AN: Twilight still belongs to SM. However, everything else belongs to either Nina or me.

Very, very special thank you to my beta extraordinaire, Ninadoll! I am so happy to be able to write in her universe and to call her my friend! Thank you for being so patient with me, Nina! You are amazing! Please check out her stories, Rest of Forever, How Wonderful Life is Now You're In the World, How the Mighty Fall, and The Colors of My Life, if you haven't already. They are awesome and you will love them! That's a promise!

Also a huge shout out and thank you to my friend, shojioxlow! Thank you for the inspiration for GamGam's Heineken episode! You are awesome! And thank you for introducing me to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof! "Maggie, lock the door…" Boomer Sooner!

I apologize for the delay in this chapter. I took entirely too long to write it and I hope it is worth the wait. There is only the Epilogue left but if you check out my blog, you can find pictures from this chapter. Thank you all for reading!

CHAPTER 17: THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES

AVA'S POV

"Gam Gam, please tell me you are not drinking Heineken. It's not even noon yet," I heard Abby scolding GamGam as I tiptoed down the stairs. I knew Abby was going to be stressed today, I think she was more nervous than I was but I couldn't help but feel bad that she was taking it out on GamGam. Though I had to ask myself if I really wanted a buzzed granny with me today.

"Abigail, don't get fussy with me. You know a little beer calms my nerves," GamGam retorted.

"You know I need you to be on your A-game today," Abby said just as I met the bottom of the stairs.

"All the more reason I should have a beer," GamGam answered back with a smile I could hear. "You know, your great grandmother had a beer every morning and every night and she lived to 102. My theory is that if I do that, Willard Scott will for sure wish me a happy birthday on the Today Show."I heard Abby sigh. "You know, Abigail, maybe if you had one with me, you'd relax a little."

I couldn't help but chuckle out loud. My GamGam was definitely a different kind of lady, that's for sure. "Ava! Are you up?" Abby yelped, bringing me out of my thoughts.

I stayed quiet, wishing I had one of GamGam's Heineken to calm my nerves. Not to mention I was going to need it to deal with crazy Abby today.

"You can't hide, you know? She'll find you," Seth said with a grin on his face.

"I'm not sure I'm ready," I looked down.

"For today? You better be because Scar's going to be extremely devastated if you don't show up," he said, putting his hands in his pocket.

"Oh no, not about that. I'm not sure I'm ready for dealing with Abby," I said, as serious as a heart attack.

Seth chuckled and sat down on the step next to me. "You know, in your eyes, you grew up a long time ago, and while Abby's always let you have that independence, I know she feels like she's really losing you today," he sighed and then patted hand. "I know she'll be a handful but please be patient with my wife today, Ave."

"I will," I said, softly. I had been out of Casa de Clearwater for seven years, but I knew Abby didn't really feel like I wasn't there. Even when Scar and I had our rented house in Forks, or now that we had our own house near the border of Forks and La Push. I don't think she was ever ready to let me go because letting me go, meant letting another part of Mom and Dad go.

"Daddy, when are we going to Ave's house?" my littlest nephew, Cullen, asked. He was still in his pajamas, complete with a cowboy hat, a fake sheriff's star and a pair of red boots that GamGam had brought from Oklahoma. He was the cutest five-year old alive, of that I was sure. "Mommy said you gotta get Lee and me's tuskes."

"Howdy, Sheriff," I said, pulling Cullen closer and pulling him to my lap. He pretended to struggle for a minute but then melted into my hug.

"Why you gotta get married today, Ave? I wanna wear my cowboy stuff but Mommy said no," he pouted as his hat fell off and I kissed his mess of dark brown hair.

"Don't you want Scar to be your uncle?" Seth asked.

Cullen gave him a confused look and then furrowed his brow. "He's already my uncle, Daddy! He's the bestest uncle ever!"

