Author's Note
Please forgive any spelling and/or grammar errors. I hope you enjoy it, please let me know what you think!
The theme song for this chapter is Nobody But You by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
PS I'm not Stephenie Meyer, so I don't own anything :(
Ch 19: Devotion - Mae
Year 10 - 2015-2016
July
"Which one?" Alice asked, laying out five images. The wedding dress options all appealed to Mae, her aunt's designs tailored to what she knew her niece would be drawn to, but one in particular stood out.
Her hand reached out of its own volition to bring the page closer. The dress was stunning. Intricate beadwork formed complex patterns interwoven with lace. It was a mermaid gown with a small train and straps that went over the farthest slope of the shoulder with additional straps looped down over her arms. The dress would showcase her narrow waist, long legs and modest cleavage in the best possible way.
Mae's favorite part was the beadwork though. Alice's drawing demonstrated the way they'd fracture light like diamonds - the way a vampire did in sunlight. Wearing this dress would be like having the beautiful, mesmerizing skin the rest of her family had. That side of her personality would be well represented.
"This one," Mae said quietly, lightly touching the sketch, worried she'd smudge the soft, delicate pencil lines.
She'd spent the week with her family visiting and occasionally helping Alice plan her wedding. Alice was handling the majority of the details, though Mae was giving her input on a few things, and Jacob had mentioned several requests he wanted included as well for her to pass along to the fortune-telling mastermind.
Mostly, though, she was just relaxing and enjoying seeing the people she loved and didn't get a chance to be with all the time. Mae had stayed up all night talking twice so far to catch up with her parents, even though they talked on the phone and texted daily. There was just something better about seeing someone in person. And it was nice to note the little ways things between her and her family had already changed.
Several of her old college friends had come to town so they could spend a night out celebrating when she'd casually mentioned she'd finally set a date for the wedding. A sort of makeshift bachelorette party. They'd been stunned, but not really surprised it was actually happening, and only a little disappointed when Mae admitted she'd only be inviting family. She'd circumvented any hurt feelings by suggesting it was because they were saving for the honeymoon and couldn't afford to throw a big wedding, believable to them since they'd always thought she lived at home those three years of college because of money. That combined with their knowledge of Billy's health concerns meant it went over fairly well.
Calli was the most supportive of all of her friends, understanding when Mae had taken off to move in with Jacob right before senior year. She'd been the only person Mae told about any of her history with Jacob. The other girls couldn't believe that Mae had actually let a guy sweep her off her feet so thoroughly, particularly after witnessing so much of her dating life the first couple years they knew each other.
All of her friends liked Jacob. They'd met him when he came with her for Calli and Caleb's wedding. Jacob was good at winning people over. And by the time they left, everyone understood why Mae was a goner for him.
"And the music?" Alice asked, pulling another sheet of paper from the binder she had perched on her lap. Mae could tell she was slightly annoyed that she even had to ask, and didn't just know what Mae would prefer by watching the event play out in her head in all it's possible variations.
"I want Dad to play," Mae admitted, ignoring the paper Alice held. "He'll know what's best."
She loved the idea of her dad composing music to mark the momentous day in his daughter's life. She'd not asked him yet, but she doubted he'd refuse. He rarely did, even if he only gave in on some things begrudgingly or after some prodding from Bella or Jasper.
Alice looked like she was going to question the decision, but then stopped herself, nodding. The glazed, vacant look on her face told Mae everything she needed to know. Probably, Alice just saw a conversation with Edward over the matter, and whatever he'd said altered her outline for the big day or answered whatever question she had about the choice Mae had just made.
When awareness returned to animate her aunt's face, Alice quickly riffled through her papers, pulling several out that she wadded up and tossed into the kitchen trash can. The paper ball formed a perfect arch before landing squarely in the container without hitting the rim, and without Alice even aiming because she was too busy hastily jotting down new notes and adjusting her plans.
"Flowers?" Alice asked Mae as she patiently waited to finish.
They'd already been at this for thirty minutes today. Bella had slipped out the moment they started discussing the wedding. Mae didn't blame her. Alice had cornered her the day she arrived and monopolized her time for four hours making her talk about preferences and look through magazines.
That had been five days ago, and Mae hadn't seen her aunt since. Seth warned that she was in full planning mode, and wanted to have everything narrowed down for Mae to pick from before she left.
