Until Forever, Edward & Bella's wedding...

[Skylar Cullen]

Chapter One

Perfect. Absolutely perfect. I rolled over to face the window, amazed at the peeks of sun that were shining peaking through the slats of my window blind. “Paid off mother nature, didn’t you Alice?” I said to myself as I wiped the sleep from my eyes.

“I wouldn’t put it past her.” I snapped my head back, and saw him sitting there in the rocking chair where he had spent so many nights watching over me as I slept.

“Edward!” I pulled the blankets over my head and hoped that Charlie hadn‘t heard me yell. “What are you doing here?”

I felt him sit down on the bed beside me and wrap his arms around me. Even through the thick layer of blankets, I could feel the coolness of his touch. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” His voice as cool as his porcelain skin.

I, on the other hand, could barely contain the shivers that coursed through my entire body. Within a matter of a couple hours, I would be his wife. To have and to hold until parted by… I couldn’t finish my thought, knowing that this marriage marked both a beginning and an end. A tiny squeal escaped my lips, and I heard him laugh in response. I threw back the covers and slapped him playfully. “Don’t you dare laugh at me! What are you doing here anyway? You’re not supposed to see me.”

“Stupid traditions. I don’t buy into your silly human superstitions.” His amber eyes glowed with excitement, but hinted at a sadness hidden just beneath the surface. “I can’t wait to…” He allowed the rest of his words to trail off as he lowered his granite lips to mine. Wrapping my arms around him, I pulled him closer, only to feel him tense in my embrace. He rolled out of my arms and rested at my side.

“I can’t wait until we don’t have to be so careful.” He snapped his head in my direction. Without even trying I found the greatest source of his pain. His eyes closed, as he tried to put the thought out of his head.

Without opening his eyes, he softly spoke. “You know, it’s not going to be easy for me. It’s going to be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do.”

I lifted my hand and buried it in his golden locks, pulling him closer to me once again. “You promised. Besides, what’s three days of pain when we’re talking about eternity?” Once again, he tensed with my touch.

“Renee’s on her way up.” He quickly kissed my cheek. “I love you, Bella. Until forever.” With that he was gone.

I raised my hand to my cheek, and allowed my fingers to linger over the spot that his lips last touched. The heat from his kiss still radiated from my skin, branding my skin. “Until forever.” I whispered, repeating his words, as I longed for my forever to begin.

A light tap on the door pulled me away from the sweetness he left in his wake. “I’m awake, Mom.” She slowly pushed the door open and peeked around the side.

“How did you know it was me?” She asked, sheepishly.

Cocking one eyebrow, I smiled at her. “A little birdy told me.” I glanced out the window, wondering if he was still out there somewhere.

“Well, what are you waiting for Isabella? It’s a busy day.” She grabbed the blankets from me, and pulled them to the floor. She flipped my hair up, laughing at the birds nest that my slumber had created. “There’s so much to do. We mustn’t keep your Edward waiting.”

“He would wait forever.” I sighed, as I fell back into the softness of my bed.

[Skylar Cullen]

Chapter Two

I closed my eyes, and listened as Renee bustled around my room. Her chatter filled my ears, but I paid no attention. My mind was far more occupied with other things. “Isabella Marie Swan, have you heard a single word I‘ve said?” I could hear her foot tapping on the planks of my floor. “If you’d rather sleep all day, then I’d be more than happy to call that young man and tell him that it’s off.”

“Am I interrupting?” Alice peeked her head inside my door. She glided across the room, and took a seat on the edge of my bed. “So, ready to become my sister-in-law?”

In the weeks since graduation, Alice’s enthusiasm had been the only thing that had pulled me through. A smile formed across her pixie face. “You do know that’s the part that I’m looking forward to most. What are you still doing in bed? Come on, there’s so much to do.” She spoke quickly, barely pausing to draw her breath.

“My goodness, Alice. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were the one getting married today. You sure seem more excited than Bella does.” I glared at my mother, hoping that she would get the hint and leave us alone.

“Be nice, Bella. Don’t forget, the chief of police is right downstairs.” Alice smiled as she acknowledged my thoughts.

