A/N Woohoo, so we are finally here. The wedding. Given that Bella is not terrified of weddings, I changed things up a bit.

There are chunks from Breaking Dawn here, as well as Midnight Sun, and New Moon. I needed to break up the ceremony from the reception for length (The reception is already written, and it is long, but I hope to put it up around the same time.)

I have written and re-written this chapter a few times. It's a lot of fluff and fills in areas that I thought were rushed or ignored altogether in Breaking Dawn.

That said, thanks to all that have reviewed. Your input has shaped the direction of this story. It has also given me the incentive to write more often. Even if I think the chapter may kill me.

Everything Twilight-related belongs to Stephanie Meyer, except for any original characters; they belong to me.

Enjoy!

Big Day

(BPOV)

After a rather annoying rousing by Alice. I slammed a cup of coffee, burnt my tongue, and began swearing like a sailor, and made my way to the guest house. I have only allowed a few people into my magical and training space before, so much for that. It was now serving as the dressing room. I hardly recognized it.

"Alice, what happened to all my stuff? Do you know the danger you put yourself in?"

"I know!" her voice chirped, "I was cautious, and we will put this back together."

I grunted, sounding like Charlie; I didn't like it. "No…no… no… leave it be. Gabriel, Lydia, and Nia are moving anything I use for magic or combat to the new house. Let them handle it. You guys have your own place…remember?"

"Yes, yes, fine by me!" Alice did not care.

"What the hell is all of this stuff? I thought we did everything last night?"

Good lord, what was she going to do to me?

"Bella," Alice sighed, "We aren't torturing you! Tonight is all about you. Edward is going to hate the thoughts coming from all the men tonight. Soooo are we going with the updo?"

Stubborn and amusing at the same time; how long were we going to go through this?

"Nope, down, curled, and non-negotiable," I replied firmly.

Rose looked determined, "what if we did a braid across the top so that your veil has something to anchor to? It will keep your hair out of your face too."

"Kay."

"Fabulous."

I spotted their bridesmaids gowns right in front of me. Everyone would be wearing black, A-line dresses with spaghetti straps, backless and with ruffles. I started to panic.

"Nobody is going to be looking at me, with you all in those dresses."

"Please! Not happening!" I knew Rose believed she was telling the truth, despite being wrong. I felt as if I had achieved something with her that no one else other than Emmett had.

The process was painfully slow. My hair had grown so much in the last year; my curls were now spilling below my midback.

"How haven't I noticed this before?" Alice asked.

I didn't want to answer this. I managed to keep it from everyone. I had a light brown, almost blonde streak of hair that went from my roots to my ends, and it would never go away. So I was told.

"Because I am good at hiding it. I asked Carlisle, and he said that it can happen to those who have experienced violent trauma. Carlisle informed me that I was lucky; he had patients who ended up with half and half, like Cruella Deville. That's a plus, I suppose."

"Bella…" Esme walked toward me with purpose, damn supernatural hearing, "there is nothing to be ashamed about that, look we match now."

I felt better. Esme knew how to turn a frown upside down. She would, without any gifts of her own, she had to put up with Edward for a century. Maybe that was a gift, after all.

"I like it," Alice shrugged, "you have beautiful hair, don't do a thing to it before he changes you. You don't want a pixie cut for the rest of … oh … forever."

I looked down, wondering if she was the one who cut her hair so short or the asylum.

"Thanks, guys."

Nia was in the chair next to me, Alice was my stylist, and Rose was hers. I went slack-jawed when Alice brought up 'waxing.'

"Come on, Bella, from what Jasper has told me, you can handle a little pain. You should also remember to do this before you are changed. You don't want bushy eyebrows or armpit hair for the rest of eternity, do you?"

"He told you?" The idea of being waxed was no longer a thought.

Shit! Did Alice do that on purpose?

"Yes, Bella, that's what mate's do. Don't worry; I won't tell Edward, it's very considerate of you."

"But your thoughts?!" The anxiety was eating me alive.

"We are good at hiding them. If need be, you can have your brother put us under a magic spell-like he is doing for you and Jasper for three days. It's going to drive Edward Crazy. I know he's going to go crazy regardless, but that will help him."

"Not fair! I want to know!" Rose demanded.

Ugh.

"I'm going to have to get Gabe to do the same thing to all of you he's going to do to Jasper. Okay, when I was in the hospital, Edward said that the three days of transition is so painful that I will beg him to kill me."

Rose looked down, clearly remembering her own, "he's not wrong." She shuddered; "I don't like to remember mine. Watching Emmett was almost worse; there was nothing I could do for him, totally useless. When your love is in that much pain, feeling as helpless as I did. It killed me when he begged me to kill him, and he did, everyone does. So, what does that have to do with Jasper and keeping secrets?"

"The last thing I would ever ask Edward to do is to kill me. I am aware of how painful it will be, but I want to be like Carlisle. I think if I can keep that in mind along with my memories and how much I do not want to hurt Edward, ever. Those thoughts will manifest in my nature as a vampire. It's just a theory."

I blew out a breath of air.

"When I was discharged, I started pain training. I know it is not nearly as bad as it will be, but it gets pretty bad. Gabe hates doing it but understands my reasoning."

"What? How?! Are you meditating through the pain?" Rose looked horrified.

"In a way, internally, I'm screaming every foul word in the book. I am working on that; some days are better than others. The main goal is to keep my mouth shut, and I have been able to for a while now. Even when Jasper hit me with precisely what it will feel like."

