A/N - I believe in love and I believe in theirs. I don't own any of these characters or the story – All rights belong to Stephanie Meyer and the only thing we have in common is that I once lived in Phoenix.
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I didn't want to let go of her temperate hand. It was my anchor to life, not my old mundane existence. It was her hold, our fingers intertwined that kept me from running, leaping and shouting.
The room shimmered with candle light and the setting sun. Family and friends surrounded us at the altar, with genuine well wishes and happy hugs.
Everyone was relaxed in the soothing warm breeze of fresh flowers. Our guests' high spirits besieged me with happy thoughts and love.
I looked around for Jasper, knowing that emotions must also be multiplied in him. He would be overwhelmed. Edward, can you feel it? There is so much love in this room. A blizzard made entirely of adoration for you and Bella. I feel – I feel like I could burst.
Alice joined Jasper. He hugged her around her waist. She tipped to her toes, pulled his face down to hers, and whispered in his ear. We are now in my very first vision. From the past; I met you here. I know you could never understand why I was able to love you so completely, knowing your history. But this -- this time, this place is how I've always seen you. You-- engulfed by love, so much so that it emanates from every part of your being. How could I not love you?
She leaned her head back to look in his eyes. She took her hands and rubbed them across his face, as if she were wiping away tears. Then she lowered her body onto her heels, pulling her hands together, palms up. Both of their eyes looked in her hands. Through the glimmer of twilight I saw the tears glisten against her pale skin.
Tears of love. Vampire tears.
I realized too late that their thoughts should have been their own. Their love expanded and changed them both. I left them to their private thoughts as they turned to steal away.
Esme was at my side. "Okay everyone, let's allow the newlyweds to proceed to a proper receiving line." She ushered us out the glass door, to the back yard.
The entire area was sparkling with white lights. Trees, light poles, walkways, and the open air tent all twinkled. Our guests filed into the relaxing August evening. The receiving line had formed in front of the dance floor, with my new mother-in-law and Phil in front.
"I'm so happy for you, Bella. That was the prettiest wedding I have ever seen." Renee leaned in to give Bella a kiss. She whispered, "now that you've rushed into marriage, don't rush into starting a family."
"Mom!"
Renee smiled and looked to me. "I finally have a son, welcome to the family." She giggled.
"Thank you, and thank you for raising such a charming daughter, she has the best of you and her father."
"She was born wonderful." She hugged me, and moved towards the dance floor. Phil shook my hand, and followed Renee.
We were in no hurry, we continued to receive hugs and well wishes. There was time to talk, time for laughter.
"Congrats, guys," Seth Clearwater said. He was in between his mother, Sue and Jacob's father, Billy Black. This was the first time I had seen Sue.
Sue's thoughts were rigid, she did not care for vampires. Bloodsuckers marrying humans, what are they thinking? She shivered in disgust.
Seth leaned forward kissing Bella on the cheek. "You look real nice Bella." She blushed in response. Seth then turned to me.
"It's good to see things work out for you, man." He shook my hand and gave me a hug. I briefly returned the hug. Sue screamed silently in her head, sick leech.
"Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me." I considered Billy Black, a direct descendant of powerful magical Quileute chiefs. He inherited none of the magic. It was reserved for his son Jacob, who rejected his birth rights, which left Sam Uley to act as chief.
Tonight Billy's thoughts were conflicted. Bella, little, Bella married. She has surprised us that's for sure. Marrying a vampire. He pictured Bella as a seven year old, refusing to go fishing because of yucky worms. I smiled at the picture in his mind. She was disgusted with fishing, yet she marries a vampire. Next she'll become a vampire, possibly as early as tomorrow. A bite to her will start a war, who could have imagined?
Billy recognized that now was not the time for thoughts of war. Well, maybe these kids can handle the breach better than I would. I'm here to celebrate with Charlie – hadn't seen him since he came down the aisle.
The queries lingered in my thoughts. Would Sam declare war when Bella was turned into a vampire? Would Jacob return and become her enemy?