“What’s that all about?” Renee looked at me with confusion. It wasn’t that my mother didn’t like Alice. She had always found our bond to be quite curious. Alice was my polar opposite, and nothing like any of the friends I had in Phoenix.

Finally I found the nerve to ask her to leave. “Mom, would you give us a minute or two? Girl talk, you know?” I regretted the words the minute they left my mouth, as her expression turned dark and she looked away.

“Of course. I understand, you want to be alone. Girl talk. I get it.” I watched as she sulked out of my room, closing the door behind her.

“Great! The great Bella Swan does it again. Open mouth, insert foot.” Once again, I found the softness of my pillow beneath my head.

“Oh please! Don’t beat yourself up. Make yourself happy for a change. I can see it now,” I smiled at the expression, knowing that it wasn’t terribly far from the truth. “You’ll get through this, and in the end you and Edward will ride off into the moonlight, together.”

I allowed my mind to branch off into places that I hadn’t wanted to visit. “Alice? What do you see? I mean really. Will they be okay?”

Alice gazed at an invisible spot on the wall, contemplating very carefully what she would tell me. “You know I can’t tell you that, Bella. What’s the fun in knowing how things will end? Think of everything that you would miss if you skipped to the end of the story.”

I knew she was right, but it didn’t help to settle the butterflies that were frolicking in my stomach. “Besides, this is your wedding day. It’s your day, Bella. Get up!!!” She grabbed my arm and effortlessly began to tow me away from the comfort of my bed. “You have to get up. You’ll never get to your happy ending if you don’t get out of bed!!!”

She successfully pulled me to my feet, and then skipped across the room to the closet. She busied herself with the dress and the veil. I watched as she floated between the closet to the bureau and back again.
My vision blurred watching her make all the preparations for my wedding. My wedding. The words still sounded bizarre, even contained inside my head. I had just started to feel comfortable in my many roles. Bella Swan, high school graduate, daughter of the chief of police and his flighty ex-wife, best friend to Alice, Edward Cullen’s bride, soon to be vampire.

I felt my legs begin to shake under the weight of my heavy thoughts. Clinging to the bedpost, I tried to clear my mind, as my shaking voice implored her. “I have to know, Alice. Please, tell me something, just one thing.”

She looked up at me, no doubt surprised to find me looking so weak. She dropped everything and made her way to my side. “Just one thing? Fine. Here it is, Bella. Edward loves you. Isn’t that enough?”

[bella_rose]

I love it!! I can't wait til the next chapter.

[Skylar Cullen]

Chapter Three - History Repeating

I knew that Renee would only be able to stay away for long. Her curiosity was one trait that I had inherited and I was not surprised when the knock came at my door. “Alice, may I have a word with Bella? Alone?”

“Of course.” Alice reluctantly smiled as she began to cross the room, stopping once as Renee passed her by. “Bella?” I had not answered her question and I knew she was anticipating my response.

I nodded at her. “I’m fine.” Alice turned and headed through the doorway to the hall. She turned once again to grab the door behind her. “Oh, and Alice? It’s more than enough.”

“Bella, are you feeling okay? Maybe you should sit down. You look a little pale.” I didn’t need Alice’s special powers to know what Renee wanted so badly to say to me. We had had this same conversation every time we were together, ever since Edward and I had announced our engagement.

“I’m fine, Mom. Don’t worry. Everything is fine.” I could not allow her the satisfaction of believing I was having second thoughts.

Leaning still on the bedpost, I flinched for a moment as she raised her hand to push my hair from my face. “My Bella. My beautiful baby girl.”

I felt it best at this point to allow Renee her moment without interruption “I still remember the day you were born. I was scared, Bella. I can admit that now. I was so young, and Charlie, well that’s another story.” She paused for a moment as if replaying that day in her mind. “I don’t regret it for a second, you know. The minute they placed you in my arms, I felt so…Well, I guess that I’m just being a little sentimental.” She turned her back and walked to my bureau, where Alice had carefully placed my veil. She picked it up and twirled the antique lace between her fingers.

“I can’t believe that my little girl is getting married today. I promised myself that I wouldn’t let this happen, not to you.” She paused for a moment, interrupting again as I was about to speak. “I wanted so much more for you, Bella. Don’t get me wrong. Edward is very kind, but I just wish you’d put yourself first. Go out, see the world, find out who you are before you change your last name.”

