XXXVIII. The Corpse Bride and Groom

I didn't get to immediately meet Jasper's family. Like Alice had said, there was plenty to be done.

So, it was several hours later, when the cloud cover had returned, and everyone was dressed to the nines, that I finally caught a glimpse of them, out in the back of the house.

I was dressed in my little Slovak bridesmaid dress, bright red flowers crowning my head, with curls and ribbons framing my made-up face. In comparison, Edward appeared considerably more modern, standing at my side in his simple gray tux. Somehow, he was even more beautiful. The sharp lines of his suit cut a clean, imposing figure, and his hair was neatly styled for once, gleaming like copper-spun wire.

I reached up and readjusted his already perfect necktie, looking for an excuse to touch him. I caught his eye and beamed. "You look so handsome."

"So you've said," he chuckled, though I could detect the small strain in his voice.

Out here, with everyone gathered, it was not difficult to make eye contact with a pair of red eyes. I imagined that the single human in their vicinity had drawn much of their attention. Especially when said human was strictly off the menu.

"They're interested in meeting you," Edward murmured, though it wasn't like everyone in our midst couldn't hear him. Even Kate and Alice, the only ones who remained within the house, would be able to listen in.

I shot him my best, reassuring smile. "Okay."

Although Edward kept his expression neutral, I knew from the look in his eyes that he was not happy about this. Garrett's presence had already had him on edge. The addition of two more red-eyes had Edward practically overwrought with nerves, though he refused to show it.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Jasper gesturing towards the new pair to follow him. I turned and got my first good look at them.

Peter could have easily passed off as Jasper's brother. He was the same towering height as him, and though his hair was a little shorter and a little paler, the difference was negligible.

Charlotte had the same, pale blonde hair. She wasn't quite as tiny as Alice, but was still very small and petite. Her hair was styled in a cascade of blonde curls pinned to one side, and she wore a simple, black gown, with thin straps and a sweetheart neckline.

As soon as they stood across from us, Jasper broke the silence, his stance and expression notably more relaxed than Edward's rigid presence at my side. "Isabella, this is my family," he said, motioning towards them. "This is my brother, Peter, and his mate, Charlotte."

"Hello," I greeted them, unsure of what to make of them. Unlike Garrett, whose easy going attitude had quickly endeared him to me, this pair didn't seem quite as agreeable. Ultimately, the curiosity in their gazes made me feel more like a zoo animal than a person. Regardless of this, I said, "It's nice to meet you."

Fortunately for Edward's frayed nerves, neither of them bothered reaching out to shake my hand. Instead, Peter nodded, with the perplexed expression of someone who still didn't fully understand why I was here. "Likewise. We've been hearing much about you from Jasper's kin. I reckon you must be quite something, to be getting involved in all this gory business." Like Jasper, his voice carried the same southern twang.

My polite smile turned wry. "I tried my best not to be, but the higher powers wouldn't hear of it."

He chuckled. "Is that so?"

"Is this higher power you're referring to named Alice?" Charlotte wondered, the cautious expression on her face relaxing the tiniest bit.

Whether she was cautious because she intended to remain in control of herself, or because she found my presence lamentable was anyone's guess. (Other than Edward's, I supposed.)

"Partially," I answered with a vague smile. "Although if her meddling is this widely anticipated, I'm sure posing as a deity wouldn't be too off brand for her."

"Don't give her any ideas," Jasper cut in with a roll of his eyes.

I laughed. "I doubt it matters much. Alice does what she likes."

"I'm afraid I have to agree with her on this one, Jazz," Peter grinned.

To my relief, Peter and Charlotte were both beginning to soften their demeanor.

"So what? Alice has always had our best interest at heart. I say, let her interfere as much as she pleases," Charlotte was quick to come to her defense.

I snorted. Alice hardly has any boundaries as it is. I would hardly like to cut down on the few she has, if I can help it.

Charlotte eyed me, curious once more. "What about you, Isabella? I hear you're special as well."

I shook my head. "Don't listen to any of it. It's all slander."

Jasper scoffed with disbelief. "Might I remind you, darlin', that we're all here, dressed up like this, on account of your fortune telling."

Edward, who up until now, had remained a silent and guarded observer, burst into quiet laughter. "It's true. And you are being rather obtuse, if you think anyone in my family would say a slanderous word about you by this point."

