Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
This chapter is dedicated to Noble, Fadewind, M-Bianca94, Alphabloodwolf, Patricia, Lsb123, Alexsandra, Cara Gracious, lauren j and BellaNessieCullen
"Come on, it's traditional." Prue said with a grin as she held up the 'L' plates and the short veil attached to a headband covered in flashing hearts.
"I care not." I countered, regarding them with dread. "I am still not wearing them. Besides, you didn't make Grace wear them."
"That's cause I didn't have time to arrange Grace's bachelorette party." Prue stated. "Now you said I was in control, so be a good deputy and listen to your captain."
"You can't make me." I said, shaking my head.
"Come on Lamb, if I'm wearing this feathery pink number the least you can do is wear the veil and the plates." Mother said, indicating the pink mini dress with bright pink feather trim she was wearing.
"It is not the veil and plates I am opposed to." I stated. "It is a costume that is little more than lingerie." I added, holding up the meagre bit of lace that as small as I was I found it hard to imagine would cover me sufficiently.
"You can wear leggings underneath." Prue assured me. "But this is just for fun. Like the sluts version of a wedding dress."
"And this is traditional?" I asked doubtfully.
"You decided to let Prue organise the party and she picked a theme." Mother said. "Sluts in Vegas right?"
"Mother! Language!" I said aghast.
"So Prue's allowed to say sluts and I'm not?" Mother asked, her eyebrow raised.
"I expect it from her." I said in horror.
"Oh come on Lamb." Mother said, hugging me into a face full of feathers. "Stop panicking, don't think about it too much, and just go along with the fun. By the time you slam that fourth tequila none of this will even matter."
"I think I could do with one right now." I said distantly.
"Well have some champers instead." Prue stated and I heard the pop of a cork. "Come on, drink it and relax. How often do all of us girls get to be together and in Vegas?"
"I would have settled for a quiet drink in the Nook." I grumbled as I pulled away from Mother and accepted the glass from Prue.
"And have Geri Ingles hovering around us all night?" Prue said with a snort.
I sighed and drained the glass.
"Very well. I will find the appropriate leggings and then attempt to put myself in this…dress." I said despondently.
"That's the spirit." Prue said, tapping my back. "Try these ones." She said, handing me a pair of white leggings with roses embossed over their entirety.
"They are perfect." I conceded and took them from her before I made my way into the bathroom to manoeuvre my way into the questionable attire.
Once I had pulled everything on and regarded myself in the mirror I felt somewhat better. It was as much as I ever wore whilst cheerleading and therefore I could face the world dressed like this. I still felt somewhat sheepish when I left the bathroom, and even more embarrassed to find that everyone was now occupying the main room of the suite we had booked to bed all seventeen of us who were attending my bachelorette party in Las Vegas.
There were a few wolf whistles, from the wolves of course, trust Ariana and Marie. I felt myself laugh with relief; this wouldn't be so bad, especially with everyone dressed as I was. Not exactly the same as me obviously, for I was the bride, but still they were dressed in similar fashion. Even Esme was wearing garments that resembled underwear more than real clothing.
"You look wonderful my dear." Esme said with a smile.
"I think we're the right side of trashy." Rose said as she adjusted the black gauze number she was wearing. "Although I dare say in my day we never would have dreamed of wearing anything so revealing. Not us respectable young ladies of society. It's a lot different now."
"Oh yes." Esme agreed. "I remember when I once wished to go without a corset and my mother told me it was improper."
"How would they know you weren't wearing one?" Billie asked.
"Because you were able to talk without gasping." Rose observed and they both laughed.
"I'm glad my generation missed out on that." Alice said. "Us not so nice girls got to wear such things in public. Although maybe it was a bit more than this." She added with a grin as she indicated her very short flapper outfit.
"Why couldn't I wear that?" Billie asked. "I have to wear these fairy wings."
"There's nothing wrong with that." Granny Ness said as she placed her arm about Billie and kissed her forehead. "I have to wear them too."
"But you got the right hair for it." Billie stated.
"Would you like me to curl your hair?" I offered.
"It's a little late now." Billie said sadly. "I should have asked earlier."
"Then perhaps we can do this." I said, taking up a handful of hair gel and I began working it through Billie's hair, pulling it into an even more messy style than normal. "Now you look as if you have been flying around everywhere."
Billie regarded herself critically in the mirror, and then nodded her head.
"It's perfect." She said with a grin and fixed a headband with wobbly flashing spiders she had from Halloween in place. "I'm the fairy in charge of bugs."
"As long as you don't put any near me." Grace said with a mock shuddered and Billie giggled.
"You and your bugs." Ebony mused. "You do know you have Maurice interested in them now?"
"Well he wanted to know what Devon and me were doing with the magnifying glass and the jars out in the garden. We couldn't exclude him." Billie said with a shrug.
"I don't mind him investigating, but when he brings them into the house." Ebony shuddered.
"I'll have a word with him." Billie said. "Tell him that bugs stay outside."
"Thanks Billie. He listens to you, his cool big cousin." Ebony coaxed.
"Yeah." Billie said, "But I'm only a month older than him."
"You know what I mean." Ebony said with a shrug.
"So let's get going." Mother said brightly, although the worry beneath was clear as she placed her hand on Billie's shoulder.
We all filed out of the suite, and what a crowd we were, all of us supernatural in some way or other. There were the vampires, Bella, Esme, Alice, Rose, Marlin, Layla and Jane. There were the dhampir, Granny Ness, Lilly, Ebony, Prue, Grace, Billie and Mother. There were the wolves in the form of Ariana and Marie, possibly my two oldest friends. There was Olwen the only human amongst us, even if she was an ancient warrior being. In all there were seventeen of us and Las Vegas was about to be met with a whirlwind.
Luckily for Las Vegas, Prue had booked the function room of the hotel. It would allow us to celebrate away from the prying eyes of mortals, but should we care to mingle at some point we were able to do that too.
