4.

Finally

The wedding flowed into the reception party smoothly—proof of

Alice’s flawless planning. It was just twilight, the saddest part of
the day, I remember telling my Bella this so long ago, over the
river; the ceremony had lasted exactly the right amount of time,
allowing the sun to set behind the trees. The lights in the trees
glimmered as I led Bella through the glass back doors, making the
white flowers glow. There were another ten thousand flowers out
here, serving as a fragrant, airy tent over the dance floor set up
on the grass under two of the ancient cedars. Things slowed
down, relaxed as the mellow August evening surrounded us. The
little crowd spread out under the soft shine of the twinkle lights,
and we were greeted again by the friends we’d just embraced.
There was time to talk now, to laugh.

“Congrats, guys,” Seth Clearwater told us, ducking his head under
the edge of a flower garland. His mother, Sue, was tight by his
side, eyeing the guests with wary intensity. Her face was thin and
fierce, an expression that was accented by her short, severe
hairstyle; it was as short as her daughter Leah’s was.

Billy Black, on Seth’s other side, was not as tense as Sue. There
was the old man in the wheelchair with the lined face and the
white smile that everyone else saw. He was so different and at
the same time so familiar.

As if in response to that thought, Seth leaned toward me, arms

extended.

And I returned the hug with my free arm, since the other was
around my wife!
I saw Sue shudder delicately.

“It’s good to see things work out for you, man,” Seth said. “I’m
happy for you.”

“Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me.” I pulled away from
Seth and

looked at Sue and Billy. “Thank you, as well. For letting Seth
come. For supporting Bella today.”

“You’re welcome,” Billy said in his deep, gravelly voice.

A bit of a line was forming, so Seth waved goodbye and wheeled

Billy toward the food. Sue kept one hand on each of them.

Angela and Ben were the next to claim us, followed by Angela’s
parents and then Mike and Jessica.

Behind my human friends were my cousins, the Denali’s.

I realized Bella was holding my breath as she saw Tanya, I guess

she assumed because my description the strawberry tint in her
blond curls. She came over and hugged me.

Next to Tanya, were, Eleazar, Kate, Carmen.

Tanya was still holding me.

“Ah, Edward,” she said. “I’ve missed you.” I still wonder what’s so
great about this human. Edward if you ever get bored, tell me. I’ll
be with you when you want. I couldn’t believe my ears so I
chuckled and deftly maneuvered out of the hug, placing my hand
lightly on her shoulder and stepping back, to look at her.“It’s been
too long, Tanya. You look well.”

“So do you.” She said, Better than your human?

“Let me introduce you to my wife.” It was the first time I had said
that word since it was officially true; I felt as if I were to explode
with satisfaction saying it now. The Denali’s all laughed lightly in
response. “Tanya, this is my Bella.” She’s so plain, and boring.
You need a spicy women my Edward. As she eyed Bella and took
her hand.

“Welcome to the family, Bella.” She smiled, a little rueful. “We

consider ourselves Carlisle’s extended family, and I am sorry
about the, er, recent incident when we did not behave as such.
We should have met you sooner. Can you forgive us?”

“Of course,” She said breathlessly. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“The Cullen’s are all evened up in numbers now. Perhaps it will be

our turn next, eh, Kate?” She grinned at Kate.

“Keep the dream alive,” Kate said with a roll of her eyes. She took
Bella’s hand from Tanya’s and squeezed it gently. “Welcome,
Bella.”

Carmen spoke next.“I’m Carmen, this is Eleazar. We’re all so very

pleased to finally meet you.”

“M-me, too,” She stuttered.

Tanya glanced at the people waiting behind her—Charlie’s

deputy, Mark, and his wife. Their eyes were huge as they took in
the Denali clan. Are all the Cullen’s this beautiful?!?!? I chuckled.

“We’ll get to know each other later. We’ll have eons of time for
that!” Tanya laughed as she and her family moved on.

All the standard traditions were kept. The cake was humongous

We took turns shoving cake in each other’s faces;

I manfully swallowed my portion and Bella looked quite surprised.

Bella threw her bouquet with atypical skill, right into Angela’s
surprised hands. And Ben look as a deer in the headlights.
OH! Do I have to propose now? What will Ang’s Father say! Ben
Thought.

Emmett and Jasper howled with laughter while I removed Bella’s

garter carefully with my teeth.

If you like this, your gonna like your wedding night. Jasper
thought.

Go Eddie! Remember what we taught you!! Em thought.

