Leah Clearwater Pov
*Recurring Dream*
Relaxing down on the hot sand, I could feel myself sinking deeper and deeper. "So peaceful here." I muttered to myself.
Looking up at the sky, it was as bright and blue as ever. No signs of doom or gloom insight, most of all no rain clouds.
"Now this is more like it... Warm and sunny. Quiet and beautiful." I heard an unfamiliar voice say beside me.
Sitting up alert, I glared over at the brown eyed, tan skinned lady who started over at me.
"Hi, Leah."
"Hey." I was confused as to why she looked so familiar.
"Do I know you?" I asked.
"I just came from talking with Seth." She says.
"Oh.." was all I could manage.
Did she speak with my little brother often? I wonder.
"How have you been holding up since Harry's death?"
"Not so good. I think about him all the time." I admitted.
"I know, but spending time with Jacob helps... Doesn't it?"
"Yes." I nodded. "Spending time with Jacob helps way more than I like."
"That's good. I'm happy he can be that healthy nudge for you, and I'm glad you keep his feet on the ground." She said running her hand through her long black wavy hair and the realization of who she was became clear.
Brown eyes. Tan skin. Jet black, wavy hair. Jacob's mother. "Sarah." I mouthed. "How could I forget?"
She laughed. "Took you long enough. I wonder if Jacob's face will be the same...I miss him so much."
"You look so different." I say.
I wonder if Billy knew she was here with me.
"Yes, sunlight will do wonders and radiate your skin." She smirked. "With the sound of birds chirping to make you feel alive, you should vacation often."
"Ha, I wish it was warm like this all year around."
The trees had so much color it was like a painting. "It can be, but not here. La Push is where our tribe will always be. However, you should get away. Get out of these woods. You'll breathe better, trust me."
"I think I'll take your advice." I said as she turned her head to glare behind us.
"Look who came to say hello..." Sarah smiled and I turned to see who she was talking about.
*End Of Dream*
Opening my eyes to flashing lights on the ceiling.
The living room was dark but the kitchen had dim light.
Sitting up, the television was on but the sound was very low.
"Did you fall asleep that quick?" Caleb said moving from the kitchen with a bag of cheese puffs in his hand.
"What time is it?" I asked as he placed the junk food on the table.
"Just turned 3:00 am, Did you want to call it a night?" He asked.
"Yes, I think so." I say, standing from the sofa, my knees went weak and I stumbled forward into Caleb's open arms almost falling down.
"Mom." He said holding onto me tight. "Are you okay?" He lowered me back onto the sofa.
"That was weird." I breathed.
"Your legs must have fallen asleep."
"Yeah." I agreed.
Hearing the sound of the front door opening, Caleb and I turned to look.
Billy slowly stepped in and he looked at us on the couch. "I knew I heard voices." He said coming in the house, shutting the door.
"Yeah, mom and I were watching 'Planet of the Apes', until she dozed off to sleep when I went for refills." Caleb stated.
"It's late, we should get to bed." I said running my hands through my messy hair.
"Speak for yourself kid, I can hang all night." Billy said, taking a seat on the other couch.
Billy Black the night owl. I snorted. "I know you can."
"Hey, Cabe, why don't you head on up to bed. I'd like to chat with Leah for a second." He said and I wondered if what he had to say could wait until the morning. I was too sleepy to think.
"Alright, goodnight." Caleb nodded then kissed me quickly on the forehead.
"Goodnight." I said low as he headed for the steps.
Now that Jeremiah is visiting, Caleb's new room is near Sarah's on the second floor.
The third floor is taken by Daniel and Josh.
Caleb's room formerly was across from Jacob and mine. It was once Sarah's but when Daniel and I left for the book tour a few months ago, Caleb no longer wanted to sleep downstairs. Some of his stuff is still in that room.
We had rebuilt the basement into a bedroom for Joshua before he went off to medical school, Now Billy, Kelly and Keira are staying down there until Jane and Alec are caught.
Alec and Jane must be stopped before they have time to create another attack plan or find help elsewhere.
Billy and I quietly waited for Caleb to get all the way up the stairs.
"So tell me… What's been going on?" Billy asked.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You came home earlier, you've been avoiding Jacob and now late night film binges." I should have known that of all people Billy would notice.
"I was home sick and things are pretty hectic, plus it's beyond tough to ignore a teddy bear that huge." I am speaking of Jacob. I glanced at the bowl of cheese balls Caleb had left. "These are bad for him, but why let it go to waste." I reached for the unhealthy snack and started to dig in.
Billy laughed. "Leah, we're alone. You can talk to me." He said and in that second he sounded like Jacob, well... Jacob sounded like him.
I sighed. I knew that. "Don't worry, everything will be just fine." I promised him.
"Then talk to me. Tell me what's been going on."
I sighed, crunching loudly and shrugged. "You really want to know?"
