Jasper

Alice smiled, holding her bestie's bouquet of white peonies as Bella and Edward engaged in their first kiss as a married couple. She then covered her yawn with the flowers, and Jasper's heart went out to her. The drowsiness that had come with the pregnancy was not typical for his new wife. Jasper was looking forward to her doctor's appointment with her OB. The nicotine craving, though, was strong at this moment, but he was suppressing it.

Jasper admired how happy these two looked…especially with all the drama Edward and Bella had gone through with their mismatched partners. Now, here they all were at the city hall in Prescott, and Jasper stood in as Edward's best man. As he signed his name below Alice's on the witness line on the marriage license, he considered how crazy life had been.

Edward and Bella had explained the whole conversation with the Cullens and the opportunity. This left Alice emotional— as everything had lately— because her friend was leaving, but she was first and foremost happy for her.

Alice insisted this had been the vision she'd seen.

"Why do they have to get married?" Jasper had asked. "Can't they just tell everyone to mind their own business?"

"They want to get married. This is why they went on the show, remember?"

"Yeah, but they hardly know each other."

"They know a lot more about each other than we did when we got married."

"Yeah…but still they don't have to rush."

"It's all in the perception. Right now, if that clip leaks then it looks like an affair. If they get married, it's a love story. They weren't matched with each other; they gave it a try with their respective spouses, which didn't work, so they found another once again. And they married each other, already knowing what they wanted."

"Ohhh…do you mean on the after show? Do you expect they'll get questioned?"

"Oh yeah. I wouldn't be surprised if that clip is posted somewhere for all the world to see. And the show…"

"The show can't take any action because if you look at the time stamp it happened before the weddings. So, maybe they weren't honest about their feelings but that's not a crime. Now, Edward and Bella getting married shows a serious commitment on their part. Besides, it looks like things are coming together and they'll be taking off for South America the following week after the finale airs."

He supposed they wouldn't have much time as a new couple with all the distractions of travel and the objective of the show. "What do you see for them, Alice?"

"I haven't seen anything lately. Everything's been kind of muddled. I think it's because I'm so tired. I'll miss my friend, but I guess this baby will be keeping me busy."

He'd seen the episode where Edward and Rosalie met his parents and wondered if they'd had to deal with any backlash from the Hale's. And Edward's dad had been a lawyer. This was something he'd kept in his mind constantly. He didn't have to go to the police—he could just consult with someone—it needed to be someone he could trust.

They headed back to Bella's apartment with champagne, and Alice giggled as Edward carried the blushing bride over the threshold. Jasper had insisted to Alice that the newlyweds should be alone on their wedding night, but since there wouldn't be so many more opportunities for the two couples to hang out together, Edward encouraged Jasper and Alice to celebrate with them.

Edward peeled off his suit jacket and hung it up on the rack as the two ladies tended to whatever girl talk needed to be said. Jasper no longer questioned it.

"Well, congratulations!" Jasper said, joining Edward as he took the seat.

Edward ran his fingers through his hair. "Thank you. It's not exactly what I would've planned — a wedding at city hall, then coming back here for champagne and pizza, but…"

"It's low key."

"I'm just happy. Things worked out."

"This was supposed to be a life-changing event, and you have to admit that it did do exactly that."

"It sure did. We have a baby on the way, and I can't believe it…"

Edward tilted his head. "Trouble in paradise?"

"No. Alice is great, more than I could've hoped for. And I've cut way back on smoking. I've been down to one every other day, and a couple of times I've made it 2 days. This baby has really affected me."

"I see." The two sat for a moment in silence, and Jasper finally spoke.

"I have this thing I need legal advice on, Edward. It's something very serious that can affect our lives."

He told the story, and Edward's face held no judgment as he listened.

"What are you hoping to accomplish?" Edward asked.

"I just can't live with myself…with what I've done."

"But, you want to know if you will have legal ramifications?"

"Yes."

Edward pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts list. "I'm sending you the info for someone you can trust."

"Your dad."

"I'd prefer not to involve my dad. So, instead, this is my uncle, who lives in Missouri, he's practiced criminal law for over 20 years. He might be the best place to start."

