*Fiddling was had. Words were added. All mistakes are mine.

Song:

"I Get to Love You," Ruelle

Chapter 26

Rose and I find the perfect dress in a tiny boutique bridal shop. Edward gives me carte blanche on the flowers but is happy to give his opinion on the menu and the cake. The music has been chosen, and all the little, seemingly insignificant details have been decided.

It's been a whirlwind of planning for the last few weeks, but the eve of our wedding is finally here.

"Hey," Dad says as he pops his head out the back door. "What are you doing? Hiding out here?"

I snort a laugh into my wine glass. "Exactly that—hiding." I look his way and lower my voice. "Have you seen Mom and Rose, Dad? You'd think it was their wedding."

He chuckles as he sits beside me on the old glider, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "You're a good sport to let them have their fun with it."

"Only because all that little stuff doesn't matter to me." I look out at my parents' backyard where preparations for tomorrow are scattered in boxes and Rubbermaid tubs. I can see the decorated archway in my mind's eye and what it will look like once all the flowers and tulle have been draped over everything stationary. I have no doubt it will be exactly as we pictured it. But if Edward had really wanted to go to City Hall to say our vows and make it official, I would have been on board. I look over at my dad. "At the end of the day tomorrow, I'll be married to Edward. That's the only thing that really matters."

He nudges his foot against the patio, carefully pushing us, and we gently glide back and forth. The sun sat hours ago, and the bugs have come out to serenade us. Combined with the warmth of my father's arm and the wine I've had, I'm the most relaxed bride-to-be in the world.

"You're really not nervous about tomorrow?" he asks.

"Not even a little."

"Good."

"Good, huh?"

"Yep. You picked yourself a winner this time, Bells."

I lean back and beam up at him. "I have, haven't I?"

"If he's half the man I think he is, I have no doubt in my mind you'll be just as happy as your mother and I have been all these years." He squeezes me to his side. "He definitely has my stamp of approval."

"Thanks, Daddy," I murmur, laying my head back on his shoulder. We gaze out at the night sky, half listening to the laughter and chatter coming from inside the house and half just soaking up the moment.

"Who would have thought I'd be doing this again at my age?"

Dad grunts. "You make it sound like you're an old woman."

"Well, I'm not exactly young."

"Then what does that make me?"

I don't even hesitate. "Ancient?"

"Ha ha. Smartass," he murmurs as I chuckle.

"Learned it from the best."

"Believe me when I tell you, you've got some of your best years ahead of you."

"We've just got to get through the first one," I say softly.

He lays his cheek on the top of my head and holds me a little tighter. "And we'll be here to make sure that year flies by so you can get on with the rest of your happily ever after."

The quiet creak of the screen door grabs our attention, and Dad and I both turn to watch Edward step out onto the patio. "Everything okay out here?"

I smile at the man who will be my husband in a matter of hours. "Everything is great."

"I'll take that as my cue to make myself scarce. I should go check on the tornado your mother and sister started." Dad kisses my forehead and stands from the porch swing. "Edward," he says, nodding in his direction. "I expect you'll be leaving soon?"

Edward tries but fails to hide his smirk. "Yes, sir, I will be. I just wanted to come wish Bella a good night."

"All right then." With a pat on Edward's shoulder as he passes, Dad walks into the house, leaving us alone.

"I'm sorry," I say as he sits beside me.

"For what?"

"My dad being … Dad."

Edward waves away my concern before tugging me into his side. "It's fine. He's just playing his role of being the protective father. It won't hurt anything to let him have his moment … even if I'm not happy about having to spend a night away from you."

I think back to when I first suggested we spend the night before the wedding apart and sigh. "It seemed like a romantic idea at the time."

"And now?"

I snuggle closer to him and press my nose into the side of his neck. "Now I'm regretting it."

He chuckles, and I can almost hear his I told you so.

"Stop!" Suppressing a giggle, I nudge his side, making him jerk away. "It's not funny."

"You have to admit it's a little funny. And I tried to tell you it was a bad idea, but you wouldn't listen."

I huff, doing my best impersonation of a pouting toddler. "Yeah, well, do you want to hear me say you were right?"

"No," he says, leaning closer to my ear, whispering, "you don't need to say it."

His playfulness makes me smile, and I wrap an arm around his waist. "One more day," I say softly, closing my eyes and breathing him in.

