As soon as my feet were past the treacherous stairs, I was looking for him. For a brief second, I was distracted by the profusion of white blossoms that hung in garlands from everything in the room that wasnt alive, dripping with long lines of white gossamer ribbons. But I tore my eyes from the bowery canopy and searched across the rows of satin-draped chairsblushing more deeply as I took in the crowd of faces all focused on meuntil I found him at last, standing before an arch overflowing with more flowers, more gossamer.
I was barely conscious that Carlisle stood by his side, and Angelas father behind them both. I didnt see my mother where she must have been sitting in the front row, or my new family, or any of the gueststhey would have to wait till later.
All I really saw was Edwards face; it filled my vision and overwhelmed my mind. 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 pressure of Charlies 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. Mercifully, the aisle was very short. And then, at last, 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 Edwards. I touched the cool miracle of his skin, and I was home.
Our vows were the simple, traditional words that had been spoken a million times, though never by a couple quite like us. Wed asked Mr. Weber to make only one small change. He obligingly traded the line till death do us part for the more appropriate as long as we both shall live.
In that moment, as the minister said his part, my world, which had been upside down for so long now, seemed to settle into its proper position. I saw just how silly Id been for fearing thisas if it were an unwanted birthday gift or an embarrassing exhibition, like the prom. I looked into Edwards shining, triumphant eyes and knew that I was winning, too. Because nothing else mattered but that I could stay with him.
I didnt realize I was crying until it was time to say the binding words.
I do, I managed to choke out in a nearly unintelligible whisper, blinking my eyes clear so I could see his face.
When it was his turn to speak, the words rang clear and victorious.
I do, he vowed.
Mr. Weber declared us husband and wife, and then Edwards 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 armsbouquet and allaround 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.
He began the kiss, and he had to end it; I clung to him, ignoring the titters and the throat-clearing in the audience. Finally, his hands restrained my face and he pulled backtoo soonto look at me. On the surface his sudden smile was amused, almost a smirk. But underneath his momentary entertainment at my public exhibition was a deep joy that echoed my own.
The crowd erupted into applause, and he turned our bodies to face our friends and family. I couldnt look away from his face to see them.
My mothers arms were the first to find me, her tear-streaked face the first thing I saw when I finally tore my eyes unwillingly from Edward. And then I was handed through the crowd, passed from embrace to embrace, only vaguely aware of who held me, my attention centered on Edwards hand clutched tightly in my own. I did recognize the difference between the soft, warm hugs of my human friends and the gentle, cool embraces of my new family.
One scorching hug stood out from all the othersSeth Clearwater had braved the throng of vampires to stand in for my lost werewolf friend.
4. GESTURE
The wedding flowed into the reception party smoothlyproof of Alices 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 in the trees glimmered as Edward led me 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 wed 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 LeahsI wondered if shed cut it the same way in a show of solidarity. Billy Black, on Seths other side, was not as tense as Sue.
When I looked at Jacobs father, I always felt like I was seeing two people rather than just one. There was the old man in the wheelchair with the lined face and the white smile that everyone else saw. And then there was the direct descendant of a long line of powerful, magical chieftains, cloaked in the authority hed been born with. Though the magic hadin the absence of a catalystskipped his generation, Billy was still a part of the power and the legend. It flowed straight through him. It flowed to his son, the heir to the magic, who had turned his back on it. That left Sam Uley to act as the chief of legends and magic now. . . .
Billy seemed oddly at ease considering the company and the eventhis black eyes sparkled like hed just gotten some good news. I was impressed by his composure. This wedding must have seemed a very bad thing, the worst thing that could happen to his best friends daughter, in Billys eyes.
I knew it wasnt easy for him to restrain his feelings, considering the challenge this event foreshadowed to the ancient treaty between the Cullens and the Quileutesthe treaty that prohibited the Cullens from ever creating another vampire. The wolves knew a breach was coming, but the Cullens had no idea how they would react. Before the alliance, it would have meant an immediate attack. A war. But now that they knew each other better, would there be forgiveness instead?
As if in response to that thought, Seth leaned toward Edward, arms extended. Edward returned the hug with his free arm.
