A/N: Again, it's been a long while, I know. No excuses, just writer's block. The block lifted last month so here…finally…is chapter 16, The Wedding. Special thanks to my soul sister for her beta skills. I hope you enjoy Emmett and Mara's big day.
All Twilight characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, Sheri and Mara belong to me. All songs belong to their respective owners and no infringement is intended.
Chapter 16: The Wedding
I awoke at eight am to the bright sunlight streaming in the window. "This is my wedding day; the day I become Mrs. Emmett Dale McCarty," I squealed in my mind. And I get to spend the rest of my life with the love of my life. I shivered in excitement just as there was a soft knock at my door.
"Come in," I called, raising my arms above my head and stretching.
The door slowly opened to reveal Sheri carrying a breakfast tray.
"Morning, Mara," she said grinning. "Since it's your big day, I thought I would bring you breakfast in bed; just something light as I'm sure your nerves wouldn't be able to handle a big breakfast."
I sat up against the headboard as she laid the tray across my lap. There was scrambled eggs, toast, pineapple juice, and coffee.
"Thanks, Sher. It looks delicious," I said as she sat on the side of the bed, and I began to eat.
"It's been a long road, sweetie," she said quietly. "I'm so happy for you. I've watched you bloom since Emmett came into your life. And, even though there have been ups and downs, the sparkle is back in your eyes and you are literally glowing."
"You know I would have never made it to this point without you and James," I said, laying the empty tray aside. "You two rescued me when I thought I was losing my mind." She opened her mouth to protest. "I know…I know we're family, Sher, but I just want you to know how very much I love you and James. You two are the only family I have ever known, and I'm so very blessed to have you in my life."
Oh, Mar, we love you, too," she cried throwing her arms around me. "And we welcome Emmett with open arms. You know the saying that two people are either made for one another or deserve one another? Well, you two are perfectly made for one another. You have helped each other overcome the horrific hurts in your pasts. Now you are embarking on a future that can only lead to deep, loving happiness."
"Thanks, Sher," I blubbered, hugging her back tightly. After a few moments of silence, I raised my head, wiped my eyes and smiled. "Now, I guess we'd better dry our eyes and get this day started. Okay, how are things going down today, wedding planner?"
"Okay, here's the itinerary," she said, taking a deep breath and wiping her eyes. "Now that you've finished eating, you'll soak in the tub for thirty minutes with your own special, fragrant oils sent over by the perfumer. I'll call the hairdresser and makeup artist and ask them to arrive about ten am, giving you time to lotion, powder, and put on your sexy lingerie. I've already had my shower, so I'll be ready for them at the same time you are. They will probably take at least an hour. The girl's dresses are here, and we will have about an hour to get us all dressed. The women's limo will go pick up Bella, Alice, Esme and Rose at eleven am, arriving here at noon and wait to take us to the Wayfarers Chapel. It should take around forty five minutes to get there, giving us an hour or so to get ourselves prepared before the ceremony at two pm.
"Whew, that's a pretty hectic schedule," I said shaking my head. "And the men's limo will have the guys there half an hour after us, right?"
"Yes, James will be the first to be picked up, followed by Carlisle, Edward, Jasper and Jake. Em will be picked up last. When we arrive, we'll go straight to the bride's rooms for last minute adjustments and to calm ourselves. The florists will bring us our bouquets shortly before the ceremony begins. Oh…and one photographer will be traveling with us, while her partner will be with the guys. Together, they will film and photograph the ceremony, and will also take photographs at the reception."
Sheri kissed my cheek and took the tray, leaving me to bathe.
For the past six weeks, I had been working with a perfumer to create my own signature scent. It was a light scent of spice with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. The bath oils were a bit heavier, as were the body lotion and bath powder. Layering these made the perfect scent for me, light, spicy, and a hint of seduction. We called it Mara's Mystery.
Filling the tub, I added the oils, the scent rising with the steam of the hot water. I stepped into the fragrant water, sliding down to rest my neck on a bath pillow. I felt my muscles begin to relax as the oiled water seeped into my skin. As the water began to cool, I stood and stepped out onto the carpet, reaching for the heated towel hanging close by. Fifteen minutes later, I was powdered and lotioned, leaving my skin smooth as silk and fragrant.
