Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight!

Chapter 25

The next morning, I ate breakfast and went to Nessie's with my mom. We had a lot to do if we were gonna be ready by June.

Jasper had come with Alice. There was a four day weekend at the college. They were all in their final semester. Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, and Rosalie had gone to Alaska to visit the coven of vampires there. Bella and Edward had chosen a warmer climate. Some island named after Esme. Alice hadn't offered details and I hadn't asked for any.

We went to my cliff and kind of mapped out how we would set it all up. I was actually starting to shiver and we were gonna head back, when I felt two very warm arms wrap around my waist.

I sighed and said, "Hey my love."

He leaned around to place a soft kiss on my cheek and said, "Good morning to you too. How's it going?"

"It's coming along really well. Even better now that you're here.", I said as I leaned my head back slightly when he kissed the top of my head.

We all started walking back. Embry and I walked hand in hand to Nessie's. I explained how we would set it up.

Once we got back, we ate lunch and shipped the guys out for the afternoon. We needed to discuss dress designs and color schemes. Embry wanted to stay and I didn't really care about the bad luck stuff, but Alice was adamant about it. So he went for a run with Jake.

I told Alice I wanted a dress very close to tribal tradition as possible, but I also wanted something very unique as well. She noted it and would be searching for it. My wedding colors would most likely be turquoise and beige. We would have the older Quill perform the ceremony.

Embry and I had decided that we would spend our Easter break in New Hampshire, to discuss further plans with Alice. She and I would be exchanging phone calls and emails in between then and now.

We discussed what they thought about me bringing Sophia here, and they also didn't see a problem with it. Alice was looking for the best day to have the ceremony and would make sure it was a cloudy day but no rain.

We heard the guys get back and that was the end of wedding planning for the day. I went back to mom's house to get ready for a date with my fiancé.

I at least had more clothes in my closet then I had for my last date with a guy here. I chose some jeans with a hot pink shirt. My hair had started to grow out and a promise from Alice before I left she showed up to fix my hair. She actually got my hair to curl. I wore it in really soft curls with a little picked up. It was a very soft look, but hot at the same time. I couldn't wait to see Embry's face.

All of our efforts were rewarded when he saw me walk down the stairs. His smile was huge as he said, "You look Gorgeous. You always do. No matter what you wear, but you really are beautiful."

We actually drove out to Port Angelus for dinner before a movie that we planned to go see. We ate at a little Italian restaurant I had once heard Bella talk about. Then instead of doing a movie, we decided to drive back to First Beach, and go for a moonlight walk.

As we walked Embry held me close. I barely needed a jacket with his body heat, but I was perfectly content. There were moments when we talked a lot, and then moments when we didn't say much at all.

We went walk to the cliff to end the night. As we sat there I explained to him why the cliff was such an important place to me. I explained how the water very often represented my feeling.

Embry said, "So what do the waves say about Leah tonight?"

We looked out into the water and I said, "Well you see how it's very calm and peaceful out in the open? That's how my heart is right now. It is so peaceful and calm. But if you notice when you come closer to the edge tonight, you see that the waves are a little high but almost spilling over the rocks. Almost like they are dancing. Well the highness represents my heart soaring on the love I feel for you. The spilling out of the waves over the rocks is my heart, over flowing with all the joy. The dancing is the excitement and anticipation for our wedding to hurry up…"

I looked up and I could see tears in his eyes. I said, "Is everything ok Embry?"

He then said, "Oh my gosh you are so beautiful. Not just on the outside. Your heart and soul are so pure. No wonder my heart gravitates to yours.

"Just now as you described the waves, it was as if you were putting words to my heart. I always say that there are no words to describe my feelings. Then you speak and say exactly what I'm feeling. How is it that of every one of the billions of people in this world, I was lucky enough to win your heart as my own?"

I smiled and said, "I can tell you why."