I bent over to shake Billy's hand. Like Billy, I would not entertain thoughts of war. "Thank you for letting Seth come, for supporting Bella today."
"You're welcome," affirming that today was about Bella not war. I placed the nagging questions Billy intimated into another part of my mind. The answers would have to wait.
Seth merrily waved goodbye, excited at the opportunity for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Sue offered a smile to Bella, refusing to release her grasp on both Seth and Billy. They wheeled Billy towards the tables of food.
Regular humans followed the Quileute legends. It was our former classmates, Angela and Ben followed by Angela's parents. Grouping behind them was Mike and Jessica. Mike was holding Jessica's hand.
Well, if they can get married at eighteen, so can me and Mike. It doesn't look like people are giving them too much grief about it. Jessica's thoughts were contrary to Mike's. Bella looks good. I should have tried harder with her. I refused to linger in his or Jessica's minds.
The Denali vampire clan congratulated us next. There were four here today. Kate, with long silky blond hair, was second in line. Carmen and Eleazar were next, both dark haired with a hint of olive melanin. All three stood behind Tanya who reached me first, giving me a hug allowing her strawberry blond hair to slide around my shoulders. She was a force.
"Ah, Edward," her thoughts were somewhat menacing. You smell heavenly. "I've missed you."
I chuckled at how unattractive I found such forward actions. I removed her arms from around me. I placed my hands on her shoulders and backed away, well aware that she would take this as a sign of rejection. "It's been too long, Tanya." I considered her refusal to come to our defense against the newborn vampires. Like thoughts of war, thoughts of resentment had no place at my wedding. "You look well."
"So do you." Would you consider. . .
I did not allow her to finish her thoughts to spoil the day. "Let me introduce you to my wife." I championed the words that put an end to her flirtation forever. I took Bella's hand and put my arm around her waist. "Tanya this is my Bella." I said. It was Tanya's ultimate rejection. The remaining clan members laughed lightly in response.
"Welcome to the family, Bella." Defeated she smiled a bit remorseful and reached out to take Bella's hand. "We consider ourselves Carlisle's extended family, and I am so sorry about the, er, recent incident when we did not behave as such. We should have met sooner. Can you forgive us?"
Tanya's thoughts did not betray the sincerity of her words. She was repentant for her poor actions a few months back. Congratulations Edward, she is quite breathtaking. Do be careful with her, she is human after all. I nodded my understanding.
"Of course," Bella's heart raced as she continued. "It's so nice to meet you."
"The Cullens are all evened up in numbers now. Perhaps it will be our turn next, eh, Kate?" Tanya was poised, as she moved forward to allow her family to greet Bella.
"Keep the dream alive," Kate said a bit embarrassed by Tanya's little show. Kate took my wife's hand. How warm. "Welcome, Bella."
Another hand was placed over Bella's "I'm Carmen and this is Eleazar. We're all so pleased to meet you." Carmen and Eleazar sealed their welcome with gentle smiles.
"Me too," stuttered Bella.
More humans behind us! Tanya thought as she looked at the huge stares from Charlie's deputy Mark and his wife. She turned to my Bella, "We'll get to know each other later. We'll have eons of time for that!" Tanya laughed and the Denali clan moved on.
Before we knew it, Esme had us cutting the four-tiered wedding cake. We gently pushed cake into one another's mouth. This was one piece of food I cherished to swallow.
My wife's beautiful bouquet was tossed right into Angela's awaiting hands. I followed my wife's lead, with a wink. I removed her garter, very carefully with my teeth. It was shot directly into Mike Newton's surprised face. Hopefully, he'd get the obvious hint and focus on Jessica.
From the dance floor the sound of violins started. The slow melodic tune At Last sung by Etta James began. I took my wife's hand, and pulled her to the dance floor. I wrapped my arms around her waist, bent my head into the crook of her neck, and pressed my cheek to hers. I twirled her around, as lights from cameras flashed. As the song ended, I sung in her ear, "for you are mine at last."
"Enjoying your wedding party, Mrs. Cullen?"
"Mmm." She looked into my eyes. I saw happiness in hers, "That will take a while to get used to."
