Chapter Fourteen – Epilogue
1 Year Later
EsPOV
"Oh Alice" she whispered as she looked at her "You look beautiful", Alice turned to the mirror and looked at herself once again.
She took it all in the white dress looked full and rich against her pale skin, the simple beading at the neck of the bodice giving it an ethereal look, the sapphire blue sash, looked stunning braided through the waistline, leading into the full skirt which gently brushed the floor.
She turned to the new comers, smiling as Rosalie and Bella both stopped to stare at the women before the mirror "Alice you look beautiful" said Bella walking over and gently smoothing the skirt smiling at her soon to be sister-in-law.
She watched Rosalie, the slight envy behind her daughters eyes flare before it was suppressed, she was so proud of her little girl in that moment, watching her walk over to stand on the other side of Alice, their sky blue bridesmaid dresses suiting them wonderfully.
"Alice" came a voice, followed by a tentative knock, and Rosalie quickly walked to the door and opened it revealing Emmett his tux looking smart with a silver waistcoat and she had to admit he looked very dapper, and by his look he thought Rosalie looked radiant. She felt a small smile tug at her lips. Her daughter may not have to wait to long for a proposal.
"It's time" said Emmett, pulling his gaze away from Rosalie, and she looked back to Alice, the slight sadness that lingered in her eyes. She should have had this years ago.
Before Alice could move, she quickly hugged her, feeling for the girl on the day that should be her happiest. "They wouldn't want you to be upset on your wedding day" she whispered, carefully pulling back, noting the look of surprise.
She hurried Bella and Rosalie out of the room and quickly got intp Carlisle's waiting car, watching the Rolls Royce behind them for their newest daughters signal.
JPOV
"Jasper, calm down, everything is running on time" said Edward watching him closely. He sighed and ran a hand through his unruly locks.
"I know, but I'm nervous. What if the cars break down or there's an accident or she changes her mind" he whispered, horror striking him at that last thought.
Edward laughed, stifling it as he glared at his brother "Emmett's a trained mechanic. He can fix anything that may happen to the cars. Dad is driving one of them and Rosalie the other, so there won't be an accident" he said, smiling slightly "And she won't change her mind".
"How do you know?" he asked truly worried now.
"Jasper, she loves you, anyone can tell that in the way she looks at you. She won't change her mind, now or ever" his voice sincere.
He breathed a little easier "sorry, I know I am being a nightmare".
Edward laughed again, "I can't imagine that you are being any worse than I was on my wedding day".
"Mr. Cullen?" asked one of the alter boys walking up to them.
"Yes"
"It's almost time to begin" replied the boy hurrying back into the church.
He looked over at Edward who was now smiling, his breath coming out shaky "Come on big brother, lets get you ready" leading him back into the church.
He could hear the cars pulling up, and he quickly looked down at himself, smoothing the sapphire blue waistcoat against his chest, and just as quickly checking Edward's.
He saw his father walk in, a grin on his face, tears in his mothers' eyes from joy. He watched as his little girl practically glided down the aisle, small petals falling from her gloved hands as she walked towards him, he couldn't help but smile at the grin spread across her face.
His heard turned back toward the doors as Ollie made his way down the aisle, midnight blue pillow clutched protectively in his young hands the sun glinting of the precious objects, he smiled as Rosalie and Bella walked down the aisle both looking radiant in their dressed, he turned to Father McKenna, breathing deeply, preparing himself.
The shuffle of feet caught his attention once again as everyone stood up, the music started to stir, and he heard the doors open and a murmur rush through the congregation. He couldn't wait any longer, so he turned and stopped, a slow smile appearing on his face and tears in his eyes.
She looks like an angel he thought
APOV
She watched as Rosalie and Bella made their way into the church, smiles on both their faces as they kissed her, a whispered message from Rosalie bringing a tear to her eye, which Rosalie quickly wiped away.
She looked up at Emmett, his big form hidden by a smart tuxedo, "Ready?" he asked gently grabbing one of her hands.
"I've been ready for this day for a long time" she whispered, she hugged him back, his large arms fitting around her tightly.