"Yes." He nodded calmly.
"I'm pregnant." I said fast.
Billy's calm expression turned into complete delight.
Wasn't sure if it was because I gave the truth or at the relief that Jacob and I weren't having problems.
"Congratulations." He smiled. "How do you feel about it?"
Surprised at the question I half expected him to ask why I hadn't told Jacob. "What do you mean?"
"I can imagine how stressful and unexpected this could be for you, but it's not good to keep your emotions bottled up, certainly from Jacob." He says.
I smiled at that, placing the bowl of cheese puffs back on the table.
"I know and I'm both happy and sad to be honest, just unsure about saying it out loud."
"There's nothing wrong with that, emotions can be all over the place when you're overwhelmed." He stated.
I shrugged my shoulders, he was completely right about that.
"I'm happy that I stopped and realized that I needed to come home, to be with Jacob. I've missed everyone so much, but to come home to Jane and Alec trying to kill my babies. Frustrates me. Do I seriously have another life growing inside of me to protect? I'm sad that I'll get too comfortable being home and get depressed again. Years ago if I hadn't started writing I don't know where I would be. Writing saved me. I didn't know that I was pregnant when Jacob and I first started having problems, and then the drama with Sam and Camilla. Now I have these two books out that people love, I don't want it to go away." I confessed.
"Then what do you want?" Billy asked.
"I want to keep traveling and meeting people, telling the story of our tribe. Having a baby would mean staying home for years and having the luxury die out. Flying from country to country, city to city is amazing, it's all I ever wanted. I'm not getting any younger, which also means the kids are getting older and starting lives of their own. I'll be left with nothing in the end except Jacob and an empty house."
Billy nodded, comprehending my conflicted emotions.
I laughed merely to myself. "I know… I'm insane, thinking too much."
"No." He shook his head disagreeing. "I know exactly what you're going through, and you don't know how pleased I am to hear you let it out."
I laughed again. "Billy, I'm just trying to wrap my head around it."
"Not to state the obvious, but that's why you have a husband, to share those thoughts with."
"I hear what you're saying, Billy. I do." I nodded.
"You remind me of Jacob's mother Sarah. What you two have, I admit I get envious of what I once had with Sarah when we were your age. She was so polite, even hiding her thoughts and emotions. She was so secretive that I always waited for her to open up to me. It was through her art that I got the chance to see how she truly felt, even when it came to me."
Odd, Jacob once said something similar about me and my writing.
"Sarah's art was so detailed and raw with emotions. After she died I didn't care that she never allowed me into her mind, I just needed her in my arms." He paused, glancing down at his wedding ring.
He wore two rings now. One that his wife Sarah gave him and the other, Kelly bought him.
"Leah, talk to Jacob. He will understand more than you know." Billy says and the memory of my dream with Sarah, that I always seem to have come back to mind.
I nodded. "I know he will, but I haven't fully comprehended it yet. I feel so angry that Sarah is going through the change. I hated it with all my kids, but she's different. She's becoming a young lady."
"Who has a handle on herself gracefully. She will carry on life just as you and Jacob have, but even better. She has Embry to love her, like you have Jacob. When Jacob gets in from patrolling with Daniel, you tell him that you're pregnant and take it from there. I'm sure your worries will subside, he may very well be feeling the same."
I nodded. "You're right. I haven't even thought about what he must be feeling, not really. It's hard, all I can see is him not understanding me. Like before."
"He will, Leah. He always does. Don't stop believing in him. Sometimes he surprises you."
"That is true." I agreed. "He always surprises me." I smiled.
Haylie Laskes Pov
Walking from the bathroom I was surprised to see Noah outside the cafe entrance.
"Hey?" I said as he walked in. The cafe was empty as I hadn't flipped the open sign over but unlocked as I waited for Quil and Keira to arrive. "Is everything alright?" I asked my hybrid husband.
"I had another vision." Noah spoke unsteadily.
For the past sixteen years he has hidden the fact that he had a gift similar to his mother Renesmee and his aunt Alice.
"Of what?" I asked, then ushered for him to sit at an empty dining booth.
Noah sometimes gets memory-visions in his sleep of members of his bloodline, such as Nahuel, Renesmee, even Bella.
There are moments he would get them when he's still awake, almost on the verge of sleep.
"What did you see?" I am anxious.
"I saw Aiden." He spoke.
"Aiden?" He hasn't had a dream of her in a very long time. "Sweetheart, it must be guilt. You just miss her, that's all." I said gently, grabbing both of his hands in mine.
"No." He shook his head. "I thought that too, but when I awoke… I realized… it was her last memory before she died."
"Really? Are you sure?" I asked.
"Let me show you." He said standing on his feet quickly.
It was already 4:00am.
I sighed. "Alright, but quickly I have to open the Cafe soon."
Noah lifted his hands high to mine and closed his eyes. I did the same knowing what to do.
