One day it was cold, the next there was snow everywhere. There was no apparent middle ground when it came to the most Northwestern Pacific area of Washington. It was either a steady nothingness of murky grey clouds, or rain. This time of year just added snow to the mix.
Snow or not, it could never ruin the atmosphere the morning brought with it.
Tomorrow was the big day, and tonight were a few parties. For my girls and I, we had planned a small little get-together here at Paul and I's house. Honestly it was just Leah, Emily, Yan-mei and Jaio, but I didn't mind. Over the years I'd lost contact with my friends in Seattle, and from social media it seemed like they had all moved on anyway. Most of them were busy with college, raising families, working and so on. Seeing so many of them living their adult lives, whether in Seattle or across the world was a bit sad for me. Things would never be like they were in our school years. Oh, there might be a reunion ten years from now, but nothing could ever replace that feeling of all my girlfriends and I having our fun. Either I was too nostalgic, or thinking of this big stepping stone in my life had me all emotional.
It was probably just the emotions.
Paul and the rest of the pack, plus a few reservation buddies of theirs would be at Billy's place. Though, knowing how out of hand young males could get, Billy would probably be sending them to the other house on his land soon enough. Thankfully Yan-mei and Jaio would be out of there by then.
Paul was in the shower when I woke up. I could hear the water running and see the light under the bathroom door. My attention soon turned to the window. The little clock on my bedside read eight twenty in it's neon blue numbers. A normal time to wake up with school being out, but it didn't explain why it was so dark.
I wrapped a tan robe around my pajama set, which Paul thought was amusing with its little pixelated kittens and puppies dotting it, and headed for the window. That's when I saw my sudden world of white and blissful stillness. It was breathtakingly beautiful and wondrous to my eyes, considering I had only seen it in Seattle. Where people walked constantly and ruined any untouched snow. It was dark because the trees around the house were absolutely covered with thick snow- although I knew later with the sun they'd plop down and let in more light.
An excited squeal from the other room reminded me we weren't the only ones up early. Feng was glued to a window, giggling and kicking his feet excitedly. Stormy sat next to him, almost oblivious to the snow. He was busily watching a little bird hopping along the snow to find food.
Knowing how eager Feng would be to get out, and the fact Stormy needed a potty break soon, I started up a quick breakfast for them. They were wolfing it down and I started back to the bedroom to get changed.
Before long, a desperate yowl echoed from the front of the house. I'd forgotten about Stormy's potty break, and now he was complaining. Paul had to laugh and stuck his head out of the bathroom doorway.
"Jacob said he learned to howl while they were babysitting for us. Didn't think I'd actually hear it though."
"Nothing is normal around here." I grinned, leaving to go let Stormy out. After I did, Feng tried rushing out, but I caught him up in my arms and spoke before he could start whining.
"Let's get dressed up real quick, OK? Then you can go and freeze your little tail off as much as you want."
Feng beamed, nodding enthusiastically. "Okay!"
By the time I had him dressed up enough for the cold, Paul was leaning by the front door.
"You're not going out too kitten?"
I gave him a crazy look.
He rolled his eyes. "Then how are we gonna manage for tomorrow? That hill is probably coated in a foot about now."
"Oh, we'll just have to reschedule that."
I nearly collapsed, weak in the knees at his face. Breathlessly I fell into the couch, pains in my side from laughing without enough oxygen.
"I-I'm kidding-" I rasped, stuck in a fit of embarrassing wheezes. Paul made the motion with his hands of 'I'll get you back for this', but couldn't help but smile at my reaction. He opened the door for Feng who ran out and followed him to keep an eye on the cub. The cold air calmed me down, and I set to work. This place only needed some last minute cleaning before the girls arrived. Once everything was clean, I changed in the bedroom into a thick sweater and some jeans, plus a thick pair of socks. From the windows I would occasionally see Stormy or Feng running around. Stormy was hilariously adorable, bounding in the snow like a little rocking horse. Then he'd get carried away and go diving into any mound of snow. Feng was just happy running around after him. Now and then Paul would go by, keeping an eye on them and completely unphased with his lack of warm clothing.
It was still ridiculous to see, him going around topless like that despite I knew fully well what he was.
Jungle cats were very different, apparently.