She leaned over the bureau, her arms outstretched, supporting her as if the weight of the world rested solely upon her shoulders. Slowly, I walked up behind her and placed my arm around her. “I know exactly who I am, Mom.” I spoke softly, but not without a slight edge in my tone. “I’m young, yes, but I’m not naďve. I know this isn’t the path that you would have chosen for me, but I guess that’s the point right? I have to choose my own path now, and I choose Edward.”

I found myself surprised to see her reacting so emotionally. For as long as I could remember, I was the one cautioning her against acting impulsively. She turned to face me, placing her hands on either side of my face as she continued to listen. “There are no words to describe the depths of my love for him, Mom. I found the other half of myself when I found Edward, and I will see the world. I will get out and have the grand adventure that you’ve always wanted for me, but I will do it with Edward by my side.”

She pulled me closer, until my forehead was resting upon hers. “I’m not ready to let you go.” The tears she had been holding back finally broke through and flooded her pale face. “I don’t know how to let you go.”

I felt as if my chest were about to rip apart. I had not experienced pain of that sort since Edward left, and it was something that I hoped would never return. I stood there with the tears staining my cheeks, wishing that I could cut myself in two. “You have to let go.” My words carried more weight then she could possibly understand at this moment.
“I hope you’re happy. See what you’ve done?” I pulled myself away from her embrace and glared at myself in the mirror. “I was hoping to get through this day without shedding a tear. Thanks, Mom.” The smile returned to her face as she smoothed down my hair. “You’re going to be a beautiful bride, Bella. I guess we should get Alice back up here so she can fix you up.” She wrapped her arm around my shoulder, and squeezed me tightly. “I love you, Bella.” She whispered before turning to leave.

“I love you more.” I whispered as she disappeared into the hall. “Goodbye Mom.” I turned once again to glare into the mirror, admiring the mess I had made of myself.

“Bella, what happened to you? You don’t expect to leave this house looking like that, do you? Edward would never forgive me.” Alice practically skipped to my side, and within seconds, began to fix me. What she couldn't possibly know was that this wasn't something that could be fixed with the touch of a brush or makeup in all the right places.

I sighed deeply as I thought about my conversation with my mother. I hoped that she would always remember how much I loved her and hoped that she would somehow take comfort when she would recall our conversation one day. I could only hope that although she wouldn't physically see me, I hoped she would know that I am living the life that I chose for myself and that I am truly happy. Happy with my Edward.

“Wallah.” Alice threw her arms in the air as if she had just finished painting a masterpiece. “What do you think?” I glanced up into the mirror marveling at Alice's skill. I hardly recognized my reflection, I almost looked beautiful.

“Wow. I think you missed your calling. It’s beautiful, Alice.” Even without the rays of the sun, Alice seemed to sparkle.

“No, you’re beautiful, Bella. Now let’s get you ready for your prince.”

[Skylar Cullen]

(Author's Note - A special thanks to my beta for helping me out in some parts. You know how I suck with descriptions. Thanks for letting me plagiarize. Your check is not in the mail. Love ya!)

Chapter Four - Just breathe

“Do you need a minute?” Alice asked, as I stood before the mirror, stunned at the woman looking back at me. Without a word, I turned to her, tears pooling in my eyes. I reached out my arms and hugged her, hoping that I had not caught her off guard. “Thank you, Alice.” I whispered.

“No thanks necessary, Bella.” She handed me a tissue. “But if you ruin your make-up, I will be forced to kill you and I really don’t know how I’ll explain that to Edward.” For as much as I had protested early on, Alice had planned the perfect wedding. I couldn’t help but to feel a little like a story book princess, just waiting to live happily ever after with my prince.

I dabbed my eyes, and smiled as Alice critiqued. “Very good, Bella. I guess I’ll let you live.” She swirled around, the skirt of her crimson dress flowing softly around her. “I’ll be back in a little bit. There’s someone else I need to check on.”

She winked at me, and skipped out of the room. “Tell him I love him, Alice.” I yelled after her, as she made her way down the hall, nearly running down Esme and Renee as they made their way to the top of the stairs.

