Disclaimer: None of this is mine, nor will it ever be (sigh). I like to play with the characters that Stephenie Meyers created and make them do pervy things or become angels with a bad attitude.

One more real chapter with Edward. We're going to explore Bella's powers, enjoy some alone time and finalize their bond. Then, we'll have the epilogue, with some returning characters. This chapter comes with a lemon warning along with a tissue warning … Thank you for reading!

Chapter Thirty-Six

EPOV

We'd been in Scotland for a month. Bella was taking to her new life as a Dominion Lordship with ease. Though, having me train along with her, made things much more comfortable for both of us. She was also healing, laughing and finally putting her human life, tragedies, fear and insecurities, behind her. Her final few paychecks from the school district were donated Child Protective Services, along with a hefty donation from one of my many off-shore accounts.

When we weren't training and strengthening Bella's angelic powers, mainly her shield, Bella and I were walking the grounds of the gorgeous castle that Esme had gifted to me, per Carlisle's instructions from his letter. It was put under my name. I didn't want to accept it because I'd already taken his Lordship position. It seemed wrong for me to take his castle. But, Esme was adamant. It would appear that there was going to be some restructuring of the legion. Since I was in training, I wasn't privy to the information.

Not yet.

According to Esme, I'd be ready soon. Bella, however, was probably going to train under me for at least a year, honing her skills and growing as an angel, healing as a woman. Esme talked with her when they had their flying lessons. I could see my mate, my love, blossom under her love and finally find her strength.

Now, while we were enjoying our time in Scotland, I let Bella take control of our relationship. Yes, we were mates. No, we hadn't formalized the bond as angels, but I was planning on doing that soon, using both angelic customs and human traditions. I was going to ask her to be my wife. I wanted to give her a ring and give her the human wedding she'd always dreamed of, with Charlie giving her away and seeing her in a white dress, walking down the aisle to me. I'd purchased a ring for her and was waiting for the perfect time to propose.

Alice and Esme didn't understand why I wanted to do this, but living among humans for so long, I realized how big a deal having a wedding could be. Charlie backed me up. I remembered her dreams when she was human. Some were nightmarish memories from her childhood, but the few good dreams were of weddings. Specifically, our wedding. I wasn't going to deny her, even if she was an angel and we were mated for life. I wanted to give her a wedding, a ring and a promise of forever.

Truly forever. Not a human forever, but angelic. All eternity.

Bella and Alice were in town, indulging in some much-needed shopping and girly pampering, while I was reading and relaxing with Felix. His head was on my lap while I gently scratched behind his ears. His tail thumped and I looked up. Esme came walking into the library, sitting down across from me. She scrubbed Felix's belly. "Everything okay?" I asked, closing my book after marking my spot.

"Good," she nodded. "I just spoke with Gabriel. He feels that you're almost ready to take over. How do you feel?"

"I'm not as overwhelmed, but I'm anxious to propose to Bella. What if she says no?" I whispered.

"She won't," Esme snickered. "He thinks that once you've finalized your mating bond, you'll be ready for your new position."

"Position? I don't understand. I thought I was a Dominion," I said.

"You are, but since you've spent so much time on earth, you know so much more about human customs than most of us," Esme said. "You are a Dominion Lordship, but you and Bella will be the liaisons to earth. Angels, like Alice and anyone else stationed down here, will come to you for guidance and training if they haven't been down to the surface in a long time. This castle will be your home base."

"This is the restructuring?" I asked.

"Yes. With Bella's previous situation with Heidi, we need more angels down here and not watching from above, taking a more active role in guarding their humans. They need to be able to blend in with the population. Your job is to help them do that. You will be responsible for a part of the legion, but it will be those who are living on the planet," Esme said. "We're planning on having about two thousand angels down here, all over the world."

"That's a lot of angels," I said, my eyes wide.