There was heavy banging on the front door, and I could hear Paul's muffled laughter from outside. By the time I answered it, poor Jaio and Yan-mei looked like pop sickles. Stiff, shaking, and covered head to toe in about five poofy layers. I shot a look over to the wolf who found it hilarious, and ushered my girls inside. They stamped their feet on the mat and shed their heavy awkward coats, making a bee-line to crowd around the heaters I'd set up.
Paul said I was ridiculous for getting them.
Then again, Stormy, Feng and I couldn't be snuggled against him for seven months straight of cold nothingness. Wolves…
"And Paul wonders why I don't want to go outside." I made a sound in my throat and started for the kitchen. Three nice hot chocolates would be nice, I settled.
Yan-mei called back over the couch, questioning. "Yet…you want to wear a dress…outside…on a hill where there's no protection from the breeze tomorrow."
I smiled back over my shoulder. "Yep."
Even Jaio stared, helplessly confused.
"Are you part wolf or something?" Yan-mei shuddered out, quickly accepting the mug I offered. Jaio took hers and curled into the couch while I sipped my own.
"No." I chuckled. "But I did buy some of these wearable heaters- the kind divers use when it's really cold. They stay charged for a few hours, and since my legs will be covered I can wear them like pants, and they get real thin so I can wear them under my dress without being noticed."
Yan-mei was bitterly cold, murmuring. "That must be nice for you."
"Well, you guys too. I bought extras. But if you like the cold-"
"I'll take one!" Jaio beamed, nearly spilling her drink.
I smiled and gave the girls one each, showing them how to use it so they could wear them under their dresses tomorrow. When they were content learning they weren't going to freeze tomorrow, they followed me to the kitchen to help make some party snacks for tonight. I was glad to have visited the store after Paul and I got home from Seattle.
I was more thankful though my swelling was gone. If not I could never live the wedding pictures down.
Jaio helped me cook while Yan-mei was content to watch, sitting on the counter. I was glad she was keeping watch though, when the boys came in and Paul followed his nose to try and steal a snack, she leaned over the counter towards him and growled.
That gave me enough time to shoo him off and help Feng warm up. As my cub sat in front of a heater, Paul slumped in a chair, gloomy as I allowed our cub to have a snack instead.
"And…I can't have one because…"
I sat upright from warming Feng up. "For one, it's never just one with you wolves." I reminded. "Two, Chi told me he's already stocked up on snacks for your bachelor party tonight."
His eyes widened. "Chi's going to be there?"
"Of course. He already did most of the planning so you can't just kick him out."
"What planning? All us guys need is a t.v and a pack of beer." He grinned.
I rolled my eyes. "Well you might as well have a responsible kitty there. No sense in you guys getting carried away."
Jaio giggled and Yan-mei looked amused as I returned to them. "Say Ross, what are we doing tonight anyway?"
I paused. "Don't know. Girl stuff I guess. We can paint our nails or…" I trailed off at the look Yan-mei was giving me. I cleared my throat, noting Paul was busily wrestling with Stormy who jumped him. All that snow must have made him frisky.
"Or… we can spy on the guys."
Jaio made an inhuman squealing sound only a pre-teen girl could do. Yan-mei eyed her and smirked at me.
"Can I bring some paint filled water balloons?"
"Yan-mei, no. Just no."
"Aw, you were starting to sound fun." She dully stated, raising her brows at me. I nearly clunked my head from checking on the oven baking cookies. "I am very fun." I defended.
She rolled her eyes, looking off.
I was miffed as I stared at her. Me? Boring? Well I might've been a grown up, but mentally I never considered myself different from her age. Granted…I found it a little more stupid to do teenager things I used to, but…
"Alright fine, but regular water balloons. I'm not marrying a freaking rainbow tomorrow."
She grinned back at me.
Paul let out a huff, causing us all to look back at him. He finally managed to pry the hundred-fifty-pound mountain lion off him, dropping him on the couch.
"Alright, I'm gonna go round up the guys. You hens have a fun time painting your nails and crying over chick-flicks."
Giant felines don't take to being called hens.
The three of us chased him out, and I found it hilarious when Stormy vengefully swatted after him.
Giggling came to my ears. Feng was watching us the whole time, amused in his little corner of the couch.
"Hens." I scoffed, shaking my head.
Apparently Paul's comment was also mental before he spoke it. A certain wolf came to our defense, rushing out into the yard. I had no idea Leah had arrived till I heard snapping jaws outside, and she sent Paul running. I guess he wasn't in the mood to ruin his shorts. That or because he was too busy laughing.
