Chapter 37: Rehearsal Dinner

The next few weeks flew by. Since I was pretty much under house arrest for my protection, I never left Emily's. It turned out not to be too terrible though since we needed to finish last minute plans for the wedding anyway. I can't even believe it's tomorrow. Her big day and I couldn't be more excited for her and Sam. They're like a fairytale couple. I'm sure the rest of us would follow in no time; I mean Rachel, Kim, and I were all imprinted on and meant to be with ours so it only makes sense right? Just the thought of it being my turn…

Back to the present though, I still couldn't help but wonder about the leech and his plans. Drake didn't come back but clearly he wasn't done with me, not when he pretty much said so. I could still feel his cold hands on my neck and his nose so close to my face as he inhaled. Every time I think about it I get goose bumps. How soon is soon? None of us knew or could even guess although I told the pack to keep an eye out at the wedding. Knowing Drake and his disregard for anything but me, I wouldn't be surprised if he would try to make his move then. But I will be one to stop it, if no one else. Nothing should ruin Emily's day, not when she's waited so long for it.

To top off our string of bad luck concerning Drake, the Cullen's' weren't even able to catch him. They finally saw his face but didn't recognize him from anywhere. 'Most likely just a nomad' the one called Jasper said. Even that Alice who saw the future couldn't delve that far into what lay ahead since he would change his mind. Is he onto the fact we have help? They had chased him up and away from the area and assured us they would still keep an eye out but I still don't feel okay about it. If the wolves and other of his kind don't deter him, what will?

I didn't let it get to me, not tonight. A little later the rehearsal dinner was being held at the Clearwaters' and that's what I was focusing on. They had the most space of anyone in town and it didn't take too long for everyone to get there since La Push was only so big. Being surrounded by all the wolves, there were no worries about my safety for the short distance there. The only thing I was initially worried about was what to wear since I've been a t-shirt and jeans type of girl since I got here. Normally that wouldn't be a bad thing but weddings are pretty formal. I decided on one of the few dresses I kept. It was a yellow floral halter summer dress which I accented with some strappy heels. I added a flower in my hair, letting my blonde waves fall on my shoulders and applied some makeup. By the time I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself anymore. When I came out of the room, I saw Jake staring out the window. I smiled as I saw him in some nice black pants and white button up shirt. His hair was a little tousled but he still was enough to take my breath away. "You clean up good," I said with a smile.

When he turned around, his eyes widened as he took me all in. His eyes started at my feet before making their way up. When they met mine I asked, "So how do I look? I haven't worn a dress in awhile. Make-up either."

"Beautiful," he answered, stepping forward. Taking one of my hands, he gave me a little twirl then added, "Stunning…as always."

"You're just saying that because you have too," I said, shaking my head and chuckling. With a smile I asked, "You ready to go?"

"Whenever you are," he answered, pulling me close against him, "Just because I imprinted doesn't mean I'm biased," I gave him a look as he added, "Okay maybe a little…but you do look gorgeous."

We headed out the door and walked the few short steps then arrived. I only saw the bride and group and our main group of wolves and their significant others there so far but we were a tad bit early. I looked at the time on my phone and saw we still had thirty minutes to dinner. I went over to Emily and gave her a great big hug. "I can't believe we're already to tonight. This year has flown by."

"You're telling me," she said with a grin, "But I can't wait."

I hugged Sam too before I turned and nudged Emily, "Are you sure you don't want that bachelorette party? It could be a lot of fun…"

Emily chuckled and said, "No need. I'm never going to miss a second of my life before Sam."

"I know what you mean," I answered, following her eyes to Sam then looking at Jake.

"I second that," Sam said and leaned in to give his fiancée a kiss.

"Tone it down you two," Jake said, "Or everyone will be going crazy with the PDA."

"You're one to talk, Jacob," Emily laughed, glancing at me, "Just wait 'til you see her tomorrow. We'll be saying the same to you."

We all laughed as Jake turned to me and asked, "You thirsty?"

"A little, will you grab me a drink?"

"As if you have to ask," he grinned. He turned and left as I turned back to Emily and Sam. From behind I heard, "There she is, the one keeping my son hostage."

I turned to see Billy next to me then smiled, "Is it really holding him hostage if he chooses it?" I chuckled, "He's free to leave whenever he wants but he has this thing about protecting me. I can't seem to break him of it."

"Don't fix what's not broken," Billy smiled then added, "I'm glad you're safe. Though don't be afraid to come back to our house either. I promise I can cook better than Joe."

I laughed, "I better not tell him you told me that."

"Let him know," Billy smiled, "He knows it's true."

I laughed again then said, "I hear Paul is making himself right at home."

Billy groaned and nodded, "And eating all the food still. I may have to hide the groceries soon. Rachel and I are barely getting any. She may not mind, but I do."

Without me noticing, Jake snuck up behind me and handed me my drink, "I think dinners almost ready," turning to his dad he smiled and said, "Hey Dad."