As Alice Cullen has visions of the future, Noah has visions of the past -that happen mostly at night time when his body and mind are winding down from the day.
Furthermore, like Renesmee Cullen, his mother who can show others her thoughts, and images, projecting them into their mind by touching them, Noah does the same with memories.
The first thing he ever showed me was his first birthday party through the eyes of his mother.
It was an awesome ability he had.
Aiden Clearwater Pov
*Flashback*
16 years ago
Waking up on the floor of Nahuel's huge dining hall. I looked over surprised to see Leah lying not so far from where I was.
"Leah?" I whispered, crawling over toward her.
Oh no. What have I done? I thought about pulling Leah towards me. I should have told her the truth from the start.
Placing my hand underneath her head, she was warm and didn't appear harmed.
Unexpectedly she was no longer pregnant.
She must have given birth last night, that's why Joham and Cole were in such a rush to leave. Cole must have been the one that stabbed Leah, causing her to be rushed to the hospital.
Cole stabbed me as well and once I lost consciousness, he or Nahuel brought me here.
I should have protected her. My father expressed only lies of protecting Leah. I should have known better.
"Leah, can you hear me?" I breathed hoping the house was empty so no one could hear that I was awake.
Now that Joham knows I'm against his plans on hurting Leah, he must want me to watch what he's going to do to her.
His attempts to get to Lizabeth were ruptured by Noah and Irvin asking for Leah's DNA. It was believed that Leah was the first female shapeshifter of her generation, Lizabeth was one that came before her.
Nahuel punishes Noah and myself the only way he knows how. My hope is that Joham changes his mind about revenge, though that's unlikely. He won't abandon his desires to be with Lizabeth. He has already done so much to find her bloodline. Lizabeth is Leah's ancestor, Leah's the only one who can help the hybrid-werewolf-vampire.
"Aiden?" Leah said and I smiled happily that she was alright.
"Great, she's awake!" Joham said walking into the room.
Behind him was Nahuel, Isaac and The Volturi. Isaac the original leader of the Russian Coven was in cahoots with Nahuel's father Joham.
My father Nahuel was once a good guy, but his deviousness of Renesemee Cullen's love for Jacob Black has turned his heart cold and his mind blind. Even when Renesmee chose him, her love for Jacob never died or faded.
Nahuel has had vengeance against the wolves for a long time, his only exception to his plan was Leah. His fondness of Leah and jealousy of Jacob, is both why I came to be.
Hearing a loud banging sound that shook the house. I looked up as Cole ran into the room. "We have company." He said and Nahuel glared down at me with a worried look.
"Grab the girl." Isaac said fast and I held tightly onto Leah protectively.
"No. Don't touch either of them." We heard someone say coming from the kitchen.
I looked. Carlisle and Alice stood there.
"Joham, you fool. You brought The Cullen Clan straight to us." Isaac accused gearing up to make a run for it.
Suddenly Alice Cullen jumped on top of Isaac's head and ripped it off.
It wasn't long till a howl ripped through the house, and I knew the wolves were here to get Leah.
Out of nowhere I jumped watching as Haylie crashed through the dining room window in her wolf-form.
Not so far behind her were the other Cullen's.
Hearing more crashing sounds that told me the battle was starting, I ducked my head down. Shielding Leah as the fight began.
Glancing up, Emmett tackled Alec from The Volturi. They tussled a bit.
Jacob was suddenly in front of me without clothes on and I knew what he wanted.
Not looking at me once, she took Leah out of my arms and scooped her up to his chest.
I knew all I ever wanted was for her to be safe, and there's no other place safer than with him.
As Jacob disappeared, Irvin and Lizabeth arrived. Lizabeth targets Joham. She was fast. Irvin allowed his mate to target his evil older half-brother.
I was pleased that her actual true love Irvin helped her instead of someone so evil as in Joham, who only wanted to use her and keep her hostaged.
Irvin set his eyes on Aro, gripping him up hard, but Aro moved from his grasp to run off.
I breathed still unable to move.
Haylie ran after Jane back out the broken window and disappeared. Alec followed his sister.
Cole sluggishly crawled across the floor, jumping up to grab Nahuel's Japanese sword.
I closed my eyes in fear. I did my best to not listen to the sound of death around me, but It was impossible.
Spotting Damon through the up uproar, he glared over at me.
This entire situation could have been prevented. I should have done more.
Now, I knew what I had to do.
Damon howled and I glared over as Cole peered that sword out of Damon's heart.
"NO!" I yelled.
Esme then wrestled Cole to the floor.
I closed my eyes once again, this time letting my body and mind do all the work.
It was time for this house to burn into ashes.
"Aiden?" I heard someone whisper and turned around opening my eyes.
His bared body, weak. "Damon." I cried. Back to human form he breathlessly-laid on the floor, and I crawled over to hold him.