"We have a while." I kissed her and a firework of camera flashes exploded.
The traditional dances continued. Charlie danced with Bella, and I danced with Esme.
"Everything is wonderful, Mom. Thank you so much."
"My dear sweet boy, I should thank you. You have been a wonderful son, Edward. I only hope if you two adopt, you will be just as lucky." With a few twirls and spins, we glided across the floor. Next, I danced with Renee, while Bella danced with Carlisle.
Soon the floor was full of dancing couples.
Mike took the opportunity to dance with the bride. I heard his horrid thoughts. She feels as good as she looks. I cut in.
"Still not that fond of Mike, eh?" Bella asked.
"Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. He's lucky I didn't kick him out. Or worse." I reminded myself that this was not the time for anger or jealousy.
"Yeah, right." She answered as if she had no idea how absolutely gorgeous she was.
"Have you had a chance to look at yourself?"
"Um. No, I guess not. Why?"
"Then I suppose you don't realize how utterly, heartbreakingly beautiful you are tonight. I'm not surprised Mike's having difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman. Alice should have made you look in a mirror."
"You are very biased, you know."
When will my wife ever accept the fact that she is gorgeous? I turned her around to the wall of glass. I pointed to her reflection.
"Biased, am I?"
We both looked at the dark-haired beauty. Her eyes shone bright and wide with the love that filled the evening. Her dress sparkling white flowed around her figure. She stood graceful and statuesque, a wonderful sight to behold. She blinked as if she didn't recognize herself.
Okay Leech, you're right. I want the opportunity to wish her the best! I stiffened when I heard Jacob's loud thoughts. Why does he make it so difficult? Remember tonight is not the time for animosity.
"Oh!" This will make her happy. I grinned.
"What is it?" she wondered.
"A surprise wedding gift." I began dancing her towards the edge of the floor.
"Huh?" She asked. I didn't answer her question, mainly because Jacob's thoughts were still screaming in my head.
You invited me here, now you don't want me to see her? You afraid she may still be in love with me? Blood sucker, where are you? He paused. Look, I just want to wish her good luck. I won't make a scene; I'll even be polite to you in front of her. Just let me see her, and I'll leave.
I danced her out of sight of the guests. We walked beyond the huge cedar trees into the wooded area. It was too dark for her to see anything.
"Thank you. This is very" I controlled my anger and concentrated that tonight was not a time for fighting. ". . . kind of you."
"Kind is my middle name." His voice came from the darkness. "Can I cut in?"
My wife recognized the voice. She threw her hands to her chest, nearly causing her to lose her balance. I held her firmly.
"Jacob!" There were tears of relief in her voice. "Jacob!"
"Hey there, Bells." Why is she so happy to see me? She just got married.
I moved her into the darkness, and waited for Jacob to take her hand. They embraced and I realized that I would allow them to share a few minutes alone. It had been several months since he had been in human form and his emotions seemed on edge. I would try and monitor the packs thoughts rather than Jacob. I didn't want him to take advantage of my thought reading by screaming more insults. A quick glance through the forest, confirmed that Sam and some of the others belonging to the wolf pack were within distance. I could hear their unified thoughts. Jacob was well monitored, my wife would be safe.
"Rosalie will not forgive me if she doesn't get her official turn on the dance floor with the groom." I spoke softly. Then I left them.
I found Rosalie inside the house facing the glass wall. She stood still admiring the entire atmosphere and her own reflection. A perfect wedding.
"Care to dance?" I didn't wait for an answer but took her by her hand and led her to the dance floor.
This doesn't mean that we're best friends, but I'm glad she made the choice to have a wedding. She seems happy about it too. We'll be better friends, I think."
"That's all I'm asking. Cautious acceptance." I swung her into a dip, raising her head slowly to the waltz. I'm sure we were the center of attention. "You know, it's not her fault." I defended my wife.
"I know. . . it's just that . . she really has a way of making things more fascinating." She flowed gracefully into a spin and returned to my arms. "She is – oblivious, a child. She can't fathom the sacrifices she's making. All of us want to be human, except her. Such a waste." We'd all make different choices.