"Lilies, orchids, and roses. Then anything else you think will go well," Mae answered, not really having a preference. Orchids were her favorite flower. They were closely tied with sunflowers and daisies, but she didn't really want the other two in her wedding.
"Color scheme?"
"Sage or forest green, gold, and ivory," Mae answered before Alice had a chance to lay out the pages she'd arranged to showcase the various combinations she'd considered for her.
Jacob's favorite color was green, so that had been a given, and Mae preferred ivory to white. White tended to wash her out and ivory had more character.
"Not this one?" Alice asked, touching a page done in wine, champagne, and dark grey wistfully. "Or even this maybe?" She pointed at a dusty rose, lavender, and beige assortment. Mae hated pink and purple so those were definitely out. Not to mention they clashed horribly with her hair.
"You never really struck me as the type to choose such sedate colors, Auntie Alice," Mae commented. "I figured you were the type to pick red or yellow or something bright at least."
"For everyday outings, yes. But this is a wedding! They're supposed to be classy and elegant. Sophisticated," Alice insisted, sighing dreamily.
"You're not up to doing that with the colors I picked?" Mae baited, certain her aunt would rise to the challenge.
"Of course I can!" Alice huffed, shaking her head. Clearly Mae's attempt didn't fool her in the least. "But how about copper or bronze instead of gold, to really set off your hair," she suggested, briefly touching the first page she'd laid out again and shaking her head saddly.
"That's fine. I just want some sort of metallic accent," Mae said, favoring the way they shimmered.
"You're much easier than Bella was," Alice remarked. "She refused to give me anything to work with. Though at least with her I could see if she'd ultimately like what I selected."
"I could be difficult if you'd prefer," Mae offered drolly, maintaining a straight face.
"No, this is working well," Alice said quickly.
"Jacob wants his mother's chocolate cake recipe used for the wedding cake," Mae added, wondering if that was anywhere on Alice's list of questions regarding preferences.
"I'll call Billy for it once we're finished," she promised, smiling happily.
Mae's entire family were thrilled about the upcoming union. It was strange, not a single person expressed a doubt or reservation. Not over her choice of groom or over her decision to go ahead and marry despite her relative youth. Part of her wondered if everything was too good to be true. But mostly, she assumed they understood that Jacob was everything to her, and that he made her the best version of herself - usually without even trying.
"What else is there?"
"We haven't discussed bridesmaids and groomsmen," Alice replied, riffling through her binder again. The pages turned with such speed that Mae was shocked they didn't rip. Even her enhanced eyes found it difficult to keep up with.
Alice paused and looked up, giving Mae an expectant expression. She realized her aunt was waiting for an answer. "We decided not to have any."
"Not even one of your friends from school or another imprint?" Alice asked with wide eyes.
"No. It's important to me that my family be able to behave normally. I don't want to have to pretend Bella is my sister rather than my mom. I don't want any of you wasting a single moment focusing on acting human instead of celebrating with us and being yourselves. We're only inviting our family, the pack, and other friends that know," Mae explained. It was a point she and Jake had discussed earlier, each coming to the same conclusion.
"That does open things up for me. I can work with that," Alice said, smiling fondly as a scheming glint entered her eyes.
"Is that your dress?" Seth asked, coming up behind Alice and leaning over her shoulder to get a closer look.
Quickly, Mae covered the sketch with other papers, yelling, "Don't ruin it!"
"How could I ruin it?" Seth asked, bewildered. He looked from Alice to Mae, and back to Alice seeking clarification.
"She's worried Jacob will see it when you phase, Seth," Alice explained, reaching to take his hand, their fingers tangling automatically.
"Pixie, you know I have better control than that," he claimed, sounding wounded by their lack of faith in his ability to hide something for his alpha.
"Of course you do - now," she snipped, pressing her lips together and giving him a pointed look that had him blushing. Mae did not want to know what that was all about.
"You'd look beautiful in this," Seth said casually, picking up one of the other designs Alice had come up with and holding it out for her to see which he was referring to.
"Yes," Alice agreed. It was true, but then, she'd look pretty in anything. Alice reached for a nearby magazine, flicking through the pages before stopping on a particular image. "But I'd prefer something like this," she said, indicating the dress with elaborate floral lace. It was sleek and tight at top, but flowed out into a train. It was obvious the model was very short and tiny, just like her aunt. The dress seemed as though it had been designed with a pixie in mind. Perhaps that was the reason Alice liked it. It reminded her of Seth's nickname.