Jasper looked at the number on his screen, and for the first time his chest didn't feel so tight. "Thank you, Edward. And please…"

"I won't tell anyone. Not even Bella."

"Not even Bella what?" Bella's voice came behind Edward and she wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a big kiss on his cheek.

Jasper saw the look Alice had darted to him and to Edward. "This better not be about my baby shower. You know I have visions."

"I've been sworn to secrecy," Edward said, holding his hands up.

The ladies began talking about how they'd wished they'd had the time to throw each other bridal showers, and the conversation shifted back to the show.

So much had happened since they'd gone off on their own lives, and the date of the after show was right around the corner.

Bella

She kissed her friend on the cheek and hugged Jasper as they offered their last congratulations of the night. Jasper had the right instincts about not wanting to stick around so long, and Bella couldn't wait to have Edward to herself.

"So, Mr. Masen…"

"Yes, Mrs. Masen…"

She pressed herself into his chest, enjoying that spicy, earthy smell that was just him.

"Here we are…alone…and married. There was a story you were supposed to tell me…that you never got to finish." Bella tried not to let his old-fashioned ways bother her. She liked to think that he was just waiting until the time was right to consummate their relationship, though they'd gotten very close.

The network had just aired the episode where Rosalie kissed Edward…leaving everyone, including herself glued to the television during the commercial break, she watched as Edward gently let her down.

Bella felt so foolish afterward. She could have just asked him. And after Bella had commanded Emmett to kiss her, Edward had never questioned her. Had it bothered him at all? Was he waiting until the decisions were finally aired to actually feel free? She hoped that wasn't the case.

Edward took his phone and pressed a few keys then set it down. After a moment, the sound of the piano filled the room.

"Okay, you're right." He turned her around as if they were in a dance, looping his arms around her waist holding her back against his chest.

The music was unlike anything she'd heard before, and it was haunting; it trickled down to her soul with imaginary hands.

"Is this yours? Did you write this?"

His lips kissed her cheek. "It's for you."

Her hands squeezed his.

"It wasn't finished and I couldn't add any more to it until after I thought of you."

They danced as his lips brushed against her ear, so tenderly. He then turned her around to face him.

"I don't know what to say. You are dedicating a song to me. I don't even know…thanks isn't enough."

"Once there was a man, who thought he did everything right. He went to med school, he played his piano, he became a doctor and tried to help others, but his life was incomplete. Then he met a woman who inspired him, who ignited a purpose and the essence of who he wanted to be. That was when his life had new meaning."

"Well, that's sweet," she said with a smile. His words were a little too sweet.

"You think I'm being insincere?"

"No. Just a little cliche."

"Cliche?"

He froze for a moment and she regretted her words. "No, Edward. I'm just joking. The song it's so beautiful. And I love it." She couldn't stand to see hurt in those hazel eyes that looked down into hers. "I am so grateful. Really."

"But…"

"You're a little mushy."

"Mushy?"

The music stopped, and she pressed herself against his chest again. "I'm sorry. Can we just start over? I vowed to love honor and cherish you, and I intend to do exactly that."

"But…"

"But…tell me about what this man does…when he's around the woman? How does he show her how he feels about her?"

His lips curved then. He placed his palms against hers and pulled her away. "Well, first he looks into the beautiful brown depths of her eyes and wonders how he got so lucky. Then he leans in toward her, and he asks her a question—one he thought he'd never ask." His face was so close to hers, and the expression so tender that her heart felt it would melt right there.

"What? What question?"

"Promise me forever?"

Bella, caught in the moment, simply nodded. Hadn't she already done that? But that's when it dawned on her: because they hadn't taken their time it hadn't followed the tradition of a normal courtship, and now she thought maybe this was something she'd simply agreed to instead of what she felt it was.

"I do," she said. "I promise to always want you and need you for every day of the rest of our lives. I love you, Edward."

His chest swelled in that moment, and he pressed his lips against hers with such urgency that her heart sped up and tingles pricked her skin.