"I understand --I feel the same way too. The only difference is that I'm just too selfish to be without her. Someday I will have to answer for my egotism and what it did to her."
"Yes, perhaps you will. I'm sure she will forgive you though. Her love for you is imprudent enough."
"Yes."
"Well, you don't have to worry about it today. She makes a beautiful bride. I'm glad I was here to share it with you two." Vicarious living. Kind of fun. The song ended.
"I think I will go find Emmett, maybe plan another wedding or just the honeymoon." Rosalie sauntered away.
I turned to look for Alice and Jasper. I found them on the dance floor rocking slowly from side to side, their eyes locked on one another, even though the music ended. They looked up, and saw me staring their way.
"Well Edward, let's dance before it's time for you to go claim your wife." Alice said as Jasper let go of her waist. He shook my hand. I'm happy. He thought as he tapped me on the shoulder. He left Alice to dance with me.
"Is he okay, Alice?"
"Yes. Just an epiphany. He is becoming more . . . more vegetarian, let's just say." We both smiled. He had always had a difficult time with our diet. His first decades as a vampire were filled with human and vampire eradications. It was his violent upbringing that he fought to keep at bay.
"You see Bella coming back from her dance with Jacob okay?"
Missing her already? "I cannot see her at this moment, but, yes. In five minutes, I see her dancing in your arms, both of you resplendent."
"Good." I knew I might not have a chance to thank her later. "Thank you for the wedding Alice. It was brilliantly done. I don't think I could have gotten her to agree to this, if not for you."
"You know I love you both. It was a joy to do this for her, to sort of live a human life, a life I never knew or had. Besides, this wedding was also about Jasper."
"Thank you. You have made a lot of people extremely happy today. You did make one error – a big one in my estimation."
Her trilled voice was a bit agitated, "Edward, I can't imagine what could have been better." She quickly considered alternatives. "No, I don't know what you are talking about, everything was perfect – I missed nothing!" She smiled absolutely certain.
"Yes, you did Alice." I said in a playful tone. "You didn't show Bella, what all the rest of us could see."
"How could I show . . . oh, a mirror!" She considered the – mistake. "Yes, I should have shown her, she is stunning!"
"Yes. Stunning." I continued to dance with Alice. I monitored the wolf pack's thoughts. It looks like he is going to lose it. Leah! Seth! Get over there. It was Sam barking orders.
I spoke quickly to Alice, so fast that a human would have thought I was singing. "Alice, Jacob is losing it. He's very upset. I've got to go to Bella. Have Jasper and Emmett stand by."
"I still see the two of you dancing." She replied quickly. I didn't wait to see if she went to gather up Jasper and Emmett. I took long, quick strides off the dance floor, hoping no one noticed my inhuman speed. I focused in on Jacob's thoughts.
Bella! Have you lost your mind? You can't be that stupid! Tell me you're joking!
I could hear Bella's voice. "Jake – stop!"
I no longer cared whether anyone saw my quick pace. I rapidly moved, and stood beside my wife. My eyes saw his fingers wrapped tightly around her arms. There were tear flowing down her face.
My hands automatically clawed and I held my ground, my anger controlled. An attack now would injury my wife. I would wait until Jacob released her.
"Take your hands off her!" I challenged, urgently. His body was shaking, as if he were attempting to phase, but his emotions were too erratic. I could hear Sam and Leah in wolf form, growling behind Jacob. If he phased, Bella would be injured. I quickly scanned his thoughts. A real honeymoon—you disgusting, filthy parasite.
No Jacob, let her go! Seth Clearwater had his hands on Jacob's shoulders. "Jake, bro, back away. You're losing it."
Jacob loosened his grip on Bella, but didn't let go. This can't be happening. This wasn't supposed to – I just came to wish her the best. I-
"You'll hurt her," Seth whispered. "Let her go."
