DISCLAIMER: the wonderful Stephenie Meyer owns the characters and world of Twilight.
Music vibe: All Angels - "Singing You Through".
CHAPTER 54: I'LL BE THERE
Yolanda POV
As we pulled up to the front door after our encounter at the beach, the front door swung and a delighted Alice was there bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, eager to greet us. Jasper loomed up behind her, hands in pockets, with a wide grin on his face.
I looked at Liam before we got out of a car and his eyes crinkled with mild alarm. They reflected how I felt - somewhat diffident about the conversation it looked like we were about to have thrust upon us. "Shall we then?" I muttered, grimacing a little. "We'd best get it over with."
Liam dropped a kiss on my fingers and exited the car nimbly, blurring to a stop beside my door and helping me out. I loved how he observed the niceties and showed such impeccable manners. I'd observed the same of Edward and Carlisle whenever they drew up with their partners in their cars.
Alice swung into action, leaping on me with another huge hug. This was evidently becoming a habit. Jasper shook hands with Liam and we were both shepherded into the living room, where everyone looked at us expectantly. Liam grasped my hand reassuringly as he could sense my tension about what was about to transpire: Alice in full wedding planner mode!
Esme was seated on the couch with a pencil in her hand and grinned up at us from behind her sketchbook. As Liam and I sat down beside her, I could see she was sketching Nessie who sat at the table, also drawing something herself. It was an excellent likeness of the child and Esme was in the process of embellishing her tumbling locks on paper.
"That looks wonderful, Esme. You're really talented." I scrutinised the drawing admiringly and wondered how somebody could pull anyone's likeness out of thin air like that.
Esme smiled self-deprecatingly. "Thank you. I enjoy the peace of sketching. As for being talented, it's not so much that, it's just I've had a few years to improve my technique." Her heart shaped face showed contentment as she exchanged glances with Carlisle who sat on the other side of her, reading something non-scientific for a change – a classical novel.
There was some Chopin playing on the music centre in the background, an orchestral composition which lent the room a calm and almost academic aura. As I listened for a few moments, I recognised it as something from my own CD collection of old - beautifully slow and measured, delicate and restful. Just what I needed.
Carlisle set his book aside and signalled to Alice and Jasper to come and sit beside him, putting a finger to his lips - somewhat hopefully I thought in view of Alice's enthusiasm. Alice was all keyed up, whereas Jasper was quiet amusement.
Carlisle's eyes lit up and his expression was a picture of delight as he turned to face us. "Well now, I gather from Alice that you're going to take up her challenge of getting married here in Forks. Is that right?"
I looked at Liam, who answered for us both. "Yes, we've decided we'd very much like to get married while here, if it's not too much trouble. We wondered whether you might do us the honour of performing the ceremony, Carlisle?"
Again Carlisle and Esme exchanged a look and I saw her nod smiling encouragement. "Nothing would delight me more than to accede to your request. It has certainly been a long time since I conducted such a ceremony - after all Rosalie and Emmett haven't renewed their vows in a while!"
He shot that comment over his shoulder. The room filled with laughter and some banter as Rosalie and Emmett got heckled by the others for their oversight. Emmett's response was to suggest a double wedding, which had me giggling like a kid. He really was a daft soul and took the teasing in good part.
"Thank you so much Carlisle." I got up to gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, which he returned warmly. He looked really pleased to have been asked. I sank back down on the couch next to Liam and we reconnected as I put my hand on his leg just for the contact.
Carlisle put a hand out on Alice's arm but addressed us. "As you may have guessed, Alice has got certain things in hand." He smiled back at her.
"That's an understatement." came the barracking comment from Jasper. Again, laughs all round. I loved the relaxed jocularity of this family.
Alice's look turned haughty. "Well you may laugh..."
Carlisle continued. "Thanks to Alice previous good efforts, I have the necessary paperwork to make your marriage legal, so you don't need to worry about that. I have been ordained and licensed for quite a while." I felt relieved about that. That was the first hurdle overcome.