"I love you, too, Bella, and I promise you my heart for as long as we both shall live."

He bent and one arm scooped underneath her knees, and the other held tight to her neck.

Their lips met urgently and he carried her to her room. "Wait, Edward," she said as he set her down on the bed. "Then what happens?"

He climbed on top of her and pressed kisses down her face and neck, punctuating them with the words, "And. They. Lived. Happily. Ever. After."

Emmett

The alert from his phone woke Emmett up. Rose was still peacefully sleeping beside him, and he was still getting used to the idea that she was here with him until the afternoon. He knew she had to get back and as much as he wanted to keep her there, she had her life in California.

Dude! The text was from Carlos. Isn't this your wife?

Emmett's eyes widened as he clicked on the clip that Carlos had linked to the text and it played. It looked like the two were in some garden, and they were kissing. The video was titled Bella and Edward caught cheating! He couldn't lie that it didn't bring out some discomfort in him—not that he wanted Bella. What Emmett had wanted at the time was for Bella to want him. Even thinking that now made him uncomfortable because that feeling was long gone. It had been replaced by a blonde that he could hardly take his eyes from.

She's not my wife anymore.

Emmett texted back. Thank God. But what the hell? He thought nobody else knew about this. He got up and went to make a pot of coffee. Then in an attempt to dig up more info, he typed in their names and Google showed him options of Bella and Edward caught kissing before weddings took place.

"Ah, shit," Emmett muttered. This was the last thing they needed.

Soft, feminine arms looped around his waist as he looked at his phone, finding the owner of them as she lay her cheek against his back. The rose scent made him smile.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up," Emmett said.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. Sorry. I got a text from a guy at work."

"Oh, I thought you took some time off," she said, yawning.

"I did. But, here, look at this."

When she viewed the clip, her jaw dropped. "Oh my God. Edward and Bella had a thing! When?"

Emmett explained how it took place prior to the weddings and she nodded.

"So that explains it. They were hung up on each other already before we got married."

Emmett was already texting Bella. Bella, did you see the clip?

A reply shot back. No, I stay off the socials.

He didn't know where it came from. It's a clip of you and Edward before the weddings.

Wow. That was fast.

You knew?

Yeah.

Okay, so don't answer any questions. Isn't Edward's dad a lawyer? Maybe he can represent you..

Emmett, it's okay. The executive producers are aware.

Rosalie and Emmett gasped.

They made a suggestion and we took it. But there won't be any legal consequences. Besides, we didn't really do anything wrong. We weren't even married yet.

True.

What was their suggestion?

We got married.

Their eyes bugged out. They got married! So fresh off the divorce, they were able to do that? This was their idea?

They had other ideas for an upcoming series that they could use Edward's insight for, so they wanted to stay on good terms. So, yeah, we got married.

Wow. Congratulations! Are you happy?

Thank you. It's surreal. It happened so fast. I'm so happy, Emmett.

He smiled then. Bella deserved happiness, and Edward turned out to be a pretty good man. So screw what everybody thought.

Okay then it's all going to work out.

Yes, it will.

He believed it, but he did not look forward to this after show. Rose was due to fly back, and after Emmett sorted a few things out in Knoxville, he was taking another break from his life to meet with her in California. They'd have about 2 days left to keep their relationship secret. Then, like it or not, he was ready to come clean to the viewing public.

Rose's hand rubbed his back. "You okay?"

He smiled. "Better than okay. This whole thing is almost over."

"How do you feel…I mean, about Bella marrying Edward?"

Emmett snickered. "You mean about my ex marrying your ex? It's weird, but somehow it seems right, you know? Like us."

Rosalie laid her head on his shoulder, and he was overjoyed to inhale that now familiar scent of roses and feel her body against his. "Yes, I know exactly what you mean."

A/N: The video of Edward and Bella has leaked, and how will our couples fare during the televised After Show?! Stay with me for the finale! It's hard to believe it's almost over. Many, many thanks to the reviewers, the followers, and the readers. An extra heap of thanks to my beta AnakinsMom for her help as well! As always, I'd love to hear from you.