A few minutes later when Alice left to call Billy, Mae watched as Seth tore the page from the magazine, and pocketed the picture of the dress. Silently, he held a finger to his lips and winked conspiratorially at her. Interesting. Equally silent, Mae tapped the page displaying ideas for the first color scheme Alice had suggested. Wine, champagne, and dark grey. Seth's mysterious grin grew as he slipped it into his pocket with the other stolen picture.
The pair jumped guiltily when Carlisle entered. Her grandfather looked between the two, but refrained from asking, too used to his family's antics by now.
"Ah, wedding plans. Alice isn't going overboard, is she?" he asked knowingly.
"No, actually. It's quite strange," Mae mused, only just identifying what seemed off about her aunt this trip when her grandfather asked about it. Alice wasn't exactly known for her discretion or restraint.
"Jasper spoke to her last week about it. You might want to thank him," Carlisle said, lips twitching with amusement.
"And now it all makes sense," Mae said slowly, words ending in a laugh.
"You know it's only because she loves you guys, and wants you to have perfect moments," Seth inserted in defense of his mate, lightly bumping her shoulder as he spoke.
"You're welcome to use Isle Esme for your honeymoon if you wish to," Carlisle offered. Seth and Mae exchanged startled looks, before Seth burst out laughing.
"Oh… umm, actually… well, thanks, but… " Mae stuttered, nausea pushing against her throat at the idea like a fist knocking on a door.
"But she has no intention of ever stepping foot in the house were Edward and Bella had sex and created her," Emmett supplied for her from the living room where he'd been largely ignoring them in favor of a football game.
"Hmm. Yes, I suppose that would be slightly uncomfortable," Carlisle said, looking distinctly uncomfortable himself just then, the thought not occurring to him prior to making the offer.
"Not the least bit romantic - for either of them," Seth added, still grinning widely.
"We've already got that part covered, Grandpa," Mae rushed to assure him, grateful for his generosity, but also wanting to change the subject.
"Where are you going?" Seth asked, curious.
"New England. We're renting motorcycles and starting in Maine then driving southwest through the White Mountains and Green Mountains," Mae said.
"That sounds fun," Rose said politely, coming into the room and sitting at the table, idly looking through Alice's wedding plans. "Very pretty during that time a year with all of the fall foliage."
"Not your idea of fun, but it is ours," Mae said, exchanging a smile with her aunt. "You'll fix my hair for the wedding, won't you?"
Rosalie looked like she wanted to cry at the request, but she quickly moved to stand behind Mae, her fingers combing through her hair, experimentally twisting and turning the long tresses. From her position, she could see Em watching his mate with the most tender expression Mae had ever seen on the massive vampire. The game no longer held any interest for him.
"We should practice, Sweetheart," Rose said, continuing to work with her hair.
Later that night, Mae called Jacob. The desire to hear his voice, a soul deep yearning.
"This is the longest we've been apart since the day you showed up at my door," he answered, sounding a little petulant. Though she couldn't really blame him. She was feeling the same way. Five days was a long time.
"I'll be home in a couple days, but I miss you too," she admitted, hoping her honest words would cheer him up a little.
"The bed is too cold without you," he whined, making her laugh. With their combined heat, they rarely used blankets. Snuggling together instead with the air conditioner cranked up in the summer and the windows open in the winter.
"Aw, you poor baby. I bet Paul would let you come over and cuddle," she teased, rolling onto her back in her old room. Most of her things had been cleared out, packed up and delivered to her new home when she'd moved in with Jacob.
The room smelled strongly of Bella. Mae figured her mom came in whenever she was missing her daughter. It was revelations like that one that occasionally left her feeling a little guilty for growing up so fast and deciding to live her own life. But then her mom would say something supportive or Jacob would give her his signature hungry look, and there was no room for anything but happiness in her life.
"Funny. You're funny," Jacob said dryly, mock laughing.
She should have suggested Quil, seeing as he was still actively phasing. The three original wolves, Sam, Jared, and Paul, had all begun the process of quitting before Jacob had even moved back, and had all begun aging over the last six months, and therefore weren't actually as hot as her anymore.
"Did Alice get my message?" he asked hopefully, changing the subject.
