It's here, a chapter 13 years in the making.
Story Theme Song: Bendita la luz (Mana) *It's in Spanish, sorry*
Songs for this Chapter: Wedding Day (Casting Crowns)
I Think I Want to Marry You (Bruno Mars)
Todo Cambio (Camila/Instrumental)
Chapter 28
August 13th
The hum of the hair dryer filled the room, Renee was busy at the mirror, her eyes scrunched in concentration as she applied her makeup. "Bella, honey," she called over the noise, "can you hand me the mascara?" I passed it to her, feeling a sudden jolt of anxiety.
Today was the day. The day Alice and I would walk down the aisle in the wedding dresses she had so painstakingly crafted. My heart raced at the thought of Edward, who I hadn't seen yet, waiting for me, and Jasper on the other side waiting for Alice "Thanks," Mom said, her voice a warm, comforting presence amidst the flurry of activity.
"Bella, are you okay?" Angela asked, her eyes full of concern. She had noticed my trembling hands as I put on my earrings. "Just a little nervous," I admitted, trying to laugh it off. But the laughter caught in my throat, turning into a nervous giggle.
"Just pre-wedding jitters," I said with a forced smile.
Rosalie, who had been quietly observing from the corner, stepped forward. "It's natural, to feel this way, Bella." She interjected, gently placing a hand on my shoulder. She had the kind of poise that seemed to radiate calm, even in the most hectic of moments. "You're about to marry the love of your life. It's okay to be a little nervous."
"Edward's not going anywhere, and I can assure you he's as nervous as you are, if not more." Her voice was soothing, her eyes filled with understanding. I nodded, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. "I know, it's just... I don't know if I'm ready for this. What if I mess it up? What if I'm not a good wife?"
Alice and Rosalie exchanged a knowing glance before Alice spoke up. "You won't mess it up. Edward loves you more than anyone I've ever seen. And all of us are right here with you, every step of the way. We are in this together."
"I know," I said, my voice quivering slightly. "It's just... this is such a big step. And everyone's expecting so much."
Esme gave me a warm smile. "Everything will be perfect," she assured me. " You and Alice have been planning this for months. Now is the time to enjoy it."
Alice's laugh tinkled through the room, a stark contrast to the thunderstorm of thoughts crashing in my head. "We've got this, Bella," she assured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
The conversation turned to last-minute details: the bouquets, the seating arrangement, the cake. Alice's excitement was palpable, her eyes sparkling like the diamonds in her earrings as she talked about the day's events. We had designed every aspect of the wedding with Edward's blindness in mind, ensuring that his other senses would be delighted by the scents, the textures, and the sounds that surrounded him.
As the photographer's voice grew closer, my anxiety spiked. The door swung open and the photographer stepped in, a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm. "Alright, Bella, Alice, it's showtime!" She exclaimed, her camera at the ready. "Let's take a few before shots with the bridal party quickly. The grooms are waiting!" Alice and the others rushed out, but I was stopped by Esme.
"Bella, can you come here for a moment?" Esme's voice called out from the corner of the room, where she was carefully laying out an assortment of jewelry. Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she held up a delicate necklace that sparkled under the soft light of the pendant lamp. "I have something I'd like you to consider wearing for the wedding."
I felt a rush of anxiety mixed with curiosity. "Oh, Esme, it's beautiful," I murmured, reaching out to touch the necklace.
"It's not just any necklace, dear," Esme said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "It's the one I wore on my own wedding day to Edward and Alice's father. I thought it might be a perfect something borrowed for you." She fastened the clasp around my neck, and the cool metal felt nice against my heated skin. "It's been a long time since it's seen a celebration of love like this," she added with a smile.
"I can't wear this, it should be Alice the one using it," I protested.
"No, Alice is already wearing the earrings, I wanted both of you to have something of mine." She insisted. I was surprised, but elated that she thought of me.
