Chapter 8
April 24 2014
"Time to get up!" Alice stated, yanking the covers from the bed.
Jacob fell out of the bed, taking a few remaining sheets with him, as I jumped, attempting at covering my body with a few pillows.
"What the fuck?" I cried. "Alice, do you have any sense to just knock on the fucking door?"
"Honey, I've seen it all." She walked towards the closet doors and pulled them open.
"We have to leave for Seattle in two hours. Get showered, dressed, and meet us at the Big House for further instructions." She tossed some clothes towards the bed, and skipped out of the room, humming the Bridal March.
I looked over the bed, finding Jacob lying on the floor, covered only by sheets.
"Do you think this will stop after the wedding?" He mumbled.
"I really hope so," I sighed.
I tossed the pillows aside, swinging my legs over the bed. I stood, gathering the clothes that Alice threw out for me.
"We could still go to Vegas," Jacob offered, getting up to do the same.
"And have Alice murder us?" I replied. "It's one more day, I'm sure she won't be as bad as she's been the last few months."
Jacob shrugged, pulling on his jeans. "Well, at least we'll have four weeks to ourselves," He walked over to me, placing his hand underneath my chin.
"Just you, and me," he kissed me softly, "no Alice, no planning…"
"No one to burst into our bedroom…" I added. "I can't wait,"
Jacob leaned in to kiss me again, but before anything could move further, I heard my phone vibrate against the night stand. I planned on ignoring it, but it continued, eventually turning the ringer on.
"Can't you two control yourselves for just five minutes?" Alice said, exasperated. "Five minutes. It's all I ask."
"I wouldn't dare," I snickered. "I can handle myself just fine, but I'm not sure about Jacob…"
I noticed him stick his tongue out at me. I did the same to him.
"Oh, please," Alice laughed. "You're just as bad as he is."
I rolled my eyes.
"I saw that!"
"You know, the longer we're on the phone, the less time we have to make it to Seattle,"
"Just, go get ready!" There was a click, and the line went dead.
"Get dressed," I laughed, lightly pushing Jacob away from me. "Alice is going to murder us if we don't get there in time."
Jacob chuckled lightly, giving me another kiss. "Just think, this time tomorrow, we're going to be married."
"I can't wait," I smiled.
xXx
Alice separated Jacob and I, as per the tradition. We were not allowed to see each other for the twenty-four hours prior to my walk down the aisle. We followed each other to Seattle, but Alice timed it so that we would arrive at the hotel after the guys did.
We spent the entire day getting prepped for tomorrow. Alice and I met with Emmett and Jasper in the reception hall, and got the room set up for the reception. The afternoon was spent with Alice shouting "vision!" every ten or so minutes. But, after a few hours, everything was ready to go for tomorrow night.
Like the ceremony, the theme was simple, yet elegant. Lights were strung on the ceiling in a fashion that would create a "starry night" effect when the lights were turned off. The tables were arranged in a banquet ten style, with a long table at the far end of the hall and the circular tables scattered around it. There was enough space between the two types of tables for the dancing, and the DJ table sat against the right wall, so that it wasn't noticeable upon first glance while walking into the room. The tables were dawned with white tablecloths, and pastel green cloth napkins, that matched the color of the bridesmaid dresses. The chairs were covered with a white cloth, and around the back of the chair, a pastel green bow.
At the opposite end of the far hall stood another long table, dawned with a white table cloth, which would hold the cake Rose would pick up in the hour and a half between the ceremony and reception. Along either side of the table were bowls, which would hold varies candies and fruits, and little packages of bubbles were scattered around the table, as well as petals from fabric roses.
Everything was perfect. And I couldn't wait until I got to dance with Jacob as his wife.
xXx
April 25 2014
I turned to my side, reaching out towards Jacob, just beginning to wake up. I was surprised, at first, to find that he wasn't there. But then I remembered what day it was, and that I wouldn't see Jacob for another several hours.
That the next time I'd see him, I'd be walking towards him, and he would be waiting for me, standing at the altar.
Butterflies started in my stomach, and I giggled lightly. I was getting married!
I sat up in the bed, and rested against the headboard. This was the last morning I would wake up by myself. Tomorrow, and every morning after, Jacob would be by my side.
And I couldn't wait.
I only had a few more moments of quiet bliss, before my phone rang. The caller ID noted that Alice was calling.
"Are you up?" She asked quickly, before I could even put the receiver to my ear.
"Considering I've picked up the phone…" I noted. "I would say that I'm up."