Stepping into the bedroom, I slipped into the new white satin and lace teddy I had purchased for this day. Thigh high lace stockings smoothed up my legs. Slipping on my white silk robe, I stepped out into the hall just as Sheri was headed toward my door.
"They're here, Mar," she said, a giant grin splitting her face, "and set up in the master bathroom. I thought that the two sinks would be handy. I'm anxious to see what they come up with."
"Me, too," I replied, following her into her master bedroom and into the bathroom.
I was amazed at the transformation of the bathroom into a salon. They had brought professional chairs and an astounding array of implements and makeup products. Sheri and I were quickly whisked into a chair and Jenny started my hair, as Carla began Sheri's makeup.
Fifty minutes later, Sheri and I stood before the mirrors amazed at the looks the girls had created for us. Sheri was absolutely perfect. Her pale blonde hair was in an elegant style, smooth on a side part and tousled flirtingly to her shoulders and down her back. Her makeup was beautifully understated, emphasizing her pale glamour, using a pale pink blush and lip gloss and dark liner and mascara to show off her brilliant blue eyes. She was gorgeous.
As for me, the girls had made me look sophisticated. My hair was parted on the right side and pulled back into a regal French twist, leaving my veil to be easily seated perfectly on my head. My makeup subtly complimented my red-headed coloring using pale peach blush and lip gloss. My green eyes were lined with dark brown liner and mascara, and a shading of multi hues of brown shadow covered the lids, causing my green eyes to pop.
I had never felt so beautiful—except when Emmett looked at me. By the look on Sheri's face, I knew she felt the same.
Jenny and Carla had just left…with hefty tips in their pockets…when the limo arrived with Rose, Esme, Bella, Alice, and the photographer. As soon as they'd settled in Sheri's master bedroom, the chaos began. While the excitement and compliments on each other's hair and makeup was going on, I slipped off to my room to get a small bag that I'd brought with me. Inside were the gifts for my attendants and the Mother of the bride; as Esme was the mother I'd never had.
"Okay, ladies," I called as I swept back into the cacophony of excited women, squealing, and laughing. Slowly, they all turned to me. "I know that you, Sheri and Alice, didn't include this in this day's festivities. But Emmett and I did. Hopefully, at this moment, he's doing the same thing for the men. Reaching into the bag, I began to hand out small, flat, turquoise, velvet covered boxes. "Now wait until you all have yours before you open them."
"Oh, Mara, you didn't have to do this. We're your…" Sheri started.
"Hush, Sher, I did this because I wanted to." I smiled at the beautiful ladies sitting in varying stages of dress. "Now, open them, you'll need them for today.
Inside the boxes were matching Y necklaces and drop earrings. Sheri's had rubies interspaced with diamonds down the platinum chain and matching earrings. Alice and Bella's were emeralds and diamonds, and Rosalie's were yellow and white diamonds. For Esme, I had gotten an intertwining broach of platinum, diamonds and rubies, representing Emmett and me.
There was silence in the room for a few seconds, and then it erupted into squeals and tears and oohs and ahhs. The girls all surrounded me, each trying to say 'thank you' in their own way. As we shared a group hug, I glanced over their heads to find Esme sitting on a chair, carefully wiping her eyes. While the others set about putting on their jewelry, I went over and knelt beside Esme.
"Esme, "I started softly, "is it everything okay? Have I overstepped my bounds in giving this to you?"
She looked at me, tears again filling her eyes. "Oh no, Mara," she replied taking my face gently into her hands. "This is absolutely perfect, and a most welcome surprise. You are a special woman, and I know you will give my Emmett a wonderful, long and happy, love filled life. I feel honored to call you daughter." Kissing my cheek, she enveloped me in a tight hug. Hugging her back I whispered, "I am so thankful to become part of such a wonderful family. Sheri and James are the only family I ever had, and that you have accepted them too, makes me very, very happy."
I turned to look over at my friends and, turning back, grabbed Esme's hand, pulling her up.
"Come on, let's join the festivities." I smiled, pulling her with me. "They don't get to have all the fun!"