Seth and I both chuckled watching the seriousness on the little boy's face. Of course, our revelry didn't last long. "Two hours, Ava. That's how long you have to get your hair done, your makeup done, get your dress on, and eat a little something before the photographer is here to take pictures," Abby interrupted us. "Not to mention that Claire, Petra, and Anita will be here soon." She stood in front of the three of us in her bathrobe and her hands on her hips. She turned to her husband. "And you, what are you still doing here? You and the boys are supposed to be at Ava and Scar's house in ten minute's. It's going to take you at least fifteen to make it halfway—" Seth jumped up from his seat and pressed his lips to Abby's to stop her rambling.

I took that as my cue and put Cullen down. Seth broke their kiss and caressed Abby's cheek. "I love you, and I love that you're excited, but please don't give your sister an aneurism on her wedding day." I watched them carefully and wondered if Scar and I would be like them someday. We weren't imprinted but I always felt like we were just as much two parts to a whole as any of the other couples. "Don't give yourself a heart attack either, Bee." He kissed her cheek and leaned into her ear. I wasn't sure what he said but I could tell by the blush on Abby's face that it must have been good.

"Okay," she sighed. "You really do need to head out though."

"Yes, ma'am," Seth gave her one more quick kiss and then scooped Cullen up. "Liam, you ready to go, little dude?" He yelled up the stairs before heading up with Cullen.

I sighed and looked at Abby. Her hair was a mess, in a sloppy bun on her head, with her bath robe and slippers. But she was my big sister and she was beautiful. She was beautiful because she had worked day in and day out since Christmas to make sure I had the perfect beach-side wedding I'd dreamed of. She and Seth had taken over the traditional wedding roles of the parents, like they always did, but it was different this time. I could see the age in Abby's face, the lines that weren't there before a tornado ripped our family apart, the lines that I noticed, showed the world who Abby really was. She was hardworking, loving, and I was lucky she was my sister. As she watched Seth leave, I got up and put my arms around her waist like a child. "Thank you, Abbs," I said, hugging her tight.

"Every girl deserves the perfect wedding day," she said gently.

"That's not what I—"

"I know," Abby said, stopping me. "Don't make me cry right now though. It's going to be a long day and I know…I know…" Her bottom lip start to quiver and I knew she was going to cry. I also knew she'd kill me if I let her tears start this early. Luckily for me, GamGam saved us from the tears.

"Abigail! Is there any of that fried chicken left from last night?"

As if on command, both Abby and I sighed. "I'll be right there, GamGam!" She sighed again. "Why did Seth insist she say with us and not with Aunt Tess?"

"I heard that, Missy!" GamGam yelled from the kitchen.

Abby walked towards the kitchen and I plopped myself back down on the stairs. I remembered the list of things I knew I had to get done but I couldn't stop myself from looking at the pictures on the wall around me. Pictures of Liam as a baby, pictures of Liam and Ashley with Seth and Abby the day Cullen was born, pictures of Seth and Abby's wedding. My favorite pictures though, the ones that were hung together, were of the people that couldn't be here today. My Mom and Dad stared back at me, smiling brightly on their wedding day. They looked deliriously happy. I wondered if I would have that look on my face as Scar and I said our vows and then went off into the sunset, and boy was I ready for the ride into the sunset.

It had been two years since Scar and I had moved back to Forks, though it seemed like only yesterday. For the first year, we both concentrated on our careers. We were content to be a couple, we knew we would get married some day but we both knew there were things we both wanted before that could happen. We had both been saving our salaries to find a house of our own. No more leasing, no more temporary, a house that could be ours, where we could build our family. After two years of working extra weekends and dealing with a dick of a co-pastry chef, we started the house hunting process. Originally, we were under the misconception that we'd have a house in no time at all. The problem was, for everything Scar and I agreed we wanted in a house, there was at least one thing we disagreed on too. It wasn't nearly the picnic I'd imagined. I decided to blame that on HGTV and too many hours of House Hunters.