"Well let's not keep Jasper waiting any longer" he offered her his arm, she took it breathing out; giving a nod of her head, they walked towards the doors.
The music started up, and the guests stood. She smiled as she began to walk down the aisle, hearing comments on how lovely she looked but it all swept away as he turned around, his blue eyes full of emotion, and she couldn't help the tear that fell. He looked so handsome standing up there, so full of love and it was all for her.
She felt Emmett kiss her cheek lightly and step away but her sight was taken up by the beautiful man in front of her. She could hear Father McKenna talking, asking for anyone who had a problem with them marrying to step forward and she held her breathe, until it passed.
She could see Esme out of the corner of her eye, tears of joy streaming down her face. Carlisle comforting her, she wanted that, the ease and love they shared.
"Do you, Jasper Cullen, take this woman, Alice Brandon, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others until death do you part?" asked Father McKenna.
"I do" said Jasper smiling down at her his eyes glittering.
"And do you, Alice Brandon, take this man, Jasper Cullen, to be your lawfully wedded husband. To love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others until death do you part?" Father McKenna asked again.
"I do" she replied, giving Jasper a smile of her own.
"I believe that Jasper and Alice have prepared their own vows, Jasper place the ring on Alice's finger and repeat after me 'With this ring I thee wed" started Father McKenna
"With this ring I thee wed" repeated Jasper slowly slipping the plain band onto her delicate finger "Alice, you gave me everything I ever wanted but didn't know I was searching for, I needed you before I knew you were out there and I thank you for loving me, I will spend the rest of my days trying to make it all worth while for you".
She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill "Alice please place the ring on Jasper's finger and repeat after me" said Father McKenna turning to her, "With this ring I thee wed".
She turned to the right and lent down, smiling at her little man who was doing his job so well, she had been scared of his reaction to her marrying Jasper, that he would feel like she was replacing him and that she wouldn't have enough time for him anymore his young voice floated through her memories as she picked up the gleaming band it's twin sitting on her own hand. He kissed her cheek as she lent back the action speaking so much louder than any words; she turned back to her other special man.
"With this ring I thee wed" she repeated slowly placing the band on Jasper's finger trying to pull back the emotions that wanted to spill over "Jasper you kept me waiting for a long time, but I would wait a millennia more if it meant I would be near you, I love you more than I can ever say or show you" she quickly swallowed the lump in her throat "you kept me safe when I was scared, you saved me when I was in the dark and I know you'll do that forever I love you" she finished the tears slipping down her cheeks.
"By the power invested in me by the State of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife" said Father McKenna "you may now kiss the bride".
She smiled wide as Jasper slowly lent down to kiss her, her breath catching as she felt the love and happiness pass between them.
"Dearly beloved who are gathered here today, I present to you Mr and Mrs Cullen" said Father McKenna ending the ceremony, they stepped down and slowly began to make their way out of the church to clapping guests and tearful relatives the priest following close behind.
They photographs in front of the church, flashed quickly past her, the cheers of the crowd as they speed away in the car to the Cullen's house for the reception passing as swiftly as the countryside.
She looked over to Jasper, who sat and watched her "Have I told you how much I love you today Mrs. Cullen?" he asked smiling
She felt the shiver run down her spin at her new title "Yes Mr. Cullen but I can't say I mind hearing it" she whispered back just as their lips met.
She walked through the house, her hand held firmly within Jasper's, taking in the sight around her, friends and family were everywhere, music could be heard from the band outside, the white top of the marquee visible through the windows. She smiled at everyone, receiving hugs and kisses as they walked through the room, heading outside to the tent filled with tables and flowers the sun glinting of the cutlery, as the violins sang their happiness.
The servers where moving swiftly in an elegant dance, as they placed glasses and plates of food on the tables, while guests wandered leisurely to their assigned seats, and Jasper took her hand leading her up the steps to the main table.
She looked out over the happy people, talking, eating and laughing while she could hardly believe it was all going so fast, the tinkling of one of the champagne flutes alerted her to Emmett starting to stand.
