Chapter Eighty Eight

Bella

Jasper acted like a bear with a sore head in the few days before the wedding. He couldn't understand why they wanted a private ceremony without their family and friends to celebrate their union.

"It's like they've got something to hide. Don't they realize how important it is for them and for the family? I just don't understand it. Most girls want a proper wedding with all the fuss and attention. Doesn't Megan want to wear a pretty wedding dress and walk down the aisle?"

I sighed deeply and tried to explain.

"No, Jasper. She doesn't, and I can sympathize with her. I remember my own wedding to Edward. It was sheer hell. A real trial."

He stared at me hard and I realized it was the first time either of us had alluded to my marriage to Edward in a very long time.

I hastened on.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought that up but Megan is like me. She hates big displays and everyone staring at her. If it's what they want then we have to bow to their wishes."

He frowned.

"There isn't something I should know is there?"

I stared at him uncomprehendingly, "What?"

He repeated the question slowly as if I were slow or being deliberately evasive.

"There isn't something I should know about is there? I mean she's not… You know…"

He looked uncomfortable, embarrassed even, and as the penny dropped I burst out laughing.

"Oh, please! Do you think that would make any difference these days? Lots of girls get married while they're pregnant or even with their children in attendance as bridesmaids or ring bearers. That is such an old fashioned attitude.

"Well, I am old fashioned. I just think things should be done properly and in the right order."

I put an arm around him and leaned close to whisper in his ear, "Well, I'm afraid we live in a different world now with different values and ideas. You're just going to have to move with the times my precious dinosaur."

He managed a tight smile, but it was obvious that to him, his daughter was not going about this the right way. Thank God Darius' family weren't still around or God knows what their attitude towards all this would be.

Luckily Esme and Carlisle had understood although of course they were sad that they wouldn't see their only grandchild married. In a way and quite selfishly I know, I was relieved. To see them standing there would be a painful reminder of the last wedding I had attended, my own to Edward.

On the other hand, Peter was not happy about the situation and had pestered Megan to change her mind until Darius had a quiet word with him. I don't know what was said but afterward Peter backed off. I think it must have been particularly acrimonious because Peter then announced that he and Charlotte would be leaving for a business trip the day before the wedding and expected to be away for at least a month.

When I approached Charlotte to try and persuade her to change Peters' mind I could tell she was upset, but she stood by his decision.

"It's for the best Bella. If we stayed things would have been very tense and we both know what Peter is capable of when he gets riled. Just take some photos for me will you? and tell Megan that I'll be there in spirit. When we get back we'll have a party to celebrate. By that time Peter should have cooled down."

If Peter was upset it was a good thing he wouldn't be there to wind Jasper up. I don't think I could have coped with the two of them acting like assholes.

I guess whatever Peter had said to Megan must have played on her mind because she suddenly announced that she and Darius had changed their minds.

"Now? Isn't it a little late in the day to change things?"

"Not really mom and Uncle Peter was right when I thought about it. Everyone stood by us and helped. Especially Uncle Peter himself. I knew how much he hated the Volturi but he went to Italy to help us save Darius. I guess I was scared it might end up like your wedding. Being hijacked although that was silly.

I already called Volterra and Marcus is going to lend Nana and Grandpa the Volturi jet so they can get here in time so we don't have to put it off. And Uncle Emmett and Aunt Rose are already on their way. They were all so happy that I know it was the right decision."

"Have you told Peter yet?"

"No. I guess I've been putting it off. He's going to be unbearable."

"Oh I don't know. I think maybe he'll just nod and tell you that you're doing the right thing."

I was relieved to discover later that I'd been right, for once in his life Peter Whitlock had known when to keep his mouth shut. Who said miracles never happen!

Darius left the house the day before the wedding so he wouldn't see his bride before the ceremony and once he was gone Jasper relaxed. He and Megan acted as they had when I first saw them together and it was easy to see just how close they really were. If Jasper could get over his unreasonable jealousy of Darius we would be a close family, just like the Cullens had been when I first met them, but if not… I was scared that a permanent rift might occur and that would be a tragedy for all of us.

Megan

I desperately wanted things to remain the way they were right now. Dad and I had always been very close and I had hated the feeling of separation that seemed to mar our relationship recently.

