A/N The wedding scene was written by X5-452, with only necessary tweaking by me to fit the other story around it. She is a great Q writer, and she writes elaborate, multi-character scenes like no one else around. Another reason you should check out our collaboration for the summer, "The Superhero Saga." XD (shameless plugs abound) Anyhoo, she made my day contributing to this chapter, so be sure and visit her and tell her what a great job she did on this wedding scene. She is my Leah soul mate. Thanks K. ; )
Chapter Thirty-Six – Finally! The Wedding
We were at the hospital for hours. Melanie took it all in stride and was an amazingly calm child. I guessed it had something to do with her living on her own for so long.
Carlisle set the fractured radius bone and wrapped it in a malleable resin cast on the full arm, bent at the elbow that went down to her wrist, and then placed it in a sling. He wanted her to rest for the next few days because of the mild concussion, but for us to keep a close eye on her. This is something we would all be responsible for, but I took it upon myself to make sure her needs were met. He handed me some Children's Tylenol for pain and discomfort for both the head and arm.
I wasn't sure I would make the wedding, since I couldn't leave Melanie alone; especially adding to the fact we were not sure where the last vampire, Liv, was at. I felt responsible for Melanie.
Upon bringing her home I instantly placed her under covers in our bedroom, tucking her in tightly, with her arm on a pillow. I told her to get some sleep and then sat beside her on the bed, reading her a story, The Secret Garden, until she fell asleep.
When Alice heard the news, she rushed to me within a moment, right as it neared four o'clock and the wedding was two and a half hours away. I was the maid of honor, after all.
She was at my door waving me outside to talk.
In an instant we were down the stairs and standing on the front porch.
"You need to make it to the wedding," Alice told me. "I'm going to have Jasper stay and watch Mel."
"Mel?"
"Yeah," Alice gave that quick little half smirk, feeling proud of herself. "I think it's a cute nickname."
"You make her sound like a boy – or an old man who owns a diner."
"Wasn't that," Alice's eyes lifted trying to conjure up her thoughts. "Oh yes, that old Alice TV show, Mel's Diner."
"Exactly," I nearly screeched. "And isn't that interesting – an old show with your name. No wonder you want to call Melanie such a name. You want to give her the nickname of a diner owned by an old bald man?"
"Well, when you put it that way. I've always thought the trend of boy's nicknames for girls was kind of cute in recent days: Nik, Jo, and Chuck, Mo…"
"…okay, I get your point. I'm going to call her Melanie. How would you like if I called you Al? After a diner on that old Happy Days show?"
"I wouldn't mind if you called me Al. I'd just think it's odd since you've never called me that before. And I call you Rose instead of Rosalie all the time."
"Rose doesn't sound… masculine."
"Oh yes, like an old bald man. Fine." She threw out flustered with me, "so, either Jasper or Emmett should stay and watch… MEL-ah-nee." She even ended with a French accent to make it more pronounced.
I sighed, not wanting them to miss Leah's wedding either.
"Why don't I stay?" a familiar voice said.
Within an instant we turned to see Bella with her head popping out from the front door.
"You made it back in time!" Alice leapt into her arms, giving her a warm hug. They embraced for a long time.
I was actually very happy to see Bella. I smiled largely and then she walked up to me and we hugged. If not for our cold bodies, warmth would be emanating from how I felt at seeing my sister.
As we pulled away, "How," both Alice and I spoke simultaneously.
Bella held out her hands. "Our stay was wonderful. The castle is so beautiful. The forests all over Europe have the most excellent hunting." She grinned, her eyes dark, showing she ate well before arriving. "Edward is with Carlisle and he is finding out everything of what happened while we were gone. I was filled in quite a bit by Alice on the phone."
My head quickly snapped in Alice's direction. "When did you… call?"
"I felt it would be a nice surprise for them to be at the wedding."
I laughed lightly, "You were right. And so much has happened, Bella."
"I heard about the little girl you both found. Edward wants to read her thoughts and see if he could find out more information regarding Victoria and how she ended up in Seattle."
