Disclaimer: See earlier chapters. The songs in this chapter are mentioned (artist and name) when they come up, and they don't belong to me, obviously. I suggest listening to the songs that have their lyrics posted here, or all of them if you'd like. My personal favorites are the ones used for J/B's First Dance and Bella/Charlie's father-daughter dance, as well as the Mother/Groom dance (which is heartbreaking and the song fits the mood)
(A/N: Thanks to LoveEverlastingFadesAway for being my 1,300th review! Thanks to: SweetLilB, 7melifuous7 (?), ForeverDreamland, Jacobzlover, MissMeliss09, and I'llBeWaitingInTheWings- some of the songs you rec'd ages ago are in this chapter. Don't know if any of you are still reading, but figured I'd put a thanks anyways. Also, I normally reply to every review, so I apologize to the most recent reviewers- I didn't respond to you because I rarely sign in anymore, but I will definitely for this chapter. All graphics for this chapter can be found in my JB-n-Pack group for this story and my photo bucket account, as well as a playlist for the songs in this chapter (some of the videos have been deleted by YouTube's ridiculously stupid copyright laws, so you'll have to search for them). All linked in my profile.)
(Also, feel free to follow me on my Tumblr, linked in my profile. It's a graphics/picture site and my absolute favorite site at the moment. There is nothing Twilight related on that Tumblr. I mainly post Glee and Harry Potter stuff, as well as other random things. Check it out and follow if you're interested. It's extremely addicting though, so fair warning! =))
(Serious A/N: I want to offer ya'll the deepest of apologies for not updating this story for nearly a year. I swore I would finish it, and I will, I just have not had any time or inspiration and that's the truth. I haven't had a break from school since December, and I had 6 week, very intensive, college courses for the summer, and now I'm back in school again. I also did a lot of traveling this summer. I'm also hoping to get a job soon because I'm broke, and that will further limit my free time. I care deeply about this story and my readers despite the fact that I have absolutely no interest in the Twilight fandom anymore. Like, none, zilch, zip, nada. But here is the next chapter…and I apologize again for the wait, since it's been nearly a year since the last update. I feel horrible for not updating for as long as I did, but I hope ya'll understand. I actually had to re-read the story to get the flow of my writing back, and I edited it while doing so, and that took weeks. Two more chapters left after this one, and then Never Too Late is done. And I swear this story will be completed no later than December, because I am so tired of writing it, and I just want to be done with it.)
(Now, without further delay I give you the rather emotional, hilarious reception scene, which is needed after all this stupid Breaking Dawn stuff coming out. Yuck. Also, this chapter is long so I hope that makes up for the wait. The first part of this chapter is in 3rd person POV. It'll throw some of you off, but I need to use it to describe how everything looks. You'll also notice my writing style has changed…this is as a result of another fic I've been working on for another fandom (Glee) and I like it much better than how I've normally been writing this story.)
Chapter 35: Fate
The reception was going to take place back at the house they'd rented out for the occasion, on the porch. As the guests spill in, the bridal party poses for ridiculous and serious pictures along the shore.
The reception is a breathtaking piece of work and there's nothing that anyone has thought has looked more beautiful. Jacob and Bella deserve this more than anyone. Their happiness has literally been the only thing that has mattered to the guests for as long as they can remember now.
The guests take in their surroundings as they walk onto the porch to the gentle sound of The Vitamin String Quartet's instrumental version of the heart-tugging hit by Oasis, 'Wonderwall.'
Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me.
There are round tables spread throughout the porch, and a rectangular table for the bride, groom, and their parents (and step-parent). All are draped with a black fabric, the candles on the table are lit and they cast a golden glow over the tables and throughout the porch to go along with the color scheme of gold and cream. Kyle is rapidly placing silver utensils along with square, white plates at each table setting, Seth following behind him to add glasses and napkins.
Kyle's weary because, well, Seth is occasionally clumsy and there are candles everywhere. He's watching his every move with a perfectly shaped eyebrow. Seth's slightly intimidated.
There's an open area void of tables, that is slightly elevated for the dancing that will soon take place.
'Wonderwall' switches to Shania Twain's wonderful voice singing 'From This Moment On.' Seth and Kyle immediately lead the guests to their seats, smiling, offering a friendly greeting and the occasional hug or handshake.
The buffet has tons of covered food that will soon be uncovered for dinner late when Kyle takes his place behind the buffet to offer any assistance later. Candles line the table, the same ones that sit at the center of every table for the guests- tiny candles set in glass containers surrounded by clear pebbles. White and cream-colored roses sit beside the candles. It's all flawlessly organized and everyone is proud of the handiwork.
The most spectacular aspect of the reception area is the several strings of lights that line the ceiling. The sun will go down completely soon and night will fall, and it will be beautiful. It's somewhat dark because the porch openings have been covered, the only difference being the entrance where the fabric is able to be pushed aside as guests walk in.
Kyle manages to escape and brings out the cake, since the wedding party will be here in minutes. Its four layers- the top being an arrangement of frosting shaped in flowers and pearls. Beads and a few flowers, all made of icing, line the other layers and Kyle feels it's their best work yet. Anything for Bella (and Jacob, but for Bella's three roommates, or ex-roommates actually, since she's married, Bella's at the forefront of their minds).
Moments later the parents are seated and Mims 'This Is Why I'm Hot' begins to play as the groom's party makes their grand entrance. The guys are ecstatic to be able to loosen up because the stress of the wedding is gone, and they clearly show how relieved they are as they dance and strut in. Cameras are flashing and the crowd is cheering and laughing, thoroughly entertained. Quil even manages to pop-drop-and-lock-it right in front of Jacob, who's seated on a chair in the middle of the dance floor. Embry poses for the camera as the song continues to play. Jacob, who decided to strut in and pop his collar before his two best friends is red-faced with laughter. Even Sam is hamming it up for the crowd.
The music bleeds into the familiar opening chords of 'Crazy In Love' by Beyonce, and the many bridesmaids make their way in, smiling and showing off some sexy, and somewhat fantastic, dance moves. They stop in front of the boys, who are outnumbered, and drop to the floor or shake their asses with cheesy grins on their faces. The guys pretend they aren't interested, crossing their arms, looking to the side.
Bella skips in soon after, twirling around and the crowd stands and cheers for her entrance, some whistles thrown in. She's smiling wide and glowing and the boys have their eyes locked on her, unable to look away. She prances over to Jacob and pulls him to his feet as they dance to the ending of the song, Jacob shaking his hips alongside her, not ashamed of how ridiculous he must look. Regardless, he can't keep his eyes off of her. As the song ends he dips her and kisses her, both smiling, and the cheers and clapping have never been so loud.
