Chapter 2
Surprise!

(Bella's PoV)

The minister declared us husband and wife.

I do. I do.

Wait... wasn't that part over?

"You may kiss your bride," he said to Edward.

Edward cradled my face in his delicate hands. I tried to comprehend everything through my blinding tears of happiness. Somehow this man, this god, was mine. His lovely golden-brown eyes looked as if they could cry as well, if such things were possible. He bent his head toward mine, and I threw my arms around his neck and went on my tiptoes as his lips touched mine.

He kissed me tenderly, and I forgot the countless people in front of us. It was still only me and him, as it should be.

I clinged to his kiss, though there were starting to be catcalls and clearing throats (one of those was probably from my father, I couldn't tell) from the crowd. Edward backed away from me, and I was thoroughly disappointed. I wanted to scream out to the crowd that they were ruining the experience.

Any thought of that was interrupted my the tumultuous roar of applause in front of us. Edward had to force me to look away from him to smile at my family and friends.

I just wanted to be walked down the aisle by my husband.... oh god, did I really say that?... and just get away from the crowd and the noise. I wanted to just be with him. My Edward. But I knew that was not to be. I was going to have to sit through the celebration. Knowing my sister-in-law.... eep, that felt weird to say too!... it would be a really long party.

My mother's arms were the first to find me. Her tear-soaked face was the first I laid eyes upon when I finally tore my sight away from Edward. As I was embraced from different loved ones, I noticed how the temperatures differed from those of my human friends to those of my new family.

One hug was a lot warmer than the others. Seth Clearwater seemed to be the representative of most of the Quileute pack, and braved the mess of vampires to come to my wedding. I admired him for it. Though as I looked into his eyes, I was reminded of the one person I wanted to see most... to be here the most.

Jacob Black hadn't been seen in the area for a couple of weeks, and I couldn't help but feel that it was my fault. How I wished he had been here at my wedding... a front-row man in the audience, or even one of the best men by Edward's side. But alas, it was not to be.

Alice's party was already promising to be a huge hit. No sooner that the wedding ended had the after-party begun. Things began to settle as the evening air surrounded us at the area designated to be the dance floor. We were once again greeted by friends who we had just embraced us a few minutes ago. Now was the time to talk.

Ugh.

Seth Clearwater, once again, found me and Edward.

"Congrats, guys," he said.

I smiled, and saw over his shoulder that he was accompanied by his mother, Sue, as well as Billy Black.

Sue was very quiet, her eyes darting cautiously at the wedding guests, probably looking for the occasional vampire. It seemed she was trying to protect Seth, but I knew he could protect himself without her.

Billy Black was different. He seemed oddly at ease and very comfortable considering the present guests. He looked as if something had pleased him recently. Was it my wedding... or was it something else?

Seth extended his hand to Edward. Edward shook it.

"It's good to see things work out for you, man," Seth said.

"Thank you, Seth. It means a lot to me" Edward said, then directed his gaze behind Seth to Sue and Billy. "Thank you as well for being here. For letting Seth come. For being in support of Bella."

"You're welcome," Billy said in his deep voice.

I smiled. Billy seemed very pleased with the Cullens given the circumstances. Perhaps a stronger truce could be close? Being one of the elders of his tribe, Billy did have quite the voice for his people.

A line was forming behind Seth, so he left, followed by his mother and Billy. Soon, my high school friends came up and congratulated me and Edward. As Mike addressed me, Edward seemed quite uncomfortable.

When they moved out of the way, my new cousins-in-law came up to us.

"Ah, Edward!" the vampire named Tanya said, "I've missed you."

Tanya kissed each of Edward's cheeks. I held my breath. She was so beautiful, she could have anyone. Including my husband.

"It's been too long, Tanya!" Edward said, "You look well."

"So do you," Tanya said.

"Let me introduce you to my wife," Edward said.

I exhaled. It was the first time he had said that, and it seemed so beautiful. He seemed so delighted, and the Denali clan had noticed and laughed at the response.

