As I stood behind a cluster of trees of the side of the beach with Seth I could hear the voices of the guests and see the glow of the candles that lined the sandy aisle. I wanted desperately to peek around and try to see Embry, but I fought myself. It was uncommonly warm tonight, which I was thankful for. The breeze from the water keeping me cool. Seth still held my arm in his and he squeezed it gently. I smiled at him and looked back to the glow of light.
"Ok, now," Alice said as I heard the violinist start to play, "Wait twenty seconds, then follow behind Emily and Sam."
I nodded as the butterflies in my stomach came alive. I watched as Rachel, being escorted my Paul made their way down the aisle. Next up was Kim with Quil. Once they had reached the spot to single Alice and Jake, Jake looked over to me and flashed me a quick smile and then took Alice's arm and started down the aisle. When Sam and Emily followed behind, I took a deep breath and began counting.
"You ready?" Seth asked looking down to me.
"Yep." I laughed nervously.
He laughed and we started our walk. When I came out from behind the trees my eyes went straight to where I knew Embry would be standing. Upon seeing me his eyes became wide and an awed smile came to his face. I could have sworn I saw him mouth "wow" as he watched me. He looked heartbreakingly handsome. Dressed in black slacks and matching Jacket with a white dress shirt underneath. His brown hair was styled into the messy faux hawk that I loved on him. The glow from the candles casting a shimmer to his dark skin. I tore my eyes away from him long enough to look at the other guest. Mom was watching me with tearful eyes from her seat in the front with Charlie Swan. Some family members sat on my side filling in the few chairs. On Embry's side sat the Cullen's, Janet with her husband and Billy Black. Janet kept glancing from Embry to me with a soft smile. Seth stopped us at the alter, which was facing the water and covered in a different array of colorful flowers. I looked back to Embry and smiled as my heart started to beat rapidly.
"Who gives this woman to be wed?" The minister asked.
"I do." Seth said loudly, although I could hear the crack in voice.
Embry stepped forward and Seth placed my hand into his, causing the butterflies disappear, then turned to me and placed a soft kiss to my cheek. I smiled at my little brother, then Seth patted Embry's shoulder before going to sit with my mother and Charlie. Embry held my hand in his and didn't release it as we stood before the minister. I was barely aware of the words that he was speaking as I stared at Embry. His brown eyes sparkling back at me. I knew that this wonderful, kind man was all I would ever need out of life. I no longer had to doubt if someone loved me. Embry, even before the imprint had loved me. He loved me stronger and more fierce than any other, I was his. The minister gestured to Embry indicating it was his time to say his vows. Embry took a deep breath as he squeezed my hand.
"If someone had told me years ago that one day I would be marrying Leah Clearwater, I would've sworn they were crazy." This got a laugh from the room, even me. "But they say there is a fine line between love and hate, and I don't know when or how, but something firmly pushed me over to love and I've never been happier. I walked around forever hiding my crush on you, scared of what would happen if it was ever revealed, but almost a year ago a very good friend, someone who helped me through a tough time in my life, asked me to go play pool." I smiled as I felt the tears in my eyes as I remembered that night. "It was there that I shared a kiss with a beautiful, smart, assertive woman that forever changed my life. I love you Leah Clearwater. I know that what ever this crazy world throws my way, I'll be able to handle as long as I have you by my side. You're my rock, my strength, my heart, my soul mate. I'm thankful each morning I wake and find that you still love me and I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you. I promise to be there for you always. I promise to be your best friend, your rock, your shoulder to cry on, and to laugh with you. I love you."
When he was finished he brushed the back of his fingers to my cheek to wipe away the tears that were falling. I closed my eyes at this touch and drew in a deep breath before looking into his warm brown eyes.
"I used to wonder if my "happily ever after" was out there somewhere, terrified that I'd never find it. Who knew all I had to do was look at the man that had become my best friend. A man that is warm, caring and kind. Embry, I've never felt more loved and cherished then I have when I am with you. You bring me peace and warmth. I thank the heavens above that I have you. And I promise to spend the rest of my life honoring that love and cherishing every moment I get with you. I know at times things will get crazy, but that's ok. As long as I am with you, nothing else matters. You're my heart and soul. I love you Embry Call." I said squeezing his hand in mine.
Embry smiled and blinked back the tears I could see pooling up in his eyes.
"After that, there is nothing else to be said." The minister smiled, "The rings."
I turned to Emily and took the ring as Embry did the same with Sam, neither of us letting our joined hands go.
