Hey guys! So sorry for the wait =[ It's hard juggling life with two fics these days. Eek!

Anyway, I shouldnt complain lol. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy =D

Chapter 14:

It took them an hour to reach their destination. And just as Bella's eyes started to grow heavy, almost succumbing to the looming darkness that accompanied sleep, she bolt upright in her seat, stunned at the view she saw up ahead.

"Here we are kiddo … beautiful, isn't it" smiled Charlie, who sat across from her in the drivers side of the truck.

Bella's awestruck eyes scanned the pebbled track up ahead, and as the vehicle followed it around it led to a stunning sandstone barn-style country house. It looked so traditional, with a classic English-style theme to it. Odd considering they were only an hour or so away from their home in Forks Washington. Bella had never even known this countryside existed up until now.

A small idyllic chapel sat adjacent to the country house, surrounded by its greenery, and chipping walkways ran from each of the entrances, the two walkways eventually came to a point further down, where a large water feature sat proudly at the heart of the grounds.

Pulling up onto the dirt-track car park, Charlie cut the engine. They stepped outside simultaneously. And the sunshine and heat beating down on their heads only accentuated the surroundings beauty.

"Wow" the word escaped from Bella's mouth, as she perched her shades on top of her head. "You know the pictures in the brochure really didn't do it justice. It's so… magical".

"I know… perfect for a wedding, huh" smiled Charlie, and Bella's eyes if possible grew wider and more astonished.

"Mr Swan!" a warm middle-aged female voice approached them from the left, and they turned to see a lady walking towards them. "Nice to see you again" she threw out her hand to meet Charlie's, who eagerly shook it back.

"Helena, so great to see you again. And please, its Charlie, remember" and she nodded back delightedly. "This is my daughter, Bella … Bellz, this is the lady that owns the grounds".

"Nice to meet you" Bella shook the woman's hand. "Your place is … unbelievable".

"Thank you, it's very kind of you to say that Bella. If you'd like, I could get Jasper to show you around once you're settled in".

"Jasper?"

"Jasper's my son. He's also the porter here, so you'll no doubt run into him along the way". Bella politely nodded back. There was no denying her fathers smile though, as it spread from end to end across his face. "Oh, speak of the devil" she added, as a young male strolled up towards them, he had pale features, with honey blonde hair.

"Jasper. Meet the Swans, you remember Charlie, and this is Bella, his daughter". Jasper gave a friendly wave and a small head nod in acknowledgement. Closer up, Jasper looked a lot younger than Edward, in the face anyway, around 17 or 18, the same age as Bella. There was a sweet boy-ish charm about him, and his eyes radiated innocence. He was certainly raised well, respecting all women as he offered to take Bella's bags for her, saying "May I?" as he did. Bella meanwhile carried her dress on a hanger, swinging it over her arm for easy carriage.

"Well, shall we head inside!" Helena walked on ahead, as Jasper followed obediently in toe.

Lingering back, Bella waited while her dad locked the truck. "So … that's Jasper ey" Charlie gave her a nudge as his eyebrows rose amusingly, and Bella forced a smile back just to please him. On the inside however, her stomach turned and twisted, quickly sensing she was two seconds away from an arranged marriage. Just great, this was all she needed.

…

"So when do we suppose the bride will get here? You know you're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding" Helena's eyes widened knowingly as she looked at Charlie. They were stood in the reception area, checking in. They were only staying the one night, with Charlie and Esme' sleeping in the newly-wed honeymoon suite, which was a section situated at the far end of the grounds, detached from the surrounding buildings. While Edward and Bella had separate rooms located on the top floor of the barn house.

"Oh I don't plan on breaking any rules today, don't you worry" smirked Charlie as he signed himself in. He glanced a look at his watch then. "Actually, they're due in anytime now, maybe about 30 minutes, give or take a few".

Nerves sparked to life in Bella's stomach at her fathers words. 30 minutes! 30 minutes until she'd see Edward again! The butterflies in her stomach told her she still harboured those exact same passionate feelings for him that she'd always had. Unlucky for her she wasn't even close to escaping them.

