A/N: I lay no claim to the Twilight empire, lol! I do not own the characters, with the exception of those I have created, and the plot.

I know you guys want to see more Jacob and Bella. I swear that you will get your fix, and soon. I had to wrap this little segment up first, or else the story would have been really disjointed and wouldn't flow as well. Hang in there, and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Elliot's POV

The peaceful webs of deep sleep slowly slipped away when a ray of sunlight broke through the clouds and streamed into the window. As consciousness came, I languidly stretched my body, coming to an abrupt halt when I heard a soft sigh next to me. My eyes snapped open, and for a moment, confusion hit when I didn't recognize my surroundings. Then, the events from the night before flooded my memories, and I turned my head to glance at the pretty girl who lay next to me.

Claire….

I smiled affectionately as I watched her sleep, tracing every feature with my eyes, pausing on her kiss swollen lips, which were slightly tilted upward in an angelic smile. Her arm was splayed across my chest, her leg entwined with mine, and her head laid upon my shoulder as she slept, unaware of my stare.

God I love her…..

I did love her. So deeply that I went against the spiritual link of the Imprint with Leah. I wasn't the only one who fought a near impossible battle with it, because Claire surrendered her love for Quil in order to be with me, and the thought caused me to grow warm with gratitude.

"Good morning" I quietly greeted her when she began to awaken, kissing the top of her head.

"Mmm, hi" she shyly replied with a sleepy smile. I pulled her tighter against my frame, making her sigh in happiness as she nuzzled her face into the crook of my neck.

"How did you sleep?" I asked, trailing my fingertips up and down her naked arm.

"Really well, actually. You?" she asked, untangling herself from me and rolling onto her belly, and rested her chin upon my upper abdomen, and looked up at my face.

"I slept better than I have in my entire life. It's because I got to hold you all night" I smiled, tapping the tip of her nose with my finger. She flushed, then covered her face with her hands, giggling softly. Her sweet, unassuming innocence made my heart swell with even more love, easing away some of the pain that still throbbed dully over me having gone against the Imprint.

"It felt so nice, waking up with you" she whispered, still flushed.

I reached out and tucked her disheveled hair behind her ear, then softly caressed her face, brushing my thumb across her plump lower lip. She gave a soft moan and leaned into my caress, closing her eyes and enjoying my loving touch. Before she could open them, I hooked my hands under her arms and hauled her upward, then ghosted my lips over her own. A sexy sigh escaped, and I took that opportunity to delve into her mouth with my tongue, tangling it with hers. I felt her nipples pebble against my bare chest as she became aroused, causing my own body to respond in kind. I had just wrapped my fingers in her silky hair, when she tensed and pulled away, covering her mouth with both hands.

"What is it?" I asked, growing fearful that I frightened her with my mild aggressiveness.

"Morning breath" she said, her hands muffling the words so I barely understood them. When I deciphered what she said, I barked out a laugh and reached for her, determined to continue where we left off, but she was having none of it.

"Claire, I don't care! Get your cute butt back over here!" I said when she scrambled off of the bed and picked her tank top from the floor, quickly pulling it over her head. She shook her head and tossed my shirt at me, which I easily caught, then started for the door.

"Just…I'll be back in a sec" she replied, tossing an adorable smile over her shoulder before throwing open the door.

"Oh good, you're up. I was just going to wake you and let you know that breakfast…Oh!" her mother said, with her hand poised to knock on the once closed door. Her eyes widened when she saw me sitting up in Claire's bed, and they darted between the two of us. When her composure returned, her eyes narrowed, and she shot us each a very pissed off look.

"Both of you, downstairs in five" she angrily said, then turned and walked away.

My heart thumped and my legs shook as I crawled out of Claire's bed and made my way over to her, pulling her hands away from her beet red face. Her eyes were filled with tears when they met mine, and her whole body shook with fear.

"I'm so sorry, Claire. I shouldn't have stayed. This is my fault" I said while I hugged her, trying to ease some of her discomfort.

"No" she whispered, returning my hug with a desperate one of her own.

"I needed you to stay, and I'm glad you did. I…I can handle this. It's ok" she said, kissing me softly.

"I love you" I replied, kissing her forehead and taking her hand in mine as we descended the stairs together.

After an appropriate chewing out by both of her parents, and an appointment made for later in the day with Angelo for birth control, they released us from our scolding. I thought her father was going to kill me for the assumption that I defiled his daughter, but we both were able to convince him that nothing happened the prior night, and he seemed to believe us and calmed down a bit.

"We are leaving for work in forty minutes, so I suggest you both eat now so you can clean up the kitchen before we go. And Elliot, you will be leaving with us" her father said with a menacing glint in his eye that made me cringe.

"Yes sir" I gulped, fearful of his wrath and valuing my life.

After an uncomfortably silent, tense meal between the four of us, Claire and I hastily cleaned the kitchen, hoping that the magnificent clean up job would absolve us from their anger. I knew it was reaching a bit, but I would do anything to get Claire back in their good graces. I hated that she was painted in such a bad light, because she was such a purely good person and didn't deserve it, but there was nothing I could do but hope to rectify things by good behavior in the future.