With a quick wink at Bella, I shot it straight into Mike Newton’s

face.

Mother of all HOLY! Yes! Will I be able to keep it? Mike thought.

No! That’s mine! Arg! Edward! He’s gonna want to take it! I WILL
get it back! Alice thought.

And when the music started, I pulled Bella into my arms for the
customary first dance; and to my surprise she didn’t protest—
especially dancing in front of an audience—I was happy holding
her. I did all the work, and she twirled effortlessly under the glow
of a canopy of lights and the bright flashes from the cameras.

“Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?” I whispered in her ear. I loved

the sound of Mrs. Bella Marie Cullen!

She laughed. “That will take a while to get used to.”

“We have a while,” I reminded her, my voice exultant, and I

leaned down to

kiss her while we danced. Cameras clicked feverishly.

I’m no good dancer as Edward. Hope we don’t fall.

The music changed, and Charlie tapped on my shoulder.

I walk away and gathered Esme from Carlisle’s arms.

You will give her back won’t you? Carlisle teased and I nodded.

My Edward, I’m so happy for you let’s dance? Esme asked and I
nodded.

“Edward I’m so happy for you! I feel as if I’m almost complete, I

thought this would complete our family, but there’s something
missing. Don’t you feel it?” She asked.

My heart almost felt complete and I wonder what could be

missing.

“Yes, Esme, I feel as if I’m missing something. Sooner or later

we’ll find it.” I told her.

We talked and I danced with Alice, Tanya, Carman, Renee, Jessica

and currently Angela.

Bella looks so hot, I wish this was our wedding or maybe we could
just not get married and just have sex. I wonder how it would feel
to touch her and lick her cl- I was furious and I was going to stand
her and take this.

“Angela, it was a pleasure dancing with you, could you please

excuse me?” I asked her.

“Of course Edward, I hope you have a good night and an amazing
marriage with Bella.” Angela said.

I walked over to Bella and Mike and tapped on his shoulder and
asked him to give Bella over he did unwilling.

“Still not that fond of Mike, eh?” Bella commented as I whirled

here away from him.

“Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. He’s lucky I didn’t kick
him out. Or worse.”

“Yeah, right.”
“Have you had a chance to look at yourself?”

“Um. No, I guess not. Why?”

“Then I suppose you don’t realize how utterly, heart-breakingly

beautiful you are tonight. I’m not surprised Mike’s having
difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman. I am
disappointed that Alice didn’t make sure you were forced to look
in a mirror.”

“You are very biased, you know.”

I sighed and then paused and turned her around to face the
house. The wall of

glass reflected the party back like a long mirror. I pointed to the
couple in

the mirror directly across from us.

“Biased, am I?”

She looked like a goddess, her hair, makeup and everything

suited her.

Hey Edward! You invited me, sorry I’m late. Can I see Bella?

“Oh!” I said

The I smiled, Bella would love this.

“What is it?” She asked.

“A surprise wedding gift.”

“Huh?”

I didn’t answer; I just started dancing again, spinning her the

opposite way

we’d been headed before, away from the lights and then into the
deep swath of
night that ringed the luminous dance floor.

I didn’t pause until we reached the dark side of one of the huge
cedars. Then

I looked straight into the blackest shadow.

“Thank you,” I said to the darkness. “This is very… kind of you.”

“Kind is my middle name,” Jacob voice answered from the black

night.

“Can I cut in?”

Bella’s hand flew up to her throat.

“Jacob!” Bella choked as soon as she could breathe. “Jacob!”

“Hey there, Bells.”

Bella stumbled toward the sound of his voice. I kept his grip under
her elbow

until another set of strong hands caught her in the darkness.

He made no effort to dance; he just hugged Bella while I buried

my face in his chest.

He leaned down to press his cheek to the top of her head.

“Rosalie won’t forgive me if she doesn’t get her official turn on

the dance floor,” I murmured.

And with that I left and made my way to Rosalie.

“May I have this dance?” I asked her.

She smiled and answered, “You may.”

I led her to the dance floor, “How do you feel?” Rose asked me.

“Good I guess, Bella’s with Jacob.” I told her.

“You left her with that mutt?” She said astonished.

“Yeah, If it makes her happy, why not?” I said with indifference.

“What if he takes her kidnaps her?” She teased, while I growled at

the thought.

“I’m so sorry how I’ve treated her Edward; I just thought she was
a danger to our family. I’m sorry, I wish we could be friends in the
future. And hopefully she can forgive me.” She said.