There was blood everywhere. "Damon." I whispered knowing he was at his end.
"Aiden." He spoke so casually as if we were greeting one another at the shop.
"I'm so sorry, This is all my fault." I apologize.
"No... it's not... It's okay." He said low.
"I'm so sorry." I said looking into his heavy eyes, that were closing.
"You know... I never got the chance to tell you..." He muttered squeezing my hand.
"What? Tell me what?"
"How much I care.. How much I truly care for you..."
I shook my head guilty. "Damon.."
"Despite what has happened... You're still good… in my eyes. Your goodness.. inspired me at my weakest moment." He said low.
"No, I'm not that good." I said letting the tears run down my face. "I've done not so good things to the people I love."
"How much.. Intention within was... good?" He asked.
I shook my head slowly. "Not enough." I admitted. "But... now I can make it up a little." I said looking around the room. "Hopefully every ounce of goodness in everyone else escapes in time." I said knowing I was the only one with the power to burn Nahuel's house down.
"I love you." I said leaning down to kiss his dying lips.
I closed my eyes and to my surprise, Damon's warm lips kissed me back.
My first ever, real kiss. This is where the final battle takes place.
It all ends here.
The moment I no longer felt Damon's motion, I pushed the heat of the flames around us to rage higher.
*End Of Flashback*
With a huge huff I took a step back from Noah but continued to hold on to him tight.
That day all the Russian Coven, along with Joham, Issac, Nahuel, and Cole died.
Irvin and Liz went to their homeland.
The Volturi escaped that day but were killed by hunters and wolves years afterward. Once Leah's novel told the world where they were located.
"I replayed it in my mind over and over." Noah confessed.
"Honey, you shouldn't torture yourself like that, it isn't healthy."
"I know." He whispered, upset. "I just can't help but to think of what her life would have been."
Noah moved away from me and I dropped my hands. "I'm a bit tired." I hate seeing him in pain.
"Go home, try to rest." I was encouraged.
"I can't, I have to be at work in a few hours."
"Then please call out and rest." I said placing my palms on his cheek. "Please, for me?"
He shut his eyes for a second, "You're right."
I nodded. When he kissed my cheek goodbye, I watched as he turned and the bell above the entrance door rang as he left.
Daniel Black Pov
You're lagging behind. Dad had thought as I slowed my pace, following him around the perimeter of La Push.
Don't you think we're running too fast? We have to be able to see the vampires.
Who said we're on the hunt for them? He replied. Running is to help your heart rate. The faster it's up the easier it should be for you.
Dad, that doesn't make any sense. I responded.
It should be for you because everything is the opposite, trust me. Now when I say shift, you shift back while running.
Dad, I really don't think this will work.
Just do what I say, Daniel. He practically yelled in my head.
Dad, I have it under control now. I thought back.
At that moment I stopped heals first in the dirt. Not waiting for dad to stop, I pulled myself together, shifting in human form.
Bare naked in the field, I stood. "You see," I called to him. "Well under control." I said and dad stared at me then quickly turned away.
Probably not wanting to see his son naked. I started running towards his direction and leaped into the air shifting back.
Happy? I thought.
Not disappointed. He replied back.
Is it almost time for me to trade places with Josh now? I asked as we were on the outer line of First Beach. I'm getting pretty tired running around these woods.
Yeah, sure. He said and the image of mom came into his head.
He was remembering her face before she woke up.
How was Tokyo? He asked.
It was fun. Was all I managed to think.
Why did she decide to make it your guys last stop? He asked.
No. No. Dad. You have to talk to mom. I thought as we were now running past grandpa Billy's home. It was empty on the count of him, Kelly and Keira staying with us until the vampire threats died down.
She talks to you. He mentions.
No, not really. I lied.
Daniel. Just tell me. I know something is bothering her.
I growled, wishing him to know the truth but not wanting to be the one to tell him. I didn't want to be in the middle of anything.
In my mind I went back to the moment I knew mom was sick. In Tokyo I had no idea why she was so emotional and sleeping more than usual. Not until I heard the baby's heartbeat.
You just have to talk to her, Dad.
She's pregnant? He asked, not seeming too surprised.
She's not ready to tell you yet. I admit.
Why?
I honestly don't know.
Guess I'll have to talk to her now. He replied as we came to a stop in front of the house.
Shifting back at the same time, Dad and I were happy to see that grandpa left clothes on the front porch for us.
"I don't know about you, but I'm starving." Dad said putting on a pair of sport-shorts and I grabbed some red track pants.
"I could go for a juicy barbecued steak." I admitted.
Dad laughed jumping onto the porch. "You and I both."
*Few Hours Later*
Embry Call Pov
Driving onto Jacob and Leah's curb, I didn't want to park in the driveway.
I didn't sleep at all last night, all I could think of was Sarah.