"Call me later" I said before I was compelled to leave at the same time as her parents. Thankfully, they gave us a moment alone when they walked out to their vehicles, and I took advantage of it by hungrily kissing her.

"I'll just come by after my appointment" she replied, tangling her fingers in my hair and pulling my mouth harder against hers.

"Even better" I smiled against her lips, then reluctantly let her go when a horn sounded from the drive.

"Love you" I said as I began walking, sliding my fingers down her arm, then grasping her fingers, not wanting to let go.

"Love you too" she replied with a sad sigh when our fingers slipped apart.

I watched as she closed the door behind me, then I turned and began walking down the road towards my house with her parents eyeing me until they drove out of site. Then I remembered my car.

"Dammit!" I growled, reaching into my pocket to get my cell and calling Embry, because I really didn't feel like getting grilled by Jake at the moment. A couple of minutes later, arrangements were made for my trashed car, and I took off in a inhumanly fast sprint to my house, cutting through the woods so nobody would see me.

"Rough night?" my dad asked when I breezed through the back entrance of the house.

"You don't even want to know" I replied, and plopped down into the chair next to him.

"I take it you were with Claire all night?" he asked with a little smirk, not looking up from the sports section of the paper.

"Yeah. I…uh…we are together now, dad" I said, grabbing the automotive section and combing the car ads.

"Well, it's about damned time. I was wondering when the two of you would smarten up and come to your senses. You are using protection, right? No glove, no love you know" he said, completely deadpan. I groaned and dropped my head to the table, thunking it against the hard wood.

"Really, dad? Geez! Did Bella and Jake have to go through this?" I begrudgingly asked. Charlie let out a chuckle, then answered.

"Kid, if you only knew" he replied, then got up, slapped me on the shoulder and walked out of the room.

"I bet you had a ton of fun with that, right dad?" I yelled out before he was out of earshot.

"You know it!" he yelled back, then I heard the front door close as he left to go fishing.

I can only imagine the hell you put them through….

I sighed and went back to scanning the classified section at the different kinds of cars that were on sale, but my mind kept going back to Claire, and the new intimacy we now shared. I was so happy now that we were finally together, yet the black cloud that was Leah, and the Imprint, still loomed painfully. I wondered how things went with her and Quil, and hoped that they found their happiness together, but the pangs in my heart were still there, and always would be.

I indulged in some self pity and jealousy for a bit, but before I could get too worked up or depressed; or better yet, freak the hell out and take off for Hawaii, I went upstairs to get ready for the day. Half an hour later, I was ready, and called Paul to see if he wanted to go car shopping with me. He did, then picked me up a short time later, giving me an effective distraction until I could see Claire again.

Several annoyingly long hours later, we left the car dealership with my shiny new convertible, which I damn near killed the salesman over. I hated shopping for cars, because of the slimy way dealers tried to screw people over, but my dad showed me how to play their game. I thought the end result was well worth it, as I lovingly stroked the glossy red paint on the door as I drove.

Claire is going to flip when she sees it…

I smiled when I thought of the pretty brunette, who was currently at her appointment with Angelo up at the clinic. Although she and I hadn't been together intimately yet, I knew that it would be inevitable, later in our relationship. I felt relieved because I knew that when she was ready, we would be fully prepared and protected. I had no problem using condoms, but it was nice to know that, should the mood strike and I didn't have any on me, we were covered.

Just make sure you let her lead you….don't press her into something that she's not ready for…..

I knew I would never push her into any kind of sexual intimacy she wasn't ready to handle, but what we shared the night before made my heart race in anticipation. I needed to connect with her on a deeper level after the turmoil we both went through, finding out where Leah was at and all that, but I let her show me that everything I did was ok. I was still apprehensive that I had gone too far, even though her actions a few hours ago had proved otherwise. I just didn't want to do anything that would muck up our relationship, because it was going to be tested and strained for the rest of our lives because of the Imprint.

Christ….Leah….I miss her so damned much….

I gasped when my chest flared up painfully from emotion, and ended up having to pull over on the side of the road in order to catch my breath. My hands shook as they gripped the wheel, and the urge to rush to the airport and fly to Hawaii paralyzed me, bringing tears to my eyes.

"Just breathe, Elliot. Keep it together" I said out loud as I inhaled deep breaths.

I fought the pull; fought every emotion and compulsion, but it was so hard. The Imprint was so powerful, and as far as I knew, nobody was ever able to beat it. Sobs tore from my throat, because I was in so much distress and couldn't handle much more.

Then my phone rang.

"Was that you I just passed on the side of the road in that red car?" Claire asked from the other end when I answered.

"Where are you?" I asked, knowing that I urgently needed her at my moment of weakness.

"I'm on the highway, about five miles away from La Push" she answered.

"Yeah, that was me. Pull over at the diner at the next exit, and I'll meet you there" I replied, putting my car in gear.

"Ok, are you alright? Your voice sounds weird…" she said, sounding frightened.

"I will be once I see you" I replied, flooring the car and testing its speed and agility on the winding road.