Everyone's mouth hung open.

"What?" I asked.

"That's love right there," Rose shuddered again.

Esme was choking up, and her eyes glassed over; she excused herself.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"There are times I wish I could smack you in the back of the head like I do Emmett. Esme has her favorite son…" Rose sighed, "and to see your devotion to him, she feels horrible."

"Why?"

"Edward has always been the odd man out. I am not sure how much that bothered him. He has always idolized Carlisle, so he spent his time learning. Until you, he didn't even know what love or jealousy felt like, and he could not put the words with the feeling.

Esme made no secret that she thought that Edward was changed too early. She has worried for decades that he would spend eternity alone. Carlisle hoped that we would … bond that way." Rose barked a laugh. "but I hated him for a long time. If you thought the way we are now is bad, you might have hurt me for how I treated him back then. He was no peach himself. They hoped the Denali sisters would do it for him. Tanya certainly does something to him. Annoys the fuck out of him."

"Tanya? Sisters?"

"Oh shit," Alice covered her mouth, trying not to laugh, "he didn't tell you?"

"He's been with someone else?" I felt sick.

Both Alice and Rosalie looked like they were about to roll on the floor, laughing. "No, Bella." Alice was picking her words carefully, "Okay, so Tanya, Kate, and Irina are succubus'."

I felt my heart in my stomach.

"That's not helping Alice!"

"Edward is the only man that has ever, and I mean EVER turned her down, over and over again. We are all glad you guys are getting married because they are extended family. It's a long story, but they lost their mom a long time ago, and are essentially orphans. Eleazar and Carmen joined them, learning to be vegetarians. I think you will like them. I can see you and Kate being friends. She's kind, smart, a smart ass, and funny as hell. Irina, she is a bit more reserved than her sisters. Tanya can be an excellent friend."

Alice stopped for a moment, having a vision, I was sure if it.

"Alice?"

"Hmmm?"

"Care to share?"

"No biggie. If I saw impending doom, as was seeing when your father showed up, I would tell you. Just don't worry about her. Edward loves you. She has been a friend to him, but nothing more. She never will be; he only has eyes for you and will for all of eternity. Okay? Just remember that?" Alice sounded like she was begging a little. No biggie, my ass.

"Well, I can do that. You don't think she would… tonight?"

"It's possible," Rose shrugged, "but who is the one marrying him? And who is the one he wants nothing to do with… in that way?"

"She's right, Bella, don't let your insecurities get to you here. It's your day; enjoy it." Nia was sincere.

I nodded.

Rose cleared her throat and changed the subject, "what is your brother doing to you exactly so that Edward doesn't find out?"

"For me, he's going to block Edward from being able to read me at all."

Rose snorted, "That's going to make him go crazy; it's still better than hearing it."

"He's dimming it a bit down with Jasper, and I guess all of you, so you will be able to communicate with Edward but only what you want to. Not like he'll be listening. I don't want him to know. It was horrible listening to his thoughts in the hospital when I was asleep but awake. I cannot ever do that to him again."

I shuddered and shook the memory out of my head.

"So, I hope you can try to make him feel better. Tell him that you know I am different than all of you; it might be easier. Just don't let me scream."

Everybody smiled and agreed. Then we got back to work.

xxxxx

(EPOV)

I wanted to be home, my brothers would not let me. I knew Alice would bite my head off, so after I gorged myself, we started talking about marriage.

I didn't know how to ask this question, but I thought it was the perfect opportunity to ask it, "Emmett, no offense, but how do you put up with Rose when she is in her … moods?"

He was all smiles, "Edward, I've known her and loved her since I first woke up as a vampire. I know she feels the same. When Bella fought her, she was right in what she said; I think Rosie has known that for a while. The life we have together is everything she wanted, except having a baby, something that would not have happened if Carlisle hadn't saved her. Rose would have died there in the streets. I think she's coming around. Not that she would let anyone know, but she seems a little different lately."

I thought about it, and he was right, she had been a bit different as of late. Everyone was, even Alice. It was a rare thing for her to be as wrong as she has been lately.

"Bella is the only person to say it to her face. It is something I consider off-limits until she's ready to talk about it. If she had to choose between having a kid with someone else or being my wife, she would choose me. Rosie would only want a baby with me since that can't happen…"

I sighed, "I know, I've heard it many times, from many people. Including you two a few hours ago."

"It doesn't make it less true. She's honest with you. Maybe, just maybe her way of thinking, made it through to Rose's stubborn head. It's different with Bella because she never wanted kids. Rose was visiting her friend's baby before… well…. You know…For Rose, her choices were, become a vampire or die." Jasper shrugged.

"It doesn't change us; I know that's hard to understand. We are who we are, and because… I don't know … hell... Edward… we love each other… We are luckier than most because we have unlimited time together. With choice number two, I would be dead, and so would she. It doesn't hurt my feelings; it's her impossible dream. Other than that, she's happier than she acts."

Jasper raised an eyebrow at me.

"Yeah, I just…"

"Stop it!" Jasper yelled, "Edward, it is Bella's life, her transition, her choice. Your worries are understandable, but not bearable anymore. Not if you want that girl to marry you. So, listen to me, brother, I know that she will be ready when you get back.

Think about it, how unlikely is it that you would meet your mate in a Podunk town like Forks? Another supernatural being at that. There has to be fate attached. I know it played a role with Alice and me.