“He already knows.” She chuckled, as she floated down the stairs. I watched from the doorway, grinning as I watched Esme try to slow her stride to stay in pace with my mother.

“Bella, sweetheart, you are gorgeous.” Esme said, as she leaned in to kiss my cheek. In many ways, I thought of her as my second mother and soon enough she would be the only mother I would have. I quickly dabbed away the tears which were once again beginning to form.

“I don’t want Alice to kill me for messing up my makeup.” I laughed softly. Esme cupped my face in her hands. Leaning in close, she whispered. “Thank you for making Edward so happy.” She backed away, as I fanned my face, trying to hold back the tears. “You’re not going to do it. You won’t make me cry.”

She smiled, and backed away, giving Renee room to move in. Her eyes were red, and the dried tear had left their trail on her cheeks. “My Bella baby. You look so grown up, but you’re still my baby girl. You always will be.” She had spoken the truth earlier when she said she didn’t know how to let me go. She pulled me into her embrace, holding me tightly, softly crying into my dress.

“Mom?” I raised my voice slightly when she didn’t respond. “Mom? There’s not much time. Dad will be coming for me soon.”

“Of course, you’re right.” She pulled away and wiped away her tears. “Esme and I have a few things for you.”

We walked back inside the room and I curiously watched as Esme made her way across the room to my closet. She knelt down and pulled out a small wooden box. She slowly lifted the lid, and pulled out a gorgeous diamond bracelet. “Awww, something borrowed.” She sat the box on my dresser and waited for me to offer my wrist.

“I couldn’t. It’s too beautiful, Esme. I can’t.” She would hear none of it. She grabbed my wrist and wrapped the bracelet around it.

“This was a gift from Carlisle on our wedding day. It suits you.” She quickly turned away before I could protest. Reaching back into the box, she pulled out a blue silk handkerchief. “Something blue.”

She tucked it into my palm, and walked back to the box. “Let’s see, your dress is your something new. Now we just need something old.” As if on cue, Alice reappeared in my doorway.

“I think I have just the thing, but we have to hurry. Charlie is on his way.” She crossed the room, and handed me another wooden box. “Open it Bella.” I looked up at her skeptically, and lifted the lid. Resting inside the velvet lined box was a silver tiara, encrusted with diamonds and pearls. I gingerly lifted it from the box, and closely examined it.

“Don’t fight me on this, Bella. Edward wanted you to have it.” She cut me off before my lips could form the words. “He asked me to give this to you.” She handed me an ivory envelope with my name scrolled across the front in Edward’s beautiful script. I turned it over and over again in my hands. I enjoyed watching Alice squirm as she waited for me to open it. “Would you open it already?”

I did as she requested, and found a small note card which contained only 4 little words. “Until forever, my love.” I clutched the note to my chest, and closed my eyes, overwhelmed by his love.

Alice carefully lifted the tiara from my hands, and secured it to my head. “Alice, how old is it?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Let’s just say that it’s been in Edward’s family for years. He’s been saving it for the right girl to come along.” She smiled her all knowing smile, and grabbed my veil, carefully attaching it to the tiara. “There, it’s perfect.” She pulled the veil down until it covered my face, and walked with me to the mirror.

“What do you think, sis?” I paused for a moment, unable to speak.

“Bella? May I come in?” Alice ran across the room, and threw open the door, inviting Charlie inside as she walked out behind him. Esme and Renee followed behind, leaving me alone in my room with my father.

He had not taken the news of my engagement well, and I knew that it was killing him to see me in this way. He smiled at me, unsuccessfully attempting to hide his pain. “You’re beautiful, Bella.” He leaned in and whispered. “Are you sure that this is what you truly want?”

The words seemed to come out of nowhere, surprising him as much as they surprised me. “More than anything.”

“I knew I would lose you to him, but I never thought it would be this soon. If he ever hurts you…”

“He loves me, Dad…” I could hear the music playing in the backyard, signaling that it was time to go. “And I love him. Isn‘t that enough?”