As we neared the group of gaggling women, Rose glanced up and saw us. Slowly they separated, turning to face us. Bella nudged Alice forward. With a grin, she stepped up to me and held out a large, old, flat, white velvet, hinged box tied with a silver ribbon.
"Emmett gave this to me to give to you on his behalf," she said, grinning. "But before I do, I want you to know that I have never seen my brother so calm and happy." She giggled. "He really loves you, Mara, and so do I. You have brought my brother back." Hugging me, she placed the box in my hands.
I held it with trembling hands and slowly slipped the ribbon off. I raised my head and looked at each of the ladies. They smiled and urged me to continue to open the box. Slowly I lifted the lid and gasped at what I saw inside.
On a bed of red satin lay a beautiful necklace of links made of round diamonds surrounded by a square made of smaller diamonds. Each link graduated in size, the smallest at the clasp to a large center link in the middle. There was also a pair of matching earrings, each a small link suspended from two ropes of small diamonds, connected to a diamond ear stud. All the pieces were set in platinum. I hadn't realized I was crying until Sheri dabbed at my eyes with a tissue.
"Oh Sher, Look what he's done," I sobbed, sinking down on the end of the bed behind me, as my knees gave way. "Just look what he's done."
Sheri gently took the box from my hand and gasped at what she saw before passing it around to the ladies. Gasps and sniffles could be heard all around me. Suddenly, an envelope appeared in my hand.
"Here's a note from Emmett, I believe," Rose whispered, handing it to me.
"Thanks," I smiled up at her, and then opened the small missive, slipping out a single sheet of paper. Unfolding it I read:
My Sweetness,
I searched and searched for something special to present to you on this our day of days. I thought of emeralds, as they reminded me of your beautiful eyes. I thought of rubies and sapphires, as they reminded me of you colorful personality, but none of them seemed quite right, something was missing. Just yesterday, I was talking to Mom and told her of my dilemma. She came to my rescue.
Going to the small safe Dad keeps in his study, she opened it. Reaching inside, she pulled out this box, explaining that these diamond pieces had belonged to her grandmother. As soon as I saw them, I knew that I wanted them for you. Not only are they exquisitely beautiful, as you are, but they sparkle as brightly as you do. To me they are you.
So, my darling, please where them with all my love. In a few short hours you'll be mine, forever, just as I'll be yours. See you at the altar, babe.
All my love for eternity,
Em
I looked up at Esme and she smiled at me. "You remind me of my grandmother in so many little ways, Mara," she said. "And don't think that you're taking something away from Alice or Edward. Bella received Carlisle's mother's pearls, and Alice has my mother's sapphires to pass on to her children. Now, wear them with Cullen pride."
Off to the side, we heard a sniffle and turned to find the photographer, Joanne, in tears. We had actually forgotten she was there taking rolls of pictures.
"Sorry," she sniffed. "I know it's not very professional of me, but this is the most beautiful pre-wedding I have ever shot. No bridezillas here, that's for sure."
Rose walked over to her and handed her a tissue. After wiping her eyes, she went back to work capturing these moments for our remembrance.
We began to get dressed. When the others had all swirled through dresses, shoes, jewelry, and hair clips, I sat gazing at them all. They were beautiful, colorful perfection; Sheri in a red taffeta strapless mermaid gown, Bella and Alice in green and Rose in gold. Esme was in a long, silver silk dress that was nipped at the waist with long lace sleeves and modest 'V' neck. Each had their hair decorated with a silk flower hair clip that matched their dress, as did their shoes. My heart was full as I gazed at my dream coming true. These awesome ladies fulfilled my ideal.
They all turned as one to face me, smiles and excitement glowing on their faces.
"Okay, sweetheart," Esme said gently, stepping forward. "It's your turn, now."
Within seconds, I was sat in a chair as a pale blue lace garter slipped up my left thigh.
"This is your 'something blue'," Rose said with a smile.
"And your 'something borrowed'," added Bella, slipping a white lace hanky into the cup of my teddy, and giggling. "Who knows, you may need to get to it quickly."