"Compared to the humans that need their guidance, it's a pittance. If we need to add more, we will. That's why Bella will help you. She's closer to her human side than you are because she was just turned. Though your time down here during your exile has helped, inadvertently," Esme replied, giving me a wry smile. "Both of you will need to report in once a month, but you will stay here in Scotland." She crossed her legs daintily and looked at me intently. "What do you think?"

"I think that it's a brilliant idea. Why wasn't it proposed before?" I asked.

"Humanity, even without Lucifer's influence, is at an all-time low. War is everywhere, hatred, greed … it needs to come to an end. We need to raise up everyone and show them that goodness is desired, not instant gratification, prejudice or hate," Esme said. "We need a more powerful presence on the surface. That's you. That's Bella. It will be the two thousand angels that will be assigned here. We will make this place what it should be." A sweet smile spread over her face as she clapped her hands. "Do you have it?"

I blushed, nodding eagerly as I took out the engagement ring I'd purchased for Bella. Esme cooed, looking at the halo-set round diamond. "I'm planning on proposing tonight. It's the summer solstice and I want to finally … The castle will be empty for the first time since we've been here."

"I've seen the outcome, but I'm not telling you," Esme sang. "And I'll make sure that everyone stays away until you've finished celebrating with Bella."

"You're going to check on Thomas, aren't you?" I asked. She blushed and nodded. "Alice is going to visit Texas with Colton. It must be hard. Knowing your mate is so close, but so far …"

"And I love him for his sacrifice. I always will," she shrugged. "But, flying to England from Scotland is significantly closer than from Forks. Just saying!" She stood up and kissed my temple. "Good luck preparing for your proposal. You have a lot of work to do before Bella comes back with Alice."

"The decorations are done. I just need to wait for the sun to dip below the horizon," I smirked. Esme nodded and she spread her wings, taking off easily. I scrubbed behind Felix's ears and went to shower before making a romantic meal for the two of us. It was necessary since we hadn't used our powers, except to train, but I wanted to make her favorite foods from when she was a human. I set up the courtyard of the castle, checking the lights and making sure that everything was set up to my liking. I changed into a black suit and I could sense Bella and Alice's return. Alice had treated Bella to a day of shopping and relaxation. I could see my mate, my other half, through Alice's eyes.

She couldn't look more beautiful.

Her pale skin was luminescent, thanks to her Dominion glow. Her hair was curled and pinned up into an elaborate hairstyle, but looked so incredibly soft. She wore a navy-blue dress that fit her perfectly, cutting to her knees. Her feet were in a pair of strappy heels, with dark pink nail polish on her toes. Alice dropped her off at the front door, where I was waiting for her with a bouquet of roses. Alice waved as she drove off in the Jaguar that came with the castle. She would stay in the bed and breakfast in town to give us some privacy before she left for Texas to check on her own mate.

Bella looked at me, her crystalline eyes surprised. I picked up her hand, flipping her wrist and pressing her a kiss to her pulse point. "Pretty Bella," I cooed, smiling tenderly.

"Edward … you look … wow …" she said, her mind flipping and twisting rapidly. "A suit? Did I miss something? A birthday?"

"Actually, if I were human, today would have been my birthday. I was born on the summer solstice," I smiled crookedly. "I look pretty damn good for being over a thousand years old."

"Better than any male model I've ever seen. Though, the cover model from last season's September GQ issue could give you a run for your money. His jaw? Hmmmm …" Bella snickered, sliding her arms around my waist. But, he's not you. He's not the man I love. You, baby. You're all I want.

"Me, too, Bella," I said, cupping her face and pressing my forehead to hers. "I love you." I felt her love surround us, pulling us closer together. "I have a surprise for you."

"What's that? A date on a cloud?" she smiled.

"I hadn't thought of that. I haven't been to heaven in so long. I never really considered it," I shrugged. "Maybe the next time. I'll show you the world where I came from and the world you now belong. You are truly an angel sent from heaven, filled with beauty, light and joy."

"So are you," she purred, kissing my lips and sighing contentedly against my mouth. I lost myself in her mouth, her scent and her love before pulling back. "No, more."

