The Twilight characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. I'm not getting any money to write this, I just want to play this out through Edwards POV, she owns the characters.

3. Reception

"This is the woman trouble you had when you came to Alaska?" Tanya. I knew she was in our presence today, but being so focused on Bella, I hadn't really heard her thoughts until she made her way through the line. I looked at Bella at my side; she stiffened in my arm when she realized who that strawberry blond vampire might be making her way to us. Well, I was going to make the introduction before Tanya had a chance to say anything too offensive.

"Let me introduce you to my wife," I said it out loud and it made my heart swell again. I thought my heart might explode out of my chest if it got any bigger. "Tanya, this is my Bella."

"I can't believe you chose a human over me! You're a good man, Edward, but I don't marry my men, I just have fun with them and let them live." Tanya thought as she reached for Bella's hand. "Welcome to the family, Bella. We consider ourselves Carlisle's extended family, and I am sorry about the, er, recent incident when we did not behave as such. We should have met you sooner. Can you forgive us? Like I care if you forgive us or not."

"Of course, it's so nice to meet you," Bella answered. Once again, she was her true selfless person. She forgave Tanya; despite the trouble she almost caused our family. I was still stunned by her forgiving nature.

Bella met the rest of the Denali Clan, before the remainder of our guests came through the line. I lost my focus after that. I paid attention again when Billy Black came through the line. He was smiling, as I probed his mind I found that Jacob was on his way, Sam Uley had informed him of this. I was glad he was on his way. I wanted Bella to know he was okay, I wanted her to be reassured that he didn't hate her. I lost my focus again. I kept the smile up and was gracious as our guests filtered through to offer their congratulations and well wishes. I was ready to have Bella to myself. My selfishness reared its ugly head again.

It's a good thing the myth of our likeness not showing up in pictures wasn't true, so many pictures were taken I thought Bella's eyes would never recover from all the flashbulbs. She'd be blind by the time we left this evening. We cut the cake together, and shoved a piece in the others' mouths. This was the first time I had fed her and the feeling it gave me to watch her take a bite of something from my hand sent shivers up my spine. She tried not to stare in disbelief as I swallowed my bite. For her, I'd eat the whole cake, but she would not watch me as I had to make it come back up. That was the part that was most repulsive, more than actually eating human food.

Bella gracefully, for her, threw the bouquet, it landed in Angela's hands.

"Yes!" Ben Cheney's thoughts were louder than the squealing ladies at this, "I was hoping that would happen. Now to get that ring on her finger so I can give Angela her fairy tale wedding she deserves." Ben was definitely a perfect fit for Angela. I was glad that my anonymous gift was still being appreciated.

"Edward! Edward! Edward!" Emmett was chanting my name the loudest, though Jasper was doing his best to be louder. Bella was sitting in the middle of the dance floor with her leg bared, her borrowed garter almost down to her ankle, and her face beet red in embarrassment. Emmett and Jasper were doing what they could to make her face even redder. I wished she had left that garter where it was, but her blush told me I was lucky to get to do this part at all. This made my heart flutter again. I was not going to get used to that feeling and I didn't want to. I ever so gently, but forcefully grabbed it in between my teeth and yanked it down her leg. This caused another shiver I couldn't subdue. Then, winking at Bella, I shot it perfectly into Mike Newton's face. He deserved that after his inappropriate thoughts during our wedding. Bella blushed even more, if that were even possible.

"Jerk!" Mike thought loudly.

After all the standard traditions were kept up, chairs were brought around the dance floor as the first chords of "Cheek to Cheek" came over the speakers. I pulled Bella into my arms; she floated around the dance floor, despite her clumsiness. I embraced her, "enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?" I whispered in her ear, I had been waiting for the moment to call her that all night. Saying Mrs. Cullen unearthed more human feelings I didn't know were buried. Was that possible?

"That will take a while to get used to," she laughed breathlessly. Her breath filled my nostrils and I lovingly inhaled them. The monster was locked within, nice and tight.