"About Kim? Yeah, she said she talked to Kim earlier about her catering company doing the food for the wedding, and that you'd already picked the dishes," Mae verified, grateful he'd taken care of the food. She wasn't exactly the best judge.
It surprised her how involved Jacob actually was with planning the wedding. When Calli and Caleb had married earlier that year, she'd said he left everything up to her so it could be her dream day, and he was just looking forward to having her as his wife. It had sounded a little like a copout to Mae, but it went along with everything she'd ever seen in movies or on television with the guy not wanting to be bothered with tedious details and bored with planning flowers and decorations.
Jacob wasn't like that. He wanted a say in all of the decisions. He was extremely happy to let Alice handle actually making all the reservations and adding her personal flare, but he still added input on everything. Even more than she did on some of it.
Perhaps that shouldn't surprise her as much as it did. They'd formed a partnership since they'd gotten together. This was just one more situation where they made decisions together since it involved both of them.
"I planned the route for our honeymoon and finished placing all of the reservations too," Jacob said huskily. The low, raspy sound made heat pool deep in her belly.
"Someone was productive today," Mae said, trying to sound normal and not like she regretted being unable to climb him like a tree at that precise instant.
"Only because I've been missing you since the moment you left, and I can't wait for it to start," Jacob admitted. The raw vulnerability in his confession pierced her heart.
"Same. I love you, Jacob," she said sincerely.
"I know," he chuckled. "Are you at least having fun?"
"Yes, but I stayed up all night talking to Mom, so I'm dead tired."
"Wait, before you go to bed - what are you wearing?"
"Right now?" Mae asked, glancing down at the tank and shorts she was wearing. Feeling the need to play with him a little, she whispered, "Nothing."
"Oh, geez, woman! I swear you're trying to kill me," Jake groaned, and she pictured him rubbing his face and falling into a chair. "One more thing..."
"What?" she asked, slightly breathless, wondering what he'd ask of her.
"Did you finish that book already, Darlin'?" Jasper asked loudly from the living room where he and Bella were relaxing together. The exaggerated question served as a pointed reminder that she was currently in her parents' house and not alone with Jacob.
"I want you to -"
"The walls have ears, remember?" she reminded him sadly.
"Aw, fuck, you're right," Jacob sighed, clearly disappointed to have his plans thwarted.
"You poor, neglected wolf," Mae cooed, smothering her laughter with her pillow.
"Damn right, I am," Jacob agreed, barking out a wolfish laugh.
"Dream of me?"
"Sure, sure. Like I'm getting any sleep after that," he grumbled.
"Try your hand or a cold shower," Mae quipped, giving in to the urge to giggle when she heard him sputtering on the other end of the line. He was definitely going to make her pay for that later.
She couldn't wait.
September
The night before her wedding, Alice insisted she head to bed earlier than Mae would have liked. She'd decided to stay in the room she'd used whenever she'd stayed at the main house so she'd wake up surrounded by her family and be able to help with last minute preparations before Alice and Rose set in on her. She was too wound up to sleep, and doubted she'd be able to anytime soon. Tension coiled her muscles into tight knots. Morning couldn't come soon enough.
Entering her room, she gasped at the sight of the wolf sprawled out on the bed. The window thrown wide open. "You're not supposed to be here," Mae hissed, rushing over to dive atop him.
"I can't sleep without you," he whispered pitifully, nipping her earlobe and tugging as they settled against one another. The action made her breath catch, and her hips rolled against him, seeking friction and relief from the desire he inspired.
"I can see that," she gasped, running her hands over his solid frame, fingers recognizing the familiar lines of his powerful form. The strength in his muscles only barely contained.
"See? I need you," he insisted, catching her hand and dragging it down to cup his erection. He was large, hot as a branding iron, and entirely hers. As if her fingers had a mind of their own, or were just as addicted to him as the rest of her, they closed around the thick rod and deliberately stroked him.
"Jacob!" Mae hissed, glancing around.
Every member of her family, including all of their Denali cousins were currently in the house. Not to mention several guests that she'd met on her travels when she'd been younger. The Amazons had arrived a few hours ago, while Ben and Tia had come earlier in the week. The Irish coven had said they were coming too, but they'd not yet arrived.
"I'll be quiet. They'll never even notice I'm here," he promised, trailing kisses down her neck.
His hand eased between her legs, cupping her intimately. Mae's head fell back when the heel of his hand pressed boldly against her aching core. "Maybe you can, but I'm not so sure I can," she admitted.