"I just pulled off the highway and will be at the diner in two minutes. Did you want me to get a table?" she asked.

"No. Wait for me in the parking lot. I'm only a few minutes behind you" I replied, feeling some of the urgency leave, having been replaced by excitement to see her.

"Ok, I'm there now."

"Keep talking to me. I don't want to hang up yet" I said with a smile as I exited.

"Sure, so my appointment with Angelo was…. just mortifying" she shuddered, discomfort evident in the tone of her voice.

"I can only imagine. Did everything go ok?" I asked, squealing my tires when I pressed the accelerator.

"Ugh, yeah. He put me on a low dose pill that shouldn't have too many side effects. The good thing about it is…well…we, um, don't have to worry….about….well….mehavingaperiodeverymonth" she rushed out, and it took a second for me to make sense of the jumbled words.

"Is, uh, that healthy for you? I mean, aren't you supposed to have one every month?" I asked, thinking that it sounded odd.

"I asked Angelo, and he said it was fine. Anyways, next topic" she said with a little giggle, totally uncomfortable talking about 'womanly' things with me.

"I think I see you" she said as I arrived.

"Yep, I see your car. See you in a sec" I said, hitting the end button as I pulled into the spot next to her. She came running around the side of her car, and threw herself into my arms just as I jumped out without opening the door. I grabbed her mid-leap and crushed her to me, burying my face into her hair as I held her close.

"I missed you" I said, inhaling the clean scent of her shampoo.

"Me too. It seems ridiculous, because we just saw each other a few hours ago. But each minute that ticked by without you sucked" she replied with a tiny laugh.

"I know exactly what you mean. It's crazy, because I feel as if you and I were Imprinted. The pull I have towards you is so strong. I have always been drawn to you, Claire. Maybe our souls actually are entwined somehow" I said as I brushed my lips along her jaw in feather-light kisses.

"I was thinking the same thing, because I've had a little crush on you for years now. Maybe Sophie could tell?" she replied, shuddering slightly when I nipped at her neck.

"We should ask her…" I mumbled, taking her face in my hands and tipping it upward so I could kiss her. And I did, conveying how much I loved her in that one little motion. Claire got up on her tip toes, draped her arms around my neck and deepened the kiss by aggressively parting my lips with her tongue. A little moan of approval reverberated in my chest, and I returned her kiss just as enthusiastically, feeling my body start to respond to the call of hers.

"Mmm, now that was a nice hello" I grinned, pecking her lips a few more times before we headed into the diner.

"Well hello you two" a friendly female voice to my left said when we walked inside, hand in hand.

Claire let out a happy squeal, and began tugging me in the direction that the voice came from. I smiled when I saw Emily and her eldest daughter, Maggie, sitting in a booth eating a late lunch together.

"Claire Bear!" Maggie shrieked when she saw her cousin, and jumped to her feet to give Claire a warm hug.

I kissed Emily on the cheek and hugged her, then did the same to Maggie.

"How are you, Elliot?" Emily asked as she and Maggie sat down, but next to each other as to give us room to join them.

"I'm doing well, thanks. And you?" I replied, snatching a fry from Maggie's plate and earning both a blush and scowl from the fourteen year old. I grinned at her, then focused my attention back to Claire, who was watching the interaction between Maggie and I, completely amused. I shot her a smile, then traced her face with my eyes, stopping on her full lips. I let my gaze remain there for a few seconds and made her blush, which in turn made me feel warm all over.

"I'm doing….fiiine" Emily replied, looking back and forth between Claire and I, with a knowing smile. Claire let out a nervous cough, then tried to shift Emily's attention from the intimate moment we shared by bringing up my new car.

"Elliot got a new car today, Em. You have to see it!" she said with genuine elation.

"Oh yeah? I'll have to check it out when we leave. What happened to your other one? I know it wasn't that old…" Emily asked.

I shifted tensely in my seat, unsure if I should bring up my interaction with Quil the night before.

"I hit an animal last night and bent the frame. It's trashed, so I contacted my insurance company this morning, then went out to get that one" I replied, motioning to the red car in the parking lot.

"Must have been a huge one to have wrecked your car like that. I like the color of the new one. It's….well, it's sexy" Emily said as she watched me closely, as if trying to figure me out.

"Thanks" I uneasily said, positive that she knew the real truth.

"So, how are things?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Claire blushed again, but a deeper shade of pink, then laced her fingers through mine and lifted our hands, which were hidden under the table, and placed them on the cool wood. Emily beamed when she saw the intimate gesture, making me relax a bit because we had her obvious approval.

"Elliot and I are together now" Claire softly explained, looking at me with so much love that I couldn't help but smile.

"How wonderful! I am very happy for the both of you. I can't think of two people better suited for each other than you two" she said with a smile.

"How does this happen if you're both Imprinted on other people?" Maggie asked with disdain and obvious jealousy.

I'd known for some time that she had a crush on me, and the fact that I was with Claire rubbed salt in her wounds, but I couldn't prevent the flare of anger that burned in my gut.

"Maggie, lose the attitude, NOW!" Emily scolded, appalled at her daughters' behavior.

