A/N: With this being the final chapter, I have so, so many of you to thank! First, I'd like to thank my beta AnakinSmom for all her lovely help with this chapter as well as the several other chapters she helped me with! In addition, a very special thanks to Emerald Star73 and EdwardsFirstKiss for their additional beta-ing and pre-reading this chapter (because it's a biggie!). It's been such a tremendous support to have all these awesome ladies' input and assistance. I also would like to thank my fabulous reviewers who stuck with me and shared their feedback— either every chapter, or almost every one: (in no particular order) EdwardsFirstKiss, Emerald Star73, biblepam, Rita01x, traceybuie, mnnlisa, Cullen Cousin, and TeamRob2! So many others also contributed regular feedback as well, and I sincerely appreciated all of them! Many of you have given this story your attention/commitment for about 10 months and welcomed it into your life week after week, and that continued to amaze me—even when Edward, Bella, Rosalie and Emmett never seemed like they were going to get together. Thanks to you all for sticking with me, for having faith in the story, and for following. Now, I give you the After Show, and I hope you enjoy it.

Bella

Everyone arrived separately, as planned, and Bella knotted her fingers as she made her way toward the entrance as fans cheered from the sidelines. This was unnerving because she wasn't a glamorous actress walking the red carpet. Far from it, she thought as she kept her gaze ahead and willed herself not to trip over her own feet in heels she was not used to wearing. Yet, on the sidelines, cordoned off only feet away, women and men were calling out her name as if they knew her. They beckoned her attention as she headed as quickly as possible towards the grand double doors. She wished Alice, who was in the limo behind her, could've at least walked in with her. But no, they did this for a reason, timing their arrivals in no particular order. Since the network was airing the decision shortly, the fans still weren't sure whether the couples had decided to stay together or not. Bella kept her ring in a safe place, hidden. She hated that Edward wasn't with her, that she and Edward still had to pretend they weren't married.

"Bella!" The voices shouted. "Hey! I'm single," a man called out. Several people laughed but she didn't dare look. This experience had helped her develop a thicker skin, and she didn't invite more trouble by facing these people with their harsh opinions head on.

Bella gritted her teeth as the frazzled intern, with headphones on, led her towards the back room where the six would reunite.

So much had changed.

Who would've known when this all began that Bella would be happily married…but not to someone they set up for her? And Alice and Jasper…happy together, satisfied with their match, a future she'd longed for. As far as Emmett and Rosalie…she'd lost touch with Emmett. With the whirlwind of last minute arrangements with her own husband—it still made her giddy that Bella got to call Edward that—that Bella hadn't kept in touch with Emmett or Rosalie.

Bella missed Edward dearly. He'd stayed in California the past few days working things out with Carlisle Cullen. With all the last minute changes and the notice she was giving at her job they agreed to meet here at the after show.

Then, it wouldn't matter what anyone thought of them anymore. Sure, maybe they'd gossip, and then it would die down and eventually become yesterday's news.

Since she'd been the first to arrive to the Green Room, Bella waited by herself and browsed a long table set up with finger foods, pastries, and desserts. Another table had bottles of water lined up and a bucket of sparkling water, cans of soda, and iced tea sat alongside them.

A large television screen dominated the middle of the main wall, and she guessed they'd be watching from here instead of the screening room.

A moment later, Alice entered, and they embraced. Alice, smiling brightly, had circles under her eyes.

"Not sleeping well?" Bella asked.

"No. Insomnia. This baby wants me to sleep during the day." She yawned as if to affirm it.

Jasper opened the door, hugged his wife and then Bella.

A makeup and hair team of two women and one man appeared to talk to them.

Bella was grateful they had some time together before they had to go on.

"Have you seen Edward?" Bella asked Jasper.

"Not yet."

She wondered if he was already here and checked her phone again, but still no word.

Emmett entered then, holding out his arms to everyone, wearing the widest grin she'd seen.

He enveloped her in a hug. "Hey there, Bella! How are you?"

Bella smiled, happy to see him. She was surprised by how comfortable it felt with him there, knowing he was just her friend. "I'm good."

"…and your better half?"

She was about to say she didn't know when Rosalie entered. The blonde still owned the room wearing a violet low cut dress, looking every bit the starlet. Despite Bella's hard feelings toward Rosalie initially, she was happy to let that go. The kiss hadn't meant anything to anybody, and Bella accepted the hug from Rosalie, now grateful she had the opportunity to talk to her.

