A/N: Final part of the 'Party'. This is a bit longer than the others.
Italic is a conversation Bella heard but she's not a part of.
Disclaimer:
Characters based on Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga.
(Bella POV)
The next few weeks were hectic. Alice and Esme started discussing how they will put up the decorations and where the flowers would go. Rosalie already made her trip to Seattle to buy her dress. The guys were lucky, they can wear their old suits; they just needed to get new shirts and tie.
Renesmee already mastered her steps on the stairs, although I would still prefer that Esme guide her. I know she's probably indestructible like me, but I keep thinking that she's half human.
--
In mid-July, the pack arrived. Jacob hung around the house almost everyday. Sometimes, Seth goes with him since there's not so much to do in La Push. Leah only visited once, on their second day back. She stays in La Push most of the time, spending time with Sue.
Jacob planned to spend most of his time playing with Renesmee, but Alice took advantage of Jacob's height and asked him to help in hanging some of the streamers.
"Isn't this a little too early for Nessie's party?" he asked.
All of us looked at each other. We forgot to mention the wedding to Jacob.
"Uhm, Jacob, here's the thing. The Denalis are coming over in two weeks because Garrett and Kate are getting married," I answered his inquiry.
"They are coming here?"
"Yes. They were supposed to get married next month, but it was pushed earlier so they could go away for their honeymoon before Renesmee's birthday," Alice answered this time.
"You can join us, of course, if you like," Esme invited him.
"You sure? No problems with you Cullens, can't say the same for the others," Jacob asked.
"They are family," Edward said.
"I know, but it's not the same. Our treaty's with you, not with the others."
"Seth met them in our wedding. I think it should be fine," I had to stop myself. Jacob might not want to remember that detail in our lives.
"Okay, then. We'll be here," Jacob said.
With that, the conversation was dropped and we just continued decorating.
--
First week of August, the Denalis arrived. The preparation is almost done, just the minor details and one major.
"You're here," Alice squealed.
"It's great to see you!" Kate and Tanya hugged Alice, but Alice went on her planner-mode too soon.
"Tanya, go upstairs. Your dress is on my bed, try it on. We'll be there in a few," Alice instructed.
"Aren't you even going to let them settle down?" Jasper asked.
"Oh, please, we're vampires. We don't get tired. Carlisle, please be a dear and bring Garrett and Eleazar for tux fitting in Port Angeles since you've been hiding, pretending to visit Forks Hospital. Jasper, you go with them; might as well do something useful rather than sneaking out."
"You know what, we'll come with you," Emmett and Edward volunteered. It might be the smartest thing they thought of since the start of this crazy wedding planning. All six of them left.
Not letting anyone else to interrupt, Alice turned to Kate and started explaining what's been going on.
"I already ordered the flowers and will be delivered on 'the day' so that it won't wilt or anything. We are done with the decorations. The guys are on the way to get the tux. Esme and Carmen will be heading out tomorrow to Seattle to pick their dresses. Garrett already has the rings. So, we're good?" Alice asked Kate.
"Um, I guess?" Kate was not even sure how to answer her; Alice got everything taken cared of.
"Good. Wait here," Alice instructed Kate, as she went up the stairs and told me and Rosalie to follow her. We went to Alice's bedroom to find Tanya in her maid of honor dress.
"Oh, look at you, it fits!" Alice giggled.
"Amazing. How did you know my size?" Tanya asked.
"I used Bella as my model then I altered it just a tad bit."
Alice started pulling out the dresses from her closet and handed me and Rosalie our dresses, "Put it on so we could show Kate the dresses. Tanya, the shoes are underneath the bed."
As soon as we are all dressed, Alice opened the door and we headed down the stairs.
"Oh, look at you all," Kate exclaimed. She's so overwhelmed she could cry.
"All for your wedding, Kate," Esme patted her shoulder.
"You all look amazing," Carmen said.
"You will, too, Carmen. Just wait 'til tomorrow," Alice said as she glided down the stairs.
"So, I guess you liked it, sis?" Tanya asked.
"Oh, it's beautiful. All of you are."
"Kate, I hope you don't mind. We invited Jacob and his pack for your wedding," Esme said shyly.
"Which ones are they?" Carmen asked.
"The two who usually hang around here last time and the female. You've met Seth in our wedding," I answered.
"Any friends of yours are friends of ours," Kate said.
She looked around and asked, "Where's my flower girl?"
"She's taking a nap. All the excitement drained her," I answered, nodding towards the sofa.
"Poor thing," Tanya headed towards Renesmee.
"Don't worry, she'll be bouncing up and down in no time," Rosalie said following Tanya.
--
As soon as we finish changing out of the bridesmaids dresses, Alice headed down the stairs right away.
"Alright, Kate, let's go!" Alice shrieked.
"What are you talking about? Why? Where are you going?" Esme asked.
"She doesn't have a wedding dress yet," Alice answered.
We were all shocked, "What!? But the wedding's next week."
"Relax, people. I got this. So, if you'll excuse us, Kate let's go." Alice called her as she headed to the door.
