Hopeless Devotion ~ A Jasper Hale Story

Chapter Three - The Reception

The reception unfolded slowly, like no one was quite ready to let go of the moment yet.

Alice had transformed the space just beyond the clearing into something that felt almost unreal—tables draped in soft white, candles tucked into glass that caught the light as the sun dipped lower, strings of lights woven between trees like constellations brought down to earth. Music hummed low at first, just enough to fill the space without demanding attention.

Bella moved through it all like she'd finally stepped into alignment with herself.

She stayed close to Edward, fingers always brushing his sleeve or curling into his hand, but she wasn't hiding anymore. She laughed—really laughed—when Emmett pulled her into a dramatic hug that lifted her clean off the ground. She blushed when Esme kissed her cheek and whispered something that made her eyes shine.

Charlie hovered near the edge, pretending not to be emotional while very obviously being emotional. He shook Edward's hand at least twice more than necessary, voice gruff but sincere every time he spoke.

Jasper stayed close to me, one hand warm at the small of my back as we watched it all unfold.

"You okay?" he murmured.

I nodded. "Yeah. Just... taking it in."

We joined the slow drift toward the dance floor when the music shifted—something soft, familiar. Edward and Bella took the center without ceremony. No announcement, no spotlight. Just them.

Bella rested her head against his shoulder like it was instinct, like she'd been doing it her whole life. Edward moved carefully, reverently, as if she were something fragile and powerful all at once.

I swallowed hard.

Jasper pulled me in next, hands sure and steady, and we swayed quietly among the others. Rosalie danced with Emmett, her expression fond despite herself. Esme and Carlisle moved together with easy grace. Alice bounced between partners, barely contained joy radiating off her.

At one point, Bella caught my eye over Edward's shoulder and smiled—small, private, unmistakably hers.

I smiled back.

There were speeches.

Charlie went first, voice rough but honest, thanking the Cullens for loving his daughter so fiercely. He cleared his throat more than once and ended with, "Take care of her," like it was both a request and a warning.

Edward answered with quiet sincerity, promising to do exactly that.

Esme spoke next, welcoming Bella like she'd always been family. Alice cried openly. Emmett pretended not to. Jasper squeezed my hand.

Food appeared in a steady stream—plates passed, laughter growing louder as the sun finally slipped behind the trees. Bella barely ate, too busy being pulled from one conversation to the next, but Edward made sure she drank water, murmuring something in her ear that earned him a look and a reluctant smile.

Cake followed.

Bella fed Edward a bite carefully, frosting barely smudging his lip. Edward absolutely did not return the favor with the same restraint. Alice cheered like she'd won a bet.

When Bella tossed the bouquet, it sailed high, disappearing into a mess of reaching hands and laughter. Someone shrieked. Alice clapped. Bella looked delighted and vaguely relieved it wasn't her problem anymore.

When the music shifted and couples began to dance, Jasper leaned in, his lips brushing my ear.
"Dance with me?"

I nodded, and he pulled me into his arms. It wasn't fast or showy—just us, swaying beneath the lights, his forehead resting against mine.