"Maggs, it's hard to explain, but the Imprint was messed up somehow" Claire gently explained, unperturbed by her cousin's sour mood.

"I'm sorry" Maggie muttered, then slouched down into the booth and began playing with her food.

"I know you both have a tough road ahead, so if you need anything, even a sympathetic ear, please don't hesitate to call or stop by. You both are so brave, and I'm so proud of you both for not giving up on the love you share" Emily said, her voice growing sad.

The anniversary of Sam's death had just passed, and I knew she was still devastated over his loss. I knew I could never handle something so heartbreaking. I looked at her with a new sense respect because she held herself together with such grace and stoic decorum.

We spent the next hour eating, talking, and trading friendly banter. It was the perfect distraction I needed from my earlier anxiety attack over Leah and the Imprint. By the time we were preparing to leave, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my chest.

"Do you want to hang out and watch a movie?" I asked Claire as we leaned against our cars, trying to decide what to do.

"Sure, but let's make it at your house. I don't want my parents getting anymore ideas in their heads. It will also give things some time to smooth over a bit" Claire said, her cheeks heating up.

"I'm so sorry that they got the wrong idea, but I totally understand their flipping out about it. I hope they don't hate me" I said, feeling horrible about the whole situation.

"Elliot, look. I am nineteen years old. It's inevitable that…I'm going to be intimate one day. They have to learn to accept it. Yeah, it was a huge shock, especially when my mom saw you shirtless….and in my bed…but they will get over it. They really do like you a lot or else they would have just thrown you out and forbid you from coming back. It's going to be ok. Trust me" she replied, stepping over to hug me. I eagerly took her in my arms and held her for some time, until she eventually pulled back and looked up at me.

"Let's go hit the video store. I don't know about you, but I could go for some action films with a bunch of car chases and explosions" she said with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Sounds good to me. Action….it's such a good thing, y'know?" I teased, pulling her mouth to mine in a kiss filled with longing and white hot desire. When I broke away to breathe, her eyes were glazed, her lips were swollen, and she looked totally dazed.

"We really need to hurry and get back to your house" she said, giving me a knowing grin.

"Lead the way!" I replied as I hopped into my car.

"Try to keep up, slow poke!" she called out from her rolled down window.

"I'll give you slow" I growled with a chuckle, then put my car in gear as she started pulling away.

Leah POV

I awoke the next morning to a soothing, tickling sensation moving up and down my back with long, pleasurable strokes. As consciousness slowly lulled me from the best nights rest I'd had in longer than I could remember, I felt my 'pillow' move slightly, making my eyes shoot open in brief confusion.

"It's about time you woke up, sleepy head" Quil said when he saw I was fully alert.

I tilted my face upward to meet his gaze, and the memories of the beautiful night we shared came rushing back, bringing a smile to my face. I stretched my body dreamily, noting how my muscles somewhat ached from the 'activities' the night before.

"Hmm, what time is it?" I asked, brushing my lips across his.

"Almost noon" he replied, then deepened the kiss by parting my lips with his tongue so it could tangle with mine in a kiss that made my eyes flutter shut and my body grow warm.

"How long have you been awake?" I asked when we parted for air. I snuggled back to my cozy place, tucked safely against him with his arm protectively holding me.

"About an hour or so. You were sleeping so peacefully that I didn't have the heart to wake you" he replied, closing his eyes as he held me.

"I haven't slept that well in….forever" I lazily responded as I basked in the love that filled the entire room.

"Me too. It feels so good to be home" he said, and I knew exactly what he meant. No matter our physical location, our hearts had found where they were meant to be.

Together.

"Matt called a little bit ago. He's having the cook make us something to eat, and it should be here shortly. Are you hungry?" he asked, chuckling when my stomach loudly rumbled its response.

"Guess that answers my question, huh?" he laughed.

"I'm starved! Should we get up before the food comes?" I asked, concerned about our naked state and the staff witnessing it.

"We could, but I don't want to" Quil replied, rolling me onto my back and parting my legs with his hips. I closed my eyes and arched my body upwards when I felt the steely head of his arousal press against me, making me instantly flood with wetness.

"Quil…" I brokenly whispered.

He knew what it was I had silently asked for and slid deep inside of me with one push of his hips. We both groaned in pleasure, then set a slow pace, neither of us in a hurry now that we found our way back to each other.

I marveled at how well we fit together, both physically and emotionally as we made love for the umpteenth time in less than twenty four hours. I thought I would be more sore than I was, having had my body pushed to so many limits the night before, but I accepted his hard length with not one shred of discomfort, and met him thrust for thrust.

In and out, with long, deep, slow thrusts, he entered me over and over again, stoking the fire that was building between us. Every time he withdrew was agony, only to be replaced with an utter sense of wholeness when he slid back in, completing me. When both of our releases loomed close, I took his face in my hands and pulled his lips to mine.

"Quil…I love you" I gasped, sucking his tongue into my mouth when I felt my inner walls contract around him, and the magnificent waves of pleasure shuddered through me.