The way I feel for Alice is precisely how you feel about Bella and Emmet with Rose. I know Alice loves me. I will follow her anywhere she may go. I cannot bear the thought of not having her in my life, and it would kill me. That's what near-death invisible Bella and I talked about. Well, I spoke, hoping I wasn't losing it. You wouldn't make it if she didn't, I think we all understood that."

Emmett agreed.

Thinking about Bella leaving me, and almost being taken by death. Jasper was correct.

"I understand now. I worry. I don't know what Bella will be like after."

"Moron," Emmett shook his head in disgust, and then boomed, "she's going to be Bella! Just faster, smarter, more powerful, and impossible to break. The next decade will be your best." Emmett wiggled his eyebrows at me.

"I remember, it's hard to forget your first decade," I pinched my nose in disgust and looked at my watch.

"Not just yet, besides you've been warded out of the guest house. We are in the main house until it's time."

"What has Alice told you about how things are shaping up tonight?" I hoped Jasper would have only good things to say.

"When Charlie showed up, different possibilities started showing up, none of them good. How dumb was that woman? Glad that won't be happening. I should warn you; Alice doesn't see anything major happening, with one exception, and you could end up with a major problem. Can I ask you a question, Edward?"

I felt a knot in my stomach.

"Sure."

"Have you told Bella about Tanya?"

"No, why? There is nothing to tell."

Jasper sighed, "I don't know when you are going to stop being an idiot. Stay away from her and keep Bella away from her. There is one possibility of things getting ugly between the two of them. Tanya is bold, and this is her last opportunity to make a move. She's too bold, too confident. She will judge Bella by the cover, so innocent looking and little, and think that she can take her. There will be an entire brood of witches, as a backup, but they won't be needed. Bella will kick her ass, and we will have a huge problem.

None of the vampire guests, maybe, other than her sisters. I am not even sure they would back Tanya up, not if they want to keep their friendship intact with Carlisle; or start a supernatural war. If you're going to prevent that from happening, do not let it get to that point."

I put my head in my hands, "yeah, I can see that. What is wrong with Tanya? I know she's not in love with me; I'm a challenge to her. She would be the only one who would try to screw up my wedding."

"Now, you know, we'll try to help, but ultimately you have to be the one to avoid her."

I sighed, "Carlisle and Esme are so excited to see old friends, and meet a new species, coming together, blah blah blah."

Jasper growled, "It's not blah, blah, blah! Edward, do you understand what Esme and Alice have been going through planning this? Trying to find a way to suit Bella, and accommodate the guest list? You have no idea; they have been getting calls asking to be invited. It is insane, we have nomads coming, and covens from the Amazon, India, and Ireland, to name a few. You've only seen some of it."

I laughed, "I am just glad she found her vampire minions that helped finish the damn thing and will be running the show when she cannot."

I looked at my watch again.

Jasper sighed and looked at Emmett, who rolled his eyes, "Okay, fine, let's go, for all the good it will do."

"Keep Bella from running," I admitted.

Again, I frustrated Jasper. He was so protective of Bella, at times irritating me to no end!

"Jealousy does not look good on you, Edward. You are smarter than that. She is my friend, and we do talk, mostly about vampire shit. You are the only one who doesn't speak to her about it anymore. She doesn't complain, but I know for a fact that it bothers her.

But you should know her better. I was trying to get you to see the path you were on last night. If she hasn't run by now, she never will. Now let's go home."

We started running. The sheer size of our wedding made me wish we had eloped. Our guest list was half and half vampires and witches. No humans without Charlie. That still grated on me.

Unfortunately, the Volturi kept popping up in my thoughts about the entire production. What if they find out? So, what if they find out? Will they be offended that they were not invited? Who cares if they are offended? They aren't exactly pleasant company.

My biggest concern was the fall out once they realize that Carlisle was hosting an event where another species would be mingling with ours. A robust species that resided in only in myth and lore for us. I also wondered if it was more than legend and lore to them. What did they know? We were not breaking any laws, but they wouldn't like it. Not when the governing body for all witches would be in attendance.

Aro, without a doubt, wants more witches in the guard. After seeing the possibility with Jane and Alec, they would want my Bella, as an ancestral bloodline witch. Jane and Alec are like ants in comparison. So, Gabriel and I have been doing absolutely everything possible to keep that from happening.

We did lay down ground rules for each group to accept or not come — no magic or using gifts, no feeding, no fighting. Black tie event comes dressed or doesn't come at all. I was having a hard time picturing the Amazonians wearing anything more than the bare minimum they wear now. That should be interesting. Knowing Alice and Esme's planning capabilities, I was not worried about any of that.

Except for Tanya, my 'cousin.'

I always try to be a gentleman with her, and she takes advantage of that. I enjoy spending time with the Denali's but her thoughts, her actions drive me crazy. Shoe on the other foot, I'd probably kill anyone behaving the way that Tanya does if it were Bella. The best way to deal with Tanya will be to stay away from her, and thankfully her thoughts were easy to detect.

We got close to the house and damn! Jasper was right. I couldn't hear a damn thing from the guest house. I moped into our room. Bella had been gone a while; I could tell. There was another gift sitting on the bed. It was a pocket watch with one of the photos Esme took before the school dance, just looking at each other. The same picture Bella put on her window when we were apart. It was perfect.