I saw Sue shudder delicately.
Its good to see things work out for you, man, Seth said. Im happy for you.
Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me. Edward pulled away from Seth and looked at Sue and Billy. Thank you, as well. For letting Seth come. For supporting Bella today.
Youre welcome, Billy said in his deep, gravelly voice, and I was surprised at the optimism in his tone. Perhaps a stronger truce was on the horizon.
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 Angelas parents and then Mike and Jessicawho were, to my surprise, holding hands. I hadnt heard that they were together again. That was nice.
Behind my human friends were my new cousins-in-law, the Denali vampire clan. I realized I was holding my breath as the vampire in frontTanya, I assumed from the strawberry tint in her blond curlsreached out to embrace Edward. Next to her, three other vampires with golden eyes stared at me with open curiosity. One woman had long, pale blond hair, straight as corn silk. The other woman and the man beside her were both black-haired, with a hint of an olive tone to their chalky complexions.
And they were all four so beautiful that it made my stomach hurt.
Tanya was still holding Edward.
Ah, Edward, she said. Ive missed you.
Edward chuckled and deftly maneuvered out of the hug, placing his hand lightly on her s
houlder and stepping back, as if to get a better look at her. Its been too long, Tanya. You look well.
So do you.
Let me introduce you to my wife. It was the first time Edward had said that word since it was officially true; he seemed like he would explode with satisfaction saying it now. The Denalis all laughed lightly in response. Tanya, this is my Bella.
Tanya was every bit as lovely as my worst nightmares had predicted. She eyed me with a look that was much more speculative than it was resigned, and then reached out to take my hand.
Welcome to the family, Bella. She smiled, a little rueful. We consider ourselves Carlisles 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, I said breathlessly. Its 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.
Keep the dream alive, Kate said with a roll of her golden eyes. She took my hand from Tanyas and squeezed it gently. Welcome, Bella.
The dark-haired woman put her hand on top of Kates. Im Carmen, this is Eleazar. Were all so very pleased to finally meet you.
M-me, too, I stuttered.
Tanya glanced at the people waiting behind herCharlies deputy, Mark, and his wife. Their eyes were huge as they took in the Denali clan.
Well get to know each other later. Well 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 caketoo grand, I thought, for our relatively intimate group of friends and family. We took turns shoving cake in each others faces; Edward manfully swallowed his portion as I watched in disbelief. I threw my bouquet with atypical skill, right into Angelas surprised hands. Emmett and Jasper howled with laughter at my blush while Edward removed my borrowed garterwhich Id shimmied down nearly to my anklevery carefully with his teeth. With a quick wink at me, he shot it straight into Mike Newtons face.
And when the music started, Edward pulled me into his arms for the customary first dance; I went willingly, despite my fear of dancingespecially dancing in front of an audiencejust happy to have him holding me. He did all the work, and I twirled effortlessly under the glow of a canopy of lights and the bright flashes from the cameras.
Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen? he whispered in my ear.
I laughed. That will take a while to get used to.
We have a while, he reminded me, his voice exultant, and he leaned down to kiss me while we danced. Cameras clicked feverishly.
The music changed, and Charlie tapped on Edwards shoulder.
It wasnt nearly as easy to dance with Charlie. He was no better at it than I was, so we moved safely from side to side in a tiny square formation. Edward and Esme spun around us like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Im going to miss you at home, Bella. Im already lonely.
I spoke through a tight throat, trying to make a joke of it. I feel just horrible, leaving you to cook for yourselfits practically criminal negligence. You could arrest me.
He grinned. I suppose Ill survive the food. Just call me whenever you can.
I promise.
It seemed like I danced with everyone. It was good to see all my old friends, but I really wanted to be with Edward more than anything else. I was happy when he finally cut in, just half a minute after a new dance started.
Still not that fond of Mike, eh? I commented as Edward whirled me away from him.
Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. Hes lucky I didnt 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 dont realize how utterly, heart-breakingly beautiful you are tonight. Im not surprised Mikes having difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman. I am disappointed that Alice didnt make sure you were forced to look in a mirror.
You are very biased, you know.
