Chapter Seventy
Bella
The sun was shining brightly when I woke and Jasper was gone. I hated waking up without him and hoped this would be the last time then Charlotte came rushing in,
"Come on Bells, shower and wash your hair so I can work my magic"
"Where's Jazz?"
"You'll see him later. Its bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the day before the ceremony".
"Oh OK, And Peter?"
"Don't worry I'm sure he'll put in an appearance sooner or later."
When I'd showered and Charlotte had done my hair, loose ringlets with a few wild flowers threaded in, I saw the dress on the bed and gasped in surprise,
"Its the dress I saw in France"
She nodded,
"Yes the guys noticed your reaction so they got it for you".
I picked it up with trembling fingers
"Its even more beautiful close up"
"Come on lets get you into it before you start crying and ruin your face".
Peter
I'd never seen The Major so nervous.
"Hey cool down. You're getting married not facing a firing squad".
"That might be easier. I'm not used to this kind of thing Peter. What if I do something stupid?"
"The only stupid thing you could do today would be to say No and run",
"I'm not going to do that"
"Then relax"
Charlie came wearing a suit we hadn't been able to persuade him out of,"Wouldn't feel right" he complained.
"You ready Jasper?"
He looked at Jaspers expression and burst out laughing,
"You look like an expectant father, that look of terror."
We went out into the yard which had been swept and scattered with wild flowers in honour of the occasion and I brushed off the upturned and covered boxes we were using as a altar of sorts. Jasper looked at Charlie's watch he was so nervous. Charlie laughed,
"Not long now son"
Jasper looked at him a little oddly then smiled,
"I guess I will be in a way".
Then we waited in silence. The sun came out from behind a cloud and I saw Charlie gape as Jasper and I started to sparkle.
Bella
I took a look in the mirror and didn't recognise the beauty looking back at me,
"Char you did miracles"
"No I just used what you already had. Now come on or he's going to think he's been stood up".
I took a deep breath and walked to the door, Charlie wandering over when he saw me
"Bells you are beautiful. You ready to get tied up with sparkle boy?"
I didn't understand him until we walked out into the sunshine. Both Jasper and Peter were sparkling where the suns rays hit their skin. They were both so beautiful but after a glance at Peter I had eyes only for one person. He stood there watching me and I couldn't get to his side fast enough, almost dragging Charlie with me. Jasper was dressed very simply in a white shirt and jeans but it was his face I concentrated on. I'd never seen anything so beautiful and my eyes filled with tears of joy.
Peter
You could tell she was smitten and he couldn't tear his eyes from her either. I waited until Charlie put her hand in Jaspers and then smiled,
"Well folks we're here to witness the marriage of Isabella Swan and Jasper Whitlock andI've been instructed to keep this short and sweet and mind my language, so here goes. We are here to see two people who belong together pledge their lives to each other and not before time if you ask me, which no fu...body ever does. They've been through a hell of a lot but its only proved how strongly they feel so I'd like to give them the opportunity to say a few words to each other and knowing The Major it will be just a few.
Bella went first,
"I love you Jasper, I have since the first time I saw you and knew we belonged together. I promise to love you and make you happy as long as we exist".
Then it was his turn,
"I've spent an eternity alone already and I thought I'd continue to do so until I saw you. Then I knew there was future for me. I promise to love you and protect you until we cease to exist".
I did my I now pronounce you bit quickly before something turned up to ruin the occasion which with their luck was a distinct possibity. Then instructed him to kiss the bride but he got a bit miffed when I got one in first.
"Hey best man and ministers privilege" I said as I dusted off my pants where he'd thrown me.
Charlie didn't even blink an eye at our antics, he was getting used to our horseplay. He took Bella in his arms and hugged her before putting her hand back into Jaspers,
"You look after her for me son. She's the most important thing in my world".
"I will Charlie, she's the most precious thing in mine"
Charlie just had time for some spit roasted venison before he had to leave for the airport.
Char and I were going to drive him then carry on into the hills for a spot of recreation and hunting. I hated hunters who used illegal snares and there were going to be a few less if the hunting was good.
Charlotte
I went over to hug Bella,
"Its great to see The Major look so happy. Take care of him till we get back"
"I will Char, and thank you for everything".
Peter pushed me out of the way with,
"Come on let the dog see the rabbit. Well Hello Mrs Whitlock. You look divine. May I kiss your hand?"
Bella blushed and held out her hand which he took very gallantly before turning it over to kiss the palm,
"You look after my friend there. He's as nervous as a virgin on her first night"
I hit him on the side of the head but he just laughed at Bella's scarlet face then turned,
"Charlie you ready? Only I think these youngsters want some privacy."
I groaned but there was no point in trying to shut him up.
"Ready when you are Peter" Charlie said coming out of the house with his case.
"Thanks for everything. See you soon I hope Bella. I'm glad you found your love even if it was in a strange place. Take care honey"
He dropped the case and came back for another hug,
If you do...well you know...I'd like to see you anyway"
She knew what he meant and nodded a little uncertainly.
"You'll see me again" she promised before we drove away, waving from the truck windows.
Peter
"Well that went well Charlie and not a Cullen in sight."
"Were you expecting them to show? I didn't know they'd been invited."
"Oh they weren't but it doesn't seem to stop them from appearing. Bit of a shame really there's nothing like a bit of family tension at a wedding, all adds to the occasion"
Charlie laughed at that,
"Yeah I remember when I got married to Bella's mother. My parents thought hers were hippies and they thought mine were stuffed shirts. I wonder what they would have made of you and Jasper?"
"Yeah, could have made things interesting. Will not telling Renee cause any problems?"
"No Renee's always marched to the beat of a different drummer. She's said goodbye to Bella and is getting on with her life. I guess I always thought she'd be the clingy one but it turns out I am. You make sure she keeps in touch Peter."
"Will do Charlie"