"Now!" My anger barely contained. I couldn't believe I had trusted this immature child with the most precious thing in my life. The pack was unreliable as well, they deferred too much to Jacob, even though he was not the Alpha leader. No matter how much he denied his birthright, he was the leader of the pack. Even Sam seemed to succumb to Jacob's wishes.
My threatening growls, along with Seth's pleas, were successful. Jacob released Bella. I swiftly replaced my hands where his had been, and moved my wife behind me - away from him. I turned back to face Jacob and his thoughts. I will tear you apart limb by limb and burn the pieces myself.
He was no longer in the same place. Seth had grabbed him and was moving him towards the woods. Two wolves were now in between me and Jacob. We won't hurt you, we will take Jacob away. Now is not the time for a fight. Sam reassured me.
Jacob had other ideas.
"I'll kill you." Jacob shook with anger soon his body would have no choice but to change into his wolf form. "I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!" His body began to convulse.
I welcomed the opportunity to avenge the harm he'd inflicted. I had promised him that if he ever returned her to me injured, he would have his bones broken. It was time for him to answer for his violence.
Seth was wrapped around Jacob, pulling him away from me. I knew if I could attack Jacob before he phased, the battle would end quickly. I would not have to kill him.
"Seth, get out of the way," I demanded.
Seth ignored my order and yank Jacob further towards the woods. "Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon."
The large black wolf, Sam, joined Seth in forcing Jacob away from us. Jacob disappeared from view. A real honeymoon! You will kill her and you know it. Keep your hands off her you sad excuse for a husband! You're not human! You're not! What are you thinking? What is wrong with you?
I relaxed my stance. Bella was at my side. "I'm sorry" she whispered.
"It's all right now, Bella." I rubbed her arm, comforting her, amazed at how quickly my anger had subsided—wondering whether Jasper was near.
Only one wolf remained in the area, Quil. Sam wants you to know that tonight is not the night to break the treaty. If you kill her, we will attack. If you bite her, we will attack. I could only nod my understanding. Quil left hurrying to catch up with his pack.
"All right. Let's get back."
"But Jake –" she retorted.
"Sam has him in hand. He's gone."
"Edward, I'm so sorry." Tears began to run down her cheeks again. "I was stupid –"
"You did nothing wrong --" I couldn't tell her how close I was to harming her precious Jacob.
"I have such a big mouth! Why would I . . . I shouldn't have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?"
"Don't worry." I said it more for myself than for her. I wiped the tears from her face. "We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence."
"Give me two seconds." She would be a trooper. I was grateful that the entire confrontation occurred in the dark, away from guests.
"My dress?" She wondered.
"You look fine. Not a hair out of place."
"Okay. Let's go."
I took her by the waist and walked her back onto the dance floor. We twirled and blended right back into the crowd. I was barely gone two minutes. I spotted Emmett and Jasper standing at the end of the floor. Everything all right Edward? I smiled in their direction and then looked down at my wife.
"Are you –"
"I'm fine. I can't believe I did that. What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing is wrong with you." I assured her. I recalled Jacob's words. I am wrong to think that I can be a human husband to her. I could kill her. Could I control my passion enough to keep her safe? I had no idea what would happen, but in so many of the vampire myths, the human woman never survived the liaison. Why would I believe I could keep her safe? She was so fragile. Either she would die or be bitten. Both would mean war with the wolves. A war, with casualties on both sides.
"It's over. Let's not think of it again tonight." She said with absolute determination.
I heard her but I couldn't easily agree. We needed to talk about the reality of our marriage. I wasn't a seventeen year old human boy but a one hundred and twenty year old beast—a monster unable to control his passions. She wouldn't be safe with me.
"Edward?" She called my name searching for reassurance. I wouldn't be able to respond the way she hoped.
I touched my forehead to hers. "Jacob is right. What am I thinking?"
"His is not. Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly."
I closed my eyes not wanting to see the waste that I was causing. I was too selfish. I was risking her life. I haven't been reasonable. I am making the wrong decisions. My lips started to move "he should kill me." I knew she must have heard me, as did my brothers.
"Stop it!" She demanded.