"Leah…oh God! I love you so much" he cried, then gave a few more thrusts before pushing his length all the way in and emptying himself deep inside of my quivering body. Over and over he spilled, filling me with everything he had, then collapsed against me, careful not to hurt the baby.

"I *gasp* think that *gasp* I prefer *gasp* making love to you *gasp* this way *pant* rather than *pant* hard and fast *pant* against a tree *deep breath*" he said while fighting to catch his breath. I remained silent for a few seconds while my breathing regulated itself and my body stopped trembling, then answered.

"I prefer making love with you in any kind of way, although this is sweeter, more intimate" I replied, running my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck as he laid on top of me.

"I agree, although the second you're medically cleared to have sex after the baby is born, I plan on fucking you senseless!"

"Oh God," I gasped as visuals from our past romps played on a memory look in my head, refueling my desire.

*knock – knock – knock*

"Grrr!" I growled, perturbed by the interruption, because I was ready for another round. Based on his rapidly re-hardening member that was still buried inside of me, Quil was just as ready for another round too.

"Stay here. I don't want you traumatizing the staff with your…monster" I smirked, squeezing him with my inner muscles.

"Fuck 'em" he hissed as he began to move his hips back and forth.

"Ohhh! God that feels so damn good!" I moaned, but before giving in to the beautiful sensations, I halted him by rolling him onto his back.

"Save it for dessert" I winked, then lifted myself off, immediately feeling empty when he slipped out.

"That's not nice, Leah!" he yelled, hitting me in the head with a pillow as I hastily threw my robe on.

"You're going to pay for that!" I growled, shooting him an irritated glare before I opened the door.

"Good afternoon, Miss Leah. You're looking well today" Leo, one of the chefs, greeted me. He carried a large tray with several covered dishes on it, surrounded by lush fruits and native flowers, creating a striking sight.

"Thank you, Leo. Would you mind just setting the tray on the bed for me, please?" I asked, hoping that Quil didn't do anything to freak the kindly man out.

"Yes Ma'am" he nodded, then entered the villa.

Quil, who was sitting with his back against the headboard with the bed sheet covering him from the waist down, gave a lazy wave and a goofy smile. Leo nodded his acknowledgement, set the heavy tray at the foot of the bed, then walked back to the open door, where I still stood.

"Mister Quil, it's very nice seeing you again. Matthew asked me to relay a message before I leave. He said that you should be ready to go in one hour if you want to get all of your errands completed today" Leo said as he shot Quil a knowing look.

"Thanks Leo. Tell Matt that I'll be ready on time" Quil replied.

"And what kind of errands do you have planned for today?" I asked when Leo left.

"Just…stuff I have to get done. I need some clothes, even though staying naked in bed with you until Thursday sounds very enticing" he grinned.

"What else do you have planned?" I asked, wondering why he seemed so evasive.

Quil slowly climbed out of the bed, revealing his muscular body in all its glory, and sauntered over to me. He gripped a handful of my hair and jerked my face upward, then brushed his lips over mine.

"Quit being so nosey!" he smirked, then kissed me passionately, making me whimper.

"Let's eat…" he said after abruptly breaking off the kiss, making me stumble a bit from my dazed state.

After eating the entire tray of food, we took what was the most sensual shower I'd ever taken in my life. Never in a million years did I think that having my hair washed by someone else would be such an erotic experience, but it did, resulting in me with my back pressed against the slippery wall, and a very horny wolf between my legs, thrusting in and out of me while I held on for dear life.

"I will never be able to look at a shower in the same way again" I panted after we both had experienced yet another explosive climax.

"And here I thought they were only good for getting clean in, not down and dirty" Quil joked while rinsing us off with the detachable showerhead.

After toweling each other off we got dressed, and I tried once again to find out what he was up to.

"You'll find out later tonight. I hope you're ready, because here comes Kit and Milahni" he said, then paused a few seconds as he listened to some sound I couldn't hear. There was a soft knock at the door, and when I opened it, both girls stood there, giggling.

"Rise and shine, sex fiends! I hope you're decent in there, Quil-baby… 'cause we're coming in!" Kit bellowed, then marched inside.

"Hi ladies" he smoothly said, kissing each woman on the cheek and making Kit giggle even more.

"Matty and Ian are waiting for you out front, so you better get moving. Also, Jake called and told me that what you requested is all done and ready to go" Milahni said, giving Quil a knowing look.

"Ok, I can't take it anymore! What in the Hell is with all the secrecy?" I demanded, crossing my arms and tapping my foot impatiently.

"He didn't tell you? Bad Quil! Should we spill the beans, Milly? What-cha think?" Kit teased wickedly.

"Naaah, not yet" Milahni replied with a huge smile.

"Guess you're just shit out of luck, 'ole friend of miiine" Kit teasingly sang.

"Bitches! Both of ya are nothing but evil bitches… And you!" I glared, pointing my finger at Quil, who was laughing his butt off at this entire situation.

"You know I hate being kept in the dark, buster! Just see if I give you any sex later, asshole! You better keep your dick far away from me!" I grouched, then stomped out of the villa, leaving the three of them laughing loudly at my tantrum.