Jaio, Yan-mei and I watched as the giant white wolf chased him down the driveway; and after a minute returned. I opened the door for her, laughing.
"Hang on a sec. I'll get a change of clothes." I rushed back. "Thanks Leah!"
A dismissive snort was my answer. Afterwards she took the clothes in her jaws and started for the back of the house, and a minute later came out dressed. She seemed perfectly fine in a t-shirt and shorts.
"I figured none of you would step foot outside, so someone had to do him justice."
"My hero." I gave her side a squeeze. Leah though only sighed, since she was so tall I fit like a kid under her side. Eventually I retreated back to the kitchen for some last minute work with my snacks done, while behind I could hear them all looking through the movies.
"How about this one? Y'know where Kevin Costner plays Robin Hood." Leah sent me a sidelong glance, and I registered what the upturn on her lips meant.
"As much as he's got a cute butt, we can't." I nodded my head to the two oblivious sisters, though Yan-mei did lift her head suspiciously and squint.
"…who?"
I face-palmed and organized all the finished snacks.
Cookies, some fruit cups, a fruit drink mix, chocolates, and some brownies mixed with walnuts.
A perfectly healthy meal.
I was about to call them over to load up when the front door opened. Poor Emily shuffled in, teeth bared frozenly and stiff. Jaio joined me in helping her warm up, and shedding those snow-laden boots and socks. All the while I was oblivious to Sam pressing against the door, shaking his head.
"I parked as close to the porch I could." He shrugged, rocking little Harry in his arms. I was relieved to see the baby wrapped up snugly. I think the radio weather-man spoke about it being almost five degrees earlier…
Emily chattered over, still stiff.
"I-I wouldn't have minded being carried…"
Sam laughed and leaned over, giving her a quick kiss. "You girls have fun." As he handed over Harry to his wife, Sam did spare Leah and I a glance.
We met his eyes, knowing already what he wanted.
The two of us would keep the peace, and everybody safe. Sam turned to head out, giving Stormy a quick fluff of his fur till he shut the door after him.
"BWWWW!" Jaio rolled her tongue, shaking her head and diving back for the couch.
"I don't know how they go around like that." Jaio seemed to have a personal offense against said cold, as if it brought down her cheeriness. "It's unfair. No difference for them but we can freeze just like everybody else."
Leah sat on the back of the couch behind her, hands filled with chocolate while her cheeks were stuffed.
"Being hot all the time isn't fun." She clarified, mouth full. "Makes PMS hell. As if hot-flashes weren't bad enough."
Yan-mei raised her brows, murmuring. "Hormonal wolves… Sounds terrifying."
Leah had no qualms with flicking the girl's head, and ignored the glare over. Of course, the mention of PMS lead to a long topic between all of us that made me lose track of time. Somehow we were debating hormones, different types of cramps, and all the rampant emotions that came with it. With Emily being the only human, and Jaio for the moment, we were all curious to compare and gossip.
As I refilled my drink in the kitchen, I bit my lip and snorted in my throat.
It would be hilarious if any of the guys were here right now. They'd probably start banging their heads against the walls.
I jumped when the freezer next to me opened, and Leah stuck her head halfway inside it. She spared me a glance. "What's funny?"
"Nothing…What are you doing? Don't tell me you're hot. You can't be."
She groaned, pushing a bag of frozen vegetables closer so she could rest her head on it.
"Yes. You've got like twenty heaters blasting on high."
"Well… most of us here typically stay below a hundred degrees…and it is freezing outside, so…"
Leah turned her head to cool her other cheek. "It's still hot."
I pursed my lips, turning my head back. "Well…maybe they wouldn't mind if we had a quick run outside."
A pause. "We?"
I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink quickly. "I don't know. I'm not hot but…"
Now she looked at me, expectantly.
I focused on my drink. "I'm just a little nervous about tomorrow. Some cold air might help me clear my thoughts."
Leah nodded. "Sounds good… Don't think you want to hear where their conversation is going anyway."
I arched a brow, looking back at the three. "…what do you mean?"
Leah thinned her lips, partially amused as she shut the freezer. "All that talk led to one about boys, and Emily's taken it on herself to warn those two. It's like every mother and daughter talk ever."
I winced.
"Well…it's probably a good thing… Because I'd sure as hell would find that too awkward to do myself." I laughed.
Leah smirked and started for the front door, leaving me to follow.
"We'll be right back." Leah called, quickly starting out.
