Disclaimer: I am NOT Stephenie Meyer and I don't own any of the Twilight series' characters or stories. I borrowed the dialogue and storyline from Breaking Dawn, but the rest is my own take on the story, as seen through Edward's eyes.

A/N: Surprise! The fanfic muses must have been smiling on me this week, because inspiration struck. So, to make up for the delayed posting of the last chapter, you get this one a week early! I hope you like it!

Chapter 5

Farewell

Jacob's eyes were still focused on Bella. His knuckles strained with the grip he held on her arms, the delicate skin beneath his fingers turning white under the pressure of his hold. The air around us sizzled with the heat rolling off of Jacob and the members of the pack that were beginning to converge on him. My fists clenched, tiny fissures breaking out across my knuckles as I struggled to hold myself back.

A low snarl echoed through the trees behind Jacob, followed by another.

That's enough, Jacob.

Jake, just let her go.

Sam and the others could bark orders for eternity, but in human form, Jacob couldn't hear them. Footsteps and a furiously beating heart approached from behind me, but passed, stopping just in front of me. "Jake, bro, back away," Seth pleaded. This isn't the time or the place for this. "You're losing it." Anyone could see that Jacob was losing his grip on his control. If he phased into the wolf this close to Bella, there would surely be bloodshed and there would be nothing on this earth strong enough to hold me back if it came to that.

Seth angled himself between us, protecting me or protecting Jacob, I wasn't entirely sure. I pushed through my own haze of fury and could see the conflict in Jacob's eyes – the same conflict I had in my own eyes so many times. We were both a danger to Bella, although in different ways, and just as before, neither of us trusted the other completely when her safety was in question. I blocked out the concerned thoughts of my family members as they watched from across the dance floor and made an effort to keep the guests distracted from our standoff.

"You'll hurt her," Seth whispered. "Let her go."

Hurt her? I'm trying to protect her. The corner of Jacob's mouth twitched and his eyes darted back and forth from his own hands gripping Bella to the terror on her face. Oh God, what have I done? His eyes widened and a look of absolute devastation overcame him. He hesitated, still gripping Bella tightly and I was beginning to lose my own control.

"Now!" I threatened.

A moment later, Jacob's grip loosened and his hands fell to his side in defeat. The instant his hands left her skin, I stepped forward, gripping Bella by the arms, and carried her a good distance away, putting her safely behind me. My body, still tense and poised to attack, crouched protectively in front of her as I waited for Jacob to react. Jacob was still trembling with rage as Seth tried in vain to push him back into the trees and away from danger.

Sam and Quil placed themselves between us. We'll take care of him, Sam thought. We don't want a fight. I was certain that Sam didn't want a fight. With only four members of the wolf pack present and eleven vampires in attendance, they were severely outnumbered.

"C'mon, Jake. Let's go," Seth encouraged as he tried again to pull Jacob away.

Jacob's eyes bore into mine, his jaw taut with hatred. "I'll kill you," he spat. Don't you dare hurt her! "I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!" He edged toward me, his fists clenched and trembling at his sides. You think I won't do it? She has no idea what will happen. How could you even consider…

We've got your back, Eddie. If he makes one move… I could hear my brothers' thoughts only a few yards behind me, poised to come to my defense if Jacob did indeed intend to make good on his threats.

That's enough! Sam growled, turning his head to Jacob and taking a menacing step in his direction. Seth looked between Jacob and myself, unsure of what to do. Jacob continued to lean forward on the balls of his feet, poised for attack.

"Seth, get out of the way," I hissed. In human form, Seth could be seriously injured if this fight escalated any further. It wouldn't be right for him to put himself in the middle of our rivalry, but Seth wouldn't listen. A tranquil breeze floated down over us and Jacob's features began to shift minutely under the affect of Jasper's ability. With both arms wrapped around Jacob's chest, Seth pulled with all his might, managing to pull Jacob back several feet toward the trees. "Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon." Please.