(Bella's POV)
I was on a constant high. I was married to Jacob, pregnant with our kid (and struggling to hide that fact), and breathless and full of adrenaline from our attention-grabbing wedding entrance. Jacob and I weren't kidding when we said we planned to break traditions.
I was just so happy as Jacob kept a hold on me while we greeted several of our guests.
Moments later, we were seated. Several champagne bottles were brought out from the kitchen and popped open at each table, including ours, in preparation for the wedding toasts and speeches.
I briefly asked the server, an assistant Kyle has brought in, for a bottle of sparkling cider instead when Jacob was distracted and talking to his father beside him.
I'd caught Kyle and this unnamed server making out a few days ago, so Kyle had quite the influence over him. I didn't know how he managed to find these men, but the slim, blond haired, angelic looking, slightly younger male was another new one he'd stumbled across.
My mother was beside me, eying me suspiciously.
Great. I blushed. Caught.
She raised an eyebrow. "Honey, you're not drinking today?"
I'd been practicing responses to that question since this morning. I'd had my moments of being a good liar. "Mom, it's my wedding. And we all know once I start drinking, I don't stop. I'd rather not be drunk today and make a fool of myself, forgetting everything, only to have it come rushing back for me the moment I wake up in the morning, on my honeymoon, with a massive hangover."
That should do the trick.
She gaped at me. "Okay." She turned back to her glass. I gave her a reassuring smile.
Jacob laughed beside me. "You should have stopped talking after 'I don't stop.' Why the long explanation?"
I blushed, kissing him softly, because I could, because we were together. "I ramble. You know that."
"Na, you just want to be awake tonight. I can't have you passing out on me after we get back home…" He winked suggestively.
I laughed loudly. "I hate you sometimes."
"Same here," he teased.
"But, I love you more."
"Same here." He leaned in to kiss me briefly, smiling.
'Blame It On the Alcohol' by Jamie Foxx interrupted our "love fest" and a loud clink of a fork against a glass erupted from a table.
Embry was about to make the first toast of the night as the remaining few filled their glasses. "Okay, okay, calm down, calm down." The murmurs died down until it was mostly silent. Autumn, beside Embry, pushed him forward so he was front and center on the dance floor, which the bride and groom table was behind. He stood so his back wasn't to us or the other guests, so he was standing sideways. "So, we all know why we're here today…" Cheers. "Although," he chuckled, "We could have gotten this over with about five or so years ago if someone…" His eyes zeroed in on me. "…didn't leave. But, you know how girls are…"
"What?" I laughed, amused and slightly annoyed. 'Blame It' was a low hum in the background. Jacob thought it would be hilarious if we played that song during the toasts, but would cut it off once the parents spoke though, by request. Not to mention the song would be over in like three minutes anyway. "Now, I'm Jake's best friend, as you all know." He puffed his chest out. "Best man, folks. And I'm going to make this interesting." He glared at the guys, who were laughing. He continued, walking back and forth. "Thing is, Jake's annoying and he's kind of an asshole, at times." Jacob flicked him off. "I mean, seriously." He walked over to Jacob. "He can be a jerk. He's gonna punch me in the face for saying that." He turned to the crowd. "But, the thing is, also, that Jake…he's one of the best guys I know. He is the best guy I know."
I heard a collective "awww" from the girls and my mother beside me.
"And I'm not just saying that because we're good friends. It's the truth. He went through a lot the past few years and I just can't understand how he made it through. And I can't say that I could honestly be that strong."
Jake smiled softly. I felt tears begin to form in my eyes.
"But he did because he's strong." He faced Jacob briefly, before turning back to the others." And respect in our culture goes beyond what a lot of you would suspect. I don't have a choice but to respect Jake, but I would even if I was given an option." He paused and I could hear some sniffles. "But, enough with the sappiness! Gross." He gagged. "Jake's a wild child, like, he is. Not so much like my buddy Quil," he clapped Quil's back, hard. "But he can get crazy. Get him drunk and you'll be laughing your fucking ass off…uh, pardon me…your freaking butt off. Cover the kids ears, parents. Anyways, I'm not going to go into all the hilarious, wild stories I can tell you about my buddy, Jake because," he faced Autumn, who was smiling, "My beautiful, perfect girlfriend is next and she's really good at this speech thing. Autumn's gonna rant and rave about Bella, but I do want to toast the couple…" He faced us. "…that's been in the making for a long time now and has finally, freaking finally, reached this point after all the crap…" He turned his head to the right. "Yes, Emily, I'm aware there are kids here." He chuckled. "Anyways, after all the crap they've been through to get to this moment." He raised his glass and we all followed suit. "To Jacob and Bella."
As Embry sat down, Autumn stood proudly, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder. "Contrary to popular belief, I've known Bella far before she even moved here. I knew her before everything is a good way to put it." I always loved hearing Autumn talk. She had such a smooth, rich voice and every time she speaks I hang on to her every word. I could never properly describe it, but it always calmed me.
"Now, Bella means the world to me, something I'm sure most of you understand." She turned to me. "I would literally put my life on the line for her if the situation called for it." And she did when she faced off with the Volturi. "But Bella…" She faced the others. "There were days when I wanted to push her off a cliff, no pun intended." Jacob was struggling to not laugh. For some reason the cliff jumping instance was…humorous now. I mean, look how far we came from that? Why not, right? "Like, really…there was a point in her life that I probably wouldn't have been able to stand her." Like, when I was with Edward? Always honest, Autumn was, although she wasn't here for that. Knowing her, she probably just knew, not to mention her relationship with Embry and his connection to the Pack.
Shoot, I didn't like who I was with Edward. It sickens me now realizing how he was all that mattered and how I fell in love with him so fast and how I was willing to die because I'd lost him. I don't even recognize the person I was then.
"But, she's different now. She's stronger, a better person. She grew up." Take the words right out of my mouth, Autumn. "Now, I'm breaking the rules by saying this, but…" She trailed off. "While I was hot and cold with Bella, Jacob and I have always been at each other's throats." Jacob playfully scowled at her. "No seriously, Jake and I are so much alike that we find ourselves occasionally screaming at each other. I've fought with Jacob more than anyone in this room has fought with him, except Bella. But, that's a long story…" She let out a long sigh. "As we're all aware."
