AN: It is June?! Seriously? It is officially summer break for me and you know what that means. Story time! I kept a lot of your suggestions in mind and want to thank everyone that reviewed and messaged me feedback. It really does help to know what you enjoy reading. So here is the new story. Read, review, and please enjoy!

~Emmettroselover

Chapter 1

Zach and Josh groaned as Seth hopped off the couch and started to do a celebratory dance of victory in front of them. The three of them were playing video games in Zach and Allie's cottage while their mates were shopping. Josh tossed his controller onto the coffee table and slouched down on the couch in a pout.

"That's not fair. I was distracted," whined Josh and Zach nodded in agreement.

"Yea, I thought Allie was calling me, but it was just Aunt Alice."

"Again," added Josh and Seth shrugged with a smug smile as he sat back down on the couch.

"Aw, are you two missing your mates," he cooed and they rolled their eyes.

"I know you aren't teasing anyone, big bro. You and Kaya are attached at the hip. I am surprised she isn't here right now," teased Zach.

"Well she was invited by mom and Leah to go shopping. Besides, she apparently wants to buy her own dress for the party. I don't know why. I kind of like having Alice pick my clothes for me. It saves me the trouble," explained Seth.

"That's because you don't have any fashion sense of your own," said Josh and Seth smirked.

"I might not spend hours in front of the mirror obsessing over my hair, but I know how to look good, little nephew."

"Yea, J, you really have to deal with that problem. The first step is admitting you have one," teased Zach.

"I think he has gotten worse since he imprinted," said Seth and Zach nodded with a chuckle.

"He has and tonight is going to be even worse since he has to get ready for their big date," cooed Zach as Josh pouted even more.

"I do not take forever to get ready," he grumbled and they each gave him a look.

"Fine, maybe I do, but perfection takes time, especially tonight. It is my first official date with Natalie and I want it to be the best date she has ever had."

"She has spent most of her years as a vampire in a catacomb, I am pretty sure the bar is set pretty low," informed Seth.

"Thanks for the confidence boost," pouted Josh.

"I think what he is trying to say is that you don't need to do much to impress her. She loves you, so don't go overboard. If anything, it would overwhelm her, not impress her," advised Zach.

"Besides, she is your imprint. You two are connected like I am connected to Kaya. Trust me. It will go well because it will feel natural to be together. You could take her on the worst date ever and she would still love you."

"You know, Uncle Seth, you sure do have a way of not helping when you are trying to be helpful," said Josh and Seth winked at him.

"All I am saying is don't worry so much. You will be just fine. Now, as fun as it is to whoop up on you two, I am needed at the house. The pack will be here tomorrow and I am going to help Esme prepare."

"Oh, you mean you are going to make sure Esme sets aside a stash of cookies for you before the pack arrives," said Zach and Seth ruffled his hair.

"You know it," chuckled Seth.

"Uncle Seth, aren't you too old to still be so obsessed with cookies? I am pretty sure most people outgrow needing their grandma to coddle them with sweets." Seth smirked and stood up.

"Oh good, then that means you won't want any or the birthday cake she is making you. I will be sure to tell her that. See you boys later," called Seth as he walked toward the door.

"Wait, I never said that. Uncle Seth, that's not what I…." Seth exited the cottage and closed the door before Josh could finish. Zach's booming laugh filled the living room as Josh jumped to his feet and ran to the door to open it again.

"Tell her I want extra frosting, please," shouted Josh and Seth shook his head as he laughed. Josh closed the door and walked into the kitchen.

"Teasing him about his cookies is like teasing you about your hair. Too easy and yet always amusing," said Zach.

"He is so sensitive about those cookies. It is ridiculous. I mean really," said Josh as he walked back into the living room with a bag of cookies in his hand. He plopped down on the couch and Zach quirked an eyebrow at him.

"What," asked Josh as Zach rolled his eyes.

"You mean those cookies?"

"For the record, these are my cookies. Esme made me a special batch for my birthday week. Plus, I never said the cookies were not delicious. I said he is too sensitive about them," clarified Josh.

"Allie used to love them too. I wonder if she misses food. She seems to love caribou though. She did the funniest thing while we were hunting last week….."

"Let me stop you right there and remind you that we promised to keep our mate talk to a minimum. We have the place to ourselves for best bro time. This is what we wanted. While the mates are away, the bros will play," declared Josh.

