Here's chapter twenty one. I'm rather sad to say that this story is soon to be winding down. I might do an epilogue though about the children. I'm going to be doing a "The Lost Boys" story next. Already have the first chapter written. Not going to work on my Jacob one for a while. Extremely burnt out on Twilight. So sorry Anyways, here it is. As always read and review.
She didn't exactly know how, but she was naked in the water without even realizing what had happened. She was too busy staring at Tyler. He was up to his chest in the river. It was flowing around him as if he were nothing more than a stone. She eased down all the way and he laughed a bit at her hesitation. It was colder than the beach had been. She quickly dunked under and allowed herself to be carried a few feet and then she popped back up. She was now next to Tyler. He took her hand and pulled her to him. He was extremely warm to her in the chill of the water. He waded out to the very middle, keeping her lifted by the waste. He was up to his shoulders now. She could feel the water pulsing along her skin, not aware of the two people in its midst. He kissed her gently on the forehead, then the lips, very careful the whole time. She pulled back and smiled at him. "Did you put these lights up because you knew we'd be coming here?" He smiled back. "No, but they've been up since Christmas so I thought I'd put them to good use." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "So you've got me out here, all helpless and alone. What are you gonna do now," she asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes. He smirked down at her and then his eyes went black. Suddenly, the lights went out and she was being pushed back to where she could touch, while before her, her eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness. "Ty- Tyler? Where, where are you? This is so not even close to what I meant." Her voice quivered as she slowly started to see a bit more in the moon light. She felt something brush past her leg in the water. She spun in that direction. But no sooner has she done that than something was lightly running over her back. She turned in that direction as she slowly backed up. It took one last feeling, this time over her stomach, for her to jump and yelp. Only, when she jumped, she landed in the deep water again, her head going under. She made it to the surface in one strong kick. The current worked quickly, pulling her further along. She saw something in the water up ahead and nearly screamed until she realized it was Tyler, his powerful arms slicing through the water. He was in front of her, leveling out in a matter of seconds. She wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist, burying her face in his hair. "That was not funny," she said breathing a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry I scared you," he said with a slight chuckle. She looked at him. He was slowly lowering his head to her lips. She closed her eyes and leaned toward him, then let herself drop. He looked down in shock as she floated away from him in the dark. She kicked to the side and climbed out. He laughed and followed. "So I take it you'd like to get out now." She laughed. "Nah, what'd make you think that," she asked in a slightly sarcastic voice. He picked her up and carried her inside, grabbing her bag on the way. "What about our clothes," she called. "I think they'll still be there in the morning." She wasn't convinced and wiggled out of his hold. She grabbed his tee shirt and pulled it on and then said "Ok, you can carry me again," holding her arms out and smiling. He crossed his arms. "What if I don't want to?" She answered simply. "I'll cry." He laughed, then pulled on his boxers and scooped her up into his arms, proceeding through the doorway, and carrying her up the stairs.
She had never been in Tyler's room because the only times she had been over here had been to meet Ms. Simms and to work on wedding plans. She hadn't thought that, given the circumstances, it would be very appropriate. He set her down outside the door and the turned to her. "Just a sec, ok?" She nodded and crossed her arms as he slipped in, barely opening the door. She wasn't standing there very long, maybe a minute, when the door opened all the way and she stepped inside. The first thing she noticed was the fire already blazing in the fireplace. The second, the view of the moon and river he had from his windows. His furniture was all made of a handsome dark oak, from his night stand next to his king size bed all the way down to the desk and entertainment center, situated on the stretch of wall the door was on. His covers were a deep blue, looking very comfortable. She looked around, turning a slow circle then walked past him, turned his covers down, and snuggled underneath them, inhaling slightly. She was completely surrounded by the scent of Tyler. He smirked and said as a question "Comfy?" He walked over and lay down beside her, wrapping his arms around her. She leaned her head against his chest and replied "I am now."
He smiled as he rolled over, pulling her on to him. He gently kissed her neck, then moved on to her collar. She tilted her head to one side, giving him more access. His hands slowly rubbed her back. She wrapped her arms around his torso and then kissed him on the forehead. He pulled back up to her lips, covering her own with his. She was in heaven, loving the tenderness of his kisses. He watched her face flush as he slipped his tongue in her mouth. She was pushing against his with her own, but wasn't too serious about it. She was just reveling in the moment. She eventually had to breathe and pulled back, laying her head on his chest, breathing sort of heavily. He smirked as he rolled so they were facing the fire side of the room, her in front of him. He slowly rubbed circles on her stomach, feeling a slight bump beneath his hand. It was amazing to him the fact that three people were under his hand right now. She eventually held her hand in her own, resting on said bump.