"I'll buy the first round." Mother said. "What does everyone want?"
"Red wines all around." Billie said cheerfully.
"Yeah, and no. You can have a virgin cocktail." Mother said firmly.
"Oh." Billie said, looking disappointed.
"Don't worry Billie, I'll have an orange juice with you." Grace said.
"Ok." Billie said with a shrug. "As long as I'm not the only abstainer in the group."
"You won't be." Grace said, giving her a one-arm hug.
"Thanks." Billie said with a smile.
"But none of vamps will actually be drinking." Prue pointed out. "No need for you to go T-total Grace."
"It's ok." Grace said. "Besides I'm choosing not to drink for Billie, it's not a requirement."
"Ok. But this is a party." Prue observed.
"And maybe I'll drink later." Grace countered. "But right now an orange juice will suffice."
"Ok. So that's two orange juices and lets say four bottles of red wine, that should cover us all." Mother said before making her way to the bar.
"In reality we should be drinking cocktails." Alice said.
"Well next round I'll order us up a few pitchers of sex on the beach, that should be fun." Prue said.
"How about a pina colada?" Billie asked, perusing the cocktail list on the table.
"No. It should be Long Island ice teas." Grace stated and we all chuckled.
"What's so funny about that?" Billie asked.
"I think I'll show you a certain video when we return home." I said. "Provided we have Mother's permission of course."
"Why? Is it adult content?" Billie asked.
"It is if you think making a fool of yourself singing karaoke should be restricted content." Mother stated as she placed two glasses of orange juice on the table. "They'll bring the wine over in a minuet." She added, before continuing with her explanation to Billie. "I don't mind you watching it, but if I get enough drink in me I might reward you with the live show."
"Oh now Essie, she is but a child." Granny Ness joked.
"Thanks Mom." Mother said and rolled her eyes. "My singing's still bad, but it doesn't make people's ears bleed anymore."
"It was never that bad." Granny Ness said with a smile as she gave Mother a comforting pat on the shoulder.
"But it was close." Jane chimed in.
"You can talk." Mother retorted, then frowned. "Actually I don't think I've ever heard you sing."
"That's because I don't." Jane replied. "And there's no influence on this earth that could make me do so."
"You sure about that?" Mother asked with her challenging grin.
"You would not squander your gift and ethics on something so frivolous." Jane said simply.
"Damn! You're right." Mother joked and we all laughed.
"So when's the stripper coming?" Billie asked.
"There's no stripper." Prue said. "I was gonna order one but Tobias was pretty adamant that I'd have to find employment elsewhere if I subjected you to such a scene at your tender young age."
"So you're saying that I spoilt it for everyone by coming?" Billie asked sadly.
"Nonsense." I said, placing my arm about Billie and hugging her. "It would not be the same without my baby sister here. We do not need strippers, we can enjoy ourselves by merely reminiscing on old times, comparing weddings with others, a few horror stories thrown in to goad me into a perceived sense of panic. There will be some gentle teasing of what to expect on the wedding night, but nothing too graphic in deference to you of course."
"Of course." Billie grouched. "We may as well bring out the jelly and ice cream, maybe a few sandwiches with crusts cut off, and of course we can't forget the cupcakes or the soda."
"Are there cupcakes?" I asked in mock excitement and Billie gave me a withering look as if to say I was behaving as a child.
"Come sister, please don't be dour. Would you sing the first song with me?" I asked.
Billie looked up at the stage where mikes had been set for karaoke.
"Why not." Billie said with a shrug. "What shall we sing?"
"Any song you like." I stated. "Provided it contains no strong profanities you know I will not sing."
"Ok. I got a song." Billie said and we stood up together and went over to the man in charge of the equipment. "We'd like to sing 'Poison' by Alice Cooper. And the Alice Cooper original mind, I don't want to be fobbed off with any cover version, especially that dace one with the weird woman singing who somehow manages to simultaneously up the tempo while dragging it down at the same time. I want Alice Cooper."
"Ok. Point taken. But it's such an old song, I don't know if it's in the system." The man said, adjusting some control or other.
"Isn't this an iSing system?" Billie asked.
"Yeah." The man admitted grudgingly.
"Then it's connected to every song ever produced and released on the general market." Billie stated. "It'll only take a quick search. If you can't do it then I'm really good with tech stuff."
"I know how to do the search." The man said in a snappy voice.
"You merely didn't want to." I surmised.
"Well it's not a song people often chose so it's not in our favourites." He grumbled.
"Then your usual crowds have no taste." I said primly. "This is a marvellous song to sing along to and we ask that you find it for us now."
"She is the bride to be." Billie said with a smile. "You have to be nice to her."
"Ok. I'll search." The man said with a heavy sigh as he began to work the touch-screen. "Ok. Found it if you'd like to make your way on stage."
"Be glad to." Billie said with a smile and we stepped up onto the stage.
"A word to the wise Billie." I whispered as we climbed the steps. "You may want to rein in your demanding nature a jot or two. We may know that you are only four and therefore show you some leniency, but to humans you may come across as a demanding bitch."
"Oh. Please, tell me next time. I really didn't think." She said aghast. "I just know the song I want to sing and I didn't want there to be any mistakes."
"I know that Billie, but I also know that you are still a child in some respects. The gentleman didn't know that." I stated.
"Then he can just surmise that I am obnoxious because I am drunk." Billie said lightly as we stopped by the mikes.
"There is that of course." I replied, before I reached for the mike, which was set on a stand for those of average height.
The song began, and thankfully it was the right version. Billie and I began to sing, and it was fun to let myself go into the song and let my voice flow and mingle with that of my sister. Billie, I concluded, is a better singer than me, but together we sounded good. I enjoyed that time on stage with Billie, and it certainly lifted her out of the doldrums she had been experiencing earlier.