She began to wander around more, becoming animated. "I know Bella loves Jacob and I know he loves her. I've known without a doubt even when she left. It…their belief in their feelings for each other would frequently waver, but I never had a single shred of doubt that they were destined to be 'endgame.' I never…she was with that 'other guy' and I came into her life again at the most inopportune moment, when she realized Jacob was the one for her." She met my eyes, briefly. "She's going to hate me for saying this, but she showed up at my doorstop after she ran away from the wedding with him, and she was dirty, wet, and still in her wedding dress. Everything she thought she wanted, she…didn't." I swallowed and Jacob squeezed my hand.
"Jacob and Bella are two different people. Jacob grew up too fast, and Bella grew up too slow, but it all worked out in the end, despite everything. Their breakup was…dreadful and out of nowhere. I don't think any of us could understand how these two people that were so in love, and I remember clearly how happy Bella was and still is with him…how that could fall apart in just one moment. And, apart…of course it was horrible. Bella once told me she cried herself to sleep every night and Jacob…Jacob was always the stronger one, but you all could tell he was hurting. Bella grew up in college, determining she could be without him…both could move on and they could be with other people, but they didn't want anyone else. And, now we're here and everything is perfect, and it took so long to get here, but here we are. Here they are, about to start their life together." She brushed her hair back, smiling. "Bella is the cutest thing around him, seriously. It's…I don't have words."
So, first she makes a touching speech that brings tears to everyone's eyes for sure, and then she decides to lighten the mood. I really did love this girl.
"I found this quote the other day that kind of describes the 'Bella that-is-in-love-with-Jacob-and-is-now-married-to-him." Laughter. "It defines love as a 'wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens to brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise, and lips to pucker.' I think all of us girls in love can relate to that, am I right?" There were giggles of agreement and applause. I blush and laugh with her, leaning my head against Jacob's shoulder, tightly grasping his hand. Autumn eyes me teasingly and says, "Either that or your pregnant!" I tensed, thankful Jacob hadn't noticed and was laughing with Autumn and the others at the look on Charlie's face. Oh shit. "But, I'm going with the being in love reason at the moment." She grinned widely. "Now, I've been long-winded, so it's time to let the 'rents talk. But before that, I'd like to ask Chimera, Julius and Embry to join me. We have a very special gift for the bride and groom." She smirked and winked at me and Jacob. The three others joined her, Embry next to her, Chimera on the other side with Julius beside Chimera.
Chimera took over. "So, most of you know me as the 'ex,' but that doesn't even matter now. It never did, but you know…Anyways, I came up with this idea for Jacob and Bella and wanted to carry it out. Julius and I were given money after our parents died. They left us with a lot and I don't know Jacob and Bella that well, but I just feel like I owed them something. The story's more complicated than that, but…" She waved her hand dismissively. She had stage fright. Chimera didn't speak well in front of people. I'd never noticed this. "Whatever. Anyways…Julius told me about this secret place nearby that he stumbled upon one day. So, we talked to Embry and Autumn and came up with this gift, something Bella and Jacob would both appreciate." I was shocked, but I smiled, flattered.
Embry was next. "It's tradition that the couple goes on a honeymoon."
Julius smiled after my gasp and Jake's mouth dropping open. "Because apparently neither one of them even thought of where they would have their honeymoon."
"I swear," Jake said. "If you guys booked us a fancy cabin somewhere…" I wanted to agree with him. I almost did, but Autumn interrupted.
"Homies, you're both getting the best we can come up with." She glanced back and forth between us.
Chimera cut in. "You both deserve the best. You deserve everything."
"B-But," I began.
"Cut it," Autumn snapped her fingers and pointed at me. I shut my mouth instinctively.
"We booked you a fancy room at a brand new mountain resort up the road from here," Julius stated. "It's secluded and beautiful. You'll love it."
Chimera smiled at her brother before facing us again. "It's a bit of a drive, but it's worth it."
Autumn clapped her hands together excitedly. "The view is to die for."
I couldn't speak. Jake was at a loss of words as well.
"A thank you would be sufficient," Embry teased. He handed us a packet of directions and reservations. I launched myself into Embry's arms before pulling away to hug the other three, even Julius. Seriously, Jake and I had hardly thought about where we'd have our honeymoon. We just wanted to be together, but this…this was still wonderful. "Thank you!" Jake thanked each of them as well, whispering something in Chimera's ear that made her laugh loudly and say something to Autumn that made her blush and smack him. "Thank you, really," Jacob smiled and we took our seats.
Autumn returned to the center of the dance floor. "Now, it's time to break out the tissues. The parents are next and you all will get emotional if you aren't already." I was already crying. This was too much! Things were so perfect. It felt unreal.
Autumn sniffled and wiped her eyes. "Renee has declined to speak because she's already a mess." She smiled at my mom, who was red-faced and wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, waving weakly at everyone. I clutched at my heart, feeling that heavy weight in my chest. I wanted to cry. Jacob stroked my hand to soothe me.
Charlie took over as Autumn sat beside Embry, who wrapped her in his arms. "So, I'm not…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not very good at this, which is a shame, but I'm gonna do it anyways, and I'm going to try and keep it short," Charlie chuckled and he looked adorably embarrassed. 'Butterfly Kisses' by Bob Carlisle played silently in the background and my eyes blurred with tears. "So, Bella's my one and only daughter, she's my only kid, actually. And I was blessed, or maybe not so blessed, to be able to be a parent to her when she moved to Forks years ago. It wasn't always easy, and I felt like sometimes I wasn't doing my job of being a father right." I opened my mouth to object but my father silenced me with a smile and a tilt of his head. "She took care of me more than I took care of her. I tried hard to be that perfect father I thought she wanted me to be, but for a while it felt like a failure. I didn't know what was going on in her life, and I didn't know that Edward kid very well, and yeah I favored Jacob, always have because I love the kid, but I tried my best. When she disappeared after the almost-wedding, as we've all taken to calling in, I was heartbroken. Bella came back though, with Jacob, and she looked better than ever. She was happy and we got a chance to get closer. And then she disappeared again, and I was…I didn't know what to think. But she came back, again, finally and we're here now. And I feel like I finally did things right for her. I feel like I have raised her right and I couldn't be happier. She's always going to be my baby girl, but I can't be the number one man in her life anymore." Our eyes met. I was silently crying and he was on the verge of tears. I could see pools of them forming in his eyes. "But, I couldn't be prouder to give her away to Jacob. They've always been perfect for each other, and…" He raised his glass and faced us. "I'm gonna stop now and just tell you both how happy I am, how grateful I am that you two found each other, and Bells, sweetie…" He caught my gaze and I smiled, sadly. "I love you."