I couldn't let her talk me out of doing the right thing. She must not be harmed. I opened my eyes to tell her my decision. Her eyes were locked on mine, with fierce determination. I wouldn't be able to resist.
"You and me," She said. "That's the only thing that matters. The only thing you're allowed to think about now. Do you hear me?
"Yes," I resigned. She was resigned. There would be no review of the choice.
"Forget Jacob came. For me. Promise that you'll let this go.
Tonight was not the time for war, resentment, anger, animosity, sorrow, fighting, or regrets, I would let those things go. For her. For now. "I promise."
"Thank you. Edward, I'm not afraid."
"I am."
"Don't be. By the way, I love you." Her velvet voice was reassuring.
She was dazzling. "That's why we're here." I mustered up a smile for her.
No moping you dope. You need a moment to re-group your thoughts. Go see Carlisle. Emmett was at my shoulder.
"You're monopolizing the bride. Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush." Emmett laughed, allowing us to release some of the stress from our encounter with Jacob.
I relinquished my bride and went to search for Carlisle. He is sitting in the great room. Emmett informed me as if I asked.
I found Carlisle sitting in a wedding chair facing the glass wall. Jasper was next to him. "I always thought my sense of control was based on suppressing my emotions. I see differently now." Jasper commented as he got up to leave.
"Today has been an emotional time for us all." Carlisle said. He greeted me more warmly than I deserved. Obviously, Carlisle knew everything that happened with Jacob, even my death wish.
"What am I thinking Carlisle? I can kill her." I pleaded in hopes he would talk some sense into my head. I sat down.
"Edward, I don't think that is possible. When your thirst for her was suppressed, and you accepted her love, it changed you. You have had opportunity after opportunity to take her life, and each time you controlled yourself. Her love has changed you. You have the human patience, desire and love to keep her safe and that will overrule any vampire desire."
"How can you be so sure Carlisle?"
He seemed to have a twinkle in his eyes when he spoke again. "Because I know you have a soul son."
I turned to look out of the glass wall at Bella dancing. The lights sparkled all around her. I sat there with Carlisle refusing to think past what my eyes captured. I would trust Carlisle's words, not because I believed them to be true, but because I wanted them to be.
Esme joined us and sat on the other side of Carlisle. They held hands watching my wife dance with her father.
Charlie was interrupted by another guest. Charlie came into the house and joined us, sitting closer to the window wall than the rest of us. My Bells is happy. Seems like she just moved here, and now she is leaving. Sure can get used to having her around. He chuckled at how his life had changed since her arrival in Forks less than two years ago. "I'm not disturbing you all am I?" He asked.
I'm going to miss her. Really, miss. . . her.
"Of course not, Charlie." Esme said in her calm welcoming voice.
Charlie turned to Esme and Carlisle, "I wanted to . . . to thank you," he began.
"It was our pleasure." Carlisle interrupted, well aware how hard it was for Charlie to express his feelings. "We hope you don't mind, but we consider Bella our daughter, as well. She is a most precious child. Edward will take good care of her." I was certain Carlisle said the last part for my benefit, as well as Charlie's.
Charlie's eyes began to water over and he barely whispered out the words, "Thank you."
"I will do everything in my power to keep her safe, Dads. I will bring her home, before we start Dartmouth so you two can check on my progress," I vowed to them. Everyone seemed to laugh softly. I knew it was my turn to thank my new father. "Charlie, I will be forever grateful to you – for Bella. She is – my life." Nothing more needed to be said.
Soon my brothers and sisters came into the room. Each one touching me, as they took a seat, giving me their thoughts of support, love, and encouragement. Eventually, even Renee and Phil joined us. We were a family; and -- our family had grown today.
We all sat together watching Bella twirl around on the dance floor, not falling but happy. She was spectacular to watch.
It was Alice who broke our silent moments of reflection. "You have one dance with her before she has to get ready to leave for the airport."
I didn't need further urging. I sped to the dance floor and claimed my wife. She was stellar. I knew my family would be enjoying our final dance of the evening. As Time Goes By sungby Michael Feinstein began to play.