After the first song that Billie and I sang, the night truly kicked off. Esme choose to sing next, and if the man in charge of the music had trouble tracking down a song from the nineteen eighties, then he definitely would have had trouble tracking down the song Esme requested. It was a song from when she was young; possibly she had heard it in a music hall. I'd like to think it was a reminder of the first song she and Carlisle had shared on their first date. I felt bad that I had never thought to ask them if there was such a song before now.
I did not recognise the song, but it was something old fashioned, about love. It was pretty and Esme's voice suited it. It was like honey down the spine, all warm and tingling. If she ever sang this to Carlisle, well they are my great-great-grandparents and they raised me, they were my foster parents for the first few years of life, it was best not to imagine where it would lead them.
We enjoyed listening to Esme sing, and then Rose got up to sing some melancholy jazz number. One could almost imagine her, the blonde bombshell entertaining everyone in the jazz halls of the past. I could almost imagine myself in a speak easy, the music and good times bathed in alcohol continuing despite the prohibition imposed by a terminally conservative government.
Prue got up next, dragging Billie along with her to sing some vintage Madonna, I was somewhat relived Prue chose 'Material Girl' as opposed to 'Like a Virgin' which I was unsure of whether it would be more embarrassing if Billie knew what it meant or if she was uncertain and asked.
We spent the rest of the evening taking it in turns to sing between rounds of drinks. I was becoming quite tipsy, but I allowed the mood to take me, to carry me. This was immense fun. I cared not that I was slowly succumbing to the drink; it was a treat to be out with the women of my family. If it were possible we should do this more often, and not merely because we were out on a hen night.
The night seemed to be going without much incident other than that which led to hilarity until about three hours into the night when we were all met with a revelation.
"My round." Prue said. "What's everyone drinking?"
We decided on pina coladas this time, Grace opted for what she had been drinking all night.
"Just OJ again Grace?" Prue asked. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." Grace said.
"But this is a bachelorette party, we're all supposed to get blind drunk and let our hair down." Prue countered.
"You're not letting me drink." Billie piped in.
"You're too young kid." Prue said. "So what you having Grace?"
"An orange juice." Grace said firmly. "I can have just as much fun sober."
"Yeah. But why are you staying sober?" Prue asked, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. "I know you don't drink as a rule, but you usually do for special occasions and this is a special occasion."
"I just don't feel like being hungover tomorrow on the flight home." Grace replied.
It was a reasonable point, but there was something about it that seemed a fallacy. Although I was sure Grace didn't want to be ill on the flight home, one drink would not cause this. It was becoming more obvious that there was another reason Grace did not wish to drink the longer Prue stared at her awaiting an answer. It was Mother who gasped first and placed her hand to Grace stomach, closing her eyes. She was no doubt sending out her mind.
"I'm gonna be a Grandma?" She whispered, her eyes still closed as a grin spread across her face.
"You're pregnant?" Prue gasped, hugging Grace.
"Yeah." Grace said.
"Why didn't you say?" Prue demanded of her sister.
"Well I didn't want to rain on Liza's parade." Grace said, dropping her head and looking embarrassed. "Only Tony knows, but we were going to wait until after the wedding to say anything. It will be kinda hard to hide it after that anyway."
"But that is nonsense." I said, moving closer to Grace. "This makes everything utterly perfect, do you not see? And you would have allowed me to go off on my honeymoon without letting me know I was due to become an aunt?"
"Sorry." Grace said, looking embarrassed. "I just didn't want to shift the focus from you."
"Silly Grace, Liza will still have her day." Billie said, hugging Grace. "And I'm gonna be an aunt too? This is cool! What are you having? Can you tell yet Mom?"
"No. It's too early." Mother replied.
"I thought you could tell what Liza, Tony and me were from the word go." Billie stated.
"Yeah. But I knew it with every fibre of my being because you were in me." Mother observed.
"But you got Hunter and Tina right and a lot of other babies." Billie persisted.
"When the babies were a little more developed." Mother stated and there was a warning in her tone now.
"Besides, it is not up to us to know." I stated. "That is for Grace and Tony to know and decide if they wish to share it. They may even wish to be surprised."
"Tony won't be able to." Billie said a little moodily.
"But Grace may not wish to know." I said pointedly.
"At the moment I want to be surprised." Grace said, looking down at her still flat stomach.
"Why?" Billie asked. "Don't you want to get everything ready?"
"Hey kid, why don't we go sing karaoke?" Prue said, and pulled at Billie's shoulder.
In the past Billie could have easily escaped Prue, but now that Prue was a dhampir herself she was more than able to steer Billie over to the stage. Billie was grumbling, but she'd soon be singing happily with Prue.
"It was also this fuss you wished to avoid." I observed.
"Well yeah." Grace replied. "I mean, I hate being the centre of attention, and well, I don't want any fuss."
"We will forget that you are pregnant until after the wedding." I said. "Are we agreed?" I prompted the others.
They all agreed, although I was unsure of Ariana and Marie.
"Wolfs honour or I'll alpha you." Mother said firmly, and the two young wolves looked at the alpha mother and nodded, they would not disobey. "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Even revelations that we'll get later on. So we make a pact now sisters, that when Tony and Grace 'announce' this later we'll all act surprised. Is that a deal?"
We all agreed to that.
You may wish to get Billie to agree to that later. I thought toward Mother.
Yeah. I'll have to get to her before she tells Tobias. I think I'll have to join her and Prue on stage. Mother observed, looking toward the stage.
You know you want to. I said. You will not wish to come down once you begin.
That's the problem.
Then I will join you. I said, getting to my feet and holding out my hand.
"Why the hell not." Mother declared and allowed me to pull her to her feet.
We made our way across the floor and climbed up on stage next to Prue and Billie. They were halfway through the Blues Brothers version of Everybody Needs Somebody to Love when Mother and I picked up the extra mikes to join in. It was much fun and Grace came to join us when we opted to sing 'I Will Survive' together, for the love of the song; we had no qualm with the men in our lives.