"Now, Embry, do you take this woman as your wife?" The minister asked as Embry place the ring to my finger tip.
"I do." He smiled at me, then pushed the stunning beautiful ring up my finger.
I sucked in a ragged breath as I placed the ring to Embry's finger tip.
"Leah, do you take this man as your husband?"
"Always." I smiled as I then pushed his ring up his finger.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, You may kiss your bride." The minister smiled at Embry.
Embry gave a soft chuckle as he pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around my waist before crushing his mouth to mine. I could feel everything I felt for him pouring from his lips to mine and I jumped up wrapping my arms around his neck, holding him to me. Cheers and whistle's erupted from the guest as Embry sat me back down on my feet, taking my hand he turned us towards the crowd and lead me down the aisle. When we reached the end, Embry turned to me and kissed me softly on the lips, electing a moan from mine. He pulled back, keeping his head resting against mine.
"We're married." He said with a soft laugh.
"Yes we are." I answered pulling back to look at him.
We stared into each other's eyes a moment, taking this time to just be together. Embry pulled me to his chest and kissed the top of my head.
"I love you Mrs. Call."
"And I love you Mr. Call." I said tightening my arms around his waist.
"Ugh.. Cut it out." We heard from behind us.
I turned to see Jake with Nessie on his shoulders and Alice at his side coming up to us.
"You two aren't going to be one of those sappy couples that are always referring to each other as Mr. and Mrs., are you?' Jake asked with a small smile, "Because we have Sam and Emily for all that mess."
"Hey!" Sam said in a fake shocked voice as he and Emily came up. "We aren't that bad."
Jake rolled his eyes as his hand reached up to touch Nessie, as if to make sure she was still there. Emily leaned into me and placed a soft kiss to my cheek, then hugged Embry.
"Hey, is it weird that now you're not only my cousin, but my sister in law?" Emily laughed, causing the rest of to join in.
"Ok, lets get to the reception." Sam said stretching his arms over his head, "I'm starving."
The wedding party was ushered into the cars that we arrived in, the only difference being Seth now rode with the others and Embry and I in the car I arrived in. The whole way to the Community center, Embry kept his arm firmly around my waist as he placed soft kisses to my neck and shoulders.
"You look exquisite tonight." He said between a kiss to my neck.
"You don't look to bad yourself." I said through closed eyes.
The feel of his lips on me was making it hard to focus. I turned my head to him and caught his lips with mine. My tongue slipped past my lips and traced his plump bottom lip. I felt he shudder and smiled to myself. He deepened the kiss by opening his mouth to me, our tongues meeting and setting off the sparks through my body. I was so caught up in our kiss, that I didn't realize the car had stopped. Suddenly Alice Cullen snatched the door open.
"Knock it off." She laughed, "You have guest waiting for you."
I laughed as Embry helped me from the car and shut the door behind us. After speaking with Alice about how the reception would flow, she lead us into the side door and left us there as she made her way back inside.
"Can't we just sneak off to the honeymoon now?" I asked tracing Embry's chest with my finger.
I watched him shudder and bite his lip before he looked at me with narrow eyes, "Don't tempt me woman."
I laughed just as I saw Alice wave us in. When we stepped in, a loud voice, which I think was Emmett, boomed over a loud speaker, "Ladies and Gents, Mr. and Mrs. Embry Call!"
The room was almost thunderous with the applause and loud cheers. Embry laughed as he brought my hand up and kissed the back of it, before leading me further into the room. As we made our way to where our pack brothers were standing with my mom, I noticed the room we were in. Alice had done a great job. White sheer curtains hung from the wall, candles burned brightly from the center of the tables. The chairs were all covered in white and gold silk coverings. In the center of the dance floor, a bright light shown down showing a bold E, L and C tangled together.
"Oh my baby!" My mom said pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks mom." I laughed pulling out of her arms.
"And Embry! I couldn't ask for a better son in law! You've turned into a wonderful young man." She said pulling Embry into the same fierce hug.
"Thanks Mom." Embry laughed pulling away from her and causing the rest of us to laugh.
"Speaking of Mom's, yours would be proud." Charlie said shaking Embry's hand.
Embry nodded with a smile before looking to Sam, "Thanks for being my best man today."
"Anytime little brother."
We made the rounds speaking to everyone. I thanked them all for coming tonight and sharing in our wedding. When we found Janet and her husband, they had already been to the open bar and were sipping on their drinks.
