Chapter 16: At Last

With that final look at myself all my worries had melted away. I did not doubt an ounce that this is what I wanted and that I could follow my heart, even with everything that had gone against it. Alice pulled me from the room towards the staircase and I saw him. He looked handsome in his charcoal grey suit, his hair slicked back, and with a look over my appearance, the tear that held its place at the corner of his eye spilled over. I rushed to him and wiped it off his cheek, "oh dad," I wrapped my arms around him and held him tightly.

"Bells you look…" he held me out in front of him, "you look just…gosh you are beautiful kid." I blushed, "still the same you as always." I looked at him with confused eyes, "It's always been me dad."

"I know that. It's just…well. I thought that with you, getting married and all I wouldn't have my little Bells anymore." His sad brown eyes went to mine, "Not that I ever had you before, but I felt that I had you for a while. Then, you come at me with this, and the little of you that I was able to grab onto is slipping through my fingers." My stomach clenched. I couldn't believe all that I missed with my dad.

"No matter what dad, you will still have me. I am your daughter and nothing or anyone can change that," I finished as I pulled him back into my arms and held on tightly. This was the most emotion both of us had shared with anyone, and that is the way it should be.

"Not that I am not jumping up and down inside from excitement of all this," Alice said gently pulling us apart, "but we have a wedding to get to."

I couldn't help but laugh a little, "Okay, Alice. Did I mess up my face?" closing my eyes turning it from side to side.

"Really, Bella, like you could ever do that but you do have a smudge of mascara right there," she dabbed a tissue to the corner of my eye, "Perfect! Now let's get this show on the road missy!" My dad let out a little chuckle himself that time and we all headed down the stairs.

We made our way to the double doors that lead to the back yard; they were open but you couldn't see outside because of the thick ivory curtains that draped the opening. I wanted, desperately, to look into Edward's eyes. I missed him all day and couldn't wait to be in his arms again. I saw the bottom of the curtains lift from a soft breeze and I felt a tinge of jealousy that the mind was able to touch the face of my Edward, and I could not. I guess my anxiousness was noted when Ch…Dad, had to pull me back a bit. "Calm down Bells. You don't want to rush out there and fall right on your tush do you?" I blushed a deep red, Dad scoffed, "Now that isn't gonna help any. Just breathe and remember after tonight you are with Edward forever, no matter what." Little did he know that truth in the words he said; especially in forever. Yet I did notice I began to relax and I felt the heat leave my cheeks. "There now, that's better."

Once we all were in our positions Alice cued for the music to start. The common march for the braid's maids played while, Angela and Ben were the first to vanish behind the curtains. Rose and Emmett followed. Then of course Alice and Carlisle, who understandably was Edward's best man. I knew they had reached their spots when I heard the music change, but it was not the obvious bridal march. It was my lullaby. I smiled so wide it hurt my cheeks, I would have to thank Alice in any way I could, because this was perfect.

As my dad and I reached the doorway the curtains were pulled back and I was flooded with ivory, silver and midnight blue. Chairs were draped in ivory cloth, tied with a silver ribbon lined with midnight blue. The aisle was made up of white rose petals, lined with lit candles. Candles everywhere, some even seemed to be floating. It looked as if we were getting married in the stars, in the midst of heaven. Then, I spotted him, elegant in his tux, gleaming eyes, and perfect crooked smile, Edward, a gift from heaven to love and protect me, my angel. Once I locked my eyes with him I saw nothing else, and near him is where I was supposed to be.

Dad stopped us at the right time, good thing too because I wouldn't have known. Jasper was kind enough to lead the ceremony, and I don't think I would have liked anyone else for the job. "Who offers this beautiful young lady's hand in marriage?" Jasper asked with a wink on the end for me, I smiled to him.

"I do," my dad replied. Then he offered my hand to Edward. Once my hand was in his I didn't need anything else. My dad had accepted us and loved me; we took our place in front of Jasper so he could begin. "We are gathered here today to join Bella and Edward in a bond of marriage. If there is anyone who believes these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." I did not risk a look to the faces of the people in the audience. I knew this was real, but it felt so surreal and I didn't want it to disappear.

"I have something to say," I closed my eyes tightly when I heard the faint voice, "There is no objection, but I think it's something my daughter would like to hear." I turned slightly and saw my mother; standing a few feet away in a need length silk midnight blue dress. We looked more alike in this moment, then ever before. I turned to face her, "Hi Bella," she said sheepishly.

"Hi mom," I said quietly.

"I just wanted to say," she said walking towards me, "that. I am very happy for you," she hugged me tightly. I wrapped my arms around her, "You have my whole-hearted consent and blessing," she whispered in my ear and I wound my arms tight and almost cried. We would have stood there for days if not for my dad coming and tapping my mom on her shoulder. "Go get him baby girl," I smiled, on the brink of crying and returned facing Edward and he smiled sweetly.

"If there are no other…speeches, we shall continue." The ceremony continued in a bit of a haze until it came down to our vows. "Edward and Bella decided that they would write their own vows," Jasper announced, "Edward?"

"Bella, from the moment I first saw you I knew you were not like anyone I had ever met. After our first conversation I could tell that your mind and heart held so much depth. The days and months after gave me more reason to stay close and love you. We had our fair share of trials and happiness combined, you saved me from solitude and loneliness, showed me how much life truly did hold for me. I would not take back a single day because it has all lead me to this day when here after I may call you my love, my wife, my life…for all eternity," I could have cried but I needed to wait. I had to say my vows.

"Bella?" Jasper cued.

I took a deep breath to steady myself and smiled, "From the first time I saw you, with your beautiful family, as striking as they are, I noticed you most of all. Before even speaking with you I could feel the intensity you have. After we first began talking I knew that you wanted to get to know me and not the new girl in school. I was able to open myself to you and tell you all that I felt and thought. You freed me from myself. You gave me the freedom to love and care for others. If I had to start all over again, and go through all the bad times again, I would. I would travel to the ends of the earth, battle time and any obstacle to reach you. You are my other half, my heart, my soul. I live for you, to love and care for you, with all that I am, forever…for eternity."

Once I finished my vows Edward pulled me into his arms and kissed me deeply. "Ummm…well he has kissed his bride. So I pronounce them husband and wife," Jasper chuckled. Edward lifted his head slightly, "Whoops," he smiled mischievously. "That is an understatement," I whispered back knowing full and well where he pulled that memory from.

"I am happy to present to you all, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen," Jasper announced once we composed ourselves.

Then they ambushed us.