Emmett turned to Rosalie. "You are gorgeous."

Rosalie giggled. "So are you."

"I want to hold you…so badly."

"I know. Me too. But, I don't think we're supposed to."

Bella snuck a peek around for cameras, seeing there were none, and that would be silly anyway.

"It's almost over," Emmett said. "Screw them and what they think." He gathered Rosalie into his arms, and they looked so natural as a couple, as though they'd been born to be together.

Soon, they were free to go on with their lives. Where was Edward?

A server came in to take drink orders, and Bella chatted with Rosalie and Emmett as Alice laid her head on Jasper's shoulder.

The show was about to start and she looked at her phone again, ready to press the call button.

The familiar jingle played from the television, and the trailer followed, featuring the tears and hugs of their decisions. Edward finally entered and took a seat beside Bella.

"Where have you been?" she asked, drawing a breath at the sight of him.

He smiled and took her into his arms. "Talking to Carlisle. Nothing to worry about."

Hands clasped together, the six watched the final chapter of their six weeks together, and Bella shook her head at the experience. Her knee bounced as she sat with legs crossed.

"It's okay, Bella," Edward said.

Was it? When the footage of her and Edward emerged online, it had caused quite a stir. Bella had been contacted by Jacob, which she ignored, her mother, and her friend. Every day her phone lit up with unknown numbers for comments, and she was also harassed by email to address the clip of Edward and her kissing. Now, she knew without a doubt it would be brought up. She dreaded this.

"It's going to be fine," Edward said, squeezing her hand.

The intern came in, followed by the producer and the six were outfitted with microphones, and last minute touches were done to their hair and makeup. The producer approached Alice and Jasper, and Bella's stomach rolled as savage butterflies warred in her abdomen. She'd wished she could duck out of this. It was different before — cameras had been following and recording but now living, breathing people sat feet away in the studio…who knew about her and her life. They made assumptions about her…asked if she was seeking treatment for alcoholism. They accused her of leading Emmett on, of going on the show for attention.

As if she'd ever wanted any.

On the screen, the audience was cheering, and the host was adjusting the mike on his lapel. He was charming and non-threatening and handsome, but Bella still dreaded being interviewed before hundreds of warm bodies, seated in bleachers. Before, she could only imagine that people would watch as the cameramen recorded their experiences, but now, their scathing comments and judgments played like a broken record in her mind.

The producer stood at the front of the room. "Alice and Jasper, you'll be on first. Then Emmett and Bella. Then Edward and Rosalie."

It was a relief to Bella they didn't have to go first and she gave a thumbs up to Alice as they left the room. Then the four watched the screen as the host stood and shook hands with Alice and Jasper and gestured to them to sit on the loveseat across from him. Applause erupted for them as the lighting was adjusted and a hair person brushed Alice's hair from her cheek.

Edward took Bella's hand as they watched.

"The happy couple, everyone!" the host gushed. He turned to them and namely to Alice. "That is, are we still happy?"

Jasper answered, "Yes! We are ecstatic."

"Now, you two were the only ones who had chemistry at first sight. But things were not easy for you. Let's take a look."

Behind them, a screen showed clips of Jasper's struggle with smoking, their counseling session, and then Alice's admission about not being able to become pregnant.

Alice seemed to be taking it all in stride, but Bella caught the unease in her expression.

"How are we doing with the smoking, Jasper?" he asked. "I know there was a moment there where we all wondered if this wasn't a deal breaker." He turned to the audience. "Am I right?"

This prompted a round of applause.

Wow! Bella thought. The host just zeroed in on Jasper's insecurity. Right in front of everybody. Didn't pull any punches. Bella removed her hand from Edward's and wiped it on her dress.

"The host has to do that," Edward explained. "Carlisle said he's the voice of the audience."

Her fingernails bit into her palms as Jasper explained his progress with quitting smoking.

"I think he's doing great!" Alice said. "Everytime he tells me he's resisting the urge, I put a dollar in a jar."

The host laughed. "You'd mentioned that recently to Pastor Ray. What a great way to build a nest egg and break a bad habit. How's that jar looking?"

Jasper laughed. "It's almost full."

"So many people struggle with nicotine addiction, Jasper, and many of us can sympathize. In fact, the show set up a go fund me on your behalf and will match every dollar. Let's see if we can help build that nest egg. Maybe you can blog about it and that might encourage others to quit. Then if people wish, they can donate as well." A link to the site was provided on the screen beside Jasper's picture.

