Chapter 53: Vows

A/N: This is the end, I mean I have been writing this story for more than a year and a half, I put so much into this and I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I have. I want to thank everyone who has ever read, commented or even skimmed through it, it means so much that you were willing to take time out of your day to read my little story. Of course I am gonna continue to write and I hope that you read my other stories, they are a little different than this story but I hope that you will give it a chance.

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"Dude all I'm saying is that we can be in Vegas in no time and we can be in a strip club with strippers and blow," said Emmett as he helped me with my bowtie

"That's the dumbest fucking thing I have ever heard in my life, first of all Rosalie will kill you if it happened and secondly I have the love of my life out there waiting for me and I don't really think she would appreciate me taking off before our wedding and on top of that why would we have coke its not like it would affect you in the slightest," I answered back

"A) My Rosie would never kill me, this face is too pretty to be damaged and B) Your Woman would understand, and C) It wouldn't be for me it would be for the strippers" he told me

I heard laughing to my left and I glared in that direction

"Are you gonna say anything or are you just gonna sit there and laugh at me?" I asked

"What do you want me to say, I find it funny that you are trying to find reason in what he is telling you; I mean is it my fault that you don't know any better," he said to me

"Great you are being oh so helpful," I said sarcastically

"Hey what can I say," he replied with a smile

"Alright well since Vegas is apparently out of the question I'm gonna head outside and see if everything is going okay," said Emmett and then he was out the door

He got up and walked over to me and brushed off some stuff that was on my tux jacket

"Thanks I really appreciate you having my back when it comes to Emmett," I said

He laughed and shook his head

"Are you ready?" he asked as he looked at me

"Now you too," I said, I was really getting aggravated

"Hey it's the job of the best man to ask before you go down that aisle," he said to me

"Of course I'm ready, no one will be able to ever tell me that this isn't the right thing to do, I feel it in my bones," I told him

"Good, I'm just glad that I don't have to drag your ass down there," he said

"Dad," I groaned

He shook his head and laughed at me

"Chris, look I've always been proud of you, you are amazing man; the things you have done in your life have been extraordinary and I am so blessed to be your father but what you are about to do is special; this is in the top 5 of days I have ever had in my life right up there with the day that I met you and when I met my two daughters," he said

"What's the 5th one?" I asked

He looked at me like I was a dumb fuck then put up his left hand and wiggled his ring finger

"Fair enough," I told him

With that he patted my shoulders and told me that he would meet me at the alter

So yeah my parents finally got married, after almost 20 years together they finally did too bad none of us were there for the actually wedding part of that day, for whatever reason Mom and Dad wanted to be alone, just them, a video camera and the minister who just so happened to be my Uncle Liam. The family was pissed but my Mom and Dad always been the two that were at the forefront of everything that has happened in the last 20 years so I guess they wanted this one little thing all to themselves, they wanted their privacy and I know after everything they have done that it was the least they could ask of everyone, sure Both of my Grandmas were pissed I mean they weren't spring chickens anymore and I know both of them would love to have seen their children get married but that's why they used the camera. They knew that they couldn't get away with having the whole day by themselves so that's why I guess Mom let Alice plan the actual reception part of the wedding, which would happen on the Cullen's land. They got married on Quileute land overlooking the coast, Mom told me the story about how he came back after losing his memories and how it was the place where they looked into each other's eye for the first time, well again.

That was close to 6 months ago, I mean nothing really changed in my life; it wasn't like my life was somehow different just because they got married, the only thing was different was that my Mom is no longer Clearwater but a Rueben. But they did get a lot of free stuff and I am not ashamed to say that I got a lot of use out of that new TV that Rose and Emmett got my parents and the remodeling that was done on our kitchen was an awesome gift from Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle and many meals were had by me and cooked by Dad so it was all good.

Now today this was a game changer, I cant even legally drink and im about to be a husband. Its kind of freaky, I mean not in a bad way but if you look back a couple of years ago I don't think I would ever be here; I was just a regular kid who was being raised by amazing parents but was still a kid and now I can honestly say that I am a man, that because of everything I have been through, that this family has been through good and bad that I have grown up, I have matured. Sure things are quite now and have been since we got back from Japan but that doesn't mean that it will stay quite and that we won't be in danger but I will be ready I will never let my guard down; my Father will always be there well because he is who he is but I know now that its my show, its time for me to become the leader who I have been trained to be.

I looked out the window and saw that everyone was in suits and dresses; today was going to be the best day of my life. I was gonna marry the woman that was sent down to me from well I will leave that part up to you.

I walked out of the mansion and out to the back yard; Alice of course was being the planner so she ran to me and gave the once over.