Jacob's hand retreated, and he lifted his head to rest their foreheads together. Both of them were breathing roughly, taking short, shallow gulps of much needed oxygen that did very little to douse the fires he'd so easily stoked to roaring.
"Trust me, we'll notice." The sound of her dad's less than amused voice from the doorway to her room was an unwelcome bucket of ice water.
"Edward," Jacob said tersely, stiffening, but not making a move to release his hold on her.
"Jacob." Edward's return greeting was equally clipped.
"Funny seeing you here," Jacob managed, turning his head just enough to spot the vampire. He must have been very distracted not to notice Edward approaching the room. Either that, or the sheer number of vampires gathered had frazzled his senses.
"Hilarious. I'm sure you were just on your way out," Edward deadpanned, his arms crossed firmly over his chest as he stared down her fiance.
When Jacob remained on the bed, making it clear he had no intention of leaving anytime soon, Edward sighed. Mae caught a flash of the wicked grin Jacob was giving her dad, practically daring the vampire to do something about it. Edward raised a brow then nodded over something Jacob said mentally.
Edward was beside the bed in a flash, clutching Jacob's ear and pulling him bodily from the room. "Hey! Ow, geez. Okay, I get it. I'm going," Jacob protested, laughing as Edward continued dragging him out.
"I'm just making sure," Edward replied, his response carrying to her from the hallway. Mae sat, torn between stunned amazement and flabbergasted amusement.
"Edward? Everything all right?" Bella asked, halting in Mae's doorway as she watched the two men slowly progressing down the steps.
"Nothing I can't handle. Why don't you check on Renesmee," Edward answered politely.
"I'm sure you made a point to see Bella the night before you two got married," Jacob sassed, seeming to be inspired by her mother's sudden appearance.
Mae covered her mouth, physically blocking the giggles attempting to escape. Bella turned to smile at her, moving to sit beside her on the bed in the spot Jacob had just vacated as the two listened.
"And I'm sure Charlie would have had something to say about that if he'd known. You're not as lucky - I heard what you were planning on doing," Edward retorted with heavy emphasis on the latter part. Mae could only imagine the vivid images running through Jacob's head a minute ago. Obviously they'd been graphic enough to spur her dad into action.
"It's not like we haven't before," Jacob snorted. Almost immediately, he yelled, "Hey! Watch it, I still need that."
"Some traditions should be upheld for peace of mind's sake," Edward said dryly.
"I really can't wait until you fall in love again," Jacob said, and somehow it sounded almost like a threat.
"Yes, I'm sure you'll enjoy torturing me," Edward agreed, confirming her suspicion just as the front door opened.
"Count on it," Jacob vowed, then louder, called, "I love you, Nessie!"
"Out, Mutt. I'm with Edward on this one," Rosalie said.
"Sure, sure, Blondie," Jacob joked good naturedly.
"Well, that was certainly exciting," Bella murmured, smiling at Mae as she ran her fingers through Mae's curls. The touch was relaxing, and Mae curled against her mother, resting her head in her lap.
"Wasn't it?" she laughed, loving her family and Jacob with every cell in her body. "Definitely a memory I'll never forget."
"One you can share with your children someday," Bella agreed, continuing the soothing motions. Little tingles danced across her scalp, making her eyes droop sleepily.
"Was he right? Did Edward visit you too?"
It was several moments before she answered, then the tentative reply sounded, "Yes. But his brothers came and got him." Mae waited for more, then realized Bella probably couldn't recall anything else since she'd still been human at the time.
"Will you stay with me until I fall asleep, Momma?"
"Of course I will," Bella said, bending over her to squeeze her shoulders in a hug. "You haven't called me that in years," she mused.
"I guess I'm feeling sentimental tonight," Mae said, earning another hug from her mother. "I love you, Momma, and I'll always be your little girl - even after I become Jacob's wife."
Mae was bouncing, tiny clicks sounded each time the silver and white stiletto heels that had once been Bella's tapped the wood floor at the top of the stairs. She couldn't wait to get started. Where was he? Why wasn't Jacob here yet? She couldn't wait to see him!
"You're sure mom's okay with this?" she asked again, needing to be certain. Bella hadn't once protested or suggested Mae wait. Which was strange, because Mae knew how her mom felt about people getting married.