"Excellent! Well why don't we get you two settled in. I imagine you'll want to start getting ready soon enough" Helena grabbed two sets of keys out of the cabinet on the wall, handing one to Charlie whose face beamed with a broad smile of excitement, and the other to Bella, who accepted it, a little more reserved though.

A feeling of ambivalence stirred up inside of her; torn between feeling ecstatic for her father, but nervous for when she'd see Edward again. "Charlie you're this way" Helena signalled to the small building that sat across the courtyard and through the floral covered archway, "Bella, your room's up the stairs, Jasper will show you the way".

"Great" Bella managed a smile, before turning to address her father. "I guess I'll, see you later then" she shrugged sheepishly.

"You bet Bellz! And don't forget to pop in before the wedding. I'll need someone to fix my tie for me" he touched her chin as he smiled. "You look after my daughter, alright" he teased as Jasper grasped Bella's overnight bag, leading her away up the grand staircase.

"Don't worry Mr Swan, your daughter is safe in my hands" smiled Jasper warmly as he called to Bella to follow along.

Walking up the staircase and along the expanse of the landing, she couldn't quite believe she was here. It had been way back during Easter Vacation, just over 4 months ago when Charlie and Esme' had announced their engagement, and now here they were, the beginning of August and they were on the verge of making it official.

How time flies!

"So you're from Forks, right?" her thoughts then became replaced by unwanted small talk. Jasper seemed nice enough, but Bella was hardly in the mood for this, especially if it meant he was secretly fishing for a date.

"Yeah," she answered pleasantly.

"Cool. I've never been there".

"Well, it's a pretty small town".

"Are you still in school?" he asked, and she very nearly went to say yes. It would take her awhile to get used to that, knowing she'd never have to go back to Forks High School ever again, that she'd never have homework set by those specific teachers, eat lunch in that stale-smelling dining hall or have to walk into class late and be subjected to a scolding of disapproving eyes. There was a whole other world out there she was soon to step into, and right now, she couldn't wait. It was actually the only thing keeping her mind occupied from everything else in her life. "No, actually I finished school a week and a half ago".

"That's cool" he said again. "So are you going to uni in September then?"

"Yeah, and I can't wait… what about you? School or uni?"

"Uni hopefully, in September too. If my mom will let me go of course" he added, looking back at her in a long sideways glance. And Bella offered an awkward sympathetic smile in response, not really knowing what to say to that. Thankfully though, she didn't have to say anything, because they soon arrived at their destination.

"Here we are" Jasper came to a halt in front of one of the large white wooden doors. Fumbling with the key in the lock he unlocked it, turning the handle and opening the door.

"When your brother gets here, he'll be in the room opposite. So, you shouldn't be too alone up here" he smirked. But Bella had no energy to smile back at that one. He'd used the 'brother' term so loosely… oh if only he knew! Instead she simply chose to ignore, walking around the space with inquisitive eyes.

"If there's anything else you need…"

"No" she spun on her heel, "I'll be fine" she said, and looking into his smiling eyes she suddenly felt bad, hoping she hadn't come across too hard-faced or rude. He truthfully did seem like a really nice person, and maybe if she wasn't so confused over her romantic life, she'd consider giving him a shot. "Thanks" she hoped she sounded genuine. If not she would apologise later… once she was feeling a little more settled.

"No problem. Enjoy your stay" he went for the door, giving her one last smile before closing her in.

Although she was glad of the peace and quiet, being alone was never a good sign, not for Bella anyway. It led to all kinds of thoughts and feelings, and consequently it threw her into even more worry and concern… as if she needed anymore of that.

Placing her dress down onto the bed she unzipped the protective plastic sheath that surrounded it, before hooking it onto one of the wardrobe hangers, ready for later.

It was only 3 hours now until the wedding. It seemed like nothing at all, but in the same respect, it also felt like an eternity. What would she do for an entire 3 hours, by herself, in what felt like a far away land?

Her stomach rumbled, in dire need of some food. But breakfast had been somewhat of a challenge this morning. She'd tried to eat something, but having thought about Edward from literally the second she'd awoke, she could barely stomach much more than a couple of bites, before an unpleasant taste crept up to her throat and threatened to choke her.

Her phone then shook on a continuous vibration, and checking the caller ID she smiled through relief before answering it. Perfect timing Alice! Alice would for sure take her mind off things.