He then went on, "Alice has also procured, by nefarious means, some documentation for you Yolanda. Her photography skills were put to good use and she has arranged two sets of documentation for you. As you'll have guessed, we have to stay under the radar and Jasper has a great contact the family uses for such occasions."
He sat back in his seat as Alice interrupted him. "Yes, I've got one set so we can get you a formal date for the wedding. I can turn up for you and sign the papers down in Port Angeles. I've been practising your signature!" she exclaimed delightedly.
I rolled my eyes and looked towards Liam, whose rueful grin matched my own. He chuckled and put an arm round me, pulling me into his side. I pulled my legs up sideways and snuggled in. "Told you so!" he whispered in my ear.
Alice leaned forward eagerly in her seat. "To put your mind at rest, I've also secured paperwork for your future use so you've got a driving licence, a passport, social security details and bank cards etc sorted now. And oh! Did Liam tell you about your bank accounts?" Her eyes were wide-open with alarm that I might not have known about her intervention in my financial situation.
"Yes, Liam did say you'd hacked into my accounts for me. How you ever got that information, I'll never know. You really are naughty Alice – I'm not sure I can allow it." I wagged a finger at her.
"Oh pish-tosh!" she exclaimed. "Part of being a vampire is massaging factual information where the authorities are concerned and on computer systems. Spread the wealth around, I say." Her glorious smile killed any further comment I might have had at that point, but I wasn't comfortable with her financial finagling on my behalf.
"That's ok," whispered Liam in my ear again. "I've got some you can share in. What's mine is yours, sweetheart." He kissed the side of my head and squeezed me gently. I felt uneasy just the same.
"I think we'll save that conversation for another time, Alice." I sighed as I didn't want to get into a squabble about it just now.
As I was about to speak again, she jumped in. "By the way, it was thanks to Edward I got the information!" She threw her tongue out at him when he chided her.
I shook my head in wonder. "You two are impossible! Now, going back to the wedding, we wanted to offer some possible dates."
Alice again interrupted. "While it's ideal to do things a month in advance, the waiting time is actually alot less than I told Liam. I thought a month would be good, though, if that's ok with you to get details sorted and not feel rushed." Her expression was a picture – her scheming was plain on her face. I had to hold back the mirth. Looking at me, she added, "I gather you wanted June 2nd?"
"Yes I'd like the 2nd as it's Liam's birthday." I was saying this for the record but undoubtedly Alice already knew the significance of the date.
"Well I can tell you now that it won't be June 2nd!"
My face dropped in disappointment. "Oh, that's a shame. Why?"
"Because of the venue I've picked out for you."
Liam groaned beside me. "I might've known...."
I merely shrugged. "So when will it be then?"
Liam leaned forward and tentatively asked "13th July for Yolanda's birthday? Mind you, I don't know if I can wait that long!"
"Er no. June 11th actually, so it falls between your two birthdays and you'll still be a June bride. The date should mean something to you, Yolanda."
I blinked for a moment and then realised that 11th June was the birthday of a close writer friend of mine back in the UK. She and I had collaborated on works of fiction over the years. I was momentarily saddened as my friend would never know how important that date would be for me now as well as for her.
"We could always make it June 20th for Edward's birthday." called Bella from across the room. Edward snorted derision and shot back "Oh no, you don't! This is their day not mine."
"Strewth, this is getting complicated." muttered Liam, rubbing his hands over his face. "Shall we just elope?" he cracked another rueful grin at me.
I grabbed his hand. "11th June is fine with me as long as we can get things organised in time. Is that ok with you Liam?"
"The sooner the better as far as I'm concerned." He lifted our joined hands and kissed mine. I leaned in for a kiss, smiling through it. His tension eased slightly, but only slightly.