My smile turned sheepish. "I know, I was just kidding. Esme would never."

What I didn't say out loud was that his words were genuinely relieving to hear. It wasn't that long ago that Rosalie had hated my guts or that Jasper had been planning my murder. Even if they tolerated me at best, it was still a much desired improvement.

"Do you have a fortune for us?" Charlotte wondered.

I fiddled with one of the red ribbons framing my face. "Ah no, I'm afraid not."

"That's probably for the best," Peter waved me off. "While I'm happy it's worked out for Garrett, I'm not so sure I'm interested in chasing after a pipe dream myself."

I shrugged. "That's alright. It's not for everyone. Garrett happened to want an adventure, and it seems I sent him on his biggest one yet."

"I'll say," Peter agreed, glancing over his shoulder towards the groom, who appeared to be receiving advice from Emmett of all people. "It was mighty nice of you though."

"I guess. It would've happened eventually. With or without me," I pointed out. Sometimes, it felt as though the Cullens gave me too much credit. Which was a difficult thing to swallow, when I remembered I was still lying to them.

"Sure. But it's happening now," Charlotte countered, crimson eyes lit up with amusement.

Before I could deliver the retort on the tip of my tongue, Alice exited the back door and stepped out onto the back porch, garnering everyone's attention. She was outfitted in a shimmering, pale gold gown, and appeared to be wearing higher heels than usual. For once, her spiky hair was smoothed down and glossy with product. She was stunning.

Alice stepped forward onto the highest porch step, and announced, "The bride is ready to be bartered."

My eyes practically bulged. "Bartered?" I hissed, shooting a questioning glance in Edward's direction.

He grinned. "It's a tradition called odpytovanie, where the groom is supposed to ask the bride's family for her hand in marriage once more. It's based on a remnant of Slavik traditions, when there was no wedding, and a man would kidnap the woman he wanted."

I wrinkled my nose. "How barbaric."

"It's the one tradition Tanya truly insisted on. I think she just wants to make Garrett sweat it out a little longer," Edward snickered.

Tanya sauntered up to take Alice's place on the porch and shot me a wink, before facing Garrett, who stood confidently below her, still on the lawn.

Alongside Kate and us bridesmaids, Garrett had also chosen traditional attire to appease Tanya's vision, consisting of black boots, a loose, white tunic and matching white trousers. It was overlapped with a bulky, leather belt, a colorful red, brown and yellow patterned vest, and a black, waist-length cloak lined in red. And adorned atop his waves of sandy hair, was a short-brimmed black hat arrayed with the same flowers Kate was meant to wear in her flower wreath.

I thought Garrett made a striking figure in the rich and colorful apparel.

Although one would hardly think so, seeing the way Tanya was eyeing him with a gleam of disdain.

"Tanya," he said solemnly, adjusting the brim of his hat. "As Kate's beloved older sister, I ask your permission to take her hand in marriage."

"And what is it that you, Garrett, have to offer her?" she countered, equally solemn.

He straightened under her gaze and answered with conviction, "I may not be able to offer Kate any material possessions, but what I can give her is my love, my devotion, my friendship, and my eternity."

Tanya eyed him for a second longer. "Is that all?"

Garrett dipped his head. "It's all I have."

A long moment occurred, in which Tanya swept her eyes over Garrett, as though weighing the validity of his words. It wasn't until she finally broke her silence, that I felt the tension lift.

"Very well," she acquiesced, and turned back, stepping towards the door and pulling it open to call Kate into view.

I leaned forward, eyes bright with anticipation, until I realized that no―that wasn't even Kate.

It was Carmen.

My eyes shot towards where Carmen had stood beside Eleazar not too long ago, only to find that he now stood on his own.

"Here is your bride, as agreed," Tanya said, gesturing for Carmen to join Garrett.

For a second, Garrett appeared genuinely bewildered, before he caught onto Tanya's game.

"That is not Kate," he deadpanned.

"Oh? It is not? Are you sure?" Tanya played dumb, tapping a finger to her lips, expression turning thoughtful as she gave Carmen a once-over. "You are not Kate?"

Carmen laughed, sweeping back her long, ebony curls. "No, I do not believe I am."

"Ah, well…my mistake," Tanya shrugged, and waved her forward.

