If you'd lend me the money, I could buy the rights to Twilight.

Chapter 47

Rosalie was a beautiful bride, her mother's wedding dress barely recognizable worked over with hints of handmade lace and tiny seed pearls. Emmett's chest swelled with pride so much that his shirt buttons strained to near bursting.

Bella had never seen Edward in fancy dress, she had seen him in suit, in casual dress, and in the all together, but Edward in a coat and tails was a sight to behold. She was hard pressed to keep her mind on watching the ceremony.

It was a very small gathering, the crowd peppered with constables in fancy uniforms to send off their brother. The Cullens and the McCartys took up most of the audience. They danced and celebrated late into the evening at the Cullen's home.

News of Jasper's estimated arrival came shortly after the wedding. Refurbishing of the house for their practice had only just started and work was going well. Despite the home's decade of disuse it was in remarkable shape. Everyone was astonished to find a lovely guest house tucked in the back of the property. It was the perfect size for Alice and Jasper to use once they were married.

Edward found a house quite near by that would be perfect for all his girls. It was near enough to the practice to walk in pleasant weather and far enough from his parents home for newly-wed privacy.

Carlisle and Esme revelled in the change that had come over both their son and Bella. Edward having always been so reserved and reticent had become playful and jubilant. An air of serenity had taken over Bella, and while she was still quiet she had no fear of speaking when she had something to say.

Packing up their possessions at the farm house let Bella to a confession. While the Cullen men were sworn to secrecy, Bella told them the business she had had with Mr. Newton and the bank. With Edward's help and Carlisle's advice they hired out the fields and rented the farm house Bella had bought from Rosalie. The farm would be sold at a later date so Emmett and Rosalie would never know who had bought it originally.

Carlisle broke his vow of secrecy the moment he got his wife alone. Esme cried when he told her that Bella spent her entire inheritance to help her friends.

For Bella's eighteenth birthday, Edward presented her with a ring and asking again on bended knee, reconfirming her acceptance. A date was set and plans were under way.

Bella and Alice spent many an afternoon sewing together and building a friendship. Alice's dress was a thing of wonder, glittering with pearls and ripe with details. Bella's dress was simple, elegant and reflective of the woman who wore it.

Jasper arrived with a fanfare befitting a returned soldier. Almost everyone from the Cullen household was there to greet him, as well as Emmett and Rosalie, making their first appearance in public since their wedding.

Jasper Whitlock was a very striking man, taller than most, with a commanding air about him. The deep scars on his face lent him a danger that some would shy away from but the gentleness of his eyes could draw one closer. This dichotomy was not uncomfortable once you came to know him.

He spoke as little as possible but his words held a weight and a resonance to them that belied their brevity. He introduced himself to Katie and Beth by sitting in the middle of the floor and letting them come to him. He let Katie tug at his hair and Beth stare into his eyes, never wavering. They seemed to come to a mutual conclusion of acceptance and became great friends.

Mrs. Cope was the only one who had a difficult time with Jasper. She had spent most of her life catering to the needs of others and almost all of the men she knew had a soft spot for one delicacy or another. The men she loved most dearly all had a sweet tooth. Although her Edward had completely given up all candies, his still loved the treats she made him and would reward her with hugs and kisses.

Mr. Whitlock, it seemed, had no vices, no sweet tooth for cakes or biscuits. She was at a loss. She tried almost every recipe in her arsenal to no avail. He was always kind and appreciative of her efforts but she wanted to find that one thing that was his favourite. Short of asking him, she had no idea how to find what she was searching for. She endeavoured to try harder.

The time between Jasper's arrival and his wedding to Alice went by like the blink of an eye. Weeks were like days, hours like minutes, and in a very small ceremony where Alice's dress was the guest of honour, they were wed.

AN: Guess what is next.