"Tanya, this is my Bella," Edward continued.

"Welcome to the family, Bella," Tanya said, "We think of ourselves as Carlisle's extended family. I apologize for our recent behavior. We should have been introduced sooner! Can you ever forgive us?"

"Of course," I said, nodding, "It is nice to meet you."

Small talk ensued with the rest of my new family, as I met each one of them.

"Come!" Tanya said, "let the humans and the rest of Bella's beloved family give their tidings. Besides...." she winked at me. "I'm sure we'll have tons of time to get to know each other."

Tanya laughed as she and the rest of her clan walked on.

All the standard traditions were kept, most to amuse the guests. Edward even surprised me greatly when he downed a piece of wedding cake that I had shoved in his face. I threw the bouquet, to a much surprised Angela. Edward removed the garter from my ankle, very delicately with his teeth, as my new brothers-in-law howled in laughter. With a wink at me, Edward shot it straight toward Mike's face.

Then it was time for the customary first dance... as much as I hated it. Edward gracefully pulled me toward him as the music started. Despite my fear, I was just happy to be close to him.

"Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?" he asked me.

I laughed.

"That will take some time to get used to," I said.

"We have a while," he reminded me.

He leaned into kiss me as I was blinded by camera flashes.

"Your father wants his dance," Edward said, looking over my shoulder..

Had the first song ended already? Was I that distracted by his kiss?

"Better give it to him," I muttered.

Edward let go of me and nodded to Charlie. Charlie smiled and took me by the arms. Over his shoulder, I noticed that Edward was now dancing with Esme. They looked so graceful compared to us.

"I'm going to miss you at home, Bella," Charlie said, breaking my gaze from Edward, "I'm already lonely."

"I feel so horrible, leaving you by yourself to cook!" I joked, "It's practically criminal. Child services should come and pick me up for doing that to you."

He ignored that jab.

"I suppose I'll survive the food," he said, "Just call whenever you can."

"I promise," I said.

It turned out that I was a popular dancer today, because it seemed just about everyone wanted a dance with me. Emmett hoisted me up on his feet and took control during our dance. My dance with Jasper seemed to be so soothing I swore he was using his power on me. Carlisle was graceful, of course. He had many years of experience. Then there was Mike... and that was one dance I just wanted to get over with. The best part of the dance with Mike, was watching Edward's face as he took gradual steps over toward me to interrupt us.

"Still not find of Mike, eh?" I asked Edward, when he rescued me from Mike.

"Not when I have to listen to his thoughts," Edward muttered, "He's lucky I didn't kick him out. Or worse."

"Yeah, right," I said, rolling my eyes.

Ah, Edward. Such a jealous, loveable husband.

"Have you had a chance to look at yourself?" Edward asked.

"Um. No I guess not," I said, thinking about it. "Why?"

"Then I suppose you don't realize how utterly, breathtakingly beautiful you are tonight," Edward said, "I guess I'm not surprised Mike's having 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?" I asked.

He sighed and turned me in the direction of the house. We were so close to the glass windows, I could see my reflection in them.

"Biased, am I?" Edward asked.

I stared at my appearance. My dress looked quite beautiful, and I looked like a whole different woman. I looked at Edward to compare our beauty, knowing he was leagues ahead of me, and noticed he was looking away from us, as if someone had called his name.

"Oh!" Edward said, grinning.

"What is it?" I asked.

"A surprise wedding gift," Edward said.

"Huh?I asked, clueless.

What surprise was Edward talking about?

(Jacob's PoV – A few minutes earlier)

With my jean shorts in mouth, I raced toward Forks and the Cullen's land as fast as my four wolf-paws could take me. When I was a few hundred yards away, I could hear laughter and music ringing through the trees. Was I too late?

Jacob! Is that you? Seth's voice rang out into the night.

Yeah, it's me, Seth.

Oh wow, it's great to hear from you again! Where are you?!