Then I must say I was starting to feel wary, it was only so long before all this started to get bothersome. Therefore we were a rather good hen party and turned in around half past eleven. The vampires amongst us could have stayed all night, but in deference to us who required sleep they went up to the suite when we did.
I settled into the single bed, Mother and Billie shared the double bed in the same room. We were soon sleeping. I was surprised I could sleep so well after the excitement of the day. Then again, I had but three more sleeps until I walked down the aisle and I wished to be thoroughly refreshed. Who wished to look like death on their wedding day?
As usual I woke early the next day. I went to use the shower because none of the vampires were using it and none of the other dhampir or the wolves were awake. I luxuriated in the feel of the water as it woke me properly. I was determined to be fully refreshed for the flight back to SEA-TAC.
Once I had showered I went to blow-dry my hair in the shared area of the suite. As soon as I sat down Alice came up behind me and offered to style my hair for me. I was not about to pass up an opportunity to have Aunt Alice do my hair. She merely styled it into my usual curls, but it was relaxing not having to do so myself.
By the time Alice had finished it was nearing eight o'clock and it was time to rouse everyone if we wished to make our plane. Not that we couldn't book another flight, but I had been opposed to leaving the state and until I was back in Washington, and better still Olympic Pines, I would not be able to relieve myself of the thought that I might not make the wedding. Regardless of the fact that we had two days to spare, I worried about being late.
I need not have worried, we were all safely on the plane by eleven o'clock and safely within the walls of Tregarran by early evening. As much as I enjoyed the girls' weekend, I had missed my Malachite and it was simply bliss to wrap my arms about him once more. To kiss him enthusiastically as he pulled me from the floor and up into his arms.
"So you didn't miss me at all." Mal joked, slightly breathless when we parted for breath.
"Not in the slightest." I replied. "And you clearly did not miss me."
Mal chuckled as he dropped down into my wicker chair with me still wrapped about him. His hand stroked up and down my back as he looked at me with a slight smile.
"You didn't run away with some playboy from Vegas then?" He asked.
"I had many offers, but none of them could offer me what you have." I stated.
"And what's that?" He asked.
"A sheep farm in Wales." I said lightly.
"Well none of them can be special like me." Mal returned, and I giggled as I placed my lips to his once more and kissed him deeply.
"No one can compare to you my delightful Malachite." I whispered as I lay my head against his shoulder and merely revelled in being held by him for a while. "By this time on Wednesday I will be Mrs Llewellyn, and I will be yours forever. How extraordinary will that be?"
"It'll be brill." Mal said, kissing at my cheek. "You and me together forever, and doing whatever we want." He added, placing his hand gently against my cheek and rested his cheek on my head.
I hummed as I moved my hand up to play with the ends of his hair, revelling in this closeness yet again. It seemed like a moment of respite after the hurly-burly of the bachelorette party. It was heaven to be back in this safe place, the arms of my beloved.
There was a flash and I looked around to see Billie lowering the camera that was in her hand.
"Sorry. I couldn't resist. You two are just so cute." She declared bounding over to us and I turned around fully, although I still remained in Mal's arms, as Billie stopped near us. "You wanna see?"
She stood beside us and held out the camera so we could see the screen. The photo was cute and I commended Billie on the fact. Then she began flicking through the other images she had taken, mostly of us in the car heading to the airport. Then before I could stop her she reached the hen night itself.
"That is not for the eyes of men." I said, placing my hand over the screen. "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, we must destroy the photographic evidence."
"Evidence of what?" Mal asked and I felt the camera lift out of Billie's hand and Mal caught it out of the air. "Wow." He said, bringing the camera down so that I could see the screen where there was a photo of me in my not very innocent bride costume. "Is this a preview of the wedding night?" He asked in a low voice, directly in my ear and I felt myself shiver.
"If you play your cards right." I replied.
"Hello! Four year old in the room." Billie said grouchily as she snatched her camera back. "And you're supposed to come down stairs, that's what I came to tell you. Tony and Grace have an announcement." And she winked as she said announcement.
"Oh I see." I said, rising to my feet. "Then we should make haste to descend."
"What's going on?" Mal asked.
"Tony and Grace are gonna announce that their…" Billie began.
"Billie, remember the agreement." I said sharply.
"But they're about to tell everyone anyway." Billie complained.
"Yes, but some of us should remain ignorant to be genuinely surprised. Do you not agree Sister?"
"I guess." Billie said moodily. "Well no point dilly-dallying." She said brightly and herded us out of our room.
Mal and I exchanged looks, but did not comment. Sometimes it was better to let Billie have her way and not argue. She liked to be the bearer of good news, but this was Grace and Tony's news to share and Billie had to realise that. Sometimes I forgot she was only a child and how I had felt the call of the child within when I was the same age as her, and for that reason I allowed her a little leeway at times.
Everyone was gathered in the recreation room, we were the last to enter.
"Now that you're all here we have something to tell you." Tony said, and I knew it took all of his confidence to speak to us without showing his nerves. "My wonderful wife Grace is pregnant."
"I'm gonna be a grandma?" Mother enthused as she hugged both Grace and Tony.
"I'll be an aunt." Billie chipped in with a grin as she hugged them too.
"Way to go Sis." Prue declared heartily as she hugged them too.
"This is the most wonderful news." I added, tapping Tony's back for I could find no place in the scrum at the moment.
"This is joyous news." Father stated.
"The best." Alice remarked.
"I can't believe I'll be a great-grandmother." Granny Ness said.
"Or I'll be a great-great-grandmother." Bella added. "But it'll be nice having a baby around again."
"Certainly." Rose said. "We'll start working on the album right now."
"We are behind on that." Esme stated.
"Oh definitely." I agreed. "Had we but known we could have began recordings sooner."