"Good afternoon everyone, as the brother of the bride I have the pleasure of making the first speech and paving the way for the star speakers, the best man and the Groom, and I'm sure they are itching to get up" said Emmett his usually booming voice subdued.
At this point I would like to mention two important people who are not here today. Our parents who died over ten years ago, they are both here in spirit and I'm sure they are looking down today, proud of the way the happy couple have turned out on this their happy day" Emmett raised his glass silently with the others.
"Being Alice's older brother, I have many memories of her as a baby. I have seen Alice sick, I have seen her wet herself and crawl around on the floor but I think that's enough about her 21st Birthday" Emmett paused for the laughter working its way out through the crowd.
"I have always known that my little sister, Alice, is a beautiful woman, but I have never seen her look quite as beautiful or radiant as she does today, and I am extremely proud of her" he gently placed a hand on her shoulder
"I met Jasper over a year ago, he came into Alice's shop with his sister and I knew something was up when he looked at her, his eyes gave everything away, and it was like he had just found the sun" said Emmett, looking over at the man in question. "He came to the house and as he stood there on the doorstep, he reminded me of the other men who had come to pick up my sister for a date but I was shocked to find I didn't want to kill him, and I knew then I would be standing up here at some point talking to you wonderful people about their happiness" she quickly laid her own hand over his giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Ladies and gentlemen we have a radiant bride, we have a handsome groom. Please join me in a toast to Alice and Jasper" he boomed raising his glass again.
"TO ALICE AND JASPER" the guests called.
She looked down at the guests, still smiling from Emmett's heartfelt speech; she looked to her right to see Edward starting to stand.
"Ladies and Gentleman" said Edward his voice carrying over the lower tables, "For those who don't know me I'm Edward and for those who do you know I am Jasper's long suffering brother and I have the pleasure of being his best man.
"When Jasper asked me to be best man, I was a little shocked of course, as I was his brother it was the logical step but as so many brothers before us we have had our ups and downs, and more than a few fights but I was honoured when he took me aside to ask".
"That honour quickly turned to panic when I realised that I would have to stand up in front of everyone and give a speech. Panic set in even deeper when I realised that not having been a best man before that I didn't have a clue what to say" he said.
"I asked our father as he had been at one of these things a few times what a best man speech should contain and he offered me this piece of advice"
"A best man's speech should be like a mini skirt – short enough to grab everyone's attention but long enough to cover the essentials"
Edward paused for the laughter to die down, she could feel Emmett's arm shaking next to her and the small smack that Esme gave Carlisle, increased the laughter around them.
"When Jasper asked me to do this, I had an opportunity to really learn about Alice, who I must say and I am sure you will all agree that she looks stunning today" said Edward, pausing for people clapping in agreement.
"I took it upon myself to investigate our dear Alice and I have to say I couldn't find anything un-toward and I began to wonder what she saw in my big brother" Edward laughed along with everyone else.
"Alice what can I tell you about Jasper that you don't already know, you have known him long enough now to be familiar with all his bad habits and I really don't have time to go through them all now, but for all the boring talks and bad fashion choices he does have many finer points
A Sense of Loyalty
A Sense of Humour
But the most important one, he has an eye for a beautiful women" he said smiling over at her.
"When we were growing up he was always there when I needed a pint and a chat and I'm very proud to call him my brother. Jasper, after all the years of knowing you, you deserve some luck and you have definitely got it today marrying Alice, but a word of advice... Remember whose boss... and never answer her back" she had to laugh with everyone else at that, nodding her head in agreement.
"I have to say when Jasper told me he was going to marry our dear Alice I was surprised, it wasn't because she isn't the perfect match for my brother because she truly is, it has to do with the fact that he told me this after their first date" She looked over at Jasper, surprise plain on her face. He only blushed and ducked his head.
"I remember talking to him afterwards, his voice had been alive and truly happy and he told me he had just had a date with the women he was going to marry and I am happy to say it worked out like he predicted"
"I have known Jasper my whole life, and as I said before we have had our ups and downs, but he has always been there for me through out my life and I am just glad I could be there for him on this his most important day" said Edward turning to Jasper a smile on his face before turning back to the crowd.