"We have a while," I had until forever for her to get used to that. I couldn't stand it any more! I wanted to continue that kiss we started back in the house. I leaned down to meet her warm lips with my cold ones. I could tell she wanted it, too, as our eyes communicated what words wouldn't. Flashbulbs went off again, though, I didn't care. I wanted this moment to be documented forever.

Charlie tapped on my shoulder; I barely noticed the song had changed to "Unforgettable". I reluctantly gave her back to her father. I found Esme and we glided around the floor as Charlie and Bella awkwardly shuffled their feet. I made a mental note to give her dancing lessons, I probably should have done that before tonight, but under the circumstances, she was doing amazingly well.

"Edward, you're glowing, if that's possible," Esme told me.

"I know, mom. I feel like my heart is beating again, is that what it's like for you and Carlisle?"

"Everyday."

I smiled, I could get used to this feeling. The song changed again, Charlie was obviously relieved to be done with that duty. Bella got passed along to the rest of my family, then to some of her friends from school, but as each new partner came up to take their turn on the dance floor her facial expressions and searching eyes told me she would rather be in my arms. I agreed. It was Mike Newton's turn and I'd let him have a minute, no, half a minute after reading his vile thoughts. He was making her generic again and she was far from that. He needed to go back to generic Jessica. They were meant for each other.

She smiled her Bella smile as I cut in, I'd read her expressions correctly. "Still not fond of Mike, eh?" Bella asked as I whisked her away as quickly as I could from him.

"Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. He's lucky I didn't kick him out. Or worse," thoughts of dismembering him still appealed to me.

"Yeah, right," Bella scoffed.

I remembered what Alice had told me before Bella descended the stairs. "Have you had a chance to look at yourself?" Knowing she hadn't I wanted her to see herself as I saw her. I slowly started leading her towards the glass of the house, though under the cover of the night and the white lights it had turned it into a mirror.

"Um. No, I guess not. Why?" She had to ask? She really didn't know how exquisite she was.

"Then I supposed you don't realize how utterly, heartbreakingly, beautiful you are tonight," and really those adjectives weren't enough, even exquisite wasn't the proper word. Like always, there were no proper words to describe Bella's beauty to me. "I'm not surprised Mike's have a difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman. I am disappointed that Alice didn't make sure you were forced to look in a mirror."

"You are very biased you know," Bella said, as I stopped her in front of the window-turned-mirror. I wanted, no needed, her to see her reflection. I sighed in utter exasperation as I turned her around so she could see for herself. I pointed to the couple reflected there. I heard her make an inaudible gasp.

"Biased, am I?" I asked her. But she didn't look at herself right away, she looked upon my reflection, then she saw herself. Her mouth fell open with a small popping sound. I heard Alice say thank you for forgiving her and for doing what she should have before this whole evening started. I was kind of glad I got to see this for myself. I was enjoying watching her eyes rove slowly over her reflection, starting from the bottom of her dress to the top of her head. Her eyes stopped at her face, like she was seeing herself for the first time. I was getting ready to tell her that this is what I see all the time, but I was interrupted by Jacob's voice in the woods surrounding our house. "Oh!" He made it. I rearranged my surprised expression, but of course, Bella saw me before I could turn it into a smile. I was happy he came. Not for me, but for Bella.

"What is it?" Bella asked.

"A surprise wedding gift," I knew I would take her to the woods and let her have a few minutes of alone time with him. She deserved it, though it would pain me to leave her, even if just for a moment, with him. This was my attempt at being selfless, I owed her that much. I twirled her in the opposite direction. I also caught the eyes of my family. I didn't know if there was going to be trouble but I wanted them near in case something was going to happen.

"I got your back," Emmett reassured me. They lingered a little longer, but one couple by one couple they danced close to the edge of cedars, where I was taking Bella.

"Thank you, this is very...kind of you," I spoke to the tall figure hidden in the shadows I knew Bella couldn't see yet.

"Kind is my middle name, can I cut in? I promise I'll be on my best behavior, I need to see her, I need this closure for myself. I want to make sure she's happy."