Mae remembered the day not long after they'd moved to Alaska when she'd asked Bella why she and Jazz hadn't married. Bella had frozen, an ice sculpture, pristine and coldly distance at the very notion.
Then she'd replied, "I'm too young. People should be together, really be together, before they make that kind of commitment. It's not a race. Marriages don't work in the long run if the people involved aren't certain they can weather the bad times as well as the good ones - and that takes time to figure out."
Mae believed that. It had unwittingly shaped the tone and outcome of all of her relationships. She also knew she had a lifetime of experiences with Jacob. The last two years had proven that their foundation was immovable. They could weather anything. And come out stronger for it, besides.
"Why wouldn't she be?" Jasper asked, humoring her. Her smile grew impossibly wider at the standard answer he seemed to have rehearsed since he'd fed it to her so many times already that day as well as repeatedly over the last couple months.
"I know how she feels about marriage, and people that marry young," Mae said, rolling her eyes and glancing out the window again. Damn it, where was he? She was good and ready to get this ceremony going so she could marry him already!
"You've been living with him for two years now. If you don't marry him soon, Edward will be the one you need to worry about," Jazz said dryly.
"Yeah, but I'm not even ten yet," Mae said, frowning at the oddness of the words. She'd already graduated college and started her career. And here she was on her wedding day - all before the age of ten.
Human years at least. Being a hybrid made her a little different. She'd stopped aging a little before the age of six, eternally twenty-three.
"You will be in a week," Jasper reminded her. "And Bella couldn't possibly be any happier than you are - trust me, I know."
"You would," she agreed, delighted at the jest. "Do you think you and mom will ever get married?" Her earlier thoughts making her wonder. They'd certainly proven they could weather anything as well.
"Maybe, someday. We're in no rush," he said, a hint of a smile teasing his lips.
"I think you should," Mae said, looking out the window again, "Hff," she grunted when the results were the same as the last fourteen times.
"I'll let you be the one to persuade her then," Jasper said easily, as unconcerned as Bella no doubt was over their lack of official documents. Their faith and love in each other was such that external validation was unnecessary.
The sound of Jacob's Camaro floated to her, a familiar lullaby. Alice had arranged for Jacob to park behind the house so it would be easier for Billy's wheelchair to move about. It was why she'd staked out this particular window, knowing she'd have a perfect, uninterrupted view of him arriving.
"He's here!" she exclaimed, darting forward to race downstairs. Jasper caught her hand easily to stall her. "Fine! I'll wait like a good little girl," she sighed, but pressed her face to the window anyway, trying to at least catch a glimpse of him.
All she could see was the trunk of his car.
Had he already gotten Billy settled? Could they finally get started now? Dad! Edward! Start the music already, she mentally yelled, hoping he'd oblige. "Augh," she groaned, annoyed when he didn't.
"Careful - Alice will kill you if you smudge your makeup," Jazz warned.
"Right. Don't want to face the pixie's wrath today," Mae agreed, still trying to look outside.
"Did you doubt that he'd show?" Jasper asked, amused as he watched her.
"Never," she breathed, tearing her eyes from the window to briefly look at her papa. Then her eyes were trained on the ground below again.
A hearty sigh escaped her when she realized she'd not spot him through the window. There was no way he wasn't already positioned at the front of the aisle, and this window wasn't facing the correct direction to catch a glimpse of that.
"It'll take them a few minutes to get settled, Poppet. There's still time for me to get Edward if you'd like him to walk you as well," Jasper offered.
Mae had deliberately only asked Jasper to walk her, even knowing he would have understood if she'd elected to have them both escort her. Edward loved her, and he'd done the best he could to be her father, succeeding far more than he hadn't. But Jasper, well… he simply was her papa. From before she was even born, he'd always been the one she turned to when she was hurt or afraid. Jazz protected her, loved her, and made certain she was strong enough to know her own mind and go after what she wanted.
"No, he's got the music. This should be for us. I'm so grateful you chose to be my dad. It feels right this way, and we have you to thank for today even happening," Mae said thickly, tearing up as she spoke. He went to her at once, cupping her cheeks and brushing away the tears. "Thank you, Papa. For knowing what I needed before I knew myself," she said, hugging him tightly.
"I'm your father. It's my job," Jasper whispered, kissing her cheek.
"It's time," Alice chimed, the words carrying to where they waited inside.