Charlie silently took his seat and Billy rolled forward. "I'm a man of few words, so I'm gonna keep this to the point. I'm happy for these two. Jacob, son, I love you, you couldn't have made a better choice for a wife." Jacob nodded to his father and returned his smile. Billy faced me as I was vigorously wiping my eyes. "And Bella, I've always considered you a part of the family, so even if you are my daughter-in-law officially now, you have been for a while, in my heart." He rolled over to me and squeezed my outstretched hand before rolling back to face his son. "And Jacob, my boy, you're mother would be very happy right now if she was still here. In fact, she is here. I feel her, you feel her, and she's never going to be gone from our hearts or our minds."
Jacob's lips quivered as he fought back tears. There wasn't a singly dry eye in the room at this point.
Billy called up Charlie and Renee to join him, as well as Jacob and I. My husband clutched my hand as we stood between them. I noticed there was something covered behind us, and my curiosity started to grow. Rachel and Rebecca, hand-in-hand, joined us.
Billy continued. "So, Charlie, Renee, and I got together, with my girls, to make a little something for the bride and groom. We got some 'professional' help to organize it…" He quickly glanced at my girls, who giggled. "But, the idea originated with us. Seth and Kyle, if you may?"
The two men removed the blanket over…a picture frame. I cupped my mouth in shock and Jake's eyes widened in surprise. Before us was a wall sized collage. One side featured Jacob's parents- a beautiful shot of a very attractive, young Billy with a breathtakingly beautiful Sarah Black, surrounded by pictures of them with Rachel, Rebecca, and Jacob, together, separated, throughout their life. God, Sarah was stunning. On the other side was a shot of my parents, my awkward looking, yet rather cute father and my adorable mother, right after their high school graduation. Pictures of me and them, and some of Phil thrown in there too, surrounded that one big picture.
Dead center was dozens of pictures of Jacob and me through the years, taking up more space than the photos of our parents. There were photos of us when we were toddlers, young children, teenagers, several more recent ones of us together and laughing and in love.
A quote wrapped around the outer edge of the collage. "Sometimes the person you've been searching for is right in front of you; you were just looking too far." It described Jacob and me perfectly.
Jacob and I spent minutes admiring every part of the collage, holding tightly onto each other before swooping our family, our family, into a big hug.
Moments later we settled down to the delicious feast prepared for us and everyone settled into easy, happy chatter. 'Far Away' by Nickelback and 'You and Me' by Lifehouse played throughout the meal. It didn't take long to finish, because everyone was starving and before we know it, Jacob and I are yanked to our feet to cut the cake, followed by the taunts of our friends. 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' by Def Leppard plays. The boys are already head-banging and Jacob and I kneel over with laughter, before focusing on the cake.
I position my hand on the knife as he stands behind me, hand wrapped around my waist, leaning over my shoulder to place his hand over mine as we cut the cake for photos.
I'm jittery with excitement as we cut the first slice, laughing at the obnoxious comments and laugher of our friends and family. Jake and I each take a slice as the chorus begins, with the boys and my girls singing along. We lace our hands and arms together in position to feed each other. I meet his eyes, light with laughter, and find myself blushing and giggling as well. There's a glint in his eyes and he shoves the cake against my mouth rubbing it all over my face. I instantly reacted, smearing it across his face. Before we know it we're engaged in a mini-cake fight with our friends and there's a huge chunk of the cake missing…and it isn't such a pretty cake anymore.
I fall to the floor in laughter tugging Jake with me as Renee and Rebecca force us to stay still, even though we're shaking with laughter, so they can clean us up.
I'm laugh so hard my abdomen starts to cramp up and I notice the others have helped themselves to cake and are dancing around, balancing their plates on their hands, feet and head. Jacob pulls me to my feet once we're clean, and my smile is so wide my face hurts as we dance hysterically with our friends.
Jacob lifts me up and carries me to a chair positioned in the center of the dance floor. It's garter toss time, and I have no idea what he has up his sleeve. He's grinning at me wickedly as he marches off the dance floor and motions to the DJ. Our guests have gathered, giddy with laughter and the happiness in the air.
'Man, I Feel Like a Woman!' by Shania Twain begins to play. I bury my face in my hands to hide my blush as Jacob rolls up his sleeves, removes his jacket, and stalks toward me, circling the chair before falling to his knees and grabbing my waist when the chorus starts, dragging me so I'm almost lying flat in the chair. I lean up slightly as he smirks, lifting my dress up to get to his destination which is the frilly garter high up on my thigh.
I let out a yelp when his head disappears under the dress. The guys catcall and I can hear Autumn shout 'Ow! Woooo!'
Jacob places a kiss under my knee, where I'm most ticklish, causing me to thrash and giggle, almost violently. His teeth latch onto the garter, which he found far too quickly and he emerges, victorious, the thin fabric between his teeth, before launching it into the crowd of guys to the side of the dance floor. Seth catches it without wanting to and the guys pat him on the back, teasing him mercilessly. His eyes are wide and he stalks off.
Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' begins to play. I leapt into Jake's arms to kiss him quickly, but passionately, and he sways back a bit. I laugh loudly before grabbing my bouquet and climbing onto the chair as my girls run to stand behind me, squealing, and pushing each other around, giggling. We shake our hips for a bit, singing the lyrics of the chorus before I throw the bouquet over my shoulder as they practically crawl on top of each other to get to it. Brooke shrieks as she catches it and blushes madly after a quick glance at Seth
Well, we know who's next in line to be married, and it's the cutest fucking thing ever.
I jump down, and Autumn twirls me around once before they leave the dance floor. Leaving me alone.
Jake meets my eye. It's time for our first dance. He approaches me. But I hold up a hand to stop him. Charlie whistles to grab everyone's attention and to quiet them down. The beautiful sound of the opening of Elisa's 'Dancing' begins to play as Jacob reaches out his hand and asks, "Mrs. Black, may I have his dance?" I smile, blushing, before taking his hand, nodding and breathlessly saying, "Yes, yes you may."
He leads me to the center of the dance floor, our eyes locked on each other. My heart is swelling. It's dark, there's nothing but candlelight and the lights overheard and I'm so in love I can feel the warmth flowing through my veins.
Time is gonna take my mind
And carry it far away where I can fly
The depth of life will dim my temptation to live for you
His hand falls to my waist and mine is as far up as I can reach on him, which is his chest, as we lean in closer. It's warmth, it's happiness and I have to catch my breath.
If I were to be alone silence would rock my tears
'cause it's all about love and I know better
How life is a waving feather
We sway slowly in a circle, his fingers caressing my waist, the lightest touch. This song defines us. Our love for each other. The fact that I was and always will be his. And he'll be mine. How our life together is just a fleeting second in the history of the world, and to miss that chance would be…disaster, constant sadness, depression.