I thought since school opened two hours late because of the dance, I had the idea to take her to school so we could spend a moment together.
I called Jacob and Leah to make sure it was alright but both of their phones went straight to voicemail.
Before I managed to get to the porch the front door swung open.
"Hello, Embry." Kelly greeted me.
I almost forgot she was staying here along with Billy and Keira for a while. Dressed in her nurse's uniform I wasn't sure if she was heading to her second shift or first of the day. She forever works overtime. It amazes me how she keeps it going. Running a hospital cannot be easy. Hardworking woman there.
"Good morning."
She smiled. "Come to see Jacob?"
"Actually Sarah, is she awake?" I said walking up the porch steps.
"Sorry, no. She is still asleep, but go on in." She said holding the door open for me.
"Thank you." I nodded. "Have a good day at work."
"Thank you, I'll try." She replied back.
Walking into the house, I shut the door as the living room and kitchen were empty.
Everyone must be asleep.
"Hey." A voice said from the staircase and I looked up.
Josh came down the stairs. "How's it going?"
"Good." I say.
"Everyone's sleeping." Josh stated.
"Sarah's up there?" I ask.
"Yeah, still snoozing away but it's almost time for her to get to school." He said moving towards the couch.
"Well I'll go on up and wake her."
"Fine by me." He said. Not saying another word, I ran up the steps.
Since Sarah's room was right on the second floor, I pushed open the door.
Her room was just the same as when she was younger, except the Hello Kitty theme walks were more pre-teen themed.
The queen size bed that took up the left side of her room, was obvious that she needed a larger space.
I glanced in her purple bathroom that was spotless, except for the damped clothes hanging in her shower.
Near her closet still hung her grandmother's Sarah watercolor painting of First Beach. For years Billy held it underneath his bed, until Leah and Jacob got married. He gave it to Leah who hung it in Sarah's room that was downstairs at first, but now it's up here.
The sound of Sarah's breathing moved me towards her sleeping body.
With one foot hanging off the side of the bed. She was snoring lightly. Her face was peaceful with deep sleep, all the tired lines smoothed out.
When I watch her sleeping so peacefully, my urge to protect her becomes overwhelmingly powerful.
I broadly obsess over our memories, things were simple when she was young. There once were so many dilemmas driving us insane. I sheltered her back more than Leah had.
Lowering my body on to the edge of her bed, Sarah's eyes slowly opened.
They looked around the room, then directly up at me.
"Good morning." I whispered.
She stared with curious eyes.
"How are you feeling?" I asked low.
"Alright." She whispered.
"How would you like it if I drove you to school?" I asked.
Sarah slowly sat up in her bed. "I had the weirdest dream."
"About?" I asked curious.
"Me." She answered.
I nodded a bit bummed it wasn't of me, as she is all I dream of.
"Was it a good dream?"
"I don't know. It was just…. Weird."
"Well maybe you can tell me about it on the car ride to school, I have the entire day off." I say.
"You know I never got to ask you." She said and I straight up facing her. "Would you like to be my date to the school dance?"
"I would love to." I said fast.
"Really?" She asked.
I nod once.
"I just expected you to say you were too old for it."
I laughed. "I am, but I have been dying for you to ask me since yesterday." I said honestly
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Really? But I thought..-"
She cut off, not finishing what she was getting ready to say.
"I think we should really have a talk." I stated.
"A talk?"
"Like old times... and hang out more in the future." I suggested.
She smiled. "I would love that."
I smiled standing from her bed. "Tonight after the dance you can come over and we can watch a good sci-fi movie with some take-out."
"Okay." She nods. "I can't wait."
"Same. It's been too long." I confessed. "I miss our movie-nights."
"Same. Thank you." She said scratching her hair. " Also for the ride to school. I appreciate it."
I bowed my head, "Of course, You're welcome. I'll let you get dressed." I say walking backwards out of her room.
Grabbing her door knob I pulled the door shut and stood there, glad that she didn't say no.
Jacob Black Pov
*Flashback*
16 years Ago
On the drive home with Leah was quiet.
With the year we just had, I was hoping to end it with a celebration.
Aiden and most of the bad guys are dead, while Leah and our family remain together, and intact. Yet, here I am feeling as if I lost everything once again.
It was only a few weeks ago that I was released from jail, charged with a crime I would never commit. It wasn't Charlie's fault either, he had to do his job. Adam's half sister was very convincing with her fake photographs.
I was out just in time to find out that the love of my life was pregnant with our fourth child. When I reunited with Leah I knew things wouldn't magically go back to the way they were. However, I slept better at night feeling as if my relationship with Leah would evolve into much more than it has ever had before.
I didn't get her hesitation on marriage. I'm trying to get it. Marriage is a scary thing, it's permitted but promising, that's what I love most about the idea. Vows you share with that one person who you can't imagine living without.