"Hey! … Are you here yet?"

…

"I can't believe this place. Your dad has wicked taste! Kinda wish I was staying over now" Alice mused as she gazed out of the window in 'Bella's room', the sights from the upstairs were exquisite, there was a private airport half a mile or so away, surrounded by fields, and on a clear day like this you could see the small aeroplanes and helicopters that were sat on the hanger. And if you were really lucky, you'd see a couple take off. Alice admired the serenity from the window, with the suns rays, the water feature, the greenery and the flower beds, it felt like the perfect summers day.

At the lack of response though and unusual bout of silence, Alice frowned, turning her back on the view, and facing her friend who lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling like it held the answers to all of life's great mysteries. "Bella?" Alice's head tilted to meet Bella's entranced eyes.

"Bella? Are you ok?"

"Huh? … oh, yeah, sorry" she rose upwards into a seated position. Scrunching her head as the fast movement resulted in an unpleasent headrush. "I'm fine".

Alice nodded back warily, knowing for a fact that wasnt true. In fact, she was pretty certain she could guess exactly what Bella was thinking about, or, who to be precise. "Big day, huh".

"Yeah … Charlie's beside himself with excitement".

"I meant, for you… it's a big day for you" Alice corrected her.

The look in Alice's eye told Bella she was referring to Edward, and while she tried to play it down, not wanting to make a fuss, she knew Alice would no doubt see straight through her. "No" Bella shook her head, "Alice, it's honestly not that…"

"Bella" Alice interrupted, taking a seat on the bed beside her. "Come on. It's me".

Bella sighed back, her entire body and posture slumping with it. She managed a weak smile Alice's way. "I just don't know what to expect Alice… how I'll even feel when I see him again … and then there's Charlie. How will he even react when he sees Edward again? … I just, I hate not knowing… I hate waiting" the desperation in her eyes was crushing.

Barely two seconds had passed when a distant sound of tyres crunching against the dirt track caught Alice's attention. Rising from her seat she went back over to the window.

She took a look at the car park below, releasing a soft exhale as she did. "Well, it's your lucky day then. Because it doesn't look like you'll have to wait much longer" Alice spoke as she stared at the ground outside. And with a frown of intrigue, it led Bella towards the windowpane.

Reaching Alice's side she peered down, to the car that now pulled up. A moment later and the door swung open, and Bella's bodily reaction was all she needed to tell her exactly who it was.

"Edward".

…

(An hour and a half later)

"Dad?" his daughter called out to him as she knocked on the door to his private dress room. The Bride and Groom had been sent to separate dress rooms as they prepared for the ceremony, which was now a mere hour away. It was keeping up with the tradition that the Groom shouldn't see the Bride until the wedding.

"Hey Bellz!" Charlie peered around the door having opened it. "Come in" he smiled, opening it a little wider to welcome her into his male-boudoir; his tie was hung loosely around his neck, the silk now creased in places, his top button was open and his collar was up at all angles; he appeared to be having a little trouble. But his grin grew wide as he acknowledged her appearance. "Wow" he breathed. And he may have been shocked at her sudden transformation, but she too could hardly recognise her dad in that suit, having never seen him wearing something quite so fetching before. "Don't you just look beautiful" he spoke with pride, as he admired her soft peach floor length dress, her shoulders covered by a delicate lace shawl as her hair framed her face in long wavy curls. She blushed under his compliment, "Thanks dad. But Alice did most of the work" she placed the responsibility elsewhere, as she often did with things like this.

"Nonsense. It's all you Bellz" he told her, and her head recoiled through her sheepishness.

"As for me, I think I'm bringing the side down" his eyebrow twitched as he took note of the creases in his tie; a consequence of several failed attempts at tying it. "Actually, I'm just about ready to strangle myself" he grunted with a teasing smile. And she smirked back, amused. "Is the tie not co-operating?"

"Sadly not, it insists on giving me hell" he answered. And she shook her head at him hopelessly, before stepping forward and swatting his hands away. Neatening his collar up and straightening his shirt, she wrapped the tie, transforming it into a fancy and presentable knot.

"See, easy as that" exclaimed Bella, as he turned to face the mirror, nodding back in agreement.

