Chapter 8 – The Wedding

I had missed the green. I had missed the people. I had even missed the rain. It still didn't feel quite like home yet but all I knew was that at least it still had place in my heart. And it always would have.

It had been more than a week since we arrived at Forks and in that time I did not have a moment to rest. I spent all my time helping my dad and Sue with all of the last wedding details, I even stayed at my old house in order to be always available for my dad. We ended up finding him an old tuxedo from one of his friends and tailored it according to his measurements the night before the wedding. I would have to work most of the night on it but it would be worth it. Alice might not be physically present but her spirit for sure was with us as I did not even know how we managed to do it all in time. Ah… Alice. This past few days had been a welcoming distraction from our failed attempts to find her and Benjamin but it was in moments like this that sometimes I lost it. I remembered them and could not help but to miss them terribly.

"Aw!"

My father's protest plugged me from my thoughts. I had been making some last minute adjustments to his tux and as such he was standing on top of one the kitchen chairs all dressed up as I hovered around him with my pins and needles. Unfortunately for him, I had been so lost in my own thoughts that I had just prickled him with a safety pin. I could smell the blood but fortunately I had just fed that very afternoon. Since I had been living with him I had taken extra precautions and made a point to hunt every single day. Just in case.

"Sorry about that" I said with an apologetic smile while I continued to work on his tuxedo.

"Jeez, Bells, how much longer do I have to take this torture?" He questioned clearly already quite over the whole endeavor. I did not blame him, after all, I had been the exact same with my own wedding preparations. And I had to admit I was not the best seamstress but, unfortunately, I was the only one available for the job on such short notice.

"I'm almost finished dad, don't worry, just a few more minutes" I declared with a soothing voice in an attempt to ease his discomfort. But it did not seem to work as he sighed heavily.

"I should have gone with the burnt tux instead"

"No way, I would never let you do that to Sue"

"It would be faster and less painful" He kept on complaining as I noticed his heart starting to race.

"I never said I was seamstress" I tried to joke in order to lighten the mood.

"True" He said with a small chuckle though his heart seemed to keep on racing. A few minutes passed and he seemed to become more and more nervous. It was starting to worry me but as I was about to say something to distract him, he was faster "So…, have you chosen a plus one yet?"

"What? Dad-!"

"Bells, I need a distraction from all of these needles, so please do your old man this one favor and humor me" He pleaded and since I did know that he was actually getting pretty nervous I had no choice but to comply even if the subject was definitely not my favorite.

"Fine" I said with a small sigh as continued to work on the tuxedo "No, I don't have a plus one. I didn't think it was appropriate as I'm a recent widow you know… and besides there is no one that I could take with me anyway"

"What about Dr. Cullen?" Was his silly suggestion, making me drop the pin I had in hand but thanks to vampire speed I was able to catch it just in time. I proceeded to work as if his words any no effect on me whatsoever.

"Carlisle? Wouldn't that make it weirder?"

"Not for me. You seem to be on first name basis, you both lost your spouses, you have been there for each other in grief and are like family so… why not? A plus one doesn't need to be someone your romantically interested in" Listening to his explanation made sense and would probably be alright if we didn't live in a small town but this was Forks; me and Carlisle appearing together would draw even more attention to the fact that our spouses weren't indeed with us and the reason why they weren't.

"I suppose you're right… but still there will be already enough gossip as it is, so I will attend alone" I tried to explain since my dad sometimes saw no flaws at all in the place he lived and it's people "Besides, this is yours and Sue's day, all the attention should be on you guys"

"Does it really have to be all?" He question as his heart quickened once more. I could not help but to chuckled lightly as it was in these times that I knew for sure that I was his daughter.

"Dad…" I expressed still with a soft smile on my lips as I attempted to reassure him "You will be fine, remember that after all the fuss and bother is over you get to be with Sue for the rest of your lives. It will all be worth it; trust me"

"Yeah, I guess you're right" He said, sighing deeply as he squeezed my hand, managing a small smile "Thanks, Bell"

"No problem" Was my answer as I resumed working on his tuxedo. Though, not very long after I as once again interrupted.

"But, Bella..."

"Yeah?"

"Will you be okay?" I could sense the worry in his question, the true reason he asked me if I had a date. He did not wish for me to be alone and miserable and as such I was determined to make him understand that I had everything under control, even if that wasn't hundred percent the truth. But he needn't to worry about such things, it was his special day after all.