Deciding now was my last chance to put things right, I asked him to take a walk with me. As we left, mom nodded her understanding. I just hoped by the time we returned the air would be clear between us.

I took his arm as we walked slowly down the track towards the meadow and he smiled crushing my arm against his side.

"We haven't done this in a long while."

"I know. Dad, you know that I love you and I always will. Marrying Darius won't change that and I know if I ever need you that you'll be there for me just like when I was a baby."

He sighed nodding slowly, "I made you a promise and so long as I live nothing will break that, but I guess you won't need me any more. You'll have a husband of your own to watch over you and keep you safe. Not that you actually need anyone these days."

"That's where you're wrong. A girl always needs her dad no matter what. Please try to like Darius, I hate it that you disapprove so much of him. I do love him and he loves me. That means something surely?"

He stopped and turned to me, "I don't dislike Darius. I owe him a great deal. I guess I just find it hard giving you up after everything that happened."

I stood on tiptoes and threw my arms around his neck hugging him tightly.

"I love you dad and I always will. You aren't giving me up. You're gaining a son."

He groaned and then laughed, hugging me in return.

"I guess this is one occasion I am not going to come out the winner. Just promise me that if you ever need anything and I mean anything, you'll come to your mom and me first. We will always be here for you, whatever."

"I will now please stop acting like you're going to a funeral tomorrow. I need you there dad and I need your approval."

He studied me before answering, "it's that important to you?"

I nodded, "Of course it is."

"Then you have it and I promise not to wear mourning tomorrow."

The mood lightened considerably then and we continued on our walk reminiscing about the past and the great times we'd had together.

"I'm sorry you got hurt saving me dad. Mom told me about Jacob Black. Do you hate him?"

He shook his head in reply, "Hate him? No, not as an individual, just for what he is. The guardians would wipe us out if they could and it's hard not to hate someone who hates you. As for the scars, well the price was high but the rewards far outweigh that."

I lifted my hand and traced the silver scars that ran down the side of his face. Somehow they didn't ruin his looks. He was still a handsome man, he just looked as if he had lived an interesting life.

"You know, I've been very lucky all my life. Ever since you saved me as a baby, dad. You were always there for me and I know it cost you. It can't have been easy looking after a half-human baby. I mean it's not as if you had any experience. Or.."

I grinned at him mischievously, "Are there some other little Whitlocks out there somewhere?"

He turned to me, a horrified look on his face.

"No! One was more than enough, thank you. Now come on, we should get back or you're going to look dead on your feet tomorrow and I'll have Darius to answer to."

The next morning was bright and sunny and I was relieved that Carlisle had recommended a friend of his who had been a man of the cloth before he became a vampire to officiate. It would have been interesting trying to explain my parent's sparkly skin to a human not to mention the groom!

We drove out to the lake on the edge of the property where the padre and Darius were waiting. Darius took my breath away as he always did. He looked handsome and proud as he smiled at me.

We had decided against anything traditional so he wore dark pants and a white shirt open at the collar while I had chosen a simple pale blue dress that brushed the ground as I walked and bare feet. I couldn't help remembering mom's nightmare high heels and was determined not to suffer in the same way.

I glanced at the family who were all standing smiling at us and noticed, to my amazement, Felix standing a little apart. He saw me and smiled, nodding his head, and I returned the gesture before turning back to Darius.

The simple service was soon over, we hadn't wanted lots of fuss, just the bare minimum but still, when we were proclaimed husband and wife and Darius kissed me it felt magical.

Mom almost crushed me as she hugged me and I could tell she was happy for us, it was my dad's attitude that concerned me as I saw him extend a hand to my husband in congratulations.

"Congratulations, Darius. Now look after my girl."

"I will, Major. She's as precious to me as she is to you."

There was a long pause and then dad slowly nodded his head before turning to me.

"Well, it looks like a new beginning. I hope you'll both be as happy as your mom and I are."

I smiled in relief to see his smile and he winked at me.

We drove back to the house only to find the family waiting impatiently. Esme was the first to congratulate us, her eyes sparkling with joy and then I found myself hoisted into the air by a whooping Uncle Emmett. It had been a long time since I had been surrounded by all the important people in my life and I reveled in it as Darius and I were approached by one person after another.

Felix waited until last and then approached us.

