CHAPTER FOUR:

Bella's POV:

I woke up before dawn, and spent the next few hours pacing nervously around my room, trying- and failing- to distract myself with a book, and finishing packing up all the belongings I wanted to take with me.

As soon as Charlie got up, I went downstairs and made him pancakes. I was much too keyed up to have any interest in eating breakfast myself- instead I sat bouncing in my seat while he ate.

"You're picking up Mr. Weber at three o'clock." I reminded him.

"I don't have that much to do today besides bring the minister, Bells." Charlie said, amused. "I'm not likely to forget my only job." I scowl.

"That's not your only job. You also have to be dressed and presentable." He scowled down at his pancakes and muttered the words "monkey suit" under his breath. There was a sudden brisk taping at the front door.

"You think you have it bad," I said, grimacing as I rose. "Alice will be working on me all day long." Charlie nodded thoughtfully, conceding that he did have the lesser ordeal. I ducked in to kiss the top of his head as I passed- he blushed and harrumphed- and then continued on to get the door for my sister-in-law.

Alice's newly shoulder-length hair was pinned back, giving her pixie face a very business-like expression. She dragged me form the house to the car where Hermione was waiting with barely a "Hey Charlie!" called over her shoulder.

As soon as we were in her Porsche, she appraised me, while Hermione smirked at me from behind her back. "Oh hell, look at your eyes!" she tsked in reproach. "What did you do? Stay up all night?"

"From about three o'clock onwards." I admit. She glowered at me.

"I've allotted so much time to make you stunning, Bella! The least you could have done was take care of the raw material!"

"I'll cast a glamour, Al." Hermione tells her irate girlfriend.

"And no one expects me to be stunning," I add, "I think the biggest problem is that I might fall asleep during the ceremony and not be able to say 'I do' in the right part, and then Edward will make his escape." They both laughed.

"I'll throw my bouquet at you," Alice assures me.

"Thanks." I smile. Hermione laughs, again, and starts the car engine. I flop back in the seat, closing my eyes, trying to relax. I failed, and ended up glowering groggily out the windshield until we were almost to the house. "Is he back yet?" I asked, as we pulled into the driveway.

"Don't worry, he'll be there before the music starts," Alice assures me, "but you don't get to see him, no matter when he gets back. We're doing this the traditional way." I snorted.

"Traditional!"

"Okay, aside from the bride and groom." Alice concedes. We pulled up the driveway, the three miles once again wrapped up in hundreds of thousands of twinkle lights, though this time she'd added white satin bows.

"Waste not, want not." Hermione comments, seeing the direction of my gaze.

"Make the most of it," Alice tells me, "because you're not seeing the inside decorations until it's time." As she oulled into the cavernous garage north of the main house.

"Since when is the bride not allowed to see the decorations?" I protested.

"Since she made the mistake of putting Alice in charge." Hermione answers. Alice scowls at her, before turning to me.

"I want you to get the full impact coming down the stairs." She clapped her hand over my eyes before she let me inside the kitchen. I was immediately assailed by the scent- orange blossoms, lilac, freesia and roses. Alice didn't uncover my eyes until we were in the oversized bathroom of her old room. I stared at the long counter, covered in al the paraphernalia of a beauty salon, and began to really feel my early morning.

"Is this really necessary? I'm gong to look plain next to him no matter what."

"No one will dare call you plain when I'm through with you!" Alice glowered, pushing me down into a low pink chair.

"Only because they're afraid you'll go psycho pixie on them." I muttered. I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes, hoping I'd be able to nap through it. I did drift in and out a bit a little bit while she masked, buffed and polished every surface of my body. Hermione vanished early on, and it wasn't until after lunchtime that she returned, Rosalie by her side.

I almost wanted to cry when Rosalie glided past the bathroom door in a shimmery silver gown with her golden hair piled up in a soft crown on top of her head. She was so beautiful it made me want to cry. What was even the point of dressing up with Rosalie around? Beside her, Hermione looked almost as stunning, dressed in an identical shimmering silver gown, her hair done in a Grecian style, with large knots of curls high up on the back of her head.

