I spent some time talking with their cousins before heading over to my Grams. The place was now packed, and the rows of benches were filled with guests. My gaze kept drifting over to Emmett, observing him engage with guests. He had positioned himself strategically to occasionally meet my eyes, exchanging stolen glances now and then.

As we were informed that the wedding was about to commence, I embraced my Grams tightly and planted a kiss on her cheek. Then, I made my way to the right side where I spotted Emmett making his way up the aisle. He extended his hand, and I gratefully accepted, intertwining my fingers with his.

Emmett guided me through the front, as we passed Edward, who was waiting at the altar, waiting for his bride to come. He cleaned up nicely as well. We settled on the bench at the end. Alice sat to my left, and to my right was Emmett. Rosalie sat beside Jasper on the left and beside Esme on the right.

Suddenly, music began to play, signalling the bride's entrance. Everyone rose to their feet and turned their attention toward the aisle, eagerly awaiting Bella's arrival. From my position, I could see through the crowd but couldn't get a full glimpse of her until she reached the front. I watched as Bella slowly made her way up the aisle, her father guiding her. It was such a beautiful moment.

Bella and Charlie walked up the aisle, her eyes fixed on Edward, focusing entirely on him. When they reached the altar, Bella turned to her father, who leaned down to kiss her cheek before placing her hand in Edward's. Edward led Bella up a few steps, positioning them in front of the officiant under the beautiful flower arch, which was in full bloom above them. The officiant raised his arms and then lowered them, signalling for everyone to take their seats. We all settled back down, and I adjusted my position, closing my legs to make room for Emmett's larger frame beside me. He slipped his left hand into mine, and I used both of my hands to clasp around his large one.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here on this glorious day to witness the union of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan," the minister began, his voice resonating through the space, bringing a smile to my face. "Please repeat after me," he continued, turning his gaze to Edward.

Bella and Edward faced each other, their eyes locked in a loving gaze. As they began to read their vows out loud, I felt a surge of emotions and instinctively squeezed Emmett's hand more tightly. Each word they spoke seemed to fill the air with love and sincerity.

When they said their 'I do's and expressed their love for each other, it culminated in a tender kiss. It was one of those kisses that seemed to make the world fade away, leaving just the two of them standing at the altar, utterly absorbed in each other's presence.

People began to clap and cheer, filling the air with joyful celebration. I released my hold on Emmett's hand and joined in the applause, tears welling in my eyes at the precious moment for Bella and Edward. The vibrations of Emmett's clapping beside me added to the shared excitement. Everyone rose to their feet, almost in perfect sync, as cheers and applause echoed through the forest.

The bride and groom turned to face the crowd, basking in the joy and happiness radiating from everyone. The applause continued as they descended the stone steps and made their way down the aisle together. As I had told her before, Bella had found true love—a rare and precious thing. I hoped she and Edward would be happy together.

Just then, I felt Emmett's hands rest on my shoulders. I tilted my head back to look at him, my eyes reflecting the same longing I saw in his. He smiled a gesture that melted my heart. It felt like we were on the same wavelength because just as I leaned towards him, he leaned down. Our lips met in a sweet, tender kiss, sealing the moment with our shared affection. The kiss, though brief, crackled with electricity and felt truly magical.

We refocused on the bride and groom as they continued their journey down the aisle. As they approached the house, guests gradually dispersed from the benches and moved away from the altar, signalling the start of the feast and speeches to come.

I walked away from the front and crossed over to the other side where Renee and Charlie were engaged in conversation with my Grams.

"Here she is," my Grams announced proudly, reaching out her arm to me. I clasped her hand, drawing closer to join their conversation.

"Oh, Charlotte, you look absolutely stunning," Renee remarked, her eyes taking in the details of my dress.

"Thank you, Renee," I replied warmly, returning her compliment with a bright smile.

"So, you're dating Edward's brother... Emmett?" Renee paused briefly as she recalled his name.

"Yes, Emmett," I confirmed with a smile. "It's only been a few months, but..." My grin widened uncontrollably, and my cheeks started to ache with happiness. "I'm mad about him," Renee and grandmother chuckled at my words, prompting me to chuckle as well.