"I hope you didn't mind me crashing the party. I just wanted to see the happy ever after. It doesn't happen in our world, not nearly enough. Besides, someone has to fly the jet back."

"You're a pilot too?"

He grinned at me, "I'm a man of many talents, Megan. Just don't forget your friends in Volterra, you either Darius."

He leaned down to kiss me on the cheek and then shook hands with Darius.

"Congratulations to both of you."

Then he turned and rejoined Nana and Grandpa.

Only one person had still not come to greet us and that was Uncle Peter.

"I need to talk to Peter. I won't be long."

Darius glanced over then nodded and released my hand

Uncle Peter didn't smile as I walked over to him but that didn't deter me.

"Are you going to sulk over here all day?"

He stared at me surprised by my words.

"I am not sulking."

"Well, it sure looks like it. You know you're the only person here who hasn't congratulated us."

"Maybe I'm just waiting until the queue shortens."

I laughed, "Stop being so grumpy and if you think standing here disapprovingly is going to make any difference you're sadly mistaken."

"Actually I was just thinking how happy everyone is and congratulating myself."

I glared at him, "I knew you'd have to bring that up. Still, yes, you were right and we were wrong. Happy now?"

"Moderately I guess."

He grunted staring over at Darius who was talking to mom and dad.

I leaned in whispering into his ear so no one else would be able to hear

"What now?"

He returned his attention to me.

"Listen to me Megan. I love you like a daughter and I worry for you. Darius is a nice enough guy but he's been a loner for centuries. I'm just worried he won't be able to cope with the change."

"You let me worry about that. Now come and shake hands with him or I'll be forced to rattle you around a bit until you do."

As I voiced the threat I used my gifts to make his body start vibrating, slowly at first and then a little faster until he held up one shaking hand.

"OK, OK You win, stop the fucking merry go round I want to get off."

He accompanied me over to Darius and the two shook hands. They weren't comfortable with each other, but I hoped they would become closer over time.

Rosalie turned the music on and Darius and I had the first dance together alone. I would normally have been nervous being watched by everyone but once in his arms nothing else existed.

It was only slowly that it dawned on me that the music had faded to be replaced by my dad's voice. The words were so poignant they brought tears to my eyes.

* Look at the two of you dancing that way

Lost in the moment and each other's face

So much in love, you're alone in this place

Like there's nobody else in the world

I was enough for her not long ago

I was her number one, she told me so

And she still means the world to me

Just so you know

So be careful when you hold my girl

Time changes everything, life must go on

And I'm not gonna stand in your way

I loved her first

I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But it's still hard to give her away

I loved her first

How could that beautiful woman with you

Be that same freckled face kid that I knew?

The one that I read all those fairy tales to

And tucked into bed all those nights

And I knew the first time I saw you with her

It was only a matter of time

I loved her first

I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But it's still hard to give her away

I loved her first

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

Someday you might know what I'm going through

When a miracle smiles up at you

I loved her first

When the song finished I ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, daddy. I'll never stop loving you either."

After that I was whirled around the floor by my dad, Emmett, and Carlisle in turn. Eventually even Peter claimed his dance which pleased me.

I knew we would be leaving at dusk and found myself becoming nervous, after all this was my wedding night and I was fed up with waiting to become Darius' in the most intimate way. He had backed off at the river and told me we should wait until we were married and so the past days had been a nightmare that sorely tested my patience.

Emmett brought the car around for our departure and I groaned to see that the family had been working overtime. The paintwork was hidden beneath ribbons and balloons while the rear sported several boots and tin cans tied to the fender.

Darius held out a hand and I took it allowing him to lead me to the passenger door which my dad held open for me.

"Take care and have a wonderful time. We'll be waiting to see you again soon and hear all about it."

He kissed me on the cheek and then closed the door and as we drove away I took Darius' hand in mine and looked back waving at everyone who stood returning the gesture and then they were out of sight and we were alone at last. Not the end, but merely the beginning of a different life and all thanks to my dad's sacrifice and love for me.

* Lyrics to Heartland song

THE END

I hope you all enjoyed reading this story as much as I did writing it. I'm going to take a couple of weeks break and then start a new journey and I hope you'll come along with me for the ride. I will also be finishing Fateful Decisions, sorry to anyone waiting for that. Stay safe. Love Jules xx