They were at the Cullen's house in Forks, where their journey started. The place Bella had met the Cullens in the first place. The place where Edward and Bella had married, hours before Mae was conceived. The place Bella officially joined the Cullens - first in marriage, then with venom. The place where Jake had imprinted on her. The place where her parents fell in love. The place where Mae spent her first year, or thirteen years, of life. The place where the packs originated. The place where it all began, and where they'd always eventually return to.
Edward began playing the piano, a complex and rich melody that he'd composed specifically for this moment. The moment Mae tied herself to another for eternity. With his blessing, no less. To the man she loved above all others, now and forever.
Jasper walked Mae down the aisle, with her practically dragging him in her rush to get there. Mae watched as Jacob nodded, taking the hand Jazz offered. The instant they touched, their eyes locked, much as they had at Leah's wedding. The rest of those gathered ceased to exist.
Mae watched the man she loved. He wiggled his eyebrows, and she bit back giggles. Warm hands, confident and steady dwarfed her own, surrounding them in a protective hold.
An undefinable emotion had been niggling at her for days. Tormenting her with its elusive name. It wasn't until she was standing there, her hands clasped in Jacob's, the massive wolf with shining onyx eyes, nearly melting as he took her in, that she understood.
The emotion was certainty. Crystal clear, unblemished, perfect certainty. In him. In them.
Mae was certain that Jacob was everything, and that this was right for them.
"Nessie, Renesmee," he corrected quietly, her name a disbelieving exhale, "I've known you your entire life. This is where we met, where you changed my life so much for the better. You gave me purpose when I needed it most. Since then, you've never faltered or waivered in supporting me - in whatever I need. You told me you wanted humor, art and adventure, and we've definitely had that and more. I vow to never stop trying to give you those things and to be for you what you are for me. I will support you and love you, because your very existence is everything to me. And it will be everything to me for the rest of eternity."
The ring slid easily on her finger just as it had a few nights earlier when they'd "practiced" this part. She recalled the night clearly, giddy with joy for the upcoming ceremony.
Only then, Jacob had said, "I promise to kiss every inch of your body at least once every day. I promise to make you scream in pleasure on our thousandth wedding anniversary just as you will tonight. I promise to always be your personal blood bag, so that my body sustains you because I love how wild you get afterwards. And I vow not to engage your fathers when they attempt to kill me for saying all of this in front of everyone."
"Jacob! You wouldn't dare!" Mae cried, throwing her arms around him, and burying her face against his chest as embarrassed laughter tumbled out of her in unrestrained joy.
"No, but now you're going to be thinking about these words instead when we're in front of everyone," he predicted sagely.
"You're impossible," Mae groaned, smacking his shoulder. "Utterly incorrigible."
"So I shouldn't mention how much I want to bury myself inside you," he tried, holding up his arms defensively when she pretended to beat him with her hand for the lude suggestion.
"No!" she gasped, scandalized at the idea.
"What about how we're supposed to be enemies and you cover that by giving me dozens of la petite morts each week?" Jacob joked, scooping her up and tossing her over his shoulder in a fireman's carry.
She gulped in a startled breath after his shoulder dug into her stomach as he climbed the stairs, then again after as she adjusted to seeing the world upside down. Although the view was rather appealing. He was careful not to jostle her too much as he walked.
"Try it and you'll be waiting decades for the next one," Mae warned, smacking the firm buttock in front of her.
"Like you'd willingly hold out or voluntarily skip what I offer," he snorted, knowing they both desired the other too much to take a threat like that seriously.
"My fingers work just as well," she quipped.
"Show me," he commanded eagerly. And she had - much to his enjoyment.
But he was right. She definitely was inadvertently substituting the vows and trying not to laugh or blush any brighter as she thought over his wicked words. And that conversation had inspired a few changes to her own vows.
"It's always been you, Jacob, in my heart. Always. Our families are natural enemies. I doubt anyone would have predicted us. But despite that, you've been my protector - literally killing to save my life, my best friend - the only one I could ever open up to fully, and most recently, my partner and lover. We've had ups and downs, times together and apart. I missed you for years, but I don't regret a moment of that time apart because our destinations have always been the same - a future together. No matter what. You have my unconditional love, and you will forever," she said, swallowing past the lump in her throat as she slid the ring on his finger to settle over the tattoo he'd gotten a few days earlier since he wouldn't be able to wear the ring and phase without damaging it.