"Dad… don't worry about me. I will be fine, I'm happy to be here" I articulated, looking at him directly now so he knew that I was being honest.

"I know but still, it must be hard for you" He stated, eyes remaining filled with concern.

"Actually, not as much as I thought it would; I have you thank for that" I said with a gentle smile, meaning it. I had missed him terribly, even more than I thought I would and was just happy to be near him once more.

"You know I didn't set my tux on fire on purpose right?" A playful smile danced on his lips as he said these words, although, he seemed also moved by my words which was something rare that he would allow himself to transpire. But, then again, some things did change and for the better.

"Yeah, I know but in a weird way I'm happy you did" I admitted as he had no idea how much I had been needing his company, I myself did not realize it until I got his call almost two weeks prior. My dad represented some kind of normality, one of the few remaining strings that kept me tied to my human life. And, I had to admit I was not ready to give it up just yet. As such, I wanted to cherish every single moment together as much as I could.

"Me too" He agreed with a light chuckle, his hand brushing against my cheek in a comforting manner.

He got down from the chair since I was finally finished and as I started to put my things away in order to take them to my old room, I could not stop myself from saying the next words as I did not know if I would ever have the chance again.

"Thanks for always being there for me dad; I don't think I tell you this enough"

"Oh, honey…" Was all he managed to say as he walked towards me and hugged me tightly. I could feel and smell him crying. He really had changed.

"Dad…, are you crying?" I asked, teasing, although, I did not blame him. If I were human I would have cried too.

"No…" He stubbornly denied, embarrassed "I love you, Bells, so much, so much" He declared through a small sob.

"I love you too, dad" I managed to whisper back as I felt his lips kiss my forehead.

We stayed like so for a few minutes and it felt so nice that I could not let go first. I think we both needed this, this moment, this time together, to know how much we meant to each other because beforehand that was not always so clear. But I was happy it finally was, I just did not know how I would be able to let him go now, even knowing it was the best for him.

I tightened the embrace slightly, forgetting he was still inside his tuxedo full of safety pins. As such, I ended up prickling him again.

"Aw, aw" He protested, reluctantly let me go of our embrace as I chuckled lightly.

"Okay, let's get you out of that tux"

He handed me the tuxedo jacket in order for me to start working on it right way. I went up the stairs to my old room with everything I needed to get sewing and closed the door behind me. Looking at the room that used to be mine it looked like a room of a stranger. It was mostly bare, without any pictures, books or anything that indicated that someone lived there, although, my childhood rocking chair was still present, alongside my old bed and desk. I sighed, feeling more melancholic than ever as I imagined what my life could have been like and simultaneously who I had been in the past. Both seemed almost whipped out from this room, the emptiness of it all hitting me like ton of bricks. Just another reminder of what I had forever lost.

And forever was such a long time.

I shook my head. This was not the time for such silly thoughts, after all, I had more to do than to dwell on the past and the many what ifs. These were happy times, I reminded myself.

With everything I needed in hand, I walked towards the desk and started to sew and for once I was glad I had vampire speed at my disposal because if not I wouldn't have finished Charlie's whole ensemble in time. Still, I had a nights work again of me.

I hadn't been sewing for more than half an hour when my dad called me down to dinner. I could not help but to frown as I did not wish to eat any human food and had hoped to skip this inconvenience altogether as I was expecting him to go out to dinner with his friends. After all, it was the night before his wedding.

As I got to the kitchen a big box of pizza was lying on the table. Next to it were two plates and a can of beer and another of Coca-cola. My dad was already sitting on one of the chairs with his pajamas on. I laughed lightly.

"What is all this? I thought you were going out with the guys"

"I was but, you know, I already had a bachelor party the first time around and I didn't see a need to do it again. I love Sue and I want to marry her, so I don't need to celebrate my 'last night of freedom', as people usually say" He explained, gesturing for me to sit down in the chair next to him, my old place at the table. I did so, as gentle smile bloomed on my lips after hearing him talk about Sue "Besides, I was hoping you would finally show me all of the pictures that you took during you trip to Denmark" He suggested as he opened the pizza box and handed me the first slice. I tried not to look mortified at the prospect of having to really eat the pizza but I had no excuse not to.

"Oh, sure but I still have to download all of the pictures to my laptop; it will take a couple of minutes" I said, placing the pizza down and heading to my bedroom "I will bring everything here so we don't have to wait long"

"Okay, but are you sure you don't to eat first?"