"Soon, my love," I smiled, tugging on her hand as the sun continued to dip further into the horizon. "I do have a date planned. Not on a cloud, but in our courtyard. I wasn't sure …"

"Edward, no matter what, it's perfect," Bella said, twining our fingers together. She inhaled, smelling the meal I'd prepared and smiled. "You made my favorites. And where is everyone?"

"Gone. It's just us. And Felix," I chuckled. Felix came barreling through the castle, his butt wiggling as he saw Bella. She crouched down and snuggled with him. He adored her, actually becoming more her dog than mine. "Hey, bub, she's my girl." Felix woofed quietly, pressing his head into her hands.

"You can share," Bella snickered. "I love Felix, but you're the one I get to keep forever."

"Felix is forever, too," I said. She stood up, arching a brow. "Have you ever seen the movie All Dogs Go to Heaven?" She nodded. "Felix is a canine angel. He found me when I was living in Colorado about twenty years ago."

"He's twenty years old? How did he get changed? Does he have wings?" Bella asked, her eyes wide and her mind spinning in child-like wonder.

"Cherubs usually change animals, but the cherub that changed Felix was killed by one of Lucifer's minions in a rare skirmish while he was rebuilding his forces. Felix was searching for another cherub when he happened upon me. I took him under my wing, as it were, and we've been together ever since," I said. "And no, he doesn't have wings. He's a bit more intelligent than most dogs. Usually, he can share his thoughts with his creator, but when that cherub died, he found a way to communicate with me. It's rudimentary, but I know that he loves both of us and would do anything for you."

"Wow," Bella breathed. "I never knew. What about cats? Other animals?"

"If Felix had his way, he'd keep cats down here. Permanently," I snickered. Felix barked in agreement. "But, all animals go to heaven." I twined our fingers together and let Felix out into the courtyard. Bella gasped when she saw the beautifully decorated space. "Surprise …" I whispered against her ear.

"It's so beautiful," Bella whispered, walking out into the courtyard. She looked around, seeing the gazebo set up with the twinkle lights and across the courtyard, the doors open to our bedroom. "Edward … You didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to. Now, come, love. We have a delicious meal along with some champagne, even though we can't get drunk," I snickered.

She smirked, sitting down in the chair I'd pulled out. I opened the champagne and poured her a glass, doing the same for me. "Happy birthday, Edward," she said, her eyes twinkling.

"Thank you, but tonight is about us," I said, clinking my glass with hers. We ate dinner and I told her about some of the more interesting missions I'd gone on as an angel. She was worried that she'd be put through the ringer or forced to do some of the 'grunt work' that I had to endure, but as a Dominion Lordship, we were among the commanding officers of the legion, making our angels do the 'grunt work'. "Speaking of which, Esme told me about the restructuring they're doing up in heaven."

"She'd mentioned that to me, too. Nothing in detail, but that there were changes happening," she said, moving so she could sit in my lap. I eagerly accepted her and held her closely, kissing her neck. She giggled. "Your whiskers."

"Hmmmmm," I hummed contentedly, rubbing my face along her jaw. Her giggles carried through the courtyard. She squirmed, trying to get away. "Oh, no. I want to hold my love."

"Stop teasing me with your stubble," she chided, giving me a playful glower. "What are the changes?"

"We are remaining on the surface," I said. Her brow furrowed and I felt her confusion, her disappointment. Had we been exiled? "No, love. We will remain Dominions, but even without Lucifer's influence, humanity is going down the shitter. But, with my time in exile and you recently turning into an angel, just removed from your human life, Gabriel and the other Arch Angels think we would be the best to handle the two thousand angels that would remain on the surface."

"They're not going to remain in heaven?" Bella asked.

"As far as Esme said, no," I replied. "It was your life that made them reexamine their policies regarding angels interacting with their humans. So, we will be based here, in the castle, providing guidance to the angels as best as we can. When things are settled, the angels who are assigned to us, will have a direct link to us. We'll feel their call in our minds, as well as our hearts."