“I’m sure she will Bella doesn’t hold grudges.” I told Rose.

“Thank you Edward this means so much to me.” Rose said. “I wish
we were all human and you and Bella could have a lovely Family
and Children. Edward how I wish we had children! Think of how
many different ways they could look. They could have your green
eyes or Bella’s brown hair! Oh, but life isn’t fair with us.” Rose
said sadden by ourselves.

“Yeah, I agree with you. That could be a lovely picture. You, Em,
Jasper, and Alice. Even Carlisle and Esme could have kids! I feel
so impotent! I wish we would be human’s, but we all know it’s
impossible.” I said.

“Esme deserves that you know, we all do!” By now Rosalie was
outraged.

“Rose calm down, people are looking confused.” I whispered.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean too!” She told me.

“It’s okay, I mean if I were a women I would see your lost.” I told
her.

“Thank you.” She said. “You should dance with Alice again, she
seems eager.”

“Only if you want.” I told her and she nodded and left and told
alice. She came dancing her away too me.
“Hiya Edward! I’m so happy for you and Bella! This is amazing!”
She said all bubbly.

“Yes, it’s wonderful, thanks to a little pixie!” I chuckled.

“Thanks,” She said sarcastically. “ I’m so mad! The stupid dogs

made everything disappear! So I won’t find out, what happens
next!” She said in frustration.

“That’s okay, you can actually act like a human now, because
you’ll be waiting for what happens next!” I teased.

“Arg! Just you wait! Someday will need my ability, but I won’t be
able to see!” She said mad.

“Yes, we all love you Alice and we are all grateful for your gift.” I
said trying to cool her down.

“Fine, apology accepted! But let’s be cheerful! At least you aren’t

gay!” She laughed.

“Yes, I’m not gay, and I never was. It was all Emmett’s doing! I
swear!” I told her.

“I know, I was just trying to lighten the mood. You and Bella are
going to have so much fun on Isle Esme!” Alice said.

“Are you sure that I will not kill her?” I asked seriously.

“I’m sure, you feed extra careful. You’re going to do fine.” She
said with a smile.

“Thank you, Alice your a wonderful person and sister.” I told her.

NO! That bloodsucker! How could he do that to Bella! I won’t

allow it!

I left Alice on the Dance floor and My Brothers thoughts were

alert.

“Jacob.” I whispered so they could hear.

Want help? Jasper said.

What he do? Did he hurt Bella, I come with you. Emmett thought.

I shook my head and slowly walked to where they were.

“Ow, Jake! Let go!”Bella cried.

I will kill you I thought As I walked slowly to not attract attention

“Bella! Have you lost your mind? You can’t be that stupid! Tell me
you’re joking!”

“Jake—stop!” She cried again.

“Take your hands off her!” I said in a voice cold as ice, sharp as
razors.

Behind Jacob, Part of the pack stood.

“Jake, bro, back away,” I heard Seth Clearwater urge. “You’re

losing it.”

Jacob frozen as he was, his horrified eyes wide and staring.

“You’ll hurt her,” Seth whispered. “Let her go.”

“Now!” I snarled.

Jacob’s hands dropped to his sides, I wrapped my cold hands

replaced the hot ones.

I moved us many feet away from Jacob and stood in front of Bella.

There were two wolves braced between me and Jacob, Sam and
Paul.

And Seth had his long arms around Jacob’s shaking body, and he
was tugging him away. If Jacob phased with Seth so close he
would hurt him badly.
I hate you! You stole her heart and now you’re going to abuse
her!

“C’mon, Jake. Let’s go.”

Touch her and I’ll come and get you! Kill her and all your family is
going to DIE!

“I’ll kill you,” Jacob said, his voice so choked with rage that it was
low as a whisper. His eyes, focused on me, burned with fury. “I’ll
kill you myself! I’ll do it now!” He shuddered convulsively.

Sam howled loudly.

“Seth, get out of the way,” I hissed.

Seth tugged on Jacob again. Jacob was so bewildered with rage

that Seth was able

to yank him a few feet farther back. “Don’t do it, Jake. Walk away.
C’mon.”

Sam joined Seth then. He put his massive head against Jacob’s
chest and shoved.

The three of them—Seth towing, Jake trembling, Sam pushing—

disappeared swiftly into the darkness.

I’m going to kill you, you filthy bloodsucker! I love her and you’re
going to hurt her for your own pleasure! Jacob screamed in his
thoughts.