"You're going out there?" Emily gawked.
I nodded. "Yeah. I gotta prove cats are equal and all." I excused, grinning. Yan-mei looked at me like I was crazy, and Jaio only worried. When Feng came running over to come out with me, I kissed his head and ushered him back.
"Go pick a movie Feng. I'll be right back."
"Paw Patrol?" He hopefully lit up.
Yan-mei groaned after I nodded. "Yep! Go ahead. Stay inside now." I waved to the girls gratefully and rushed out after Leah.
She stood waiting in the yard, completely unbothered by the layers of snow around. In just a shirt and shorts, she was fine. I on the other hand was struggling with my sweater and jacket I quickly snagged. Leah watched me, amused.
"At least your kid's on the right track. Paw Patrol."
I scoffed, teeth chattering already. "O-Only because they haven't made a c-cat one. IF they did…that'd be awesome."
She rolled her eyes. "Come on. Move a little more. I'm not de-thawing you if you freeze being all slow."
"Alright alright!"
Though it took every ounce of effort, I ran through the yard and down to the road. Leah had no troubles keeping up with me.
As if she liked that freezing wet slosh against her tan skin.
I could feel a chunk in my boots and already I was regretting this. But the more we ran, I tuned it out, thankful for the cold air. It really did calm me down. All the pre-jitters and whatnot- gone. Plus the snowy roads were visually pleasing.
The way the thick, heavy white branches hung over the road like a veil… It was almost magical.
Leah snapped me from my imagining of being a Disney princess.
"You wanna spy on the guys?"
I had to laugh.
"Y-Yan-mei wanted to do that. But with water balloons…w-which is a bad idea too. A k-k-kitten like Chi might freeze." I breathed out rushed, trying not to fumble over my freezing lips…and numbing feet.
It was only two minutes to their house, but it already felt like an eternity.
Leah groaned in her throat. "Water balloons would feel nice right now…"
I had to stare at her.
Unfortunately the burning wolf with probable hot flashing had to carry me those last two minutes. The cold air began to hurt my lungs, which meant I slowed down. And when I was at a meager shuffling speed, at least to her, she simply rolled her eyes and picked me up.
Ok…so…maybe cats and dogs weren't entirely equal…but I'd take that to the grave before I admitted it.
Leah set me down once the kid's house was in view. Even from here we could plainly hear all the ruckus inside. Men. They were hollering and shouting, and by the sounds of it blasting some t.v sport's game.
"We won't have long till they catch our scent. So we should probably stay opposite to the air flow in the vents." Leah quietly suggested, eyeing the windows carefully.
I did a double take.
"Vents…? You guys are nuts. Poor Chi… Or any human for that matter."
Leah snorted and stomped through the snow, leaving me more than happy to follow in her deep prints.
Finally we reached the windows, which no surprise were cracked. There the t.v roared loudly and I could smell burnt popcorn.
"Hell of a party." I murmured, pressing into my wolf girlfriend's side for warmth greedily. Leah paid me no mind, continuing to bend slightly to see through the window. I was entirely grateful she put up with my feline ways. Same could be said for the pack too.
When the commercial break came on, we saw from across the room that Embry clapped his hands once, grinning to my fiancé sitting on the couch.
"So…we got a surprise for you."
I could only wonder with their smirks and chuckles. All the sudden, Seth turned on the music player nearby.
Leah and I's brows instantly shot up at the slow, sultry music.
It sounded like an 80's porno.
Naturally I bristled, every trace of cold leaving my veins in place of barely strained fury. Leah's hand pressed over my own, but I felt she was as stiff as I was now.
Paul looked a tad pale, shaking his head at them and waving his hands.
"Guys, no, I don't-"
Something flew down the stairs nearby, nearly flying around the corner to the room. It was black and white- a maid uniform.
I could barely recognize the frills of a short skirt till I saw the thick calves.
Then a very familiar male frame.
The entire house erupted into laughter as Chi struck a pose, and Paul was torn between relief and getting back at the others for the joke.
Unfortunately the sight of Chi in a mini-skirt gave us away.
We gave in to the laughter, while Leah fumbled to frantically take pictures on her phone. I'd barely had a chance to collapse against the house, breathlessly laughing till over-sized burning hands pulled me through the window.
"Party crashers!" someone laughed.
Glancing at Chi, who without a single shamed bone stood there casually had me losing any composure I had. Leah climbed in through the window, helping me stand upright and be a support. I hardly trusted my legs right now.
