Disclaimer: I do not own anything Twilight; all rights go to Stephenie Meyer.

A/N Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that the new chapter for She's My Sunshine will be posted tomorrow! Also, please let me know what you think of this chapter! I love you guys!

Chapter Twenty-Four, Finally.

Everything went by in a blur, the drive, checking in, going through all of the security checks to even get up to Esme's room. We were at a hospital in Seattle, riding the elevator to her room. I felt nauseous, nervous, and completely shaken. The last time Esme was at a hospital, it was the day Charles shot that undercover cop. I shivered at the memory. Jasper instantly looked at me, seemingly evaluating if I was okay. I smiled at him, after a beat he smiled back. We got off the elevator and walked all the way down the hallway, it was the last room on the left. We walked in to see a pale, bruised, and heavily medicated. There was a nurse flittering about, checking various things. I felt as if we shouldn't be here, and looked back at Carlisle and Jasper for reassurance. Todd is in the waiting room, letting us have our time with her. Carlisle looked like he needed some reassurance as well. He looked pale, but he smiled at me anyway. He put his hand on my shoulder and walked me past the entrance and into the room. Esme noticed our presence and her face crinkled into a smile.

"Alice! Carlisle!" She spoke happily, even though her voice sounded painful to use and rough.

I held in the shudder I felt when I heard her voice; I can't even imagine what Charles has done to her. Yet here she is smiling at us.

"Esme." Carlisle said in his calming and kind voice.

I felt like running away, up close Esme looked worse than I could have imagined. A broken wrist, broken ribs, a broken ankle, and her arms and legs were littered with bruises. But I had to be strong for Esme. I tried to smile back at her, but traitor tears slipped through. Esme's weak smile turned into a frown.

"Alice, hunny?" She asked me, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

I backed away from Carlisle, and turned to make a run for it, but I ran right into Jasper's chest. I felt his arms wrap around me gently but also firmly as to not let me escape. I grabbed his shirt in my fists and pulled myself as close to him as I could be. He was radiating comforting feelings, helping me gather my wits.

"Hello, Jasper." Esme said, I could hear the concern in her voice. "I see you've been taking care of our girl here while I couldn't."

I turned around to face Esme, still holding onto Jasper's shirt. I could see her worry, and I knew I had to try to fix it.

"I'm so happy you're okay, just sad to see you this way." I said quietly.

"I know, but what matters now is that we are all together." She said softly, but then her eyes grew distant, "We are all safe because he is gone."

~000~

After the initial shock of seeing Esme in her state the visit went a lot smoother. Although it was painful seeing her that way, we talked and had a scare over Esme laughing and hurting her ribcage; but overall it was nice. Jasper helped me through it, and Carlisle seemed to ease up with being around Esme. It was sweet to see, the two of them together all smiles and laughter. Altogether it was good to see her safe again.

"I can feel what you're feeling." Jasper reminded me.

He is currently driving us to the diner, where we are meeting the rest of the group for a very long awaited reunion dinner. After Carlisle drove us back to his house, we got a call from Emmett saying to meet them there. He just dropped us off at Jasper's house so we could drive to the diner from there. Carlisle had to be at work, so it all worked out.

I gave him a sly smile, leaned across my seat and kissed him on the cheek. He seemed a little startled, not expecting me to kiss him in my despair of a mood.

But then he quickly grinned at me, "As much as I hate to say this, you're going to cause me to wreck if you continue that behavior." Then his grin turned into a smirk, "I take that back, I don't mind crashing."

I erupted into giggles, which in turn caused him to laugh. "I love you Jazz."

"I love you Alice."

We pulled into the diner parking lot, but neither of us made a move to get out of the car. Jasper grabbed my hand; he had a strange expression on his face that I couldn't read. But then he smiled softly at me.

"Let's go inside, I'm sure Emmett has already ordered his food." Jasper said this in a strange voice, but I followed him out of the car anyway.

I was closely and critically watching him as we walked in, wondering what could have caused his sudden shift in mood. "Jazz, are you sweating?" I asked him, a little concerned. It was rather chilly out today, and there were beads of sweat on his face.

His eyes widened slightly, "No." He spoke quickly, and opened up the door for me.