"Embry, dear boy, I bet Anne was smiling down on you tonight, sending you love and congratulations." She said releasing him from a hug.
"Thanks Janet." He said as he reached out to shake her husbands hand.
"Leah," Janet said reaching into her purse, "I have something for you."
She opened her hand to reveal a lovely green emerald on a gold chain.
"This was my mothers and it is to passed down to the next woman in our family, since I nor Ann have any daughters, I think she would agree that it should go to you. You're a wonderful young woman and I am proud to have you as a member of our family." Janet said placing the necklace in my palm.
"Oh, Janet, it's beautiful, but don't you want to keep it?" I asked.
She shook her head. "You take it and then one day, pass it on to your daughter."
I didn't try to stop the tears that came as I hugged her tightly. "Thank you so much."
She patted my shoulder before turning to her husband, "My drinks empty, let's get me another."
"Easy Janet." He laughed, "Remember the last time you drank to much."
She shushed him, then lead him back to the bar.
"Would you?" I asked to Embry holding out the gift from Janet.
He smiled and stepped behind me clasping it in place, then turned me around to face him.
"Looks good on you." He smiled.
We took our seats as dinner was being served and the room filled with over lapping voice's as everyone ate. Half way through the meal, a clinking glass caused me to look up. Sam was standing with his glass raised, tapping it with a fork.
"On behalf of the couple we are here to celebrate, I would like to thank you all for being here tonight. We've all known these two crazy kids their entire lives and I don't think any two people could be completely opposite from one another. Embry, my shy kid brother, has always been unfailing kind and caring. I am proud of the man that he is today. Leah," He said looking to me with a sly grin, "is well… Leah." Everyone gave a chuckle at this. "But you two bring out the best in each other and I know you two will have a long and wonderful life together. To Embry and Leah!"
The guest clapped and raised their glasses to us. Sam held his hand out to help Emily up for her speech.
"Leah has always been my best friend. I love her more than she could ever know. I've watched her grow into the wonderful strong woman she is today and I'm sure she will keep Embry on his toes."
"Oh yeah." I heard Jake laugh from his spot with the Cullen's causing the room to laugh.
"But, "Emily continued, "I know Embry can also keep her attitude in check. You two deserve every bit of happiness that is set out before you. We love you. Leah and Embry!"
Again the guest raised their glasses and toasted us. I took a sip from my glass and leaned over and kissed Embry's cheek
"Funny, I thought for sure Emily would be all hearts and romance in her speech and Sam the jokester, guess Sam's a sap at heart." Embry laughed.
We sat a little longer talking with those seated around us. I felt a tugging at my arm and looked down to see Renesmee standing next to me. I looked up and saw that Bella and Jake were both standing a few feet behind her, smiling.
"Yes Nessie?" I asked moving one of her curls off her shoulder.
She looked beyond cute in her pink dress with white trim on the edges. Her curls pinned back showing her beautiful oval face.
"You looked really pretty tonight." She said touching my cheek.
Suddenly, a vision of me walking down the aisle with Seth flashed through my mind. I laughed and pulled her hand from my face and kissed the back of it.
"Thank you. You look pretty too." I smiled.
"My Jacob picked out this dress." She smiled looking back over her shoulder.
"Well he did a great job." I said looking up at Jake who smiled then mouthed "Alice" at me.
Nessie kissed my cheek quickly then ran back to her Jacob and Bella.
"Would the newly weds please make their way to the dance floor?" Emmett's voice came out over the speaker.
Great.. I was not looking forward to this part. I had no qualms about dancing with Embry, I just didn't want to do it with everyone watching. I sighed and took his hand, allowing him to lead me to the center of the room. I place my arms around his neck as his went to my hips. I had let Embry pick out our song knowing that he had better taste in music than I did. Hell, all I had ever listen to was rock, Embry, thanks to Ms. Anne, had a wider range in musical taste. As the music started, I found myself forgetting about the crowd that was watching from their seats and lost myself in his eyes. Luckily I recognized the song, "Said I loved you" by Michael Bolton.
You are the candle, Loves the flame
A fire that burns through wind and rain
Shine your light on this heart of mine
Till end of time
You came to me like the dawn through
The night, just shining like the sun
Out of my dreams and into my life
You are the one, you are the one
As the chorus started, Embry tightened his arms around my waist and held me against him harder. My fingers wove themselves into the hair on the back of his head. I could feel his breath on my skin and my eyes closed, welcoming the rush of emotions that shot through me.