"One more day and you'll be my wife."

His words stir something deep inside my belly, and a warmth spreads throughout my entire body. "And you'll be my husband."

"The first day of the rest of our lives."

"Oh, sweetheart, you look stunning." Mom gushes over me as she runs a hand from my lacy cap sleeve, down my arm, finally entwining her fingers with mine. "Edward won't know what to do with himself."

Across the room, Rose snorts a laugh. "Oh, I have a feeling he'll know exactly what to do, especially once he sees what's under that dress."

"Rosalie!" Mom whisper-shouts, only slightly horrified, but it doesn't take long for all of us to start giggling like schoolgirls.

Our laughter doesn't die down until there's a knock on the door and Dad takes a hesitant step inside, covering his eyes. "Is everyone decent?"

"That depends on what you mean by decent, Dad," Rosalie says.

"Oh, for the love of …" He huffs. "Is everyone dressed?"

"Come in, Dad," I say, putting him out of his misery.

When he does and his gaze lands on me, the adoring expression on his face gets me a little choked up. "Oh, Bells," he says with reverence. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks, Daddy."

"You should probably be glad I'm not giving you away this time, because I'm not sure I could."

I smile. "Then I'm glad it's not up to you."

"But I was asked to bring you out when you're ready."

With butterflies in my stomach, I snatch my small bouquet of white roses off the dresser and take my father's proffered arm. "Lead the way."

When we step down the hallway and into the den, the first loves of my life are waiting for me. Jake and Seth are both dressed in white button-down shirts, dark blue dress pants, and matching bow ties. It's just formal enough for this backyard occasion but a far cry from the "monkey suits" they were forced into for their father's wedding.

"Mom!" Seth cries, running toward me with huge eyes. "You look like a princess!"

"And you look so handsome." My eyes meet Jacob's. "You both do."

"Do you boys remember what to do?" Dad asks them.

Jacob and Seth nod, both of them replying with a quiet "Yes."

"All right, then I'll go walk your grandma to her seat and see you boys down front." He turns to me and kisses my cheek. "You're gonna knock his socks off, baby girl."

Once Charlie meets my mother at the back door and escorts her outside, I'm left alone with my boys. The moment feels poignant in a way I can't put into words. While today doesn't mark the beginning of all the changes we've gone through together, it marks the start of a new life for all of us. It's been a long road to get to where we are, and my children have been by my side throughout it all. I have no doubt I wouldn't have made it through the last two years without them. And we wouldn't be here without their support of my relationship with Edward. This day is as much for them as it is for me, and I would feel remiss not to acknowledge it.

As carefully as I can in a fitted lace dress, I squat down to Seth's level and tug Jacob closer to me. "I want you both to know how much I love you."

"We love you, too, Mom," Jake says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

"And I want to tell you how proud I am of you both for the way you've navigated everything we've gone through in the last couple of years. I know it hasn't been easy. A lot has changed, but you've both shown me how willing you are to accept those changes and all the changes ahead of us." My eyes begin to well, but I blink it away. "You've grown up so much and been such amazing kids, and my life wouldn't be the same without you."

I kiss their cheeks before rising to my feet. Jake stands tall and bends his elbow, offering me his arm. With a smile, I take it, and holding my roses with that hand, I grasp Seth's with the other.

Before we reach the back door, Jacob stops us, clearing his throat. "You do look really pretty today, Mom. I just wanted you to know that."

"Thank you, Jacob."

"And … and Seth and I just want you to know we're happy you're marrying Edward. He's … he's great."

I fight back the emotions threatening to steal my voice, but it still cracks. "Thank you." I place a kiss on the top of his head, leaning down to do the same to Seth. "Both of you."

Our walk outside isn't rushed or terribly coordinated, but to me, it's exactly as it should be. And when we step out into the sunlight, everything around me fades away as I catch sight of the man waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Dressed in his mess dress, with his shiny shoes and confident stance, Edward is a sight to behold. I've seen him in his formal wear before, and he was just as handsome then, but the happiness pouring out of him today is like nothing I've ever seen. His beaming smile rivals the sun overhead. In him I can see our future laid out before me, and I want nothing more than to run toward him and the happy life I know awaits us.