"I was in love with Anthony when I married him, I was devastated when we lost him. I hope you and Edward have a strong love like we did. I know he would have given everything to be here today…" She choked a sob and took a breath trying to not ruin her immaculate makeup, but failing miserably.
"Bella, I want to apologize again for everything that happened between us. I realized long ago that you are good for my son, but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't like when I caught you that day, because what you were doing meant my son wasn't a child anymore. It saddened me to see him so independent, but I know now that even though he can do things for himself, I'm his mother and he's going to need me at some degree."
"Yes, Esme, just like I'll need my mother," I stated.
"You will take care of him and protect him, right?" She pleaded.
I giggled, "he's the one that protects and takes care of me," Esme gave a small smile.
I traced the intricate pattern of the necklace. The weight of it felt surprisingly comforting, a tangible link to the family I have grown to cherish and was becoming a part of.
"Thank you, Esme, this means so much to me."
"No, thank you, Bella," Esme said, hugging me.
"I've forgiven you, Esme. Stop beating yourself up, you have Carlisle and Junior to take care of now," I reminded her. She smiled and nodded.
I smiled as I looked into the mirror, the necklace reflecting the light in a hundred different ways. I felt a sudden sense of belonging. The necklace wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of love and acceptance, passed down from one Masen bride to another.
Mom walked in, her eyes widening when she saw the necklace. "Esme, you didn't!" she exclaimed, a look of surprise and joy on her face. "Bella, that looks stunning on you!" She rushed over to give me a hug, and I felt the warmth of my mother's embrace mingle with the comfort of the necklace.
The wedding preparations had been a whirlwind, with everyone pitching in to make sure everything was perfect for us. But in that moment, as I stood there with mom and Esme, I realized that this wasn't just about planning an event. It was about creating memories that would last a lifetime. I took a deep breath, the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of distant laughter filling my senses. The wedding was going to be magical, I could feel it. I was ready to dive into the excitement and chaos that came with it.
We did the photos and went back inside the room for final touch ups.
Mom bustled in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Girls, it's almost time to head downstairs. Bella, Charlie is pacing like a caged lion. I think he's more nervous than you are!" She winked at me, trying to lighten the mood.
"Okay, Mom," I said, taking a deep breath. "I just need a moment to gather my thoughts."
I reminisced of Edward and his unwavering love. A love that grew stronger every day, A love that went over the fact that he couldn't see. His disability didn't make me love him less, I loved him for the man he was, caring, kind, unselfish…The list of attributes was long. The thought of him waiting for me downstairs, blind but seeing me more clearly than anyone else ever had, brought a genuine smile to my face.
"Okay," I said, straightening my posture. "Let's do this."
Alice clapped her hands together. "That's the spirit!"
I took a deep breath and felt the fabric of my wedding dress rustle around me as I stood. It was time. With my mother and Esme flanking us, Rosalie wrangled all the girls, and Angela and Bree holding our bouquets, we made our way to the garden venue where our wedding would be. My stomach flipped, but I allowed myself to be led out of the room. The soft carpet of the spa's hallway muffled our footsteps as we approached the staircase. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, a testament to the meticulous preparations. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
"This is the beginning of a new chapter of our lives," Alice whispered as we reached the top of the stairs.
"Time to start writing it," I agreed.
"You look beautiful," Esme said, her voice a gentle reminder that I wasn't alone. She adjusted a stray hair from my face, her touch as light as a feather. "Both of you."
Alice nodded in agreement, her own wedding dress a vision of white lace and elegance. She squeezed my hand. We watched Esme leave as she was going to accompany Edward down the aisle, Jasper was going to be accompanied by his parents. Then mom and Phil were going to walk behind them.
We made it to the little sitting room where Dad and Carlisle were waiting. They both stood and looked at us with awe.
"Oh girls, you look wonderful!" Carlisle beamed.
Charlie stood in front of me, his eyes filled with unshed tears, "oh Bells…my little duckling turned into a swan."
"Oh daddy," I cried.