Said I loved you but I lied
Cause this is more than love I feel inside
Said I loved you, but I was wrong
Cause love could never ever feel so strong
Said I loved you but I lied
I pulled back to look up at him. He smiled at me softly and brought his hand up to cup my cheek.
"I couldn't have picked a better song myself." I said through my misty eyes.
"Every word of it's true. What I feel for you is so much more than love baby girl." He said, then placed his cheek to the side of my head as he slowly turned us.
With all my soul, I tried in vain
How can mere words, my heart explain
This taste of heaven, so deep so true
I found it in you
So many reason and so many ways
My life has just begun
Need you forever and I need you to stay
You are the one, you are the one
Those words made me smile. My life had begun the moment I realized I loved Embry. He changed me in so many ways, for the better. I smiled even bigger as I thought about our life becoming one and the many years I had to look forward to with him. I kissed his chest through his jacket and moved my face back up next to his as I lightly grazed my nose along his skin.
Said I loved you but I lied
Cause this more than love I feel inside
Said I loved you but I was wrong
Cause love could never ever feel so strong
Said I loved you but I lied
Embry stopped us from our slow dance causing me to look up at him. He smiled at me softly before leaning down and placing a soft kiss to my lips. I responded by wrapping my arms around his neck even more and pressing myself into him. His arms tightened around me and lifted my feet from the floor as he held me against him. I heard the cameras from some of the guest going crazy. When he pulled his lips from mine I looked into his eyes and smiled.
"I love you." I said breathlessly.
"As I love you." He smiled before sitting me back on my feet and continuing our dance.
You came to me like the dawn through the night
Just shining like the sun
Out of my dreams and into my life
You are the one, you are the one
When the music started to swell, I could also feel my heart swell with it. I was beyond happy, beyond loved, there were no words that would do justice to the feelings I had rushing through me. I tightened my hold on my husband as he did the same.
Said I loved you but I lied
Cause this is more than love I feel inside
Said I loved you but I was wrong
Cause love could never ever feel so strong
Said I loved you
But this is more than love I feel inside
Said I loved you but I lied.
As the song finished Embry twirled me once more then brought me back to his side. I looked at Emily, where she stood with her arm around Sam's waist, and saw her wiping a tear from her cheek. I smiled as I shook my head and followed Embry off the dance floor as everyone clapped.
"You didn't cry the whole time did you?" I laughed as we stopped in front of her.
"No." She said still wiping at her face.
"Nope." Jake said popping the p as he came up next to her. "That kiss you two shared out there did her in."
Emily rolled her eyes as Sam laughed and kissed the top of her head.
"Care to dance Mrs. Uley?" Embry asked holding his hand out to her.
"Yes, thank you." She said as she did a little curtsy that made me chuckle.
They made it to the floor with others following just as a new song started. I watched Embry pull Emily close to him and began to move them across the floor.
"Watch the hands!" Sam yelled with a laugh. Emily looked back over to him with a smile as she shook her head.
"Let's dance Lee." Jake said grabbing my hand.
"Oh lord." I said following him. I heard Sam laugh behind us and looked over my shoulder as he was taking my mom's hand and leading her to the floor.
As Jake did his best not to step on my feet, I watched the others on the floor. Every person here had been such a major part of my life. I smiled as I took in all their faces, knowing that each one here loved Embry and I as much as we loved them. When Jake stepped on my foot for the second time I winced.
"Oops. Sorry." He said righting his self. "I'm really bad at this."
"Nah." I laughed, "You just need to practice."
Jacob rolled his eyes before spinning us. I looked over and saw Embry and Emily laughing as they looked over at Sam and my mom. My mom was a horrible dancer and Sam was trying his best to lead her, but it wasn't working out so well for him. When the song ended, Sam made his way to Emily with a slight limp as he kept glancing down at his foot. Embry came over and took my hand.
"Hey Jake, looks like you've got a little girl waiting for her turn on the dance floor." Embry said gesturing over to a table.
We turned to see Nessie standing next to Edward's chair as he absentmindedly played with the curls that hung down her back, watching Jake with a half smile half scowl on her doll like face as she looked between where Quil was dancing with Claire on his hip and back to Jake. Jacob smiled and started over to her. I watched as he made a low bow and held out his hand causing Rosalie to roll her eyes with a smirk. Nessie beamed as she took it and Jake picked her up and headed out to the floor. Embry and I made our way back to our seats for a drink. After sitting and taking a few sips of the champagne, Alice came over to let us know that it was time for Embry to do the garter, then the bouquet, then we were free to go. I jumped up and pulled Embry up with me.