“I’m sorry,” Bella whispered to the wolf.

“It’s all right now, Bella,” I translated.

The wolf looked at me. We will take care of him, Please don’t do
anything stupid.

I gave him one cold nod. The wolf huffed and then turned to
follow the others, vanishing as they had.
“All right,” I said to myself, and then I looked at her. “Let’s get
back.”

“But Jake—”

“Sam has him in hand. He’s gone.”

“Edward, I’m so sorry. I was stupid—”

“You did nothing wrong—”

“I have such a big mouth! Why would I… I shouldn’t have let him
get to me like that. What was I thinking?”

“Don’t worry.” I touched her face. “We need to get back to the
reception before someone notices our absence.”

“Give me two seconds,” She pleaded.

I felt so stupid, I knew I could hurt her and yet I was so accepting
of that fact.

“My dress?”

“You look fine. Not a hair out of place.”

She took two deep breaths. “Okay. Let’s go.”

I put my arms around her and led her back to the light. When we
passed under

the twinkle lights, I spun her gently onto the dance floor. We
melted in with the

other dancers as if our dance had never been interrupted.

She as did I glanced around at the guests, but no one seemed

shocked or frightened.

Only Jasper and Emmett were on the edge of the floor, close
together.
Everything okay? Both of them asked.

I nodded.

“Are you—” I asked.

“I’m fine,” she promised. “I can’t believe I did that. What’s wrong
with me?”

“Nothing is wrong with you.”

I’m the one making a mistake by promising you such an idiotic

thing.

“It’s over,” She said. “Let’s not think of it again tonight.”

How can she ask that! She was nearly killed because of
something we shouldn’t do.

“Edward?”

I closed my eyes and touched my forehead to hers. “Jacob is

right,” I

whispered. “What am I thinking?”

“He is not.” She said. “Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything
clearly.”

I mumbled “should let him kill me for

even thinking such things I’m not capable with.”

“Stop it,” She said fiercely. She grabbed my face in her hands and
waited until I

opened my eyes. “You and me. That’s the only thing that matters.
The only thing

you’re allowed to think about now. Do you hear me?”

“Yes,” I sighed.
“Forget Jacob came.” I would do it if it pleased her. That was my
problem, I always tried to please her.. “For me. Promise that you’ll
let this go.”

I stared into her eyes for a moment before answering. “I

promise.”

“Thank you. Edward, I’m not afraid.”

“I am,” I whispered of hurting her and she would never forgive

me.

“Don’t be.” She took deep breath and smiled. “By the way, I love
you.”

I smiled just a little in return. “That’s why we’re here.”

“You’re monopolizing the bride,” Emmett said, coming up behind

my shoulder. “Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my
last chance to make her blush.” He laughed loudly, as unaffected
as he usually was by any serious atmosphere.

I gave to Emmett and walk away. I need time to think so I said I

had to use the bathroom and escaped to my room.

How can I deny her anything, with those big chocolate eyes? I
love her too much and I could say I didn’t want it to happen. I
wanted her, I always had.

I wanted to feel her bare skin on mine, but I would never say
anything like that, too embarrassing.

I loved her and I lusted after her. She is everything to me and to

lose her in a moment of passion would be excruciating, so that
was another reason behind my cautious line.

I went back down and outside I talk to some guests and thanked
them for being here.

“Edward can I talk to you?” Renee asked me.

“Of course Renee. What is it you wish to talk about?” I asked
politely.

He talks so smoothly!

“How are you feeling, I saw you left. Is something wrong?” She
asked worried she’s so observant.

“I wasn’t feeling well, but I’m better now thank you.”

“Well, that’s great. Go claim your wife!” She said with a laugh.

“Okay, excuse me.” I said.

I claim Bella As I wrapped my

arms around her.

She smiled and laid her head

against my chest. My arms tightened.

“I could get used to this,” Bella said.

“Don’t tell me you’ve gotten over your dancing issues?”

“Dancing isn’t so bad—with you. But I was thinking more of

this,”—and she pressed herself to me even tighter—“of never
having to let you go.”

“Never,” I promised, and I leaned down to kiss her.

It was a serious kind of kiss—intense, slow but building.… Time to

go! Edward Listen to me!

“Bella! It’s time!” Alice said.

I ignored her; My lips were hard against hers, more urgent than
before.

Bella’s heart broke into a sprint and her palms were slick against
his marble neck.
“Do you want to miss your plane?” Alice demanded, right next to
me now. “I’m

sure you’ll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport

waiting for

another flight.”