With a giggle, Carmen strutted down the steps and crossed the lawn to join Eleazar once more.

Garrett heaved a loud, dramatic sigh. "I thought we'd come to an understanding, Tanya. Please, allow me to see my bride now."

"Yes, yes. Of course," Tanya said blithely, before flouncing back towards the door and beckoning someone else forward.

As soon as I caught sight of the mammoth figure following Tanya out onto the porch, my hand flew up to my mouth in a sad attempt to muffle a chortle.

Wearing an easy grin, Emmett sashayed after Tanya.

"Here is your bride," Tanya announced, with a perfectly bland expression.

Garrett rolled his eyes, and this time, he couldn't quite keep the laughter from his voice as he said, "That is most certainly not my bride."

"Oh no. I am positive it is," Tanya disagreed.

"But babe, I thought we had something special," Emmett protested, pouting. An expression which quite frankly, looked ridiculous on him.

Garrett heaved another heavy sigh. "I'm sorry, Emmett, but I can't possibly return your feelings. It's Kate who I love. I refuse to accept you as my bride."

"Way to break up with a dude," Emmett scoffed, stomping down the steps with a false air of indignation. Once he reached Rosalie's side, he said to her, "You still love me, right Rose?"

Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"That's not a no."

"Tanya, my bride?" Garrett demanded, turning back to face her, crossing his arms and wearing a mock-serious frown.

Tanya huffed and stepped aside. "Very well, Garrett. If you want your bride so badly, perhaps you should go and find her yourself."

"Perhaps I should," he grinned, and vanished in a blur.

It wasn't even a second later that they burst through the door. As soon as they did, we erupted into cheers, claps, and wolf-whistles.

Kate was devastatingly beautiful. The dress Alice had designed for her was even more impressive in real life. And her flower wreath was the most elaborate one I'd seen. Soft, white gauze wrapped around her head, covered in white roses, small pink buds, and baby's breath. And below her intricate updo, flowed trails of thick white ribbons.

Even better than her dress and flowers though, was the radiant grin she wore.

Once Tanya was able to get us to settle down, she turned to Garrett and Kate. "Garrett, I truly believe you meant everything you said. It is my honor to give you and Kate my blessing to be wed."

If possible, Kate's grin turned brighter.

Carlisle, who I understood was both the officiant and Garrett's best man, joined the couple on the porch, standing on Kate's other side. "On behalf of Garrett, I thank you Tanya. He's a very dear friend of mine, just as you and your sisters are. I promise you, Kate could not have found a better man."

Tanya's expression noticeably softened. "Thank you, Carlisle."

I blinked a couple of times, when I noticed my lashes growing wet.

"Are you crying?" Edward asked quietly, eyebrows arching.

"No…well, not yet," I smiled, abashed. "It's all very sweet, isn't it?"

Edward gazed at me with soft eyes. "Yes, it is."

It was about another hour later, after the photo shoot had been completed to Alice's satisfaction, that we began a small procession through the forest, until we reached a small, round clearing that had been set up for the ceremony.

The wooden arch Kate and Garrett stood below was the main centerpiece, draped in layers of white fabric, along with a million cascading flowers in colors of red, white, and gold.

As a bridesmaid, I got to sit in the front row, in between Tanya and Irina.

The chairs were made of red cedar wood, and designed by the Emmett, with intricately styled vines and flowers to make up the backrest and legs. Across the tree branches around us, layers of gauzy white fabric hung, adorned with waterfalls of flower arrangements, petals scattered across the thick moss of the forest ground.

It was magical.

And the ceremony was equally beautiful. Using the advice I'd given her, Kate's vows were unique to her love for Garrett, and her promises to him. My eyes involuntarily teared up once more.

It was as Carlisle was officiating their vows, that I caught Edward's gaze across the aisle.

He sat on the opposite front row, beside Carmen and Eleazar.

There was something earnest in his eyes, which made it practically impossible to pull my own eyes away from his. I tilted my head and smiled, wondering about the ocean of thoughts in his gaze.

But then―

Light. Beams of light shattered against Edward, as though he were being lit on fire.

But the fire wasn't fire. It was fractures of crystal light; a kaleidoscope of jewels on his skin.