I don't hear the music as I walk down the aisle. I don't see the smiling faces or smell the flowers pinned to nearly everyone's clothes.

I only see him.

When the boys finally lead me the final few feet down the aisle, we come to a stop. My breaths come fast and my heart races. But it's not fear or apprehension I feel, only absolute and overwhelming happiness when I look at the man who has changed my life.

My eyes lock with Edward's, and for a brief moment, it's just the two of us. But with the final note of music comes Carlisle's gentle voice, bursting our intimate little bubble.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered today to witness the joining of Edward and Isabella in holy matrimony. I ask who today gives this woman to be married?"

Jacob stands a little taller and lifts his chin just a little more. His voice is so strong and sure when he says, "My brother and I do."

I place a kiss on their cheeks and give them each a hug before they jointly place my hand in Edward's.

"Thank you, boys," Edward murmurs, his eyes shining. "I promise to take good care of her."

The rest of the ceremony passes in a blur, and I'm not sure I'll remember every word Carlisle says. I know he speaks of new beginnings and a future built on love and mutual respect.

But I already know two memories will stand out and always hold a special place in my heart.

Edward came to me weeks ago with an idea of how we could include Jacob and Seth in the ceremony. When he suggested a visible, tangible reminder they could see every day, my heart melted. His thoughtfulness to make sure they felt included in the monumental shift in our family reminded me what an amazing man I was marrying.

So, as I watch the boys pour their own colored sand alongside ours into the hourglass, happy tears fill my eyes. I have no doubt that over the years it will be turned and tumbled around as we move from place to place, but I also know that in the end, the purple, blue, rust, and gold sand will always remind me of the desert skies of where our story began, no matter how blended they become.

The memory that will help me through the darker days to come, when I'm all alone in our bed, is of Edward reciting his vows.

With shining eyes and a blinding smile, he takes my hands in his.

"I can't promise you that dark clouds will never come into our lives, or that the future will bring only sunny days. I can't promise you that tomorrow will be perfect or that life will be easy. I can promise you my everlasting devotion, my loyalty, and my unconditional love for as long as I live. I can promise you that I'll always be here for you, to listen, to hold your hand. I'll always do my utmost to make you happy and make you feel loved and cherished. I can promise that I'll be by your side through any crisis. I'll dream with you, build a future with you, and always be your loudest cheerleader. I promise to lay down my life to protect you. I'll be your advisor, your counselor, your friend, your family, your everything … as you are mine."

Knowing that this wonderful man, who has single-handedly changed my life with his love for me and my children, is leaving nearly rends me in two. I squeeze my eyes closed and twin tears run down my cheeks. The last thing I want is to think about what's happening in a handful of weeks, but I can't quite keep those thoughts at bay. But when my lashes flutter open, patience and understanding stare back at me, and I know we'll be okay.

"I will spend eternity loving you, Bella," he says with tears of his own ready to fall. "Caring for you, respecting you, and showing you every day that I hold you as high as the stars. You are my today and all of my tomorrows, and I cannot wait to see what those tomorrows hold for us."

And when he slides my wedding band onto my finger and places a kiss on my lips, for that one perfect moment, everything in my world is as it should be.

By the time the sun begins its descent into the western sky, I've had several glasses of champagne and have been passed around the makeshift dance floor countless times. I'm on cloud nine.

Both of my boys, my father, my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and even Jasper have turned into a game seeing how long Edward can bear to be away from me before he cuts in. The length of time has grown exponentially shorter with each glass of champagne my husband consumes.

The longest stretch has been a full song.

"You get a kick out of tormenting me, don't you?" he asks as a laughing Jasper hands me over.

"It's not often I get to see you out of sorts, Vamp. It's … entertaining." Jasper leans in and kisses my cheek. "Good luck with this one." And with a playful punch to Edward's shoulder, he saunters away to find his own wife.

"I'm not that bad, am I?" Edward asks as we sway back and forth to the music.

"No," I say, dramatically drawing out the word and trying my hardest not to laugh.

"Real nice, Bella. Even my own wife isn't on my side."

A flutter of excitement swirls in my belly when he calls me his wife. But I can't miss an opportunity to tease him a little more. "You don't want me to start our marriage off with lies, do you?"

I try to keep a straight face, I really do, but when he can't hold his narrowed eyes and disapproving scowl for more than a few seconds, I burst into laughter.