"He'll have to wait," I told her, nearly reprimanding, "She's recovering from a concussion and I don't think Edward should be probing around her head and bothering her right now."
Bella looked to Alice instantly. And Alice wasn't being inconspicuous when she lifted her eyes and Bella then nodded.
"What?" I asked with a bit of a bite.
"I heard you've grown… a little attached to the little girl," Bella said.
"Of course – who wouldn't? She's a child who needs help."
Edward walked outside just in time before this became horribly uncomfortable. Both Alice and I greeted him with hugs. In my mind I told him quickly, stop reading my thoughts. Edward laughed and then scratched at his ear, as his eyes crinkled with mirth.
"I think it would be wonderful to make it to Leah's wedding, but I can stay. You both are necessary to the wedding party, and Bella is the surprise guest. I'll trade places with either Emmett or Jasper when the wedding is over and they have the reception."
"Oh my goodness," I suddenly remembered, "the reception is here. The guests will wake Melanie."
"Your room is fairly sound proof," Edward assured me. "I'm sure it will be fine. If not my old room most definitely is sound proof. It will work out. At least we'll all be here and then it will be easy for you to keep an eye on her. We can do it - we just need to coordinate a little."
That was Edward, always able to bring others together and get things resolved.
"I know," he told me.
"I could have sworn I told you not to read my mind."
He snickered again. "Bella is going to go to the wedding with you two. I think its vital Jacob sees that she came for his wedding. It's a big day for him."
"But you," I said, feeling somewhat badly he would miss the wedding.
"I," his eyes were very distant as he was concentrating on something else. "I think it would be good if I stayed with the child right now. I haven't had a chance to meet this amazing waif. I was told she's very brave and is a lot like my beautiful wife."
Bella rolled her eyes at the compliment.
"She smells delicious," Alice said, "so you better be good."
"If he could contain himself while we dated, I'm sure he'll be fine," Bella assured us. "And Edward's a doctor too – just in case."
It was settled. Edward would stay with Melanie during the wedding and immediately after we'd be here during the reception.
It was time to get ready for a wedding.
Alice had absolutely outdone herself for Leah's ceremony. Though Leah hadn't been allowed to see, Alice had taken me for a quick viewing before bundling me and the rest of the bridal party into the white tent that was close to the ceremony location.
There was a red carpet leading from the tent to the altar at the edge of the cliff, rows of chairs set up with flowers hanging on the ends, provided by me of course, white lilies and yellow daffodils to match the theme of the wedding. At the end of the carpet there was a floral archway decorated with matching flowers. The archway was where they would stand during the ceremony.
Everything was perfect in Alice's capable hands.
Leah originally wanted to get married on First Beach, but Sam had flatly refused to allow any of us Cullen's onto their land, despite Leah and Jacob's pleading. Sam finally relented slightly, only slightly, and allowed them to have the wedding on the cliff above the beach, deeming that it was far enough away from their tribe to be considered safe.
Leah and Jacob invited the wolves from the other pack, all of them. I don't know why she bothered. But this wasn't my wedding and I suppose some of them had been friends with her since they were kids; it was unfair of me to want to keep Leah to myself. I half thought that Leah might want one of her Quileute girls as a bridesmaid as well but the fear was unfounded. She said that she wanted me, Alice and Esme, and that was it, we were all she needed. We were delighted to be a part of her wedding.
Right now, Esme and I were helping Leah into the wedding dress that Alice had chosen for her.
"Rose, how's Melanie?" Leah asked.
"Her arm was set and placed in a cast and she's sleeping right now. Only a mild concussion, thank goodness." I hadn't stopped thinking over her and hoping she didn't wake and see a stranger, Edward, looming over her. At least, he better have been looming and paying attention to her.
"Ssh," Alice reprimanded. "Mel… Melanie is fine and asleep – being watched by Edward in doctor mode – and now you need to be quiet and get in the dress. You can talk about it after the wedding, and in fact see her at the house during the reception. So shush!"
We all started laughing at Alice. She could be so high strung. She was talking like an old typewriter – tap, tap, tap, all in a row.