"Lighten up, Leah. It's nothing that you need to get all worked up over, silly! Trust us when we say that you're going to love it! Now come on! Georgie is expecting us soon, and we still have a quick stop to make on our way to the spa" Kit replied, linking her arm through mine, then Milahni's, then dragging us to the awaiting limo.

Why do I have a feeling that I'm not going to like this….

"Now will someone please tell me what is going on around here?" I frustratingly asked after an hour long massage, hair hi-lights, cut and style, manicure and pedicure treatment.

Milahni and Kit went through the same services as I did, and although it was a really nice, fun day amongst friends, I couldn't seem to turn my mind off over what Quil was up to. He hadn't called me at all in the four hours since we were gone, and each time I tried to reach him through the guys' cells, nobody answered.

"I can't believe you haven't figured it out yet, Leah. You're usually so intuitive and nothing gets by you. Milly, you tell her" Kit said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Milahni looked at her friend, then back to me and held up her hand, signaling for us to hold on a minute. She walked a short distance away, dialed a number on her cell, and had a quick conversation with someone on the other end. After she hung up she walked back over, practically bouncing with excitement.

"I guess I can end your suffering, BFF, but not until we get back to the main house. I promised I wouldn't say a word until then" she replied.

"Urgh! Fine! But when I finally snap and strangle all of you, I'm pleading temporary insanity!" I snarled, then followed them out to the car.

When the driver pulled away and we were once again on the road, Kit took out a silky blindfold and demanded that I put it on.

"No peeking, Leah! It will ruin the surprise" Milahni said, then giggled along with Kit. I snatched it out of her hand and willing put it on, prepared to do anything at that point just to get them to tell me what was going on.

It was weird, not being able to see as the car drove along the winding roads. We made one stop and Kit got out, only to return a few minutes later, with something that rustled like a plastic bag. By the time we pulled into the driveway of the house, I was starting to feel a bit motion sick and was grateful to be able to get out of the car and stretch my legs.

"Now?" I asked, totally disgruntled.

"Yep, go for it!" Kit happily responded.

When I took the blindfold off, I was temporarily blinded by the early evening sunlight, because my eyes weren't accustomed to the brightness. Once I was able to focus, I saw that the ground was littered with white rose petals, and a line of burning tiki-torches ran along the path leading to the backyard.

"What is this?" I asked, feeling a wave of panic.

"You're getting married!" both girls shrieked, hugging me fiercely.

Shock rendered me speechless and unable to move. I couldn't breathe and could barely form a coherent thought, and stood there looking blankly ahead, unsure if I was dreaming or not. When I realized that I was fully awake, and that they were dead serious, I started freaking out.

"I can't get married now! I have so much to do, like GOING HOME! No… No way, I can't do this! What about my mom? My brother? I wanted them to be with me on my wedding day! Oh God, this is happening way too fast!" I wailed while pacing back and forth.

"Actually, honey, I think you can do this" my mom's voice said from behind me. When I spun around, thinking I was hearing things, there she stood, along with Seth and Sarah, who were smiling happily.

"Momma!" I cried out, running over and hugging her tight.

"I missed you, baby" she said with a trembling voice, holding me while I cried.

I felt two other sets of hands brush against my back, and when I was able to see through my tears, Sarah and Seth stood next to me, soothingly rubbing my back and smiling broadly.

"Hiya, big sis. Long time no see" Seth said, picking me up when I threw myself in his arms.

"Oh my God, I missed you all so much! I'm so happy that you're here!" I cried, getting his dress shirt soaking wet with my tears.

"What a minute, how did you guys get here?" I asked once I was better composed.

"Quil called us early this morning, while you were asleep and told us the news" Sue said, taking my hands into hers and affectionately squeezing them.

"But….but he just asked me to marry him last night! I didn't know he meant right now though! I'm going to kill him, because he can't just go around, dictating my damned life!" I grumbled, annoyed by his audacity.

"Honey, don't be so hard on him. I understand why, and I think that it's sweet. You didn't see the condition he was in after you left, baby" my mom softly explained.

"Yeah, Le, he was jacked up. Like, mental and shit. Personally, I thought he had rabies or something because he was such a wreck. Cut the guy some slack. He loves you and it's obvious you love him. Why wait?" Seth caringly asked.

Guilt crushed my chest with jackhammer like strength, nearly bringing me to my knees. The horrendous pain I caused him for so many months cut through my heart like a knife through butter and I knew it would be a very long time before I was able to forgive myself, even though Quil already forgave me.

"But shouldn't I tell Elliot before I get married? Doesn't he have a right to know?" I asked, feeling even more guilty.

"Honey, you can't keep living your life based on other people. You need to start living it for yourself. I think Elliot understands that and while he may be sad, he will eventually get over it. Quil is your perfect mate, and I know you love him just as deeply as he loves you. When you share that kind of connection, timing doesn't matter. Your father and I eloped three days after we met, and look at how happy we were together. Go with your heart, and you will never be misled" Sue said, gently cupping my face in her palm and brushing my tears away.

"But I don't have a dress…" I softly whispered as I glanced down at the shorts and tank top I had on.