I'll get him in line, Sam thought as he nosed Jacob in the chest, pushing him further back. Through my own indignation, I could see the abject fear in Jacob's eyes. He has resolved himself to the fact that Bella would soon become like me, and he was almost willing to accept that if it meant she would still exist. But the thought of her life ending, the expectation that I would instead be stealing her life rather than merely her soul, was too much for him. He fully expected that I would kill her and was devastated to know that there was nothing he could do to stop me.

Seth and Sam quickly pulled Jacob away, leaving Quil who couldn't decide whether to help his friend or keep watch here. I hate seeing Jake like this – it's not right. I don't understand how Bella could do this…

Bella wrapped her arm around mine, stepping to my side as she met eyes with Quil who stood statue still. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

Sorry? You're killing him. Don't you see that?

I wrapped my arm around Bella's quivering shoulders. "It's all right now, Bella."

Is it? The wolf narrowed his eyes as he looked between me and Bella. Guess there's nothing else I can do…

I nodded curtly in agreement and Quil huffed before turning to follow the path the others had taken. I looked after him, almost stunned that our happy occasion had been marred by this confrontation. But Jacob was right. What Bella had planned, what she had asked of me, was extremely dangerous. The thought of it made my stomach churn; reminding me of the lump of cake I had yet to disgorge. I closed my eyes briefly, attempting to restore my calm façade, for Bella's sake and the sake of our guests.

"All right," I murmured, taking a deep breath before turning to Bella. "Let's get back."

Her eyes were wide and her heart was still hammering in her chest. "But Jake –" she protested.

"Sam has him in hand," I assured her. "He's gone."

Bella shook her head and a lone tear trickled down her cheek. "Edward, I'm so sorry. I was stupid –"

"You did nothing wrong –"

"I have such a big mouth!" she exclaimed. "Why would I…I shouldn't have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?" Her cheeks flooded with color as she bit down on her bottom lip.

"Don't worry," I whispered, cupping her cheek in my palm and wiping the tear away with my thumb. "We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence." Thankfully, my family had been keen enough to keep the guests distracted, but they couldn't keep up pretenses for long.

She glanced back at the dance floor, a confused look on her face. She must have expected that our brief confrontation to garner more of an audience. She looked down at herself, smoothing out her dress and running her fingers over her hair. "Give me two seconds," she murmured.

Her eyes were imploring as she winced and looked up at me. "My dress?" she asked.

"You look fine," I smiled, brushing my finger over her lips, forcing her teeth to release their hold. "Not a hair out of place."

She closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. "Okay," she breathed. "Let's go."

I wrapped my arms around her waist and began walking back toward the reception. With the exception of my family, none of the guests seemed to have any idea of what had just transpired. As soon as we were in view, I pulled Bella to me and began leading her in a dance, moving us toward the other guests until we were once again dancing among them.

Bella's heart rate still had not slowed to its normal rhythm and her eyes still held a deep concern as they flitted at regular intervals to the spot where Jacob had disappeared into the forest.

The old concerns about our relationship, of the worries I had of her leaving me for Jacob, clawed their way unbidden to the surface of my mind. Did she want to go to him? Was she regretting her decision to marry me?

"Are you –" I began.

"I'm fine," she insisted. "I can't believe I did that. What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing is wrong with you." If anything, Jacob and I were the things in her life that were wrong, the things that kept her from enjoying a normal, human existence. And perhaps I was the worst of all for agreeing to such a monstrous notion – to even give credence to the notion that the consummation of our marriage was possible while she was still human.

"It's over," she whispered. "Let's not think of it again tonight."

That was easier said than done. Jacob's words continued to ring in my head. No truer words had been spoken, not by Bella, not be me, not even by my family. Everyone had put a blind trust in my own self control, in the belief that I loved Bella too much to even conceive of harming her, conscious or otherwise.

"Edward?" Bella asked, pulling me from my trance.

I closed my eyes, resting my forehead on hers. "Jacob is right," I whispered. "What am I thinking?" I was a monster for even considering it.

"He is not," she insisted, pressing her palm to my cheek. "Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly."