*Everyone was looking at me, looking at Jasper, anxious and excited*

Someone shook me, "ALICE!" Edward's voice rang through my ears.

Hey, why'd you stop my vision?! I silently asked him. Becoming suspicious of his and Jasper's behavior.

Edward pulled me into a hug, "No visions just enjoy today. Got it?"

I raised my eyebrows at his vague words, but complied and silently promised that I wouldn't have any visions…if I could help it.

"Alice!" Rosalie squealed out my name, running towards me and hugging me tightly. "I have some things we need to talk about."

I could feel a vision forming behind my eyes, but I quickly dismissed it. But I couldn't help thinking about the vision that Edward had stopped.

I nodded at Rose, giving her a curious smile. She grinned back at me, and stepped aside as Emmett pulled me into his monstrous hug. And Bella gave me a quick hug and a small "hello".

We sat down at a table, and all were idly chatting; all except for Jasper. Then someone caught my eye.

"Hey, Rose, Jazz, isn't that your mom?" I asked, but then as soon as I asked I saw other people that I knew. "Hey, what's going on?"

I felt another vision blooming in my mind, But as promised I pushed it away. Jasper turned to me, and was seemingly sweating even more now. I realized the whole diner was staring at us. There was Peter, Charlotte, Carlisle, Renesmee, Paul, Seth, Todd, even Tia and Ben. There was also that one old lady that I had talked to about my friends that one Friday morning. Tanya and the rest of Rosalie's friends were here too, Tanya glaring at us slightly. When I looked back at our table I was faced with happy smiles and Jasper on one knee in front of me.

"Alice, we've been through so much. And a lot of it was admittedly bad, which shows me that what we have between us is real; because we're still here, still together, and still in love. I love you through the bad days, the terrible days, and the good. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone other than you; I never want to spend my life with anyone but you. Will you grow old with me Alice? Will you stay by my side through all of life's trials and blessings? Will you agree to be my wife, my companion, and my best friend for forever?" Then he pulled out a little black box, opening the lid to show the dazzling, sparking diamond. Jasper looked nervous, sweating, and a little shaky. But his words were sincere; the atmosphere was loving and sweet. He looked truly worried as if there was a chance that I might say no.

Everyone's eyes were on me, expectant. I felt as if the air in my lungs had vanished, my chest swelling with surprise and love.

"Of course! Yes! Oh my gosh! Yes, yes, yes!" I squealed out, feeling hot tears run down my cheeks.

Jasper grinned at me, the biggest grin I had ever seen, his eyes watering. He took the little ring out of the box and put it on my finger. He kissed my hand, and then pulled me into him as he stood up, embracing me tightly and lifting me up into the air. "I promise you Alice, I will love you for forever!" He kissed my cheek, "Thank you Alice, thank you."

~000~

Lying on the guest bed at the Cullen's house, I was turning my hand, catching my engagement ring on the light of the bedside lamp. My cheeks were sore from grin, the grin that hasn't left since I told Jasper yes to marrying him.

I'm going to be married to Jasper… My thoughts squealed. I hadn't stopped telling myself that since he dropped me off at the house.

I pulled out a notebook and started jogging down ideas for the wedding, and then it hit me: Rose and Em are getting married too. I smiled as I thought about. Jazz and I can get married the week after their honey moon. The ideas swarming my mind came in pairs, I was multitasking by also thinking of ideas for Rose and Em's wedding as well. I'm not sure, but I think I may have filled a notebook full of my ideas. Everything from color themes to the wedding dress and the venues. I imagine that everyone was expecting me to throw a gigantic wedding, something glamorous. But although I wanted it to be well decorated, I wanted it to be small. Only friends and family, maybe fifty people. This was a fresh start for my life, and I wanted to start with those who I love, with my family.

I woke up the next morning with papers scattered across the bed, and some pen ink on my face. I groggily got up, wedding thoughts still buzzing in my mind still. I know it's been a long time since I've seen Jasper, but it all just feels right. With all of the drama and horror, it's time for something good. The group is back together, Esme is alive, and we are all with the right people. I had the sudden urge to cry or maybe even to squeal, because for the first time in such a long tome, I was truly happy; it radiated from the tips of my toes to the crown of my head.