Our dance was very slow, barely moving, yet intense. She placed her head on my shoulder and I pulled her closer in my arms. I was complete.
"I could get used to this," she said.
"Don't tell me you've gotten over your dancing issues?
"Dancing isn't so bad –with you. But I was thinking more of this," she pressed in closer – "of never having to let you go."
"Never." I declared and I leaned down to seal it with a kiss that was similar to our dance – unhurried and passionate.
Time to go Edward. Songs over. It was Alice, just as she promised. I decided to ignore her. I knew I would have to let my wife go, but I fought it. She was so irresistible. Alice turned her attention to Bella.
"Bella! It's time! Do you want to miss your plane?" Alice was next to us now, twilling softly in our ears, but loud enough to cause an amusing scene. "I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out at the airport waiting for another flight." My wife didn't move.
I turned my face slightly towards Alice. "Go away, Alice," and returned to kissing my bride.
Alice continued to focus on Bella. "Do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?"
Bella was unresponsive. Alice's temper began to rise, and she focused on me. "I'll tell her where you're taking her, Edward. So help me, I will."
That sister of mine. I froze. She knew it would ruin my plans if Bella found out where we were going. Bella would ask all kinds of questions and -- no she couldn't find out. I turned my head glaring at my sister, acknowledging that the battle was lost. "You're awfully small to be so hugely irritating."
"I didn't pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted." She retorted grabbing my wife by the hand. "Come with me Bella."
Our guests chuckled as Bella was dragged out of my arms. I felt like something was missing. I shrugged my shoulder towards my family that were still sitting in the chairs at the wall and headed upstairs to change. I could still hear the comical exchange between my wife and sister.
"Sorry, Alice" my wife apologized.
"I don't blame you, Bella." Alice sighed. "You don't seem to be able to help yourself."
"Thank you, Alice. It was the most beautiful wedding anyone ever had."
I went in my room and changed clothes. Jasper had already taken the bags and put them in the car. The car would be brought to the front door. I looked around the room no longer a bachelor pad, knowing it would be awhile before my return. I was happy. I was leaving under the best of circumstances. I went to the bottom of the stairs to wait for my bride. Close friends and family lingered with me.
Bella started down the stairs with our mothers on either side. There were kisses and tears. "Goodbye Mom. I love you."
I held out my hand to help her down the few remaining stairs. She was preoccupied, she began to search the faces of our family and friends.
"Dad?" she called. Her departure would be incomplete without a good bye to Charlie.
"Over here," I answered. I led her through the crowd of well wishers to the back of the room along the glass wall. He was secluded. Tears were in his eyes. I resisted the urge to hear his thoughts, he obviously needed his privacy.
"Oh Dad!" My wife hugged her father and her tears flowed. It was probably the most display of affection they had shared since she was a child, neither of them big on exhibition.
"I love you forever Dad. Don't forget that."
"You too, Bells. Always have, always will." They kissed one another on the cheek.
"Call me."
"Soon." She promised.
"Go on then. Don't want you to be late."
She turned to me and I put my arm around her shoulder and guided her back through the crowd.
"Are you ready?" I asked.
"I am." Her brown eyes smiling.
We made it to the door. I kissed her one last time for the benefit of family and friends. Applause erupted followed by a storm of rice. I shielded my wife from the down pour of rice, I could barely feel it, but I knew she would. We made our escape to the car and I helped her inside. I ran to the driver's side and quickly took my seat.
Her face was turned to look out of the passenger window. The rice stopped and she rolled down her window and poked her head out. She waved to our loved ones. "I love you." I allowed the car to slowly roll away as she continued to wave.
When she could no longer see our loved ones through her tears, she leaned back into the car. I reached over and squeezed her hand. I was thrilled that she enjoyed our wedding, and didn't want it to end. "I love you." I told her.
"That's why we're here." She scooted closer to me, leaning her head on my shoulder. I let the sound of her heartbeat keep me planted to reality, even when the haunting howling began. I knew she could hear it. I squeezed her closer to me and her heart was the only sound that mattered. I turned the car onto the highway and sped to our honeymoon.