His own chuckle is so endearing that I can't help but rise up and kiss the underside of his jaw. "No, I guess not," he finally says with a sigh.

The music has changed along with the pace of the party. The group dances that the kids loved being part of—the Macarena, the Hokey Pokey, and the Electric Slide—have long since been replaced with slower songs to match the more relaxed atmosphere now that some of our guests have left. All of the children have gathered at one of the tables to hover around the game system Brandon brought with him. My parents and Edward's have settled into a conversation around another table while Rose and Emmett, Alice and Jasper, Angela and Ben, and Charlotte and Peter dance around us.

It's been the ideal day. Beautiful in its simplicity, the wedding has been exactly what we both wanted. And we've had our nearest and dearest here with us to celebrate. But now that everything has slowed down, I'm acutely aware of the man holding me to his chest. The warmth of his body, the feel of his hands as they roam over the exposed skin of my back, and the way his lips feel as they brush against my neck and shoulder all make me want to ditch the party and escape through my parents' back gate so we can start our honeymoon. I want every moment alone with this man I can get.

He must be feeling it, too.

His lips once again brush my earlobe, sending a shiver down my spine as he whispers, "I think I'm ready to take my wife home."

His softly spoken words, combined with the warmth of his breath, make goosebumps break out on my skin. I swallow and lick my lips, replying with a simple, "Yeah. Me, too."

Edward quietly guides me into the house where we find our bags from earlier in the day.

"I really hope you're not changing before we leave," he says from behind me.

"Oh?" I ask, looking over my shoulder.

"I've been imagining peeling that dress off of you all day."

A grin lights my face as I walk over to him, placing my hands on his chest and pushing them up to rest on his shoulders. "I've been imagining the same thing."

It takes only a moment to gather all of our things and head back downstairs. We find our parents and the boys waiting for us in the foyer.

"Are you all ready to go?" Mom asks.

"We are." I smile at my boys, and for some reason, I'm struck with a pang of guilt for leaving them for two whole weeks. "Come here, you two. Give your mom a hug before we go."

"I'm gonna miss you, Mommy," Seth murmurs against my stomach as he hugs me.

"I'm going to miss you, too. But you're going to have a lot of fun with Grandma and Grandpa this weekend. And I'm sure your dad will keep you busy."

Seth stares up at me. "Will you call us?"

"We'll call when we can," Edward says from beside me.

Seth swaps my arms for Edward's and squeezes him tightly. "I'll miss you, too, Edward." He looks up at my husband with puppy dog eyes. "Will you bring me back a really cool souvenir?"

Edward chuckles and ruffle Seth's hair. "I'll see what I can do." He reaches for Jacob with his free arm and pulls him in for a hug. "You two be good while we're gone, okay? And when we get back, I've got something really special planned for the four of us."

With an extra hug and kiss, we're finally ready to leave.

My parents' driveway is lined with our entire family—extended as well as honorary—and everyone is at the ready with fistfuls of birdseed they can't wait to throw at us. The short trip down the driveway to our decorated car is more like a duck and run than a walk, but the smiles on everyone's faces and excited well-wishes more than make up for undoubtedly needing to pick seeds from my hair later.

Edward starts the engine before leaning in, his mouth mere inches from mine. "Are you ready to start the rest of forever, Mrs. Cullen?"

I smile against his lips. "I'm so ready."

Leaving my parents' house, I expect us to head south on Main, toward Phoenix. But when we turn east and veer north on 89, I realize we aren't going home.

"So, when were you going to tell me the plans changed?"

He smirks. "I knew it wouldn't take you long to figure it out."

"And my suitcase for the flight tomorrow?"

"In the trunk already. And don't panic that you forgot something. I asked Rose to give it a once over to make sure there wasn't anything missing you might need. And on the off chance that there is something missing, we can always leave a little early tomorrow and stop at the house to get it."

I reach over and run a hand through his hair. "You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

"I try." He grabs my hand and places a kiss on my fingertips. "I'm running out of chances to impress you, so I have to take what I can get."

The resort he chose for our wedding night is in the heart of Sedona, a stone's throw away from where we hiked all those months ago. The same mountains over which he asked me to marry him. I don't dare ask what it cost him. With the last of the daylight painting the sky, the views from the drive in alone are breathtaking.