After nearly three months of looking and countless arguments over the number of bathrooms our house should have, we found the perfect home. Nestled along the border between La Push and Forks, it was the perfect three-bedroom, two and a half bath house. The kitchen was large, spacious, and state-of-the-art for me, while the garage was complete with a built in workspace perfect for Scar. There was no second guessing or arguments. This was our house. We made an offer on it the same day and after a week of haggling over the price, we signed the papers to take over ownership. I say we but it was really just me. At Scar's insistence, like with the rented house, the deed has only my name on it. We didn't talk about it, I just knew why and I held Scar's hand as tightly as I could as I scrawled my name on the line of the deed. Our friends and family helped us move in.

After that, we settled into a happy life, working during the day and spending our evenings at home together. I was always trying new recipes and Scar was always willing to be my taste tester. Occasionally, we would keep my nephews and Ashley for the weekend so Seth and Abby could have some alone time. I loved Scar, but watching him with the kiddos made me love him more than I ever thought possible. The problem was watching him like that also made me want more. I wanted to see him with our own children, I wanted to see him with his hands on my swollen belly, our wedding bands sparkling in the sunlight. I was pretty sure it was just my biological clock ticking at me but I couldn't help the want that was settling in me.

I honestly didn't expect to be engaged anytime soon though. We'd just spent most all the money we had on our house and I wasn't sure there was anyway we could afford an engagement ring, nonetheless a wedding. Not that any of that mattered to me, I was content with the courthouse and a piece of paper that said I was Mrs. Monroe. It did matter to Scar though. Like he had told Seth when we first made plans to move in together, he wanted it all, the ring and the wedding and he wanted everyone to see that even if I wasn't his imprint, I was his.

And though the fates might not have deemed me his imprint, they definitely did want us together. Just before Halloween, Shipo's employees all received a rather hefty bonus after an incredible year of sales. I, of course, didn't find out about this until almost a week later when we were cuddled together near a fire on First Beach. It wasn't a bonfire, just a night outside for a few of the pack couples. We'd roasted hot dogs and eaten s'mores. Scar had pulled me so that my back was against his chest. He'd been quiet all night so I knew something was up but I kept my mouth closed as he ran his hands up my arms.

"Have I told you today how much I love you?" he asked through breathy words.

I nodded. "But I haven't told you that I love you so much more."

Scar chuckled and pulled me closer. "Well, in that case, I guess I won't give you the present I bought you."

"Excuse me?" I pretended to act offended and pulled back to look at him. "Okay, I see how it is."

Scar moved forward and pecked my lips quickly and softly. "I guess I can give it to you anyway," he said, shifting us. "We both have to get up so I can give it to you." He stood first and then gave me his hand to help me to my feet. "Close your eyes," he whispered softly while I attempted to dust off the sand I knew was on my butt. I did what he said though and closed my eyes. "Don't peek."

"I won't!" I yelped. I was starting to feel really anxious and could hear some of his movements but really had no clue what this mysterious present could be.

After what seemed like an hour, Scar squeezed my hand. "You can open your eyes now," he said with extreme gentleness in his voice. Part of me worried about what I would see if I opened my eyes. There was so much in his voice just telling me to open my eyes that I wasn't sure what was waiting for me. But I did, slowly, I felt my eyes flutter open to find Scar in front of me. The fire flickered off his face as he stood in front of me with a jewelry box in the hand that wasn't holding mine.

"What…Scar…what…" That's how I knew that this was the best moment in my life. I couldn't even find words to say anything. I was speechless. I knew what was coming and I swallowed hard ready to shout my answer to him.

"Just wait," he said. His hands shook a little and he took in a deep breath like he was trying to steady his nerves. For someone that didn't cry though, my eyes were already watering. That didn't matter though because I could still see his beautiful brown eyes as they looked into mine. "When I was little, I used to tell my Mom that I wanted to be an explorer when I grew up. I told her I was going to go on all these great adventures and discover new things. Since my Mom left, I've been on a few adventures I'm not too proud of…actually, I'm kind of ashamed of a few of them. And I thought all my adventures were over. But you know what?" I shook my head, not quite sure any words would come out of my mouth. "It's okay now, I'm okay now because I have you. You made me decide to keep going, to be better and have a future and keep finding new adventures." I took in a long ragged breath too, knowing exactly how he felt. I had been so broken, so scared and sad, but life was so much easier with him by my side. "So I decided that I'm still going to be an explorer and I want to start a new adventure. I was thinking, if you would agree, that maybe we could go on this adventure together?" He paused and swallowed hard again. "I was hoping our new adventure could be marriage. And then maybe we could start the adventure of parenthood. Because I know, I want to have all my adventures with you, Ava." He moved to the side and bent on one knee. I glanced at the sand next to him, remembering the first time he'd told me he loved me, writing it in the snow. Now, his messy script read, 'Will U Marry Me?' in the sand and he knelt beside it. " So, please, Ava Caroline O'Brien, say you'll be my wife and marry me and make me the happiest explorer in the world?"

