of the evening. Its immense mantle overflowed with white flowers; there were white lilacs, freesia, bunchberries, large trilliums, Queen Anne's Lace and multiflora roses; as well as peonies, and a multitude of delicate tiny blooms. There were hanging baskets and vases of different mixtures of all of the same flowers scattered artistically in and outside of the room. Bella knew that only Alice would be able to get flowers that were so out of season.

Inside the room, one on each side of the fireplace were two love seats. They were both decked with a variety of soft beckoning white bridal fabrics.

There were countless candles placed all around the room, highlighted with the same flowers. They cast a romantic light making the polished wood floor look absolutely danceable even to the terminally clumsy. In fact, the entire area was lit by candles, hundreds of candles. Many suspended from the branches of trees at various heights, protected by cut crystal holders that prevented fire and enhanced their glow. Everything appeared natural yet elegant, and utterly magical.

To the left, on the inside of the open room, was a table. Both the table and its cake plateau were made of polished slices of the same wood that created the gazebo. Bella looked closely at the tiered cake, its detailed frosting was what she knew had to be white buttercream. It looked so delicious she had to fight the urge to reach out a finger and taste it. She resisted, she couldn't mar it's delicate beauty; decorated as it was with buttercream roses and details, along with simple sugar roses that looked real adorning the top. Beside the cake stood a blond groom holding his bride.

When she looked beyond the gazebo, she saw two white Adirondack chairs situated against each other. They were labeled, one said, in elegant script, "Carlisle's Bride", and the other, in the same script, said "Bella's Groom". The chairs were cushioned with white pillows on the seats and backs. Bella's had a sumptuous white velvet throw folded on the arm. Each chair had a small table by its outside arm. The diminutive tables each held a place setting of fine china, crystal and silver, along with a vase of roses.

On the ground before the chairs was a white picnic cloth centered with a wide, low arrangement of all the varieties of white flowers. It was heavily laden with food displayed in beautiful dishes.

Across from their bridal couple chairs were floor pillows, obvious seating for Alice and Jasper.

Most curious of all, were four ornate silver heated urns, that looked like they were meant to hold coffee. Upon closer inspection they were labeled, "Ursus americanus", "Lynx canadensis", "Canis latrans" and "Phoca vitulina". Bella had laughed aloud when she thought how horrified Emmett would be to find hot Black Bear blood flowing from a silver urn into a fine cut crystal glass. Where was the fun, the fight, the mess, in that?

When they were toasted, Bella set aside her light sweet champagne and indicated that she wished to drink from Carlisle's flute with him. He looked worried, but said nothing. He gave her a tense smile as he held his glass to her lips. She was pretty sure she'd be able to keep it down. She didn't inhale, even though she was positive nothing could make her be sick on her dress or this beautiful scene. No one spoke as she tasted warm blood from the crystal flute in Carlisle's hand. She pulled back, swallowed with only a slight flinch, and forced a smile.

Carlisle was overwhelmed by her gesture. She was showing him a physical manifestation of her acceptance of their state of being, of their lifestyle. He leant over her and kissed her blood stained lips. They became momentarily lost in their kiss. When Carlisle reluctantly released Bella, her lips were clean. However, the taste of the blood chose that moment to come back up in her throat. She swallowed thickly and reached for her own flute. She downed a mouthful of her champagne, swishing it through every crevice of her mouth as she did so. She remembered Jasper's chuckle and his words. "At least you didn't gargle with it."

They laughed and talked as they ate and drank their fill respectively. Bella didn't even mind that she was the only one eating as the others were all sampling the unique offerings of the hot beverage urns.

Afterwards, they sat in the magical room watching the stars and the sea while listening to the rhythmic waves and the quiet sounds of the forest.

Eventually Alice produced a remote. She pressed a button and soft music began.

Carlisle stood and extended his hand to Bella. She took it with a blush, knowing that Alice and Jasper would be watching them dance.

