Long time, no see! This chapter was a hard fought one. Trying to find the right balance of their happy moment before the final push into the climax of the story was difficult, but I finally found it. I'm just starting on 28, so that will probably be another little bit of a wait, but for now, here we are. Enjoy, and thank you for your patience.
Chapter 27
The first part of the year was focused on the administration's response to the supposedly salacious photos of the President. They were able to track down which AI generator was used to create the pictures because they had been uploaded directly from the generator, instead of being saved and then posted. For a time, the picture would pop up every few days, but was down within hours of it resurfacing. Once the generator was discovered, the owners of the program shared the account information of the person who created it. That would have been a dead end if it hadn't included their IP address.
That was the source of the big break in the case. Christopher Forge was a night security guard at a mall in Bloomington, Indiana. His browser history read like someone trying to join the radicalized facet of the Fathers of the Republic, and when he was questioned, he told the FBI he "wanted the world to see the President for the whoring temptress she truly was." It was a disturbed interview, but it was also enough to have him arrested and charged for violating the laws that protected people from their image being used against them.
That case was the example touted when the AI Protections Act was put before Congress. In a show of bipartisanship, it passed and was signed by President Swan in mid-April.
It was the last legislative push before her wedding, and with fittings and last-minute decisions, her days were full.
Having the President of Ireland hosting their honeymoon took a great deal of pressure off Bella. She and Edward gave Garrett a list of things they wanted to see, and he worked with a few representatives of their counterparts in Ireland to plan security for the First Couple.
The evening before her wedding, Edward went to Emmett's residence for a low-key celebration while Bella did the same with those closest to her at the Residence.
Sue and Seth were both there for dinner, but begged off the rest of the evening's activities so the girls were able to get settled into the Treaty Room. Alice and Virna had arrived with tons of snacks and wine, as well as sparkling cider so Leah didn't feel left out.
They all curled up as a romcom played, but their attention wasn't on the screen.
"Are you excited for tomorrow?" Leah asked.
"I'm excited for Edward to finally be my husband. We've had such a long and twisted road to get here. I'm ready for us to be the Swan-Masens."
"He's taking your name too?" Virna questioned.
"Yes, he was adamant that if I was making the change, then both our family names should be carried on."
"It's a very you thing to do," Rosalie commented.
"And when will your engagement be announced?" Bella asked her friend in return.
"Emmett and I will make an official announcement while you're on your honeymoon. He thought it was best not to wait too long, but we didn't want to overshadow your big day."
Bella turned to Alice, who squeaked. "Don't eye me like that. I've just trained Garrett how to use a hamper. We aren't there yet."
"Fair, just don't wait too long."
The evening continued with talk about relationships, Leah's college exploits, and the break that Isabella desperately needed.
When it was time for them to settle in for bed, they parted. Bella curled up with Donut and fell into a deep sleep.
The morning dawned on Isabella with heightened security. Her and Edward's luggage was being loaded into one of the SUVs that would be parked in the garage waiting for the rest of the motorcade to arrive. It was an all-hands-on-deck day, with the only agent who wasn't working being Garrett.
They snacked on a breakfast of fruit and pastries until the highly vetted stylists arrived to work on makeup for Bella and her bridesmaids. By the time they were putting the finishing touches on her gown and veil, her nerves began to show. Not at marrying Edward, she was more than ready for that, but at the spectacle of the day. The guest list was inflated with heads of state and dignitaries that were necessary, but so much more than what she wanted.
"Ma'am, whenever you're ready," Sam spoke, waking her from her thoughts.
Barriers blocked the view of her from the street when Bella stepped out to the Portico and climbed into the Beast.
After her bridesmaids climbed into two other cars in the motorcade, they all drove off to their destination.
As they arrived at the National Cathedral, Bella was able to take in the splendor for a moment before she was led to the room reserved for a bride to dress in. The ladies waited for the all-clear from the agents as the groomsmen approached.
"I'm going to find my seat," Rosalie murmured.