But Jacob was right. If anyone in this whole disturbed situation was thinking clearly, it was him. "Maybe I should let him kill me for even thinking…"

"Stop it," she hissed, grasping my face in both hands and halting the movement of her feet until I was forced to meet her gaze. "You and me," she whispered passionately. "That's the only thing that matters. The only thing you're allowed to think about now. Do you hear me?"

Her eyes were demanding and I was weak. My defenses were utterly inadequate when she spoke to me in that manner, when she displayed such fervor in her beliefs. How could I deny her? I only prayed that when the moment of truth arrived, I didn't make her into a fool for believing so strongly in my control.

"Yes," I finally sighed.

"Forget Jacob came," she whispered. "For me. Promise that you'll let this go."

Could I do that? Could I merely forget that the one man who I contended with for Bella's heart, seemingly the only person who understood my reservations about a honeymoon, had come and reminded me just how dangerous this would be? Could I? Bella's eyes were pleading and far be it from me to destroy what little happiness we could salvage from this reception. "I promise," I sighed.

"Thank you." She reached up, grazing her lips on my cheek. "Edward, I'm not afraid."

"I am," I whispered.

"Don't be." She smiled. "By the way, I love you."

I managed a small smile in return. "That's why we're here."

Need a little breather, bro? Emmett lumbered up behind me, tapping me on the shoulder. "You're monopolizing the bride," he said with a smirk. "Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush." Perfectly on cue, Bella's cheeks flushed crimson and Emmett belted out a hearty guffaw. I lifted Bella's hand to my lips and kissed it softly before stepping aside so Emmett could dance with the bride.

"Thank you," I whispered under my breath. Emmett nodded in understanding and smiled as I made my way toward the house. Carlisle caught my arm as I stepped through the door.

Are you all right? he thought.

"I just need a moment," I murmured as I brushed past him, heading toward my room. I needed a moment to myself, some time to collect my thoughts and push aside the emotions swirling around inside me.

My stomach churned as I thought over the confrontation with Jacob and the reminders that the next and most dangerous step in my relationship with Bella was merely hours away. I crossed my bedroom into the bathroom and knelt on the floor, wrapping my arms around the cool, white porcelain. My stomach heaved as it expelled the foreign contents, leaving the bits of cake to disintegrate in the swirling water. I closed my eyes and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. The unsettling feeling in my stomach was decidedly improved, but it still did nothing to squelch the storm brewing within me.

I sank to the floor, cradling my head in my hands. I can't do this, I thought to myself. How could I go back out there and face Bella knowing what could happen if I made good on my promise? How could I convincingly portray the part of the idyllic groom when inside I was absolutely terrified? Bella knows what I am. She witnessed firsthand the ferocity and savage nature, knows full well what I'm capable of doing, yet she still trusts me implicitly. I couldn't fathom how such a fragile creature could love a monster.

Will you stop beating yourself up, Jasper thought as he lowered himself to the floor beside me.

"I wish I could," I murmured, shaking my head.

"And why can't you?" he scoffed. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, you don't give yourself enough credit. It wasn't your fault that Jacob reacted the way he did and, to be quite honest, you handled yourself rather well under the circumstances."

"Jacob was right."

"No, he wasn't," Jasper insisted. "Jacob knows what you are, not really who you are. I know who you are. Bella knows who you are. Do you think we would be encouraging you on this path if there was even a shred of doubt that you couldn't handle yourself?"

I breathed a heavy sigh, struggling to rectify my own thoughts with Jasper's words. My family would never do anything to put Bella in harm's way. I knew that. My timeline was dwindling at an alarming rate. I needed to change my way of thinking, force myself to push aside my own fears and focus on what everyone else believed about me. I needed to believe in myself. I needed to believe in the strength of my love for Bella and my natural inclination to protect her.

Jasper stood. "C'mon." He offered his hand to pull me up. "Let's get you back out there." Bella's going to begin to wonder if you changed your mind and ran off. Jasper chuckled lightly to himself as he followed me out of the room and down the stairs.

Esme and Carlisle stood by the door, speaking quietly to Eleazar. Their eyes turned when we entered the room and Esme flitted to my side. "Are you all right?" she asked, the corners of her eyes pinched with worry.

"I'm fine." I nodded. "I just needed a moment to collect myself."