"Right, totally, they are off doing their thing and we can finally have some time together," agreed Zach with a firm nod as they did their handshake. Suddenly their phones buzzed and they scrambled to grab them. Zach beamed with happiness when he saw a picture of Allie in a deep red dress.

"That's the one. She knows I love her in red," said Zach as he texted his reply and Josh sighed dreamily.

"I can't believe they got her to go dress shopping. Dark green is my girl's color, so beautiful," boasted Josh. They glanced at each other and quickly put down their phones. Josh cleared his throat.

"I mean, cool, they got their dresses for the party. No big deal, let's finish the game."

"Yea, let's finish the game. I can call Allie later."

"Right, it has only been a few hours since they left."

"Exactly, four hours, twenty-two minutes, and 38 seconds is nothing," assured Zach. They sat there in silence for a moment longer glancing at their phones before Josh threw his hands up in exasperation.

"This is ridiculous! What is wrong with us," exclaimed Josh and Zach shrugged.

"I miss my fiancée. I am not ashamed of that. You are the one that has to be strong in order to save face."

"Save face, I don't need to save face." Zach scoffed.

"J, you pretty much called me a traitor and went out of your way to make me feel bad when Allie was turned all because I wanted to spend time with my mate. Now you know what it is like, but you don't want to admit that you rather be spending time with Natalie than with me right now."

"That is ridiculous and I am offended at your accusation and your tone! I happen to be enjoying myself. If you are missing your mate and want to see her instead of spending epic best bro time with me, then maybe we aren't as close as we used to be," said Josh as he jutted out his chin. Zach smiled slyly at him.

"You want to race the yachts to Victoria and wait for them?" Josh pumped his fist.

"Yay! Let me go get changed," he called as he jogged into his room and Zach groaned.

"If you take more than ten minutes, I am leaving you," warned Zach.

Rosalie handed Leah another pair of shoes as the two of them sat in a popular boutique in Victoria.

"Get these for Natalie," suggested Rosalie and Leah frowned in confusion.

"Why?"

"It will be a way for you to break the ice and talk."

"That's not necessary. We talk plenty," assured Leah, but Rosalie smirked.

"You are civil, but you don't talk. Leah, she is going to be in your life and your son's so you should get to know the girl."

"I know her."

"You know of her. There is a difference and you know it. Allie and I spoke more on the trip over here than you and Natalie have spoken since you met her."

"I am not a talker."

"Since when, I can't seem to get you to shut up?"

"We are friends. It is different. She is my son's….his…you know."

"His mate, say it, Leah. Natalie is Josh's imprint and mate. I thought you were happy about that."

"I am happy for Josh. I know he has wanted to find her for a very long time and they deserve their happiness together."

"But," asked Rosalie and Leah shrugged.

"No but."

"Oh with you there is always a but, so please enlighten me. Why are you keeping your distance?"

"I am not keeping my distance. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to get something to eat while you finish trying on shoes," she informed as Kaya walked over to them with three boxes of shoes.

"I have a pair for me, Renesmee, and even managed to find Bella some. I am on a roll," announced Kaya with a bright smile and Leah sighed.

"I am hungry. Do you want anything from the food court," asked Leah.

"No thanks, I will wait to eat with Seth," said Kaya. Leah hurried out of the store as Rosalie sighed.

"What's going on," asked Kaya. Before Rosalie could respond, her phone rang. She cursed under her breath when she saw her sister's number flashing on the screen. She ignored the call and shook her head as Kaya giggled.

"You know Alice is just going to call you right back," warned Kaya.

"And she knows that I will not answer. I told her we were going shopping and even invited her, but she is determined to finish the invitations for the wedding by tonight."

"It is only July. She has plenty of time to get the invitations out."

"Tell that to the pixie. She is in rare form," said Rosalie as her phone started to ring again. She smiled when she saw it was Bella and answered.

"Hey, feeling guilty that you didn't come shopping with us and instead made poor Kaya buy you some shoes," asked Rosalie.

"You have to talk to Allie about this purple motif for the wedding. I know it is her favorite color, but this is just absurd! Red is classic and works so well with the tuxedo I am designing for Zach. Why can't she just choose red now? She even had the audacity to ask me to combine red and purple in the motif. They clash! How does she not know they…."

"Alice, why do you have Bella's phone?"