When the next song began, Alice and Jasper danced too. When the third song began to play, they switched partners. When that song finished, Carlisle reclaimed his bride. Carlisle and Bella, along with Jasper and Alice, continued to dance to classic wedding songs for quite a while. Bella didn't trip once.

Bella didn't make a single misstep as they danced, nor did she need to dance on Carlisle's feet. She was still a world-class klutz, but it was just like when she first met the Cullens. She had been shy and self-conscious when she was introduced to them. Then, she was presented to Carlisle. Her sudden confidence upon being in his presence had surprised her. There was something about him that brought out the very best in her in every situation.

As their wedding supper drew to a close, it was time for the wedding cake. Representing their first act of domestic life together, Bella guided Carlisle's hand to cut the cake exactly as Alice had instructed her. As they served slices to Alice and Jasper, symbolizing their first act of hospitality as husband and wife, the secret of Alice's cunning was revealed. Inside each of the vampire's slices was a little heat proof bag of blood.

Carlisle smiled as he picked up the smooth spoon and fed Bella her first taste of their wedding cake, demonstrating that he would provide for her for eternity. Bella smiled around the spoon, the cake tasted as delicious as it had looked. She swallowed and picked up the sharp edged spoon. She pierced the bag of cool blood and scooped up a spoonful, holding it to Carlisle's lips. He looked into her eyes as he accepted her offering, understanding the tradition that meant she would take care of him for eternity.

Throughout the evening, Carlisle's whole being was focused on Bella. He frequently whispered words of love and devotion to her, enjoying her blushes. His smile was ever present. He looked as if everything had finally come together for him and he had no doubts or fears in the world.

Here, now, in their hotel suite, Bella looked up at him to see that same smile and expression was still on his face. She drew in a breath. In the depths of his eyes, was a look of intense love. His love for her. She could see too, reflected clearly in his amber irises, her love for him shining in her eyes. This, her love for him, was the cause of the peaceful and contented smile he had worn all evening.

"Isabella, my wife, you complete me." He stroked her face, his hand resting there to lovingly cup her cheek. "You complete me in ways I never knew were possible."

She smiled. "It feels exactly the same way for me." She paused, shyness and awe creeping into her tone as she spoke her next words. "My husband."

His eyes shone with joy as his deep tenor begged. "Say it again."

She knew what he meant. She smiled, this time she embraced the new word. She spoke emphatically. "Husband. You are my husband, Carlisle Cullen."

His voice dropped to a sensuous thrum. "Mrs. Isabella Cullen, my wife, may I kiss you?"

"Oh yes, please!" She pulled him to her urgently. "Now!"

He put his fingers to her mouth stilling those soft, inviting lips. "Isabella, there's no hurry...

With his thumb he pulled down her lower lip, parting her mouth for him. Leaning in close, Carlisle lightly, slowly, licked then kissed that petal soft bottom lip. Bella shivered in excitement. Carlisle responded to her desire with a low needful moan. He covered her mouth with his, fully kissing her. She sighed and buried her fingers in his soft flaxen hair; she nipped his lips causing him to open to her. He drew in a sharp needless breath just before their tongues met.


Notes:

Carlisle's financial status is estimated for 2006 from Forbes Fictional 15 wealthiest.

Forbes' estimate of Carlisle's wealth varies. Forbes has estimated it at 34.1 B, 36.2 B, 36.3 B, and this year Carlisle tops the list with 46 B.


The Form of Solemnization of Matrimony is taken exactly from the Church of England - Book of Common Prayer.

Of course, I altered The Solemnization of Matrimony just a little bit with things like, "so long as ye both shall exist" instead of, "so long as ye both shall live". The few altered words in the Solemnization of Matrimony are in Italics.


I searched for images that would help illustrate my ideas. I wrote descriptions before looking for images; so, the images are not exactly what I described. However, they are somewhat close. If you want to see them, they can be found at

Pinterest

under the name

acadiaellesfiction