"Awww bless, isn't that sweet?" chuckled Emmett from his couch on the other side of the room where he was sprawled out full length.
My eyes narrowed as I debated how to respond to his teasing. I thought momentarily about throwing him up the side of the stairwell with my new-found power. "How good are you at mountaineering Emmett?" The threat was implied, even if he knew I wouldn't carry it out.
"Just fine, honey, just fine!" he cackled from his prone position.
"Cheeky beggar. Now can I lay down some ground rules please, Alice?" I turned to look at her sternly.
"Of course." She gazed back at me serenely.
"Firstly, I would love you to help us put a wedding together."
"Oh good!" she chirrupped. Her face lit up with what might best be called smug pride as she looked sideways at Jasper.
"Thank you for being such a great help already, Alice." I puffed out a sigh. "I don't want to be a killjoy but..."
Alice interrupted yet again. "Oh I know what you're going to say. You know I'd love to do something lavish but I'm to bear in mind that you and Liam are not that kind of people. The keyword is "simple": dress, flowers, local scenic venue, small guestlist, nothing outrageous and you get the power of absolute veto. How am I doing?"
"Thank you Alice. That's just purrfect." I reached across the space between us and grasped her hand. "Good, let's talk about it later this evening. Meanwhile, I'd like to go upstairs and shower if you don't mind." I stood up from the couch. Liam got to his feet beside me, preparing to accompany me upstairs.
Carlisle rubbed his hands together with glee and cracked a grin as he looked at Alice. "I have a feeling you've met your match in Yolanda, my dear." He turned back to me. "Out of interest, would you like the usual ceremony wording or would you prefer to compose something of your own?"
I looked enquiringly at Liam. "Can we talk about that?"
Liam nodded. "We'll let you know Carlisle. Thank you again."
"My pleasure." Carlisle stood up, as did the others on the couch. Liam shook his hand in thanks.
Esme stepped forward and embraced us both, stating it would be good to have something pleasant to look forward to. Jasper threw an arm around Alice who snaked her arms around his waist, snuggling up to him happily. Jasper's dimpled grin did not hide his mischievous thoughts.
Liam and I took our leave of the group, hugging everyone. "Ok we'll go upstairs for a while." I waved to the others across the other side of the room. As I got to the bottom of the stairs, I turned around and looked back across to Renesmee, calling out to her. "Nessie?"
Her head shot up from what she was doing. "Yes Auntie Yo?"
"Would you like to be a bridesmaid, sweetie?" I heard Alice's giggle of delight. A huge smile spread across Nessie's face. Her head then snapped around to look at her mother anxiously, asking silent permission. Bella's answering smile told her what she needed to know and then Bella looked across at us both and mouthed "Thank you".
I nodded and then looked over at Edward who was stood over by the window. My little gift back for your sweet little girl, Edward. Edward said nothing but answered with his devastating smile.
***
When Liam and I reached the bedroom, I slumped across the bed and rubbed my hands over my scalp and eyes. I let out a huge sigh of relief. Well, that's it. The wedding machine is in motion.
Liam put a CD on to play and came to stretch out beside me. He lay on his side, propping his head on his upturned hand. He ran a finger over my face and neck, coming to rest in the valley between my breasts. "Are you ok? You look like you've been hit by a train."
"Yes, a wedding train called Alice." I blew out my cheeks. "I really don't want this to get out of hand. I love you and want to marry you, but I don't want a whole song and dance about it. What about you?"
"Listen, I'm not going to make things difficult for you. As long as we get to say the words I do, I must admit I don't really care what happens around the periphery. As long as you're happy, then I'm happy."
I leaned over and kissed him. He was such a sweetheart. "I'd just like it to be as simple as possible."
"Then that's what we'll have. Alice can complain all she likes but I'll set Jasper on her if she kicks up a fuss." Liam nodded emphatically at his own statement.