"We all know whose wedding is next," Renee chuckled knowingly as if it were already set in stone. I managed a strained laugh, my mind swirling with thoughts of a future with Emmett, uncertain of its duration. I cast my gaze downward, fixating on the delicate petals beneath my feet. A sense of unease settled over me as I witnessed the petals wilting and decaying before my eyes. They curled and withered, their colours fading into a sombre hue. Each petal seemed to lose its vitality, crumbling into dried remnants as if overtaken by an unseen force of decay. My breath caught in my throat, as my mind reeled with what I was doing.

"Are you alright?" My Grams' voice cut through my thoughts, drawing me back to reality as I lifted my gaze to meet hers.

"Just emotional," I confessed with a slight smile, gesturing towards the altar and the wedding festivities unfolding around us. I noticed my Grams' gaze drift to the ground, undoubtedly noticing the withered petals. "If you'll excuse me," I nodded respectfully to Charlie and Renee, gently disengaging from my Grams' grip.

As I walked away, I could feel her gaze burning into my skull. Heading towards the aisle, I spotted Emmett waiting for me. His broad smile offered comfort; his dimples etched deeply into his cheeks. It might seem strange, but when I was with him, thoughts of the future and where we might be decades from now didn't cross my mind.

As I drew closer, he extended his hand to me. I gladly accepted, my fingers intertwining with his large ones. Together, we walked down the aisle, a smile etched onto my lips. As the festivities were just beginning.

....................

Night had fallen, and everyone had gathered in the back where the space had been transformed into a spacious area for dining and dancing once the meal was over. A classical band stood on the small stone stage, playing gentle music to enhance the mood. People were everywhere, and a bit of my social anxiety lingered in the back of my mind. However, I wasn't going to let it ruin my night. With Emmett by my side, along with my Grams and Bella, I felt confident and grounded, able to keep a level head.

I held a champagne glass in my hand, occasionally taking sips of the bubbly liquid, as my eyes wandered over to Bella and Edward, who were receiving congratulations from their guests. I truly couldn't be happier for them right now. I noticed Seth, Sue, and Billy making their way over to Bella and Edward. Meanwhile, a few inches away stood Rosalie, Renee and her husband Phil, my Grams, and Emmett, all engaged in conversation with each other, but their words faded into the background for me.

As I sipped my champagne, I caught my Grams glancing over at me. With a warm smile, she gestured for me to join their conversation. I walked over, my heels clicking softly on the ground.

"Charlotte, dear," Grams called out, her voice filled with affection. "Come join us." I stepped into their circle, smiling at everyone. Emmett's hand found the small of my back, his touch grounding me.

"We were just discussing how beautiful everything looks tonight," Renee said, her eyes twinkling, as she looked around the floral arguments, the grand tables set up so beautifully. "Alice has outdone herself."

"She truly has," I agreed, looking around at the twinkling lights and elegantly decorated tables. "I wish I had her sense of style," I commented with a brief chuckle, which was quickly joined by their own laughter.

"You picked this out," Emmett remarked, his eyes admiring my dress. "And you look breathtaking," he complimented me, earning an 'aww' from Renee, who found it sweet. As did I.

"Young love," Renee remarked, finding the idea new and knowing what it felt like. I smiled widely at her while Emmett rubbed a comforting hand up and down my back. "And all this one does now is sit and watch TV," Renee remarked, playfully hitting her husband's chest with her hand, which drew laughter from all of us.

I glanced to my left and saw Edward and Bella engaged in conversation with his 'cousins', welcoming her into the family fold. Emmett excused himself, planting a kiss on my cheek before making his way up to the stage.

"Excuse me," Emmett's voice resonated through the speakers as he tapped the microphone. "Is this on?" His booming voice prompted everyone to take their seats. Alice had seated me and my Grams at their table, with Emmett on my right and my Grams on my left. Rosalie was also seated to my Grams' left. They had been chatting animatedly throughout the day, and I sensed they were getting along well. "Um... Hello?" He stood on the stage like an overgrown child, his face a mix of confusion and amusement. A wolf whistle pierced through the air, causing him to straighten up instantly, and smile.

"Um... I'd like to propose a toast," he began, lifting his champagne glass as a signal for everyone to do the same. "To my new sister... Bella, I hope you've gotten enough sleep these last eighteen years. 'Cause you won't be getting any more for a while." My mouth hung slightly open in surprise at his words. Though the sentiment behind them was probably innocent—I hoped—referring to her impending transformation. Emmett chuckled at his own joke, while the audience before him remained mostly stoic, with only a few chuckles breaking the silence.