Close by. Where are you?

Bella and Edward's wedding. I phased for a quick moment to check in and I sensed your presence.

The wedding? Am I too late?

No, we're all still here. The party is great.

Whew. I still had time. If only --

I suddenly stopped, my feet skidding across the earth. Wait....

Party, you said?

Yeah! The after-party! Everyone's congratulating the happy bride and groom.

So they're married now?

She's a Cullen now. Why?

My eyes went wide. I was too late. I had missed my chance. Still... if the party was still going on. I could get there...

I am coming. Don't tell anyone.

But, Jake, your father –

Don't tell anyone!

I growled to emphasize my meaning.

Sure, Jake. Sure thing.

I felt the connection break, and I knew Seth had phased back. I ran closer to the Cullen's house.

As I got closer, the smell became worse. I wasn't used to this when I was around the Cullens. This was worse. How many bloodsuckers were at the party?

I made my way through the trees and arrived just a few yards from the house. The music and laughter was becoming exceedingly annoying. As I looked around at the calamity of wedding guests, looking for Edward and Bella, I could not believe how many vampires there were. How could they stand being that close to all those humans. This party was going to be harder to crash then I thought. I guess I was going to have to go in willingly.

Though that idea scared me too. I was back in town, maybe to stay for a while, just to watch over things, but now was not the time to announce that. I had a mission, and it looked like it had failed before it started. Now it seemed my only mission was to talk to Bella. If I could just get her to change her mind.... but where was she?!

I walked through the trees, trying to hid my form as well as I could. Didn't want to think what would happen if a bloodsucker saw me like this.

Suddenly, as I made my way behind a huge cedar, I saw her. She was standing near the house with him. I spat his name out. Edward. Her... husband.

Yuck.

I phased back into my human self and put my shorts back on.

I looked at Bella again. She was beautiful in that wedding dress of hers. A portrait. The new definition of beauty. Standing right next to the beast. I had to get her alone, and it looked like I was going to have to be nice to get this to work.

Hey, bloodsucker! I projected my thought over to him.

Edward looked away from Bella, over his shoulder. I knew he was looking right at me. His brow was raised then he softened his expression and smiled. Was he happy to see me?!

Bella asked him something and he looked back at her. Suddenly, he turned her away from the house. They were headed my way....

(Bella's PoV)

Edward led me away from our friends and family, and in the direction of one of the big cedars a little ways away from the dance floor. I was still confused.

Edward stopped, then looked into the direction of a black shadow.

"Thank you," he said to the darkness, "This is... very kind of you."

"Kind is my middle name," a husky familiar voice answered, "Can I cut in?"

I gasped. If Edward wasn't holding me, I would have collapsed right there.

"Jacob!" I choked out, as soon as I could breath, "Jacob!"

"Hey, there, Bells."

Edward kept his grip on me, then another strong grip caught me in the darkness. The heat radiating against him was amazing. I thought he wanted to dance, but he just hugged me, both arms around me, while I buried my head in his chest.

"Rosalie won't forgive me if I don't let her dance with me," Edward murmured.

He left us, giving me a gift of his own – a moment with Jacob. I sobbed into Jacob's chest It was becoming hard to breath again.

"Oh, Jacob!" I said, "Thank you!"

"Cut it with the showers, Bella," Jacob said, "You'll ruin your dress. It's just me."

"Just!" I exclaimed, "Oh, Jake. Everything is perfect now!"

He snorted. "Yeah, the party can start. The best man finally made it."

"Now everyone I love is here," I said.

"Sorry I'm late," Jacob said, as his lips brushed my hair.

"Does Billy know you're here?" I asked.

"I'm sure Sam's told him," Jacob said, "I'll go see him when.... when the party's over."

"He'll be so happy you're home," I said.

"I don't know if I'd get more than just this one dance," Jacob said, as he begun to twirl me around, "I better make the best of it."