It was quite a mission getting Leah in the dress; Alice barking orders about being careful with Leah's hair and make up, while we were awkwardly trying to slip it on. Once the dress slipped over her head, Alice set about lacing up the back bodice. Esme started fussing around the bottom of the dress, making sure to fluff out the tulle under the satin material. Leah was looking at herself in the mirror and I came over to place a cool hand on her shoulder.
"I'm so nervous," Leah muttered to me, making sure she didn't touch the wedding dress.
Alice had been very specific. Once the dress was on, no one but Alice and maybe Esme was to touch it, not even Leah.
"As long as you don't barf on me," I retorted, a smile coming to my face and Leah let out a laugh, relaxing slightly.
"Or my shoes," Alice chimed in from somewhere behind Leah and that set us both off into a laughing fit, much to Alice's annoyance, "Hey stop laughing."
Once Leah was laced into her dress, Alice slid on her veil and Leah stepped into her shoes.
I felt proud when I saw her finally ready for her wedding. Her hair was pulled up and back, piled onto her head, with a tiara topping it off. Her veil was long, covering her face, with teardrop beads on four points that would glint in the sun. Her make up was simple; her cheeks flushed red with excitement and nerves. Her dress was a masterpiece. It was pure white; a tight bodice enhancing her shapely figure, the bodice was decorated with tiny beads. From the waist the skirt puffed out and reached the ground, with clutters of beads sporadically located on the skirt.
"Is something wrong with my dress?" Leah asked me quizzically, her body tense and I realized that I had just been staring at her.
"No Leah, you look perfect, absolutely perfect," I assured her, feeling a pride for someone who had become so dear to me. I wanted the best for Leah and her life with Jacob. It made me feel overwhelmingly joyful inside.
"Jacob Wolf won't be able to keep his hands off you," Alice told her winking rather lewdly.
I couldn't believe she still called him that name.
Leah relaxed fanning her face with her hand. "Woo, this gets hot waiting like this. I'm getting all goosebumpy, like I'm cold, but I'm hot."
"Just don't pass out" Alice told her, "You'll mess up the hair."
Leah and I snickered and rolled our eyes again. I continued laughing; shaking my head then headed to the tent entry and poked my head out to see how everything was going. The red carpet started directly from our tent, leading towards the end of the cliff where Carlisle was waiting to preside over the ceremony. Carlisle was also an official celebrant.
I could see Jacob standing at the end of the red carpet pacing nervously. Seth, as Best Man, was standing next to him, patting him on the back trying to comfort him.
From here I could hear Seth whispering for Jacob to relax and not be nervous, that everything would be okay.
Embry was standing with them adding words of comfort here and there. Quil, the pedophile wolf, was holding his toddler imprint and talking to Emily and Sam. I'd never accept this imprinting thing when I saw visions like this. Watching the little girl, however, made my thoughts travel back to Melanie. I hoped she was alright.
The other members of Sam's pack were standing around uncomfortably, all talking and I listened. They spoke over the vampires that had been killed. Two wolves were still on patrol just in case. I had forgotten about that briefly, so upset over Melanie and excited about the wedding. And then there were the remarks, which made me want to throw them all out. Remarks of how Leah's wedding party smelled of bloodsuckers. I felt the anger growing within me not so much regarding us, but because it was an affront to Leah and her choices.
I shook my head. This was Leah's special day – not theirs.
"Is she ready?" Sue asked me, pulling my thoughts back to the wedding.
I nodded pulling aside the flap to let her in. "Hello Sue, come in."
Sue made the standard mother squealing upon seeing her daughter. "Oh my, look how beautiful my little girl is!" Sue was beside herself with pride and joy, a tear even slipping at the corner of her eye.
"Oh mom," Leah kissed her mother's cheek, "please, doesn't make me cry."
"I won't." Sue wiped at her eyes quickly. "Oh dear – but you are so beautiful."
Leah was beaming.
I peered out of the tent again, spotting Charlie sitting awkwardly on the groom's guest side with Billy Black beside him. I then searched, hoping for a glimpse of my handsome husband when a large hand tugged me from the tent and dragged me around behind it.