I saw and heard the flash of the camera go off as this precious moment was immortalized in a photo. Dad and I hugged for what felt like an eternity.
"Ready?" Carlisle said as he intertwined his arm with Alice's. Dad extended his arm to me and I leaned to his side.
"As ready as we'll ever be," Alice and I murmured. I was trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. Alice leaned in, her eyes twinkling. "Remember, this is the easy part. The real challenge starts after we say 'I do'."
The sound of soft music drifted up from the garden, and I could feel the collective gaze of our families and friends, all eagerly waiting for us to begin our descent. The plush velvet of my dress felt like it was closing in on me, and I wondered if I'd be able to breathe once I started walking down the aisle.
"Please don't let me fall, Daddy," I whimpered.
"Never," he reassured me.
We all laughed nervously, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. Then, as if on cue, the music swelled, signaling the start of our grand entrance. With one last deep breath, we began our descent. Each step felt like it took an eternity, the fabric of my dress whispering against the stairs as I went. My heart hammered in my chest, Alice gripped my hand for a second and that gave me the strength to continue. This was it, we were walking towards our soon to be husbands, we were walking into our future.
~.BSOL.~
Edward's POV
"Is she getting ready?" I asked Carlisle as I buttoned up my shirt.
"Yes, she is, Edward." He reassured me.
"They both are," he added.
I heard Jasper's exhale of relief. Bella and I were getting married today, I was very excited, but nervous. I wanted everything to be perfect. I was not able to see Bella, but Alice made me a handkerchief with some of the fabric of her dress. I'd been holding it and caressing it all morning since it was delivered to me. I was thankful for the gesture. I know she had worked hard making both wedding dresses and the bridal party dresses. She even made mom's dress. We thought it was too much for her after her surgery, but she managed to prove us wrong.
We were ready and after a light lunch we went to get pictures done, the photographer had done some candid shots of us getting ready, but we were going to do the more formal photos now.
There wasn't much for us to do after the photos, we had to wait for our brides to be ready. The guys wanted to drink, but Carlisle made them rethink the idea as there was going to be plenty of time for them to drink at the reception. We even brought the beer Charlie likes. We had an assortment of drinks at the bar, and there were a lot of non-caffeinated sodas for me as I was allergic to caffeine.
I played with the boys for a little bit to distract myself, I could hear the photographer taking candid shots of me with Junior, Emmett then came to get them for pictures with him and the other fathers.
I closed my eyes and, in my head, I practiced the song I was going to play in the reception. Carlisle came to sit beside me, "how are you holding on? Are you still nervous?" I nodded.
"I still can't believe she agreed to marry me, sometimes it all feels like a dream. Last night, I had a nightmare. In my dream I waited for her at the altar but she never came and I was left there humiliated. It took me a while to go back to sleep," I explained.
"I also missed Bella, I got used to sleeping beside her," I admitted.
"It's normal to feel nervous, but I can assure you that everything will be alright, and I know for a fact she will walk down the aisle and marry you."
"Carlisle, I know we have talked a lot and spent a lot of time together over the years, but I don't think I've ever truly thanked you for everything you've done for me, for helping me live an extraordinary life."
"You don't have to thank me Edward, besides I haven't helped you see yet, my work isn't done."
"I'm content with everything happening in my life right now, regaining my vision is something that's going on the backburner for now."
Carlisle patted my back, "I'll keep looking there's no rush."
"It's fine Carlisle, I know what's at stake for me to see again, and I'm okay if it doesn't happen."
Emmett brought us some soda and Carlisle and I drank in silence for a few minutes.
"After everything you've been through, Edward, you found the love of your life and you deserve to be happy. Today marks a new beginning for you and your sister. I know I can't and will never replace your father, but I want you to know you can come to me whenever you need me,"
I stood to hug him, "Again, Carlisle, thank you," I smiled.
Soon enough it was time for all of us to go down for the ceremony.
"Let's go Mike, come on boy," my guide dog followed me.