I most certainly cannot live without Leah Clearwater. Marriage,. it's the one thing no one can take away or try to divide unless you allow it. There's no doubt Leah loves me, but I can't help but wonder if there was a specific reason for her sudden pause.
I come up blink to think of anything or anyone. I know Sam's out of the picture, and now that Embry has imprinted on Sarah he'll always be around. However, her and Leah have gotten closer during her pregnancy but he couldn't be the reason why she had paused. I can only hope not.
"Where are you going?" Leah said, breaking me out of my thought, and I glared out the window, driving past our house.
"Dammit." I muttered whipping the wheel around to make a fast U-turn.
"Jeez." Leah exclaimed, holding on to her seat as the truck proactively tuned on two wheels.
"Sorry." I said stopping the car right in front of the driveway, the entire house was crowded when we left this morning.
Not ready to go inside, I sat still.
It's better if I stayed out here to think.
Noticing Embry's car wasn't here, I knew if any time was good to talk with him alone. No doubt he would soon be here to come take Sarah away from everyone.
"Are you coming?" Leah asked, opening the passenger door and I looked over at her for the first time since we got into the truck.
"No. You go ahead, I'll take a drive." I said, turning my head to glared out the windshield.
"Right now?" She asked.
"Yeah."
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, fine." I lied.
"Jacob?" She sighed, already catching that I wasn't happy with her answer about marrying me that she gave on the cliffs. "Don't make me feel guilty, just give me time. You just got back home, I just had a baby... this whole Camilla mess has both of us apprehensive of our relationship. I don't want to rush our-forever."
"I get it. Just go in the house, I'll be there in a couple minutes." I said fast.
"Jacob?"
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not going to throw myself off the cliffs because you won't marry me, Leah. I'm not that pathetic." I stated.
"Fine." She said getting out the truck and shutting the door. "Please, don't be too long."
I nodded in reply as she walked to the house.
Waiting until she got inside the door, I then made a U-turn for Embry's house.
*Moments Later*
Knocking on the door, it wasn't long till it swung open.
Taking a step back, Embry's aunt Agnes, who is the youngest sister of his dearly departed mother Gwen, answered the door.
She sucked her teeth rolling her eyes. "What do you want?" She was just as mean as Gwen once was. I've only known for her to visit when she needs to crash on Embry's couch.
"Embry here?"
"Maybe." She spat.
"Tell him I want to talk with him."
"Why? Here to accuse him of stealing Leah away from you and Imprinting on your baby or are you going to whine about how he wasn't fast enough to protect them in the first place?" She says, flicking her cigarette off into the dirt.
"Neither." I said, rolling my eyes.
"Aunt Agnes!" We both heard Embry's voice from inside and I glared behind her. "Hush up, and move. Please." He said to her as she moved out of the doorway, then turned into the house.
Embry looked at me as he came onto the porch.
I took two steps back, as he closed the front door.
"What's up?" He said, crossing his arms across his chest, and I awkwardly placed both my hands into my pants pockets.
"About Earlier. Sorry. Don't know what I was thinking."
"I do, and I apologize." He said fast.
"Just like that?" I said I was confused.
He shrugged. "Were you expecting something else?"
"I was expecting you to slam the door in my face."
"Jake, It's not like you punched me. Leah was missing. Vampires were trying to hurt her and Sarah. I understand. No big deal. You were pissed and stressed out, we all have those days."
"You're just saying that because you imprinted on my kid." I stated.
"True, but still...We can't blame anyone for how screwed up our friendship has gotten. I mean we could, though what would that really do?"
"Well we can work on it." I stated.
"Yeah well, not to sound jealous…. But I thought Mason was your second-hand-man."
I snorted.
"So it's you or Mason?"
"Basically." He said and I put my head down for a second but after everything with Leah, and our discussion about Sarah- it's time for me and him to be close again, especially since he imprinted on Sarah.
"Mason is a cool guy. You are two." I said not to choose between them. "This morning neither of us would've talked about anything if Leah wasn't there. I'll have to get used to you being with her in the future but I, of all people know the imprinting thing is uncontrollable. So I'm fine with it. Leah probably wanted you to be Sarah's god-father anyway."
"So we're cool?" He asked.
"Yeah." I nodded. Embry and Quil will always be my best friends. "I actually want you to be my best man."
"Say what?" He said lost.
"I asked Leah to marry me today, and when the time comes... I'll need you there."
He shook his head in disbelief, and suddenly started laughing.
"Wow, well about time." He is happy for us.
"So what do you say?" I asked.
"I say…. Why the hell not!" He stated.
I laughed, as he raised his hand and I instantly slapped it and pulled him in for a man-hug.
"Congrats." He smirked patting my back.
"Embry? The phone. It's Charlie Swan." We heard his aunt Agnes say opening the door and we instantly pulled apart.
