A/N

This has not yet been beta'd. All mistakes are my own.

This goes back to fill in a moment from my story "Forever and For Always." This is a moment from the morning of Jake and Nessie's wedding.

As always, I do not own the Twilight characters. I just appreciate the loan.

Challenge #4 – Mother's Forgiveness

Date Posted: 2/8/2013

Fandom: Twilight

Rating: K+

Genre: Canon

Content Descriptors: Sentimental, Two Handkerchiefs Recommended

Character Pairing: Jake

Jake POV

The morning of my wedding, I woke up at dawn. I didn't have much to do in order to get ready, but there was something I wanted to do. One of the guests I most wanted present wouldn't be able to be there. She had been taken from my family's lives when I was only a child, but there wasn't a day I didn't miss her.

My mother, Sarah, had been the world to me when I was little. She was there for me whenever I needed, with a smile or a hug or the encouragement I needed. I liked to think she would be proud of the man I became, but I think she'd be surprised at the direction my life had taken.

Today I was marrying the half-vampire, half-human I'd imprinted on. Our daughter, named for my mother, would be born fairly soon.

I wished my Mom could be here to see me get married, and to hold my daughter. She'd be surprised, but delighted with my choice in life partner.

I'm sorry, Mom, that you couldn't be here, I thought.

Once I'd gotten dressed in the tuxedo laid out next to the bed, and eaten the waiting breakfast on the table in my suite's living room, I headed out the door to meet my family and start the day.

Dad and Rachel were waiting for me in a courtyard just outside Marcus' suite. Didyme had built it for them as a retreat, but Marcus was happy to share it. He knew I was more comfortable outdoors, and saw that I found the place calming and comforting.

He offered to let Nessie and I have the suite once he'd been married so we'd have more direct access to the courtyard, but I didn't want to move him from the place his memories lived. I was just happy with the occasional visit.

Dad looked at me, blinking to clear his eyes. He and Rachel had set up a table with some of my mother's things on it. Mom couldn't be here, so we'd decided to have a moment to try and remember her before the ceremony. Her ashes had been scattered back on First Beach, but she was in Heaven looking down. We didn't need to be at the place with her remains to be by her side.

Mom, I wish you could see this place. You'd think it was beautiful.

"Morning, Jake," Dad greeted.

"We thought we'd just take a moment and share a few memories," Rachel added.

Just then, I heard someone enter the courtyard. I turned, and a grin split my face.

My other sister, Rebecca, came in, carrying a small pouch.

"I brought a bit of home with me. In this bag is some sand from First Beach where we laid Mom to rest."

Now it was my turn to blink to clear misty eyes. I gathered my sister in a tight hug, "I'm so glad you could make it."

"There's no way I could stay away, Jake."

"Thanks for coming, Rebecca. It means a lot to me you're here."

Dad rolled over, and reached up to take her hand. "It's wonderful to see you today."

He reached up and took the pouch from Rebecca's hand. "Let's get started. We have to get over to the cathedral not too long from now."

He put the pouch on the table, and looked around at us. "I thought we'd get together this morning to remember the one who can't be here today, my wife, and your mother, Sarah."

I added, "I remember most her smile. It always made me feel as if I was the center of her world."

Rebecca continued, "I remember her hugs. They made me feel shielded and protected from anything, no matter how horrible."

Rachel smiled. "I remember her cooking. She taught me how to take care of my family, and make sure their needs were always met."

Billy added, "I remember her love. Her family was her world to her final day. Let's all take a moment to think in silence about the time we shared."

I walked a bit away from everyone else, and sat down on a bench. My thoughts filled my mind and spilled out of my eyes. Mom, you gave me the most valuable lessons I've ever learned. I don't think I'd be half the man I am today without you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you more often how much I loved you while you were with me. I'd give anything just to have one more chance to tell you.

I felt a stirring in my heart as the pain I'd been carrying let go. I could have another chance. I wouldn't be able to tell my mother directly, but I could spend every day of the rest of my existence showing my family how much I cared. I could tell my wife, my Nessie, how much I loved her. I could raise our daughter to be the kind of woman my mother had raised my sisters to be.

There wasn't a way to go back and undo choices that had already been made. I could only go forward. With that, I left the courtyard and went to the cathedral for my wedding.