Jasper's mouth opened in awe. "Wow. That's more than I could ever... And yes, quitting smoking is something very personal to me, but… I want to pledge something else—that every dollar of that money gets donated to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers."

Alice turned to him, and her brows lifted. She clapped, nodding her head as the crowd cheered along.

"Tell me more about that," the host asked.

"I had a tragic experience a long time ago—I…" he trailed off, and cleared his throat. The camera zoomed in on his face and Jasper's eyes clouded with tears. "I can't talk about it—but… I would love there to be more awareness for youngsters and guidance, especially to prevent it. So many lives have been ruined due to drinking and driving."

The host held out his hands to the audience. "I'm sure that many of us have a story related to this. I have a personal one myself. My sister was killed by a drunk driver."

"I think it would mean so much," Alice said.

"Maybe Jasper can be an advocate! What do you think, guys?"

Their reaction thundered through the bleachers, and Alice grinned at Jasper as he sat wide-eyed.

"Oh my God," Bella said. "I'm going to have to ask what that was about." She'd sure she wouldn't be the only one wanting to know.

"Now, there's the other thing," the host said. "Did you get tested, Alice, to see if you can have children?"

She giggled. "No, as a matter of fact."

"Oh."

Alice and Jasper said it at the same time, "We're pregnant!"

The cheers and catcalls from the crowd roared, and the host rose to congratulate both of them.

"Speaking on behalf of America and the show, I'm so happy for the both of you."

He announced the commercial break next, and the intern was already waiting at the door, her eyes darting to Bella and to Emmett.

"Go," Edward said as Jasper entered the room. "It's going to be fine, you'll see."

Emmett stood, offering his hand to Bella, and she looked up at his tall figure. He had been a person of strength for her throughout this process, and she rose and took his hand. "We got this, Bella, no worries."

She took her hand from his to wipe her palm on her skirt. "Sorry, Emmett."

"Just focus on the questions and don't think about anything else."

Bella tried to remember his advice as she sat, ignoring the voices of the crowd. Her mom and stepdad were in the audience, but she didn't dare make eye contact as a lady smoothed down her hair with some product. She breathed in and out, and kept her gaze on Emmett, at which he took her hand and smiled. They sat on the loveseat as if they were a couple, but she couldn't think of that right now. Her gaze focused on the three chairs on the other side of the host and his kind smile. The director counted down, and the host spoke, introducing them as a couple.

"Great seeing you here, Emmett & Bella. I think that fans were the most disappointed that you two didn't make it work."

Oh no, she thought. And it was her fault. Here it comes!

"Well, we gave it a try."

"You sure did. Let's watch."

The screen showed their kiss at the wedding, how they danced, and the highlights of their honeymoon, such as seeing the Las Vegas strip from a helicopter and bouncing around in suits in that gravity-free room. Then it moved to the part where Dr. Muncher arrived and talked to them and how that led to Emmett storming away.

"Okay, so, Emmett, were you rooting for this marriage?"

"I gave it my best," he said.

"Except when you didn't."

The clip of Emmett and Rosalie talking at the encounter played, followed by their individual interviews, and some moments where glances between them had been captured.

Emmett shrugged his shoulders, and the skin of his neck turned a little pink. "Rosalie and I clicked. We couldn't help it. Unfortunately, Bella and I didn't have that connection."

"Yes, we could see that. The consensus of the viewers seems to be that the wrong couples were matched."

At that point, the experts walked in, and they took the seats to the host's right. The audience hooped and hollered as Dr. Muncher, Dr. Saltz, and Pastor Ray joined them. Bella's mouth dropped open. Was this to be some kind of showdown?

"I'd like to speak to that remark," Dr. Saltz said, raising her hand. "Actually, as you know, based on the information given at the time, all six were well-matched. As you saw, the three couples had a foundation based on their interests."

Bella's heart thumped, and she wanted to raise her hand. She and Emmett had nothing in common, but she didn't dare invite any rebuttal from them—particularly about getting together with Edward. Hadn't Carlisle promised there would be no repercussions?

Pastor Ray spoke, "It's true. Once these couples had some time to get to know one another, they had a good time."

Then Dr. Muncher, "And if the other couples hadn't existed, it's very likely all six would have had successful pairings."

"There has been a lot of debate about it," the host said.

"You can't force chemistry," Dr. Muncher said. "In Bella's case, she'd had it with her ex boyfriend, but not initially." She faced the audience then, looking straight to the camera. "It happens. It's not about who's right and wrong. It's about who is willing to make it work."