"Jacob!" Bella practically shrieked as soon as she heard his voice. I knew I had made the right decision in sending that invite. She also teetered. I wasn't sure if it was her heels on the slight incline of the grass or her gladness at seeing Jacob. I made sure to hold her elbow to lead her to my worst enemy, her best friend. Once I was sure Jacob had her I let them know that Rosalie wouldn't forgive me if I didn't dance with her.

I found Rosalie, but kept an ear out for any sign of trouble. He may have said he was going to be on his best behavior, but this was going to be hard for him. I knew it would be ripping my apart if the roles were reversed. I also knew the other members of the pack were there. They had sensed something else as well.

"Edward, congratulations. Really," Rosalie said sincerely, as we jitterbugged around the floor. "And I don't hate her. I don't like her, but I don't hate her, I still appreciate that she saved your life, I just hate what she's giving up."

"I know, Rose. I'm trying very hard to prolong this as long as I can. I want to keep her human, but she's very stubborn. She may even rival your tenacity," I teased her.

Rosalie glared at me then laughed, "Yeah, you're probably right." It was good to hear her laugh. I hadn't heard her laugh in so long, especially when it came to Bella. "It's nice to see you so happy, Edward. She really is good for you, just please keep her human as long as you possibly can. I don't want to see her regret this choice before she's ready."

"Believe me I'm doing everything in my power to make sure she has every human experience as she can. This wedding was amazing; Alice stuck to Bella's requests and rules and still pulled this off. I'm a little shocked Bella agreed to all of this, but she seems genuinely happy."

"Yes, she does. And I've decided Alice is going to do my next wedding, I'm going to let her surprise me," Rosalie answered.

"By the way, thank you again for playing so wonderfully for us. You are a great pianist yourself," I told her.

"It's the least I could do for you, Edward, as many times as you've played at my weddings," she smiled briefly again and then her face changed to concern. "Uh-oh, what's going on in the woods?" Rosalie questioned. I thought I was listening to the woods, but Rosalie heard the scuffle first.

"Jake-STOP!" Bella commanded. Human ears wouldn't have heard her. What was that mongrel doing to my wife? I felt a snarl reach my lips. But I stopped it before I scared our guests. As much as it killed me, Rosalie and I never broke our formation or speed as we danced back to the edge of the woods. Emmett and Jasper made their way over but not too close so as not to alarm the rest of the party.

"Take your hands off her!" I snarled once I was under the cover of the darkness of the trees. A red haze filled my vision as venom filled my mouth. He was hurting Bella, what was he doing? He was shaking my Bella! Then I saw how hard he was gripping her, her fingers were turning white from loss of blood to them.

"Jake, bro, back away. You're losing it," Seth Clearwater urged him to let go. "You'll hurt her, let her go," he encouraged again.

"NOW!" I snarled again. It was all I could do not to lunge for him, and if Bella hadn't been in his grasp I would have. I couldn't risk hurting Bella.

Jacob's hands dropped to his sides. She flexed her fingers as I watched the color run back to her arms. What had he done to her? Why had he done that to her?

I quickly got to her side, replaced his hands with mine and got her a half a dozen feet away from the now quivering Jacob. I crouched protectively in front of Bella, ready to spring at the first sign of a fight. He was not going to hurt Bella anymore. Seth wrapped his arms around Jacob and tugged him away. Jacob turned to me, "I'll kill you," he choked out while adding in his mind, "stupid bloodsucker! You may have her for marriage, but getting physical with her? You're going to kill her, I'll kill you first! I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!" He looked as if he was getting ready to phase, his body was quivering uncontrollably. Seth tugged on Jacob again to get him out of here. I read in Seth's mind he didn't want to ruin this night for Bella. Jacob would hate himself later for hurting her as well. Suddenly the rest of the pack was surrounding Jacob and pulling him away. He was still yelling at me mentally.

Only Quil in wolf form was left standing there, sizing me up, Bella whispered to him, "I'm sorry." Why was she apologizing to him? She hadn't done anything wrong.

I wanted to reassure her it wasn't her fault, "It's all right now, Bella." Though, I knew it probably wasn't, at least not for me. Why did I send him that invitation? Because I wanted him to have that choice, but if I had known it would come to this I would have honored Bella's wishes.