"I'm glad I came," Jacob said, "I wasn't sure if I would be. But it''s good to see you.... one more time."

"I don't want you to feel sad," I said, with a frown.

"I know that," Jacob said, "And I didn't come tonight to make you feel guilty."

"No," I said, "I am very happy you came. It is a great wedding present."

"Well, that's good," Jacob said, "Because I didn't have time to stop for a real one."

My eyes were starting to adjust to the darkness, and I got a better look at him. He seemed taller. Was it possible he was still growing?

"So when did you decide to come back?" I asked.

"I don't know," Jacob said, and I could feel his heavy shoulders rub against me in a shrug, "I guess I've been coming back this direction for a while. Even if I didn't really know it. But it wasn't until recently – this morning in fact – that I really started running. I didn't know if I would make it."

He laughed a throaty laugh that sounded like a bark.

"You wouldn't believe how strange it feels to walk around on two feet again," he said, "And clothes! I never thought I'd get the taste of fabric out of my mouth. It's like I've almost forgotten how to be human."

He looked at me, his eyes surveying my appearance.

"It was all worth it though," he said, "Just to see you like this. You are so beautiful."

"Alice worked really hard on me today," I said, "The dark helps too."

"Not so dark for me," he said with a wink.

"Right," I said.

"Are you happy, Bella?" Jacob asked.

It was quite a sudden question that it surprised me.

"Yes," I said simply.

"Okay," Jacob said, and I felt his shoulders shrug again. "That's the main thing, I guess."

"How are you, Jacob?" I asked, "Really?"

"I'm fine," Jacob said, "You don't need to worry about me."

"Uh-huh," I said.

He sighed. "Bella, you're so stubborn."

"So I've been told," I said.

It was true. Edward, Charlie, and probably even Renee called me that once or twice. If I recall, so did the very person I was talking to right now.

"If you have to know," Jacob said, "I am being babysat."

"Huh?" I asked.

"Sam's out there," Jacob said, nodding into the darkness, "And some of the others. Just in case, you know."

"In case of what?"

"In case I can't keep it together, something like that," Jacob said. "Fine, in case I try to crash the party."

He sighed as he was holding back something.

"But I'm not here to ruin your wedding," he said, "I'm here to... to see you. To be your best friend. One last time."

"Sam should give you more credit," I said.

"Well," Jacob said, "If I took a guess, I'd say they're also here because of all the vampires. And because Seth's at the party."

"Seth knows he's not in any danger," I said, "He understands the Cullens better than Sam does."

"Sure, sure," Jacob said, he then laughed. "I bet you're loving being the center of attention. The star."

"Oh yeah." I said sarcastically, "It's great!"

He laughed and looked over my head.

"I'll give them this much," he said, "The bloodsuckers know how to throw a party."

"Don't do that," I said, I said, slapping his shoulder softly.

"Do what?" Jacob asked. "Oh.... sorry."

He sighed.

"Well... song's over," he said, "Do you think I get another one, or is that asking too much?"

"You can have as many as you want," I said, smiling.

He laughed. "That would be interesting. I think I'll stick to two. Don't want to start talk."

He twirled me around once.

"You think I'd be used to telling you goodbye by now," he said.

He looked at me and frowned, and I felt tears come to my eyes.

"You're not the one supposed to be crying, Bella," he said.

"Everyone cries at weddings," I said.

"This is what you want, right?" he asked.

"Right."

"Then smile."

I tried and succeeded at a weak grimace. He laughed.

"I'm going to try to remember you like this," he said, "Pretend that..."

"That what?" I asked, "I died?"

He clenched his teeth, and I could tell he was struggling with himself – with his decision to make his presence here a gift and not a judgment.

"No, but I'll see you this way in my head," he said, "Pink cheeks. Heartbeat. Two left feet. All of that."

I stomped on his foot as hard as I could.

"That's my girl," he said, smiling.

I could tell he was struggling to say something. He was probably biting his tongue right now.