"Can't you see I'm a little busy here? Tell him I went out." Embry said, quickly glancing back.
"I already told him you were out here with, Jacob."
"Aunt Agnes! Please." He said through his teeth, lifting his hand up for her to leave him alone.
"Fine. I'll lie."
"Yeah, do what you do best." He muttered, turning back around to face me. "So, you and Leah are getting married? When?"
"Not today, sadly. When she decides she's ready."
He nodded understandingly.
"It must be a lot for her to put everything on pause. With you coming back and being stabbed ... then me imprinting. I can see why she didn't want to get married so fast." He said and that sounded comforting coming from him.
"Yeah... maybe you're right." I said thinking about it. "I asked her too soon." I snorted. "I just don't see a reason to wait any longer. I love her."
"And she loves you, trust me... of all people I should know." He said and I bit my bottom lip wondering what they talked about when I was gone.
I spent six months locked away, waiting for a court day because of Camilla. Embry took care of Leah and the kids when I wasn't able to, he basically took my spot for a while.
"I also gotta say thanks for keeping Leah and the boys safe while I was gone. It was good to know that Quil and you were watching over them, but mainly you. You had their backs when I wasn't able to. I'm glad you were the one who was there for them."
"I appreciate you saying that, man. Thanks and you're welcome. Just so you know, Leah pushed on like a champion." He smiled.
"That's why I love her."
"So now that I'm your best-man, Are you expecting me to throw a kick-ass bachelor party?"
I snorted.
"I wasn't, though if you want, I'm not going to stop you." I said turning for the porch steps.
"So, Strippers then?" He called out to me.
I burst out laughing, bouncing down the steps towards my truck.
"Why not!"
"Sweet." Embry exclaimed, and I laughed. "Are you coming to the house?"
"Of course. I'll be there in ten minutes." He said as I got to my truck.
*Moments Later*
Walking towards the house, I bounded up the porch steps.
Looking through the screen door, inside on the couch was Leah and Elena.
"Sounds like you never want to."
"I'm not saying never." Leah says to her and it was obvious they were talking about marriage.
Walking into the house, Elena looked over at me. The living room was crowded with what felt like everyone in La Push.
Not saying anything to anyone, I glared down at Leah who suddenly looked up at me. "Can we talk?" I asked.
She licked her lips. "Right now?"
"It would be nice." I said trying to hide every inch of irritation.
When Leah stood, I turned back to walk out onto the porch.
"Where did you go?" She asked, following me down the porch stairs, towards the lawn.
"To Embry's." I said turning. "I asked him to be my best man."
"Jacob, this wedding thing is too soon. I told you."
"Wedding thing? No, and what the hell was that?" I say pointing to the house. "Blabbing your mouth to Elena, already. You don't have to tell her everything you know." I said feeling embarrassed by her rejection.
Leah rolled her eyes. "I wasn't blabbing and what about you? Asking Embry to be your best man for a wedding I said I wasn't ready for."
"Excuse me for wanting to be happy for something, to look forward to something."
"Something that's not happening yet, Jacob. Now I'm sorry if you feel that what I said was insensitive but can you not sulk? Out of all days, I need time."
"Who says I'm sulking and you'll have your time."
"Jacob, you know deep down you're what I need, I just don't want to rush and get married tonight."
"Then what time will be best for you?" I muttered.
"I'm just saying people who aren't married have no clue how marriage actually works. All you see are rings and a piece of paper." She stated.
"Don't tell me what I see because all I see right now is a scared little girl who's afraid and I'm standing here telling you that you don't have to be. I want this."
"I'm not afraid, Jacob." She says, even though it's clear she was.
"Yes you are. Are you afraid of being trapped completely? You don't have to feel like I'm shoving you into the basement."
"That's not it at all." She says.
I didn't believe it for a second.
"In a real marriage your life doesn't end, you can be attracted to other people, you can work or go to school, you can live your life, we can do things separately. Being married doesn't mean life is over and that you can't still do things like before. Don't think about it too much." I stated.
Leah sighed.
"What is it I have to do to prove I'm not living without you, that I'd be lost without you." I say.
"You're only doing this because I just had Sarah." She muttered.
"No and yes." I said honestly. "So what?"
"How would it be if she wasn't here? Will you still push this?" She asked.
"How could you ask me that? Of course I would, I don't need anything else but you. What part of that don't you get?"
"It's a never ending story with us, we fight constantly over and over."
"So what? The more we fight, the more we make up. Have you ever once thought why we do this, or what the point is?" I asked.
"I don't know." She whispered.
"You can't see why that's a good thing? If we have to keep thinking about why we're together then that'll mean we really don't want to be with each other, but that's not the case and it just shows how scared you are. So let me ask you this, What are you afraid of most... Marrying me or living without me?"
"You know the answer to that is?" She says moving from the house down to the yard.
"No I don't, tell me!" I stated.