"These can be your 'something old'," Esme murmured as she fastened the necklace around my neck and handed me the earrings. As I fastened them to my ears, Alice slipped my shoes onto my feet, adding a shiny, new copper penny inside one.
"You have to have a 'good luck' penny in your shoe." She grinned.
"And last, but not least," Sheri said softly, handing me a small box. "Here is your 'something new'." Inside the box was a beautiful link tennis bracelet, with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, set in white and yellow gold. "James and I thought it would represent all your wedding colors. If you don't like the sapphires, you can have them replaced later."
"No, Sher," I replied hugging her, holding it for her to clasp around my right wrist. "It's perfect the way it is. The sapphires remind me of the color Emmett's eyes turn when we …ah…sometimes."
I could feel the flush spreading up my neck into my cheeks as I glanced at Esme. She just laughed with the others and shook her head. I had an awesome mother-in-law to be.
"Okay, now for what we've all been waiting for," Sher said, heading for the closet, "The dress."
Taking the garment bag out of the closet, she carried it over to me. Esme had me stand as Alice slipped my silk robe from my shoulders. Rose held the bag as Sheri unzipped it and took out the yards of taffeta and lace. Carefully she threaded her hands into the deep 'V' neckline and spread the skirt for me to step into. She and Bella slid the garment up my body where I slipped my arms into the shoulder straps. Alice zipped it up and they all stood back to admire the result. I looked at each of them, waiting for someone to say something.
"Well," I asked anxiously. "What do you think?"
Sheri turned me to face her mirrored closet door. "You're absolutely beautiful, Mara. Look."
I raised my eyes to see myself as they did. My dress was a slim mermaid style of taffeta with a flowered design lace overlay. The deep 'V', sleeveless bodice was held by narrow straps that came to another deep 'V' in the back. It was simple yet elegant, and I felt like a princess in it.
Esme stepped up behind me and grasped my shoulders from behind.
"Emmett will be awestruck," she smiled into the mirror. "And, if I know my son, he'll have a very hard time letting James get you to the altar. But, I've already cautioned Edward to watch him." I turned and hugged her.
"Thank you for giving him to me, Esme," I whispered. She just patted my cheek and smiled
Finally, it was time to leave. Carrying my veil in its bag over my arm, we paraded out to the limo waiting in the drive, and climbed inside. The interior of the white stretch limo was elegant and comfortable. White leather seats and benches lined the passenger side and across the back, with a fully stocked bar along the other side. There was a bottle of Dom Perignon on ice for us and Rose acted as server. We talked and relaxed during the 45 minute trip to Rancho Palos Verdes and the Wayfarer's chapel. When we arrived, we were all a little mellower.
We slipped into the bride's room without being seen by the men. We knew they were already there by the black stretch limo parked outside.
Sitting before a large mirror, Sheri pinned the white rose hairclip to the back of my hair before attaching my lace edged veil. Standing, she straightened it down to the floor to train three feet behind me. Esme reached over and handed out our bouquets. Sheri's was made up of red and white silk roses, Bella and Alice's were green and white silk roses. Rose had a wrist corsage of a gold rose and ribbons on green leaves and Esme's was a corsage of red and white roses on green leaves. Joanne took several poses of us all in different combinations, and then slipped out the door to join Robert, her partner, inside the chapel.
There was a knock at the door and James and Carlisle came in. They stopped and glanced around, whistling softly.
"Wow," James uttered in awe. "You ladies are just…wow! Wait 'til the guys see you. You're gonna knock their socks off. Whew." He stood there silent for a moment, still staring.
"Oh, "Carlisle said shaking his head, as if to clear it. "We were sent to tell you that you have ten minutes. Rose you're wanted at the piano, and Esme, Jake is waiting to seat us. Sheri, Alice and Bella, you need to take your places. The girls all kissed me as they made their way to the vestibule.
"I love you, Mar," Sheri sniffled as she hurriedly joined the others.
As the door closed, James turned to me.
"Well sweet sister, this is it," he said taking me gently by the shoulders. "I am so happy for you, Mar. You've been through a hell of a lot in your short life, and you deserve to be happy. Emmett is an awesome guy, and he loves you to the max. He'll take good care of you. But, if he doesn't, you'll know where I am." He grinned and pulled me in for a hug.