She asked sleepily "Tyler, are you really happy about me being pregnant?" He hesitated a moment. It was sad to him that she wouldn't be able to go to college fresh out of high school, that he wouldn't be able to goof off for a year or so, and it upset him that it could have been prevented. But at the same time, Beth was happy, and he couldn't say he wasn't about the fact that she was going to have a little boy and girl that were like her in some way, and that they would get to be together. "Yes, I am," he answered. Beth sighed in relief; she had been getting worried for a second that he wasn't or that he would say no and she didn't know what she would have done if he had, but he hadn't. He was happy and so was she. She kissed his palm and was silent and still, watching the fire die down slowly. He listened as her breathing slowed, felt her go limp and the gentle motion her chest made. He could tell she was asleep so he scooted back into the middle of the bed, pulling the covers around them. She said something in her sleep and he kissed her cheek. He lay his head down on her shoulder, and then thought about the upcoming week.
Beth thought she was going to be sick. She was nervous as the girls fluttered around her fixing her dress, veil, hair, and touching themselves up. Beth was in one of the studies on the second floor so getting ready. She could hear guests arriving and heading out the back door. She took deep breaths and Steph said "Hey, it's alright. Just breathe and focus on Tyler. He's waiting for you as soon as you get down the aisle."
Beth closed her eyes and nodded her head yes. She just needed to make it down the aisle and say her lines. After that, she was done. Her head snapped up as the door opened. Her mother stepped inside and smiled. "You look wonderful dear. How are you feeling?" Beth grimaced and Megan laughed. "I felt the same way when I married your father. I was just coming to let you know that only a few more people have to show and someone just spotted a car coming down the driveway. Shows got to start in a few minutes. You ready?" Beth took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready. I'm ok, good." "Alright, girls, we need to head on out there." They all came and kissed Beth on the cheek and offered words meant to soothe her nerves. After the door shut, she turned around and looked at the mirror that had been placed in the room for the occasion.
Her dress was perfect, making her look smaller than she was in the stomach and bigger in the top, but not ridiculously so. She grabbed her glass of water off of the desk and took a long sip, closing her eyes as the cool liquid ran down her throat.
"Beth," a voice said. She jumped and almost chocked. She hadn't heard anyone come in. She spun around to see Reid looking very dashing in his tux. His tie was still not tied. She took a deep breath. "What is it," she asked. "I was just coming to see if you can get this thing right?" he indicated his neck and stepped forward. She reached up and started working on the series of loops to get it right. "Reid, you're in a house full of people and you stop at the bride's room to get this done," she said without looking up. "I don't think that's the only reason. What did you need, honestly?" He smiled. "Is it that obvious?" He sighed.
"Are you ready for this?" She looked confused but said "Yeah, I am. Why?" He let out a breath. "I don't know. I just thought that, well, maybe… never mind." Beth tucked his tie into his jacket, crossed her arms, and stepped back. "Reid, you brought it up, now why do you want to know?" "It doesn't matter," he said raising his voice slightly. "Yes it does. Why do you want to know if I'm ready," she asked getting louder herself. "It. Doesn't. Matter," he growled at her. "Obviously so. Why do you care, do you think Tyler won't make a good husband? Think you'd make a better one?" She didn't know why she mentioned him at all but his head snapped up at that and he took a step forward.
"MAYBE I WOULD," he yelled. He closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers. But this time, Beth had no confusion. It was Tyler and only Tyler that she wanted to kiss her like this, so she shoved him back with all her might. "Stop it Reid. It's too late. I'm marrying Tyler. I love him, not you. I'm sorry I made you think I did. But I don't. And I don't want that to ruin your friendship with him. He loves you like a brother." Reid put his hands on her waist. "How do you know," he asked lowering his tone. "You never even tried to love me." He leaned toward her again, eyes set on her lips.
He didn't see it coming. Her fist came back and popped forward, hitting his face, beside his left eye with an audible thud. He staggered back, clutching at it. Then he laughed. It started low and turned into a slightly manic sound, which started frightening her. "Reid, stop it," she said. He kept laughing though. "REID," she yelled. With a glint still in his eyes he looked down at her and stopped laughing. "What the hell is so funny," she demanded of him.