"Thank you, Rose. For everything."
Their group was led out to the sanctuary door, and the procession began with Henry and Carlisle's daughter, Grace, as their ring bearer and flower girl. From there, Carlisle and Leah walked first, followed by Emmett and Virna, and lastly Garrett and Alice.
Bella took a deep breath while her best friend made it to the end of the aisle and revealed Edward, who appeared to be smiling; though, it was hard to tell from that distance. The music swelled and changed, signaling it was time for her to walk, and the guests all stood.
Isabella walked through the parted ocean of guests; her eyes focused solely on Edward at the altar.
He reached out a hand to her to assist her while Alice fixed the train of her dress and took her light purple and white blossom bouquet for the ceremony.
It was a traditional Catholic ceremony, but the moment she and Edward promised to have and hold "until death do us part," she nearly cried. They'd made it.
When the bishop pronounced them man and wife, Edward leaned forward to kiss Isabella to seal their union.
She'd been thankful that the cathedral had been so gracious about allowing the bishop to perform the ceremony, but it clearly fit into the extenuating circumstances that allowed for a dispensation.
The newlyweds and their wedding party made their way out of the cathedral while the guests moved to the area set up for the reception.
Wedding photos were taken with the wedding party first in the small courtyard and on the stairs just off of it, and then they were released to enjoy the beginning of the reception. Just as Carmen moved in to snap her first pictures of the happy couple, Edward pulled Bella close.
"You're finally mine. How did I get so lucky?"
"You loved me. I know that it hasn't always been easy with our jobs and all the threats, but we were too drawn to each other to stay away." She rested her head on his chest and the clicking of the shutter let her know Carmen had captured the moment.
For the entire cocktail hour, Carmen posed the happy couple how she wanted, including a few that Bella had specifically asked for. After the last photo was taken, Carmen lowered the camera.
"I'm going to get set up with my team for your entrance. See you inside."
They looked over at the agents just out of earshot and Edward's lips were back at Bella's ear. "You're wearing the lip stain you're fond of, right?"
"Yes."
"Good, then I won't get yelled at because you need to touch up your makeup." Edward leaned in closer and kissed her with all the passion he felt inside, pressing her against the pillar where they'd just posed. It wasn't until they heard Teeny's voice that they broke apart.
"We're ready for you inside," she told the couple.
For the who's who that was their guest list, it all felt surprisingly normal. After their first dance, Bella and Edward shared dances with friends, celebrities, and dignitaries from various countries. President Aro was quite happy to take his turn and inquired why they hadn't asked him to host their honeymoon.
"It was the chance to explore a country neither of us had been to, and we're both Irish. But one day we will take you up on the opportunity to explore Italy."
"Maybe once your work is done. Then you can truly enjoy my nation."
"A very fitting end to my political career—where my presidency began."
"Signora."
"Aro."
Dinner was delicious. Afterward, they cut the large and ornate wedding cake, which was ivory with silver accents and flowers in the same light purple of her bouquet.
The party continued until it was time for the couple to depart for their honeymoon. They couldn't say formal goodbyes, but they were whisked away to Air Force One with a few key people.
Teeny accompanied them to the tarmac, then helped Isabella use the bedroom on the plane to change out of her dress while final checks were completed. Edward was disappointed that he wouldn't be the one doing it but understood that it was necessary. The dress wouldn't make the journey with them, because it was taken back to one of the cars.
A few moments before takeoff, Garrett stepped on board. "It was a beautiful day, Bella. Thank you for letting me be a part of it."
"Garrett, you're Edward's best friend, and you're living in sin with my best friend. You're part of this family."
"Really, living in sin, Ma'am?" he teased.
"Until you put a ring on it."
Garrett rolled his eyes but didn't argue. He knew better. It was a seven-hour flight, and when they arrived, he would be back on duty.
Once they were cleared for takeoff, Edward joined them. Soon they'd be sleeping, that way when they landed at 10 a.m. in Dublin, they'd be fully rested.