"Because I knew you wouldn't answer my calls. It is your son's wedding. You would think you would be more cooperative! I borrowed Bella's phone to make sure you would answer and….."

"Stole, she stole my phone, Rose," shouted Bella in the background and Rosalie giggled.

"Alice, why are you making this difficult on everyone? You already saw the vision of the wedding, so what are you rambling about now? Was the theme in the vision red or purple?"

"It was red, but I don't know how that decision was made because Asa is still impeding my visions on certain paths. I resent her so much for that, by the way. I already know the big secret, so why does it matter anymore?"

"I am sure she has her reasons and it is nice to know someone can put you in your place. Just plan the motif based on what you saw in the vision."

"But Allie wants ugly purple," whined Alice.

"Huh, I didn't even know that was a shade of purple. I will have to look into that when we get her a new car…"

"Oh you are just hilarious, I am serious, Rose! Will you please talk to her about her choices?"

"Why me? Why don't you ask your nephew? He loves red."

"So do you and that's where he gets it from. Just ask her. Please, for me," begged Alice and Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"If I do this…."

"I promise not to bother you about it again….until tomorrow when we look at the cakes with Esme and Emily."

"Fine," growled Rosalie before hanging up and Kaya smiled sympathetically at her.

"I believe it was you who once told me that she means well."

"And I believe it was you who told me that sometimes people should leave well enough alone," retorted Rosalie.

"She is just excited about the wedding."

"So am I, but you don't see me driving everyone crazy," grumbled Rosalie as Kaya sat down beside her.

"Yes, but you aren't nearly as excited as you want everyone to believe. It is okay. I get it. In fact, I am surprised you have handled all of this so well. Seth and I always thought you would go scorch earth on the woman that dared to capture your baby boy's heart," teased Kaya.

"Zach's happiness is of the utmost importance to me and I really like Allie. She is smart and has a big heart. I know she loves him and that's good enough for me as long as she makes him smile."

"But you aren't ecstatic about the wedding and I know why."

"Oh yea, what makes you the expert on me," challenged Rosalie and Kaya smiled smugly at her.

"I will let you in on a secret. I know you because Seth knows you and my mate found a way to your heart quicker than most could even imagine. We know you are conflicted right now." Rosalie slowly nodded.

"Fine, I will admit that this is all happening a bit too fast for me, but it has nothing to do with Allie. I enjoy Allie's company and approve of her relationship with my son. I am just afraid that he is growing up way too fast. I know he has a bright future, but I don't think he is ready for it quite yet. I may not want him to have a normal life like Leah wanted for Josh, but I want him to have an amazing existence. One that is not always full of stress and having the weight of the world on his shoulders. We both know that once a certain destiny is fulfilled, he won't just be my baby boy or a Cullen."

"Seth is worried too," confessed Kaya.

"He is? Why didn't he tell me that?"

"Because he knows you worry enough for everyone about it. Zach isn't even seventeen yet. Knowing what he knows is a lot for a teenager, even one as amazing and gifted as him."

"I just don't want him to be bombarded and have to sacrifice so much for others that he doesn't get to live his life. He found Allie so soon. What if it is because they have to fulfill their destiny soon?"

"I will tell you what I told Seth. I don't think Asa does anything prematurely. It took centuries of Aro's reign for her to step in and she did for a reason. She wants what is best for the world. She also wants what is best for Zach. His mate, his best friend, even his best friend's mate were chosen and introduced into his life at certain times for a reason."

"What if that reason is because it is about to be time for his big reveal?"

"I don't believe that. Asa is wiser than all of us and has far more experience with the world. If we think Zach is too young, then so does she. She showed Zach his future because he needed to understand that he was important, but she made sure to inform him that it was a future far from now. His wedding is not some catalyst that means he will soon fulfill everything he is meant to. It just means he has found his mate and they are bonded forever."

"You are right. You know, I don't say this enough to you, but Seth is very lucky to have you and so are we. I am happy you are part of our family, even if you do take my son away from me more than I would like." Kaya guffawed.

"Hey, when we decide to go on trips, it is a mutual decision. I am not persuading him to stay away."

"Sure, that's what they all say," sang Rosalie as she pretended to analyze her nails.

"Oh don't even give me that. I have heard the stories about you and Em. How many honeymoons have you been on?"

"Would you look at the time? I think we should be heading back."

"That's what I thought," laughed Kaya and Rosalie winked at her.