Emmett sauntered off the stage as if nothing he had said was out of the ordinary, a wide grin plastered on his face as he returned to his seat next to me.

"Smooth," I murmured, leaning in towards him and gently clinking our glasses together, eliciting a chuckle from him in response.

"Well, Bella was just like everyone else, totally mesmerized by Edward," Jess's voice echoed around me. I leaned back in my chair, taking a sip of my bubbly as I watched her on stage. "Or 'the hair,' as I call him," she continued, drawing chuckles from some guests. "And then, suddenly, Edward is all about Bella. Even though she's not the captain of the volleyball team," Jess joked, her voice carrying through the microphone. "I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding... Or the president of the student council." I couldn't help but shake my head at her playful banter, which seemed perfectly fitting for her personality.

Fortunately, Jess kept it brief, and next up on the stage was Charlie. "Edward will be a good husband... I know this because I'm a cop. I know things," he declared, half-jokingly but with a hint of seriousness that threatened Edward in jest. It was clear he meant if Edward didn't treat Bella right, there would be consequences. I couldn't help but laugh at his remark, knowing Charlie's protective nature was shining through. "Like how to hunt someone to the ends of the Earth," guests chuckled at his quip. "And I know how to use a gun," he added, delivering his lines with a mix of seriousness and humour that kept everyone entertained.

Next up was Alice, who informed Bella that now that she was her sister, she had to overcome her aversion to fashion. She proceeded to list all the things Bella needed to embrace. But those expectations seemed far-fetched, which amused me silently. Alice then expressed her happiness about having Bella as a sister and her anticipation of enjoying her company.

After Alice, it was Renee's turn. She shared her joy for her daughter and for the couple, then delighted everyone by singing Bella's bedtime song from her childhood. The one she used to sing to Bella before bedtime, was a tender moment that reflected Renee's deep love for her daughter.

Once Renee finished, Esme took the stage. "I'd like to thank Renee and Charlie for bringing such a wonderful person into the world and into our lives," Esme's words were filled with warmth and sincerity. "We will cherish and protect her forever," she added with a heartfelt promise that resonated deeply with everyone.

It was finally my turn to take the stage. Downing the last of my drink, to gain that liquid courage. I rose to my feet and gracefully navigated around the table, crossing the dance floor with the click of my heels resonating in my ears. A wolf whistle pierced through the air, unmistakably from Emmett. Reaching the steps, I lifted one side of my dress and ascended, turning to face the mic as I stood just a few inches away, smoothing down my dress.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Bella for taking a chance on me when I was just a shy new girl in Forks," I started my speech, my gaze fixed on Bella. "I felt alone and unsure, but she didn't hesitate to approach me, to forge a genuine connection. She welcomed me into her group, and I'll always be thankful to her for helping me come out of my shell... She's more than just my best friend; she's like a sister to me, and I can't begin to express how much that truly means," I was getting emotional, tears beginning to swell in my eyes. "And once she told me about Edward, well, we were off," I said, laughing into the mic, joining in as the audience chuckled. "I like to think that true love is rare, that most people have to search for it. But there are a lucky few who instantly find each other, like Bella and Edward. Their love is true and deep, and it will last a thousand years and more," I concluded my speech by raising my hand and lightly blowing them a kiss.

I lifted the hem of my dress and gracefully descended the steps, dropping it once I made contact with the ground once again. I made my way back to the table, the sound of my heels clicking on the dance floor. I settled into my chair, and Emmett leaned in, planting a kiss on my cheek.

"That was beautiful," he murmured. I gently touched his cheek with my hand, then leaned in to kiss his lips tenderly. After a moment, I pulled back, my hand falling away from his cool cheek.

Edward's voice resonated through the air. "It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to," he began, his words carrying a deep sincerity. "And who will accept you for what you are." He chuckled softly, a brief moment of lightness amidst the heartfelt sentiment. "I've been waiting, what seems like a very long time, to get beyond what I am. And with Bella... I feel like I can finally begin." It was a genuine and touching declaration, revealing Edward's romantic soul. "So, I'd like to propose a toast to my beautiful bride... No measure of time with you will be long enough. But let's start with forever." Guests raised their glasses in the air, and I clinked mine against Emmett's, smiling warmly at him as he returned the gesture with a wide smile of his own.

This wedding was truly one for the ages...

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