"No, it's okay, dad, I can eat while I do this" I said and as I turned my back on him I sighed of relief. I had just bought myself some time.

In two minutes I brought my camera and laptop down to the kitchen and placed everything on the table. I took the memory card off my camera and inserted it on the computer and then we just had to wait for all the files to transfer themselves. After that I could not ignore dinner any longer, so I opened my can of Coca-cola and took a sip. Yup, it still tasted terrible. So much so that I questioned how I was able to drink it in my human days.

"I'm glad we are doing this; I really needed something to distract me from tomorrow" He admitted as he had his third slice.

"Dad, are you getting cold feet?" I questioned with a small chuckle because I doubted it, especially after the way he had just spoken about Sue.

"No… but I worry that… well…" He tried to say, letting his concerns transpire through his features and it was then I knew he was truly worried. His heart beat confirmed it.

"Worry about what?" I questioned softly, my voice gentle.

"That it will happen again" He admitted and then I knew exactly what he was talking about. The divorce. He feared it and I did not blame him for that. My mother left him suddenly, packing and leaving with me on the same day with no prior notice. I extended my hand to his in support, squeezing it.

"Dad, it won't happen again; this is different. You have grown so much as person since then"

"I know but the first time I never saw it coming; now I understand why your mother left and my part in her decision but initially it was a shock, I had no clue and it took me years to understand" He said looking down at our hands. He had never talked about this particular subject so openly before but it seemed to be doing him some good. For too long he had let those feelings inside. I was glad, as Sue appeared to have helped him process everything in a healthy way. I was grateful to her and to everyone that had helped him as I was really starting to see a positive change in him that left me a bit more at peace with leaving this world. He had people that cared for him. He was loved.

"But you are forgetting something important; you are comparing the present with something that no longer exists. You are not the same person you were, dad, and Sue is not mom" I tried to reason with him in order to make him understand how far he had really come "Besides, I have seen you two together. It is meant to be, I'm sure of it" I completed with an encouraging smile.

"Thanks, Bell; I shouldn't even be having this conversation with you but thank you for being supportive" He expressed, as he patted my hand softly.

"Always, dad"

"What it is that?" He questioned suddenly. A window in my laptop showed that all of the files had been downloaded, so we were ready to see the pictures at last. I was also curious since it was my first time watching all of the photos as I did not have enough time to do so while I was in Denmark.

"Oh, they are ready"

It appeared that I had a little bit more than a thousand pictures to show him and as such we moved to the couch for better comfort as the task at hand was was indeed a long one.

As I glided from picture to picture I explained to him what it was and the name of the various places I had wanted him to see. I had a large amount of Amalienborg photos both of the exterior and the interior. Then followed all the cafes, libraries, and small shops I visited, along with numerous shoots of the canal and river that flowed through the city. There was also pictures of some animals I found by chance, some friendly cats and dogs and even a beautiful swallow. I had also asked Carlisle to take some pictures of me to show my dad how much fun I had been having in Copenhagen, at least to maintain our lies. I felt embarrassed looking at them now but Charlie seemed to appreciate and love them, so it was at least worth it. And, in typical Carlisle fashion, there were even more photos of me when I was distracted and not looking at the camera. If I were human I would have turned completely red as I gazed at my own awkwardness. I became so furious that I was about to say some very nasty words of disapproval before Charlie declared that those were his favorites of the bunch, even asking me if he could have some of them printed. I sighed and had to give in. After all, how could I refuse him? It was the night before his wedding.

Next some more pictures of the enchanting scenery of Copenhagen followed as we approached the last ten photos. I had completely forgotten about these and that was the reason why I never deleted them in the first place. Various pictures of Carlisle danced through my laptop's screen, his smile contagious as he laughed, trying to get away from me, the cafe we where at painting the background. As soon as I realized my mistake, I started to get past them quite quickly until I reached the end and the screen went completely black.

"What was that all about? Why didn't you let me see the rest? Those seemed like fun"

"It's nothing, I just forgot to delete them" I stated, looking at the blank screen of my laptop without being able to face him just yet. My words were meant to brush the situation off as something of little importance because, in truth, I did not know why it mattered to me at all.

"He seemed happy" My dad pointed out, trying to get more information out of me.

"If you say so" I shrugged, closing the laptop as I got up from the couch "I'm going upstairs to finish your tuxedo; will you be alright without me?" I informed, my comment being an attempt to distract my dad from the subject altogether. It worked.