"When will this happen?" she whispered, her insecurities returning.

"Not any time soon. You have another year of training before you will be a part of this. For me, I'll be put to the task after …" I paused, looking into her trusting, loving eyes. I leaned forward, brushing my lips against hers. "After something important to me …"

"What, Edward?" she asked, confused. I was blocking my thoughts from her because I was constantly thinking about the ring in my pocket and the important question I wanted to ask her. I moved her onto the chair and I stood up. "I'm really lost, Edward."

"I want to do this right. It's customary for a man to drop to one knee when he does this," I said, kneeling at her feet. I reached into my pocket and held the antique box in my hand. "When you were human, you dreamt of forever. You wanted to be married and I was going to ask you. That day … the day you were taken …"

"Edward?"

"I know that we are not human, but I remember your human dreams and they were so beautiful, Bella. I want that for you. For us. Isabella Marie Swan, I love you. I love you with my whole heart and I want to spend the rest of eternity with you as your best friend, your protector, your mate, your husband … will do me the distinct honor of marrying me? I can't imagine another moment without you in my life …" I opened the ring box and presented it to her. She was crying, looking at me but smiling happily. She kissed me, her fingers tangled into my hair. Bella?

"Yes, Edward. Always yes," she cried, her body molding to mine. I sat down on the ground and held her in my lap. "You remembered my dreams?"

"Every moment of them, yes," I said. "The few dreams you had that were good, were of our wedding. I want that for you. I want to give you that moment." I took the ring out of the box and held it nervously. "Can I put this on you?"

"A ring?" she whispered.

"It's customary for a fiancé to give his future-wife a ring, right? Was I wrong in that assumption?" I whispered.

"No, you're right. But, I never … ooooh, Edward, it's beautiful," she breathed. "It's too much."

"Nothing is too much for you, my pretty Bella," I smiled, sliding the ring on her finger. "And it's a halo-setting. Fitting since we're both angels."

"I can't wait to be your wife and your mate," she murmured. Looking up at me, her eyes were shining and filled with so much happiness and joy. "I know things have been … you've been so respectful and understanding as I grew used to my new body, but I want to celebrate our engagement. Our eternity. Properly." She blushed, but a seductive smile spread over her face. "Make love to me, Edward. Make me yours. Forever. I love you and I want to give you myself, again. This time, I'm an angel. Your equal and … please?"

"You never have to beg, my love," I said, standing up and carrying her into our room. "You're still in control. I know that the past few months have been …"

"Some of the scariest, but happiest moments in my life, Edward," she whispered, her finger toying with my hair. "The one thing that I focused on when I was in The Underworld was you and the love I had for you." I smiled softly at her, laying her down on the bed. Her engagement ring twinkled on her finger, making me feel so proud and so happy that we were finally together. "Edward, we were always together."

"I guess it's all of my time on earth that's making me happy to see my ring on your finger. We are mated for eternity, but I know how much you wanted to get married. Now, it's becoming a reality," I whispered. Her smile was blinding as she pulled on my lapels, kissing me. I moaned, feeling her body against mine. I slid my tongue into her mouth, tasting her sweet essence. She just melted. Her hands massaged my shoulders as she pushed my jacket off me. Once I was free of the wool, I wrapped Bella into my arms. Her mind opened to me, blossoming beautifully. She had visions of wings and clouds. "Soon, my love. I want to make love to you. Here. In our bed, in our home. Cloud sex will happen later."

"Just sex? Why not cloud fucking?" she giggled, as she pushed me onto my back and straddling my hips.

"Because, you deserve to be revered, Bella," I said, my fingers gliding along her pale arms. "I don't ever want you to feel out of control. I love you too much. It would break my heart if you ever … fear me. I don't ever want you to have another moment like you did our first night in Seattle. Do you remember?"

"I do remember. My human memories are there," she blushed.