He sighed and then paused and turned me around to face the house. The wall of glass reflected the party back like a long mirror. Edward pointed to the couple in the mirror directly across from us.
Biased, am I?
I caught just a glimpse of Edwards reflectiona perfect duplicate of his perfect facewith a dark-haired beauty at his side. Her skin was cream and roses, her eyes were huge with excitement and framed with thick lashes. The narrow sheath of the shimmering white dress flared out subtly at the train almost like an inverted calla lily, cut so skillfully that her body looked elegant and gracefulwhile it was motionless, at least.
Before I could blink and make the beauty turn back into me, Edward 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 smile.
What is it? I asked.
A surprise wedding gift.
Huh?
He didnt answer; he just started dancing again, spinning me the opposite way wed been headed before, away from the lights and then into the deep swath of night that ringed the luminous dance floor.
He didnt pause until we reached the dark side of one of the huge cedars. Then Edward looked straight into the blackest shadow.
Thank you, Edward said to the darkness. This is very kind of you.
Kind is my middle name, a husky familiar voice answered from the black night. Can I cut in?
My hand flew up to my throat, and if Edward hadnt been holding me I would have collapsed.
Jacob! I choked as soon as I could breathe. Jacob!
Hey there, Bells.
I stumbled toward the sound of his voice. Edward kept his grip under my elbow until another set of strong hands caught me in the darkness. The heat from Jacobs skin burned right through the thin satin dress as he pulled me close. He made no effort to dance; he just hugged me while I buried my face in his chest. He leaned down to press his cheek to the top of my head.
Rosalie wont forgive me if she doesnt get her official turn on the dance floor, Edward murmured, and I knew he was leaving us, giving me a gift of his ownthis moment with Jacob.
Oh, Jacob. I was crying now; I couldnt get the words out clearly. Thank you.
Stop blubbering, Bella. Youll ruin your dress. Its just me.
Just? Oh, Jake! Everything is perfect now.
He snorted. Yeahthe party can start. The best man finally made it.
Now everyone I love is here.
I felt his lips brush my hair. Sorry Im late, honey.
Im just so happy you came!
That was the idea.
I glanced toward the guests, but I couldnt see through the dancers to the spot where Id last seen Jacobs father. I didnt know if hed stayed. Does Billy know youre here? As soon as I asked, I knew that he must haveit was the only way to explain his uplifted expression before.
Im sure Sams told him. Ill go see him when when the partys over.
Hell be so glad youre home.
Jacob pulled back a little bit and straightened up. He left one hand on the small of my back and grabbed my right hand with the other. He cradled our hands to his chest; I could feel his heart beat under my palm, and I guessed that he hadnt placed my hand there accidentally.
I dont know if I get more than just this one dance, he said, and he began pulling me around in a slow circle that didnt match the tempo of the music coming from behind us. Id better make the best of it.
We moved to the rhythm of his heart under my hand.
Im glad I came, Jacob said quietly after a moment. I didnt think I would be. But its good to see you one more time. Not as sad as Id thought it would be.
I dont want you to feel sad.
I know that. And I didnt come tonight to make you feel guilty.
Noit makes me very happy tha
t you came. Its the best gift you could have given me.
He laughed. Thats good, because I didnt have time to stop for a real present.
My eyes were adjusting, and I could see his face now, higher up than I expected. Was it possible that he was still growing? He had to be closer to seven feet than to six. It was a relief to see his familiar features again after all this timehis deep-set eyes shadowed under his shaggy black brows, his high cheekbones, his full lips stretched over his bright teeth in the sarcastic smile that matched his tone. His eyes were tight around the edgescareful; I could see that he was being very careful tonight. He was doing all he could to make me happy, to not slip and show how much this cost him.
Id never done anything good enough to deserve a friend like Jacob.
When did you decide to come back?
Consciously or subconsciously? He took a deep breath before he answered his own question. I dont really know. I guess Ive been wandering back this direction for a while, and maybe its because I was headed here. But it wasnt until this morning that I really started running. I didnt know if I could make it. He laughed. You wouldnt believe how weird this feelswalking around on two legs again. And clothes! And then its more bizarre because it feels weird. I didnt expect that. Im out of practice with the whole human thing.