The plane departed, and as soon as they were given the okay to move, Edward led Bella back to the bedroom. It wasn't the most comfortable wedding night, but there were worse ways for the pair to join the mile high club than on a bed in Air Force One. Edward couldn't take his time with his new wife because they'd have to be dressed again in case something happened.
The majority of the flight passed with the First Couple sleeping, though about an hour before their arrival in Dublin, Teeny woke them so they could prepare for their arrival.
When they landed, members of the Special Detective Unit, whom Garrett had been working with to secure the details of the trip, boarded the plane. After a few minutes of tense discussion between Garrett and someone from the Irish team, both men turned to Isabella.
"Ma'am, my name is Darragh McCormick and I'm the head of the SDU team assigned to you during your visit. As soon as your luggage is loaded, we'll be on our way to Áras an Uachtaráin."
"Thank you. I look forward to the opportunity to see your beautiful country."
"Your itinerary has been set based on your requests and our ability to safely secure sites, but the president will explain those plans with you while I confirm them with your men."
"Very well."
After another few minutes, they were able to make their trip to the Presidential Residence.
Siobhan and Maggie were both welcoming as the First Couple arrived, the moment captured for the press in both countries. Lunch was served, then they discussed their schedule.
"Will we truly be able to do so many outings this publicly?" Isabella asked.
"Aye. You're well liked here. Most will be pleased to be able to say they shared a pint with the American President," Maggie explained. "I've got a few free days, so I'll be along on the first several public outings, but after that, you'll be alone to enjoy your honeymoon."
"We appreciate the assistance with this trip, as well as your company," Edward told his counterpart.
Dinner was a quiet affair, and it wasn't long before they were in their quarters. Isabella could hear the murmured conversation from the bathroom, so when she exited, she wasn't surprised to see Garrett.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, quite the opposite," Garrett told her. "This country has a long history of hostility, which means they're well equipped with planning something like this. The Troubles may be behind them, but they learned well how to protect their politicians and the people."
"Good."
The next morning, they began a wonderful tour of Ireland—from a pint at Temple Bar and Kilmainham Gaol, to a private tour that included a short hike just outside the city.
The following days took them to Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, and countless other locations on day trips, as they made their way around the country.
As Darragh had promised, the people they encountered either paid them no mind, or politely engaged the couple. It was at one of the castles they stayed at during the last two days of their trip, that Isabella found one of the most important things to bring home from Ireland.
The soft meow caught her attention as the little mister followed her to breakfast and curled up in her lap. After waving off the staff who planned to take the kitten from her so she could eat, the pair began their game.
For the entirety of their short stay, the young kitten followed her, even trying to join her in the Beast on a last excursion.
"I know what you're thinking," Edward said as they pulled out onto the road.
"Donut needs a little brother."
With a sigh, Edward sent a text to Garrett, who was taking the day off. Within an hour, he showed her the phone.
He's yours. They just need a name for him.
"What?"
"Garrett asked about the kitten. It's one of the stable cats, but he's old enough to be separated from his mother. We can bring him home and get him vetted in DC. But he was seen by one of the vets who takes care of the animals in the stable and barn, and there were no issues."
"I get to keep him, really?"
"Yes. Now we'll need a name, because I'm sure Carmen will snap a few pictures so Bill can make a post about Donut not being the only cat in the White House anymore."
"Lance," Bella decided after a few minutes.
"Okay."
They spent the afternoon enjoying their meandering hike, which ended with another cliff view. On the drive back, Bella went through photos she'd taken on her personal phone, glad that some of their trip belonged to the two of them.
The evening was spent packing and preparing for their return to the United States.
When they woke up in the middle of the night, ready to head to the airport to depart, the maid at the castle approached with Darragh, a small carrier in her hands.
"Here's the wee lad. Lance, you have a good life in America."
"Thank you for everything," Isabella told the girl.
"It was our pleasure, Ma'am. Safe travels."
It took a little over two hours before they were in the air, but as they settled in, Bella wondered to herself what this new chapter of her life would look like.