"Good," I heard the smile in her voice. "There's a lot we have to do today before the ceremony starts. It's nine right now, so that gives us six-and-a-half hours until the music starts. Rose is out scoping a few places with the photographer, and I'm on my way to your room now, so we can start doing your hair and makeup."
"Don't I get breakfast first?" I laughed.
"I'll bring up a glass of blood for you," Alice replied. "I have some packed away for the day just for you."
"You're the best," I smiled.
"Five minutes!" She chimed, before hanging up.
I tossed my phone aside, sighing. I looked over at the clock on the nightstand, which read 9:30.
"Six more hours," I breathed, praying that the time would go by fast.
xXx
When Alice arrived, all relaxation went out the door. She immediately went to pocking and prodding, getting me dressed, pulling at my hair, and making sure my 'pre' makeup looked right. There was no time to even take a breath, because, according to Alice, we were running off schedule.
"Ouch!" I grabbed my hair, feeling a chunk of it go missing.
"This is why I tell you to put conditioning spray in it every night," Alice commented, pulling the hair out of the brush.
"If you listened, this wouldn't happen."
"If you were gentler, this wouldn't happen," I muttered bitterly.
"Well, no time for complaining," She went right back to brushing my hair, starting from the top, pulling the brush down in slow strokes.
"Five hours, yes, I know…"
"Just think!" She exclaimed, putting the brush down, beginning to pull her fingers through my hair.
"In six hours, you're going to be Mrs. Black!" She bounced softly, and went back to playing with my hair.
The butterflies started again. "Yeah," I smiled.
She ran her fingers through my hair for a few more minutes, before turning me around.
"I want you to be surprised," she said. "You're going to love it."
I shook my head with a small laugh. "Whatever you say,"
The next hour and a half, Alice played with my hair, curling it, twisting it, and putting about three cases of bobby pins in it, as well as two and a half giant cans of hairspray. After she finally deemed my hair "perfect", she began to work on my makeup, which took about an hour. Although I know she would make it look like I wasn't wearing any, I could feel the layers of it sitting on my face, and I swore she added three pounds to my weight. After she sprayed some sort of makeup fixture spray over my face, she sighed contently.
"Jacob won't be able to take his eyes off you," she sighed dreamily. "What do you think?"
She handed me a hand mirror, and I adjusted it so that I could get the mirror on the bathroom wall in its reflection.
Alice was right, to say the least. Jacob wouldn't be able to take his eyes off of me. She had done my hair in an elegant half-updo. Most of my hair was let down, loose curls cascading down my back and over my shoulders. The rest, except for a small piece of my bangs, was pulled out of my face, and pinned on the back of my head, pushed into a medium bump, adding volume. Alice had put some sort of glitter spray in my hair as well.
As for my makeup, Alice had made it look like I was wearing a light layer; creamy skin, light purple and silver eyeshadow, dark eyeliner. She made my eyelashes look fuller—something I didn't think was possible. She made my cheekbones higher, and stained my lips with blood red lipstick and gloss.
"It's perfect," I commented, smiling. "I love it, Alice. Thank you."
She bounced for a minute, and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. "I knew you would!" She exclaimed.
There was a knock on the door. "Is she ready?" I heard Rose ask from behind the door.
"She is," Alice smiled. "Come in!"
Alice opened the bathroom door, and let me out. Rose stood at the door, the photographer behind her.
"I wanted to get a few pictures of them getting ready," she nodded towards the photographer.
"I already got Jacob and the guys, and I have some of Bella and Edward, as well as Emily, Rachel, and there kids, and all I really need now is Nessie."
"Sure," I smiled. "I mean, I'm pretty much ready…?"
"I wish you'd told me sooner, Rose," Alice sighed. "I would've waited to get her hair and makeup."
"Its fine, Alice." I reassured. "It's not that big of a deal."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She crossed, and then uncrossed her arms.
"Oh!" She exclaimed. "We have to get the bridal party all together after this, are the guys ready? Did you get them all together? They can't be anywhere near each other before three-thirty,"
"Already taken care of," Rose smiled towards the photographer. "And we've picked out the perfect location for after ceremony pictures."
"Good," Alice smiled. "Well, let's get you in your dress!" She smiled over at me, and walked over to the closet, pulling out the gown, which still sat in its white bag.
"We have a little under three hours before we have to get to the church."
The photographer snapped pictures ever so often, as Alice and Rose helped me get into the dress. There were a few times during the dressing where I had to take a few deep breaths to allow the dress to tie in the back. He took a few more pictures after I had gotten in the dress, with Alice and Rose next to me, proud of their work.