The audience booed then, and Bella wanted to hide her face.

"Look," Emmett began, "it's nobody's fault. We all tried. We did the best we could."

Bella knew it was coming, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. "Emmett was great," Bella said, "just not for me."

All eyes were on her, and she struggled not to shrink back in her chair. Emmett squeezed her hand as an eerie quiet fell over the room. Dr. Saltz opened her mouth to speak, but the host jumped in. "You gotta love all the fun these two had together, right?" he said, clapping and trying to overcome an intense moment. "And the way you intimidated her ex-boyfriend; that was priceless."

Emmett nodded. "Yeah, he was a creep."

Pastor Ray spoke then, "Yes, it was a good thing Emmett was there. Scared that little guy off," he laughed.

"Some speculate that maybe you weren't ready to be in a relationship, Bella," the host said.

That was it. How many more rounds were they going to go? She sat up, squaring her shoulders, digging up some courage. "Ya know what? Maybe I wasn't. Blame me. It was my fault. Emmett was great. He's going to be the perfect husband…literally for…someone else."

"Always so quick to accept the blame?" Pastor Ray said. "Why is that?"

"Because…it obviously wasn't Emmett's fault. He did the best he could."

Dr. Muncher spoke then. "Did he, though?"

Oh God, she thought. Please don't bring up the cake incident. "He did the best with what he had."

"Yeah, you guys, we tried," Emmett said, palms open to the audience. "What do you want from us?"

A female voice hollered from the audience, "Tell us about Edward, Bella!"

She blushed crimson, and the host's eyes widened, and his gaze shot away from the camera towards the director who yelled, "Cut!"

At that moment, a person was sent to deal with the lady from the bleachers. The audience warmer had warned that calling out during filming was cause for removal.

Edward appeared at that moment and an intern had her hand on his arm. "If I may…"

The producer held the earpiece to her ear and then nodded and called out for the loveseat to be replaced by 4 chairs. Then the director called out for them to continue filming.

"Edward! We weren't expecting to see you here yet," the host said.

"Well, I'm not going to let them attack my wife!" Edward said, making a beeline for Bella.

Bella's eyes widened at the remark, and a collective gasp rang out from the audience. Emmett gestured for Edward to take the seat to her left.

Instead, Edward swept Bella into his arms and planted a kiss on her lips that left her breathless and despite the hundreds of people watching, her knees wobbled at the contact. Only Edward. He was the only one who had this effect on her.

The audience's reaction was a mixture of cheers and raucous yelling.

"Hey," Edward said to the audience. "I love this woman, and I don't care who knows it."

Emmett held up his hand to Edward and gave him a high five. "Now, that's what I'm talking about!" Emmett said.

"Well," the host said as he gestured for them to sit. Edward sat and gripped her hand tightly, and she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "Now, that we know how you feel, Edward…and Bella…" the host began, "maybe we can get a little clarity about this situation."

"I'm in love with Edward," Bella said, darting her gaze to her husband.

"Well, we can see that!" Dr. Saltz said.

"Tell us when and how this began," the host said.

"We met at the bar in the hotel before the weddings," Bella said. "And we were just drawn to each other."

Pastor Ray covered his face, capturing the attention of the host. "Something you wanted to say?"

"Well, if we had known…anyway, it was implied that you were engaged once you agreed to come on the show."

"True," Edward said. "But, Bella and I didn't plan this. We hoped for the best."

"So," Dr. Muncher started, "you two went the whole show pining for each other through this whole process. Why didn't you ask for a divorce sooner?"

Bella looked at the three experts. "Because we made a commitment. And because we trusted you and your choice."

Emmett raised his hand, "Yes, same here. I was sure you knew something I didn't. So, we stuck it out. Tried to make it work."

"Things are making so much more sense now," Dr. Saltz said.

The host turned back to Edward and Bella. "So, you two got married? When?"

Bella smiled. Her first big smile of the evening, feeling this was really going to be okay. "As soon as we could." She pulled her necklace from inside the fabric of her collar where her ring was looped around and held it up for the audience to see. She met her mother's gaze in the audience, who winked at her.

The host, pressing his ear piece to his ear, smiled. "So, I'm being told we have some footage to show."

Oh God. Not the hotel footage. Bella was past being tired of that. Then her mouth dropped open as she saw Edward and herself speaking their vows in front of the justice of the peace. The audience roared their cheers.