I giggled at the image of Jasper with that threatened whip and chair in his hand. "I'll try not to be too hard on her, but it'll be a different kind of challenge for her. I don't mind as long as she understands the "less is more" principle where we're concerned."
"Don't fret about it now. Let's go have that shower." Liam moved to get up from the bed.
"I'd just like a moment to lie here and chill out. Quite lazy really as we've not exactly done masses today."
Liam's mouth curled up in a sly grin. "Hmmm well I've enjoyed what we've done so far."
He traced another line down my nose and mouth with his finger, soft as a feather, as he carried on over my chin until it reached the hollow of my throat. He paused for a moment and kissed me at that spot. His finger continued on down the valley between my breasts, down my belly, coming to rest there. The flat of his hand slowly started describing a circle over my bellybutton over the material of my top. I found it very relaxing and was reminded of his soothing attentions during my transformation.
Liam quietly murmured, "We don't have to do anything at all today. It's nice to be lazy. After all, you've had a lousy time of things until recently and it's good to just do lots of nothing except occasional stuff that makes you feel good."
I stared at his face thoughtfully. "It's hard sometimes to equate the human Yolanda with who I am now. All that struggle and pain seems like a lifetime ago already and at other times, it's remarkably fresh. It's only been, what, not even two months?"
"You're a different person to who you were back then."
"Not substantially."
"Yes you are in many ways. You've left behind the person who was hurting and frail. You're now vigorous and strong, and able to lead the kind of life you always wanted, within limits."
"Yes and no. I'm still a hurt person inside though. I haven't shrugged that off yet. Please don't get me wrong, what you've done and are doing for me is hugely important to my rejuvenation and healing, but it's still a process of letting go. There are some things that will always be with me, just like you have stuff from your past that must haunt you."
"Yes, I suppose so. Don't forget though that I see past all that in you. Your experiences are what has made you who you are and the woman I love. It's just that now you can shed alot of the crap and take control. I'll always be there to ensure you have as much fun as you can doing it. I'll also pick you up when you feel down. I'll steady you when you need help. That's what I've signed up for and that's what this marriage will be for me – I want to fill your days with good things and experiences that we can share in, but I'll also be there when you really need me in the less good times." He looked down at his hand and went quiet for a minute. "Have you ever been married before?"
"No. I never quite got that far."
"So this is a big thing for you?"
I smiled gently. "You could say that, but we connect at such a deep level, I know it's right. I trust you implicitly to do the right thing by me."
"Whatever happens, you know I'll be right there, don't you? I'll see you through whatever life throws at us." Liam nudged himself closer to my face and gazed into my eyes as he held my hand. We stared at each other for a while, saying nothing, examining each other's faces.
When he leaned in for the kiss I knew would come, we didn't part for quite a while, just enjoying the tenderness between us.
We didn't get to have our shower for a good couple of hours. That was fine by me as Liam showed me what I meant to him.
The ethereal quality of the music by a group of female classical vocalists, which played a few times on repeat, would become very special to us.
***
A/N: My apologies but 11th June was artistic licence as it's yours truly's birthday! Like Liam and Edward, I'm a Gemini, but I had to get in on the act somehow....She wanted his birthday, he wanted hers. This seemed the best solution.
Here is the album version of the All Angels song: www(dot)youtube(dot)com(slash)watch?v=xcIv411pSF8
Here is a live version of it by the girls themselves: www(dot)(dot)watch?v=IOJXitovuXk
They also do a beautiful version of Nothing Compares to You. Look them up!
Xmas brought this gorgeous song into my consciousness. I've used their stuff before, so wish I'd known about this song before I wrote the early chapters of Liam being around. This song captures in a nutshell how I see Liam feeling about Yolanda and captures how all of Yolanda's real-life friends also feel about her.
The Chopin piece I was playing when I wrote that section: Concerto for Piano & Orchestra No.1 in E Minor, Opus 11 – the second movement - a wonderful romantic piece of musical heaven.
Thank you for following my story.