"Is she okay? Should I go back to Jacob now?" Quil asked mentally. I nodded stiffly. He ran off to join the rest of the pack.

"Edward, if you need us, we're right here," Emmett called to me from several feet away. I didn't want to alarm Bella anymore than needed.

"All right, let's go back," I said in my most non-threatening voice. Mostly for Bella's sake, but also to let my brothers know it had ended. I gently started to lead Bella away, back to the celebration of our matrimony. She stood her ground, I didn't force her; I wanted her to be ready to go back. I watched her face as she processed in her head what had just happened.

"But Jake?" she argued.

"Sam has him in hand, He's gone," of course, despite the tourniquet type grip he had on her she would be concerned about him. I couldn't break through that bond of friendship, it hurt knowing that I, ultimately, caused that friendship.

Then she was apologizing to me. Apologizing? "Edward, I'm so sorry, I was stupid..." She was far from stupid. No, I was the stupid one.

"You did nothing wrong," I assured her, because I'm the one in the wrong. She couldn't help that he was so in love with her and yet she still chose me.

"I have such a big mouth! Why would I...I shouldn't have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?" She was on the verge of hysterics. I needed to distract her.

"Don't worry," I turned my attention to her and used my soft, calming voice on her again, as I let my hand cradle her cheek. "We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence." She shook her head no. Why? I wish I knew what was going through her head. Her expressions changed from contemplating to quizzical to realization that this slight altercation hadn't lasted that long. A new song was just now starting.

"Give me two seconds," she pleaded. I could give her that, longer if needed. As she collected her thoughts and herself she smoothed out her hair, then ran her hands over her skirt, as if smoothing out imaginary wrinkles. "My dress?"

"You look fine, not a hair out of place," Again, her mind worked in strange ways. That V between her eyebrows slowly smoothed out as she took a deep breath, then one more.

"Okay, let's go," speaking as she blew out a gust of air. I wasn't sure if she was really ready or not, but I put my arms around her and led her back to the crowd. I helped her resume our dancing position and twirled her back in with the rest of the crowd, as if we weren't really gone. I saw her glance around at our guests to see if they noticed her absence. I scanned each of their thoughts, just to be sure.

"This shrimp is amazing! Wonder where they found it?" Renee' chattered in her mind.

"Bella looks like a princess dancing with that Greek god, wish Mike..." Jessica thought. I tuned her out quickly.

"Is she okay?" Emmett asked. I really couldn't be sure. Physically she looked fine, but her thoughts were still guarded from me.

I felt Jasper test the air around us. "Not good, she's panicking," I heard Jasper assess. I nodded in their direction.

"Are you..." I started to ask, but she cut me off.

"I'm fine. I can't believe I did that. What's wrong with me?" she asked in a calm panicky voice.

"Nothing is wrong with you," no, it really was me this time. I could kill Jacob for doing this to her, and for making me feel like a monster again. He ruined my day, our day. But I had to stay calm for Bella, when I really just wanted to go chase down that dog and rip him apart. How could he do this to us?

And as if she was reading my mind, she answered me, "It's over," Bella sighed, "Let's not think of it again."

I stayed silent as I contemplated what their fight had been about. Jacob was right, despite what Carlisle and Jasper had told me last night, how was I not going to poke holes in her? Suddenly Emmett's tasteless joke didn't seem so far off base anymore.

"Edward?" Bella asked in a slightly panicked voice.

I had to voice my concerns again. I leaned in to touch my forehead to Bella's, the electricity still hummed between us. I closed my eyes. I couldn't look at her as I said "Jacob is right. What am I thinking?"

"He is not," Bella was trying to keep her voice even, though I knew this tone meant she wanted to yell at me, but couldn't due to our close proximity of our company. "Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly."

"He's right, I should let him kill me for even thinking I can be with you in all ways we both desire," I thought I'd said this so low she couldn't hear me, but I think she heard some of my words.

