Chapter 20:

Bella POV:

I finally got to see the project that Billy and Charlie had been working on for the last few weeks. We arrived at the beach, but stayed back to stay out of sight until the ceremony. I took a look down to the end of the white runner that was rolled out on top of the sand and saw a beautifully carved wooden canopy, with a white, gauzy veil blowing from the top of it. I looked over to Dad and asked, "Is that what you and Billy have been working on?"

"Yep, that's it. Billy did the carving on the poles then I sanded and stained them, and helped him put it together. What do you think?" he asked anxiously.

I smiled and felt tears prick my eyes. "It's perfect, Dad. I love it. Thank you so much," I told him sincerely then I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"You're welcome, Bells." He grinned and I could see he was very happy that I was so pleased with it.

I looked back at the canopy. The tribal eIder that was to marry us was standing under it. I couldn't wait to get closer and get a better look. All of the people that I cared most about in the world were standing there, on both sides of the runner, watching, waiting for me to walk down that aisle to marry the man I love. I could hardly believe it was finally happening! I looked over at Dad and he winked at me.

Then, I looked back down the aisle and caught my breath as Jacob walked over and stood beneath the canopy, followed by Embry, Quil and Seth. He looked amazing, like I knew he would in that white shirt. Tears sprang to my eyes yet again. I felt like running down the aisle and throwing myself into his arms. I willed myself to calm down as I wiped my eyes delicately so as not to ruin the make-up I was wearing.

One of Billy's friends was providing the music for us by playing the guitar. He began playing, and Emily gave Claire her little basket of flower petals and started her down the aisle. She had done this at Sam and Emily's wedding, so she was an old pro, gently tossing the petals as she walked. Kim walked after her, then Rachel. Emily reached over and squeezed my arm, then smiled at me. "Here we go!" she said excitedly. She gave me a quick hug then turned to take her turn walking down the aisle. Then, it was my turn.

"Ready, honey?" Dad asked. I smiled and nodded as we stepped up to the end of the runner.

I looked down the aisle, and smiled at Jacob. Dad started us walking, and I matched his stride. I locked my eyes on Jake as we walked slowly toward him. When we finally reached the canopy, I turned to Dad and he bent to kiss me on the cheek. "Love you, Bells," he said quietly. Then he took my hand and Jacob's hand, and joined them. He clapped Jacob on the back, and took a few steps back to stand beside Mom.

"Hi," I mouthed to Jake. He smiled and mouthed "Hi" back then the elder began talking. I don't remember anything that was said. Some of it was said in Quileute, which I would have to ask Jacob later what it meant. I was just so mesmerized by Jacob's eyes looking into mine. I think I remembered to say, "I do," at the appropriate time, and I remember Jake putting this beautiful wedding band on my finger, then we finally reached the moment where Jacob was given permission to, "kiss the bride." He smiled that "Jacob" smile at me, then gently took my face into his hands and bent his head toward mine and kissed me. My husband, Jacob. Perfect.

"I am now happy to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Black!" We turned and faced our closest family and friends. They were cheering and clapping. Jacob raised our clasped hands and shouted, "FINALLY!" We all laughed at that, but I had to agree with him. It had been a long and winding road to get to this day.

He then surprised me by picking me up into a bear hug and twirling me around. "Jake!" I squealed. He laughed as he set me down and then he kissed me again. Everyone cheered again. Then, Embry came over and said, "Hey bro, give someone else a turn to kiss the bride." Embry pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the mouth. "Welcome to the family, Sis."

"That's the only time you'll get away with that," Jacob growled. Of course, Embry just laughed and winked at me as he walked away.

Quil hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. "Hey Bella, I'm sorry I was tough on you at first. I'm glad you and Jake worked things out."

"Thank you, Quil. That means a lot." I smiled at him. "Oh, and make sure you compliment Claire on her choice of necklace today. Emily will tell you all about it." He smiled and walked on. Seth was next.

"I'm really happy for you guys, Bella. Thanks for choosing Jake. I couldn't stand the thought of you . . . well, doing what you were going to, you know after you married Edward," Seth said to me quietly.

"Thank you, Seth. Me, too." I said as I hugged him. I pulled back and kissed him on the cheek. I'm pretty sure he blushed . . . he's so cute!

Rachel gave me a hug and said, "Who would have thought when we were thrown together by our dads as kids that we would be standing here today. I'm glad to have another sister, Bella. Rebecca was so sorry that they couldn't be here today, but she wanted to tell you the same."

"Thank you, Rachel. That means a lot to me," I told her. "I've never had a sister, now I have two."

I finally got a chance to look at the wood carving on the canopy. It was so intricate. Trees carved into the top of each pole, then down the pole there were leaves, and then wolves. On all four poles. Billy was sitting there watching Jacob and I running our hands over the carving. "Charlie and I will bring it over to your house and put it up in the backyard for you. It's yours to keep," Billy said quietly.

I walked over and kissed him on the cheek. "It's beautiful. Thank you, Billy." He nodded. Jacob leaned down and gave him a big hug. He couldn't say anything. I could see the tears that he wiped away as he stood up.

Next came Mom, Dad, Sue, Sam, and the rest of the wolf pack, including Leah and her new man, Evan. She had been keeping a pretty low profile since Emily had the baby, only coming around when she had to. Now we knew why.

Sue stepped up and hollered out, "Party at the Clearwaters!" Everyone cheered and took off for Sue's.