Kate looked worried as she held onto Carmen. I walked to her, "Don't worry, Kate. She knows what she's doing. At least she's letting you come with her when she picks out your wedding gown. She chose mine without asking me."
"You loved it, and so did your husband. Now, c'mon Kate!" She called as she exited the door.
Carmen squeezed Kate's hand, "You'll be fine." She let her hand go.
Hesitantly, Kate walked out the door and got in the Porsche.
--
The next few days passed and before we even notice, tomorrow, it will be Kate's big day.
"Garrett, sorry, you're out," Alice said as he led him towards the door.
"What? Where am I going?" Garrett asked, confused.
"Don't you worry about that. The guys will give you some kind of a bachelor's party. And then you'll go straight to the cottage, no sneaking back here."
"You're not serious about this old fashion stuff!" Garrett protested.
I saw Jasper signaling him to drop it, so he did. They headed to the door.
Then other guys got up and left behind them.
"So, what do they really do?" I asked. I remembered when Emmett and Jasper took Edward the night before our wedding.
"They just hunt and tell embarrassing stories about themselves," Rosalie answered.
"Well, in this case, they will probably try to dig dirt from Garrett so they could use it next time," Alice said.
"And what are we going to do?" Carmen asked.
"We will watch sappy old movies while we paint our nails." Alice walked towards the TV and put in 'An Affair to Remember.'
--
"Finally!" Kate screamed as soon as the sun rose the next morning.
"Someone's excited to get married," Carmen smiled as we all laughed.
"I have never been married before so this is all new to me," Kate glided around us as we sat in the living room.
She suddenly stopped, "Alice, are they going to be here on time?"
"Relax, Kate, the wedding is not until six tonight."
"Can you please check, just to make sure?" Kate asked Alice to tap into her vision.
"Chill, Kate." Alice closed her eyes, "everything's going to be fine."
"I'm getting married…I'm getting married…" Kate started singing and started to grab Tanya to dance with her, who in turn grabbed Alice.
"Careful with your toes," I told them as I stood up. "Esme, we better get started with the food for human. Renesmee might be up soon."
Esme nodded, happy not to be a part of the dancing queens.
--
Esme and I finished preparing the food for our guests and for Renesmee after a couple of hours. She baked a simple cake, just for decoration.
The flowers arrived mid-morning and Alice finished up the final décor.
Since it's only our family and a couple of friends that are coming, we could easily fit inside the house. Rosalie called Emmett, Jasper and Edward to help in re-arranging the furniture in the house so we could have room for dancing. Well, they could have room. I may be a vampire now, but I'm afraid my dancing skills have not improved.
Jacob and Seth arrived at 5:30. Leah might be loosening up to my family, but I can't stay the same with the other vampires.
We all got ready and soon enough, the guys arrived from the cottage dressed in their suits and tuxes.
--
Six o'clock.
Edward sat on the piano and started playing.
First to come down was Alice, then me, then Rosalie, then Tanya.
Carmen and Esme escorted Renesmee as she carefully went down the steps of the stairs, tossing stems of tulips as she descends.
When we are all down the stairs, Eleazar opened the door from Carlisle office, where they were waiting for their cue, to lead Kate. None of us have seen her dress except for Alice who picked it out with her. She's wearing an ivory low v-neck floor length gown.
"She's beautiful," I heard Garrett gasped, not letting his eyes drift anywhere but her. I smiled as I look at Kate whose gaze never left Garrett.
After Eleazar handed Kate to Garrett, he stood beside him. Garrett has asked him to be his best man as he is the person who had seen how their relationship grew in just a few weeks.
I knew Carlisle was up to something when he kept on missing around the house. I didn't know then, but I know now. He acquired a license to marry. He conducted the wedding ceremony of Kate and Garrett.
--
The ceremony was short. Jacob, Seth and Renesmee ate the food that Esme and I prepared while the others went straight to dancing.
Everyone danced, including me, although I danced mostly with Edward as he won't let me go. I was happy to oblige; last thing I want to do is step on any of my family's foot. Renesmee danced with us, as well as Jacob.
Kate and Garrett received only one gift. It is a honeymoon package to New Zealand from everyone.
"It's spring there right now, you'll still have some cloudy days to go around," Alice told them.
"Who cares if there's sun, it's not like they are going anywhere," Emmett chuckled, giving Jasper a high five. I think they have been waiting to tell that joke since last night.
--
Instead of throwing the bouquet, Kate just handed it to Tanya, "You'll be next."
"Is that my cue to find me a man?" Tanya asked and we all laughed.
Jacob and Seth stood up in the center to catch the garter from Garrett.
When Garrett threw the garter, Edward glared at Jacob and said, "Don't you dare catch that, mutt."
Jacob got distracted and Seth grabbed the garter, "Don't worry, Edward. I got you covered." With that, we all laughed once again.
After the festivities, Jacob and Seth bid their farewell to the newlyweds and left. Renesmee was exhausted and fell asleep on my lap.