"They will fade, though," I responded. "Your mind is able to retain so much more, but the human memories will eventually drift to the background."

"You were the most important memory, Edward. And I get to keep you," she purred, shimmying her dress off and rolling her shoulders. Her wings spread, fluttering around us and making her look otherworldly, beautiful and fucking mine. We had the rest of time to be together. She leaned down, kissing me hungrily as her fingers shredded my shirt. "Wings, Edward. I want to see your wings."

I smiled against her lips, rolling us and allowing my bright, white wings to erupt from my back. She moaned loudly against my mouth as our clothing was tore away from our skin. When I felt her bare body against mine, I thought I was going to explode with pleasure. Feeling her warmth of her body, the smoothness of her translucent skin and the wetness from her core made me ache deep in my balls.

I looked down at her, truly seeing her since her transformation into an angel. She was beautiful before, but now? She was absolute perfection. I ran my finger down her cheek. She captured my hand, kissing my palm. "I love you," we both whispered.

I smiled crookedly, dipping my head and kissing her deeply. My hand rested by her hip, but she guided it up to her breast. I cupped it with my palm; my thumb rubbing roughly over her pert, pink nipple. She whimpered, arching her body up in my hand. Her leg hooked over my hip and I felt her heat against my thigh. I pulled away, kissing down her neck and wrapping my lips around her nipple. She moaned, loudly, as her hands found their way into my hair. My wings vibrated as she tugged on my strands painfully. My cock was rock hard, desperate for release, but I wanted to give her all the pleasure. She was the most important thing in my world. Yes, I had an obligation to the legion, to God, but it was Him that brought her to me. I wasn't about to let her go.

Kissing down her body, I tasted every inch of her skin. When I reached the apex of her thighs, I could smell her arousal. It coated the tops of her legs. I blinked up at her and her mind was open to me, pleading for my mouth to be on her. I winked at her before spreading her legs and running my tongue along her slit. She gasped, falling back onto the bed. Her essence coated my tongue as I devoured her. She pleaded to me, mentally and verbally, for release. Her hips bucked against my face and she moaned loudly when I slid two fingers into her body. I could feel her muscles clench as I pumped my hand within her and flicked my tongue along her clit. With a silent scream, she came and squeezed my head with her thighs, cutting off my oxygen, but I loved it. I was surrounded by her.

Her legs relaxed and I kissed her mound, before kissing my way up to her lips. She looked at me with a sated, but sexy grin. I bent down, caressing her mouth with mine and she sighed. I've missed you, Edward. I love that you were patient and didn't push … but I've missed this part of our relationship, she thought to me. I pulled back, staring into her eyes. "You are a good man, Edward. I'm so blessed to have you, to love you. Make me yours. Forever."

"I love you, my Bella," I murmured, lining up my hardness to her entrance. We stared into each other's eyes as I slid inside her, making us one. I felt her shield surround us, binding us together. "Whoa …"

"I still don't have control over that thing," she breathed, "but, I love what it's doing now. We're one. In every way, Edward." She smiled tenderly and I began thrusting, feeling every inch of her body clenching around me, including her shield. We made love all night, celebrating our 'engagement.' We stayed connected intimately as the sun came up. I wrapped my wings around Bella and her shield tightened around us. "I've finally gotten my happily ever after."

"There's no ever after. There's only the happy, pretty Bella," I whispered against her lips. "And I only want the happy for you. For us."

"Forever," she cooed. "I love you, Edward."

"Love doesn't even come close, baby," I purred, tightening my hold around her. "Not even remotely."

xx OOTD xx

Our human wedding was set for Bella's birthday in September. Alice, Esme and Maria went to work with Bella to create a magical day. I asked if I could do anything to help. Esme just sent me to some shop in town to get a tuxedo made, but that the rest was handled. Charlie came with me, also getting a tuxedo. As we did that, we checked on the goings-on in Forks and Port Angeles. I knew that Charlie was angry at how things turned out in the end, with Lauren and Jessica's laziness, Mrs. Cope's inadvertent involvement and Bella's untimely 'death.'