I didn't stutter, I didn't even breathe. "Yes! YES! YES! A thousand one times, yes!" I practically threw myself at him, locking our lips. This was my reward, I was sure of it. Like Scar, I had made some really shitty mistakes but I'd been a good girl for years. I had tried to be a better person, to make up for those things, and now, wrapped in Scar's arms with his ring on my finger, I knew this was my reward.

"There's the bride!" Anita said as she walked through the door, bringing me out of my reminiscing. Her stomach was quite large with her and Sarge's first child. When we first got engaged, Anita was one of the first people I called. I told her that Scar had proposed and we were pushing for a May wedding. i asked her to be one of my bridesmaids. "Oh," she replied as if unsure, definitely not a reaction I had expected. "I'm pregnant, Ava. I'm due at the end of May," she said with gloomy voice. "I'm going to be huge!"

As it turned out though, I had two pregnant bridesmaids. Anita was due any day now and part of me worried that her water might break in the middle of ceremony and Seth would have to deliver the baby right there. She assured me that she had had a serious talk with the baby and told him he needed to stay put until at least the reception. My second pregnant bridesmaid was Petra, who was just barely pregnant, only a small little bump in her abdomen. The Petra I met so long ago was gone and this new Petra had a glow about her, a confidence. When we first met, she was so soft-spoken and so anxious and timid, and while she still maintained a bit of the soft-spokenness, she seemed to have finally found a place of peace and solitude.

My bridal party was rounded out by Abby, Ash, and Claire. The girls all helped me pick out the perfect dresses for them, beautiful soft turquoise chiffon. Ashley's fit her teenage frame perfectly, falling just above her knees, while the other bridesmaids' dresses fell to their feet. The empire waist fit Anita's belly, as well as but complimented the other's forms as well. They were perfect and I smiled as Abby helped Ashley zip her dress up while the makeup artist finished my makeup.

"Do I look okay?" Ashley asked with a small twirl. I knew she worried the strapless silhouette might not stay put but about two months ago, she went through a little bust growth spurt.

"You look beautiful," I said back. She truly did, the color bringing the darker green tones in her eyes out even more.

Her cheeks flushed and she looked down. "Do you think other people will like it?"

I knew exactly who she was asking about. Ashley's feelings for her closest friend outside of Sydney were changing and she was becoming more a woman than a kid. It was hard to see her grow up so much because she would always be my little sister, but I was proud of her. "I know he will," I smiled, pulling her forward to hug her when she blushed further.

I watched as my bridesmaids' makeup and hair was done, all of them wearing their hair down in barrel curls. The day seemed to go by in a flash, like Abby said it would. It was a flurry of makeup and hair and dresses. I had given each of my bridesmaids a necklace as a thank you gift. Each necklace was the same, a silver starfish pendant on a silver chain. I chose the starfish after months of looking for the perfect necklace for my bridesmaids. The starfish, a symbol of salvation during times of trouble, seemed to fit perfectly. All of my bridesmaids had been a bit of salvation for me during times when I needed it. They were the perfect fit and looked fabulous next to the dresses. I knew the wedding locale would make them shine.