"Stop it!" Bella commanded to me, she grabbed my face in between her warm hands. I slowly opened my eyes to meet her fierce gaze. "You and me. That's the only thing that matters. The only thing you're allowed to think about now. Do you hear me?"

I sighed resolutely, "Yes." She was comforting me. She had been hurt by her alleged best friend, and she was comforting me. So selfless, again.

"Forget Jacob came. For me. Promise me you'll let this go."

Again, she was asking for something I wasn't sure I could give her. Could I promise this? I stared into her eyes as if the answer would flicker across those deep brown eyes. And it did. I could promise her this. She seemed resolved to do the same. "I promise," I said, though I wasn't sure how convincing this sounded.

"Thank you. Edward," she hesitated, "I'm not afraid." Of course she wasn't. When was she ever afraid of what she was supposed to be afraid of?

"I am," I whispered. What was I doing? She'd fulfilled her promise to me, and now my cold feet were back, there's nothing I would deny her, but I wished I could deny her this one thing. If ever there was a promise I could take back it would be this.

"Don't be," She looked deeply into my eyes, as if searching for strength as she said, "by the way, I love you."

"That's why we're here," I smiled, a little. I still wasn't over my self-loathing.

"I'm coming over to break you two up. You need some time to collect yourself. You're monopolizing the bride," Emmett said over my shoulder. Sometimes Emmett wasn't so clueless. "Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush." Then again...

I stayed away and let her enjoy her evening. I watched from the sidelines as she danced with partner after partner. I didn't want to dance; I wanted to wallow in the self-loathing a little more. Really, what was I thinking, what kind of promise had I made her? This was slowly becoming my nightmare, erasing the sweet dreams from earlier. Jacob was right. I am so wrong for her. He could give her everything she needed, and wanted, and offer her protection as well.

"Edward, I heard your conversation, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I'm sorry. I was concerned." said Carlisle after awhile of letting me think through my pain.

"It's okay; I knew someone other than Bella would hear it."

"You won't hurt her. I know you. She said yes to you, remember? She's been warned, she understands there are consequences, but as I said last night, despite all this, she wants you, all of you. But I swear, if you tear down Esme's house, you'll be banned from ours for awhile."

This last part made me laugh a little. This was so unlike Carlisle, he knew I needed to hear that. That helped break through the last of my tension. I smiled at him, then I looked over at Bella, she was dancing with someone besides me. I didn't care who it was, it wasn't me, I wanted her in my arms. I felt too cold again.

"Go to her, forgive her, if there is anything to forgive, and make this right," Carlisle patted my shoulder. He was right, as usual. I was her husband. Hmmm, I hadn't thought that before, I rather liked that. I wanted my wife. All of my wife. Suddenly I was jealous of the boy dancing with Bella. I practically ran too fast to her. I cut in, she smiled and laid her head on my chest I knew all was right in our world again. I didn't need Jasper to tell me that joy and certainty had returned, though he made sure to tell me anyway. I ever so gently tightened my arms around her and enjoyed the warmth of her.

"I could get used to this," Bella murmured. My heart swelled slightly.

"Don't tell me you've gotten over your dancing issues?" I teased. I knew what she meant.

"Dancing isn't so bad-with you. But I was thinking more of this," she hugged me tighter, it was probably all of her strength, but I barely noticed a change, "of never having to let you go."

"Never," I promised, and that wasn't a lie; and as if just saying the words weren't enough I had to show her with a kiss as well. I leaned down to feel their softness on my hard lips. She returned my kiss with the same sense of urgency I felt.

"See? She loves you, and she wants you, all of you," Carlisle thought, before turning his attention to Esme.

I didn't know how long we'd been showing affection on the dance floor, I didn't care until Alice burst into our bubble. "Bella, it's time!" Ugh, that annoying little sister of mine. I ignored her. I kissed Bella harder, more urgently, as if we wouldn't get this moment back. I felt Bella's heart speed up, I felt her palms get sweaty and they were burning my neck; her kisses were just as intense as mine. Our breathing was heavy, I was glad she hadn't forgotten to breath. Though, I think I may have. Where were we again?

