Sorry it's taken so long guys! I know where I want to go, but not exactly how to get there lol I hope this will make up for my tardiness! Enjoy! :)

Chapter 13

The days passed in slow secession. Clarke both anticipated and dreaded the day of her wedding. Part of her felt a teeny bit victorious that she was going to be the girl to snag Bellamy Blake, while another part of her wondered if the only reason he was going through with this was to save the alliance.

The night after he'd proposed, she'd lain in bed and watched him sleep. This had become a regular occurrence, one that was probably borderline creepy. However, she couldn't stop herself from watching his chest rise and fall- from gazing at his features relaxed and peaceful.

Her mind wandered as she listened to him breath. She knew he cared for her, but he also cared for Raven and Harper. What made her different? How did she know that this was forever?

If there was one thing Clarke knew about, it was loss. She'd lost her father, Wells, Finn… She couldn't lose Bellamy. For her there was a difference. A BIG difference.

Now, sitting beside the stream with the wind whipping her hair and biting her cheeks, she contemplated the difference. She knew that she could never do to Bellamy what she'd done to Finn and this puzzled her.

She'd loved Finn, would even say that he'd been her first love in a way. However, her feelings for Bellamy ran much deeper, taking root in her heart and possibly even her very soul.

Suddenly, realization dawned on Clarke. She'd loved Finn, but she was IN love with Bellamy. There was the difference. Finn might have been her first love, but Bellamy was her last. She now understood that the dark haired Rebel was the last man she would give her heart to. He was her soul mate.

This thought startled Clarke because only a short while ago she hadn't believed in such fairytales. She'd never believed that she would live to see old age, let alone share it with someone.

Now, though, she wanted a future- wanted a life with Bellamy. As soon as that thought surfaced, so did her fear. She wanted to tell Bellamy how she felt, but she was terrified that the moment she did he would be ripped away from her.

Clarke knew that if anything ever happened to Bellamy that she was through. Not even Bryce could pull her back from the brink of that disaster.

She was pulled from her depressing thoughts when the sound of voices, a whole crowd of them, reached her ears. She stood, gazing out over the barren field shadowed by tall Pines to see the group from Camp Jaha approaching.

Clarke got up, quickly making her way to the house with her buckets of water. She walked through the front door to find Bellamy in the rocking chair, his deep voice resounding in the silence as he told Bryce a story.

"They're coming", she said with a smile.

She watched as Bellamy stood, grabbing the wooden crutch he'd fashioned, and placing it under his arm. He hobbled to the door, smiling as he watched the group approach.

Octavia rushed forward, hugging her brother tightly. She'd never seen him so happy, never on the Ark and certainly not on earth. His eyes sparkled with anticipation and she didn't miss the way his hand gripped Clarke's as she came to stand beside him.

"Congratulations you two", Octavia said with a smile.

"Thanks, O. We're happy for you and Lincoln", Bellamy replied.

"We're excited to have you both out here with us. It get's a little old with just this one for company", Clarke said, her amused gaze falling on Bellamy.

"Hey! I'm very entertaining", Bellamy scoffed.

Octavia laughed at their light banter, thankful to see both of her favorite people back on firm footing. For so long after Clarke left, she'd wondered if her brother would ever be the same.

Now watching them smirk at each other with love evident in their eyes, it was clear Bellamy was better than ever. Octavia smiled to herself, enjoying the sight of her brother's smile.

"Alright, Bell. I'm going to steal your lady love so we can get ready", O said stepping forward and taking Clarke's hand to drag her back inside.

Clarke watched Bellamy's stunned features as the door closed in his face. She looked at Octavia, slightly exasperated.

"Octavia this is just a business arrangement. It's not romantic or…"

"Clarke this is your wedding day, something you and Bellamy will remember for the rest of your days. It should be special."

Clarke couldn't argue with the other girl's logic. She did want this day to be special. She turned back to Octavia to see her holding a dress, the fabric a deep blue, with long flowing sleeves and a grey fur cape.

"It's beautiful", the blonde breathed, "You'll be the most gorgeous bride."

Octavia smiled, shaking her head. "Clarke this isn't mine, it's yours."

Clarke's eyes widened, and she tentatively reached out and took the beautiful garment.

"I made both of our dresses. I had to work day and night, but I got them finished in time. Lincoln traded for the material and the furs."

Clarke hugged the other girl, tears gathering in her eyes.