"Come on, since you are so good at reasoning with people, you can help me get Leah to talk to Natalie." Kaya put her hands up in surrender and shook her head.

"No thanks, I'm good."

"You coward," accused Rosalie and Kaya waved her off.

"That's fine with me. Call me a coward all you want, but Leah is different. This is the same woman that tried to kill me when she found out her brother imprinted on me. I'm not going anywhere near that topic when it comes to her son."

"Good point," giggled Rosalie as they headed toward the front of the store to purchase their shoes.

Allie checked the messages on her phone and smiled when she saw the message Zach sent her. Natalie nudged her with a knowing smile.

"So what did Zach say now," asked Natalie.

"He just misses me. I miss him too, but I am glad we did this. It was fun."

"Yea, I know Alice already supplied me with enough clothes to last a lifetime, but it was actually fun to hang out with you today. By the way, how can I get her to not bombard me with stuff like that? I am doing my best, but this is all still very overwhelming and Alice can be a bit much for me at times."

"I am still getting used to it, but it isn't the worst problem to have. Woe is me, my mate's aunt wants to shower me with gifts and make sure I have clothes to wear," teased Allie.

"I guess you have a point. Thanks for venturing off with me. I know you enjoy hanging with Rosalie, but Josh's mother and I are still in awkward territory."

"I understand. Things can be awkward for me and Rose too."

"Yea right, I doubt that. You two have a lot in common. Medicine, cars, the piano, you make this whole getting to know your in-laws thing look easy."

"To be fair, I am not really into the piano that much, but I do love when Zach plays for me. I did get lucky, but things have been awkward for me and Rose before. When we first met, I thought Zach was her younger brother and I even asked her for advice about him because I thought she was close to my age. I didn't find out until wolves were after me and Zach had to reveal who he was. Besides, we still have our moments. One of the reasons I wanted to go off on our own today was because I wanted a little something special for Zach and couldn't exactly get it in front of his mother."

"Aw yes, the red lingerie, I am sure Rosalie appreciates your discreteness."

"We still have some time. Are you sure you don't want anything for you and Josh," asked Allie with a mischievous smile and Natalie sighed.

"I am not ready for that yet for several reasons."

"Several reasons?"

"I don't even know how it would work….I mean I know how it works…." Allie giggled.

"You are so lucky you can't blush right now."

"Tell me about it. I just don't want to hurt him. We are built differently."

"That doesn't seem to be a problem for Seth and Kaya."

"And it wasn't a problem for Josh in the past," grumbled Natalie. Allie's eyes widened.

"You know about Callista? Like really know," questioned Allie.

"Yes, he admitted that they slept together. After I imagined every method of torture for her that I could, I calmed down enough to accept that Josh has more experience than I do."

"So you are a…."

"Yes, I never really had the time to think about things like that. I spent my early life trying to stay out of the system and my later years trying to stay out of Aro's grasp. It didn't leave a lot of time for romance. That's another reason. I just don't think I am ready to open up to someone like that, not even Josh."

"Zach is the only guy I have ever been with. I didn't have a problem being ready though. That was his territory in our relationship. Is it that you aren't ready or that you are scared you will hurt him?"

"I know I love him, but I have done more with Josh already than I have ever done before. I just don't want us to move too fast. At the same time, I don't want to lose him. I am scared of moving too fast or going too slow."

"I am not going to lie to you. Josh has a track record of going at warp speed when it comes to his relationships, but I think that is because he wanted to find his mate so badly that he pushed the issue too much. He knows you are meant for him and he loves you. You two will find your pace."

"I must admit that I am curious about it though. I have heard that being intimate with your mate is….."

"Phenomenal, earth-shattering, unfathomable ecstasy," answered Allie and Natalie giggled.

"So the rumors are true about the mate bond and connecting in such a way?"

"Oh yea," assured Allie.

"I can tell by the way you two sneak off as much as possible."

"We try to balance out being mates with being part of a big family. Zach gets a lot of attention from his family and friends and I am trying to include my parents in as much as possible. We try to be mindful. Sometimes it gets hard though."

"Well at least his family likes you too."

"Leah likes you."

"She tolerates me, but we barely even speak to each other. I don't even know what to call her. I spend half of the time trying to figure out what we have in common and the other half trying not to have to say her name. Calling her Leah sounds too informal and casual. Calling her Mrs. Black sounds like I don't know her at all. You are so lucky that Rosalie actually likes you."