"Don't worry about me, Bell, I think I'm going sleep early tonight"

"Okay, see you in the morning dad!"

"Goodnight, Bells" He wished also getting up and then added with a genuine smile "And thank you for tonight, I had a lot of fun" I could not help but to smile back at him as I was also glad I was able to spend some quality time with him, one last time.

"I had fun too"

I was still working on the tuxedo hours after my dad fell asleep, my hands never stopping even for a second as time was of the essence. Although, I had to also admit that my thoughts did not seem to slow down either. I had hoped that this time would be an opportunity for my mind to rest for a while but it proved to be something completely impossible.

I was so worried about the day ahead. About being with everyone, about the questions, about facing the fact that I was letting my dad go, that it would probably be the last time I ever saw him. And the gossip, oh, the gossip. My old friends from high school were also invited to the wedding and I was dreading such a reunion. As well as all of our friends from the Reservation which I was also dreading to meet. It was not going to be an easy and fun time for me but it would all be worth it for my dad. As long I was as able to spend one last day with him and see him happy, it was all the mattered, even if that meant having to deal with some unpleasant situations. Fortunately, I would have Carlisle around that understood what I was going through better than anyone. It would have to do.

Thinking about Carlisle reminded me of those silly pictures I had taken of him. It was embarrassing that my dad had seen them but as I remembered the moment I took them I could not help but to laugh lightly, my heart warming with the memory. But then the laughter quickly faded as I thought that one day I would be the one taking that smile away from his features when he inevitable ended my existence. I could not bare the thought, the deal I had so carelessly made many months ago. Would I really be capable of such a selfish act in the end? Of taking a little bit more of his light with me.

Morning came, as it is usual of mornings, and by 6 am I had everything ready. The tuxedo was done and pressed and I had just started decorating the backyard as both the ceremony and the reception where at my dad's house. As the morning progressed I made my dad a very nice breakfast, it was more like a feast but still I wanted him to feel good and the least stressed as possible. After that more people started to arrive with food, drink and flowers. I helped set everything up and also left the house for a few minutes to go pick up Mr. Weber who was also going to officiate the wedding. When I arrived back the photographer was already there, taking various pictures of my dad getting ready. Some of the guests had also already arrived as well and were enjoying the cocktail hour since it was almost 2 pm, the time that the wedding was scheduled to begin.

As such, I hurried upstairs and took a quick shower. I did my hair and makeup in vampire speed and quickly ran into my room to change into a navy blue formal satin dress, which was quite simple, with long sleeves and figure hugging as the fabric draped to the floor. Putting the shoes and the crystal earrings on I was finally ready.

When I got downstairs I was immediately led to my seat on the front row, just saying a quick hi to everyone I saw. Not even five minutes had passed when my dad descended down the aisle and took his place. On his way he stopped by where I was seated and took my hand into his, squeezing it tightly. I could tell he was still nervous and I did not blame him, after all, he hated the attention. So I squeezed back, giving him an encouraging look as I whispered a quick I love you in order to reassure him that I had his back. He smiled lightly and nodded affirmatively before standing next to Mr. Weber.

We waited for about ten more minutes and than we heard the wedding march beginning. Everyone got up and glanced over to see the bride for the first time. Sue looked radiant in her simple but elegant lace wedding gown. Various orchids adorned her hair as a simple veil flowed to the floor, gently moving along as she glided across the aisle with more orchids composing her bouquet and Seth in her arm. It was a sight to be contemplated and even I, that did not much care for weddings, had to admit so. The love in hers and my fathers eyes illuminated the whole backyard even on such a gloomy day as this and as the ceremony progress that light only grew brighter and stronger, their kiss sealing their promises to each other.

As it was over, I walked towards my father and embraced him tightly wishing him and Sue everything good that this world had to offer. He had tears in this eyes when he looked back at me and placed a kiss on my forehead but that was the end of our interactions for the next several hours as more and more people wanted to congratulate the happy couple.

The reception went on as slowly as I had imagined, with people walking over to me several times expressing their condolences. It wouldn't have bothered me if it was one or two people but I already lost count of how many times I said the words thank you, you're very kind. I did not seem to have a moments rest as more than half the town had showed up to the wedding of chef Swan and everyone wanted to know how his strange daughter was after the tragic accident that befell her. I could not take a minute more of that charade and as I was ready to take a glass of champagne, that I did not intend to drink, and walk away somewhere quiet, someone tapped my should and before she spoke I already knew who it was.