"After everything, you love him more, and I'm finally happy for you. I couldn't put up with you and your temper. He can keep you. I'm sorry I kissed you." She glared at him. "Don't mess this day up." He raised his hands in surrender. "I won't. I wouldn't do that. I'm sorry, again." She put her hands on her hips. "If it ever happens again, I will make sure you never reproduce. Or have sex again. EVER. Now let's go. I'm going to be late and apparently my entrance is important." "Yes ma'am," he said taking her arm and heading down the stairs with her.
Beth was standing under the gazebo and the sunlight was streaming down on her. Roses adorned the top and posts of the structure. Guests were seated and waiting anxiously. Beth took a deep breath and then said "I do" as she slid the ring into place. The minister said "I now pronounce you man and wife; you may kiss your bride." Tyler leaned in and gently kissed her lips and then Beth put her arms around his neck as the guests stood and clapped for them in joy. They broke apart and both were beaming. Tyler linked his arm through hers and walked down the steps to the line of people waiting to congratulate them. Her parents were first, her father a little misty eyed and Megan crying. Then his mother who leaned in and whispered to Beth "Take care of him." They slowly began making their way to the house with everyone following behind. A major heat wave had occurred so the party had been moved indoors. Tables filled the great room but there was still room for dancers. A band was at the end of the room and Beth's dad was somehow already at the microphone. "It's time for the bride and groom's first dance." A slow song came on and Tyler eased her into his embrace. She blushed as she moved and he smiled. "What's wrong," he asked. "Everyone's watching. I want someone else to hurry up and start dancing." He chuckled and pulled her closer to him. "Give it a minute or two and they will." Not 30 seconds after he had spoken, Beth's father led Mrs. Simms out on the dance floor while Pogue grabbed Steph's hand and pulled her out. Beth laughed at this because even with the heels, she was still at least a foot and a half shorter than him. Others began pairing up and soon the dancers were taking turns with her.
They all danced and had a good time. They made a complete mess of each other as Tyler and Beth shoved cake in each others faces. Steph caught Beth's bouquet and blushed when Reid wolf whistled. Beth noticed they seemed to be getting along quite nicely and Steph was wearing a couple familiar pieces of jewelry. Beth was worn out after hours of partying and was relieved when the girls took her upstairs to help her change out of her dress. She slipped on her blue jeans and a bust-lined shirt. She came down stairs and saw Tyler waiting with the guys in a pair of baggy jeans and a red tee-shirt. He beamed when he saw her. After a round of good byes from everyone, they got in Beth's truck, where their suitcases were already waiting. They waved as they drove away. After they got out of the drive way, Beth scooted over to Tyler and kissed him on the cheek. She could feel he was smiling and he took her hand as she sat down.
"So, I noticed Reid had a pretty nice shiner. Did you have anything to do with that?" She bit her lip, trying to hide her smile. "Maybe…" He laughed. "I don't even want to know why." She nodded in agreement. "It's taken care of, done and over with, so yeah you're probably right. Now, where are we going," she asked expectantly. He chuckled. "Just wait. You'll see." And that was all she got out of him until they boarded the plane. He wouldn't even let her near the counters unless absolutely necessary. She glared at him while waiting in the terminal, and he just grinned like a Cheshire cat the whole time. They got on the plane and as she plopped down in her seat, first class, she said "I don't even want to sit by you, you big jerk." He just laughed. And then the stewardess came on the speaker system. "Welcome passengers to our flight to Macro Polo flight to Venice, Italy." After that Beth didn't hear the rest. She gasped and turned to Tyler. "VENICE, ARE YOU SERIOUS! OH MY GOD, THAT'S AMAZING. OH, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOOOOVE YOU!"
He laughed at her reaction. He didn't know that she'd be this excited but he was glad she was. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips and he smiled. "I'm glad you're happy. Now sit down like a normal person please, we're taking off in a few minutes. You're gonna get us in trouble," he said with a laugh. He smirked and had a feeling that this was going to be a long flight as she sat down, and started bouncing with excitement in her seat. 'What have I gotten myself into,' he thought as they took off and she was still grinning like a little kid. He kissed her on top of the head and settled in for the flight.
Ok, one or two more chapters left. I know this was short but I'm trying to draw it to a close. Hope you enjoy. And please read and review. Thanks