Sam, an angel who had fought with us, lived nearby and was our knowledge broker. Charlie was on the phone with him as I was getting poked and prodded by a tiny man who looked like a leprechaun with bright red hair and ice-blue eyes. He was also the best tailor in the area. Once I was finished, Charlie and I went for a walk, sitting in a nearby pub. "What did Sam have to say?" I asked.

"Mrs. Cope has lost her pension because of her actions regarding Riley and Sam has spoken to the detective that led Bella's case. They're talking about filing criminal charges against her. Apparently, that was not her first notion of impropriety in the school district. Something about embezzling funds from the PTO and double-dipping. She was technically retired in Illinois, drawing on her pension, but getting a salary from Port Angeles," Charlie said, sipping his stout.

"And the two lazy-ass bitches," I grumbled.

"They lost their teaching licenses and were both sentenced to three years. They got reduced sentences because they gave up their dealer, who also was a teacher in the building," Charlie snorted. "The art teacher?"

"That doesn't surprise me. She was a hard-core hippie," I snickered. "Was she sentenced?"

"She's standing trial," Charlie answered. "She didn't want to take a deal, insisting that it wasn't pot, but oregano."

I arched a brow. "You're kidding …"

"I wish," Charlie laughed. "And it was clearly pot." He sat back, crossing his legs and looking around. "It's weird."

"What's weird?" I asked.

"Being back, working among the legion," he answered. "I'm supposed to be your liaison in this restructuring. Gabriel is … weird around me, though."

"Weird, how?"

"I don't know. It's like he's untrusting?" Charlie shrugged. "I rapidly transformed into a Dominion when I came in contact with my daughter and was thrust back into the thick of things. I feel like I should get some retraining, but I didn't. I retained the memories of Charles, but I'm still me. I'm Charlie, not Charles."

"That's confusing as fuck, Charlie," I snorted.

"Tell me about it," he deadpanned. "But, I have a small contingent of angels and a handful of humans I'm looking over. I just feel …" He shrugged, sitting back. "I think I understand why I was recycled. It wasn't a punishment, but a necessity. All of my thoughts are consumed of protecting my daughter, even though she's as strong, if not stronger than me. How can I do my job and care for her at the same time?"

"Just because you understand the reasoning behind your recycling doesn't make it right, Charlie," I argued. "Bella was irrevocably hurt by the legion. It was Carlisle's sacrifice that made her one of us. She's healed and we're finally getting our happily ever after, but there is some lingering resentment, from all of us involved in this situation. It will take time for us to forgive what has happened. And I know, it won't be forgotten. I think that's why things have changed and will continue to change. You know?"

"And with these changes, we'll be better prepared to fight Lucifer when he gains enough power to make a reappearance," Charlie nodded. "But, a lot of that is due to humanity."

"Hence, the changes," I said. "For now, I'm enjoying my time off, my training and being with Bella. She's everything to me. I never knew love like this. Not even when I was human."

"You had a wife? A son?"

I nodded. "I lost them in a fire and I thought that pain was the worst thing ever. Hearing Bella's heart stop, I felt … I wanted to die. I wanted to truly be a fallen angel so I could be with her, ending my life. But, Carlisle …"

"He'll return to us," Charlie whispered. "As will Jasper and Emmett."

"You've heard about them?" I asked.

"Jasper, or rather, Colton, is six months old and starting to walk around. He's a holy terror, but all adorable with fat rolls and dimples," Charlie snickered. "Emmett has been recycled as a girl. Her name is Felicity and she was born in Montreal a few weeks ago. Hopefully, they will finally enjoy their destiny."

We finished our drinks, leaving a hefty tip to the down-on-her-luck waitress and drove back to the castle. Time seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye. With Bella's training, my training and planning our wedding, which would be on the castle's land, September seemed to appear out of nowhere. We didn't send out invitations. Our wedding was open to any angels, but our closest friends would be a part of the wedding party. Seth was acting as my best man, with Charlie as a groomsman. Alice was Bella's maid of honor, with Esme as her other bridesmaid. Gabriel was acting as our officiant.