After putting on his suit jacket with care, they both stood side by side at the floor length mirror.

"Who'd of thought it, ey Bellz" she looked into his eyes in question. "I always assumed it'd be the other way around. And I'd be standing here waiting for you to get married ... I thought this was just a pipe dream" he spoke distantly, but thoughtfully.

She smiled back softly; knowing how much marrying Esme' truly meant to him after being alone for so long. "I'm really happy for you dad".

"I know you are Bellz" he sighed. "And I can't thank you enough for being so gracious about this".

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know… but, for so long, it's been just the two of us. This is a big step, for all of us. I'm just glad it's working out".

Again she smiled back, but considerably weaker this time. Was everything seriously working out for them? Given all that had happened over this past month? She eyed her father in the mirror cautiously, knowing this denial trip of his wouldn't last forever. Particularly once he laid eyes on Edward again. Neither of them had even seen Edward since that Friday night some 4 weeks ago, and there were still a lot of things that had gone unsaid.

She just prayed this ignorant façade of Charlie's would survive through today, nothing could ruin her dads long awaited Wedding Ceremony. Bella resolved that she owed him this day, at least.

"Well" exclaimed Bella, "what do you say… ready to get married?" she grinned; putting her thoughts briefly on hold for the sake of her fathers happiness. And he nodded back, turning to properly face her. "Absolutely. Let's do this".

…

It was literally minutes before the wedding, and everyone had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the car park was now heaving and their friends and family had been ushered into the chapel one by one.

As the time ticked on, and the nerves continued to build, the priest made his appearance, welcoming Charlie and Bella who both shook his hand, before he announced it was time to take position. The bride was soon to make her grand entrance.

"Alright, I guess I'll see you in there then" Bella gave her dad one final hug, holding her small bouquet of flowers in her one hand as she did, before she watched him almost skip away, ridiculously and deliriously happy. Charlie entered the main Chapel area, and the large solid oak door boomed shut behind him, leaving Bella standing at the entrance all alone.

Lingering at the reception she waited for the best man to make his arrival, who would take her arm and walk her down the aisle in toe of the bride, Esme', who had her 70 year old father to give her away.

From the sound of hustle and bustle at the entrance, it was clear the moment had come, and Bella turned on her heel to face it. The door to the chapel swung open then, and a flash of bright orange light from the suns rays, abruptly warmed up the previously dim reception area.

It then didn't matter that the sun was toasty and warm; goosebumps still bubbled across Bella's arms as the sight of his tall, lean form came into view. Her cheeks on the other hand radiated like an inferno... Only Edward could induce such a bizarre bodily reaction in Bella.

4 weeks from that day, with no sight or word from him, and yet he still had the power to spin her head and drive her crazy, and he hadn't even noticed her yet.

Edward's face beamed with a goofy grin as he spoke to his mother, something about 'not tripping up half way down the aisle', which caused Esme' to laugh in return. His smile then softened though, to a more meaningful and serious expression, as he finally locked eyes with Bella.

An overwhelming feeling of emotion burst inside of Bella as their vision at long last connected. It was like experiencing tunnel vision, and for a moment in time, there was no one else on earth but them. If this had been a movie, Edward would've been the prince, gallantly riding up to her on his horse to save her from all of life's peril, but, truthfully, they'd become more like star-crossed lovers, passionately connected but inevitably doomed from the word go. It felt very much like that for Bella anyway, and she wondered silently if Edward thought the same.

Walking closer to her, with his mom on his arm, his head bobbed once with a nod. "Bella" he spoke her name, and his voice couldn't have sounded any softer, like a feather gliding over her skin. She almost shuddered at the sensuality in his tone. And she knew there was no point in even attempting to respond to that, as her throat would undoubtedly close up, and subsequently increasing the possibility of her embarrassing herself by choking in front of him. Instead she took the safe option, and awkwardly smiled back, before turning her attention onto the bride, who was quick to wrap her arms around Bella, telling her she made the most beautiful bridesmaid of all.

Everything seemed to happen all at once then. The organ abruptly fired up, the doors swung open, the train on Esme's dress fanned out. And without a second to ponder what was about to happen next, Edward had taken Bella's arm and began leading her down the aisle…