"You and Leah will figure it out. She is intimidating, but it helps that I know her because she knows my parents. She is my mom's cousin."

"At least you already had a connection with the family. I am starting from square one and Josh's mom can be scary."

"Oh trust me, Rose can be quite terrifying. We just understand each other. We both want Zach to be happy and love him very much. That's where you can start with Leah. You already have that in common, so go from there," suggested Allie. Natalie slowly nodded as they spotted Rosalie, Leah, and Kaya in the distance and made their way over to them.

"Did you two have fun," asked Rosalie.

"Yes and we both found gifts for Josh's birthday," said Allie. The awkward silence crept in as Natalie nervously glanced over at Leah, who was going through the messages on her phone.

"Good," said Rosalie and Allie slowly nodded.

"Yep, good," said Allie as Rosalie cleared her throat.

"Leah, don't you have something for Natalie," asked Rosalie and Leah sighed. She handed Natalie a shoe box and put on a polite smile.

"We…."

"She," corrected Rosalie as she gave Leah a look.

"I found these at one of the shoe stores we went to and thought you would like them," said Leah and Natalie smiled appreciatively at her.

"Thank you very much. That was so sweet of you. You didn't have to," said Natalie as she accepted the gift.

"I kind of did," said Leah as she plastered a fake smile on her face and stared at Rosalie. Kaya tried to hide her amusement by clearing her throat.

"Allie, Natalie, how about we head toward the docks? I am sure you two are ready to see the boys," suggested Kaya and the two girls nodded as they got out of dodge. Rosalie waited until they were out of earshot to scold her friend.

"Oh well you are just a ray of sunshine today!"

"Then it is a good thing you like it to be cloudy," quipped Leah.

"If you keep this up, you are going to create a rift between you and Natalie. That rift will then become a rift between you and Josh and I know you act like nothing in the world fazes you, but I know that would kill you. She is his mate. Deal with that."

"And who are you to tell me how to deal?"

"Your best friend, a mother that has dealt with the same thing, a woman that relates to your….."

"It was a rhetorical question, Rose!"

"I don't care. Figure this out, Leah. The last thing you want to do is have your son lose faith in his mother. Come on, let's head back." Leah begrudgingly followed her toward the marina, but was even more annoyed when they arrived. Zach and Josh were staring lovingly at their mates. Allie happily kissed her fiancé and Natalie slipped her hand into Josh's.

"I am so happy you came to surprise us. I missed you today," she confessed and Josh beamed with happiness.

"I missed you too. I can't wait for our date tonight."

"Can we go right now?"

"Now," he asked in surprise and she nodded.

"Yea, why not?"

"I'm not even dressed yet. I have an outfit picked out in my closet. It is Armani."

"You look gorgeous to me and always do," she assured as she wrapped her arms around his waist and he grinned.

"Okay, if you want to go now, then we can. The movie doesn't start until…"

"Let's go out on the water. I love how beautiful the Pacific is at night and by the time we get past Vancouver Island it will be just you, me, and the beautiful night sky," she suggested with a seductive smile and he happily nodded.

"Alright, well, we are out of here. Z, Al, see you later. Mom, dad went to the movies with Em. Love you, bye Rose, bye Kaya," called Josh as headed toward his yacht with Natalie. Leah sighed, but waved goodbye to them as they darted away from the shores of Victoria. Zach hugged his mother and kissed her cheek in greeting.

"Is it okay if Allie and I go for a hunt? We can head back to the island if you want us to," asked Zach, but Rosalie waved them off.

"Go spend some time together. I know you will be busy with Josh once his birthday festivities begin, so go have fun," assured Rosalie.

"Can we still work on my bike tomorrow before Alice makes us focus on more wedding plans," asked Allie and Rosalie winked at her.

"Of course we can. We will even make Zach help us." Zach groaned.

"That thing is a piece of….."

"Zach," warned Rosalie and Allie in unison, which made him roll his eyes.

"Fine, but I still don't understand why we can't just toss it and get you a new one," he grumbled and Allie kissed him with a giggle.

"It is a classic, Cullen. You don't just toss a classic," she informed and Rosalie smiled.

"Exactly, we will fix it up…and then put it in the garage. I do agree with him that you need a better motorcycle."

"And car," added Zach and Allie huffed.