Jacob POV:

It was finally time for the ceremony to begin. I was shaking like a leaf for some reason. I took a deep breath, walked up to the canopy, stopped and turned to look up the aisle. Claire was so cute in her little fluffy purple dress, throwing petals out of a basket. She stopped to wave at Quil and he smiled and waved back. Then came Kim, and my sister Rachel, who looked so much like my mom, it made me smile. Emily was next then my heart stopped. There she was, standing with Charlie who looked so proud I thought he would burst. She is absolutely beautiful. I felt tears sting my eyes. I loved this girl so much. I couldn't believe this dream was actually coming true.

She made her way slowly down the aisle, and Charlie put her hand in mine. She stepped under the canopy and said a small little "Hi." We said our vows, I think, I don't know. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. I remember Embry elbowing me and handing me the ring to put on Bella's finger. Then came the moment I had been waiting all day for, ". . .kiss the bride." I took her beautiful face between my hands and kissed her. Then it was done. Bella was my wife – forever! I couldn't help it. I raised our hands and cried out, "FINALLY!"

Suddenly there was this mob of people who all wanted to congratulate us. There were hugs and kisses from everyone. Rachel came over to me and hugged me then said, "Jacob, I know that Mom is watching today, and she would be so proud of you. You have grown up to be a good man. It's hard for me to believe that . . . you're a man!" Tears ran down her cheek. "I love you, little brother." She reached up and kissed me on the cheek. "Rebecca told me to give you a kiss from her, too." She kissed me on the other cheek. "Be happy, Jake."

He said, "I am, Sis. Thanks," he answered. I gathered up into a big bear hug, then let go.

Renee had hired a photographer for the wedding, so we posed for a few pictures, just Bella and I, then the whole wedding party and our families.

Bella and I checked out the cool canopy that Dad carved for us and Charlie helped put together. It was amazing. I couldn't believe that he had taken the time to do something like this. I hugged him, but I couldn't speak. There was so much I wanted to say. I finally got out, "Love you, Dad."

Billy hugged me back and said, "Love you, too, son. I'm proud of you." That meant the world to me.

Then Sue hollered out that the party was at her house. Everyone walked us up to where the truck was parked. It was decorated with crepe paper all over it and "Just Married" was written on the back window. I looked over at Embry, who shrugged and said, "Wasn't me. Really! It wasn't!"

Rachel and Paul came over and she said, "It was us! Actually, I had orders from Rebecca. She said it was to get you back for doing it to her at her wedding. Have fun, little brother!" I laughed at that as I remember how Embry and I had really decked out their car. I guess I did deserve a little payback.

I opened the door and helped Bella inside, then walked around and got in the driver's side. I started the engine and we drove off. I looked over at her, and she scooted over to sit beside me. I put my arm around her and said, "Hello, Mrs. Black."

"Mrs. Black. Bella Black. Isabella Black. I like it," she said as she held her hand out to look at the two rings there now. The wedding band was white gold to match the engagement ring.

"You know it has an inscription," I said to her.

"It does?" She took both rings off and looked inside the wedding band. Stay with me forever. "Oh, Jake. I love it!" She slid both rings back onto her finger then she laid her head on my shoulder. "Life is good, Jake. Life is so good."

Bella POV:

We arrived at Sue's and were welcomed in by everyone. The food was out, people were eating, drinking, laughing. It was a great party. We cut the gorgeous cake that Emily had made, and we fed each other a small piece as the photographer took more pictures. I felt like I was going blind from all the flashes.

There were so many people packed into Sue's house. I loved them all, but I needed a break. I was feeling a little nauseous, and decided I needed some air. I told Jake that I would be back, kissed him, then walked outside onto the deck. It was so much cooler out here. There were a few people scattered through the back yard, eating and talking. My stomach was still flip-flopping. I stayed there for a few minutes alone thinking about the day, and looking forward to the night ahead. I felt strong arms come around me and pull me close. I leaned back into Jake and let him hold me. I moved his hands to rest on my belly. I want to tell him so badly. I've kept it a secret for too long. But not yet. Tonight, when we're alone.

"You OK, Bells?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, just too warm in there. I needed to get some air. I love everyone here, but you know how I feel about being the center of attention," I said.

I could feel his body shake as he chuckled. "Yeah, I know you love it. Are you ready to go and start the 'Wedding Night?' Cause you know I am ready to start that anytime you are." He put his lips on my neck and started kissing me. Mmm, yes, I am definitely ready for that.

Suddenly, pain ripped through my middle and I bent forward and leaned against the deck railing to try to catch my breath. Oh God, no! Another pain, this one worse. I put my hands on my belly. I felt dizzy, like I was going to pass out.

"Bella? Honey, what's wrong? Bella? Oh my God . . . you're bleeding!" Jake cried.

I looked down at the blood running down my legs, making a puddle at my feet. "No! Please, no!" The baby!

"HELP SOMEONE!" Jacob yelled as he scooped me up into his arms.

Seth was in the backyard and came running. "Jake? What's wrong?" he asked anxiously.

"It's Bella. . . she's bleeding! I'm taking her to the hospital!" Jake took off at a run toward the truck. I reached out and opened the door, and Jake set me on the seat. He ran around and jumped into the driver's seat. He started the engine and spit gravel as he sped off. Crepe paper was flying everywhere. He reached out the window and pulled a piece off and let it fly away. As we sped down the road as fast as the truck would go, Jake said, "Bella, what's wrong? What's happening?"

I was crying so hard I could barely get out, "The baby, Jake. Our baby. I need to save our baby. Please, help me save our baby."

"What? Baby? Bella, what baby?" Jacob looked at me. "What are you talking about?" Jake swerved.

"Jake! Watch where you're going!" I yelled.

"Sorry. Bella why didn't you tell me? Oh God, why didn't you tell me?"

"I was waiting for tonight . . . NO!" I bent forward as the pain ripped through me again.

"Bella, it's OK. I'll get you to the hospital, I promise. Just hold on, OK?"