So I put my arms around you around you
And I know that I'll be leaving soon
If I had missed this chance, this moment to be with him. If I had chosen another life, if I'd chosen that other life, I wouldn't be here.
My eyes are on you they're on you
And you see that I can't stop shaking
I'm overwhelmed with emotion as I meet his eyes. He cups my face and I reach up to caress his cheek and stare into his eyes, before resting against his chest, listening to his heart beat- it's fast- as we sway around.
No, I won't step back but I'll look down to hide from your eyes
'cause what I feel is so sweet and I'm scared that even my own breath
Oh could burst it if it were a bubble
And I'd better dream if I have to struggle
This felt like a dream. I squeezed him tighter and he brushed his fingers across my back to reassure me that he was here. He felt the same way. But, this was real. And I was his, and he was mine.
So I put my arms around you around you
And I hope that I will do no wrong
My eyes are on you they're on you
And I hope that you won't hurt me
He won't. He won't ever hurt me. Not again. I won't ever hurt him again either. I'm not going anywhere. This is it. This is my forever.
I'm dancing in the room as if I was in the woods with you
No need for anything but music
Music's the reason why I know time still exists
He's the reason time still exists. And we have plenty of it.
Time still exists
Time still exists
Time still exists
I'm pressed so hard against him I can feel every line and muscle in his body. Warmth, love, it's surrounding me. I feel a wetness as he leans down and rests his head against mine.
So I just put my arms around you around you
And I hope that I will do no wrong
My eyes are on you they're on you
And I hope that you won't hurt me
My arms around you they're around you
And I hope that I will do no wrong
I look up and he's crying. He kisses me and we're both crying. It's a wet kiss. Brief, but passionate. Cheeks damp, lips quivering, body slightly shaking with this feeling…this feeling of being in love, of being together.
My eyes are on you they're on you
they're on you
My eyes
"I love you," is whispered against the top of my head.
"I love you too," I respond, gasping as a sob catches in my throat.
I feel a hand on my shoulder. Its Charlie cutting in as the music fades out. Jacob steps away, wiping his hand over his face and nods to Charlie, who takes my hand and wipes at my eyes. It's time for the father-daughter dance. I'm already a wreck, and I still have this to get through.
"Before we do this," I say loudly, so everyone can hear, eyes on Charlie, "I want to tell my dad why I agreed to this song he chose for us." He squeezes my hand. I hold my composure and continue to gaze into his eyes. "This song means so much to me. And I chose it, because, I literally almost lost my life, or attempted to take it many years ago." I feel Charlie tremble at the memory. He thinks I'm referring to the cliff-diving incident, and I am, partially. More than anything though, I was referring to when I almost married Edward. When I would've lost my life, my human life, and wouldn't be here. "And I wouldn't have come back if I had. I would've lost everything…but I've gained everything, because I made that decision not to…throw away my life like that."
Every wolf, tribe member, my girls (except Ashley and Angela, and my friends from college) knew exactly what I was referring to. Jacob knew too, of course he did, and he clutched Rachel's hand for support.
My eyes fell on my dad again and he bowed before we moved into position to dance to Steven Curtis Chapman's heartbreaking song 'Cinderella.'
She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders
Charlie's spinning me around and I smile as he even goes as far as to spin me out and then back to him.
It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you
There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
As the chorus begins we're moving around the entire dance floor. We'd practiced this, dancing before the wedding.
He used to dance with me like this when I was a kid too.
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...
Charlie's smiling at me, eyes watering, and my chest tightens. I know the implications of these lyrics. The truth of what could've been.
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
Edward and prom. Charlie and I had practiced then too. In the living room, stepping on each other's feet. It'd been the first time in a while I had genuinely laughed with my father.
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
The instrumental part rises and he's spinning me around like a pro, standing me on his feet like he did when I was toddler, as we continue to move around. I've never seen my father smile like he is now. And, the otherwise somber mood I'd been feeling because of this song brightens and I can't help but smile at him. This is my father.
She will be gone
Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
Jacob and I. We're married. I remember telling Charlie I was getting married months ago. His face, his expression, his smile. How happy he was. How proud, how euphoric. How much we giggled when we practiced this particular dance months ago.
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
Jacob cuts in and pulls me away from Charlie as we finish the song together. Because Jacob is now going to be the central man in my life.
Or he will be, until this child comes into the world.
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
There's a steady applause as we end the dance and I race to my father to hug him tightly, kissing his cheek as he grins.
I feel weary, and Autumn notices so she takes me to her seat, informing me it's the mother/groom dance, so I can rest.
The mother/groom dance which Jacob should be doing with Sarah. How was this going to work out? Jacob was seated beside me and seemed confused too.
Rachel and Rebecca were off in a corner talking to the DJ.
(Jacob's POV)
I'm not exactly sure what my psychotic sisters were up to. I'm actually downright confused.
And sad. Really fucking sad, because traditionally this moment would be the time the groom is supposed to dance with his mother and his father. I can't dance with Billy, he's in a wheelchair. And my mother…I know she's here, I can feel her, and it aches, but I can't touch her because she's gone and she's not coming back.
I remember her voice, how beautiful she was. As flattering as the picture of her behind me is it doesn't compare to how I remember her. She was angelic in appearance, flawless, like an earth goddess with her rich skin, brown eyes, long hair. I remember her scent- Sandalwood, fire, spices.
Bella, my wife, my beautiful wife senses what I'm feeling. She clasps my hand and strokes her fingers over my skin even as the familiar song plays.
It's Lee Ann Womack's 'I Hope You Dance.' My throat tightens and I can feel it- the emotion. Pure heartache, but a touch of happiness buried beneath it all as I picture my mother's face.
She used to sing this song to me all the time. She said it was my theme song.
I'm not sure what's going on, why my sister's would play this, until I see a hand stretched in front of me. It's Rachel. I'm stunned, unable to move until the song begins.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed.
I take Rachel's hand and we begin to slow dance.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
"We can pretend she's here," Rachel shakily whispers in my ear. She's crying. "You can pretend I'm her."
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
The tears are pouring from my eyes silently. I don't make a move to stop them.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin'.
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider.
The verse embodies me and Bella's relationship. My mother…she always placed emphasis on that particular set of lyrics. I catch Bella's eye and…she's crying, shaking from the force of it. But she offers me a smile, a huge smile through her tears.
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
Rebecca cuts in, mutters she's filling in for mom and dad. I catch my father's eye and he's almost sobbing. It's heartbreaking.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone.)