"We just wanted to see how you guys were doing." Her eyes glanced towards Chi and she smirked. "Though…it'll be hard forgetting that."
Paul's warm arms wrapped around me, and a peck was placed at my temple.
"You're freezing." He stated.
"Dude, anyone not a wolf is freezing!" Chi dramatically threw up his arms.
"You're wearing a skirt." Paul stated.
"Touché." Chi gave up easily enough and went upstairs to get changed, I assumed. The crowd of men around suddenly went back to the t.v- figures. They were like moths to light when it came to sports. I refrained from making a face and looked up at Paul.
"You having fun…?" I hesitantly asked. "Shouldn't there at least be booz or…whatever the hell men do."
Paul gave me a scrunched face expression. "Most the guys here can't even legally drink. Besides, we're good with the last game of the year." Suddenly he smirked knowingly. "Care to watch?"
"No."
He knew how much I hated sports.
Still he smirked. "How's your party anyway?"
I bluffed. "Great, actually. I should probably get back to it."
"Just one more minute. You feel nice." He sighed, holding me in his arms tighter. With my face scrunched against his burning chest, I murmured. "Yeah yeah, hold me all you want tonight. I gotta enjoy my last night of freedom."
I ducked away from his arms, laughing impishly as I dove out the window. Unfortunately going straight into the snow was my payback, and Paul looked amused.
"Do it while you can, because this time tomorrow, you're mine forever!" He laughed dramatically, giving a maniacal look as he shut the window. Leah came out from the front door, thankfully giving me a piggy back ride back home without my asking about it. I was thankful. She got us there much faster than I could've done.
All the while I was trying not to laugh about Paul.
Most men in his position would be anxious, or at least wondering if it was their right choice in a spouse. Long term deep thoughts like that.
But there was none of that. Being an imprint was such a solidified thing, there was never any hesitation- nothing. It meant his instincts were right and wouldn't lie to him, I was the other half of his heart. His soul, I guess.
And since my instincts were never as strong, instead my humanity was always more clear, it alleviated any fears I had. Natural ones I'd never voice.
I think everybody had those doubts. Besides, I was only nervous because tomorrow was the big day. Something I had only imagined for so long, and here it was at my fingertips.
And with each passing minute, the excitement in my heart was like an out of control animal.
Only I could hardly wait to become Mrs. Lahote.
.
.
.
The bed was empty when I woke up to the cold morning light.
My early morning mindset wondered where my giant wolf heating pad was, till I remembered today's significance.
The morning light seemed a bit more beautiful then. As I sat up from bed, sleepily rubbing my eyes and gradually becoming more energized by today's later events, the bathroom door opened. Paul hurried out, hair dripping wet in a pair of shorts. He grabbed his suit, which was carefully folded in plastic, and flashed me a grin- toothbrush still hanging from his mouth.
"Hey beautiful."
I scoffed in my chest.
Only true love would think I was beautiful with my hair a mess, clothes crumpled and without an ounce of makeup. I didn't have a chance to stand barely before a tan, short haired beauty strode into my room. Leah was way too awake for the hour, but I appreciated it. She was like my coach in getting me quickly changed into something pre-wedding dress. It would suffice while she did my makeup and hair. Of course, she promptly sent Paul out of the bathroom, though he didn't care.
I recalled he'd be at Sam's place getting ready. Just before the door closed, he sent me a smile without saying anything. I could hardly fathom what was in his eyes before the door shut.
Excitement? Giddiness?
Probably both.
Also that look of 'you know what you're getting into- marrying a wolf. You crazy feline.'
I knew him too well.
There wasn't enough time to make Stormy and Feng breakfast, though they clearly wondered what all the excitement was about. Still I was grateful when Emily arrived and whipped up some breakfast for us. I made sure not to eat too much- lest the excitement overwhelm me and…well, I see the breakfast again…
After I finished eating, I let Leah continue doing my hair while Emily got Feng dressed up. Afterwards I barely noted she combed out Stormy and attached his little formal bow-tie. That'd probably never get boring. Plus it made him pretty happy too.
By the time Leah started carefully working on my makeup, I let out a number of unsteady breaths.
"Just breathe. It'll be over before you know it. OK? Breathe Ross."
I inhaled quickly. "AhhhEHHh. Ahem."
"That was pathetic."
I shook off a cold sweat, though stopped when she almost poked my eye with the mascara brush. Leah held my face a bit more firmly with one hand so she could work.