For a moment, he allowed his true emotion to show, looking both happy and sad at the same time. “That’s all I need to know.” I took his arm and allowed him to lead me down the narrow stairs and through the kitchen overlooking the backyard. I waited and watched as my bridesmaids were escorted down the aisle in their matching crimson dresses. I watched as Edward distracted himself, nervously chattering with Jasper and Emmett.

We slowly walked outside and waited for the procession to make their way to the end of the rose lined aisle. That’s when I heard it. Piping through the massive speakers came a tune more familiar to me than the sound of my own heartbeat. It was Edward’s song, the one that he had hummed to me as I fell asleep in his arms, the one he composed just for me.

“It’s time, Bella.” With arms entwined, Charlie led me to the edge of the forest, votive candles lighting the way to our altar.


For as long as I live, I will never forget the look in his eyes the moment they locked on mine. He fidgeted as he waited for Charlie to escort me down the aisle and nervously stepped forward as we approached.

Charlie stopped just steps away from him, placing his hands on my shoulders, he turned me to face him. He gently lifted my veil and leaned in, kissing my cheek. “I love you, baby girl.” He whispered as he took hold of my hand.

“Who gives this woman to this man?” Charlie turned to face the alter, proudly proclaiming, “Her mother and I.” Edward took a step closer as Charlie did the same.

“I’m trusting you.” Charlie whispered. I watched as Edward nodded in agreement as Charlie placed my hand in Edward’s and slowly walked away.

[Skylar Cullen]

(Author’s Note: A very special thank to my beta for helping me out in some parts. You know how I suck with descriptions. Thank you for allowing me to plagiarize. Your check is not in the mail. Love ya!)

Chapter Four - Just breathe

“Do you need a minute?” Alice asked, as I stood before the mirror, stunned at the woman looking back at me. Without a word, I turned to her, tears pooling in my eyes. I reached out my arms and hugged her, hoping that I had not caught her off guard. “Thank you, Alice.” I whispered.

“No thanks necessary, Bella.” She handed me a tissue. “But if you ruin your make-up, I will be forced to kill you and I really don’t know how I’ll explain that to Edward.” For as much as I had protested early on, Alice had planned the perfect wedding. I couldn’t help but to feel a little like a story book princess, just waiting to live happily ever after with my prince.

I dabbed my eyes, and smiled as Alice critiqued. “Very good, Bella. I guess I’ll let you live.” She swirled around, the skirt of her crimson dress flowing softly around her. “I’ll be back in a little bit. There’s someone else I need to check on.”

She winked at me, and skipped out of the room. “Tell him I love him, Alice.” I yelled after her, as she made her way down the hall, nearly running down Esme and Renee as they made their way to the top of the stairs.

“He already knows.” She chuckled, as she floated down the stairs. I watched from the doorway, grinning as I watched Esme try to slow her stride to stay in pace with my mother.

“Bella, sweetheart, you are gorgeous.” Esme said, as she leaned in to kiss my cheek. In many ways, I thought of her as my second mother and soon enough she would be the only mother I would have. I quickly dabbed away the tears which were once again beginning to form.

“I don’t want Alice to kill me for messing up my makeup.” I laughed softly. Esme cupped my face in her hands. Leaning in close, she whispered. “Thank you for making Edward so happy.” She backed away, as I fanned my face, trying to hold back the tears. “You’re not going to do it. You won’t make me cry.”

She smiled, and backed away, giving Renee room to move in. Her eyes were red, and the dried tear had left their trail on her cheeks. “My Bella baby. You look so grown up, but you’re still my baby girl. You always will be.” She had spoken the truth earlier when she said she didn’t know how to let me go. She pulled me into her embrace, holding me tightly, softly crying into my dress.

“Mom?” I raised my voice slightly when she didn’t respond. “Mom? There’s not much time. Dad will be coming for me soon.”

“Of course, you’re right.” She pulled away and wiped away her tears. “Esme and I have a few things for you.”

We walked back inside the room and I curiously watched as Esme made her way across the room to my closet. She knelt down and pulled out a small wooden box. She slowly lifted the lid, and pulled out a gorgeous diamond bracelet. “Awww, something borrowed.” She sat the box on my dresser and waited for me to offer my wrist.