'More than my own life' was inscribed in French. Bella says that I am the hard one to shop for, yet everything she has given me has been perfect. There was a note.

Happy Wedding and birthday! I thought this was appropriate. Because it's true. There is one more gift, one exceptional gift. But… not until we are in the car.

I love you. See you soon!

P.S. The songs I picked for the ceremony are a gift too. They do a great job of saying how I feel when it is difficult at times to do it myself. The first 13 during the reception as well.

Love ya!

B

I hated my birthday up until this very moment. Bella insured that forever.

'Edward,' Esme thought.

"Huh?" I said, her presence breaking me from my reverie.

Esme looked over my shoulder. Esme looked like she had been crying all day, but she can't. "She is such a thoughtful girl. I am so happy for you two. I brought you the keys to the house and boat."

"Thanks, Mom," she handed me the keys, and turned to head out of the room, but stopped and turned around.

"Oh, Edward, I owe you an apology for ever believing that Carlisle changed you too early. I should have known that only someone truly remarkable would be the one to capture your heart. You needed to be ready for her."

I thought about it, and it seemed undoubtedly accurate. If we only change once, how is it that I no longer recognized myself?

"You are right about the latter. Bella hates it when I brood, and I spent most of the century doing just that. It will be a hard habit to break." That was the understatement of the year.

Esme couldn't hold back her smile. "I am sure glad you are going to try. Just be honest. Edward, Bella, is going to take us by surprise constantly. She is precisely what you need. I am going to check on the girls, get dressed, and start doing my duty of welcoming and handing out the programs. It's time for you to get dressed too, young man."

Looking at Esme, there was something I couldn't pinpoint, but it made her stand out.

"Esme, is that a new necklace?"

It was a huge diamond pendant!

"Very perceptive of you, Edward. It's new to me. Bella gave this to me last night, and it was her mother's and her mother's before that."

"Wow, that says a lot." I thought out loud.

"I think so too. Bella also thanked me for making you into the man you are today."

I mused, yet again, Bella was communicating exactly how she felt for another in a nonverbal form.

"Well, she's correct. So, thanks for being the best mom I could have ever wished for, after losing mine."

"It has been a great honor and privilege. We will always be here for you, don't ever forget that, wherever life may take you."

"I know, mom."

"Bye, dear. See you soon."

Esme kissed me on the cheek, and the excitement began taking over. I grabbed my tux out of the closet and changed quickly.

The battle of the clothing was undoubtedly the first time Alice had lost...anything in recent memory.

Wow. Weird.

Bella went to battle over what mattered to her the most. Her wedding dress, the tuxes, and the invitations. Her people and I hate using that generality, Bella was one of a kind. The witches use black, white, and red as their colors for just about any event. Her dress was an homage to her mother; that I understood, and it made sense why Alice did not.

Bella chose traditional black tuxes, with not so conventional red ties and red chucks. I have not seen Bella's dress yet. Without seeing it in Alice's head, I heard her, on accident, thinking about Bella's wedding dress being quite stunning, she was bragging to herself. Heaven forbid that Alice admit she was wrong…out loud.

We were all relieved that Bella did win that fight. The invitations were a big deal. Out of everyone, I thought Alice would know why Bella was so insistent about that.

In the end, I was quite pleased. I grabbed the invitation on my desk. I could hardly believe this was real. Today is my wedding day.

'Edward Anthony Masen Cullen and Isabella Marie Swan request the pleasure of your company at their nuptial ceremony. The twentieth of June 2019. 6:00 p.m. at their home, in Sleepy Hollow, New York.'

It was remarkable foresight on Bella's part. Another blunder on Alice's part. Alice didn't see the potential emotional fallout from Bella's father-no-show.

Strange.

I sensed Carlisle was at my door now, "It's getting close to that time, are you ready?" Carlisle asked, facetiously.

"More than. Firstly, I need to thank you, Carlisle, for this extraordinary life you gave me. I owe all of this to you. You saved my life, and you saved Bella's and everything in between. I know how I have behaved in the past. I regret not seeing past what I am, instead of what I can be."

"I have always been proud of you, Edward; it's been my honor. Now I am going to have to find Bella and thank her."

"Me first."

Carlisle chuckled, and we walked out of the house. We crossed a massive wooden bridge that went over the pool. The pool was protected by raised, Emmett proof glass. Black covers were now covering it. I wonder what that is all about?

This aisle was very long; of course, it started at the guest house, but there must be another reason for it.

Then again, who was I to question Alice or Esme about these things?

I stopped dead in my tracks; there were voices, all of them happy…except one.

Tanya.

Shit.

I looked at Carlisle, the distress written on my face.

"I will help them get seated, why don't you go double-check that you have everything."

I sighed in relief, "did Alice tell you?"

Carlisle nodded, "You're going to have to introduce them, along with the others. We will do what we can to keep her away from you and Bella."

"Thank you, Carlisle."

I ran back into the house.

'Oh, where is Edward? Who is this infant he is marrying?'

I pinched the bridge of my nose. I needed to tell Bella about the Denalis and Tanya. I have put up with Tanya's disgusting thoughts and actions for over fifty years because they are the closest thing to an extended family we have, and they share our way of life.

I found my one and only, even if I hadn't, Tanya would never have me. If she tries to hurt my bride's feelings or make her feel insecure, what can I do to prevent a war? I felt like throwing up, despite it being impossible for me.

xxxxxx

(BPOV)

I was ready, almost.