"They're back," Rosalie informed us, and immediately my childish fit of despair passed. Edward was home.

"Keep him out of here!" Alice snapped.
"He won't cross you today," Rosalie reassured her. "He values his life too much." "And his manhood." Hermione adds, helpfully.

"Something he's going to need tonight." I go bright red, prompting the others to laugh.

"Esme's got them finishing things up out back. Do you want some help? I could do her hair." Rosalie offers. My jaw fell open and I floundered in my head, trying to remember how to close it. I'd never been Rosalie's favorite person in the world. And then, making things even more strained between us, she was personally offended by the choice I was making now. I guess having Teddy had mellowed her out, made her less resentful of being what she was.

"Sure," Alice said easily. "You can start braiding. I want it intricate. The veil goes here, underneath." Her hands started combing through my hair, hefting it, twisting it, illustrating in detail what she wanted. When she was done, Rosalie's hands replaced hers, shaping my hair with a feather-light touch.

"Where's Teddy?" I asked, and she smiled, her face shining.

"With his dad. Emmett's helping him practice walking down the aisle." Teddy, now just a bit over a year old, had begun walking, and just in time- Alice had made him the pageboy, despite the fact he could only walk about six steps without help.

Hermione had vanished again, and I closed my eyes. Voices started drifting up, and my heart thumped in my chest. Oh god. Alice had to support me when I stood up so that she could ease the dress over my hair and makeup. My knees shook so badly as she fastened the long line of pearl buttons up my back that the satin quivered in little wavelets down to the floor.

"Deep breaths, Bella," Alice said, "and try to lower your heart rate. You're going to sweat off your new face." I gave her the best sarcastic expression I could manage.

"I'll get right on that."

"I have to get dressed now," Alice said, ignoring my jab, "can you hold yourself together for two minutes, or should I call Hermione?"

"I think I'll manage... think being the operative word." I sighed. She rolled her eyes and darted out the door, returning before I'd taken two hundred breaths. She was wearing the same dress as Hermione and Alice, the silvery material flowing over her graceful form like a waterfall. "Alice, wow!" I breathed.

"It's nothing," she dismissed, "no one will be looking at me today. Not while you're in the room." "Har har." I sighed.
-

I met my parents in the corridor outside Alice's bedroom. Charlie was standing awkwardly, while Hermione scowled at the floor, pointedly not looking at a nervous looking Renée, who couldn't look in her direction.

The minute she saw me, though, Renée let out a squeal and rushed over. "Oh honey, you're so beautiful! Oh I'm going to cry!" She said more, but I ignored it, instead throwing Hermione an apologetic look over Renée's shoulder. She rolled her eyes at me.

"Oh goodness! I almost forgot!" Renée exclaimed, suddenly. "Charlie, where's the box?" Charlie rummaged in his pockets for a minute, and then produced a small white box, which he handed to Renée. Renée lifted the lid and held it out to me.

"Something blue," she beamed.

"Something old too. They were your Grandma Swan's," Charlie added, "we had a jeweler replace the paste stones with sapphires." Inside the box were two heavy silver hair combs. Dark blue sapphires were clustered into intricate floral colors atop the teeth. I went red.

"Mom, Dad... you shouldn't have."

"Alice wouldn't let us do anything else," Renée said, "every time we tried, she all but ripped our throats out." A hysterical giggle burst through my lips, and Hermione rolled her eyes at me- again. Alice stepped up and quickly slid both combs into my hair, under the edge of the thick braids.

"That's something old and something blue," she mused, taking a few steps back to admire me. "And your dress is new... so here-" she flicked something at me. I held my hands out automatically and the filmy white garter landed in my palms. "That's mine and I want it back." Alice told me. I blushed. "There, a little color- that's all you needed. You are officially perfect." With a little self- congratulatory smile, she turned to my parents. "Renée, you need to get downstairs."

"Yes ma'am." Renée blew me a kiss, shot Charlie and Hermione awkward smiles, which neither returned, then hurried out the door.