"Thanks, James," I replied wrapping my arms around his neck. "You've always been there for me, you and Sher. Before you came along, I was a real mess. You've taken care of me like I really am you sister, and I love you two so very much. I can't ever picture my life without you in it. You made us complete when you joined Sheri's and my family. Even though I'm marrying Emmett, you two will always be my family."
He hugged me tight and stepped back just as there was another knock at the door.
"Show time, baby," he said holding his arm out to me. "Let's do this."
Laughing together, we went and took our place in the vestibule.
Rose, accompanied by Mary Manning on cello, began the intro to a piano-cello instrumental of Christina Perri's A Thousand Years.
As the bridal processional began, Sheri looked back at me and winked before stepping out, followed by Alice, and then Bella. The music swelled and James and I started around the corner into the doorway.
Glancing up, my heart swelled to overflowing. Although the chapel was decorated magnificently with red and white roses and poinsettias, I only had eyes for the beautiful man, dressed in an all-white tuxedo, standing at the front. The love and adoration on his face could only be surpassed by mine. I felt James tighten his hold on my arm as I started forward too quickly, and heard him chuckle. In my peripheral vision, I saw Edward put his hand on Emmett's shoulder. Looking into Emmett's face, I grinned, just as he did.
The walk down the aisle seemed to take forever, but when James placed my hand in Emmett's, I felt at home and totally calm. I looked into those beautiful blue eyes and felt the tension leave his body as well. As he helped me up the two steps to stand beside him, James strode around behind me, and took his place as a groomsman between Edward and Jasper.
I stopped next to Em, and he took my other hand and turned me to face him.
"You take my breath away, Mara," he whispered. "I love you, sweetness."
"You're not so shabby yourself, sweet cheeks," I whispered back with a smile. "I love you more."
We stood silently gazing into each other's eyes as Rose began an introduction to I Finally Found Someone being sung live by Harry Connick Jr. and Celine Dion.
I Finally Found Someone
Written by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams
I finally found someone
That knocks me off my feet
I finally found the one
That makes me feel complete
It started over coffee
We started out as friends
It's funny how from simple things
The best things begin
This time it's different
And it's all because of you
It's better than it's ever been
`Cause we can talk it through
My favorite line was
"Can I call you sometime?"
It's all you had to say
To take my breath away
This is it, oh, I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one
To be with every night
`Cause whatever I do
It's just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone
Did I keep you waiting?
I didn't mind
I apologize, baby that's fine
I would wait forever just
To know you were mine
You know, I love your hair
Are you sure it looks right?
I love what you wear
Isn't it too tight?
You're exceptional
Can't wait for the rest of my life
This is it, oh, I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one
To be with every night
`Cause whatever I do
It's just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone
And whatever I do
It's just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone.
Alice and Sheri had outdone themselves.
The minister started the traditional service that Emmett and I had requested.
"Dearly beloved family and friends, we have gathered here to witness the uniting of Emmett Dale McCarty and Mara Fiona Brannigan in holy matrimony," he said, looking around. "If there is anyone here that can show just cause why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."
There was a moments silence before he continued.
"Emmett, will you take this woman, Mara, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love, honor and cherish her, and cleave only to her, so long as you both shall live?'
Looking deep into my eyes, Emmett raised my hands, kissed my fingers, and said loudly, "I will."
"And Mara, will you take this man, Emmett, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and cherish him, and cleave only to him, so long as you both shall live?"
"I will," I replied, squeezing his hands and smiling widely.
"Emmett and Mara have chosen to express a token of their love and fidelity by the exchange of rings, and reciting the vows they have written themselves."
Emmett took my ring from Edward. Taking my left hand in his, he slipped the magnificent diamond encrusted wedding band onto my ring finger. Then he looked up into my eyes, with tears filling his and enveloped my hand with both of his.