"Have I told you how ravishing you look?" Emmett queried, a hungry smile on his face and I pouted coyly, playing along with his game.
"Not today."
Emmett pulled me close and ran a cool hand down my cheek, "how negligent of me," before kissing me gently on the lips. Weddings were always reminders of how blessed I was to have such a sweet man as my husband.
Someone cleared their throat behind us and we pulled apart to see Alice standing there with her arms folded across her chest.
"I can't leave you two alone anywhere can I?" Alice quipped shaking her head at us and Emmett chuckled and kissed my cheek briefly then he ran off towards Jasper who was sitting on the bride's side at the back. He looked so stiff sitting there amongst all these wolf and human smells - poor Jasper. I did wonder where Bella was. I didn't see her at all.
"Where did you go?" Leah asked as soon as I stepped into the tent but before I could answer her Alice was butting into the conversation.
"I found her canoodling with Emmett behind the tent."
"Rose, you little vixen," Leah winked at me and I laughed.
"Okay Leah, are you ready?" Esme asked and Leah took a deep breath.
"Yes, I'm ready – as ready as I'll ever be."
The music began and the flap to the tent was pulled open by Emmett. It was his only job of the day. Esme went first with her posy bouquet of lilies and orchids, drifting down the aisle elegantly smiling graciously at everyone. Esme had been overjoyed when Leah had asked her to be a bridesmaid, this was the first time for her, whenever any of us got married she always had to play the role of mother of the bride or groom.
Leah had picked our bridesmaids dresses; they were a simple design, yellow, strapless with a full skirt that stopped mid calf, looking bright and sunny, hopeful like this day for Leah.
Alice hugged Leah and then me, before she began her walk, bouncing down the aisle excitedly. Then it was just me and Leah left.
"I'm so nervous," Leah took my hand whispering to me and I hugged her tightly, or as tightly as I could with out messing up her dress.
"Enjoy yourself, this day will go so fast, just enjoy every moment," I advised her wisely and Leah nodded, tears trying to fill her eyes, but she was able to hold them back.
My time came, and I gave her one last encouraging squeeze at her forearm, sure not to squeeze too hard, before heading out of the tent beginning my walk down the aisle. I smiled at Emmett as I passed him in the doorway and he blew me a kiss. That's when I saw Bella, sitting beside Jasper - odd how I hadn't seen her before. I felt badly Edward was babysitting my responsibility and not beside his wife, but Bella looked to be helping Jasper out as they both watched, smiling.
I turned to look ahead of me and saw Jacob staring down the carpet at me. Well not at me as such, but at the vision of loveliness that I knew was behind me waiting for her moment to shine. I reached my spot at the end of the carpet and turned my chest tight with anticipation.
Leah stepped out from the tent a wide smile across her face - but her eyes were focused only on Jacob. Sue was besides her, holding onto her arm. Since Leah's father died of a heart attack, Leah had asked her mother to walk her down the aisle and give her away. Sue had been so proud.
As Leah began her walk down the aisle I turned to look at Jacob. All he saw was Leah, you could tell by the look in his eyes. His gaze was like a torrent of light was being held back, his smile so wide and eyes beamed with such joy. All that he waited for, anticipated, headed down the aisle toward him. He was finally marrying the woman meant for him, Leah Clearwater, today – a day fraught with circumstances trying to bring this moment to ruin.
When Leah finally reached him, Jacob leant over to kiss Sue on the cheek before taking Leah's hand delicately and the two stood side by side facing Carlisle.
The ceremony began: throughout Jacob and Leah shared furtive, nearly shy glances. Leah looked up at him through her veil, and Jacob stared down at her adoringly.
"Now for the vows, Jacob please take the ring," Carlisle encouraged Jacob.
Seth came forward and handed Leah's ring to Jacob who took it, his hand shaking. They turned to face each other, smiling, as Jacob gently held her hand.
"Jacob repeat after me, I Jacob Black," Carlisle intoned and Jacob's voice shook a little, but became stronger as he continued repeating his vows.