"Charlie, would you grab the flowers, please?" Alice asked. While Charlie was out of the room, Alice hooked the garter out of my hands and then ducked under my skirt. I gasped and tottered, Hermione having to catch me to support me, as Alice's cold hand caught my ankle and she yanked the garter into place. She was back on her feet before Charlie returned with the three frothy white bouquets. The scent of roses and orange blossom and freesia enveloped me in a soft mist.

Rosalie- the best musician in the family next to Edward- began playing the piano downstairs. I started hyperventilating. "Easy Bella," Hermione murmured, appearing in front of me. She smiled gently. "You'll never forget this day, I promise."

"Okay." I nodded, weakly, taking a deep breath, willing myself into composure. The music slowly morphed into a new song. Charlie nudged me, gently grasping my hand in his.

"Bells, we're up to bat."

"Okay." I squeaked. I let Charlie lead me from the room, following Alice and Hermione, whose arms were linked, and were smiling at each other. I concentrated on the idea of Edward waiting below to get my feet to shuffle forward.

The music was familiar. Wagner's traditional march, surrounded by a flood of embellishments. "Go Alice," Hermione told her wife, "That's your cue." Alice nodded.

"Count to five and follow me. Bella after Hermione goes, count to five and follow her." And then she began a slow, graceful dance down the staircase.

"Jesus. I'm going to trip and break my neck." I mumbled, and Hermione laughed, softly.

"You're such a worrywart. Count to five." And then she was also moving, sweeping forwards, not quite as graceful, but still stunning. I took a deep breath, and a sudden fanfare trilled through the soaring music. I recognized my cue.

"Don't let me fall, Dad." I whispered. Charlie pulled my hand through his arm and then grasped it tightly. One step at a time, I told myself, not lifting my eyes until my feet were safely on the flat

ground, though I could hear the murmurs and rustling of the audience as I came into view. Blood flooded my cheeks at the sound; of course I could be counted on to be the blushing bride.

I carefully avoided looking anywhere, but the altar, concentrating instead on Edward's face. His eyes were a buttery, burning gold; his perfect face was almost severe with the depth of his emotion. And then, as he met my awed gaze, he broke into a breathtaking smile of exultation.

Suddenly, it was only the presence of Charlie's hand on mine that kept me from sprinting headlong down the aisle. The march was too slow as I struggled to pace my steps to its rhythm, but mercifully the aisle was very short.

And then at last I was there. Edward held out his hand. Charlie took my hand and, in a symbol as old as the world, placed it in Edward's. I touched the cool miracle of his skin, and I was home.

I could barely concentrate, could barely listen. The words of the minister washed over me. I barely took in the moment when Edward gracefully retrieved the rings from the little pillow an excitable Teddy was holding. I barely noticed it as he slid the band onto my finger. I barely even realized it was time to say the binding words until Edward gently squeezed my hands. "I do," I managed to choke out, in a nearly unintelligible whisper, realizing for the first time that I was crying.

When it was his turn to speak, the words rang clear and sincere. "I do," he vowed. Mr. Weber declared us husband and wife, and then Edward's hands reached up to cradle my face, carefully, as if it were as delicate as the white petals swaying above our heads. I tried to comprehend through the film of tears blinding me, the surreal fact that this amazing person was mine.

His golden eyes looked as if they would have tears, too, if such a thing were not impossible. He bent his head toward mine, and I stretched up on the tips of my toes throwing my arms- bouquet and all- around his neck.

He kissed me tenderly, adoringly; I forgot the crowd, the place, the time, the reason... only remembering that he loved me, that he wanted me, that I was his, and that he was mine.

-

The wedding flowed into the reception party smoothly- proof of Alice's flawless planning. It was just twilight over the river; the ceremony had lasted exactly the right amount of time, allowing the sun to set behind the trees. The lights glimmered as Edward led me through the glass back doors, making

the white flowers glow.

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 by the friends we'd just embraced, but this time there was time to talk, time to laugh.

Seth and his mother, along with Billy, were the first to congratulate us. Leah was also here somewhere, but she was most likely over with Hermione somewhere, still not my biggest fan.