"I'm going to finish off now with a couple of toasts, so if everyone would like to top up their glasses"
"I hope everyone has enjoyed the day so far, and will continue to do so when most of the parents in here will be embarrassing themselves on the dance floor later on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rose, Bella, Emmett and of course our parents, who's contributions today haven't gone unnoticed, most noticeable of course in actually getting the bride to the church" he chuckled
"There are not many best men who can describe both the groom and the bride as true friends but in that I'm lucky. It's an honour, albeit a most terrifying one, to have been asked to be the best man today but I do feel a certain relief in knowing that the end of my duties are in sight, as I'm totally certain that Jasper will not be needing me to be doing this duty again!" said Edward grinning at them both.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, without further ado, if I could ask you all to stand and join me in a final toast to the new Mr and Mrs Cullen. Thank you" he said lifting his glass to them.
She laughed before sipping her champagne a smile coming to her face as Jasper finally stood up.
"Ladies and Gentleman I would like to thank each and every one of you for the amount of effort you have made to be here to celebrate our marriage. We know many of you have travelled a long way to be here to celebrate with us so we hope that the night is enjoyable for you as it is special to us, you should see some disposable cameras on the tables, please feel free to use them and take pictures through out the day" said Jasper, smiling out to the crowd.
"I can't stand up here without giving a special thanks to my mom and dad who have always been there for me with support and guidance in every big decision I have made in my life, you have always been there and I can't thank you enough so here is a small token of my appreciation" said Jasper, pausing as some of the waiters appeared and presented a large bouquet of flowers to Esme and a watch box to Carlisle".
"I would also like to thank my sister Rosalie, for helping out today as I know it has been her that has kept everyone going and kept the peace more than a couple of times between ourselves and the help we have had in making sure this day went off without a hitch" she and Jasper watched as another large bouquet was given to Rosalie
"Of course today wouldn't have happened at all if it hadn't have been for my sister-in-law Bella, it was because of the beautiful women who married my little brother that we met at all, she dragged Alice with her and my mom to the hospital when she went into labour with my niece, Nessie".
"I was called out of school, and I rushed to the hospital, practically crashing through the waiting room door and that is when I saw her sitting on a seat with Violet curled on her lap and I have to admit it was love at first sight, so Bella thank you so much" she smiled over at her new sister-in-law as more flowers made their way up to the main table
"Alice and I have a relationship where we could spend every waking minute together and not get bored. We both have very different interests, mine is the civil war era, Alice's' is shopping and spending money, but our main interests are each other, and planning our future together… well Alice plans it and I go along with it." She nodded happily with him agreeing to the statement causing most of their guests and family to laugh. "Anyway, I hope one day in our planned future we have more children, because Alice really does make the best mum in the world" she blushed at his words but couldn't help the smile
"Finally, I would personally like to thank my lovely wife Alice, for having me as her husband" said Jasper laughing lightly
"We've been together for a while, seems like it has been a lot longer than the short year it has been and I know I've married the right person. I'm so glad I can at last call you my wife"
"My father told me that 'You don't marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without … and I think you'll agree that sums us up perfectly" she couldn't wait any longer she quickly rose from her chair and dragged him down for a kiss to the loud claps and whistles of their assembled guests.
She blushed as she pulled away and sat back down, Jasper's hand tightly wrapped around her shoulders.
As the meal and tables were cleared away and the large three tier cake came into view she sighed in relief it was almost over and she would be able to head out on her honey moon, starting her life as Mrs Alice Cullen.
She laughed brightly as the cake in her hand smooshed slightly into Jasper's face, and neatly ducked out of the way of his piece of cake.
She finally ate a slice of the light sponge, smiling as it slowly tingled her taste buds, "are you enjoying your day?" asked Jasper coming up behind her, she shivered as his deep voice washed over her, she really would never tire of hearing that she thought.
"Yes, it has all been amazing" she replied "your speech was beautiful", she kissed his cheek.
"Alice would you do me the honour of dancing with me?" asked Emmett coming up on her other side, she nodded taking his offered hand
"Ladies and Gentleman" said the singer of the band "please raise your glasses for the Brother and Sister dance".