"Thanks, O. I know after everything…"

"Don't", Octavia interrupted, "I forgave you Clarke. I didn't realize at the time that all you were trying to do was keep my brother safe and I will be indebted to you for the rest of my life."

Clarke blushed slightly, her gaze falling back to the exquisite dress in her hands. The material was so soft and clean, something she hadn't had in a long time.

"Let's get this party started", Raven said from the doorway as she entered the small cabin.

"Raven, I've missed you", Clarke said as she hugged the other girl.

"I missed you too."

"Alright, let's get you clean and into that dress", Octavia said with a smile.

Clarke used one of buckets of water, washing the dirt from her body and using the soap Octavia had brought. The scent of lavender filled the room, and for the first time in a long while the blonde felt human again.

Octavia and Raven helped her into the dress, the soft material hugging her figure in all the right places. She ran a hand down the front, smoothing out the wrinkles in the skirt.

Clarke sat still beside the fire as Octavia gently braided her hair down her back, relishing in the attention and the warmth of the hearth. When the girl was done she patted her shoulder, holding out a piece of polished metal.

The blonde stared at her reflection, her golden locks styled artfully and tiny wisps of hair curling to frame her face.

"You look beautiful, Clarke", Raven said with a soft smile.

Clarke just smiled, "This day isn't all about me. O, it's your turn."

As Clarke was helping Octavia with her hair a knock sounded at the front door.

"I'll get it", Clarke said quickly, hoping it was Bellamy.

She hadn't been separated from him for days, and the past hour had been torture. She would never admit it, but she couldn't help the way her heart skipped a beat as she reached for the door latch.

Clarke found herself sorely disappointed as Abby walked through the door. Her mother's face registered her shock, and then softened slightly.

"Honey, you look beautiful."

"Thanks, Mom", Clarke replied.

"Can I speak to you for a moment?"

Clarke nodded, the sound of the bedroom door closing softly echoing in the silence.

"You can't do this Clarke", Abby stated, "I know that you and Bellamy have been through a lot together, but you can't seriously be going through with this. He's a criminal!"

At her mother's final statement, Clarke felt her anger rise.

"So am I, or have you forgotten. I'm a traitor, sent to face death on earth for her crimes. Bellamy is the reason I'm still alive, and I truly believe that we can build a life together. I'm not a child anymore, Mom. I was forced to grow up, and I'm making the mature decision by marrying Bellamy. He will give me stability and Bryce a father. You can oppose this, but I'm not turning back. It's your choice whether to stay or go. I love you, Mom, but you can't dictate my choices anymore."

Clarke watched as her mother's eyes filled with tears, "I've lost you."

"No Mom, you haven't lost me", Clarke said in annoyance, "But if you continue to speak of my husband in the way you just did, then you will lose me. Bellamy deserves your respect as well as your gratitude. He's a good man, and I trust him with my life and now my heart."

"I know, sweetie, but I just don't want you to regret this."

"I'll never regret Bellamy, Mom", Clarke said earnestly.

Abby smiled, seeing the emotion her daughter refused to voice. Clarke clearly loved Bellamy, but she was hiding behind a sense of duty.

"That's all I needed to hear."

Just as Abby turned to go, Bryce came running through the door, skidding to a halt when he saw her.

"Hi, Abby", the little boy said with a smile.

"Hi, Bryce", the older woman answered.

"Hey, Momma, Bewamy wants to know if you're almost ready?"

Abby watched as Clarke ruffled the little boy's hair before sending him out with a message that they were almost finished. When her daughter turned back to her, she asked the question that had plagued her since the first day Clarke had returned.

"Why don't you want him to know who I am?"

"Mom, I…"

"Please tell me the truth."

Clarke sighed, knowing her mother wasn't going to like what she had to say.

"Honestly, Mom, I don't trust you. You were the reason Dad was floated, you've been judgmental about the choices I've made, and you're controlling. I don't want that for Bryce. I don't want him to have to deal with your disappointment and condescension."

Abby gasped at her daughter's words, tears filling her eyes.

"I see."

"I'm not going to apologize, Mom, but give me some time and maybe we can work toward a better relationship", Clarke said as she took her mother's hand.

Abby nodded, wiping at the tears that rolled down her cheeks.

Then the bedroom door opened, Raven and Octavia entering the main room. Clarke smiled at her friends, embracing them both in a tight hug.