“I couldn’t. It’s too beautiful, Esme. I can’t.” She would hear none of it. She grabbed my wrist and wrapped the bracelet around it.

“This was a gift from Carlisle on our wedding day. It suits you.” She quickly turned away before I could protest. Reaching back into the box, she pulled out a blue silk handkerchief. “Something blue.”

She tucked it into my palm, and walked back to the box. “Let’s see, your dress is your something new. Now we just need something old.” As if on cue, Alice reappeared in my doorway.

“I think I have just the thing, but we have to hurry. Charlie is on his way.” She crossed the room, and handed me another wooden box. “Open it Bella.” I looked up at her skeptically, and lifted the lid. Resting inside the velvet lined box was a silver tiara, encrusted with diamonds and pearls. I gingerly lifted it from the box, and closely examined it.

“Don’t fight me on this, Bella. Edward wanted you to have it.” She cut me off before my lips could form the words. “He asked me to give this to you.” She handed me an ivory envelope with my name scrolled across the front in Edward’s beautiful script. I turned it over and over again in my hands. I enjoyed watching Alice squirm as she waited for me to open it. “Would you open it already?”

I did as she requested, and found a small note card which contained only 4 little words. “Until forever, my love.” I clutched the note to my chest, and closed my eyes, overwhelmed by his love.

Alice carefully lifted the tiara from my hands, and secured it to my head. “Alice, how old is it?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Let’s just say that it’s been in Edward’s family for years. He’s been saving it for the right girl to come along.” She smiled her all knowing smile, and grabbed my veil, carefully attaching it to the tiara. “There, it’s perfect.” She pulled the veil down until it covered my face, and walked with me to the mirror.

“What do you think, sis?” I paused for a moment, unable to speak.

“Bella? May I come in?” Alice ran across the room, and threw open the door, inviting Charlie inside as she walked out behind him. Esme and Renee followed behind, leaving me alone in my room with my father.

He had not taken the news of my engagement well, and I knew that it was killing him to see me in this way. He smiled at me, unsuccessfully attempting to hide his pain. “You’re beautiful, Bella.” He leaned in and whispered. “Are you sure that this is what you truly want?”

The words seemed to come out of nowhere, surprising him as much as they surprised me. “More than anything.”

“I knew I would lose you to him, but I never thought it would be this soon. If he ever hurts you…”

“He loves me, Dad…” I could hear the music playing in the backyard, signaling that it was time to go. “And I love him. Isn‘t that enough?”

For a moment, he allowed his true emotion to show, looking both happy and sad at the same time. “That’s all I need to know.” I took his arm and allowed him to lead me down the narrow stairs and through the kitchen overlooking the backyard. I waited and watched as my bridesmaids were escorted down the aisle in their matching crimson dresses. I watched as Edward distracted himself, nervously chattering with Jasper and Emmett.

We slowly walked outside and waited for the procession to make their way to the end of the rose lined aisle. That’s when I heard it. Piping through the massive speakers came a tune more familiar to me than the sound of my own heartbeat. It was Edward’s song, the one that he had hummed to me as I fell asleep in his arms, the one he composed just for me.

“It’s time, Bella.” With arms entwined, Charlie led me to the edge of the forest, votive candles lighting the way to our altar.

For as long as I live, I will never forget the look in his eyes the moment they locked on mine. He fidgeted as he waited for Charlie to escort me down the aisle and nervously stepped forward as we approached.

Charlie stopped just steps away from him, placing his hands on my shoulders, he turned me to face him. He gently lifted my veil and leaned in, kissing my cheek. “I love you, baby girl.” He whispered as he took hold of my hand.

“Who gives this woman to this man?” Charlie turned to face the altar, proudly proclaiming, “Her mother and I.” Edward took a step closer as Charlie did the same.

“I’m trusting you.” Charlie whispered. I watched as Edward nodded in agreement as Charlie placed my hand in Edward’s and slowly walked away.

[Skylar Cullen]

(Ok, I’m going to try to do this chapter justice. I tend to try to yaddy, yaddy, yada these kind of chapters, so bear with me).

Chapter 5 - Vows

We stood there in silence, gazing into each other’s eyes, as our guests looked on. For once in my life, I didn’t care that everyone was watching me, and I didn’t care what they were thinking of me. All that I could ever imagine needing was well within my grasp. At that moment, it was just the two of us, Edward and Bella.