I was having a hard time believing that I was getting married in this beautiful dress. Renee would flip if she saw me. It was an off the shoulder, ivory, and red laced applique ball gown, with intricate hand-beaded red flowers that accented the ivory. The dress had a natural waistline, with a corset back. It was pleated and had a removable chapel length train.

Before my monstrosity of a train was attached, and veil put on, I twirled around, giggling like a five-year-old; just like a princess.

"Ella enchanted has entered the building." I heard my brother snicker.

I nodded at him and started crying again.

"Dang it! We need to touch up your makeup again!" Alice bitched.

"Alice! Why didn't you use waterproof, everything? This is Bella that we are talking about!" Rose asked the question I had wondered about, as well.

"Fine, Fine. We'll do this fast, close your eyes."

I did as I was told.

Stupid vampires and their speed.

I opened my eyes, and I looked at myself in the mirror. Rosalie started securing the garnet and ivory lace veil that ran down my back. I choked up again, "Alice, do you see that you were wrong about the red? Because this is the dress, I never dreamt possible. Just like the groom, it's beyond perfect."

Rose put her hand over her mouth, "you had me until the groom part. It is perfect for you. Edward is going to lose it."

"Okay, our turn now." Alice skipped away.

Everything felt like it was just as it should be. I looked at myself in the mirror, unsure of who was looking back at me. I felt like Ella Enchanted.

"Ella, before we do this…I have to ask; it's my duty. You still up for this?" My brother was being overprotective, and lord knows Charlie wouldn't have asked.

"Gabriel, look at me! Does it look like I am ready to run?"

I remembered something. "I'll be right back."

I had snuck into the weapons room to put on the garter belts I wanted to wear... with some accessories. Hey, I am who I am.

I almost lost my breath at the sight of the wedding party. "Wow."

"Time for more selfies!" Alice seemed much less stressed, now that we were all ready.

My last gift for Edward was a gift for us both. I bought a new iPhone with a song inscribed on the back. We used it while getting ready, just being silly and laughing. The phone would be passed between all of us for more candid photos and videos. I was capturing the silly and emotional moments. Guests would be able to give well wishes. Everyone from Nia to Carlisle loaded their own playlists, no repeats. Because I had been thorough in my choice of the music, that went first, a playlist of songs just for Edward, some very meaningful, others ironic. I planned on poking fun at the entire crowd. So, I made another playlist with the songs we wouldn't be there to hear.

Alice handed the phone to Gabriel, "maybe not selfies, would you mind?" She gave him a wide smile.

"Of course, I have a video to add myself."

I shot a look at him, "uh oh," I muttered.

We gathered together and threw peace signs, we posed like Charlie's Angels, trying to, unsuccessfully, keep from laughing hysterically.

"I think you guys got it. I have something to add." Gabe said, seriously.

I looked at him, begging him not to threaten his life…but I knew he was going to. He crooked his finger at me, and we took a few photos together. Then he pushed me out of the way to record a video.

"Edward, I know you love Ella in ways that are not humanly possible. I hate to tell you this, but she can be a pain."

"Hey!" I yelled.

"Like that! She does have a temper, and I know it might be easy to focus on that because it's sort of funny."

"HEY! I KICKED YOUR ASS THE LAST FEW TIMES! I HAVE NO PROBLEM DOING IT AGAIN, JERK-FACE," I yelled, proving his point.

"She is so much more than that, and I see that you already know that. I mean, she's odd too. You are good with her having crushes on fictional characters, that says it all."

I growled.

"Before she kills me, I want to give you some advice, more like a request. Bella loves Christmas, and always has, including eggnog. Please, don't ever let what has happened, or whatever happens, going forward, keep you from decking the halls, or buying eggnog.

Last, I'll tell you this in a few, but, Edward if you hurt her, I'll fucking kill you, and you know I can. We'll be seeing you soon. Here Ella, say something!"

I looked at the phone, mortified, "sorry about that. Brothers will be brothers. So… we are about to get married. Wow. This house is the last of what is familiar to me, before we start our life together, starting with me walking down that very, extremely long aisle. I don't know what is coming next. But isn't that kind of the point? I know this might be a strange wedding, but I don't care; what matters is that I get you forever. You are more important to me than anything else. Sorry guys! There is not a single guest or gift that will ever change that. I feel so much right now; most of all, I feel incredibly fortunate. I love you, mister. Don't ever forget that. OH! Almost time. I'll see you soon!"

I started to look out the window, trying to see her grand production, but it was getting dark. Alice took another picture, and Esme popped her head in to get the phone.

"Ready girls… and the guy?" I swore Esme might have been vibrating with happiness.

She looked at me, "Do you have something borrowed?"

I looked at Alice, and she threw her hands up, "oops!"

Esme gave me my mom's necklace. I couldn't do anything but sniff.

"Something blue," Rose handed me a handkerchief, and let's face it; I was going to need it.

"Thanks."

"Something new," Alice said casually, handing me diamond and ruby drop earrings.

"Something old?" Nia asked.

"Does the groom count?" I laughed.

"Here," Nia said, handing me her great grandmother's very enchanted diamond bracelet. "For good luck."

Esme scurried off seconds before the song Lucky started playing.

I smiled, "he's taking his place, right?"

Alice nodded, "So Bella, the reason the aisle is so long, is to accommodate the music you picked. Everything is perfectly timed, so come out the instant ours is done and not a second before or after. We practiced the walk. You have it?"