"Is that your dress against the wall? Can't believe I didn't ask you about it sooner."
I almost nodded but resorted to a hum in my throat. "Yeah… my mom should be happy about that. Was hers'…and grandma's…"
A smile broke out across her face.
"Better than the Lei tradition, I guess."
I snorted. "Got that right."
Leah huffed at me. "Now you've got mascara on your brow. Stay still, you finicky feline."
I had no qualms with staying still- especially since I knew how good she was.
"It's almost one!" Emily's voice called from the living room. I'd be eternally grateful she was helping me out. At this point I couldn't help but fidget. Two hours until the wedding, and the reception would be at dusk.
The next thing I knew, I was allowed a minute's worth of freedom so they could get themselves ready. I always found they were naturally flawless, what with their beautiful tan complexion and dark hair.
Whereas I would always be a train wreck this early, they were nice to look at sometimes. While they rushed to put on their own bridesmaid dresses, I nearly jumped when a truck honked outside. I peaked out the windows at the black truck, petting Stormy with one hand so he'd stop chirping excitedly. It was in vain though. Billy Black parked in front of the house, and I saw Jacob hop out of the truck's bed.
He wasn't dressed for the wedding yet, but still it was baffling to see him out there in just shorts like that. He opened the passenger's door, and out stumbled a rushed Jaio and Yan-mei. Jacob waved to his father as the old truck started out, and he followed the two to the door. I quickly opened it for them, teeth chattering at the breeze following them in.
"Hey guys."
Jacob looked me over. "Sweats and a t-shirt, huh? Guess it's that kinda wedding huh?"
I slapped his arm, glancing over. "Go ahead and get ready girls. Once Leah and Emily are finished they'll help me get ready. Or do you guys need any help?"
"We're fine, Ross!" Jaio beamed. "Today's about you, remember?" As they hurried towards the back, I lifted my head and saw Jacob watching me with his deep black eyes.
"What?"
"Nothing… I'm just remembering the first time I saw you. You were only a small fry all awkward on the beach, and now here you are marrying one of my brothers." It seemed like admiration was in his eyes, and he smiled. "You've come a long way, kitty cat."
My mind was already so swamped in thoughts, my only response I could muster was hugging him.
Jacob sighed, loosely wrapped his humongous muscled arms around me. "Ah, you felines. So emotional. There there."
I furrowed my brows.
"Is that a Zootopia reference-"
"Shh-" He lightly patted my head, mindful of the carefully wrapped curls.
"I am not a bunny with something to prove."
Jacob's laugh shook his body and vibrated in my ears. I couldn't resist a grin and eased away from him. Leah barked out my name from the other room, and I knew better than to keep her waiting.
"You gonna get ready?" I asked, sparing him a glance over. What, he'd take like five minutes to get ready, I figured. Sometimes I wished things could be that simple for us women…
"Yeah, but it won't take long." Figures. "Plus I wanna see you in a dress." He grinned, crossing his arms. I sputtered at him dismissively and started for the back. In seconds, with a blur of Emily and Leah moving around me, it felt like I had only blinked (with some minor pulling and tugging) before my dress was around me. It was such a rush I barely noticed the girls were done. Since my dress was white and silky, with red flowers decorating the bottom, they wore deep red dresses. They were all stunningly beautiful.
Yet, when I turned to the mirror, my eyes watered.
"No no, no running makeup!" Leah rushed, trying to distract me. But the tears spilled when Jacob stepped in and gawked, smiling.
"Aw, kitty cat, you're breathtaking."
Leah allowed me to good cry for a minute, and touched up my makeup again. I could hardly help it. I was so happy I just couldn't help it-
"LIMO!" Feng shouted from the other room.
It was one already?
The girls scurried out, swept up in the rush and excitement. Meanwhile I leaned against the bedroom door, breathing in slowly. The burning hand on my shoulder was comforting.
"Hey." Jacob's voice was quiet. "It's gonna be great, Ross. I promise."
All I had to remember was to breathe, and I was alright.
I sent him a thankful smile, nodding.
Jacob helped me out to the limo, and when it came to the snow, he carried the back half of my dress for me. When I climbed inside, the space filled with various whistles.
"Oh hush." I blushed, causing most of the wolves to laugh. I could tell everyone was excited as they talked animatedly, though Jacob seemed to be the only one to notice my lack of enthusiasm. Then again, I had a lot on my mind. During the drive he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and I was more than happy to rest my head against him and breathe.