She slowly walked onto the dance floor, her hand wrapped in Emmett's larger one as he gently placed his arm around her waist and held her other arm up, he began to slowly twirl her around the dance floor.
"You learned how to dance?" she asked welling up with tears.
"Of course!, I couldn't do you justice in the brother and sister dance without knowing how, Rosie helped teach me" he said ducking his head.
"I know that dad, mom and Ben would be so proud if they could see you today" he whispered, she felt the tears spill over
"Thank you" she said laying her head against his chest, feeling a weight lift of her shoulders she had worried how it might look her marrying Jasper after Ben but she knew he would have wanted her happy and she was ever so happy with her Jasper.
The song slowly came to an end, and he gently kissed her cheek as they walked back to the circle of family and friends, clapping away, and Esme looked like she had been crying again but she knew it was all in joy.
She gently sipped her champagne as people danced and grabbed cake, the sun slowly setting casting a beautiful pink glow to everything.
"Ladies and Gentleman please put your hands together for the first dance of the newly wed couple" said the singer, Jasper gently took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.
Jasper held her close as they moved slowly to the music, and she was lost in the feel of him in her arms. His scent was heady, cloaking her, and she rested her head against his chest as others joined the dance. Before she closed her eyes she saw Emmett leading Rosalie out onto the dance floor a warm smile on Rosalie's features.
"May I cut in?" asked Edward breaking them out of their little world.
She looked up surprised, but a smile graced her features "of course" replied Jasper letting Edward spin her across the floor.
JPOV
Where had the day gone? he wondered as he took a seat to the side of the dance floor, watching as his brother spun his wife around the floor both smiling. Wife he thought a pleasant tingle shooting down his spine.
"It has gone fast, hasn't it" said Rosalie, taking the seat next to him, he nodded his agreement.
"Where's Emmett?" he asked, looking around for the larger man.
"I said I would sit this one out. I think he is dancing with Bella" she replied, closing her eyes "are you happy?" she asked.
He looked over at her almost still form "more than I ever could have imagined" he replied truthfully
Rosalie smiled at his answer "good, I like my new sister" she whispered, he grinned wide and went back to watching her dance, he could see Violet and Ollie talking to one of their Aunts in the corner, cake on Ollie's cheek and her dress.
He looked back to see his father cutting in and taking Alice's tiny hand spinning her off.
"Can I steal you lovely sister?" asked Emmett walking over smiling at Rosalie
"Of course, it's only fair since I stole yours" he replied grinning.
Rosalie kissed his cheek quickly giggling as Emmett twirled her onto the floor.
He stood up and made his way over to the other side "mom would you like to dance?" he asked holding out his hand
"I thought you would never ask" replied Esme, gratefully accepting his offered hand.
"It was a lovely day" said Esme as they waltzed around the floor.
He nodded "Alice looked beautiful today, as did everyone else" he said looking over to his queen and father.
"She was glowing today, just for you" she smiled "I am so glad you found her Jasper, I'm glad she makes you happy".
He nodded looking down at his mother "thank you" he kissed her cheek as the song ended, grinning as she pushed him in the direction of his sun, the only one he ever wanted to look at.
"Did you enjoy the dancing?" he asked as he once again pulled her small frame against his own larger one.
"Of course, Edward was a wonderful dancer and Carlisle can really spin a girl when he wants" she replied her tinkling laughter surrounding them.
He nodded glad she was enjoying herself, and he turned her around, listening as she replayed some of today's events, his own laugh curling around hers.
"Alice" called Bella walking over to them "It's time to throw the bouquet" she smiled, "and it's time for Jasper to toss the garter".
He blushed as did Alice at the mention of the tradition, but both complied, following Bella back main table.
"OK Ladies" called Bella "it's time for the new Mrs. Cullen to throw the bouquet", the women quickly made their way over to them.
He watched as she stood up on one of the chairs smiling all the while and turned her back to the excited females.
He watched Alice throw the flowers over her head into the waiting throng of women, who all made a grab for it, she giggled as she looked around seeing the flowers in Rosalie's hands and a surprised look on her own face, he couldn't help but laugh as everyone turned to Emmett and seeing that he had a matching look on his face.