"You both look beautiful."

"Come on, let's get you out there. Bell's probably about to have a conniption", O said with a smirk.

Clarke chuckled softly, exiting the cabin with a smile curving her lips. Her gaze drifted over the crowd until her eyes met those of Bellamy Blake. His eyes darkened when he saw her, an appreciative smile brightening his features.

She drew closer, the world fading until it was just the two of them. She blushed at his silent appraisal, and then his hand was gripping hers and his thumb was stroking over her knuckles.

"You look beautiful, Princess", he whispered.

Clarke took that moment to study him. He was wearing clean clothes, and his olive skin was bright and free of grime. He smelled as good as he always did, the scent of pine and something purely Bellamy assailing her senses.

"Shall we", he asked as he extended his arm.

Clarke reached for his arm, warmth seeping into her cold fingers through the soft material of his shirt. They walked forward slowly, Bellamy limping slightly. They stopped before Kane, the older man smiling at them fondly. Raven and Monty stood near Clarke, while Octavia and Miller stood up with Bellamy.

"We've come here today to join these two people in holy matrimony. We've all experienced the tragedies of life, but today we've come to celebrate the love that Bellamy and Clarke share. Miller, could you hand me the rings?"

Clarke stared at Bellamy, a question in her blue eyes. Where had he found the time to get rings? She watched as Nate produced two beautiful copper rings. They were simple and slightly misshaped, but they were the most beautiful things she'd ever seen.

"Bellamy, place the ring on Clarke's finger and recite your vows", Kane prompted.

Clarke looked at Bellamy, his dark eyes serious and flickering with warmth. He slid the ring on her finger, and began to speak.

"Clarke Griffin, from this day forward I vow to provide for you, protect you, and give you all the love you deserve. Through my darkest days on earth you were always my light, and now I promise to be yours. There is nothing you could ever do that would change the way I feel, and I'll be by your side until my dying breath", he finished.

Clarke felt her eyes fill with tears at his honest declaration, his calloused fingers clinging to hers. She took his ring, gently sliding it on his finger and then capturing his gaze once again.

"Bellamy Blake, from this day forward I vow to shower you with tenderness, to help you see yourself the way I do, and give you the home that you deserve. Through my fiercest storms on earth you were my anchor, and now I promise to be yours. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for you, and I'll be by your side until my dying breath."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride", Kane said with a smile.

Clarke expected Bellamy to kiss her like he always did, chaste and sweet. However, those were the last two words she would use to describe her wedding kiss.

Bellamy's lips descended on hers, and heat spread through her body. Fire raced through her veins, her heart feeling as though it would beat from her chest. His hands left a searing trail as his fingers tangled in her hair.

She could've gone on forever, but soon a throat clearing brought them back to reality. Bellamy pulled back slowly, his brown eyes black with desire and one of his hands resting on the side of her neck.

Clarke blushed, her swollen lips curving into an embarrassed smirk.

They moved aside, watching as Lincoln and Octavia took their place. The ceremony was simple and heartfelt, however the other couple didn't need to be pulled back to reality.

The rest of the day was spent working on Lincoln and Octavia's cabin, finishing it just before dusk. After Bryce was in bed, Clarke went to the bedroom she now shared with her husband.

She found him as she did every night, shirtless and wearing the cutoff pants she'd fashioned that first day. His eyes were closed, and his arms were folded behind his head. She changed her clothes, putting on one of his shirts before crawling in beside him.

Bellamy felt her presence, reaching for her and pulling her to him. She snuggled against him, placing her cold feet against his legs.

"Brrr, you're freezing", he said with mock annoyance.

"You're warm", Clarke answered, her eyelids already beginning to droop.

She knew that this wasn't the wedding night she'd always dreamed of, but that was ok. She had the man of her dreams and that's all that mattered.

She felt Bellamy drop a gentle kiss on her forehead, whispering "Goodnight, Princess."

Clarke couldn't help but smile as she buried her face against his shoulder, toned muscle pressing against her cheek. She fell asleep the same way she had for the past two weeks, to the sound of Bellamy's deep even breaths.

Thanks for reading! Drop me a review and tell me your thoughts! I love hearing from you guys! :)

Wright: Thanks for the review! I hope the wedding wasn't too disappointing! I can't wait to hear what you thought! :)

Martha: Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoyed the latest update, and I can't wait to hear from you! :)