"Kate, Garrett, your clothes are upstairs, as well as your suitcases. Better change and we'll drop you off the airport," Alice told them. She really got everything all planned out.
--
In a month's time, the house turned from a wedding venue to a birthday party destination. Kate and Garrett arrived just the day before the party.
Alice set up the party to be held outside so our Quileute visitors will not feel crowded or paranoid inside our house.
We set up the grill for barbeque. Emmett had been helpful by bringing down a couple of trees as benches. We have a little camp fire going although the party started at three in the afternoon.
We arranged a schedule for our visitors so that our vampire family won't have a confrontation with our human friends. The party for the Quileute will be between three in the afternoon and seven at night; the rest of the night, the Denalis can join us since we don't need to sleep. They have time to spend with Renesmee before and a little after the party for the human. From three to seven, they agreed to head out and hunt towards Canada.
Edward and I are very thankful for the attendance that we have from the Quileute. With Charlie, Sue, Seth and Leah arrived. Jacob drove his old Rabbit with Billy, Rachel and Paul. Sam came with a pregnant Emily, Quil and Claire. Last to arrive was Embry.
Although Renesmee is just one-year-old, she looks as old as Claire, who's four, and a bit taller than her, too. Even though there are only two kids, Alice thought it was necessary to have a jumper. I was worried that Renesmee might break it, but good thing she's not strong enough to do so just yet.
We all gathered outside and the there seemed to be no tension between the vampires and the werewolves. We looked like a normal group of people, celebrating a birthday of a normal kid. The guests ate their burgers and hotdogs and some even had s'mores.
When it was getting a little dark, we all went inside. The breeze is picking up. Vampires and werewolves may not be bothered by it, but the human are starting to get chilly.
Renesmee opened her gifts and squealed in delight. Alice and Jasper gave her two Barbie dolls, while Rosalie and Emmett got her the doll house and car. She and Claire played with the Barbie dolls right away. Carlisle and Esme gave her an art set with chalkboard and white board on either side. The Quileute each gave her clothes ranging from size four to six. I guess they asked Jacob how fast she's growing. Edward and I bought a set of golden stud earrings to match the locket I gave her last Christmas. Jacob made Renesmee a new bracelet to replace the one he gave her last Christmas since she outgrew it. Edward did not grit his teeth like he did the first time.
Around seven that night, our visitors bid their farewell. Everyone left except for Embry who wanted to talk to Jacob about Alpha business. They walked towards one corner of the dining room.
"How did you decide your second in command?" Embry asked.
"You mean you haven't chosen yet? You've been Alpha, what, more than six months ago?"
"Well, that's the thing, how did you decide Leah over Seth?"
"It sort of fall into place. Seth joined me first but Leah really took on being second in command, but I guess it came with age, too. She went on patrol more than needed; I think it was more because she hated being around the Cullens at that time, but she has determination. Even when you and Quil joined that one time, I didn't plan to take the command from Leah. She earned it," Jacob explained. "You have to take into consideration who you can trust to take over in case, you know, something happens to you. Who's been acting as your right hand?"
"I sort of rotate between Jared, Paul and Quil. Jared and Paul are the oldest so I was thinking I could pick from them, but Quil's our best friend, so I don't know. I'm not even considering Collin and Brady because they're pretty young."
"Did you ask Sam?"
"I did, no help. He said he didn't really have a second in command until you came," Embry shrugged.
"What I can tell you is this; don't take friendship over command, it has to be justified. By blood, Quil's a good pick, blood of the elders. Paul's a little hard-headed, so maybe Jared. He's been around with Sam for a while, too. So there, I narrowed it down from three to two. The final decision is up to you."
"Thanks, Jacob."
Jacob patted Embry's shoulder, "Don't know how much help I'd been but that's what friends are for."
They got up and walked towards the living room.
"Thanks for having me everyone," Embry bid his goodbye.
He opened the door and Tanya was there. We all froze since Embry is in human form. She might have just come from a hunting trip, but Embry is in human form, he could still be appetizing.
Embry just stood there frozen. We all looked at Alice, trying to see if she had any visions.
"I'm sorry, you guys, I can't see much of anything with Renesmee here, much more with two werewolves," Alice apologized.
I looked at Embry again and gasped, "Jacob…"
"Aren't they supposed to be back later?" Jacob asked my family.
"It is already later. Embry stayed over remember?" Rosalie snapped at him.
"Jacob…" I called him again.
"Aren't you supposed to hear them coming or something?" Jacob snapped back.
"In case you didn't notice, we are busy playing with my daughter," Edward snarled at him.
"Jacob!" I finally screamed.
Finally, he looked at me, "What!"
I didn't answer him; I just kept on staring towards door. He followed my gaze and saw what locked me in position.
Jacob's mouth hung open. No words needed; we knew exactly what just happened.
Embry imprinted. On Tanya.
--
A/N: Bet you didn't see that coming!
For the wedding cake and Kate's wedding dress, check out my profile.
'An Affair to Remember' is my favorite classic movie of all time.