"Mara…" he started and had to clear his throat before beginning again. "Mara, when I walked into The Torch Club that first night, I wasn't expecting to find the angel who would heal all the wounds and sorrows I had endured. But one look into those vibrant green eyes of yours and I knew I was home. I was loud and boisterous, and you shut me down pretty quickly, in a very nice way. When you began to sing, I knew I had to get to know you…and I did. Through the last eighteen months, you have given me nothing but love and joy and laughter, and I have cherished every moment of it. Now you are honoring me by becoming my wife and making me the happiest of men. I promise to love and care for you through good times and bad, always. I will never demand, only ask of you. I will share all decisions with you because we are equal in this marriage. I love you, sweetness, with a love that has no bounds and is all encompassing. It will be yours for eternity."
By then, the tears were streaming down my cheeks. Turning my back to the congregation, I slid the white lace hanky out of my teddy, and heard Bella giggle as I dabbed at my face. Putting the cloth back in its place, I caught Emmett's lips twitching. Then, as I reached out, Sheri handed me his ring.
Taking his left hand into mine, I slid the ring onto his ring finger, and raised his hand to my lips and kissing it.
"Emmett," I said, squeezing his hand. "The moment you softly kissed me in that dark corridor behind the stage, you began to break down the high brick wall I had built around myself. And brick by brick you have leveled that wall, allowing me to be free again. You took a scared, intimidated, cowering young girl and made her into a happy, secure, and self-confident young woman…one who loves you with her whole mind, body and soul. I promise to be there for you at all times, to share the good and the bad, and never demand, only ask of you. All decisions will be made by us equally. With every breath that I take you are in my heart, and I think of you always. Without you my life would be nothing but grey; instead it is vibrant with a multitude of colors. I will love and honor and cherish you forever, my sweet cheeks…forever.
We turned slightly to face the minister and he grinned at us.
"With the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Emmett, you may kiss your bride."
"Finally," Emmett said as he pulled me into his arms. "I get to kiss you as my wife!"
His lips came down on mine hungrily and I reciprocated with as much fervor. There was only him and me in that moment. Our own little bubble surrounded us; no one else existed. When Edward cleared his throat and tapped Em on the shoulder, we slowly came back to the cheers and laughter of the congregation. Joining hands, we turned to face them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I be the first to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Dale McCarty."
With a quick peck on the lips, we grinned and began the recessional to Rose's, again joined by Mary Manning on cello, instrumental rendition of From This Moment by Shania Twain.
Reaching the vestibule, Emmett grabbed me up into another searing kiss as the rest of the wedding party joined us. We formed a receiving line and greeted our guests, reminding them of the reception at the Beverly Hills Hotel. After the last guest left, Joanne and Robert ushered us back into the chapel for pictures. An hour later, we escaped in a private limo to the reception.
Immediately, Emmett had me in his arms, his beautiful lips ravaging mine.
"I love you, Mrs. McCarty," he whispered drawing back for air. "Have I told you that you are the most beautiful bride, ever? And you're mine."
"I love you more, Mr. McCarty," I murmured back, against his lips. "You stole a piece of my heart that first night, but today my heart is filled to overflowing, only with you, forever."
We spent the next forty-five minute drive holding each other, kissing and murmuring our love for one another.
Pulling up to the entrance of the hotel, the driver had to slam on the brakes. The whole area was blocked by paparazzi and fans. We quickly straightened ourselves, making sure each other was presentable.
"We're gonna have to endure them to get inside, sweetness," Em said taking my hand. "Are you ready?"
"Of course, sweet cheeks," I replied, kissing his cheek. "I'm ready to begin my life with you, and this will be part of it."
With a nod to the driver, the limo door was opened, and Emmett stepped out. Reaching in, he took my hand and helped me out to stand beside him. With his arm around me, he lifted my chin and gave me our first public kiss. The photographers went wild, snapping picture after picture as the fans screamed and clapped their approval.
Smiling and waving, we made our way to the doors, and headed inside to our wedding reception.
A/N: Well, there you have it. Next time we'll attend the reception and share in the honeymoon. What secret does Mara have to share with Em? What's going to happen with Mar and Sher's Piano Bar? What about the movie that Cullen Productions is making?
Please show me that you forgive my delay with a review. I need to know whose still with me, PLEASE!
Hus,
Ellen
Story rec:
Bear and Bella in the Morning by Louise Clark; A smexy yummy Emmett/Bella