"I think so." I smiled and tried not to cry, "Thank you, Alice, Rose, Nia, Gabe… all of you… it's been great so far... and we haven't even gotten to the best part."

"Shit, I'm not wearing any shoes!" I was losing it.

"Here, I modified some fancy dance shoes for you." Alice looked humble as I opened the box. They were performance dance shoes but not clasped above the ankle, red ribbon went up and crossed like toe shoes. They were stunning.

"I don't know what to say."

"You are marrying my favorite brother; you make him happy, Bella. You don't have to say anything."

Rose nodded in agreement while she laced the shoes up. I think she saw the garters but didn't say anything. She was too busy trying not to laugh. I smiled innocently.

Halo started to play.

"Nia, lead the way."

She gave my brother a goofy look, took her white and red rose bouquet, and started the walk.

Alice winked and started walking. Rose was counting in her head, she waved, smiling, and then put on the 'Rosalie' face, disappearing from sight.

"Calm down, Ella, remember who is down there because it is almost time."

I started biting my lip and closed my eyes, listening to the rest of the song. I wondered how impatient Edward was getting.

The song that is exclusively Edward's in my head, 1000 years began to play, "and that's us," Gabe put his arm through mine after I grabbed my flowers, leaving the last of what I knew behind me.

The sight in front of me was unbelievable. It was dim; the Hudson surrounded us. Lanterns adorned the bridge built over the pool. There were several archways, lit with twinkle lights, and the trees were wrapped in white flowers and more lights. As soon as we hit the bridge, a black cover was removed. Now I understood why the glass was raised because of the floating votive candles everywhere. Dim light bulbs hung from the trees, lighting up as we made our way through. There was an archway right at the highest point of the bridge before we crossed it, that too lit up. I could see everything, and that meant everyone else could too. This continued, every archway more lights, more flowers, candles, petals, and mason jars lit the rest of the way, as everyone stood up.

For a brief second, I was distracted by the profound beauty Esme and Alice created. I had a hard time believing they were not magical themselves. I was a princess at the moment, and I was looking for my prince.

I tore my eyes away and searched across the satin draped chairs—blushing deeply as I took in the crowd of faces all focused on me—until I found him at last, standing before an arch overflowing with more flowers, more lights, and more candles.

I was barely conscious that Carlisle stood by his side and Jasper behind them both. I didn't see Lydia, who must have been sitting in the front row, or my new family, or any of the guests- they would have to wait until later.

All I saw was Edward's face; it filled my vision and overwhelmed my mind. His eyes were a buttery, burning gold; his perfect face was almost severe with the depth of his emotion. And then, as he met my awed gaze, he broke into a breathtaking smile of exultation. Suddenly it was only the pressure of Gabriel's hand on mine that kept me from sprinting headlong down the aisle.

The march was too slow, despite picking the song, I struggled to pace my steps to its rhythm. And then, at last, I was there. Edward held out his hand. Gabriel took my hand in a symbol as old as the world placed it into Edward's and whispered his threat, making everyone giggle with their supernatural hearing.

I touched the cool miracle of his skin, and I was home.

We were having trouble articulating thoughts. I was thankful I wrote down my vows. I blushed again, of course, I would be the blushing bride.

Jasper asked everyone to take their seats.

This was happening.

Jasper began, "Today, we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. Out of the routine of an ordinary life, as ordinary as ours get, the extraordinary happened. These two met each other, fell in love, and are finalizing it with their wedding today.

Romance is fun, but true love is something far more; the desire to love each other for life, and that's what we are celebrating here today.

But this is also a celebration for the rest of us, not only because of its historic nature, these two don't care. It is a pleasure for us to see the love in bloom, and to participate in the union of two people drastically different but so delightfully suited to one another and have a couple of cocktails in the process.

But enough of that.

I have witnessed Isabella and Edward grow and evolve as individuals and together, to be better people, stronger. Very much the same in many ways, but radically different in others.

Perhaps they are the exception to the rule, Bella always seems to be a significant exception to many rules. It's never been disputed that only upon meeting our soulmate, that we change, but it only happens once.

I've never witnessed two people constantly evolve into what the other needs, whether they recognize it or not. The two in front of you are different from what they were when they started this journey. And yet, here we are.

Since this isn't exactly what most would consider a typical wedding, Edward and Bella have diverted from the traditional vows; instead, choosing to write their own and combine them with the conventional. Quite symbolic of the couple themselves."

"Bella," Jasper said, and I nodded.

Nia handed me the paper; everything was written down on and took my bouquet in exchange. I took a deep breath.

I found my voice.

I gave Edward a smile that only he could evoke, 'so in love, so in love.' I thought. He nodded in agreement.

It was time.

"Edward, this isn't the cheeriest beginning of my vows, but you need to know this, as do the rest of our guests." I gulped this was going to make me cry, but these were the most important words I'll ever say. Edward squeezed my hand lightly, urging me to go on. I cleared my throat and began again.

"I cannot believe we are here. I almost feel like pinching myself to check if this is real. Because six months ago, for a while, I didn't know."

I blew out another breath.

I thought, 'I'm sorry.'

"When I was shot, lying on the floor, sure I was dying. The thought of never seeing your face, talking for hours, hearing your laugh, never feeling your arms around me again; that was more painful than any bullet could be. And in what could have been my last moment, the only words that came out of my mouth were, "I love you, Edward." And then everything went black."