"Are you nervous, Jasper?" I asked my brother in law.
"A little yes," he admitted. "Aren't we lucky?" Jasper commented.
"I would say you are very lucky," Emmett clapped us in the back. "Ready to get hitched boys?" He laughed, I nodded towards him.
"Are the boys ready?" I asked Emmett, he was in charge of making sure CC and Isaac stayed on the wagon and that Ethan being the oldest wheeled them down the aisle.
"You're ready Darling?" Mom asked.
"Yes, is she ready?" I asked, referring to Bella.
"Very ready, and gorgeous. Both of them look amazing!"
I smiled, mom and Bella were finally at peace and that made me really, really happy.
"Do you have the picture?"
"Yes," mom replied, giving it to me, she then placed her hand on my shoulder and sighed. I wanted a picture of my father to have him here in spirit.
"You look so much like him today. He looked so handsome on our wedding day." She said as we made our way to the garden.
Finally, the music Jasper and I selected for our entrance started playing, it was time. We were a family, bound by love and shared experiences, and it felt right to celebrate our commitment to each other in unison. Mom and I made our way down the aisle, Jasper was behind us with both of his parents. Renee and Phil were going to walk behind us as parents of the bride. I had memorized the steps to the ceremony, I knew what everyone was supposed to be doing and the order everyone should walk.
"I love you Edward," mom kissed my cheek and took dad's photo. I knew she was going to place it on the chair to her right, and Carlisle was going to sit to her left.
I stood where I was supposed to, next Eliza our cousin walked down the aisle, she was our junior bridesmaid. A few steps behind her were Angela and Bree the maids of honor. Bree and Alice bonded during their time on project runway, and Angela was Bella's closest friend. The four of us chose Emmett and Rosalie as godparents, so they walked down the aisle together.
Emmett and Rosalie's daughters Lilian and Emilia were the flower girls, they were going to spread pink and lilac petals. I knew they were doing it because of the crowd's reaction, I smiled. Then it was our siblings' turn, they were on the wagon pulled by Ethan. Isaac and Carlisle Jr. were each holding a sign one said: Please Rise and the other one said Here Comes the Bride.
After their turn the music changed and my heartbeat sped up, it was time, she was here. I turned slightly on my spot and smiled as the notes of Wedding Day filled the air. I was overcome with emotion and couldn't contain the tears, I let them fall smiling to my bride. I could hear Jasper sniffling on the other side.
"They are so beautiful, Edward. Bella and your sister look marvelous, we are so, so lucky," He choked out.
Jasper and I walked a few steps to the middle of the aisle to wait for our beloved.
The ruffle of their dresses got closer and I could smell her perfume, my smile widened.
"Who gives these women to marry these men?" the officiant asked.
"I her father," Carlisle and Charlie said.
I stretched out my hand and I felt as Bella placed her hand in mine, her thumb tracing circles on my palm.
"I'm so proud of you, Alice. I love you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
"Me too, Edward," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
I then felt the gentle pressure of Bella's hand on mine, a silent signal that we were ready. As we started to walk down the aisle, I felt a familiar calm settle over me. It was the calm I felt whenever I was with her.
I could hear the whispered "awes" and "Oh, how beautiful" from the crowd. I knew that they were admiring Bella's and Alice's elegant white gowns.
"You look beautiful, Bella," I whispered, my voice laced with awe.
"You do too, Edward," she replied, her voice warm and comforting.
As we made our way to the altar, I felt the warmth of the sun on my face, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees surrounding the garden. It was a day that would forever be etched in my memory, a day that felt like a dream.
We stood at the altar, Bella's hand in mine, facing the officiant. The air throbbed with the sound of music and the murmur of the crowd.
"Dearly beloved," the officiant's voice boomed, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of two couples..."
His words washed over me, a comforting sound that grounded me in the present moment. This was it, the culmination of a journey filled with joy and sorrow, challenges and triumphs. I was marrying the woman of my dreams, and my sister was marrying the man who loved her with all his heart.