Around me, everyone was cheering. It took me another second to realize that my jaw had slackened. I closed my mouth with a click of my teeth and returned my gaze to Kate and Garrett.

They were kissing.

It was difficult to suppress a grin. It was so like Alice to time the return of the sun alongside Kate and Garrett's kiss.

I stood along with everyone, and made my way over to stand beside Edward, as we waited in line to personally congratulate the newly wedded couple.

Edward was tense at my side.

Gently, I hooked my pinky with his.

"What's the matter?" I whispered, unable to look directly at him, with the sunlight still striking his face.

"You're not…repulsed?"

I made the effort to meet his luminous eyes, which were crinkled with concern. "No, of course not."

"Oh."

In front of me, Emmett shot me a look over his shoulder. "Say it ain't so. You mean you're not frightened by my dazzling appearance?"

I rolled my eyes. "Emmett, you look like a walking disco ball."

"Touché," he grumbled, and turned to follow Rosalie.

Edward snickered. "Disco ball? I don't know why I expected anything less from you."

"Hey, I had already warned you before that I wanted to see you glitter," I huffed.

Edward shot me a (literally) dazzling smile. "Yes, I recall."

I gently bumped my shoulder against his arm. "Then don't take it so hard."

"Yes, love."

Not long after, we reached the arch and I was being drawn into Kate's gentle embrace. For Edward's peace of mind, Garrett kept his distance, and exchanged words with him first.

"Isabella, thank you," Kate murmured against my flower crown.

"I'm just happy to be here," I laughed. "So thanks for having me."

She pulled back with a big smile, light bouncing off her pearly white teeth. "It was the least I could offer."

Garrett turned from Edward, his brilliant red eyes landing on me. "You're a strange little human, Isabella. And it's been entertaining seeing you stir up the dust around here. Thanks for drawing me into the mix."

A grin split my face. "It's my pleasure, Garrett. And congratulations―to both of you," I said, sweeping my gaze between the two, radiant vampires. It was almost painful to stare at them for too long.

"We're very happy for you," Edward added. "Welcome to the family, Garrett."

Garrett barked out a laugh. "Didn't think you'd be saying that when we first met, did you, Ed?"

Edward wrinkled his nose with distaste, fragments of luminous beams ricocheting. "Don't push it."

I began to pull Edward away. "He doesn't mean it, Garrett," I called over my shoulder, just before we were replaced by Alice and Jasper.

"I did," Edward refuted me.

"Yes, well, it's their day," I reminded him, as we began our trek back to his house. "You can let it go for now."

Edward heaved a long suffering sigh.

"Hey, don't be a grump. I doubt 'Ed' is the worst nickname you've ever been given."

"No, you're right," he said, his tone suddenly agreeable. "If I recall, it wasn't so long ago that someone called me…what was it? Ed-weirdo? Did I remember that correctly?"

My face flushed red. "Oops."

"As expected. You don't sound particularly repentant."

I pressed my lips together in a poor attempt to keep my laughter at bay. "It was funny."

"So you've said. But, I suppose as long as it amuses you, it's alright," he agreed sarcastically.

"I'm sorry!"

Unfortunately, the apology, paired with my laughter, sounded very insincere.

Edward shot me a look, and I met his luminous face with a sheepish smile and squinty eyes.

It was then that my stomach took the inopportune moment to utter a demanding growl.

Edward chuckled. "Come on, it's time for an early dinner."

I pouted. "But the reception―"

"Is currently being set up by the river," Edward reminded me. "You can spare fifteen minutes."

"Oh very well," I relented and patted my stomach. "What's for dinner?"

A/N: I currently am, and have been, sleep-deprived. So if you see any weird mistakes, that's probably why.

The reception will be next. The whole thing was meant to be one chapter, but there's no way I was going to fit everything I wanted to in just the one. Hopefully my characterizations of Peter and Charlotte were alright. They don't have much of a presence in canon, and I've never read any fics with them, so I did my own take on them.

Also, one of my awesome readers SladkayApelsinka is currently taking the time to translate this story into Russian. It's called Pond and Skeleton. Check out the link in my profile! :)

Let me know your thoughts please! :)

P.S. I just wanted to give a quick shout out to all my guest reviewers! Y'all have been dropping some awesome reviews, and I'm sad I can't reply directly to you guys. Thank you so much for the support! :)