“Edward and Bella have chosen to write their own wedding vows.” Father Mike stated proudly, as he turned the floor over to Edward. Charlie and Father Mike had been friends since before I was born. It felt only natural to have him preside over the ceremony. Edward turned to retrieve the ring from Emmett. With my left hand resting gently in his palm, he slid the golden band onto my finger.

“I love you, Bella.” He whispered to me, before reciting our vows.

“Bella, as I stand before our family and friends, I vow to honor you and cherish you for all eternity, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner, and my one true love.

I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, laugh with you and cry with you. Until forever has passed us by, this is my promise to you.”

With the ring firmly placed at the base of my finger, he raised my hand to his lips, his eyes burning with an intensity that I had never seen before. I found myself lost in their amber glow, until a tiny hand tapped me on the shoulder. “Bella, the ring?” Alice stood behind me, forcing me back to reality.

“Thank you.” I whispered, as I took the ring from her outstretched palm. Tears began to form in my eyes, as I took his hand and recited my vow to him.

“Edward, as I stand before our family and friends, I vow to honor you and cherish you for all eternity, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner, and my one true love.

I promise to love you without reservation, to comfort you in times of distress, laugh with you and cry with you. Until forever has passed us by, this is my promise to you.”

With shaking hands, I placed the ring on his finger, as he placed his free hand over mine.

Father Mike made his way back to the lily covered arch which acted as our altar. “In the years which shall bring Edward and Bella into greater age and wisdom, we hope that their love shall be ever young; that they shall be able to always recover from moments of despair. In this hope, may they keep the vows made on this day, in freedom, teaching each other who they are, what they yet shall be, enabling them to know that, in fullness of being, they are more than themselves, and more than each other, that they are all of us, and that together we share joyously the fruits of life.

In as much as Edward and Bella have declared their love before family and friends, I now greet them with you as husband and wife.” He turned to Edward with the slightest of grins upon his face.

“Edward, you may kiss your bride.” I glanced at Edward, as he stood perfectly still.

“Edward, breathe.” I whispered, as he turned to me and slowly lifted my veil. As he leaned closer, he whispered to me the words I had heard so many times since we had met. “Be very still, love.” As his cool lips met mine, everything else disappeared. I longed for nothing more than to lose myself in his embrace, a wish that he was more than willing to grant me.

“Get a room.” The crowd laughed as Emmett shouted behind us, bringing us back to the here and now. For the first time, we stood together hand and hand, facing two very different groups of people, now brought together forevermore by our love.

“You can do this, Bella.” He whispered, as I tightened my grip on his hand. I allowed him to lead me to the front row of chairs, where Esme and Carlisle greeted us both with open arms.

“Welcome to the family, Bella.” Esme winked at me, her kind face barely containing her smile. I turned to find Renee and Charlie waiting patiently on the other side of the aisle, smiling through their tears, hand in hand.

I gently nudged Edward, and led him across the aisle. Charlie reached out to me first, pulling me into his strong embrace, tears now flowing freely from his brown eyes. “I love you, Bella.” He was nearly suffocating me, and I allowed him all the time that he needed. It was not lost on me that our time was limited. Renee walked over and threw her arm around both of us, unable to wait any longer for Charlie to release me.

Realizing that Edward was standing awkwardly behind us, allowing us this moment. “Edward.” I softly called for him, and he took a step closer to me. Charlie looked up, once again acknowledging Edward with a nod. “Take care of my little girl.”

“He will.” With one last embrace, I left Charlie and Renee where they stood to once again join my husband. He pulled me close to him, wrapping his arm around my waist, as we left our past behind and inched slowly closer to forever.

(A/N - Unless my betas can come up with something more for me to write, that concludes this short little happy fic. I appreciate all your reviews. This fic was a writing outlet for me while I waited for smurnane to write a little more in the fic that we are co-writing. We would love if you’d read and review our fic “Broken”. It is our take on New Moon from Edward’s point of view. It also marks the first time that the two of us have joined together to write a fic and we are both incredibly proud of it).