Thank you God... I thought happily, because it could only be a matter of a higher power, that big man in the sky, that brought us all through our terrible pasts and gave us something good from it.

Seven Months Later...

*Bella and I were sitting on my bed, laughing. "I can't believe you got me to buy that dress!" She said disbelievingly, and sighed. "I just hope he likes it!" I scoffed at her, "You know very well you would like you in anything! Whether be a giant blue baggy sweater and unfitted jeans, which I do not approve of by the way, or a fitted flowing dress like the one we bought today!" Bella smiled dreamily. "OH SHOES! Bella you have to wear these heels I saw yesterday at the mall! I can't believe I didn't think about them earlier!" Bella groaned, "Heels? Are you planning on killing me on my wedding day?" I laughed at her, "Of course not! As your maid of honor, best friend, and sister, I would never do so! But because we are all of that, I love you enough to take your natural beauty and amplify it for the special day!" Bella chuckled, "How can I argue with that?" After our laughter died down, Bella spoke softly. "Thank you Alice. You are truly my sister, and best friend. I don't know what I'd do without you." I couldn't help but squeal. "Oh Bella!" I hugged her tightly! "I don't know what I'd do without you either! This is exactly why I wouldn't put you in heels that would kill you!" Bella sighed. "Oh come one Bella! Edward is going to love you this dress and these shoes!"*

"So that's still going to happen?" Edward asked me as he helped me move chairs.

I smiled at him, "Yes. But only if you man up and ask her!"

I was slightly surprised to be getting that vision again, for my mind was full of arrangements and meetings. Wedding planning is fun, but I am ready to just be married. But since I am getting that vision, it must mean Edward is close to asking her. Jazz and I's wedding will be tomorrow afternoon. Two weeks ago we watched Rose and Em get married, it was in the church that Emmett and Edward's parents had gotten married in. It was sweet, with lavender and cream colors, just the right amount of flowers, and Rose and in her strapless lace dress. But aside from how the wedding looked, it was beautiful. My friends openly committing themselves to each other, vowing to love each other no matter the circumstances; it was a rare beauty.

"I think you are right." Edward said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"I always am. But what about?"

He laughed, "How weddings aren't just about the look and glam, it's about giving yourself to another person."

Sometimes I tend to forget that Edward can read my thoughts. I smiled at him, "I can't wait to experience it myself."

Since my father and mother gave me up years ago, Carlisle promised to walk me down the aisle. Bella had her dad, Rose's father came back for her wedding, but my parents wouldn't return any of my calls or emails. It was upsetting at first, but my family helped me get over it. I've learned family are those who love you unconditionally, and those people don't always end up being related to you by blood.

This year has been a year of weddings. Carlisle and Esme got married two weeks after she was out of the hospital. Rose and Emmett were married two weeks ago. Jasper and I will be getting married tomorrow, and hopefully Edward and Bella's wedding will be just around the corner.

"Alice?" A voice called out. It sounded eerily familiar.

I turned around to see Jasper and Esme along with a young teenage girl. I heard a gasp escape from my throat, and suddenly Edward was holding me up by placing his arm around my shoulders.

"Is that really you?" I asked, my voice only slightly higher than a whisper. "Cynthia...?"

The girl smiled and shook her head. "I've been looking for you for a year now." She said, her voice shaky as tears slipped down her cheeks.

I walked towards her, slowly taking in her appearance. She was short like me, but had lighter hair that went to her shoulders, and blue eyes. Cynthia ran at me, throwing her arms around me. "I've missed you sis!"

I hugged her back. "I should have looked for you." I admitted.

She pulled back from our hug, "It doesn't matter now." She gave me a grin, "And it seems like I have found you just in time."

~000~

"Ali, cut it out. You are going to give yourself stress lines if you keep making that face!" Rose scolded me.

I tried to unscrunch my eye brows, but it was a failure. "It's just not laying right!" I said frustrated.

Bella laughed quietly, "Alice, there isn't a wrong way for a pearl necklace to lay, it looks amazing!"

I scoffed at Bella, "There is too a wrong way, and it's doing it right now!"