She pursed her lips and glanced back at Carlisle. I'm worried, she thought.

"Don't be." I smiled reassuringly. "This is my wedding day. You should be happy, not worried."

She smiled and reached up to kiss my cheek before gliding back to Carlisle's side. I met eyes briefly with Eleazar and I could see the tension there. My dealings with the wolves must have been difficult for our family from Denali to witness. I was certainly glad that Irina had decided not to come. The confrontation with the wolves would have turned into an all-out battle if she had been present.

Bella was dancing with Eric Yorkie when I decided to cut in. I wrapped her in my arms and pulled her to me and I was home. This was where I belonged – in the arms of my beloved. I pushed back the worries about the honeymoon and the feelings stirred up by Jacob, and focused solely on my bride. She laid her head on my chest and sighed. I pulled her tightly to me and rested my chin on the crown of her head as we swayed on the dance floor.

"I could get used to this," she murmured.

"Don't tell me you've gotten over your dancing issues?" I chuckled.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Dancing isn't so bad – with you. But I was thinking more of this, –" she pressed her hands into my back and squeezed me to her, "of never having to let you go."

"Never," I repeated. I would never let her go. I would never let anyone come between us, especially myself. I would never let any harm come to her. Perhaps they were right after all. Every instinct, every impulse, centered on keeping her safe. I found myself inexplicably drawn to her, even from the moment we met, and everything we endured, every experience we shared, had brought us to this moment.

The emotions welled up inside me, threatening to spill over. I leaned down, gently brushing my lips across Bella's cheek until her lips met mine. Her lips were soft and yielding, molding to mine. Her skin smoldered like burning embers and the heat intensified as I stoked the fire. I pressed my lips more firmly to hers, deepening the kiss, deepening our connection. I poured every ounce of passion, every overwhelming emotion, into a display of pure devotion. Her lips parted slightly and her sweet breath washed over me, overpowering my senses and intensifying my need for her.

Her fingers tangled in my hair and my hands spanned the small of her back, eliciting a small whimper. She pressed herself more firmly against me and I groaned in response. For so long I had kept her at arm's length, denied my own natural urges, but in this moment now, I found myself no longer afraid. In this moment, with her lips on mine, with the heat from her body radiating through me, I wanted nothing more than to make her mine in every way.

Okay you two, there will be plenty of time for that later. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alice standing with her arms crossed, her tiny foot tapping impatiently on the dance floor. I had more important things to tend to than to worry about Alice at this moment. My focus was entirely on my bride.

Edward, stop ignoring me! I smiled against Bella's lips, perhaps having a little too much fun at my sister's expense. Bella didn't seem to notice at all and I wondered how she would blush if she knew what the onlookers thought of our little display.

Fine, you asked for it, Alice huffed. "Bella! It's time!" she called, trying to pull Bella's attention away from me. Bella mumbled something unintelligible against my lips as she continued to press herself against me. Bolstered by her disregard for Alice's attempt to interrupt, I trailed my fingers down her back and flicked my tongue across her heated lips. I listened as her heart rate increased and her hands became nearly frantic as she wrapped them around the back of my neck.

Seriously you two… Alice stepped up next to us and crossed her arms. "Do you want to miss your plane?" she threatened. "I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight."

"Go away, Alice," I said, breaking the kiss just long enough to dismiss my sister.

"Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?" she demanded.

I fought back a chuckle as Alice growled, becoming increasingly exasperated with our tampering with her perfectly crafted schedule of events. Jasper tried to calm her, but she shooed him away.

There has to be something. "I'll tell her where you're taking her, Edward. So help me, I will." Try me. I dare you.

And that was enough to get my attention. I had been very careful to keep the location of our honeymoon a secret from Bella – almost as careful as Alice was to keep Bella's dress a secret from me. I turned my head slightly, narrowing my eyes at my sister. "You're awfully small to be so hugely irritating."

She rolled her eyes at me. "I didn't pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted." She reached for Bella's hand, pulling her from my arms. "Come with me, Bella."