"Do you want to miss your plane? I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight." I knew she was right, but why now? I broke away from my love long enough to tell Alice to go away, then I pressed my lips back to my wife's lips. That thought made me want her more.

"Uh, Edward, unless you want to give all of our guests a show they'll never forget you might want to listen to Alice," Jasper thought. He was right, but I pretended not to hear him.

"Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?" She shrieked to break through our concentrated lust.

Bella was ignoring Alice as well, her lips wouldn't, couldn't leave mine, as mine wouldn't and couldn't leave hers. A barrier had been between us for too long, the wall was beginning to chip away.

"I'll tell her where you're taking her, Edward. So help me, I will."

That did it! She was NOT going to ruin that for me. I froze, my lips still attached to Bella's. I opened my eyes and glared at my not so favorite sister at the moment. I broke away, reluctantly, and said, "You're awfully small to be so hugely irritating!"

"I didn't pick out the perfect going away dress to have it wasted." Of course she was worried about clothes. "And I refuse to let her travel in that wedding dress!"

Bella stretched up to kiss me one more time as Alice gently tugged her away from me. Her left arm still outstretched as she was trying to hang onto me, and Alice had her right arm, dragging her towards the house. This, of course, made my heart swell again. My dead heart was growing larger and larger; I thought it would start beating again. Our guests were getting a show, they all chuckled as this played out. Emmett and Jasper were guffawing like this was the best joke they had ever heard. I could kill Alice, if I didn't love her so much. I watched Bella being led away until she disappeared up the stairs. This time my mind lingered in Alice's head, why should she get to see Bella the way I wanted to? Then I stopped myself, I wanted to see Bella for myself, not through someone else's filter. I would be a gentleman and give her this privacy. I looked at my laughing family, sans Alice, before going into the house to relieve myself of that nasty cake that had settled uncomfortably in my gut, and to change into my traveling clothes as well. Not that I cared much, but Alice would.

I waited at the bottom of the stairs for the second time that day for the love of my life. I heard Charlie's thoughts around the corner. I made a mental note to make sure Bella said her goodbyes to him before we left. He really was in anguish over his only daughters' leaving. Soon Bella bounded down the stairs in the most stunning deep blue outfit and her hair had been let down falling in soft waves down her back. She was irresistible; she grabbed my hand instantly warming it again. I could tell she was looking for her father, as she craned her neck over the crowd, slightly pulling away from me, "Dad?"

"Over here," I said as I led her through the crowd to him. The love was pouring out of him. Once again, I left her alone to give him a proper goodbye.

Their conversation didn't last very long, "are you ready?" I asked. Because at this moment, I knew I was, in more ways than I could count.

"I am," she replied, sounding just as sure as I felt. I led her back through the aisle of people to the waiting car outside. I paused to kiss her on the doorstep. Everyone applauded. What had Alice tied to the back of the car? Shoes? And flowers and streamers were all over the car. What was she thinking? Rice was being thrown all over us. Emmett was having too much fun showering us. "Jasper won, damn! Wonder if I throw this rice hard enough it'll make her fall?" I made sure Bella got a lot of rice in her hair. It made her that much more lovely.

I held the door open for my wife, it was going to take me awhile to get used to that,and then I got into the drivers side. I immediately took her hand in mine as soon as I shifted the car into drive. I followed Bella's gaze out the window. There stood her mother, Phil's arms were around her waist, and Renee's free hand was holding Charlies. I watched Bella mouth, "I love you" to her family. I wondered if Bella realized how much she was loved. I gently squeezed her hand, "I love you." At that moment, even saying those words, the conviction of my love couldn't be contained.

"That's why we're here," she quoted me from earlier. I kissed her rice filled hair. She was unbelievable, and she was -is- mine. As I gripped the steering wheel I stared at the ring on my left ring finger. This would never leave my hand and she would never leave my life again. Just at that moment a growl from Jacob ripped through my thoughts and the forest surrounding the house. I was sure Bella heard it too. I saw the slightly sad expression flit across her face. I left her to her silent thoughts as I pressed down on the accelerator to escape the lingering growl.