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
Rebecca squeezes me tightly, pulling me down to kiss my cheek, wiping away my tears as we sway some more.
Dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance.
I hope you dance...I hope you dance..
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone)
The song winds down and the dam breaks. Within seconds, I'm sobbing over my mother's death, I'm sobbing because I'm the happiest I've ever been, even if she's not here. Rachel and Rebecca are hugging me from both sides, and we're crying. Billy rolls over and we kneel down to include him in our embrace.
I feel a warm hand on my back and it's Bella. She hugs me tightly and kisses me deeply, whispering how much she loves me before she turns away to dance with Renee to Reba McEntire's 'I'll Be' for their mother-daughter dance. They giggle, cry, and talk to each other throughout the song. It hits me just how in love with Bella I am as I watch her. That she's my wife and she's the most beautiful thing I've seen. My smile reaches my eyes.
She catches me, sees that I'm staring, and grins back, and it's my cue to cut in to dance with Renee who pretends to swoon when I grip her hand.
(Bella's POV)
As my mother and Jacob finish their dance, I turn to Phil and we dance together to 'My Little Girl' by Tim McGraw. He jokes the entire time, like an old friend, and I realize I love him just as much as everyone else in my new family. He was good to me as a step-father, and he's good to my mother. I tell him that. I say I'm thankful for his presence in my life, particularly my mom's because he makes her so happy. As he pull away he kisses my cheek and lets me know in a casual way that it's okay, and it tugs at my heart strings, in a good way.
I'm back in Jacob's arms again, holding onto him tightly, my fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt at his waist. He faces the group, one arm still wrapped around my waist, both of my arms wrapped around him leaning into his side. "Before we unleash the animals within all the guests," Jake addresses everyone. "And move away from the sentimental stuff…I want to dedicate this next song to Bella."
I look up at him, surprised, and he smiles down at me. "We picked songs for each other and refused to share them till now, right?" I nodded, grinning broadly, nerves lit up with excitement. "This is mine to you." So…can I have another dance?"
I chuckle as our guests laugh and yet again Jacob and I move into a position for a slow dance.
'Everything I Do (I Do It For You)' by Bryan Adams begins to play. This is Jacob's song to me. This is the sum of how he feels about me.
I feel myself begin to tear up again. "Listen carefully," he whispers in my ear, hands on my waist. I can do nothing but nod my head several times.
Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
Fighting for me, summed up in one sentence.
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
Protecting me, regardless of what I did to him. Going out of his way to keep me safe.
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
Look into your heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all - I would sacrifice
I'm his everything. He's my everything. I smile at him, kissing him because I wanted to. I needed to.
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
The music reaches its climax and I'm unable to tear my eyes from is. He knows me, all of me, inside and out.
There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way
We can't be without each other. We can, but it's never something we want to experience again. He loves me. He's in love with me. And I'm in love with him.
Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - ya I'd die for you
Jacob pulls me close and whispers into my ear, "I know you talk about how I'm your sun but…you're my sun too." I gasp at his words, struggling to hold back my tears. "You're my light, you make me the happiest I've ever felt, and I've never wanted anyone as much as you, and I never will again." He pulls away and stares into my eyes. I'm still in a bit of shock and he kisses my lips to draw me back down from my cloud. I was floating away.
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
The song ends and Jacob is pulled away from me by 'my girls' and forced into a chair that has once again found its way to the dance floor. I'm ready to pout and throw a fit because I wanted to be near him constantly, but my lips curve into a goofy grin when 'Candy Man' by Christina Aguilera starts to play.
Its 'Dollar Dance' time, something the pack and girls all voted to have. Jake and I gave into the pressure and the Dollar Dance was kept.
Okay, I was behind this decision, we both were, and we chose our 'sexy playful' songs for each other.
The girls are dancing around him, against each other, pulling Jacob up to dance with each of them, singing the lyrics. It becomes a swing dance fest and Jacob should be dizzy with how much he's switching girls, but he's not. The dollars start coming out. Autumn tucks some into his belt. Ashley drops to the floor and tucks some bills into his shoes before being swung up gracefully by Chimera, who's just placed some in his back pockets. He's having a fantastic time even as Leah unbuttons his shirt slightly when she dances with him and shoves a handful of bills inside. He laughs, ticklish, and pulls away, struggling to pull them out but she's not having it and bats his hands away.
I'm dancing with Emily on the sidelines even as the song ends and bleeds into the next one.
The irony of the next song and my situation isn't lost to me. My cheeks are warmer than they've ever been.
50 Cent's 'Baby By Me," Jacob's song to me. And he had no idea.
Before I protest, out of nowhere, seemingly behind me, the pack boys grab both of my arms and place me in the chair. I fight the whole way, laughing, feet dragging on the floor before Embry lifts me over his shoulder and finally sets me down where he wants me. I go limp, giving up, yet laughing so hard my face hurts, especially when the boys start to break out into this rapper, ghetto stance and dance around me the same exact way. Shirts are unbuttoned, jackets are tossed, Quil's even down to his undershirt and they're singing the lyrics. Each one takes a turn tucking money into every opening in my dress, even my tightly styled hair.
I should be humiliated. The lyrics of this song…it's dirty. But my dad seems thoroughly entertained.
At the 'tongue' part Quil is bent over in front of me, bouncing up and down before he turns around quickly and pulls me to my feet into their circle. I attempt to copy their odd, arms crossed, head nodding movements but fail miserably and they end up laughing at me, but still continue to dance with me. They close in on me as the song begins to end, dancing against me, and I'm sweating and out of breath. They guide me to sit down and Ashley gives me some ice cold water as I take a much needed break.
I felt fine, just a little tired, so I was sure the baby was okay. He or she felt okay; it was like an excited flutter in my womb. Like this child knew what was going on, even if it's only been forming for a few weeks.
Jake sits beside me as our friends and his sisters took over the dance floor, mimicking the movements of the song 'Soulja Boy (Crank That).'
Jacob kisses my cheek. "You okay?" His face is flushed from exertion and bright with happiness.
"Never been better," I say, and it comes out with a puff of laughter as Kyle joins the crowd on the dance floor and impresses everyone as he breaks into these simultaneous movements with Autumn. They lead the group in the chorus of the song. He never seems to surprise me. The boys look very impressed. Kyle can be 'ghetto' is he want to.
The Electric Slide begins and Brooke and Kyle pull me and Jacob to our feet to join the dance. We're pushed front and center, with Kyle on my right and Rachel moving to Jacob's left. I've pretty much forgotten the dance, and I'm trying to meet Kyle's ridiculously suave movements (gay boys can dance, no joke). Jacob's trying to follow his sister and Chimera, who pushes him away when he backs up to far and almost collides with her.