At least Feng was adorable to look at in his little suit. And goodness knows Stormy was just soaking up all the attention- and looking for a camera to nab like last time.
The vehicle slowed down the closer we neared the hill. Already my nose could detect multiple scents, and I could see all the cars parked on the road by it. My grip on my dress tightened as everyone quieted down, starting to look at me.
"Who's ready for a wedding?" Seth laughed, glancing around but mostly keeping his gaze on me.
"Yeah, let's do this!" Jared patted my shoulder as he started out, and with reassuring smiles to me, everyone followed him out.
At least till it was just Jacob and I. He felt like the only thing keeping me calm.
Jacob reached into his pocket. "There's something I want you to have. Close your eyes."
The moment I did, something thin and cold wrapped around my neck. "Okay." I heard his smile. "Open."
I lowered my head to see a necklace below my collarbone. It was a thin chain, and on the end of it was a carved wolf head howling upwards. But it shone beautifully in a coat of dark polish.
"Oh Jacob." I gasped, admiring all the tiny details- especially since it was about the size of a penny. "You're amazing, I can't thank you-"
"Don't worry about it." He laughed, giving my side a squeeze. "Just remember, if Paul ever gets on your nerves enough…which he will, knowing him, you always have a home with me."
I smiled. "Puppy, that's so sweet. Thank you… But I'm the woman in the relationship, and we always kick the guys out first in a fight." I laughed, causing him to snort. He opened the door for me, and with a breath of cold air, I stepped out. The snow around was pristinely white and calm, and just barely I could see thin flakes of snow falling from a clear blue sky.
It was almost heavenly. Freezing, but heavenly.
Every ounce of fear and nervousness left me, and I was able to smile for the first time genuinely all day. Jacob offered his arm next to me, touching my heart.
"I hope you don't mind…" He spoke, hesitantly.
Minding Jacob's ridiculous height, I hopped up with my arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek, soon landing on my feet smiling. "I couldn't think of anyone else I'd want walking me down."
Jacob straightened up, smiling oddly proud of himself. Then, with that, we began walking up the hill.
I was grateful someone had cleared a path for us to walk through.
First, I could see the back rows of chairs. Then, the heads of all our guests. They were standing and waiting, looking right back at me. Instantly I broke out into a smile seeing all my distant cousins, some even coming from Beijing just to be here- although I didn't know them well. That was probably my mother's doing. Then there were our friends that weren't bridesmaid's and groomsmen. I spotted my mother in the front row, beaming and dabbing a crumpled tissue to her eyes. Stormy and Feng sat by her, perked and curious.
Then, vividly and clearly, I saw my bridesmaids standing excitedly and beautifully in their red dresses, holding their flowers.
I had barely noted all the flowers everywhere. Paul had pressed about my favorite, but I never could decide. I could tell now he clearly ordered some of every type. On the other side of Leah, Emily, Jaio and Yan-mei stood Sam, Embry, Seth, and the spot left open I guessed was for Jacob. Said wolf stopped a few feet from the front, turned, and bent just enough to kiss my forehead. Then with his dimple-smile in place, he went to take his place.
Then, with my eyes saving the best for last, I beheld my fiancé- knowing the moment I looked at him, I couldn't look at anything else.
I always knew he was handsome, wild and rugged. But that atop of being freshly clean, wearing his suit and slid back dark hair, it was a wonder I managed to find my place across from him. His eyes never left mine, and I had to wonder how long he'd been watching me. He was smiling his little smile, and I finally recognized that look in his eyes. What I figured earlier was true enough, but this was more intense, more real.
The burning adoration and love was tangible, I could feel it burning my skin- to the point I couldn't feel the light snow coming down.
The reservation priest cleared his throat and started a speech, but I didn't hear a word.
I could only focus enough on Paul sliding a wedding band over my finger, and his soft voice.
"I do."
Then it was my turn, and I did the same.
Finally, I could notice the old priest smile and saw him lift his head.
"-I now pronounce you, man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Burning arms wrapped around me, and without my control I was dipped; a blue sky shone down at me, and Paul kissed me. In that moment that united us till the end, everyone erupted into piercing cheers and hollers. It was such a joyous loud noise, I'd never be able to forget it.
I would never be able to forget Paul's warm, rough lips in the kiss that brought us together.
Forever.
.
.
.