"Oh, one more thing!" Alice ran from the room, and returned holding a shoe box.
"I can't believe I forgot to give you these," she faked panting, walking past the photographer, who, again, began taking pictures.
She lifted the top of the box, revealing a pair of white heels with black detail that crept like ivy around the shoe, and even off of it.
"Mom's shoes?" I furrowed my eyebrows and looked up to Alice.
"I thought you threw these away years ago," I gently lifted them from the box, examining them.
"I was saving them," She piped. "I knew you'd just love them!"
"Alice, thank you," I smiled, and pulled her into a hug, still holding the shoes in my hands.
"Come on," she pulled away, "let's get those shoes on."
She sat me down, and slipped the shoes over my feet. For a moment, I felt like Cinderella slipping on her glass slippers for the prince. Before I stood, the photographer snapped a few shots of me wearing the shoes. When he felt that he had gotten enough, Alice helped me stand, and walked me out of the room.
"Let's get married!"
xXx
Pictures in the garden behind the hotel took what seemed like hours. Alice had wanted separate pictures of each bridesmaid and flower-girl, one of Mom, one of Dad, and one of me. She did a few with Daddy and me, then Mom and me, and all three of us. She also had him do a few with the group as a whole.
Eventually, though, she realized that if we didn't finish with the pictures soon, she'd make me late to my own wedding. She had us quickly load into the limo she had rented, and we were finally on our way to the ceremony.
As we loaded out of the limo, Mom pulled me aside, giving me a hug.
"My baby's getting married," she cried. "You look so beautiful," she pulled away from the hug, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
"You too, Mom." I smiled.
"Here, I have something for you." She reached into her purse, and pulled out a small, flat box.
She opened the box, and pulled out a sapphire-encrusted hair piece.
"Turn around," she instructed.
I did what she asked, and she put it in, securing it underneath the bump.
"This was your great-grandma Swan's, on her wedding day," she started.
"She gave it to your grandmother, and she gave it to me," she sniffed lightly.
"And now, I'm giving it to you." She turned me back around, holding me at arm's length.
"I'm so proud of you, Renesmee," she smiled.
"Thanks, Mom," I tried not to get teary-eyed.
"Come on, we have to get inside," Alice skipped over to us, tapping the watch on her wrist, reminding us of the time.
"No one can see Nessie before the ceremony starts, and we have people already beginning to arrive. The ceremony starts in an hour, and we have to do make sure everything's perfect."
Mom rolled her eyes, and gave me one last hug. "My baby girl's getting married," she sighed one last time, before letting me go.
xXx
With five minutes until the ceremony started, Rose had everyone arranged outside the double doors that served as an entrance to the sanctuary. I still couldn't believe that Alice and Rose were able to get us into a church for the wedding. But, anything for a destination wedding, right?"
The butterflies returned, this time with a vengeance. I had to take deep breaths to calm down. This was really it. The doors would open in a few minutes, and soon, Jacob would be my husband.
I knew that Jacob had walked Mom to her seat when the soft flow of piano filled the air. The doors opened, and the ceremony had begun. Madeline began walking down the aisle, tossing white and pastel green petals across the floor, followed by Elizabeth, who was escorted by Kevin, who was the ring-bearer. After they had made it across the aisle and to their seats with their grandparents, Rachel, Paul, Emily, and Sam began their turn down the aisle, separating at the altar, standing on either side.
My turn was next.
I hadn't realized how hard I had been gripping Daddy's arm until he nudged me.
"You okay?" He whispered.
"Fine," I nodded slowly, swallowing hard.
"I was nervous," he said.
"Nervous?" I turned my head towards him.
He nodded. "When your mother and I got married. But, as soon as I saw your mother walking down towards me, I knew that we had made the right decision." He gave me a quick kiss on my forehead.
"Odds are sweetheart, that he's just as nervous as you are." He gave me another quick kiss.
"Don't be nervous. You've been waiting for this for your whole life; get excited."
"I love you," I whispered, hearing the beginning notes for All of the Stars begin.
It's just another night, and I'm staring at the moon.
I saw a shooting star, and I thought of you.
I sang a lullaby by the waterside, and knew
If you were here, I'd sing to you
Daddy began to lead me down the petal-covered carpet. I looked down, at first, counting my steps. I felt Daddy nudge me lightly, and I took a breath, looking up to meet Jacob's eyes. He smiled at me, and I smiled back. I found that if I kept my eyes locked on his, the butterflies lessened.