I had to stop for a moment, 'sorry,' I thought again.

'Don't be,' Edward wiped the tear streaming down my face.

"See, you always seem to know what to do. I'm sorry, that wasn't part of what I wrote."

I heard sniffles everywhere.

'Be brave,' I said to myself. I took a deep breath and continued.

"And I know that most people won't understand this, but when I saw you in the waiting room, praying to God that I would make it, I understood everything I needed to know. Edward, heaven would be hell without you.

So, I fought. Your voice was the only one I heard coming out of surgery, and it tethered me to this world. I wasn't going to go without a fight. If I hadn't met you, If I didn't know you, or love you as I do… well… loving you saved my life."

Edward's eyes were smoldering, and I was starting to get dazzled, so I looked down.

"And I am sorry to use such a horrible moment to tell you and everybody here that. But, is no such motivator as powerful as that. I just love you that much." I gave a half shrug.

Everyone who could cry was now.

I smiled, bit my lip, and went on.

"Edward, you put me back together when I fell to pieces. You are the keeper of my deepest thoughts and secrets. My dreamcatcher. I want so badly to explain all the love I have for you- not just the butterflies and stomach knots but more the burning of self and entanglement with another soul.

Love is a word that is much too soft and used too often describe the fierce, infinite, blazing passion that I have in my heart for you. You are a million dreams, and a million prayers of any girls come true. You are kind, sweet, romantic. Despite what everyone thinks, you can be quite silly. You are intelligent, and your laugh is contagious.

You acknowledge my strengths and accept my faults. You have known what I am since the beginning, and you've never, not once judged me for it. You see me for who I am, not what I am. You make me want to be a better person every day.

One hundred years from now, I promise to always see you with the same eyes and the same heart that I see you with at this exact moment.

Also, I might add you are the most handsome man on earth and a fantastic kisser. Oh, and all mine."

I broke the sniffles and added some giggles.

Jasper smiled. I wondered if he was getting high off the happiness we were feeling.

"Edward," Jasper urged.

"I have to say before I say anything else that you are the most breathtaking bride in history. Period.

Bella, you've changed me in so many ways. I don't even recognize myself. Although I am a pain at times, you put up with me. I am turning into an optimist from just being in your company."

Esme put her hand over her mouth and would be sobbing if she could. Carlisle gave her that same smoldering look, but it was full of pride and almost disbelief in hearing that last part.

"I like it that you call me out when I am moping or brooding, sounds absurd, but it's true."

Even Jasper laughed at that, and there was pride in his eyes too.

None of the witches could understand why some of the vampires found that so funny.

"For a while, we have been much more like husband and wife than boyfriend and girlfriend or just engaged. I've spent almost every day and night with you since we met, practically." he winked.

"I'll never forget the first time you asked me to stay, happily taking on the job of the dreamcatcher, I never knew such happiness was possible. On our first date, I thought my heart was beating again. I think just about everyone who knows me knows that no one has ever evoked the emotions that at the time I couldn't even put a name to. I'd never known them before.

At the time that I became a vampire, I was frozen, my body turning into something more like a rock than flesh, enduring and unchanging. Myself, also frozen as it was-my personality, my likes, my dislikes, desires all fixed into place.

When the came change comes for one of us, it is a rare and permanent thing. I saw it happen with Carlisle, and a decade later with Rosalie. Love changed them in an eternal way, that never faded.

More than eighty years have passed since Carlisle found Esme, and he still looks at her with the incredulous eyes of first love. It will always be that way for him. It will always be that way for me, too. I will love you for the rest of my limitless existence.

It was easy to fall in love with you. The opposite, not letting myself love you would have been like the opposite of falling, like pulling myself up a cliff, hand over hand, the task as grueling as if I had no more than mortal strength.

Still, I couldn't find the name at first for the feelings that flooded through me; I had no words strong enough to hold them. For a long moment, I drowned in them, when I surfaced, I was not the same man I had been.

Before you, Bella, my life was a moonless night, very dark, but there were stars—points of light and reason…

And then you shot across my sky like a meteor, and suddenly everything was on fire, there was brilliancy, there was beauty. When I thought you were gone, when the meteor had fallen over the horizon, everything went black. Nothing changed, but my eyes were blinded by the light. I couldn't see the stars anymore. There was no reason for anything."

'I felt the same way, exactly.'

"But it was temporary, because I hadn't lost you, and when you decided to not live by lists or prescribed amounts of time. When we got engaged, rather, when I put that ring on your finger, when I saw how much you wanted to marry me, the sky has never been so beautiful, especially right now."

I started to sob.

"Isabella, during our time in school together, I hung on every word you said; Especially when it came to certain unwanted suiters. I saw how your unselfishness and bravery set you apart from normal teenagers, and there is an abnormal maturity in your spoken thoughts. You are loving, indulgent, and fiercely protective.

I heard the patience in your voice when you feigned interest in what those boys were rambling on about, none of them seeing the kindness behind that patience.

And I know you have a temper, and people love to the point that out. I've always seen it come out when appropriate. Even when we fight, and I know I am wrong. Your forgiving nature reminds me of what I knew back then; when put together, you, as a whole, are good through and through, and I might add, unbelievably beautiful and a fantastic kisser, and all mine.

You did know what I was immediately, and there have been plenty of times where you could have judged me for it. You never have, not me, not my family. Thank you. I want to be the husband you deserve. I will support your dreams, your choices, and do everything possible to make your life easier."