"I hope Jake's being good to you or I'll have to teach him a lesson," Jake rolled his eyes as Billy looked back at me and said, "Is it time to break out the embarrassing family photos yet?"

I laughed and Jake groaned. Billy chuckled and said, "Not tonight. I'll leave you two kids be and see you a little later."

Without another word, he disappeared into the crowd heading for his seat. "I love your Dad," I said as I turned to Jake, "He's easy to talk to and apparently still able to embarrass you."

"Yeah I know," Jake rolled his eyes then looked down at me as he replied, "He loves you too you know. He's glad we're together."

"And how do you know that?" I asked.

"Because he's the one who kept telling me to ask you out in the first place," Jake grinned.

I gave him a light kiss before we both finally we took our seats for the dinner. The wedding party sat close together. Rachel, Leah and I were bridesmaids to the groomsmen of Paul, Jared and Jake. We ate a nice home-cooked meal before Sam stood and tapped his glass. As everyone looked up he said, "I just want to thank you all for coming. Both Emily and I couldn't be happier to share tonight and tomorrow with you. We're more than just a wolf-pack, we're family."

"Hear, hear," everyone said together, raising glasses and clinking with others.

Dinner was tasty and slipped by fast. The boys ate the most since, well, they're wolves. We didn't stay long so that getting ready early in the morning would be easier. The girls would ready themselves at the Clearwaters' and the guys at Billy's . The wedding was at the Clearwaters' and of all the doings around I was most nervous about my toast to the bride.

I waited outside as he said goodbye to his Dad and the rest of the others. I looked up at the moon and the stars, losing myself in my thoughts. Suddenly I felt a hand grab mine and I turned to see him as he asked, "Ready to go back to Emily's?"

I nodded, my breath taken away by how handsome he looked in the moonlight. Hair disheveled and shirt slightly open, he looked like he could be on the cover of a romance novel. It may be cliché but I swear I fell even more in love with him every day. We walked, barely speaking due mostly because in my head I tried to go through ideas for my speech.

Breaking the silence as we came close to Emily's house, Jake asked, "Thinking about anything or anyone special?"

"Speech ideas," I sighed, "I don't want to make a terrible one."

"Whatever you think of will be great. You know how I know?" he said.

Raising an eyebrow I answered, "How?"

He stopped in his tracks and pulled me close to him until we were nose to nose. "Because," he almost whispered, "I just know."

Jake leaned in as we pressed our lips together. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I jumped up a little into his arms. Suddenly, I felt my feet leave the ground and him pick me up, beginning to carry me. Yelping in surprise I asked, "What are you doing?"

"Carrying you," he answered.

"I can see that," I replied with a snort, "Why?"

"Because then I can get us inside faster," he responded as he went inside the door.

"Because?" I pressed.

"That's for me to know," he replied as walked me to the room we shared, "and you to find out."

I laughed, "Weirdo."

As we got inside he set me down. "Well?" I asked.

Jake smiled and twirled his finger, gesturing me to turn around. Turning towards the bed, I saw a small little box with a bow sitting on it. My heart stopped. I swallowed hard as I stepped forward and picked it up. Looking back to him I said, "Is this what I think it is?"

"Look and find out," he grinned.

Biting my lip and opening the lid, I looked inside to find a beautifully hand carved wolf hanging from a necklace chain. Upon looking closer, I saw that on the wolf 'Nayeli' was carved quite small. My heart fluttered in my chest as I looked at it. I could barely think. From behind I felt him come close and whisper in my ear, "Do you like it?"

"I love it," I answered with a grin before turning to face him, "Did you make this yourself?"

He nodded and smiled, "Yeah I did."

"Will you help me put it on?" I asked.

Smiling wider, Jake took the necklace and within seconds it was effortlessly around my neck.

Looking up into his eyes I said, "Jake, this is the best thing anyone's ever given to me," I kept running my hands over the wolf, "Thank you."

He beamed as I closed the remaining distance between us. Standing on my tip toes I said, "And…I should thank you properly…"

I covered his mouth with mine, pressing myself close to him. He returned it, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me in place. When we finally pulled back, we looked into each other's eyes for a few moment, grinning. I watched as his eyes moved downward to the wolf around my neck. Twirling it between his fingers he commented, "This looks good on you."

"If you're looking to keep receiving payment…" I grinned as I kissed him again, "It's working."

This time after we pulled away, he glanced at the clock and noticed it read 11:20P.M.

"Where'd the time go?" I mused.

We both chuckled before I said seriously, "I really don't want to sleep…"

"Me either," he sighed, "But we both have places to be in the morning and I'm not going to let you be cranky at me when you're tired tomorrow."

I laughed, "Like I could stay cranky at you. All you'd have to do is…"

He cut me off, stealing a kiss. As he pulled away he chuckled, "That?"

I sighed and shook my head, "Exactly."

We laughed a little more before hopping into bed. I stayed in just my tank top as I lay next to him. Jake gave me a soft kiss on the forehead as we lay back together. I cuddled underneath his arm, smiling. Before long I drifted off, preparing tomorrow which was going to be a long day.