So open your eyes, and see
The way our horizons meet.
And all of the lights will lead
Into the night, with me.
And I know these scars will bleed,
But both of our hearts believe,
All of these stars will guide us home…
Jacob gulped, and his eyes widened as he looked at me. I could tell that he was just as nervous as I was. He took a deep breath, as I had done as well. I flashed a smile towards him, and he returned it.
The pastor smiled as Daddy and I grew closer to the altar where he and Jacob stood. He opened his arms in welcome, stepping to the podium, beginning his speech.
"We're gathered here today, in the face of this company, to join together these two people, Renesmee Carlie Cullen, and Jacob William Black, in marriage. Marriage, which is an honorable and solemn estate, and should not be entered unadvisedly, or lightly, but reverently, soberly, and joyfully. Into this estate, may Jacob and Renesmee come now to be joined. If anyone can show just cause why these two shall not be wed, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace…"
He was quiet for a few moments, and continued.
"Who gives this young woman to be married to this young man?"
Daddy took a deep breath, and stepped forward.
"I do."
Giving me a kiss on my cheek, he placed my hand in Jacob's. Rachel took my bouquet, and I stood next to Jacob at the altar, putting both of my hands in his.
"You look beautiful," Jacob whispered.
I blushed. "You look handsome," I replied, smiling.
"Jacob," the pastor started. "Do you take your vows to live in the holy estate of marriage, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Jake said, nodding slightly.
"Renesmee," he turned to me. "Do you take your vows to live in the holy estate of marriage, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," I grinned.
"You may now read the vows you have written," the pastor nodded, and I turned to Jake, as he began.
"In your eyes, I have found my home. In your heart, I have found my love. In your soul, I have found my mate. With you, I am whole, full, and alive. You make me laugh. You let me cry. You are my breath, my every heartbeat. I am yours, and you are mine. Of this we are certain. You are lodged in my heart. The key is lost. You must stay here forever."
I start mine, trying to keep my voice steady. "You are my inspiration and my soul's fire. You are the magic of my days. You help me laugh, you teach me love. You provide a safe place for me; unlike I've ever known. You free me to sing my own song. You are more of an amazement to me, each day I rediscover you. You are my greatest boon. I am yours and you are mine. Of this we are certain. You are lodged in my heat. The key lost. You must stay here forever."
Kevin walked up to us, and presented the pillow to the pastor. He took the thinner of the two rings and presented it to Jacob.
"May this ring be blessed so that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in peace and love until the end." He turned to Jacob.
"Repeat what I say," he said, handing him the ring.
"With this ring, I wed,"
Jacob swallowed hard. "With this ring, I wed,"
"Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment,"
"Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment."
Jacob slid the ring on my finger with shaky hands. My stomach was doing summersaults.
The pastor took the thicker ring from the pillow, and Kevin went to go sit by Elizabeth, who was sitting by Billy.
"May this ring be blessed so that she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in peace and love until the end." He turned to me
"Repeat after me," he said, handing me Jacob's ring.
"With this ring, I wed,"
"With this ring, I wed." I locked eyes with Jacob.
"Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment."
"Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment." I slid the ring on Jacob's finger.
"May this couple be prepared to continue to give, be able to forgive, and experience increasing joy with their families as each day passes, as each year passes. As Jacob and Renesmee join in their lives together, we hope that they have loving assistance from their family, support of friends, and a long life of everlasting love.
In so much as Jacob and Renesmee have consented to live together forever in marriage, and have witnessed the same before this company, having given and pledged their troth to each other, and having declared same by the giving and receiving of a ring, I am joyous to present to you, the loving couple, Mr. and Mrs. Black."
He smiled, and looked between the two of us.
"You may now kiss the bride."
I looked up at my now-husband's eyes, and suddenly, the butterflies vanished, for good. He stepped closer, and grabbed my waist, pulling me close to his body. He looked into my eyes, and down at my lips, biting his own. Looking into my eyes again, he smiled.
"Renesmee?" He whispered.
"Yeah?"
He grabbed my face gently, leaning in. "I love you."
His lips brushed against mine, and it was as if thousands of fireworks started around us. It had started off as a gentle kiss, but once I opened my connection, it became aggressive. I wrapped my arms around his neck, digging my fingers into his soft hair. I licked his lips, and he allowed entrance.
He pulled away from the kiss, resting his forehead against mine. In the background, I heard the celebratory claps of our families. But soon, everything around us faded, and it was just me and him.