"But this is so out of the blue." Mother remarked. "Colour me surprised."
"Way to play it cool guys." Tony said with a chuckle. "I know you all know, even if you weren't all broadcasting it to me at twenty decibels, you're reactions are a dead giveaway."
"Damn! We failed." Mother said in mock annoyance.
"You did not think to tell me sooner?" Father asked.
"Well I figured that since half of us knew anyway Grace would convince Tony that it was better to just tell us all before the wedding." Mother said with a shrug.
"What if this had not transpired?" Father prompted.
"I would have told you tonight." Mother stated.
"So much for the sacred sisterhood." Billie grumbled.
"You'll understand it more when you're older and married." Mother said, tapping Billie's shoulder.
"That we all make an agreement not to tell anyone but then tell our spouses regardless?" Billie asked.
"No." Father said. "I am sure the others would have held their tongues, but given that I am to become a grandfather for the first time it was hardly news Mother would be able to keep from me indefinitely."
"I suppose." Billie said with a frown, but then she shrugged. "Guess it's not worth being stroppy over."
"Good girl." Father said, tapping her shoulder and then hugging her.
Billie hugged Father in return before stepping away and turning to face Tony and Grace.
"So when will the baby be here? Or is it babies? You are a twin Tony and there's twins in Grace's family so it's possible right? Are you having twins?" Billie asked in an excited rush.
"No." Grace said with a little laugh. "Just the one baby. And no I don't know what the sex is and I don't want to know yet. Even if Tony discovers it by accident I've made him promise not to tell me."
"Do you know?" Billie asked Tony.
Tony shook his head.
"Does it matter?" He asked.
"Not really, but I'd like to know if I'm gonna have a niece or a nephew so I know what wool to use for the booties." Billie said, still clearly digging. "Prue's been teaching me how to knit."
"You can knit?" Grace directed at Prue.
"There was a few skills I picked up at the commune that weren't all bad." Prue said with a shrug. "Don't worry Billiekins, we'll just knit them in yellow, won't matter either way then."
"Ok." Billie said, satisfied with that suggestion. "So when will the baby be here?"
"We're not absolutely sure." Grace said.
"I will have to give you an examination to be sure." Carlisle said. "Perhaps some time tomorrow?"
"I'm free whenever you are." Grace said. "I have a hell of a lot of time on my hands since I finished off Darktide." She said rather sadly.
"Have you considered beginning a new series?" I asked.
"I don't want to commit to anything long term in case I have to go underground." She observed and sounded somewhat regretful.
"There's always stand alone novels." Bella observed.
"I just can't find the will to start on a new project." Grace said. "Darktide has been a part of my imaginary life for so long that I feel like I'm mourning the loss of a friend."
"In a sense you are." Esme said. "You created and nurtured these characters, it's understandable that you may find it hard to let them go. There is no need to rush into writing another story, and soon you'll have plenty to keep you occupied when that little one is running around."
"And that won't be too long." Grace mused, looking down at her stomach. "Especially if the baby follows Billie."
"The baby will sure keep us on our toes." Tony said fondly, placing his hand against Grace's stomach, and he was deliberately not using a pronoun in case Grace thought he knew what the baby was and was inadvertently telling her. If Grace was adamant about not knowing the sex then it was going to be an interesting month for Mother and Tony trying not to state either way.
"I think perhaps we should all agree on whether to refer to the baby as he or she before anyone is able to have a true feeling for the correct gender." I stated. "To save any confusion later."
"Then lets go with he." Billie said. "I mean you always assume the male pronoun right? Until you're sure?"
"Bella did refer to Nessie as 'he' when she was pregnant." Grandpa Jake stated. "Her little EJ."
"Edward Junior?" Prue reasoned.
"Edward Jacob." Practically everyone chorused absentmindedly, that was of little importance.
"And we referred to Essie as he." Grandpa Jake stated.
"You did." Granny Ness countered. "I knew I was having a girl."
"You hoped you were having a girl." Grandpa Jake said, hugging her.
"Well I had to hope or I would have been outnumbered with you and Billy." Granny Ness said, leaning into the hug. "Of course I didn't mind Hunter being a boy, I was never outnumbered with him."
"Thanks Mom." Hunter replied with a smile. "But I got to say I'm not feeling outnumbered by Olwen and Kyelax." He added as he tickled the baby's nose as she lay in her mother's arms.
"Just wait until she can talk." Olwen said playfully and clapped Hunter on his shoulder.
"I guess I should start convincing you to have another kid." Hunter replied, resting his forehead against Olwen's and they shared a secret smile.
"I have no objections Hunter, but we might have another girl." Olwen pointed out.
"I'm willing to take the risk." Hunter replied and kissed her nose. "As many times as it takes."
"Until you have a boy?" She queried.
"Boys, girls, a few of each would be nice." Hunted said wistfully.
"We discuss it more later." Olwen said with a smile and Hunter agreed.
"It'll be nice that they'll be around the same age." Grace mused. "They'll be able to play together."
"Not really." Billie murmured.
I do not think she meant to be heard, but when everyone looked at her she sheepishly elaborated.
"Well Maurice is more or less the same age as me, but he's not the same age as me. He's half my age even though he's only a month younger. Having kids the same age as you who are not aging like you is a constant reminder of how much of a freak you are."
"You're not a freak." Mother said, going to Billie and pulling her into her arms. "You must never think that about yourself Baby. Are Liza and Tony freaks? Is Granny Ness? Is Mal? What about Ebony? Lilly? Tibbi?"
"They all had someone who aged like them." Billie said sadly.
"I didn't have any children to grow up with." Granny Ness stated.
"And neither did I." Ebony added. "I was all on my own, lost hunting in the human world for the first three years of my life and then my companions were my vampire family. I never interacted with children as a child."
"My either." Mal stated. "I was stuck in Volterra."