I turned my face slightly to murmur, “Go away, Alice,” and then

pressed

my lips to Bella’s again.

“Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?” Alice

demanded.

Alice growled quietly. “I’ll tell her where you’re taking her,
Edward. So help me, I

will.” Isle Esme!

I froze. Then I lifted my face from hers and glared at my favorite

sister.

“You’re awfully small to be so hugely irritating.”

“I didn’t pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted,”

she snapped

back, taking Bella’s hand. “Come with me, Bella.”

Bella tugged against her hold, stretching up on her toes to kiss

me one more time.

She jerked my arm impatiently, hauling her away from me. There
were a few

chuckles from the watching guests. Newly weds!

She looked annoyed.

I walk to Carlisle’s office and My father and Brothers were waiting
for me.

“You ready for your honeymoon?” Emmett asked and wiggled his
eyebrows.

“Yeah, Thanks for everything.” I said.

“If you need anything call me.” Carlisle said. If anything serious
should go wrong I want you to call me and I’ll help you.

“Make sure your ready and she’s ready Edward. Don’t want to
hurt her or yourself.”

“Okay, Thanks. I think I should go wait for her. Coming?” I asked.

Yeah

Totally

Of course They answered and we walked to the entrance. I walked

to the bottom of the staircase.

“I’ll call you when I know where I’m going,” Bella promised.

“I’ll tell you as soon as she’s safely away,” Alice said.

“You have to visit me and Phil very, very soon. It’s your turn to go
south—see the sun for once,” Renée said.

“It didn’t rain today,” Bella reminded her, avoiding her request.“A
miracle.”

“Everything’s ready,” Alice said. “Your suitcases are in the car—

Jasper’s bringing

it around.” She pulled her back toward the stairs with Renée
following, still

halfway embracing her.

“I love you, Mom,” I whispered as they descended. “I’m so glad
you have Phil. Take care of each other.”

“I love you, too, Bella, honey.”

“Goodbye, Mom. I love you,” She said.

She stood on the last stair and she took my outstretched hand but

leaned away, scanning the little crowd that was waiting to see us
off.

“Dad?”She asked, her eyes searching.

“Over here,” I murmured. I pulled her through the guests; they

made a

pathway for us. We found Charlie leaning awkwardly against the

wall behind

everyone else, looking a little like he was hiding. The red rims
around his eyes

explained why.

“Oh, Dad!” Oh my little girls all grown up. I don’t people staring!

She hugged him around the waist, tears streaming again. He

patted my back.

“There, now. You don’t want to miss your plane.” Married women
already!

“I love you forever, Dad,” I told him. “Don’t forget that.” Me too,
Bells, me too!

“You, too, Bells. Always have, always will.”

She kissed his cheek at the same time that he kissed hers.

“Call me,” he said. Please!

“Soon,” She promised,

“Go on, then,” he said gruffly. “Don’t want to be late.”

The guests made another aisle for us. I pulled her close to my
side as we made our escape.

“Are you ready?” I asked.

“I am,” She said.

Everyone applauded when I kissed Bella on the doorstep. Then I

rushed

her to the car as the rice storm began. Most of it went wide, but
someone,

Emmett, threw with uncanny precision, and Bella caught a lot of

the

ricochets off my back.

The car was decorated with more flowers that trailed in streamers
along its

length, and long gossamer ribbons that were tied to a dozen

shoes.

I shielded her from the rice while she climbed in, and then I was in
and we

were speeding away as she waved out the window and called “I
love you” to the porch, where my families waved back.

We love you. Alice thought

Take care of her. Esme thought.

Love her till the end. Charlie thought.

My baby’s a women. Renee thought.

Use what you learned. Emmett thought.

Take it slow. Jasper thought.

Don’t worry. Carlisle thought.

Give her the happiness she deserves. Rosalie thought.

The last image I registered was one of my family, Rose was being
hugged by Emmett and Jasper, while he hugged Carlisle and
Carlisle hugged Esme. So many different kinds of love,
harmonious in this one moment. It seemed a very hopeful picture
to me.

I squeezed Bella’s hand.

“I love you,” he said.

She leaned her head against my arm. “That’s why we’re here,”
She quoted me.

I kissed her hair.

As we turned onto the black highway and I really hit the

accelerator.

Everyone’s thoughts faded away into the darkness, along with the
howls of the wolfs.