"As handsome as your Father," she said as she wiped off some lent from my jacket coat

"I try," I told her with a grin

"We can never repay him for everything he has ever done for us, he went to hell and back to protect this family so many times," she said

"I know Alice," I told her

"You are the best parts of him; his compassion, his strength, his will and his courage," she said

"Hey I have some of my Mom in me too," I retorted

"Of course you do, for so long your Mom was in a bad place but I knew then that no one could ever love as much as your Mother can; that no one could ever match her passion that was until you were born until I saw you become the man that you have become; you are the best of both your parents," she said as she leaned up and kissed me on the cheek

"Jasper's a very lucky man," I said to her

"No Chris I am the lucky one and in about half an hour so will you," said Jasper as he walked up to us

"How you feeling bro?" I asked him

"Great," he said with a smile

"You really are aren't you?" I asked

"Yeah, my past is finally behind me; and I am feeling as good as I've ever felt, I have the most beautiful wife any man could ever have and I have an incredible family that will always love me and support me and I have a friend that I could talk to about everything," he said

He was talking about my Dad of course, many days were spent talking about war and battle tactics and it was nice for Jasper to have someone that he could truly relate to. He really seemed to be past all of his demons, I think he was finally living in the moment so to speak.

"Aww baby," Alice said to him as she wrapped her arms around him and they walked off together to be alone as always

I made my way through the crowd, I talked to a few people I even got some words of encouragement from Aunt Siobhan. I finally reached the alter where my Father, Emmett, Embry and Uncle Liam were waiting for me.

"You ready youngling?" Uncle Liam asked me

I gave him the look and he knew that it meant to stop asking me cause I knew I was ready.

I sighed and waited it out until I could finally look at my wife

Sometime later I heard Edward and Nessie beginning to play, everyone shut the hell up and I saw my Mom coming down the aisle, I looked over at my Dad and saw that he only had eyes for her, I think that I even saw her blush but I wouldn't dare to ask her. Rose was next, she was beautiful as always and I could see that she was really enjoying all of this, I saw her wink at Emmett and knew that tonight some loud moaning was gonna be coming from the forest; Bianca was last but certainly not least, the real adoption papers came in and were signed so she was officially my sister and she was a real Rueben, Mom even cried Dad would have to but you know…

All that was left was Gabriella, I know I should say Gabby I mean she likes it a hell of a lot more than Gabriella but for some reason it just wouldn't do today, everyday for the rest of our lives I would call her Gabby but not today, today was beyond special.

Then well then I saw the most beautiful thing I have ever set my eyes on, she was walking down the aisle looking like an angel, she was so damn beautiful. I saw that were she normally had purple and blue stripes it was bleached blond, it went perfect with her white gown. I could die today and not regret a single moment of it, cause I would die happily knowing that I was the husband of Gabriella Rueben. I walked down a step and took her gorgeous hand. It fit so perfectly in mine, like it was meant for me. We walked up the step and stood right in front of my Uncle.

Time flew by so fast that I really didn't hear any part of the sermon that he gave to everyone. But I do remember him telling me to face her; my heart was pounding out of my chest especially around so many people that have supernatural hearing, which meant that I was going to be laughed at for a long time. Uncle Liam told her to say her vows.

I cried as she told me about how much she loved me and how I made her feel complete, that the rest of her days would be incredible because of me and us being married. She couldn't speak anymore because the tears that were flowing down her cheeks.

Then it was my turn,

"Gabriella you are the best thing that ever happened to me, when I look into your eyes I cant believe that someone so beautiful, so compassionate, so intelligent would ever pick me. I know we had a bit of supernatural help in that department but I truly do believe that I would have still fallen so love with you. Soul mates is a word I don't want to use because it undersells how much you mean to me, how much I am tied to you. I will never let a day go by where I don't show you how much I love you, I will fail so many times its not even funny hell both of us will, but we will always love each other, we will always turn to each other for everything. I know it sounds cliqued but the truth is that I am the luckiest guy in the world, you are my everything; you give me light where there is darkness, you give me hope where there is none without you I'd be half a man, half a person," I said to her

She fought through the tears to smile at me and I knew that I didn't fuck up my vows; Uncle Liam told us that it was time for the actual ring ceremony, my hands were a little shaky but I was able to get through it.

"Friends, family, esteemed guest I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Cristobal Rueben. Chris you may kiss the beautiful bride," he said to me

I smiled as I place my lips on hers and I sighed knowing that I was now complete; I heard the roar of the crowd as I placed my forehead on hers. I felt my father's hands on my shoulders as he told me,

"I'm so proud of you two now walk your asses down that aisle."