Bella's hands gripped the jacket of my tuxedo uselessly as Alice tugged on her arm. She strained, reaching up to kiss my lips once more before Alice towed her toward the house.

Newlyweds…

They're so sweet together.

Quiet laughter and amused comments filtered through the remaining wedding guests as Rosalie and Emmett began directing them to the front of the house for our departure. I thrust my hands in my pockets and stared down at my own reflection in the shiny patent leather of my shoes. The twinkling of the lights overhead cast shimmers all around me, reminiscent of the first time in the meadow that I allowed Bella to see me in the sunlight. I smiled at the memory.

A penny for your thoughts. Carlisle stood next to me, watching the guests filter through the house. "Esme and Alice are helping Bella change out of her wedding gown. Jasper's bringing the car around for you."

I nodded. "Thank you."

"All the arrangements are in order. I called just a short while ago to confirm."

"Thank you again for offering the island," I said. "Isle Esme is the ideal setting. It's the perfect place for us to be alone, where Bella can be together without worrying about prying eyes."

"It's our pleasure. You know we would do just about anything to see you happy together."

"I know."

My family had been exceptionally understanding and supportive. Without their help, I don't think that it would have been possible for Bella and me to make it this far in our relationship. No, if not for my family, I would probably still be huddled in an attic crawlspace and Bella would likely be in Jacob's comforting arms.

Carlisle wrapped an arm around my shoulder and began leading me toward the house. I could hear the soft murmurings from one of the upstairs bedrooms as Bella changed her clothing. "Big day –," Carlisle mused, "and big night."

I winced at the reminder. I had resolved myself. I would fulfill my promise to Bella. I would not disappoint her and I would try my best to focus on the love I had for her and the knowledge that I could never harm her. But even as I repeated the affirmations to myself, the small voice of doubt still had its presence in my thoughts.

Carlisle gripped my arm, squeezing reassuringly. "Your first night together as man and wife will be a memory you will both cherish for always." He paused, feeling the tension in my shoulders. "Relax, Edward. You're ready."

I blew out a shaky breath and managed a small smile as we entered the house. The guests had gathered just outside the front door in anticipation of our departure and I took my place at the bottom of the staircase. I wrung my hands nervously as I waited for Bella to appear.

I made it through the wilderness. Somehow I made it through. I heard the familiar lyrics just before Emmett came into view. I cringed as he sauntered over to me, wagging his eyebrows and singing the familiar tune in his mind. But you made me feel. Yeah, you made me feel…

"Emmett, no," I said, raising a finger in warning, but it did little good. He came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my chest, pinning my arms to me sides, and began swaying, moving me along with him.

"Like a virgin," he sang, "touched for the very first time."

"Emmett," I groaned.

He ignored me completely as he continued to sway to the music. "Like a virgin, with your heartbeat next to…well, maybe not." He howled with laughter as he let me go and I surprisingly found myself laughing along with him. Of course Emmett would be the one to break the tension for me.

"Ready, bro?" he asked, smacking me playfully on the arm.

"As ready as I can be."

"Well, it's been like a hundred years, it's about time you gave it up."

I shook my head and chuckled. "Thank you for your words of wisdom, Emmett."

"Anytime," he said with a grin. "Just try not to break anything." He winked just before he opened the door to join the other wedding guests. I shook my head, snickering at Emmett's display and the levity it brought to my otherwise anxious mood.

"I love you, Mom," I heard Bella say to Renée as they appeared, arm in arm, at the top of the stairs. "I'm so glad you have Phil. Take care of each other."

"I love you, too, Bella, honey."

Bella's eyes glistened with tears and my jaw clenched as I witnessed her pain, the brief moment of folly vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "Goodbye, Mom. I love you."

I offered my hand to Bella as she met the bottom steps. She glanced nervously at the expectant sets of eyes watching from the doorway, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth. Her eyes scanned the crowd and her brow furrowed as she turned to face me. "Dad?" she asked.

"Over here," I offered, pulling her with me through the gathered guests until we reached her father, leaning against the side of the house, away from the other partygoers.