Renee pushes between me and Kyle and dances the Electric Slide…perfectly. I look behind me to see basically the entire room is dancing. And I realize I haven't gotten a chance to talk to everyone.
My old friends from college are here. I'd almost completely forgotten.
The Cupid Shuffle starts and everyone's movements change. I glance around, finally seeing my friends I haven't seen in ages. My ex-boyfriend Jeremy is here with…his fiancé. Whoever she is (Lynn if I recall correctly the last time Jeremy and I talked on the phone) she's a gorgeous redhead with a bright smile who's giggling with Carmen and Kim at Jared, Julius, and Jeremy's movements. I sneak out as Jacob gets distracted by Rebecca trying to show him the steps. I edge along the dance floor, just taking everything in.
'Baby Got Back' plays and the dance floor clears a bit, but not by much.
Oh God, Alicia, looking foxy as ever, shaking her butt and dancing rather provocatively with Kyle and Quil on either side of her. Lindsay is in an intense, playful dance off with Emily, of all people, and Ashley who's literally attached to Tiffany, who's red hair is just as gorgeous as I remember. Ashley moves to get 'her dance on' with Paul. Rachel doesn't seem to care.
Autumn, who can dance like a pro, cuts in and finishes the song with fucking Brian!
The song bleeds into 'What Is Love?' by Haddaway and the 'adults' join their kids. Billy as well as Jake pushes him. Charlie dances with Sue, my mother with Phil and there's…head bobbing. Everyone is doing the same exact movement- standing in place and I'm tempted to laugh my ass off. They finally do more and there are so much partner-switching I'm losing track of who's with whom.
"Mrs. Black," a sexy, familiar voice whispers in my ear. I whip around and can't help but grin at Brian.
"Smooth, Brian, real smooth."
He snickers and I lean up on my tiptoes to hug him. He squeezes my arm. "You wanna meet my sexy, gorgeous wife that I'm completely smitten with?"
I fan my hand dramatically. "Why of course, good sir," I say in a fake British accent. "And I'd hope you're smitten with her, since you married her, you know."
He laughs that laugh I still remember as he tugs me to a group that features Autumn, Alicia, Lindsay, Tiffany, and some other girl, who's back is to me. I hug my three college-mates without hesitation before turning my attention to Brian after Autumn pats my back and walks away. "This is Elizabeth."
Oh. Oh wow. Whoa. Brian's wife is hot. She's extremely curvy with blue eyes, brown hair, and her waist is tiny and her boobs are enormous and she has the prettiest face I've ever seen. And fucking hell, they weren't joking when they said she looked like Carmen Electra.
She introduces herself, and she's very sweet. Sweeter than I imagined. And Brian is looking at her like a love struck puppy, like she's the only thing that matters in his world. I catch his eye and nod my approval and he flashes that devastatingly handsome, evil, mischievous smirk of his.
A pair of hands settles on my waist and I turn to see Jacob, smiling at Brian and Elizabeth, who excuse themselves as I whirl around to face him. "Yes, Mr. Black."
He smiles, and we sway around in a circle once. "Mrs. Black, the other Black's would like to invite you and your family to dance with us."
My smile faded to a look of confusion and I scrunched my nose. "Huh."
As an answer, 'We are Family' by Sister Sledge begins to play.
I double over, laughing and grin as I run out to the dance floor to join my mother, father, step-father, Billy and the twins, and Jacob follows. Arms are thrown over shoulders and we belt out the lyrics, smiling at each other, swaying back and forth. Billy manages to move with us in his wheelchair. And yeah, this song…this is my family.
The rest of the 'family' joins. The pack and their girls join in and we're clustered in a huge circle on the dance floor, dancing in place. Naira, Levi, and Claire dance in the center of the circle, in that strange, jerky, bouncy way kids do. There are smiles and laughter, hand holding, claps on backs, kisses on cheeks and it's what defines my happiness all in one spot.
I glance up at Jacob, who smiles down at me, feeling the same as the song closes. He understands why my eyes are welling with tears. He knows it's because I wanted this family, wanted his family to be mine, more than anything.
It was time to wind things down…for a moment. I take a break with Jacob to rest, and get off my feet for a while. I take a moment to appreciate the fact I agreed to not wear shows to this.
The couples have paired off for Kelly Clarkson's 'Anytime.' I crawl into Jacob's lap when he opens his arms in invitation and I snuggle against him. It's the first quiet moment we've had all day. We don't say anything to each other. We don't feel the need to. It's never really been about words between us. I'm in his arms, almost curled in a ball in his lap and my head is against him.
I do watch our friends though and my parents with a smile on my face. Kyle's even bought his 'buddy' with him to the dance floor and they're slow dancing. Is he finally going to settle his lovely promiscuous ass down? I chuckle and Jacob kisses my head.
That's when my eyes land on Chimera, with her boyfriend, who I'd met during dinner. He didn't seem like he was her type- he was barely taller than her, a head of curly hair, lanky and a pair of beautiful green eyes. I remember talking to him- he was such a dork and sweet and she looked so into him. I'd never seen her look at anyone like that, not even Jacob. And right now, they were a breadth away from each other, smiling, relaxed.
"Jake," I whisper. And I don't know what inspires me to say it, but I do. "She finally found the Jacob to her Bella."
I glance up at him and he smiles back. It's sincere, but small, and beautiful. "Yeah, she did, didn't she?"
We silently communicate our thoughts to each other with our eyes. "She finally found happiness," Jacob says in a hushed tone, barely a whisper. And I realize he's talking about us too.
He kisses me, just the smallest of pecks, and I send him my brightest smile before snuggling into his arms again.
Moments later, the atmosphere picks up again and Jacob and I are drawn to the madness on the dance floor. The boys are dancing to 'SexyBack' by Justin Timberlake, showing off for the girls who are giggling and whispering like fan-girls on the sidelines. Jacob is dragged in with the guys and they all dance. He's playfully looking at me and mouthing the lyrics and I join the girls, giggling like a preteen with them.
I love these people so much.
I'm pleased to notice the parents have settled in a pocket in the far corner sharing a couple of bottles of wine.
In retaliation to 'SexyBack,' the girls and I danced our dirtiest (well what we could do in front of the parents), to Christina Aguilera's 'Dirrty.' I'm lost in the song again and dancing rather well in my dress. My college friends have joined us, and Kyle decided to jump in too, saying a rather loud 'fuck it' and gets his sexy on with us. With Kyle's addition it gets uncontrollable and insane. There's back bending, drops to the floor, booty-shaking. It's quite censored considering what we're capable of, but it's not exactly the cleanest dancing. Kyle's even lowered to the floor at one point- me in front of him, trying to get that low, laughing, and Elizabeth behind him. It's a short version of the song and we're sweating by the end of it.