He raised his eyebrows as I looked deep into his eyes, and said, "Because I… Love… You…"

I could see more tears in his eyes as he leaned into kiss me. I never got tired of that feeling. The flutter of my heart as he drew closer, the softness of his lips as they very softly touched mine. The amazing smell that I could only describe as Embry. The tenderness of his hands as the caressed my cheek. He was so tender and never pushing himself on me, because he knew how I felt about waiting. There was this tingly feeling that would remain long after he pulled back. The warmth of his arms around me as we would lean on each other to stop our accelerated heart beats. The amazing happy feeling of knowing that with that whole experience of his kiss was he truly loved me with his whole heart. With every caress of his hand, my feelings deepened more and more, and with every kiss he perfected the missing piece that now filled my heart. No one would ever break that bond we had. with every kiss, the part of my heart that was missing, was made to fit more perfectlywith every kiss, the part of my heart that was missing, was made to fit more perfectly

How I loved this amazing person that would find a way to fulfill every wish and desire I ever felt.

After the kiss he said, "My whole life, I have always felt the runner up at everything. Jake was always the best looking, Quil always had the best jokes. Once in the pack, it seemed everyone was imprinting and I was again being left behind. I now know why it really had to happen the way it did.

"Not only were you not ready when we were first changed, but neither was I. I still had a lot of growing up to do myself. And most of it came when the Alpha torch was passed to me. I for the very first time was responsible for something other than myself. I had to protect what was entrusted to me. Then the day of Jake's wedding was actually really rough for me.

"It really hit hard that I still hadn't imprinted. I was again feeling like a runner up. Then Leah I saw you walk down the stairs. It was like every rough patch was being smooth out. I hadn't even felt the imprint yet. When you looked up, it was as if the world before and the bad moments never existed.

"Leah I never thought it was possible to feel this for someone. I love you soo much and somehow it only grows more and more every day."

A tear fell and his hand automatically rose to catch it. He said, "I know. I'm gonna miss you too. It is rough being apart, but I think it also helps to strengthen our love. We don't take our time for granted. Not that the other guys do, but ours is different. Again I don't know how to describe it would you help me out again?"

I smiled and kissed him. He grinned and said, "See I told you. You always know how to say what I'm feeling. Sometimes you don't even need to speak to say it."

He hugged me again and walked me home. He kissed me again and left. I walked up the stairs slowly.

The next day he came over, but we spent a few hours together. He knew I needed to spend some alone time with her, so he left early that night and I got my time with my mom.

She made some tea, and we sat and talked for hours. I really missed her. She said, "Leah I'm so glad you're coming home soon. I'm also glad that you have found someone who is worthy of your love.

I know I use to give you a hard time about being tomboy. I had always wanted a daughter since I could remember. I don't think it was so much being a tomboy, as you just wanted to be different and unique. That was the way you wanted express it. You and your father idolized each other. He used to talk about you and how excited you were to spend those days with him. I just wish he could have gotten a chance to see you now.

"He would be so proud of the woman you have turned out to be. I know it has been rough for you, but I also see how strong it has made you. Embry is your equal in every way and your love will only grow over time. I can finally let you go, knowing that you will be happy with him."

I was crying and said, "Thanks mom. I often think of daddy and I know in my heart that he is here and I feel him helping me in my rough times. Just like he use to when I was little."

We were both crying and I then said, "I know I never really told you this, but I'm so thankful you have Charlie now. I knew I needed to get out back then and if you hadn't had him I don't think I ever could have left.

"I admit I was very angry at first, thinking that you were forgetting about dad. I know now that you didn't, you just made room in your heart to let someone else in. I didn't understand it before, but I do now. Charlie is a great guy. You both needed someone and I have seen your love grow for each other and I could never ask for someone better. I know daddy would have approved too. He was very fond of Charlie. I remember him talking about him and what a great guy he was.

"I know we never really had many moments like this, but I'm ready to correct that. I love you mom!'

We hugged each other and cried together.

The following morning I woke up and as soon as I remembered I had to leave, the tears started to fall.

My mom knocked on the door and came in. At the tears on my face, she crossed over to my bed and hugged me. She then said, "I know it's gonna be rough honey, but June will be here soon. Then you will never have to leave him again."

I nodded, and said, "I know, but I miss him so much. I'm glad we have Easter in two months. You and Charlie will be coming to New Hampshire right?"