"Whoa! Rush much?" He laughed.
"Yes. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get out of here and get to be alone." I said.
Embry thought my words over a moment then smiled, "You're right. Let's hurry."
Laughing I made my way to the center of the dance floor where Jasper was sitting a chair.
"All single men to the dance floor!" I heard Emmett's voice boom again.
I watched as Alice went through the room pushing all the single guys to the floor.
"Hey! Why us?" Quil said as Alice pushed he and Jake up front.
"You're not married. There for, single." She said.
"Yeah, but Claire and Ness-" Jake started.
"No buts Black. The other unwed imprinted wolves are taking part in it and so shall you." She said turning and leaving them in their spots next to Jared, Seth, Charlie, Brady and Collin.
Once I was seated, Embry raised my leg and began to move his warm hands up my leg slowly while his eyes stayed locked with mine. The feel of his skin on mine sent wonderful pulses of pleasure through me, causing me to bite my lower lip. I felt his fingers hook into the sides of the garter and he drug it down my leg just as slowly. Once my leg was free, Embry stood and turned to the guys. He smiled as he pulled back and released it into the crowd. None of the guys showed any interest in actually trying to catch it, but it landed perfectly on Jared's shoulder. Jared looked down at the garter on his shoulder like it was a poisonous snake, but as he picked it up with his finger tips, he smiled then looked over to Kim who was giggling from where she sat with Rachel.
Alice came over and handed me my bouquet as Emmett announced for all the single ladies to come to the floor. I watched once again as she ushered Kim, my mother, my two aunts and for fun, Ness and Claire to the floor. I laughed as Jared stood off to the side twirling the garter as he smiled at Kim and gave her a thumbs up. I turned my back and with a quick wink to Embry tossed it over my shoulder. I spun back around quickly to see who would catch it. It looked like it was headed right to Kim, but suddenly Kim winced in pain and reached down for her leg. I looked down just in time to see Nessie's leg retract from kicking Kim and she reached up and grabbed the bouquet. I covered my mouth to try to hide my laugh. I heard a loud gasp and looked over to see Edward and Bella make their way over to their daughter with looks of embarrassment and disappointment on their pale faces. Bella went to apologizing to Kim as Edward knelt in front of his daughter and began to scold her. Jake pushed his way through the crowd of women and he too knelt in front of her. Nessie looked down at the floor, then back up to Kim.
"Sorry." She said softly as tears formed in her little eyes.
Kim smiled and knelt down in front of her.
"It's ok sweet heart. You just wanted it more." She said touching Ness's face.
Nessie tried to hand the flowers back, but Kim smiled and shook her head. Jake picked Nessie up and held her to his chest as he tried to hide his smile. Edward rolled his eyes and kissed her head before taking Bella's hand and heading back to the table.
"That was funny as hell." Embry said taking my hand. "Ness is a little firecracker."
"I'm proud of her in a weird way." I laughed.
"Ok, guess you're free to go." Alice said appearing behind us.
"Thank you so much Alice." I said hugging her.
"Please, thank you. I enjoyed planning this very much." She smiled.
"And you did wonderful." Embry said giving her a quick hug.
She smiled once more then started to usher people outside. Embry and I went into the restrooms to change into the cloths that were waiting for us. I was glad to see Alice had chosen a simple white flowing dress with matching flats. I hung my dress up, knowing Emily would be back in to collect it then headed out the door. Embry was waiting for me in a pair of Jeans and a blue button up and his favorite sneakers. As we made our way to the car the guest started tossing rose petals in the air and cheering as we passed them. I stopped half way to the car and pulled my mother and Seth into a group hug.
"Love you both." I said pulling back from them.
"Love you too Lee." Seth said as mom smiled back at me, "Now get outta here."
I laughed and continued down the sidewalk. When we reached the car, Alice informed us that the suitcases Embry and I had packed were already loaded along with one that she packed for me. I thanked her once more and jumped into the car with Embry climbing in behind me. We continued to wave to everyone as the car pulled away until we couldn't see them any longer. I dropped my arm and leaned back into Embry's side.
"You happy?" He asked stroking my arm.
I looked up to him, "Happy doesn't even begin to cover it."
He smiled and leaned down to kiss my lips as we headed off to start our honeymoon.