"Ta daaaa!" Kit sang out as she pulled out something from the back of the limo.

"Your dress, m' lady" she said with a dramatic bow, handing the plastic covered garment to me.

"How?" I asked, completely stunned at how well orchestrated everything was, given Quil proposed only twenty one hours earlier.

"Ha! It wasn't that hard. Milahni already knew your size, and I know your style, so it wasn't hard finding you the perfect dress. Now you better go get changed, because your fiancé is waiting for you on the beach" Kit said, grabbing my arms and spinning me towards the house.

"If I didn't know any better, I would swear you and Alice were sisters!" I grumbled as I let her push me inside.

A short time later I was ready. I stood in front of the full length mirror staring at myself. I had taken so many emotional beatings in my life, enough to cripple anybody else, but there I stood with a glow of happiness on my face.

"You look so beautiful, Leah. Your father would be so proud of you" my mom said while she watched me.

"I know he's here, momma. I can feel him" I replied with tears in my eyes.

It was true. I could feel him with me. It was his words of love being whispered in the gentle breeze that blew through the window, caressing my skin. I wished so badly that he could be there physically, holding my hand on the most important day of my life, but having him with me spiritually was enough.

"That dress is so pretty! You look like a princess in it, Le" Sarah said, fingering the silky material.

The dress was so simple, yet elegantly beautiful. It was white, made of silk and chiffon, with spaghetti straps, a v neckline and empire waist, which concealed the soft roundness that was evidence of my miracle baby.

"Mom! How could I forget! Um, you better sit down" I said, remembering that she had no clue of my pregnancy.

When I knew that she was safely seated, and there was no threat of her passing out, I told her with a serene smile.

"Remember when I found out that I couldn't have children? That I was a genetic dead end…" I asked, noting the sadness in her eyes as she recalled the day I found out I couldn't bear a child of my own. I smiled, then took her hand and placed it on the slight swell of my lower abdomen.

"You're going to be a grandma in about six months" I happily said, my voice choked with emotion. Sue's eyes widened in wonderment, then filled with tears as her hand rubbed the little belly bump underneath my dress.

"Oh Leah! It's a miracle, honey! This proves that you really are meant to be with Quil" she joyously said, hugging me tight.

"Wait, it is his child, right?" she asked, her joy replaced by worry.

"Yes, momma, she is his baby" I smiled.

"I'm going to be a grandma….." she softly announced, overcome with elation.

"Congrats, big sis! YES! I'm going to be an uncle!" Seth hollered, making all of us cringe and cover our ears.

"Hey! There will be plenty of time oooing and aaaahing over the baby. We have a wedding to get to!" Kit said, clapping her hands to get our attention.

"She's like…scary bossy….maybe worse than Alice!" Seth whispered to me, making me laugh.

"Nobody could ever be totally like Alice. They broke the mold with that one. Kit does rate a close second though!" I giggled, earning a growl from my friend.

"Do you wanna get married or what? I know I want to see a wedding. I think your family here, who flew in on the red eye and haven't slept in a day would. So get your butt up, sister! Move it! Move it!" Kit said, marching like a soldier and laughing her rear off.

"May I have the honor of walking you down the aisle?" Seth asked, extending his arm out to me.

"You may, bro" I replied, linking my arm through his.

"Ok, give us a seven minute head start so we can get down to the beach, 'kay?" Kit asked, halfway out the door.

"You got it, seven minutes…now go!" Seth responded with a smirk and an eye roll.

After they left, Seth and I took the opportunity to talk for a few minutes, before I had to head down to the beach.

"I'm scared" I said, trying to stop my hands from shaking.

"Do you love him, Le? Can you not live without him? Is he your choice in this messed up Imprint?" he calmly asked.

"God yes, I love him so much. I have loved him for as long as I can remember. I was just too afraid to hurt Elliot. Oh Seth, please tell me that Elliot is ok. Please tell me that he won't hate me after all of this" I pled, feeling so horrible about hurting him.

Seth turned to face me and placed his large hands upon my shoulders, and looked me straight in the eyes.

"Elliot will be just fine. He loves you, Leah, and he wants you to be happy. Even if it's not with him. He could have fought Quil, and came here to get you, but he knew it in his heart that you two were meant to be together. He knew that Quil was your choice all along, and he's accepted it. He might struggle with it for awhile, but ultimately, your happiness is his greatest concern" Seth said with a kind smile.

I closed my eyes, making the tears that brimmed there slide down my cheeks, and nodded my head. I knew he was right about everything, so I took in a deep, cleansing breath, and got my emotions under control. When I opened them, Seth gently wiped away my tears, and hugged me.

"Let's go get you married off to the ogre!" he chuckled, which made me laugh.

"Ok" I softly responded, then took his arm as he led me outside.

We walked arm and arm down the torch lit path. I smiled when I saw that the rose petals followed the entire way, stopping at the beach entrance. I gasped in awe when I saw all of the stunning flower arrangements artfully arranged, forming a make-shift aisle. My eyes followed it, and when I saw Quil standing there, waiting for me, I fought the urge to run and throw myself in his arms. When he saw me, his eyes widened and his mouth parted in a gasp, then he smiled the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen, lighting up the entire beach.