"Of course we will. Oh and Charlie wanted me to tell you, that you and Embry are welcome to use his other house until you can get one here in La Push. It's close enough for Embry to be able to patrol and stay close to the res.

I thanked her and heard a knock on the door. Since I still had to dress, my mom went to let Embry in. I got up, dressed and placed the last of my stuff in my suitcase.

I was making my way down the stairs, and heard their voices. I paused when I heard that they were talking about me.

Mom said, "Embry I'm so glad that she has you in her life. It has been so long since I've seen any spark of light in her eyes. I know that you know what her heart has been through. Before this visit I don't even remember the last time she smiled…"

Mom's voice kind of broke off on that and I could hear Embry take the few steps closer to my mom and I saw him lean over and hug her.

She then said, "When I saw her step out of the car Thursday night, it was as though she was a different person. I know her dad would be so proud to accept you as his son-in-law. As well as myself. I could never ask for a better person to be her husband.

"You just said, even though you had already asked her and couldn't really get my permission, I would like to give you the blessing of both me and her dad.

"I know that when you say the vows of loving her, cherishing her, through good times and bad, in sickness and health that you do and will mean them. Thank-you for helping us get our Leah back."

I saw them hug again and I walked over to them with my own tears streaming down my face. They both opened their arms and let me in their hug.

We sat down for breakfast. I didn't really eat anything for the lump in my throat, and as I looked at Embry he also really just push it around on his plate. All the years I have known him, I've never seen him not hungry.

My mom looked at us and said, "Ok you guys go. You haven't touched a thing on your plates and I doubt you will. Go spend your last few hours together. I clean up here. Just give me a minute with Leah in the kitchen.

I followed her and she grabbed something off the counter and came back. She reached for my hand and put it inside. I looked at it and gasped. It was a necklace I'd seen on my mom's dresser ever since I could remember. She usually wore it on their anniversary, but I never knew why.

It was a beautiful wooden carved heart. It barely even looked worn, but I knew how much she wore it. I was so touched that she had given it to me.

She then said, "Leah this is something your father gave me on our wedding day. Your father not only gave me this, but he made it. He gave it to me and said that it was his heart. Since I already held it he wanted me to always carry it near mine. I want you to have it and know that he too will be there with you in your heart. Don't ever forget how much he loved you."

I hugged her and thanked her. I then went get my suitcase and loaded it up in Embry's car. I said goodbye again to my mom and then we left for the airport.

On the way I held his hand so tight. I knew that I would have to let go all too soon. He looked like he wanted to say something so many times, but I'd see him swallow a few times and remain silent.

When we finally got to the airport I checked in and it was time for our goodbye. I could see the tears in his eyes again. He said, "Oh man why does this have to be so hard. It seems like you just got here and I have to let you go again. The months and days seemed so long when you are gone. I love you… so… much." His voice broke off and I barely heard the so much.

I lifted his face with one hand and looked into his eyes as I said, "I love you too. It won't be long until Easter and we get a whole week that time. Don't you cry too, that's my job."

He laughed a bit and said, "Have a safe trip and call me when you land."

Then he kissed me. It was a kiss that would have to last two and a half months. We were just finishing as they called for my flight. I would have to run but I didn't care.

He then hugged me again and kissed my forehead once more. I squeezed his hand, and turn to leave. Just again as I was about to walk through the gate, I could hear him say, "I love you Leah Clearwater."

I turned and blew him a kiss as said the same thing. I then boarded the plane and again let my tears flow.

A/N: So what do you think? Any comments on her talk with her mom or the talk between Embry and her mom? I know I had given a tender moment before with Embry and her mom, but I felt they needed a little more. Or thoughts about Leah and Embry's talk on the cliff? Was it good or cheesy? I did receive help on my wording form a close friend of mine TrueCreativityComesFromWithin. Please review and let me know your thoughts. As always Lots of Love, Janet.

P.S. Permanent Monday is playing as I just typed this last part. How weird that it played again as I've written her leaving again. If you haven't had a chance to check the song out you should. It's by Jordin Sparks.