He quickly picked her up off the chair, and gently sat her on the seat before carefully picking up the skirt of her dress to reach her garter.
"With your teeth" called Edward, clearly having too much fun with this for his own good, he blushed and gently grabbed the silk and lace stretched delicately across her thigh pulling it down and off her small leg, before emerging to wolf whistles and applause from the men attending.
He turned his back and threw the ice blue prize over his shoulder, listening to grunts before his giggling wife caused him to turn around, and there caught on Emmett's carnation sat the garter in all it's precognitive glory.
He couldn't help it. He burst out laughing as well, wrapping his arm around Alice's shoulder and watching as big strong Emmett turned a lovely shade of red, and he caught Rosalie out of the corner of his eye, a small smile playing around her lips at the thoughts no doubt running through her head.
"Come on Alice" called Rosalie coming over to them the grin on her face still evident "we need to get you ready for the trip".
Alice just smiled and nodded quickly kissing him "I love you" she whispered against his lips.
"I love you too pixie, now go before Bella and Rosa pick you up and carry you away" he said hugging her before he pushed her into Bella's waiting arms.
He sighed as he heard her delicate laugh trail up to the house.
"You all ready?" asked Edward, coming over a sleeping Nessie in his arms. He looked down and gently brushed a stray curl away from her face.
"Yeah packed last night, just need to change out of the jacket and waistcoat. I can change properly once we get to the hotel" he replied.
Edward nodded and followed him into the house, and down the hall to his room standing watch as he changed out of the tie and suit jacket, carefully hanging them up along with the waistcoat as he changed.
"Are you sure it's OK for Violet and Ollie to stay with you?" he asked as he changed shoes.
"Of course" replied Edward "you know Jake can't wait for them to come over and Mom and Dad will no doubt steal them for a couple of days this is your honey moon Jasper go and enjoy it".
He smiled; nodding again in relief "Ready?" asked Edward
"Very much so" he replied as they walked out of the door.
"Daddy are you going now?" asked Violet, running up to them, her deep blue skirt flying around her legs.
"Yes sweetie, we'll be off in a little while, and you're OK to stay with your Uncle Edward and Aunt Bella?" he asked as he walked them both back downstairs to the party.
"Yeah, I can't wait me, Ollie and Jake are going to have so much fun and grandma says we can come over on the weekends" explained Violet excitedly.
He smiled as he led them out into the back garden where his mother was waiting for them.
"Ollie" squealed Violet as she ran towards her new step-brother; he laughed, all the while silently praying she grew out of that. "Dad and Alice are off" Violet grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her back towards him.
"Jasper have you seen" called Alice from behind him, as he turned his breath caught she was just dressed in a pair of jeans, and a deep forest green knit top, bringing out the green of her eyes, he was caught with just how beautiful she truly was.
"Ah" said Alice coming to stand next to him "just the two people I wanted to see".
"You two need to be well behaved for Edward and Bella, and Esme and Carlisle" said Alice, hugging them both tight.
"Yes mom" said Ollie, hugging her quickly,
"Yes Alice" said Violet as she received a kiss to her forehead.
"OK kids" he said, leaning down to give his own hugs "we'll be back in two weeks, but Uncle Edward and Aunt Bella have our number so you can contact us"
They quickly kissed their other family members, receiving their bags from Emmett as they were walked to the door "we love you" he said as he opened the passenger door for Alice.
He started the engine and looked over at his beautiful companion "are you ready my love?" he asked
"For this" said Alice grinning "I was born ready", he laughed as he leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek before pulling out of the driveway.
Her tinkling laughter was the only sound he needed as he drove them away to start their honey moon.
The End
Authors Note : So that's it guys the end, a big thank you to my beta brokenfromthepast and to everyone who has followed this story and taken the time to review I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.
I have a couple of one-shots that I will post once they have been beta'd.
Disclaimer: all the adult Cullen's, Brandon's, Nessie and Jake belong to Stephanie Meyer; the other kids are all my own imagination