"Stop it." I yelled, going to Billie and hugging her with Mother. "Please. You admit that you have no experience in watching how other children age differently. Well I have. Tony and I may have had each other, but we noted the differences between us and our friends every year we went to the Res. How those the same age as us were still children while we looked fully-grown. How we overtook those older than us. Please stop this bombardment of, 'we had it worse than you' stories when you haven't the inkling from where Billie's melancholy originates."
The room was silent and I realised I had chastised half the dhampir in the room. In a sense I had downplayed what was admittedly their dire upbringings in my argument against their downplaying of Billie's woe. I had to explain her case though because they had mistaken Billie's worry for complaint. They thought her to be a brat who didn't appreciate how lucky she was to have family and friends around her. I had to stand up for my sister when she was clearly in distress. However I should not make the others feel small.
"The truth of the matter is that it is not easy growing up a dhampir, regardless of your circumstances. Even brought up among many siblings we are exploited. Brought up alone we crave company. Brought up among human companions we notice the differences. We should not belittle each other for we are few and far between. We must support each other, especially our younger members through that troubling transition of childhood. I'm sure we all have memories of when our adult bodies guided us yet our child minds were unable to process situations as an adult mind would because we simply do not have the personal experience required in those situations. We can read all we want, but that is not the way to learn of the world, or to understand our alien feelings. I…" I trailed off.
"Good speech Lamb." Mother said, tapping my shoulder. "And Liza's right, we shouldn't rip shreds out of each other."
"Sorry Billie." Mal said. "Sometimes I get stuck in my 'poor orphan me' mode. Just because I was isolated it doesn't mean your not suffering too. I never thought there was anything strange about the way I aged; with no other kids around I thought it was normal. After all, Sheba aged just like me. And I did have her as a friend."
"Your sheepdog Sheba?" Billie asked, working her head out from Mother's embrace.
"Yeah." Mal said with a smile.
"Have you got a picture of her?" Billie asked.
"I…" Mal frowned, he was unsure what Billie's intention was, and so was I for that matter. "Not on me. Back at the farm though I got lots of photos."
"Well when you finally take Liza to see your farm you'll have to email me one of the pictures. A good one where she's all action dog rounding up the sheep." Billie stated.
"If I have one like that I'll send it." Mal promised. "But if not I'll send you a photo of Sheba and take a photo of one of the present dogs. I don't know their names, I got a manager to look after the farm in my absence, but we always have sheep dogs. Lovely border collies."
"Must be nice having dogs." Billie mused. "I never did get that puppy off Alex."
"I think his interest in raising puppies diminished when he started raising kids." Hunter stated.
"Shame." Billie said sadly.
"Perhaps we could pay a visit to the pound in Ridgeborough the day after the wedding." Father stated. "You may rescue a dog, perhaps one who is four years old."
"Can I?" Billie asked looking happy.
"Of course Baby. This time we'll pick out a grown dog rather than wait for a puppy to be born." Mother promised.
"That will be great." Billie said with a smile. "Although we can't have a big dog, Devon will be terrified of it. We can't have a small yappy dog either, they're snooty and not dogs as far as I'm concerned. But something medium like a collie would be absolutely perfect. I can take it for walks and feed it."
"And clean up after it." Father said firmly.
"Oh yes and I'll do that too." Billie said solemnly. "I will look after him properly."
"I know you will Baby." Mother said with as she tapped Billie's back.
We dispersed there after, there was much to discuss given the revelations. Mal and I retired to our favourite spot on the roof where he provided a bubble of telekinetic energy against the light rain.
"I'm sorry I ranted at you." I stated.
"Well you didn't rant at me personally." Mal said, placing his arms about me as he leant on the parapet I was sitting on. "You were lashing out at the people hurting your little sister and I'm ashamed to admit that I was part of that. We really shouldn't have ganged up on her like that. She is only a kid after all."
"I know you understand why I gave my lecture, but I wish to apologise regardless." I stated. "I feel as if I played down your dark past to explain my sister's behaviour."
"You might have a little, but you were right that we didn't have that comparison with human kids. And you're also right that we should band together and not cut each other down." Mal countered.
"We should be dhampir united." I stated, placing my arms around his neck. "And I have a few ideas how to make that possible." I added, placing my lips close to his.
"I like your ideas." Mal said not moving his lips closer, but I could feel the brush of them as he spoke. "You're a genius."
"Thank you my love." I replied, and closed the kiss, melting against him as the kiss deepened.
The kiss lasted for a long while, and I was lost in that place where no one but Mal and I existed. It was easy to forget that there were others nearby. Then I felt Mother's voice in my head, and it pulled me from my solitude with Mal and back to reality.
I don't want to disturb you, but dinners ready. Thought this would be less embarrassing than sending Billie to find you. Mother said.
Yes Mother. I replied.
I pulled away from Mal and gave him a solemn look.
"Dinner is ready." I stated. "We must attend."
"Well we're in company now, but in a few days…"
"We can be as naughty as we want." I added with a snigger.
"Definitely." Mal said with a smile as he helped me down from my perch and we made our way down to dinner.
Dinner was served in the dining room, for as it always seemed to be now when I was at home in Tregarran, we had a house full of people who required solid food. However we were missing Tony, Grace, Prue and Tibbi who had opted to eat at the Stables to save space. In a sense I missed my twin, but I did not comment on it to the others who were here. It would be wrong to make them feel bad and as if they didn't deserve a place here.
After dinner I volunteered Mal and I to clear up the dishes. Although it was a chore it gave us opportunity to spend time alone, something we would find lacking over the next few days. I suppose it was only proper, but I would miss sleeping in his company, or even being allowed to merely kiss him.
"We must make the most of tonight." I whispered. "For we will not be alone together until the honeymoon."
"Really?" Mal asked.
"I'm afraid so." I said sadly.