"...and to join them together in holy matrimony... " The officiant's words continued, his voice steady and reassuring.
The ceremony flowed seamlessly, a beautiful blend of tradition and sentiment. Soon enough it was time for us to exchange vows, I spoke, my voice a little shaky.
"Bella," I said, "I can't see the world like you do, but I know it's beautiful because of you. You've filled my life with color, with music, with laughter. You are my sun, my moon, my stars. I love you, Bella, with every fiber of my being. I promise to be your eyes, your ears, your voice. I promise to love you, cherish you, and be your constant companion. It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to, and who will accept you for who you are. I've been waiting, what seems like a very long time, to get beyond my disability. And now…I feel like I can finally begin…No measure of time with you will be long enough. But let's start with forever."
As I spoke, I felt a tear roll down my cheek. The warmth of Bella's hand on mine, the soft pressure of her fingers, her love, everything, it just felt complete.
"Oh, Edward, I love you so, so much," Bella cried.
I reached for the handkerchief that Alice made with the fabric of Bella's dress and gave it to her. I heard her take a shaky breath before she uttered her vows to me.
"How lucky am I to call you mine? Your love and trust makes me a better person, each and every day. All these years that we've been together, there's always been a mutual understanding that's only shared when two people truly love each other. You were there for my greatest challenges. You encouraged me to grow. You helped believe in myself and become the person that I am today. In your arms and by your side, I know I can do anything. I'm proud to call you my husband."
"Oh, Bella…" she closed the space between us, I placed my forehead on hers.
"Baby I…" I was at a loss for words. We stayed in our little embrace whispering words of affection to each other while it was Jasper and Alice's turn for vows.
Jasper started, "I'll stand by you forever, and I will always be there for you. I promise that I will always be a shoulder to cry on and to wipe away your tears. Love brought us together, but our devotion and companionship will keep us together. We've already gone through a lot of things and we have overcome them. I cannot wait to face these adventures of life together."
Alice sniffled and cleared her throat, "My husband, I invite you to share my life. You are the most loving, clever, and kind individual I have ever known, and I promise to always be in your corner. Together, I know we can do anything. I'm madly in love with you, Jazzy. Not only do I promise that my love for you will grow with each day, but I promise to be your friend and partner every step of the way. I will be there for you, day or night, I trust, appreciate, cherish, and respect you. I can't wait to work hand in hand to build a beautiful life together. You, my love, are my everything." Alice's voice cracked at the end of her vows.
A moment of silence followed our declarations of love. Then the officiant continued with the ceremony. Emmett was called, he had the rings. I told Bella that I was going to take care of our rings, what she didn't know is that they are my parents rings. By some miracle Bella and mom were the same ring size.
After the rings were exchanged, the officiant declared, "I now pronounce you husband and wife."
The crowd erupted in a joyous cheer, and I could feel the warmth of their love enveloping us. I then felt Bella lean in, her lips meeting mine in a kiss that felt like a promise, a pledge of love and devotion. It felt like we were the only people in that garden. The cheers continued until we broke apart blushing.
We walked down the aisle, to the beat of I Think I Want to Marry You, our hands clasped, our hearts beating in unison, two newlywed couples, ready to face the world together.
"I'm so glad we had this double wedding," Alice whispered into my ear, her voice laced with happiness.
"Me too," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "The ceremony was perfect," Jasper agreed.
We moved through the crowd, surrounded by the love and joy of our family and friends. It was a day filled with the promise of a beautiful future, a future where love would guide our steps, and happiness would light our path. And in that moment, as I embraced my new wife, my sister, and my brother-in-law, I knew that I was truly blessed. All I could see was a world filled with love, a world where anything was possible. My world was complete.
Thoughts on the wedding? Where do you think they are going for the honeymoon?
Next Chapter will mark the story complete, but we have a few outtakes left. Thanks for the support. For visuals visit the new blog:
( .com) just remove all the parenthesis.