"You're shaking so bad" Seth whispered as he walked me down the aisle.

"I know. I can't help it. I'm nervous, excited, and so happy that I feel like my heart is going to burst. This is it, Seth. My Happily Ever After" I giddily responded.

"You deserve it, Le. After everything you've been through in your life, fate has finally given you the greatest of life's gifts; love and a child of your own. Le, grab onto that love, cherish it forever, and never let it go" Seth said in a whisper.

"I will" I murmured back.

A few steps later, Seth passed me to Quil, who lovingly looked in my eyes as I took my place beside him.

"You are beautiful." Quil adoringly said, making me blush.

Milahni's sister Katie stood before us with a mega watt smile of her own as she prepared to perform the wedding ceremony.

"Leah. Quil. It's so nice to see you both again, especially under such lovely circumstances! Are you ready?" Katie asked with an eager smile.

"Yes" I whispered with a soft smile.

"Hell yeah!" Quil exuberantly responded, making all of us laugh.

Katie went on and did a lovely, yet simple ceremony, throughout its entirety Quil and I gazed adoringly into each other's eyes. I could see every emotion playing out in their nearly black depths, but the strongest one was pure love. Seeing how devoted he was, and knowing the lengths he had gone to in order to give me a beautiful wedding, as well as how he never gave up on me, opened my heart to him even more. I knew, from that day forward, that he would be my whole world, and I his, and it was such a heady feeling.

My Happily Ever After…

"I know that this was such short notice, but do either of you have any vows you would like to say?" Katie asked.

"Yes" we both answered at the same time, but Quil motioned for me to go first.

"Quil, you have been everything to me. Best friend, cheering section, lover, pain in my butt, and most of all, the man who has held my heart for many, many years. You pushed me to be an honest person with a strong sense of integrity, even when I didn't understand what it was you were trying to do. We have gone through so many hardships together, but you always had my back. You never let me fall. Until I fell for you. This" I said, then took his hand and placed it over my heart, "belongs to you. ONLY you, and I promise that I will love you until the day I die, and when that day comes, I will love you in the next life. I love you so very much, and it's such an honor to be your wife" I said as my voice cracked and wavered from the strength of my emotions.

Quil watched me while I spoke, with a goofy, awe-struck look on his handsome face. When I completed my vows, his hand gently cupped my cheek and caressed my skin.

"Leah Clearwater, you are one heck of a woman. From the moment we met, I knew that you and I were destined for great things. Your spirit and strength have inspired me, and your beauty has always stolen my breath away. You are one of the strongest people I have ever met, and the fact that you are standing here, soon to become my wife, makes me the luckiest man on this planet. I am not perfect, but I promise to love you with all my heart and soul, until the end of time. I love you, Leah….forever" he said, his voice breaking at the end.

"Who will be presenting the rings?" Katie asked, looking out at the small gathering of people.

My heart fell, because I didn't have a ring to slip onto his finger, and just as I was about to cry, my mother pressed something into my hand. Before I could look at it, Quil took my other hand, and slipped the most beautiful diamond ring onto my finger. My eyes grew wide when I saw the exquisite ring, which had a huge, cushion cut center stone, flanked by smaller diamonds on the shank. It was all set in platinum, and gauging by the style, I knew it was an antique.

"Leah?" Katie softly said, breaking my attention from the stunning ring.

I opened my other hand, and when I saw the platinum band in my palm, I let out a strangled cry of emotion, and my knees nearly gave out.

Enclosed was my fathers' wedding band. He wore it every day and never took off, until the day that he died.

"Oh, mom" I whispered, giving her a loving look. She nodded her head and blew me a kiss with a trembling hand. I picked the ring up out of my palm, then took Quil's hand into mine, and slipped the ring onto his finger. At first, I struggled over the knuckle, because his fingers were so big, but once it cleared, it fit him perfectly.

"Now, if there are any objections as to why these two people should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace" Katie said, glancing around. When nobody uttered a sound, she looked at us with a beaming smile on her pretty face.

"By the power vested in me, by the great state of Hawaii, I now pronounce you Mister and Misses Ateara. Quil, you may kiss your lovely bride" Katie said, clasping her hands together happily.

Quil's large hand reached out and cupped my cheek just as my fingertips brushed against his full lips. He gently pulled me closer, and when he pressed his lips to mine, my heart sang with joy. My fingers caressed his face as I deepened the kiss, unable to control the immense feelings I had for this man who was now my husband. It was he who pulled away first, albeit reluctantly, and laid his forehead against mine and looked into my eyes.

"I love you" he whispered with a devoted smile.

"I love you back" I grinned, and kissed him again, not even hearing the applause from our friends and family behind us.

"Thank you" he murmured, kissing my cheeks, then my eyes before kissing me softly on the lips once more.

"For what?" I breathlessly asked.

"For choosing me" he replied.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his chest, laying my cheek against his strongly beating heart.

"Thank you, Quil. For not giving up on me" I whispered.

"I will never give up on you, Leah" he whispered, and I knew he never, ever would.