I started laughing as we walked hand in hand; from there it was a blur until I got to my seat at the reception. I look out in front of me and I saw the dance floor and the tables that were littered throughout the place. It definitely had Alice's touch, she went all out and I loved her for it. I felt Gabriella's hand clinch mine and I looked over at her, she gave me a breath-taking smile.

"Baby you look so gorgeous right now," I whispered into her ear

She giggled; in all the time that I had ever known her she never giggled, that made me happy cause it was me who caused her to do it

"You are the most handsome man I have ever set my eyes on," she responded

"Hey what about me?" asked Dad to my side

"Baby I think you're handsome," answered Mom

"Thank you darling," he said as he looked at her

"I thought this was our day?" I asked them

"That's what you think," said Mom as she winked at my Dad

"Come on Kid I need to talk to you for a bit," said Dad as he got up

Gabriella wined

"Come on princess I'll give him back to you in a little bit," he told her

"Thank you Daddy," she said as he walked up behind her and kissed her head

I followed him till we got to the outskirts of the reception

"I have something to give you," he said to me

"Okay," I answered

He reached into his tux jacket and took out an envelope and handed it to me

"What is this?" I asked as I flapped the envelope in his direction

"Open it up and find out," he said

So I did and it was the deed to the house

"Its Me and your Mother's gift to you two; you guys need a place to start your lives together and this has been your only home so it was we figured that it was the best thing we could give you," he said to me

I hugged him and laughed; my parents gave me a house that's pretty much the best gift I have ever been given. Then he tossed me car keys

"I finally finished her; with everything that went down we got so sidetracked that I couldn't fix her completely; I was even able to convert the engine to vegetable oil. She's in a body shop getting painted as we speak, you'll be able to pick her up when you guys get back from the honeymoon," he said to me

I smiled, a house and a car what day

"But wait where are you two gonna live?" I asked

"Are you kicking us out?" he asked with a smile

"Shut up," I said

"Me and your Mom are gonna do some traveling, 20 years of non-stop fighting it has to end sometime and this is the best place to leave on a high note; and plus I think your Mom wants to truly see the world," he said

"What about B?" I asked

"She's gonna stay with the Cullens for a bit, I mean were not gonna be gone forever maybe a couple of years or so and when we get back we'll see from there. Just cause we're going to be gone for a little bit doesn't mean we're still not your parents. I mean the minute you slip up with Gabby I'm gonna be there to slap you upside your head," he answered with a smile

"If you could catch me," I said

"If I can beat your mom in a race I think I can take you big man," he said

"Sure sure whatever you say old man," I answered with a chuckle

"You know you are the best thing I ever made, I'm a walking weapon of mass destruction and none of it matters because I have the three most amazing kids any father could ever want or have," he said as he looked off into the distance

One minute we are joking around about him kicking my ass, which we both knew would happen if he actually tired then the next he's getting reflective on me and talking about his pride as a father. I can tells that he buries a lot and Mom is probably the only one that he actually vents to and the odd occasion maybe Uncle Carlisle but he has a really good way of separating his real feelings from the opinions that he gives everyone. Maybe he's getting soft, maybe he was just tired as hell maybe he knew that for the most part this was actually the beginning of a new era where he could just be him none of it mattered of course and I would end up just chalking it up to being his kids' wedding and knowing that people get emotional during these events

"Come on let's get back before your mother hunts us down," he said as he walked past me and towards the reception

We walked for a little bit and basically shot the shit, I mean nothing out of the ordinary was said between the two of us.

The minute we came into sight every single eye was turned on us and Alice came storming towards us like the hurricane that she was and she was on Category 5 alert

"Where the hell have you two been? We are off schedule," she screamed at us with her hands on her hips

I looked over at Dad and saw that he was holding back rolling around on the floor and laughing his ass off

"Relax princess I am allowed to have a few words with my Son since you know I paid for everything and I am the father," he said as he patted her head

She tired to swing at him but he was too fast and was behind her instantly

"Excuse me Ali-Cat, I gotta go dance with the wife," he said as he walked in the direction of where the wedding party was sitting

She looked at me and all I could do was shrug; she huffed and stormed off

I looked at Gabby who was balling and walked till I got to her and wrapped my arms around her.

"You guys have a nice talk?" she asked as I kissed her neck

"Yeah who knew Dad was such a pansy," I answered

I looked over at my parents and I got the stare of death from my Mom, Dad just shrugged and smiled and they continued to dance.

"In all honestly I think well hell I don't know things finally where they need to be, no more big evil that we have to fight, no more surprises expect for one thing," I said as I moved to her right and sat down

"Which is?" she asked

"Dad just gave us the deed to the house," I told her as I handed the paper

"Are you serious?" she asked surprised

"Yeah, he said that we needed a place to call our own," I answered

"Where are they going to live then?" she asked

Sure we were pretty well off but it was the only home they ever own, I mean there was no real need to move all over the place anymore and Dad is an extreme frugal person, in other words he was a bit of a tight wad when it came to money but Mom being Mom always got whatever she wanted I think that was the only time he spends a lot of money, hell he found my car in a junk yard and rebuilt it himself; he had downloaded a program from the internet that basically showed him what to do.