My baby girl…seems like just yesterday. He cleared his throat and quickly wiped his cheek with the back of his hand in an attempt to hide any evidence of his tears. But he couldn't fool Bella. Her bottom lip began to tremble and she sucked in a breath before she reached for him.

"Oh, Dad!" she exclaimed as she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, pressing her face into his chest as a fresh set of tears sprung from her eyes. His jaw tightened and he glanced at me briefly before the tears began to prick his own eyes. He squeezed them shut and patted Bella gently on the back.

"There, now," he soothed. "You don't want to miss your plane." I can't believe my baby girl is married now. I just got her back…I hate to let her go.

Bella loosened her grip and leaned back to face her father. "I love you forever, Dad. Don't forget that."

As much as Charlie fought it, a small tear escaped and Bella reached up to wipe it away. "You, too, Bells. Always have, always will." She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek and he returned the gesture, closing his eyes as he embraced his daughter one last time. My heart broke for him – for a father giving up his daughter. I shuddered as I thought of the pain he would endure when he realized that this may be the last time he sees her.

"Call me," he said.

"Soon," she promised, hesitating to release him.

"Go on, then," he urged, nodding to the car. "Don't want to be late."

Bella reluctantly stepped away from her father and took my hand. I squeezed it reassuringly. "Are you ready?" I asked.

She nodded. "I am."

We stood on the front porch, ready to make that next step on our journey together. I pulled her into my arms and planted a firm kiss on her lips, dipping her back slightly, which earned a round of applause from our family and friends.

You better watch out!

It's time!

I gripped Bella's hand and together we dashed through the crowd as the rice began to rain down around us. Bella shielded her eyes with her free hand and raced after me. Jasper stood by and opened the door as we reached the car, helping to usher Bella inside and I did my best to protect her from the pelting grains of rice.

Ready, aim, fire! I shifted my shoulder to cover Bella just as a skillfully aimed spray of rice hit my back, courtesy of Emmett.

I shut the door and ran around to the driver's side, careful to avoid stepping on the ribbons and shoes that trailed behind the car. I paused with my hand on the handle and took one last glance at the family and friends who had gathered to see us off.

I nodded to Charlie and to Renée – a silent thank you for accepting me into their lives and for allowing me to love their daughter, for bringing her into my life. I smiled at Carlisle and Esme, who stood side by side, watching proudly as I took this important step in my life. Emmett, of course, was continuing to make suggestive comments in his mind while grinning from ear to ear and Rosalie stood smiling at his side. Jasper sent one last wave of encouragement over me and Alice was practically vibrating with excitement.

I opened the door and climbed in, starting the car and putting it into gear. Bella was turned in her seat, facing out the window, and waving goodbye. "I love you," she called as we sped out of sight.

She stared out the window into the darkness for a moment, her breath coming in shallow pants, before she turned and settled into the seat. I reached across the space and clutched her fingers in mine. "I love you."

She leaned her head against my shoulder and sighed. "That's why we're here."

I squeezed her hand and kissed her hair softly. The day was done. We were married and finally beginning our life together. As we drove through the blackness of the night, I reflected on the events of the day, of the memories I would cherish for eternity.

No! The anguished bay of a lone wolf ripped through the silence of the forest. I revved the engine, hoping to drown out the noise so that Bella wouldn't hear. She had suffered enough knowing how she had broken Jacob's heart, how she would break her parent's hearts. She had given up so much to be with me. I could only pray that she believed I was worth it.

A/N: You guys are simply amazing! I am humbled and floored by the response to the first four chapters. Thank you all for reading, reviewing, favoriting, tweeting, etc. It's your support that keeps me going.

Thanks to my beta, NellyBear85 – I'm starting to wonder if she ever sleeps – she's always there for me, even though we're miles apart. And special thanks to misticbutterfly and Bettygale for their help with this chapter – you gals rock!

And on a side note, Eternal Equinox has been nominated in two categories of The Vampies twific awards – Bloody Brilliant (Best Overall) and Just Like Stephenie Used to Make (Best Canon). If you'd like to vote for Eternal Equinox or some of your other favorites, do it now – voting closes on Monday, February 28th! www (dot) twificpics (dot) com/vampawards