After Seth waved goodbye and wheeled Billy toward the food, Sue keeping one hand on each of them, Angela and Ben were next to congratulate us, followed by Angela's parents and then Mike and Jessica.

Behind my human friends, were my witch and wizard friends, Ginny, Fleur, Harry, Audrey, and their partners, even Molly, Arthur and George had come. After them were my new cousins-in-law, the Denali vampire clan.

I realized I was holding my breath as the vampire in front- Tanya, I assumed from the strawberry tint in her blonde curls- reached out to embrace Edward. Next to her, three other vampires with golden eyes stared at me with open curiosity.

"Let me introduce you to my wife." Edward smiled, after deftly maneuvering himself out of Tanya's embrace. It was the first time Edward had said that word since it was officially true, and he sounded like he was going to explode with satisfaction. The Denalis laughed lightly in response. "This is Bella."

"Welcome to the family, Bella," Tanya smiled, reaching out to gently take my hand, "we consider ourselves Carlisle's extended family, and I am sorry about the, er, recent incident when we did not behave as such. Can you forgive us?"

"Of course." I said, breathlessly. "It's so nice to meet you."

"The Cullens are all evened up in numbers, now. Perhaps it will be our turn next, eh, Kate?" she grinned at the blonde vampire behind her.

"Keep the dream alive," Kate said, with a roll of her golden eyes. She took my hand from Tanya's

and squeezed it gently. "Welcome, Bella." The dark-haired female vampire put her hand atop Kate's.

"I'm Carmen and this is Eleazar," she introduced herself, and the male vampire next to her, "we're all so very pleased to finally meet you."

"M-me too." I stuttered. Tanya flanked at the people waiting behind her- Charlie's deputy Mark and his wife, their eyes huge as they took in the Denali clan.

"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. I was blinded by flashbulbs as we held the knife over a spectacular cake. We took turns shoving cake in each other's faces; Edward manfully swallowed his portion as I watched in disbelief. I threw my bouquet with atypical skill, right into Ginny's hands. Emmett, Jasper, Harry and Hermione all howled with laughter at my blush while Edward removed my borrowed garter, which I managed to shimmy down nearly to my ankle- with his teeth.

And then when the music stared, Edward pulled me into his arms for the customary first dance; I went willingly, despite my fear of dancing- especially in front of an audience- just happy to have him holding me. He, thankfully, did all the work, and I twirled effortlessly under the glow of a canopy of lights and the bright flashes from the cameras. I hoped that one of the photographers was a witch or a wizard, so I could get some moving pictures.

"Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?" Edward whispered into my ear. I laughed. "That will take a while to get used to."

The music changed and Charlie tapped on Edward's shoulder. It wasn't nearly as easy to dance with him- he was no better at it then I was, so we moved safely from side to side in a tiny square formation while Edward and Esme spun around us like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

"I'm going to miss you at home, Bella. I'm already lonely without my two girls." He sighs. I spoke through a tight throat, trying to make a joke of it.

"I feel horrible for leaving you to cook for yourself- it's practically a criminal negligence. You could arrest me." He grinned.

"I'll survive the food. Just call me whenever you can." "I promise." I told him.

It seemed like I was danced with everyone, including Hermione, but I was happiest when I was back in Edward's arms.

I felt like I was floating, dancing with him, and then he suddenly stiffened, and turned automatically in the other direction, as if someone had called his name. "Oh!" he said. His brow furrowed for an instant and then smoothed out just as quickly. Suddenly, he was smiling, a brilliant, brilliant smile.

"What is it?" I asked.
"A surprise wedding gift."

"Huh?" he didn't answer; he just started dancing again, spinning me the opposite way we'd been headed before, away from the lights and then into the deep swatch of night that ringed the luminous dance floor. He didn't pause until we reached the dark side of the huge cedars. Then Edward looked straight ahead into the blackest shadow.

"Thank you," he said to the darkness, "this is very... kind of you."

"Kind is my middle name," a husky, familiar voice answered form the black of the night. My hand flew to my throat and if Edward hadn't been holding me, I would have collapsed.

"Jacob!" I choked as soon as I could breathe. "Jacob!"