When we reach the door to our room, he sweeps me off my feet and into his arms. "You're mine."

"What are you doing?" I gasp, trying to contain my shriek.

"What does it look like?" he asks as he opens the door and carries me over the threshold. "I'm nothing if not traditional, Mrs. Cullen."

The room is spacious and expertly decorated, but what catches my eye the moment he places me on my feet is the wall of windows. Although I thought the beauty of the drive in was spectacular, nothing could have prepared me for the view from our room. The panoramic windows face the desert mountains, and the last vestiges of daylight dance along the peaks. I'm certain I'll never see this landscape the same way again.

"Oh, Edward," I murmur as he steps up behind me. "This is breathtaking."

He kisses me just below my ear. "Not nearly as breathtaking as you."

I turn in his arms and wrap mine around his neck. "Thank you. For all of this. The room. The view. The wedding. All of today. It's been nothing short of a dream come true."

The corner of his mouth turns up in a grin. "You ain't seen nothin' yet, baby."

"I still can't believe we're going to Italy!" I have to refrain from squealing—again—as we settle into our airplane seats.

When Edward first told me he'd handle planning the honeymoon, I was thinking we'd head toward a beach or hole up somewhere private and just be naked for the week. That thought flew out the window, though, when he'd asked me a month ago to make sure my passport was still valid. But even then, my suspicions leaned toward Mexico. Italy wasn't even on my radar.

"I told you'd I'd be your personal tour guide one day," he'd said when we arrived at the airline counter this morning. "And what better excuse is there than our honeymoon?"

"Believe it, because we'll be there for two whole weeks."

"Tell me again," I beg, just short of jumping in my seat like an excited child. Edward's chuckle and amused grin is enough to draw me in for yet another kiss. "I'm sorry. I must be embarrassing you. I'll stop."

He snatches my hand from his cheek and kisses my wrist. "Do not apologize for being excited about this trip. It's exactly what I wanted."

"So, tell me where we're going."

"We're flying overnight from here into Heathrow for a couple of hours. Then we'll fly into Venice and be there by tomorrow evening in enough time to check into our hotel, hopefully by dinner."

"I can't believe we're going to Venice! I—"

He places a finger over my lips and grins. "I'm not done."

"You're not?" I mumble.

Amused with my antics, he shakes his head.

"Sorry."

He removes his finger and kisses me quickly. "It's fine. As I was saying, we'll fly into Venice and stay for three nights, then take a train into Florence and stay for a couple of days. After Florence, we're renting a car and driving down to Tuscany for the last week. You once told me it was on the list of places you wanted to see, so we can't come all this way and not see it."

Without giving a thought to the plane full of overnight travelers eager to settle into the evening flight, I fling my arms around his neck and kiss him silly. "How did I ever get so lucky?"

He pulls back and cups my cheek with an expression of pure adoration on his face. "I ask myself that every day."

A/N: Backyard weddings have always seemed more intimate to me. What about you? Did you think this was the right wedding for them? I don't think I could have brought myself to put those boys in "monkey suits" again. Lol. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter.

FFN still isn't sending out emails, so to hear from you by way of a review so I know people are reading would be fantastic.

TFMU 2024 in Charlotte, NC was a blast! It was so great to see some of you there. It's good for the soul to catch up with the ladies who have become friends over the years. If you've ever considered going to a meetup, you should join us next year. The next city is yet TBD, but it will likely be close to the same time next year.

The next batch of chapters are with my beta, but I don't have the next one back just yet. If it's back by the weekend, I'll update next Tuesday. If not, I'll update on the Tuesday after I get it back from her. Jayhawkbb is one busy lady, but she's so worth the wait. Her magical red pen and constant chant of "Diiiiig a little deeper!" keeps me in line and makes this story the best it can be for all of you. ;)

And one last "extra" note. The Eras Contest is back this year with a new theme. The Eras Contest Reputation 24 is open now for submissions through September 2, 2024. Be sure to check out the FFN page for all the fantastic entries. And we'd love to read your words, so write for us!

Remember, the best way to stay up to date with what I'm up to, join in the discussion, and to see exclusive teaser pics, check out my Facebook group, Sunshine Fics. I'd love if you all could join us.

I will "see" you soon!

Be kind.
Stay safe.
Stay well.

Lots of love
~Sunshine