Jasper smiled at Edward nodding in approval. I wanted to jump his bones. Damn, how did he know exactly what to say?

"I will always want to be the keeper of your deepest thoughts and secrets, and should you ever fall apart again, you can be assured I will do anything to help put you back together. It feels as if I have loved you my entire life, and I always will in our combined futures…forever."

Jasper spoke: "Okay, we are back to the semi-traditional, although it seems as most of this has been covered. Bella, repeat after me."

I, Isabella Swan, take you Edward Cullen to be my lawfully wedded husband, my partner in life, and the truest of true loves. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, forever.

I will trust and honor you.

I will love you, faithfully.

I will celebrate your successes

Bring you comfort and solace in your time of need.

Whatever may come, I will always be here.

As I have given you my hand to hold.

So I give you my life to keep."

Edward repeated the same. I didn't know this was going to be so long!

Jasper started again, "Isabella and Edward, I would ask that you always treat yourselves and each other with respect and remind yourselves often of what brought you here together today.

Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your marriage deserves.

When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage—as they do to every relationship at one time or another—focus on what still seems right between you, not the part that seems wrong. This way, if you lose sight for a moment, you will remember the love you feel and always will. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and happiness."

There were many nodding, especially Edward's family.

"Isabella, we have covered this, but let's make sure. Do you take Edward to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, protect him, and be faithful to him?"

"I do."

"Do you promise to love him even when he is broody, moody, and cranky."

"I already do." I laughed and put Edward's ring on his finger.

Edward did his I do's putting my wedding band on my finger.

My finger was buzzing, so his must be too.

'Wait for it. The buzzing, it will be better. I promise.'

"We are almost there.

There are three rings of marriage. The wedding ring, the engagement ring, and the suffering. We hope the latter can be held to a minimum."

I started giggling along with everyone else.

To make your relationship successful will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know that in your heart, you genuinely want what is best for the other. It will require dedication to stay open to one another and to learn to grow together. It will take faith to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings."

Jasper thought something at Edward.

"And it will take commitment to hold to the journey you both have pledged to today.

Finally! By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you…"

Get ready for it.

"Husband and wife."

Our hands laced together, and every ounce of love I felt for Edward right then, and in the past, especially the day we both changed, combined into one feeling, and flooded us both. I could barely see. A burst of white light shot out, and up from our hands, it worked.

There was something else happening, Edward was becoming an extension of myself, and me, his.

'It's a daylight ring too…I'll tell you everything after jasper snaps out of it.'

"You may kiss your bride."

And kiss we did; I threw my arms around Edward's neck. The electricity Edward emitted hit my entire body, as mine did to his... I didn't want to stop, but I could hear the laughs behind us. Edward swung me around and thought, 'We have to stop now. We have a lot of time tonight. I am so sorry about all my complaining. We will try, we will succeed, how can we not?'

I felt like pouting and jumping for joy, but I agreed, 'How can we not?'

I removed my lips from him; tears were blinding me.

"I love you, Edward," I managed to choke out.

"As I love you."

"I would love to introduce you to the happy couple, Edward and Isabella Cullen."

The guests stood up and cheered. I winked at Lydia, she was proud, as a council member. I knew I had impressed them with the bonding spell I put on our rings. Few could make it a light show. They had no idea about how much light was involved.

We stopped to embrace Esme, and I asked her for the phone.

She happily handed it over. I hit the record button as we started the recessional. We walked the aisle until we hit the pool. Edward took the opportunity to swing me around like a rag doll while I tilted my head back, laughing with joy. I looked at Edward and put the phone up to record us both. I wiggled my ring finger.

"We are married now. How do you feel?" I asked.

"That was amazing. I am delighted, but much more."

"I know. You know, too, don't you?" I asked.

Edward nodded.

I turned off the phone and stuck it in my corset so that Edward could kiss me again.

"Get a room!" Emmett interrupted.

"This is our house, Emmett," I snapped.

"Whatever,"

We moved further away from sight.

"So, are you going to tell me?" Edward asked.

"I know I should have asked you, but you were already gone. Before the girl's night officially began, we went out to enchant the stuff I got your family. Taking the time to do the rings, I promised a long time ago, as well as their various forms of crests.

Lydia asked me if you and I had talked about doing this ritual, sort of like hand binding, but more literal. I was pretty sure you would say yes. It goes beyond the change we feel at the beginning. There is only one trigger, being pronounced. It's a new bond, you will be able to sense me, and I you if need be. If either of us is in danger, in the human world or supernatural; if there is something very wrong that has nothing to do with risk, we can call to the other, feel what the other is. Not two halves anymore, but whole.

This should end the worrying at times apart. It's not a constant thing; it has a life of its own; it just knows. No worries, just married and very happy. Was that okay?" I hoped.

"Happily, ever after?" he asked.

"Forever."

"Forever."

I took out the phone and whispered, "kiss me."

Edward obeyed, and I took another selfie.

"Okay, that,"

I was wondering when he would ask.

"Is your other gift. But like I said, not until we leave." I replied, shrugging, feeling a bit smug about my secret. Not nearly as smug as Edward's inner musings, thinking about our honeymoon with new confidence, what he needed. He was ready to skip the rest.

I had no idea why I kept biting my lip and blushing.

"Where are we going on our honeymoon?"

"Nope."

"Damn it."