She exhaled looking around the yard.
"Tell me. What would you rather do? Marry me or live without me?"
"Jacob, that's not fair."
"I want to be the one to have you all to myself." I admitted.
"We have four kids, that's not going to happen all the time."
"You should want this as much as I do, if not even more. If you really loved me.. you wouldn't hurt me with a no, you'll ease my pain."
"You really mean that don't you?" She muttered.
I rolled my eyes. "I'll ask again... What are you most afraid of? Marrying me or living without me?" I say.
"Jacob, I'm not saying never. I'm just saying not tonight." She said ignoring my question once again.
"That's not what I asked you." I retorted.
"Fine, I'm more afraid of living without you. Happy?"
"No, I'm not." I said turning for the house.
"Wait." She grabbed my arm for me to stop, and I paused, glaring at her.
"I shouldn't have to beg you, Leah?"
"Ugh." She said, pulling at her hair.
"Is this about Embry? Your sudden need to marry me so I'll be off limits? First Sam, now him. You can't keep doing this, for every second thought you allowed Adam's little sister to worm her way into your mind." She says.
"What are you upset about?" I ask. "If you don't want to get married. Fine. End of story." I said walking back to the house. "But in case you haven't noticed, Embry imprinted on our daughter and even before that I never thought twice if he wanted you that way." I called back.
"Jacob, wait!" She yelled out as I got to the porch steps.
"Okay! Fine. I'll marry you." She says.
"Don't do me any favors." I muttered.
"Jacob!" She said running up the porch steps as I got to the screen door. "Can you please stop?" She said, pushing the door shut as I opened it. "I said alright."
"I don't care." I stated. "Don't say you'll marry me because you're scared I'll back away. I'm not going anywhere. If you don't want to, fine. Maybe I'll get over it, maybe I won't."
"Look, I just feel once we take that step... it's over. Getting married isn't something to take lightly. We shouldn't buy rings nor say stupid vows just because we don't want anyone to think we're available."
"No. Me wanting to marry you has nothing to do with anybody except you and I. I want to marry you because I love you and I don't care what the hell anybody else thinks. Yes, on the cliffs earlier I said that I lost it when I thought I was gonna lose you, and that I was worried about not being allowed in the hospital room because I wasn't your husband."
"This is a small reservation, Jacob. Everyone knows I'm yours, and you're mine."
"Not all. Maybe it did start with Camilla. Somehow she felt I was fair game. All that will always be in the back of my mind, but my number one reason is because I love you. You are my family. In some twist demented way I want you with me till I die, and if you can't see that then I don't know what to tell you." I stated.
"Marriage is huge but if I have no other choice to make it with anyone, it's you, Jacob. I'm just afraid we'll fail but I love you more than you know. I do want to commit fully to you."
I inhaled. "Leah if you even wake up not loving me any more, I promise divorce won't be the end of the world, we'll just have to accept it."
"That's comforting." She said sarcastically.
"It should be." I smirked. "We won't fail each other, we've come so far already."
She smiled. "You're right."
"So, Are you ready? Or do we have to have a yearly long engagement?"
She laughed, exhaling. "No, I'm ready."
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Ask me one more time, and I'll spit in your eye." She grinned.
Placing both of my hands on her cheeks, I pulled her towards me. "At times I really understand you, then others… I have know idea." I said kissing her so hard it probably hurt.
"You literally just guilt me into marrying you, You realized that?"
"You can hold it against me any day. Loving you is part of companionship and I've always been impatient. You know that. This is where it's coming to because I'll always love you no matter what." I said kissing her again.
"Ditto." She stated.
"Leah, me of all people know we don't need a stupid paper and some rings to prove anything, though in my heart I'd sleep better at night knowing your truly mine."
"Understood." She smirked.
"I'll need to be with you till the end, so no backing out." I stated.
"You'll have nothing to worry about, except me wanting to keep my last name." She smiled.
"I'm perfectly fine with that." I stated.
Giving her a tight hug, she wrapped her arms around me tightly then sighed.
"What if getting married will complicate everything." She whispered like a scared little girl.
"Everything like what? You love me, right?" I said leaning back a bit.
"You know I do." She says.
"Then prove it."
"Alright." She nodded. "Let's do it."
"I'm not backing down." I clarified.
"I must be delusional to think you wouldn't." She stated
"You have until tonight to change your answer?" I say.
"Why tonight?"
"Because we're getting married tomorrow evening." I said, grabbing her hands.
She sighed looking over towards the woods. "Tomorrow? Are you serious?"
"In or out, Clearwater?" I said, waiting for her to back out.
"Um." She said looking back at me. "First… I'll make you a deal!"
"And what would that be?" I asked.
"We can go get married tomorrow, but have our honeymoon in Hawaii"
I didn't have to think much on that one.
"Deal." I said without questioning. She smirked.
*End Of Flashback*