"I think this is the first time in the history of this show that one of our couples married a different couple."

"We never would've met if we hadn't come on this show," Bella said. "So, no it's not a bad thing."

"Okay, let's bring out Rosalie now."

Stagehands appeared as they paused for another break, and two chairs were placed behind the front two, this time with Bella and Emmett seated behind Rosalie and Edward.

Rosalie glided to her seat like Miss America, having kept her cool despite all that had transpired.

"Now you two had quite a rocky start." The host gestured their attention to the screen where it showed Rosalie's indifference and anger toward Edward, and Edward bringing her back inside after she tried to leave. It showed clips of them playing the piano together, attending the show in New York City, and jogging and laughing together. Their montage also featured Rosalie's announcement to give up her parent's help and ended with her kissing Edward.

"We were sure you two were going to make it," Dr. Saltz said. "But, we didn't know what we were up against."

Rosalie took Edward's hand and held it up. "I'm just so grateful for everything. I was awful in the beginning, I know. But it's led me to who I've become. And as embarrassing as it is, I'm not ashamed of it."

The mob of women's voices calling out their support for Rosalie showed no love lost. She had her very own cheering section.

Bella was impressed by her poise. It seemed nothing rattled her. And why should it? Rosalie seemed happier than she'd ever been. Her videos had grown in views and she would never be at a loss for sponsors.

"Tell us, Rosalie. Are you on speaking terms with your parents?"

"I…would rather not say."

"Oh," the host said, "And how about your relationship with your parents, Edward? You and Rosalie put on quite a show for them. I'm sure they were disappointed."

"They were a little, but they want me to be happy." Edward glanced over his shoulder with a smile at Bella, and her heart skipped a beat.

"It looks like you owe much of your success to Edward," the host said.

"I'll never be able to thank him enough," she said, glancing at him.

"Now on a more personal note, what was going on with you and Emmett? There was something; the cameras didn't catch an interaction, but we know there was something about feeding him cake…"

Bella sucked in a breath. He had to bring that up, didn't he?

Rosalie giggled. "I fed him cake. I know. I know. You just don't understand what it's like between Emmett and me."

The crowd whistled and clapped. How could they fault Rosalie and Emmett's interactions anymore?

"Is there something going on that we should know about?" the host asked.

Emmett rose from his seat, and he knelt in front of Rosalie. Bella covered her mouth as Emmett looked up at Rosalie, holding a ring up to her.

"Rosalie, I am in love with you, and I hope you will make me the happiest man in the world by marrying me?"

Rosalie squealed, and she threw herself into Emmett's arms. "Yes! Yes! Oh my God, I love this man!"

Resounding cheers thundered from the audience.

The experts looked at Emmett and Rosalie with mixed reactions. "Well, I'll be…"

Pastor Ray said.

"I didn't see that coming," said Dr. Saltz, turning to Dr. Muncher.

"No. I did not either."

"Well," the host said, his brows lifted. "What a night for our couples! Congratulations, Emmett and Rosalie, and of course, again to Bella and Edward. We actually now have three happy couples with us tonight." Emmett and Rosalie had to be separated by a stagehand as the world seemed to fall away from them.

Alice and Jasper returned to the stage with two more seats added to the group, but this time Edward was seated next to Bella, Emmett beside Rosalie, and Alice next to Jasper.

"I want to thank our couples for taking part in this social experiment, and we were just so pleased to have you with us."

He faced the audience. "Thank you, as well, for tuning in."

With that, they all rose and gave hugs and handshakes to one another. Bella was finally able to breathe and even took selfies with some of the audience members.

Her mother squeezed her tight and kissed Edward on the cheek as more people waited their turn for a picture.

"So, Bella?" A lady said. "I just wanted to ask you, what was your favorite part of this show?"

"Honestly. The ending."

They all laughed. Edward drew her into a mind-numbing kiss, and the scent of earth and sandalwood drowned her senses. Bella knew that people all around them were watching and photographing them. And for the first time since this whole thing began, she didn't care.

The End

A/N: For anyone needing closure on Jasper's legal situation, I included a bit more to Chapter 50, thanks to feedback I received. I am still considering writing/posting some outtakes—things the camera caught that may have been funny or inappropriate—rated T—but I have no idea when that will be. Until then, if any of you are interested in some Edward/Bella goodness, check out my other wip "Law of Attraction." I thank you all again for reading, for following, favoriting, and for your reviews. I hope to hear from you again!