The boys' mouths are on the floor, basically. Kyle's new boyfriend, or whatever he is, fuck-buddy, friend-with-benefit, I don't know, looks…amazed. Quil is drooling at all these beautiful girls.
Sometimes, I feel really sorry for Quil. It's such a shame to imprint on a toddler. It must be driving him up the wall.
We end the song acting like we hadn't just done what we did and the music changes into a much smoother, although still sexy song, 'Bed' by J. Holiday. We couple off. Jake's shaking his head at my antics and I play innocent as I pull him onto the floor with me.
I really knew there was no way we all would've kept this reception PG. Thank goodness the kids were outside running around, where the parents had apparently disappeared too.
Quil smirked. "At least we got some dirty in." He winks at Alicia, Tiffany, and Lindsay who are on both his arms. And I realize I shouldn't feel sorry for him. He doesn't care. Smug bastard.
We're pressed rather close to our respective others for this song and it gets a little filthy, but the song is to slow for it to be too sexy for the circumstances. I blurt out to Jake, "This makes me really want to have sex." My eyes widen at my words
Jake laughs at my expression.
Why did I just say that? I burst out laughing even as he says, the smile evident in his voice, since I can't really see him because I'm pressed against his front, "Later."
Well, I can't argue with that.
The final song before we do the last slow song is 'Swing' by Savage. The parents have returned and all the guests get the last of their energy out in this song. It's almost madness on the dance floor.
I sit on one of the tables, and Jake leabs against the table beside me. "So," I nudged him. "Hubby." He blushes and lets out a tiny laugh. "The next song is for you."
He sips his champagne. "About time I get to hear the song you picked for me." He sets his glass down and pulls me against him.
"It's very fitting, you'll discover."
He smiled down at me, kissing the top of my head. "I'm sure."
I glanced at the floor. "This is weird."
"Uh…Sean's dancing or…?"
I laugh loudly. Sean's movements are hilariously awkward as he attempts to dance with Chimera to the song. She just kisses him, laughing against his mouth. "No, I mean you and me." He arches an eyebrow as I face him. "I feel like a girl in hopelessly in love for the first time, or on her first date."
"Um…why?" He sounds genuinely intrigued.
I fidget with my fingers. He grabs my hand, lacing our fingers together to stop me. "It's just…" I blush, carefully meeting his eyes. "This is all so new. Today is new, everything after today will be new…and it's like the beginning but it's not…do you get me? Do you get what I'm saying?"
He flashes that blindingly white smile that makes my insides melt and my body temperature rise. "This is the start of everything for us." He cups my cheek and leans down so our faces are level, his head titled down and mine up because he's slightly above me even at this angle. "So yeah, I get you." He searches my eyes before leaning in for a tender kiss, one that has me stroking his forearm and pulling away with a nervous laugh.
The song ends and we're back on the dance floor for the last time tonight.
As the music begins I remind Jacob of the importance of this song as our family and friends look on. "It's called 'Beautiful' by Trading Yesterday. Change it to a girl singing about a guy, and it's my song to you."
And time stands still beneath the air of waiting hours
To touch, just to feel a love that seems to overpower me
She's all I'll ever need
And you know her love just hypnotizes me
'Til All I see is beautiful
He's catching on to the implications of the lyrics. He understands now. His features morph and shift as he comes to recognition.
At night I dream that you were sent to me from heaven
My Life, it seems so lonely here without your presence
You could change my everyday
And I could never think of love without your name
As you remain-
His eyes widen as he pulls me closer. "Sort of beautiful," was all that left his open-with-shock mouth.
"No," I shake my head. "Beautiful."
Beautiful- like the summer rain to wash away the winter stain
Beautiful- like the morning sun inviting the dawn to break
Beautiful- like the joy that comes when the love you've longed for has just begun
Beautiful- making everything brand new
Beautiful you
Us. The future ahead of us. It was all new. And it was perfect.
My mind flashed back to the moment I told him he was sort of beautiful. I was injured, he was helping me. And it just hit me, and I couldn't keep it in anymore. "Did you know you're sort of beautiful?"
And all this time you're changing me to something better
A love so high that everyday that we're together
I will leave the world below
Until your heart becomes the only thing I know
All I know is-
His heart and my heart. As one. My feelings for him…a love I can't really describe but just to simply say, "Yeah, I'm in love with him."
Beautiful- like the summer rain to wash away the winter stain
Beautiful- like the morning sun inviting the dawn to break
Beautiful- like the joy that comes when the love you've longed for has just begun
Beautiful- making everything brand new
Beautiful you
He plants a huge kiss on me and my eyes widen in shock, before I melt into his embrace, closing my eyes.
Taylor Swift's sappy, sweet, and utterly perfect song 'Today was a Fairytale,' plays as Jake rushes ahead of me as we leave after saying goodbye to everyone. I follow him outside to see the pack laughing their ass off at his reaction to the fact that his motorcycle and Mustang have been hazed by them- spray paint, flowers, toilet paper, you name it. A just married sign is across the back of his Mustang
Jake looks furious for half a second before he sees me, struggling to hold back my laughter at the look on his face, and he breaks into a grin, running towards me to swoop me into his arms. I let out a loud shriek as we head to the Mustang. Our honeymoon information is tucked in Jacob's suit's jacket pocket which he's put back on. I can't help but complain loudly, "How in the world am I supposed to fit in that thing?"
Minutes later I'm tucked into the passenger seat, by some unnatural feat, my dress piled up around me and Jake revving the engine as we speed off into the mountains towards our Honeymoon destination.
"Why not the motorcycle?" I have to ask.
"Because I don't think you'd fit on it with such a massive dress…" He cackles.
I scoff. "I could change!" I smile.
"You have forever to ride it with me, honey."
Oh yeah, I do. I really do.
(A/N: Only two more chapters of Never Too Late to go. Sorry if ya'll were expecting for Jacob to find out she's pregnant this chapter. Next chapter it'll happen, I swear. And then after that one…it's the epilogue. So close people! Reviews would be lovely, as long as they don't say how pissed you are I waited so long to update. I have a life, ya know, a very busy BUSY life. I'm back in the swing of writing and I feel so accomplished after finally getting this chapter out, that the next one will be up sometime next month and the epilogue shortly after. I got that tiny ounce of inspiration back. =))