The BestFriend (Carlisle x Oc) Book 1

Chapter 5

I wasn't expecting much as those doors swung open, but the sight that greeted me took my breath away. A sea of unfamiliar faces filled the reception hall, all vampires adorned with golden and crimson eyes, each of them connected to Carlisle in some way. The intensity of their gazes sent my nerves spiraling, but Jasper, ever attuned to my feelings, enveloped me in a wave of calm. He leaned in close and whispered, "You are so beautiful. Everything will be fine." I nodded, taking a deep breath and searching through the crowd until my eyes finally locked onto the one pair that had captured my heart a year ago.

If you had met me at sixteen and told me that I would be marrying a vampire, I would have thought you were out of your mind. Yet here I stood, ready to commit to my soulmate—the man who had stolen my heart and proved to be everything I never knew I needed. As the last group of guests moved out, it was officially our turn.

There he was, standing there with all the grace and intensity of a dream. The sight of him caused tears to swell in my eyes, though none fell. His expression was lovestruck, emotions pooling in his eyes as well. I couldn't tear my gaze away from his; it was as if the world around us faded into nothingness. Finally, at the altar, Jasper gently handed me over to Carlisle. As he took my hand, he nodded at Jasper in gratitude, and I was lost in the warmth of Carlisle's golden eyes—those eyes that had become my sanctuary in this new reality.

Time seemed to slow as we stood before each other, hearts beating in synchronicity, and then it was time for our vows.

"Sam, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. When you walked into that hospital, battered and broken from a car accident, I saw the most beautiful woman in the world. I've lived for an eternity, waiting for you to enter my life, and I still feel like the luckiest man alive. I remember seeing you—nervous and hesitant to trust. Yet, in an instant, everything clicked. I adore the way you care for the children; with you by my side, my family is finally complete. I will love you for all eternity, and every day, I promise to show you the love you truly deserve."

Turning to Emmett, Carlisle extended his hand for the wedding band. I felt a bolt of excitement run through me as he continued, "With this ring, I, Carlisle Cullen, take you, Samantha Rose, to be my awfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death." He slid the ring onto my finger, and tears brimming in my eyes sparkled with joy.

I turned to Rose, took a deep breath, and prepared to express my own heart. "Carlisle, from the day I was born, I was the happiest little girl, surrounded by loving parents. But when I discovered my powers, that love shattered, leaving me feeling like a monster. I never thought I would find someone who could love me as fiercely as you do. You are my everything—my life and my soul. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't change a single moment. Being here with you today, in your arms, I feel safer than I ever have. And despite my powers, I find my peace with you. Without you, I wouldn't be here, and I never want to leave your side." I locked my gaze with him, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"With this ring, I, Samantha Rose, take you, Carlisle Cullen, to be my awfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death." I slid the ring onto his finger, our eyes locked in an eternal promise.

Once the rings were secured, we exchanged our "I dos," and without missing a beat, Carlisle captured my lips in a passionate kiss, deep and consuming. The moment hung in the air until he pulled away, grinning at me as cheers erupted from our friends and family.

With joy radiating between us, the reception began, a celebration of our love. As we settled into our seats for the evening, Emmett stepped up to give the first speech. I glanced over at Carlisle, a playful concern etched on my face. "He's going to keep it PG, right?"

Carlisle chuckled, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of my head, and whispered with a smirk, "With Emmett, anything is possible." I shook my head, amusement dancing in my eyes as I turned back to Emmett.

Once all the speeches were done, it was finally time for our first dance as a married couple, a cherished moment I knew would be etched in my heart forever.

After a night filled with laughter, drinking, and dancing, it was time to say farewell to our beloved family. As I prepared for the goodbyes, Esme approached us, her face lighting up with warmth. She enveloped me in a tight hug, her arms offering reassurance. "Enjoy every moment—you deserve it," she said, pulling back to meet my gaze with a soft smile.

"Oh, I know you will," I replied, chuckling.

Esme walked back to Elliot's side, and soon he joined us, wrapping both Carlisle and me in a hearty embrace. "Have an amazing time and don't have too much fun," he teased, a mischievous smirk dancing on his lips. If I could blush, I surely would have; instead, I laughed, and Carlisle joined in, kissing the side of my head. "We'll try not to," he promised.

As I turned to Jasper, I could see the emotion welling up in him, and my heart ached. I opened my arms, and he rushed into my embrace, holding me tightly. "I'm going to miss you, Mom," he said, his voice thick with feeling.

"Aww, my son, I won't be gone long—we'll be back before you know it." I fought back tears as we pulled apart, placing my hand gently on his cheek. "You are so strong. I'll see you soon." We shared one final hug, embracing the moment before Carlisle and I made our way to the car.

With a gentleman's grace, Carlisle opened the door for me, letting me slide in first before joining me in the backseat. As we pulled away, I glanced back to see our family waving goodbye, everyone chasing after the car, their smiles as bright as their love. My heart ached slightly at the sight of Jasper, knowing he felt the sting of our separation, but I felt reassured knowing he had Alice by his side.

Turning my gaze forward, I found myself staring into the eyes of my husband, who was already looking back at me with a mix of adoration and excitement. It felt surreal to be here with him—but the truth was undeniable: I was now Mrs. Samantha Cullen, and that was a title that would last for all eternity.