"I Jacob Black, take thee Leah Clearwater, to be my beloved wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, before our family and friends this is my solemn vow." He grinned, his teeth brightly spreading his smile so wide. He whispered, "I really meant that too."
He made Leah snicker lightly.
Jacob then slid the ring onto Leah's finger gently, kissing her hand once the task was completed.
"Our love shall be unending, as this ring," Jacob finished smiling and Leah sniffed under her veil, moved to tears. I knew if I could cry, I would be a blubbering mess.
"Okay Leah, it's your turn," Carlisle said turning to her and Leah took the ring from my hand and held onto Jacob's hand tightly.
She repeated the same words Jacob had said to her moments before, her voice choked with emotion. Then she slid the ring onto his finger.
"Our love shall be unending, as this ring."
And then came the moment we were all waiting for.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Jacob leant forward, taking Leah's face delicately between his two large hands and kissed her, while there were cheers and whoops from all the guests. Their kiss didn't seem to want to end. Seth started coughing, hoping they would get the point and Jacob and Leah broke apart laughing, both of them blushing.
"All right everyone, please welcome for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Black."
There was more cheering and rose petals thrown as Jacob and Leah clasped hands and started to move back down the aisle, smiles on both their faces that they couldn't wipe away. I met up with Seth in the front of the altar and he offered me his arm which I took as we followed Jacob and Leah back down the carpet. They hadn't made it very far, stopped by well wishers on their way who were hugging and kissing them, passing on their congratulations. Leah was being engulfed in a hug from Billy Black who had tears in his eyes and Jacob was laughing, not relinquishing Leah's hand.
"Jacob, Leah!" a familiar voice called out from the end of the red carpet, and I peered around Jacob and Leah to see Bella and Edward standing there smiling. Bella and Edward approached them hands clasped.
"We hoped we would be in time for the wedding, congratulations," Bella greeted them eagerly, happy for them. Edward had a pleasant smile on his face.
I was ready to rip off someone's head. In my mind I was practically yelling at Edward for leaving Melanie. Edward looked to me and quietly, "Emmett took my place immediately so I could join my wife to greet Mr. and Mrs. Black."
I was relieved. His head was safe for now. Edward snickered, still eavesdropping on my thoughts.
"Thanks Bells," Jacob reached over to ruffle Bella's hair while keeping an eye on Leah making sure she was okay. Leah smiled, too happy to really care. She needn't have worried; Jacob Black was hers for good now.
"I'm glad you could make it," Leah finally spoke up and to my surprise, as well as Jacob's and Bella's, she leant over and hugged Edward. Jacob's mouth dropped open in shock. Leah then pulled away and leant over to hug Bella too. Edward gave a small smirk when he saw the look on Jacob's face.
I knew this was an auspicious occasion now that Leah hugged two people I would have never in a million years expected. Bella and Edward moved aside so that Leah and Jacob could be accosted by a squealing Rachel, Jacob's sister, and her sullen, oaf of a husband.
Alice and Embry came up behind us having waited their allotted time before walking back down the aisle and Alice was not impressed that there was a pile up.
"What's the hold up?" Alice demanded from behind me and I shushed her, pulling her aside.
"Let Leah and Jacob take all the time they want. This is their day, the day they will remember for the rest of their lives."
"Ahhhh," Alice swooned, peeking around and leaning her chin on my shoulder, "you're so right. They're such a lovely couple, aren't they?"
I nodded in agreement.
We stood there, watching Leah with a smile brighter than I'd ever seen on her face since the moment I first met her, and she stood timidly at my greenhouse in a ratty little dress. I was so very happy for my dear friend…, Mrs. Leah Black. She deserved this joyous day.
A/N
Again, thanks so much to X5-452 for writing the wedding scene. She did a great job. : ) I had to tweak it a bit because I added Melanie, and made Edward a babysitter, and then we had that wolf battle and such.
I hope you enjoyed Leah finally getting married to Jacob. I bet you thought it would never happen. Anyway, I look forward to the REVIEWS and comments. ; )
Next chapter, I think, is the reception and how the wolves handle seeing Melanie. And then what Edward found out while looking into a sleeping little Melanie's head.