I was shocked at that, but when I was up in heaven, meeting with the other Dominion Lordships, he pulled me aside. He was aware of my 'engagement' to Bella and he wanted to make things right. He volunteered to marry us. I was hesitant since he was so ready to sacrifice Bella, but it was my fiancée who convinced me to allow him this chance. She was far more forgiving than I was.

The morning of what would have been Bella's twenty-seventh birthday, dawned foggy and chilly, but filled with the promise of forever. Esme and Alice took over our bedroom while I was relegated to the other end of the castle. Once I was dressed in my light grey tuxedo, I checked the courtyard for the reception. It was decorated in shades of green and white, with touches of twinkling lights. Alice came down and she was wearing a beautiful dress with her wings free and fluttering. "It's nearly time," she chirped. "You're just missing two things." She pinned a boutonniere to my lapel. "Here's the first."

"And the second one?" I asked.

"Wings," she nodded. "Bella wanted us all to have our wings out. We're not human and as much as this is a human custom, she wanted us to recognize what we are." She turned me around and sliced into the tuxedo. I rolled my shoulders and allowed my white wings to poke through. Turning around, I smiled. "Perfect. Do you have the rings?"

"Seth has them," I nodded.

"Good, because we're going," she chuckled. She hugged me, kissing my cheek. "I'm happy for you, Edward. It's time you had true happiness. You were alone for so long and now … you've got your mate. You've found love."

"Thank you, Alice," I whispered. She smiled, and left. I went to the altar, shocked at the number of angels seated in chairs. Most of them I hadn't seen since my exile. I considered them friends, brothers, sisters and family, but due to my mistake, I'd lost touch. I wanted to talk to them, but I had more pressing issues to attend to like marrying my soulmate. In the eyes of God and our fellow members of the legion, we were mated, but this was Bella's human wish. One I'd gladly give her.

I took my spot at the altar, smiling at Gabriel. He was dressed in a similar tuxedo, clearly uncomfortable. "You okay, sir?" I asked.

"This outfit is so constricting," he grumbled. "I prefer my robes." I snorted. "But, joining you two together is more important than my comfort. At least I can have my wings out …"

"At Bella's request," I smirked. He nodded as music began playing. I stood tall as Esme walked down the aisle, wearing the same dress as Alice in a soft green color, who followed shortly after Esme. Both of their minds were blank, probably blocking me trying to peak at Bella in her white dress. When the music changed, everyone stood up and blocked my view. Damn it.

I heard Bella's giggle at my frustration. Once she hit the midpoint, I saw Charlie, wearing the same tuxedo as me and Seth. Then, next to him, Bella was in a simple, but elegant white dress with her wings shimmering behind her. The dress was pure white, lace and had straps. Around her waist, there was a rhinestone belt and she held a gorgeous white bouquet. She never looked more angelic than at this moment. Charlie placed her hand in mine after he kissed her cheek. His thoughts hit me.

Take care of her. She's finally gotten the happiness she deserved, he said, taking his spot behind Seth.

I promise, Charlie, I replied, staring at her and my heart stammering in my chest. "You look exquisite, Bella."

"So do you," she whispered, squeezing my hands. "I love you."

"I love you more," I breathed, leaning forward and Gabriel cleared his throat. "Ooops. I was just anxious to kiss my bride."

"Soon," he snickered. "We're gathered here today to witness the union of Edward and Isabella in marriage. In the eyes of the legion, they are recognized as soul mates, but it was Edward's wish to honor Isabella's human heritage. We can see the love between the two of them. Celebrating that love is why we're here today. They have decided to write their own vows. Isabella? You're first."