Scar and I had argued a bit over where to actually have the wedding ceremony. Neither of us were what you could call "church folk" and a quick courthouse wedding, while cheap and a lot less stressful, wasn't what either of us wanted, if nothing else, for the simple joy of seeing our family smiling and being there to cheer us on as we started this new journey. So the final decision was to get married in the exact spot where Scar had proposed. The wedding would take place before twilight with the Pacific Ocean behind us and our family and friends in front of us.

"Time to get you in your dress," Abby walked into my former room at Casa de Clearwater, already in her turquoise dress. She had my wedding dress draped on her arms until she slowly hung the hanger on a hook and then proceeded to take it off the hanger. My dress looked very similar to the bridesmaids' dresses. I didn't want white, besides the irony of it, so I went for a soft, very soft pale ivory color. It was the same strapless dress, with similar crisscrossed fabric on the top. I wasn't wearing a starfish necklace though. I wasn't wearing pearls or sapphires or diamonds. No, I was wearing the wolf necklace that Scar had given me for our first Christmas together. It may not have been the best looking piece of jewelry to wear for one's wedding but it had a special meaning. No matter what the fates decided, I was as much his imprint as any imprint was to their wolf.

Abby and Ashley unzipped the dress and held it open for me. "Okie dokey, little Okie," Ashley grinned. I undid my robe and slid it off, already in my special turquoise blue wedding lingerie, my something blue. I stepped into the awaiting dress, my something new. It wasn't really supposed to be a complicated process but I laughed as my other bridesmaids all surrounded me, lifting and zipping the dress.

"Now you need something old and before you ask, I don't count," GamGam said. She shuffled in the room and grabbed my hand, opening it. "Your mother carried this when she married your father. I carried this when I married your grandfather, and you great-grandmother carried it when she crossed the ocean from Ireland, starting a new journey of her own." She placed a fragile pearl Rosary in my hand. "Now it's time for you to have it when you start your new journey." It was funny that she chose those words. That's the way Scar and I were looking at it, a new journey together. It was the way he described it when he proposed to me. GamGam was probably much more insightful than she knew.

"Thank you," I smiled as GamGam pulled me into a hug.

"You're welcome. You look beautiful," she kissed my cheek and released me.

"Now for your something borrowed," Abby held a small black box in her hand. "I wore these when Seth and I got married." She opened the lid to show me the diamond studs she'd worn the day she married her wolf. "They were a gift from Mom and Dad, from when I graduated with my undergrad. I know they helped me feel them with me that day." My emotional sister's voice was thick and I knew she was close to tears again.

"Thanks, Abbs," I said, watching her. This day was hard for her not just because she was letting me go but I knew a part of her was feeling the loss of our parents very deeply on this day. I wished they could be here too. It took me a long time to realize that sometimes you can't understand everything. You can't understand why things happen but they happen and things change and a series of events is set into motion. I truly believed that my parents had sent Scar to me, just like they had sent Seth to Abby, and just like they would send Ashley's love to her. They may not have been with me physically, but they were there. I knew it.

"I love you," she kissed my cheek too and then released me.

"I love you too," I responded by squeezing her tightly.

"I have your penny," Ashley held up a shiny copper penny. "You're supposed to put in your shoe." She cocked her head to the side. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe. We don't have sixpences so I picked out this penny." She knelt down in front of me and picked up my sandal, putting a piece of tape over the penny and taping it to the very back of my shoe. "Now you can get married," she giggled, helping to slide the shoe on under my dress.

She was right, now I could get married. I was dressed, I had all my good luck charms and I was ready to start my journey. My bridesmaids and I rode to the beach together in a white stretch limo and I laughed as the bottle of champagne on board wasn't touched. Half my bridesmaids were pregnant, one wasn't allowing herself to drink, one was underaged, and the other was a nervous wreck! So leave it to the bride to pop the cork and drink straight from the bottle. The other women in the car looked at me with wide eyes. "What? I'm celebrating!" I chuckled, before taking another large sip.