"Then we do have to make the most of it." He said. "Right that's it, we need a tent." He added, putting his arms around me and pulling me into a hug.
"A tent?" I asked.
"Well we're not going to get the solitude here and it's too late to go back to the apartment." He stated.
"Then we will get a tent." I agreed. "We will camp together this night, love each other and…"
"Have memories to hold us till the honeymoon." Mal said and placed his lips to my head once more.
"Yes." I said, melting into him, enjoying the warmth of him. "It will be a short passing, but one filled with painful anticipation for we will be free to be with each other in any way we wish for an indefinite amount of time. I cannot wait for that."
"You're addicted, you know that bach?" Mal whispered.
"Yes, but only because you have spoiled me over the years that I have grown accustomed to your sweet loving. Every day you treat me and I miss it when this cannot be." I replied, teasing his lips with mine.
"Well I have to love you every day." Mal said, his lips brushing softly against my skin. "Because I'm addicted to you too."
"Then there is no hope for us." I said sadly. "We have no option but to retrieve the tent and make haste to some secluded spot where we will regretfully give in to our addictions once more."
"Then lets go." Mal said and kissed me on the lips before pulling away from me and we walked hand in hand up to the attics to search for a tent. "Are we staying close or will we drive somewhere first?" Mal asked.
"If we are going to drive then we may as well return to the apartment." I stated.
"Ok. Well where was you thinking?" He asked as he pulled the tent out of its accustomed place next to the rolled up sleeping bags.
"I have a good place in mind." I said as I picked up two sleeping bags. "Trust me to lead the way."
"Always." Mal said reverently as he picked up two bedrolls.
"Then let us go inform Mother and Father of our intensions and we will leave." I stated.
"Do we need to grab anything else?" Mal asked.
"A few provisions for breakfast perhaps, but I fear we will be too busy to need much of anything else." I stated.
"That is terrible." Mal joked in return.
We both smiled before we went to find Mother and Father. They were watching a movie in the recreation room and had managed to find a moment of solitude for themselves.
We won't disturb you long. I thought. We're going to camp out tonight and came to let you know we're leaving.
Are you sure Lamb? There's plenty of room here you know. Mother replied.
We know. I said with a smile and Mother nodded.
See you both tomorrow. She said. Make the most of your last night together before the wedding.
Should we really be encouraging that? Father asked.
Well as long as we don't tell Edward. Mother said with a shrug.
I was teasing. Father said. I hope you both have a good time that we will hear nothing about.
Mal and I laughed before we said our final farewells and left the house through one of the doors in the poolroom. It was almost sneaking out, but then that was part of the intention. We did not wish to arouse the attention of Emmett in case he decided to prank us in some way. I was certain Rose would put a stop to it, but you could never be too careful where Emmett and the chance to cause mischief were concerned.
Carrying everything between us we ran out toward the mountains. We travelled for quite some time until we reached the place I knew to be perfect for our needs. It was in a shaded spot near a natural spring, so fresh water was available, and there was a clear spot to pitch the tent. The best thing about this spot was that it was very much out of the way. There was no spot from which this secluded little area could be spied upon.
"This spot is perfect." Mal declared as he took me in his arms and kissed me.
"I knew it would be." I said with a smile and pulled away from him and we began to erect the tent.
"How come you've never shown it to me before?" He asked.
"We've never had reason to find such a place before." I stated. "We've had other options open to us and have not had a time restrictions in place. We must be back early tomorrow, but out here we can have the fun we can't with others in earshot."
"In that case I'm glad you picked the bigger tent." Mal said.
"Well it would not do if you are unable to even sit up." I said and hugged him about his waist briefly before I began arranging the bedrolls and sleeping bags within the tent.
Mal waited outside while I did this knowing how testy I could be when I was organising and others got in the way. Once everything was to my liking I invited Mal to join me within.
I took his hand and pulled him to me, turning him so that he had to lie on his back. I kissed him deeply as I placed my hands to his cheeks. His hands came up to my waist, his fingers gently massaging my back and sides. I enjoyed that immensely, especially when he worked his fingers beneath my sweater so that his fingers touched my bare skin.
I felt Mal's mouth curve up in a grin and I raised my head to look at him.
"We're going to get right into the action?" He asked.
"I couldn't resist myself, sorry." I said with a grin as I stroked his nose.
"Oh I don't mind." He replied, lifting his head so his lips met mine and I growled playfully as I leaned in closer to him and we kissed again.
I hugged him and moved my head so that it was resting on his shoulder as I lay on top of him, feeling utterly content as his hands rested across the small of my back. I tilted my head until my nose brushed his chin and I took in his scent deeply, falling even deeper into my contentment.
"There is one thing we should discuss for we haven't written it in stone yet." I stated.
"What's that?" Mal asked, sounding a little groggy as he moved his hand up to brush my hair and he kissed my head over and over in little kisses.
"Where we will go first on our honeymoon." I stated.
"Where would you like to go?" He asked.
"The cabin to start with. I know we have been there often, but that is our shared space." I stated. "Then I could organise our tickets and such from there. Would you like to go to Hawaii first, or perhaps you will finally treat me with a visit to your farm."
"Ah well it's not much of a honeymoon spot, so maybe we should get a little sun first. And I've always wanted to go to Hawaii like I said, so lets do that first. Or somewhere else warm and tropical. Although maybe we could go to Yr Hafod Uchaf, because to tell you the truth, I don't care where we go as long as I'm alone with you for as long as we want to be without any interruptions." I stated.
"Oh that would be delightful. Not that we suffer as many interruptions as we used to but to not have to think of anything but each other for a long while will be amazing." I said, lifting my head once more to kiss him.
I rolled onto my back and pulled him with me, he followed, shifting slightly so that his mouth was more in line with my own. I always felt amazed by the fact that Mal never felt heavy upon me when we lay in this way. It merely brought our bodies closer together, to thrill deeply as we continued to kiss.