"What is it, Jake?" I asked, "You can tell me anything."

"I-I... I don't have anything to say," Jacob said.

"Oh please," I said, rolling my eyes, "Spit it out."

"It's true," Jacob said, "It's not what I want to say. It's something I want you to tell me."

"Ask me," I said.

He struggled for another minute. But I knew curiosity was winning.

"I shouldn't," I said, "It doesn't matter. I'm just morbidly curious."

I smiled. I knew what he was asking me.

"It's not tonight, Jake," I said.

"Oh," he said, in relief.

"When?" he asked.

"I don't know," I said, "A week or two, maybe."

"What's the hold-up?" he said, a small bark escaped his lips.

"I just didn't want to spend my honeymoon writhing in pain," I said.

"What will you be doing?" I asked, "Playing checkers? Ha. Ha."

"Very funny," I said.

"Kidding, Bells." Jacob said, "But honestly, I don't see the point. You can't have a real honeymoon with a vampire."

"Yes, I can have a real honeymoon!" I said, "I can do anything I want. Butt out!"

He stopped us in our tracks.

"What did you say?" he asked.

"About what?" I asked, "Jake? What's wrong?"

"What do you mean, a real honeymoon?" Jacob asked, "While you're still human? Are you kidding, Bella? That's a sick joke!"

"I said butt out, Jake!" I said, my fury rising, "This is so not your business. We shouldn't be talking about this. It's private --"

His fingers gripped my hands, and around my wrists.

"Ow, Jake!" I hissed, "Let go!"

"Have you lost your mind?" Jake asked, "Are you serious? Don't tell me you're that stupid? Tell me you're joking!"

"Jake, stop!" I said.

The darkness was suddenly very crowded.

"Get your hands off her!" Edward's voice snarled.

Behind Jacob, there was a low snarl, then another.

"You'll hurt her," Seth said, "Let her go."

"Now!" Edward snarled.

Jacob's hands dropped to his sides. Seth walked forward and started to pull Jake away.

"C'mon, Jake," I said, "Let's go."

"I'll kill you!" Jake snarled in rage, as he looked at my husband, "I'll kill you myself. I'll do it now!"

The biggest wolf, the black one, started to growl.

"Seth, get out of the way," Edward hissed.

Seth tugged on Jake, yanking him back a few feet.

"Don't do it, Jake," he said, "Walk away. C'mon, man."

Sam joined them, still in his wolf form. He pushed his enormous head against Jake's chest and pushed him away.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"It's all right now, Bella," Edward said, "Let's go back."

"But Jake --"

"Sam has him," Edward said, "He's gone."

"Edward, I'm so sorry," I said, "I was stupid."

"You did nothing wrong --"

"I have such a big mouth!" I exclaimed, "Why would I... I shouldn't have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?"

"Don't worry," Edward said. "We need to get back to the reception, before someone notices."

"Give me a couple seconds," I said, "Let me breathe."

Edward smiled and kissed me on the forehead.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Do I?" I asked.

Edward nodded.

"Okay, let's go," I said.

"What is wrong with me?" I asked, as he took me in hand and took me back to the party.

"Nothing is wrong with you," Edward said. "Let's just forget about it."

I smiled, but as he walked back with me, recognition hit his face.

"Edward?" I asked.

"Jacob is right," he said, "What am I thinking?"

"He isn't right," I said, "He's not thinking straight."

He mumbled something low that I could barely hear. "Should have let him kill me...."

"Stop it, now," I said, "Look at me. You and me. That's the only thing that matters. Do not think about anything else. You hear me?"

Edward sighed. "Yes."

"Forget he came," I said, "For me."

"I promise," he said.

"By the way," I said, "I love you."

He smirked. "That's why we're here."

Wow. Well, I wanted to keep that Jacob conversation close to the book, because he has a lot to do with the story, even if it is going to be a different storyline.

There will be a little bit more that is close to the book, but then it is all original from there.

More to come!