"Thank you," Bella said, threading her fingers with mine. "Edward, my human life was as dark as a moonless night. I didn't live. I existed. I lived and breathed for my students. I never thought I'd find love. Let alone fall in love with a selfless, handsome, perfect and wonderful angel. An angel with a penchant for tattoos and a foul mouth."

"Fuck yeah," I snorted. Gabriel shook his head, laughing quietly. "Just because I have a foul mouth doesn't change who I am."

"This is true," Bella smiled, squeezing my fingers. "And your foul mouth … hmmmm …" Her mind drifted to when we last made love when I shared some delicious dirty thoughts making her come hard. "Anyway, now? I get to share my life with my best friend. We laugh, we learn and we love. You healed me, Edward. With your love, you healed me. I am looking forward to every day of forever with you. I love you. I should have told you sooner and I will tell you as often as possible, because I love you. I will always love you. From now until the last star dies." She couldn't resist. She stepped forward, kissing me tenderly. With a giggle, she turned to Gabriel. "I'm done."

"Edward?" Gabriel smiled, looking at me.

"Isabella, I waited a millennium for you, but I would have waited forever for just a moment with you," I breathed. "Our souls connected and I found my other half, my soul mate. I love you and will spend the rest of eternity showing you how much. Your past was tragic, our present is idyllic and our future will be filled with happiness, love and joy. You said that I brought you from the dark, when in reality, you brought me. You saved me, baby. You are the shining light in my moonless night. You are my everything. You will be my everything. Forever. Always." I cupped her face, smiling tenderly and pressing my forehead to hers. "My pretty Bella."

We stepped together and our wings wrapped around each other. Bella's hands slid around my waist and her shield pulled us closer together, similar to how she held me whenever we make love. Gabriel laughed and we separated. "Sorry," Bella blushed. "He's just irresistible."

"Do you have the rings?" Gabriel asked, chuckling quietly. Seth handed me the rings and I gave them to Gabriel. "A perfect circle. No ending. No beginning. Just like Edward and Bella's love. The ring signifies their relationship, their commitment. Bella, please take this ring and place it on Edward's left hand."

She took the platinum ring and slid it over my knuckle. She repeated the words that Gabriel said. "With this ring, I thee wed. From tomorrow, to tomorrow, to tomorrow. I will love you with all of my heart, forever and always and until the last star dies." She kissed my ring and beamed happily, kissing my lips as well. I said the same vow, my eyes gazing into her endless espresso orbs.

"By the powers vested in me, in the eyes of your friends, family and God, I now pronounce husband and wife. You can kiss your wife. Again," Gabriel said, his own ice-blue eyes twinkling. I cupped her face, caressing her lips with mine. She melted against me. I faintly heard the cheers.

I love you, we both thought to each other. Breaking apart, I held her closely. "We're married, my love," I whispered to her.

"We are, and I couldn't be happier," she breathed. "Thank you for giving me a wedding."

"I'd give you the world and it's my goal to do just that," I grinned, kissing her tenderly. She took the bouquet from Alice and we walked down the aisle, heading into the courtyard. Once the sun set, we danced under the twinkle lights and celebrated the calm without Lucifer's influence. We shared our joy, enjoying our wedding day. We celebrated my return into the legion and Bella joining our forces, even if she was still 'training.'

As a beautiful jazz rendition of 'Just the Way You Are' was playing, I danced with my wife, my mate. "Was this what you wanted, pretty Bella?" I asked.

"Everything and more," she smiled. "I'm surprised at how many people were here."

"They were my family for over a thousand years," I said. "They're happy for me. Happy for us."

"No broken hearts among them?" she quipped.

"No. I only want to be with you. Now and always," I answered. "Also, I really meant what I said in my vows. You saved me, Bella. You are my light. You brought me into that light."

"I think we both have found the light, Edward" she said. "Our futures are so bright. No more darkness. We're out of the darkness." I grinned before I kissed her, dipping her deeply. Truer words were never spoken.

We were out of the darkness.

A/N: So, that's the final chapter. We have the epilogue next. Leave me some loving … thank you for reading.