I only got to enjoy a few sips before we arrived at the beach. I glanced out the window and looked around. I could see the groomsmen standing around but couldn't see Scar. Scar chose his groomsmen from all different parts of his life, some from the pack, some from college, and some that intermingled into both parts. He chose Sarge to be his best man, then Hiawatha, both friends from college and both instrumental in pushing Scar to make a move. Lil' G, Luka, and Scott were his pack brothers and had grown up with Scar. I think Sebastian was a little disappointed not to be included but he was happy to help with Liam and Cullen, the ring bearers. His job was to stand at the end of the aisle, on the end seat, with a bag of Skittles to lure the sometimes cranky Cullen down.

The girls and I waited for the groomsmen to disperse out of sight before we got out of the limo. We took a few pictures but I kept straining to look down the beach. I just wanted one peek of Scar. The guys looked great in their suits so I could only imagine what Scar looked like. Plus, the sounds coming from the beach made me so curious about who was already here.

"He's there, Ava, calm down," Anita laughed, holding her belly. "Let's get this show on the road!"

We were ushered into a small white tent on the beach, just next to the ceremony area. We waited for fifteen minutes or so for the guest to get settled and the boys to get into their places. I could feel Scar outside and I wanted to be right there next to him.

"Alright, it's time to get you lined up and ready to go," Abby said, putting her bouquet down. She lined up the girls: Anita, Petra, then Claire. Abby and Ashley were going to give me away, just like we had Abby when she and Seth married. Soft music played and one by one the girls left the tent until it was just my sisters and me. "You look beautiful, Ava," my sister said softly. "Mom and Dad would be so proud of you."

"Thank you, Abbs," I said. Abby stood in front of me, fixing the last few things on my dress. "I know they're here," I told her as she looked up at me.

"They are," Abby nodded. "I'm so proud of both of you," she pushed a curl behind Ash's ear. We heard the music change outside to the Bridal March and Abby sighed. "Okay, here we go."

Abby, Ashley and I stepped out of the tent into the soft light of twilight. I could feel my sisters on either side of me as we walked down the aisle. Aunt Tess and GamGam were crying and most everyone else was smiling, but my eyes remained on Scar, his eyes as they drew me in and it was probably the longest walk in my whole life, ever, but I felt like I was gliding a foot off the ground, gracefully moving towards my life, my future and suddenly Abby was placing my hand in his and it was so right, like it always is. The corners of his eyes crinkled as me smiled at me. I heard him say, "You're beautiful," as he bent his head to kiss me. I closed my eyes, it was all too much…this is it. The day that proves that I am his and he is mine! It was just so wonderful, like the best chocolate chip cookies. The ones with ground oatmeal and pecans. I felt so gooey inside.

"I love you, Mrs. Monroe," Scar's lips met mine as I heard everyone cheering. It was a long, intimate kiss, but not overly sexual.

"It's over?" I whispered as I pulled back from the kiss.

Scar chuckled. "Yeah," he ran a finger over my lips. "Don't you remember saying 'I do'?"

I honestly didn't completely remember because I couldn't stop looking into his eyes, his brilliant brown eyes. I nodded though and then pulled his lips to me again. I was finally with him, we were finally husband and wife and I was pretty sure life didn't get any better than this moment. I held on tight to his arm as we walked back down the aisle, our bridal party and our groomsmen following behind us. Liam was happy to follow but Cullen planted his butt in the sand and refused to budge. It was okay though. At that point, feeling like I did, nothing could upset the day.

After the ceremony, we held a large bonfire on the beach. Our guests sat on large pillows around beautifully decorated tables. Dinner was nice but to me, the best part, the part I would remember until the day I died, was the feeling of Scar's hand in mine. It stayed that way all night too. He never released my hand and I was thankful for that.

We shared our first dance as husband and wife to the song that we'd danced to at Abby and Seth's wedding, "Do You Realize?" by The Flaming Lips. Before we left for our honeymoon in the Bahamas, Abby insisted on a large family photo that I knew would find its way on the wall of fame next to all the other moments that had been captured over the decades.

And even though the road hadn't been smooth, Scar and I were together and no matter what the road held for us, we would be okay because we had each other. We were riding off into the sunset, hand in hand, and neither one of us could stop smiling.

Second AN: Thank you again! Don't forget to review!