"Bella!" I sighed, trying not to look annoyed as I turned around and found myself looking at Jessica Stanley, Mike Newton, Angela Weber and Ben Cheney. Just my luck.

"Hey, hum, everybody" I said, having nowhere to run.

"Oh, Bella, we are so so sorry about what happen to Edward and his family" Jessica expressed with a most exaggerated sad expression, so much so that I thought tears would come out, as she embraced me.

"It's okay" I uttered, patting her lightly on the back as if she was the one needing comfort.

"But are you really?" Asked Angela, her eyes truly concerned. She had always been a good friend.

"Yes, Ang, I am but thank you for caring" I thanked her with a gentle smile as I softly let go of Jessica.

"But how can you be? I heard that you also lost a daughter" Jess insisted, making me even more uncomfortable with the subject than before. They knew nothing and I did not want to discuss my daughter with a couple of people looking only for gossip and the misery of others to have their fun.

"Yeah, we heard you became a mother" Added Mike, a slight mockery on his features that struck a nerve in me. But I did not bite. I tried to brush it off the best that I could.

"Hum… yes, I adopted a sweet little girl a few months ago"

"Adopted?" Jessica said with a small laugh "Come on, you can tell us the truth; that was the reason you got married wasn't it? Because you were already pregnant"

"I-"

"See, I was right!" She declared before I was able to say anything as I could not even believe her nerve.

"Jess, stop it! Do you really think this is the right time for-" Angela started to say in my defense but she did not need to continue because I knew that I had just been saved the minute I felt his familiar scent around me.

"Excuse me" He said, placing a protecting hand on my naked back, making my quiver lightly at the touch.

"Dr. Cullen" They all said in unison, surprised and even embarrassed, making me bite my lip not to laugh.

"May I borrow Bella for short while; she promised me a dance" He asked with his enchanting vampire smile, dazzling them a little. In my human days I too would been dazzled like so but now I was grateful to now his true smile, the one he showed only to the ones he trusted the most.

"Of course" Said Angela her voice gentle, a clear understanding in her eyes "See you later"

I let him lead me to dance floor that he knew I hated but it was much better than the place I was at before so I did not complain. I was grateful and I tried I remain that way as he took me into his arms and led us into a slow dance, gliding us across the floor. I attempted very hardly not to think about his touch in my bare skin, how it made me feel. I brushed it off, after all it was probably the nerves from what had just happened. Yes, that was it.

"That was impeccable timing, sir" I thanked him with a playful smile, holding onto him for dear life as even as I vampire I did not enjoy a dance.

"Why thank you" He smirked as he made me do a turn.

"If you keep on going like this I will start getting dizzy" I warned him but my words only made his smile widen.

"Vampires don't get dizzy" He expressed matter-of-factually.

"This one does" I insisted which earned me a he chuckle from him.

"Noted" He said, slowing us down even more as he pulled me much closer "What about like this? Better?"

"Much better" I uttered as our eyes locked onto one another.

It was almost hard to breathe due to the closeness we shared and suddenly there it was again, the fire from before. The one that felt like home but that remained ever so fragile. I craved it, so much. And it felt so close to my touch, I could almost reach it. I had only but to give in and I would destroy this world, burning it to the ground.

"You look beautiful tonight"

"Very funny" I said glaring at him as I did not know how to take a complement from anybody much less from him "You do not look so bad yourself" I added. And he indeed did not but this is already quite obvious to you reader, as one can only but imagine the appearance of Carlisle Cullen.

"Thank you" He expressed sheepishly, his eyes gentle "I wish I could paint you just like this" He confessed, to which if I were human I would have blushed to infinity. I tried not to look it.

"Then, you shall; I promised you after all"

"You did, didn't you?" He expressed, excitement dancing in his eyes "I suppose I just found my inspiration then" He completed, quite content with himself.

"Glad I could help"

"We shall do it tonight" He declared, an unshakable determination and enthusiasm emanating from him.

"Tonight?!"

Author's note: Dear readers, thank so much for reading chapter 8! Once more it was a joy to write this one although it is a slower chapter, i simply loved doing Bella's and Charlie's scenes, there is something so comforting about their relationship that makes my heart feel warm. Once more, thank you so much for the lovely reviews, favorites and follows, they truly make my day and i enjoy reading your thoughts and theories about what is going to happen next, keep them coming! Thank you once more and i hope to see you on the next one!