"I'd be careful Bella, she once threw away a necklace because she thought it didn't lay right." Renesmee said, laughing as well.

"That doesn't surprise me." Charlotte said, with a glint of amusement in her eye. "She's been like that since we went to school together."

"Calm down sis. You look amazing!" Cynthia said smiling at me.

"I agree with her, Alice you look lovely." Esme added.

I looked at myself intently in the mirror. My hair in curls with a blue studded pin holding half of it back in a partial pony tail. My thick tank top strapped dress hitting right below my knee. I wanted to go with a shorter dress, because I thought I looked rather funny in the full length dresses. I was too short, and looked like a child in my mother's wedding dress. It was a silly antic, but everyone helped me find the perfect dress anyway. I had white lacey heels, making me about five inches taller. I amazed Bella by being able to walk in them.

"Are you ready?" Carlisle's voice came from behind the door.

Esme got up and opened the door, "Almost."

They helped me place the veil over my face, and we all grabbed our bouquets. Nervous beginning to get the better of me, I grabbed onto Carlisle's arm. We all shuffled out of the hallway, we were in the local church in Forks. Jasper wanted to pick the venue, and I allowed it. Nearly regretting it when I saw the quaintness, but with the right flowers and lights, it did truly look beautiful. The quaintness of Jasper and the bright and colorfulness that I had added represented us perfectly.

I heard the music begin, and the girls walked ahead of us. Carlisle and I waiting for the moment we will walk down the aisle.

"I'm proud of you Alice." Carlisle said quietly.

I looked up at him, slightly confused on what he meant.

He smiled gently at me. "Over the last ten years of your life, you have been through some very terrible things. But you didn't let that stop you from finding happiness. I could see you struggling with keeping your past from all of your friends and especially Jasper. When you left and Esme was missing, I prayed for you two everyday. You both have so much you deserve, so much happiness and life ahead of you. But after that year, I was starting to think that life wasn't going to allow you the happiness and life God had for you." He squeezed my hand, "But you both were so strong, and you fought against all the terrible things and for your lives. I don't I've ever told you how strong, how wonderful, and how beautiful you are Alice. And Jasper, he realized this. He never gave up on you either, he waited and searched for you. I am proud to be here to witness the two of you coming together, and I am proud to see how strong you are and where it has brought you and ever one else around you. For I am afraid that if you hadn't fought for your life like you had, that none of these weddings would have ever happened, and all of us would be forever apart. But you and Esme brought us all together, and I thank you for that."

I felt tears well up in my eyes, I smiled at him and gave him a quick hug. "I love you Carlisle, and I am proud to think of you as my father."

"And you as my daughter." Carlisle said, tears starting to form in his eyes too.

We turned to face the doors, were all of our loved ones were waiting. Carlisle lead me into the room, where everyone turned to look at us. Everyone here, from Tia and Ben, Todd, and all of my friends from college. Jasper's family, and his friends from the military. Of course up front there stood Emmett, Edward, Peter, two other of his friends from the military. My brides maids standing on the other side. The pastor here to marry us. But the only person I saw in that moment was Jasper. The way he was smiling at me and all of his emotions hit me the moment we locked eyes. There was not a single sprout of nerves or doubt as I walked towards him with Carlisle. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt how he felt about me, and I didn't have any fears about our future together.

Carlisle gave Jasper my hand, and I felt the tears start to fall. And to my surprise Jasper was crying too. He was giving me his goof grin and tears were slowly falling onto his cheeks.

I didn't really hear anything until Jasper and I were asked to repeat our vows, and even then, the only thing I fully registered was the moments where we said "I do." I had to suppress the squeals that threaten to burst out of me, I was overwhelmed with happiness and joy.

"You may kiss the bride." The pastor's words caused a grin to take over my face as Jasper leaned down peel back my veil.

The softness of his lips on mine, his hands holding my waist. Warmth stirred up inside of me, heating every inch of my body. And I could say without any hesitation, that I would re live my life over and over if I could re live this moment again. But with the excitement of the future ahead of us, I was perfectly fine with this moment being now, because even though I can't imagine anything feeling better than this, it is just the beginning.

The End