"Fine, but after we tinker with my baby," conceded Allie. Rosalie smiled as they both hugged her and departed. Leah rolled her eyes.

"Could you three be anymore sickening," grumbled Leah and Kaya laughed.

"I think it is cute that you are so supportive of them," said Kaya and Leah gave her a look as Rosalie smiled smugly. Kaya gulped.

"But what do I know? I am just a mate, not a mother. Anyways, are you two ready to go? I miss Seth."

"Yes, let's get back to the island," said Rosalie as they got into the yacht and headed out of the strait.

An hour later, the clouds cleared out of the region and made way for the twinkling stars to shine in the night sky. Natalie pulled Josh closer to her as they tenderly kissed and caressed in the back of the yacht. She giggled when he kissed her neck and he sighed happily. He gazed into her eyes with a smile.

"So," he said and she smiled up at him.

"So," she replied as she stroked his hair.

"This is our official first date. Is it what you thought it would be," he asked and she shook her head.

"No, it is even better. Ever since I met you, my life has been one surprise after another. It amazes me how close I feel to you in such a short amount of time. It has only been a few weeks."

"But they have been the best weeks of my life. I am in love with you, Nat."

"I love you too," she whispered before kissing him again. She cuddled into his arms and he kissed her forehead as they looked up at the stars.

"For my first date, this is pretty romantic," she admitted and his eyes widened.

"Wait, this is your first date?"

"Yes, I told you that."

"I thought you meant it was our first date."

"It is our first date, but also my first date ever."

"Wow, now I really feel like we should have done something else."

"Like what?"

"I don't know, a movie, a run, something special."

"This is special. Look around us. It is just you and me. No people to interrupt us, no prying ears or eyes, just you and me," she said and he kissed her tenderly.

"I still can't believe this is your first date ever."

"Well not all of us have had the extensive dating life that you have."

"Hey, my dating life is not extensive."

"Nina, Callista, Tess….."

"Tess shouldn't count."

"Oh I think she counts even more since you were willing to run away with her to escape from me."

"I wasn't thinking straight and I was scared. Finding out that my imprint can do the things you can do is a bit intimidating."

"Not nearly as intimidating as your family and I haven't even met everyone yet. I really hope your friends like me. I am nervous about tomorrow."

"You have nothing to be nervous about. You are my heart, Nat. Nothing they say will ever change that and trust me, they are the ones that need to impress you. The pack and I haven't always been on the best of terms. They know to be on their best behavior."

"It is just a lot. Meeting your family, the pack, and then spending your birthday together."

"Birthday, do I have a birthday coming up," he teased and she laughed.

"Yes, you may have mentioned it once or twice. I have never heard of a birthday celebration that lasts several days like yours will."

"Hey, I am turning eighteen. That is a big deal. I am done with school. I have my mate. There is much to celebrate and it all starts tomorrow. We'll have dinner with the pack and my parents….."

"Correction, you will have dinner and I will be there solely for the company," she teased.

"Thursday, we will have a big video game tournament, which I will win of course."

"I don't know. I have gotten pretty good."

"You can't beat me on my birthday. It is against the rules."

"Well technically I will beat you the day after your birthday."

"Nope, still against the rules," he chuckled and she giggled.

"Fine, I will go easy on you."

"Friday night, we can go for a run up to Alaska, which is always awesome, and you can finally create some avalanches and play baseball with us. Then, Saturday is the big party. You are going to love it."

"This family tends to party quite a bit."

"Well, we have a big family and Alice loves to plan things. Between the birthdays, weddings, and random occasions that come to mind for her, it is bound to happen. When is your birthday?"

"February 4th, but I don't want a big party. I don't like a lot of attention. I have spent so many years in hiding, I don't think I would be very good at being the center of attention," she confessed as she averted her eyes. He tilted her chin up and gazed adoringly into her golden brown eyes.

"You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. You deserve to be doted over and much more. I wish I could take away the pain and fear you experienced in your life. I can't but I can make sure you never have to feel it again. You will never have to be afraid or alone again, Natalie. I promise," he vowed and she took in a shaky breath as the sincerity of his words sunk in.

"I love you more than I ever thought possible. I want to make you happy," she whispered and he grinned from ear to ear.

"I love you too. You already make me happy," he assured. He kissed her passionately and she pulled him closer as they got lost in the kiss.