"He said wanted to travel a bit, couple of years maybe I think that it'll be their honeymoon," I told her

I looked at her and saw a few tears slide down her beautiful face

"Baby, what's wrong?" I asked

"I'm gonna miss them so much," she said

"It'll be alright Darlin' they'll be back before you know it and you can call them whenever you want," I said to her

"I know I know I just love Mom and Dad so much," she said

"Me too but I think they've earned some time for themselves don't you think?" I asked

"Yeah just being a bit emotional," she said

"CAN WE HAVE THE BRIDE AND GROOM ON THE DANCEFLOOR FOR THE FIRST OFFICAL DANCE AS MAN & WIFE," the D.J said over the loud speaker

I got up and extended my hand to my wife and she took it excitedly, it was weird cause I really thought someone would say "Man & Dog" or "Man & Bitch" but no one ever did, hmm maybe it wasn't going to be one of those weddings. I took Gabby into my arms and we danced to some cheesy ass song that I know Alice picked out. Then I danced with Mom while Gabby and Dad danced then it was our turns with Rose and Emmett and finally Alice and Jasper.

"Still mad from before?" I asked her

She huffed

"Come on munchkin don't be mad, how bout this I'll take you shopping," I said to her

She looked at me and smiled like a kid on Christmas morning

I looked over at Gabby who looked at me like I was crazy, and then I heard Jasper laugh

"Your funeral kid," he said to me

"Are you being serious?" she asked

"Yeah I don't mind," I answered

She jumped up in the air and did something with her fist up; it was like she was punching the air.

Everyone was laughing and that caused Alice's good mood to go away, she took Jasper's hand and they walked off together. I shook my head and took Gabby in my arms again and we started to dance again

"You do know what you're agreeing to, right?" she asked

"Yeah I do I'm good, I need to buy new clothes anyway, might as well be with someone who knows that they are doing," I said

"You're too nice of a guy," she said

"Yeah I am that's one of the reasons you married me," I told her

She laughed

We spent the rest of the night just hanging out, this family was known for its parties; hell I even saw Mom and Aunt Maggie sharing a laugh, which was nice maybe all of that shit that they dealt with over the years had finally been put to rest. I saw Bianca talking to Embry and some of the other wolves, I just smiled she looked really happy. It was never gonna be perfect, there was always gonna be a fight; friends and family would be lost that's the way life goes there is no happily ever after. Whoever tells you that is a fucking fool but there is such a thing as finding some semblance of peace, there is happiness to be found but its not everlasting its something you work at it. My Dad taught me that I find those that I am willing to die for and I protect them, I make sure nothing would ever happen to them; you fight for those that you love, you give it your all; no regrets, no what ifs. My marriage would never be perfect and neither one of us would be either but were perfect for each other we would fight for each other, that's what would my Mom and Dad would do. Life isn't composed of just big events, its made up of small events like getting to wake up next to her or having the last pop-tart in the box or even getting home on time to watch the game. Maybe I'm just going on in a diatribe about life but I'm allowed so fuck it all I'm happy and im gonna continue to be happy as long as Gabriella is my wife.

Jeremiah's POV

So here we were at the airport, a few days had past since the wedding; I think it surprised everyone when Chris and Gabby decided that they did not want a honeymoon, they just wanted a few days away from everyone. I was proud, I mean they decided that they didn't need much to be happy.

"So where to first?" asked Leah as she stood next to me

I looked over at her and saw the utter joy in her eyes; it was hard not to smile, it was hard not to want to kiss her and create a little bubble in which it would only be the two of us.

"Close your eyes," I told

"Alright but nothing kinky," she said with a smile

I laughed and took her hand at placed against the terminal screen

"Alright i'm gonna guide your finger up and down the screen, say stop and thats where we'll go first," I told her

"Stop," she said after a minute or so

"I guess we're going to Spain," I said

"Oh I can't wait," she said as she had a giant grin on her face

And that was the point she could wait, we had all the time in the world we could spend it anyway we wanted. I casually looked back at the years I spent with her and I wouldn't have changed a damn thing. She made me a better man, a lot better than I had ever hoped to be; she gave me my children, she gave me my hope back hell she gave me my humanity. And if it took me a million years give or take I would repay her for all that she has ever done.

"What are you thinking about?" I heard her ask

I looked over and saw her looking at me; I put my lips on her and smiled

"Nothing," I said as I winked at her