I kissed along his jaw, nuzzling at his ear. Mal started kissing at my neck before his lips trailed downwards. He unzipped my jacket as he did so, exposing more flesh as he moved. I felt that tickling sensation as the zip slid lower over my abdomen.
I sat up and Mal leant back as I pulled off my jacket. I pulled up Mal's t-shirt and then pushed it up over his head. I straddled his lap and began kissing him again, feeling the contours of his body through the thin material of my t-shirt. Mal began to ride it up, only breaking from my lips to pull my top over my head, and I felt the brush of cool air raising goosebumps on my skin, that receded as I pressed closer to Mal, the heat of both of us combined into a burning desire that washed through me in waves.
Mal's hands brushed down my sides until they came to a rest on my waist. He then lifted me lightly and lowered me back onto the bedroll. Then he quickly undid my pants and pulled them off. I leapt nimbly to my feet, kissing Mal once more while I was taller than him, then knelt down to unbutton his jeans. He pulled them off a little awkwardly as he was too tall to stand in the tent as I did, best he could do was to kneel up, or else crouch awkwardly.
Kneeling up together we held each other, kissing and touching with trailing fingers. The feelings were building with each sweep of his fingers and the passing of his lips. I pulled him back with me, ready for him now as I slipped off my underwear.
Afterwards we lay together naked beneath an open sleeping bag. Mal's arm was about me as I lay against his chest, his fingers moving lightly through my damp curls.
"Why does this never become tiresome?" I mused.
"Because life would be boring if it did." Mal replied lightly.
"Perhaps." I conceded. "But we don't even seem to grow accustomed to it as such, it feels like a new experience each time."
"And that's a good thing." Mal said, entwining his fingers through mine and bringing my hand up to his lips so that he could kiss it.
"It is a marvellous thing." I stated. "It merely intrigues me that it is so. I have heard so many stories of passion waning after a couple of years."
"As long as we keep it fresh and interesting that's not going to happen." Mal said. "And even if we get into a bit of a rut it won't be all bad, after all, I'll be with you."
"How charming you are my Malachite." I said, raising myself enough so that I could kiss his lips before settling onto his chest once more. "Now to draw our attention back to the wedding; is there still anything of which you are still unsure?"
"Not really, I got everything sorted. My suit, the ring, what time I have to be at the altar. I'm not going to make anymore changes to my speech."
"Could I perhaps have a sample?" I asked.
"No. I want it to be a surprise." Mal said and kissed my hand once more. "I got everything I need to do straight in my mind."
"That is good to hear." I stated. "I have everything in mind too. I ensured that I did so in order to relax tomorrow and then I am simply free to dress and attend the ceremony on Wednesday. For once I thought to use my organisational skills to avoid panic later, as opposed to adding to it."
"That's good." Mal said. "I don't want you worrying about anything. It'll all be all right on the night. Even when we have our first dance."
"You are worried about the first dance." I realised. "Why? You can dance and you know it."
"I know, but I'm ok at shuffling while you dance around me. I'm not so sure about putting in a routine." He stated.
"Mal we have danced a few steps together. And fear not, we merely have to slow dance and I know you can do that." I added with a grin as I moved our hands into a position for dancing.
"Yeah." Mal agreed.
"And I am an intuitive dancer you know that. Should you wish to add any move in particular I will follow your lead." I promised.
"I know you will." Mal said. "I don't think I'd have the guts to do anything more than slow dance though."
"Then slow dance we will." I said, reaching up to stroke his hair. "Besides it will only be one dance and then perhaps we can sneak off."
"So early in the reception?"
"Why not?" I asked. "We can start off on our honeymoon early that way."
"Good point." Mal said and he pulled me up to kiss him.
"Do you think I will feel different?" I asked as I looked down into his eyes.
"What do you mean?" He asked with a frown.
"When I am Mrs Llewellyn. Will I be a different person?" I asked.
"That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." Mal quoted, and I frowned slightly. "Well I hope you're not a different person or we should stop the wedding right now." He said seriously.
"I won't be a different person." I stated. "Perhaps I should rephrase that, will I feel different?"
"I don't feel that different now I get to put D R in front of my name." Mal said. "And I was still me when I was using my alias."
"I suppose." I replied.
"The difference will be that in the eyes of the law we're as tied together as we know we are anyway." Mal said softly as he cradled me back to his chest. "Nothing will change between us really, it'll just be how the world sees us. And you don't have to take my name, we'll still be married."
"I want to take your name." I stated. "I was merely musing. It is different from when I assumed the name Summers. I always maintained that it was due to the fact that Tony and I had to remain hidden and therefore Black was out of the question given our forenames, but if I am honest there was a part of me that used our assumed name as a means to distance myself from Mother during the confusion of childhood."
"You don't have to explain yourself." Mal said, running his fingers up and down my back. "I just wasn't sure where you were going with the whole thing. I was worried you were starting to worry we'll change into different people when we marry and I won't love you anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth. I'll always love you Liza, no matter what. You could call yourself anything you want, it doesn't change my love for you."
"I know that." I replied as I lay my head back against his chest and snuggled closer against him. "If there's one thing in this world that I am absolutely certain of, it is that no matter what happens our love for each other will never wane."
"Just as long as you know." Mal said and kissed my forehead.
"So long as you know." I replied. "Now let us sleep, the days ahead will be exhaustive."
"But it will be worth it when we're sunning it up on a beach in Hawaii." Mal observed as we moved into our accustomed positions for sleep.
"Yes." I replied, hugging his arms in closer to my chest. "It will be bliss."
We settled together into sleep. This would be the last time we would sleep together in this way before we were married, and it added an oddly sombre edge to an otherwise joyous thought. It soon passed and I was drifting to sleep, already enjoying some time in the sun with my Malachite and nary a care in the world.
Thank you for reading
Please review
Gemma x