Mae liked that he'd gotten the tattoo before the actual wedding. It displayed the sense that he was just as certain that today would happen and that he was thrilled to show the world that he was officially, permanently, taken.
Mae was practically bouncing when Quil Sr. finally indicated that it was time for Jacob to kiss her. If he'd waited any longer, she had a feeling Jacob would have been through with waiting, and ignored him as he did it anyways because she was in his arms before the words even left the elderly Quileute's mouth.
Pictures and congratulations were a blur, and before long, though honestly the wait had seemed interminable, Jake and Mae were gliding across a newly erected floor for the first dance. One song became three, which became five. Neither had any intention of releasing the other.
Too bad no one else was on board with the plan. Or maybe they just hadn't gotten the memo… Unlikely.
"Think you can bear being without me for a little bit?" Mae asked, suspecting their families were just about done giving them space.
"No," Jake said frankly, snorting in protest at the ludicrous idea and pulling her impossibly closer.
"Unfortunately, it looks like you're going to have to try. Uncle Em is headed this way," Mae warned, feeling Jacbo's hands clench briefly on her hips. Almost as though he intended to snatch her up and run off with her.
"Let's just disappear. I want to keep you in my arms this whole day," Jacob suggested, completely serious.
Honestly? Mae longed for the same. They should have eloped, just the two of them. Then had a party for everyone else another time.
The thought had just crossed her mind when she caught sight of Billy and was reminded of why she'd wanted this in the first place.
"You'll survive a few minutes," Mae said, wincing and shooting him a sympathetic look. "Go ask Rachel or Leah to dance," she suggested, leaning up to kiss his cheek a second before Emmett caught her hand and stole her away.
"Blondie is going to play a song for you and Edward in a bit. Make sure you find him - I owe him this favor if your family is so intent on monopolizing you," Jacob said mysteriously, though he scowled at Emmett.
"Sorry, Jacob!" Emmett called, not the least bit sorry. When he looked her over, he nodded and said, "Marriage looks good on you, Mrs. Black."
"Mrs. Black? That'll take some getting used to," Mae giggled, her cheeks straining under the near constant smile they'd been curled into that day.
"You've made all our lives so much better. Certainly more exciting," he said, moving surprisingly light on his feet for such a large man.
"That's really sweet, Uncle Em," she said, stopping to impulsively throw her arms around his neck. He hugged her back before leading her over to Jasper. It would be a good time to take advantage of making the rounds with her family and guests while Jacob was busy doing the same.
"I hope you can feel that it's the same for me," Jasper whispered thickly, leaning towards Bella as though the six inches separating them were nearly unbearable.
"I can. I do everyday," Bella vowed, glowing with her happiness.
"Papa? Will you dance with me?" Mae interrupted. She'd been standing there for their sentimental exchange, but was inpatient to have her turn.
"It'd be my pleasure, Poppet," he drawled, bowing over her hand before swinging her up into his arms, and making her giggle like a child once more.
"I hope I'm always as happy as you and Mom," she said, the only comment she had for what she'd heard.
"I have a feeling you will be," he said, glancing to where Bella and Jake were now dancing, both laughing loudly as they did.
The song played without any more conversation, both content to share with their gifts. Mae showed him scenes from their life together, moments that were significant to her involving the two of them, or them and Bella. Throughout it all, he shared his pride, love, and hope with her.
"Can you take me to Dad?" she requested when he started leading her back to Jake, where he was still laughing with Bella. Was that cake smeared on her face?
They passed Quil with his wife, Kyra, who had just learned that she was expecting her fourth child, on the way. Claire, their preferred babysitter, was helping wrangle the other three children, one of which was trying to pull on the tablecloth that the cake sat on.
"Jake said they're going to play another song for us to dance to in a second - something about returning a favor," Mae said to Edward when they reached him.
He smiled, bittersweetly, a touch of genuine humor, but his eyes went back to staring at Maggie with her perfectly curling wine-hued hair. Mae turned back to her dad and was startled by what she saw. Fascination. Edward was never one for a poker face - at least not a convincing one, and it was currently an open book. Edward nodded absently, likely agreeing to some private thought directed his way.
"Who is she?" Edward asked, nodding at the redhead. Maggie was beautiful, Mae had always thought so, but she'd not expected her father to notice. Yet…
Maggie was old-fashioned, much the same way Edward stubbornly was. Though instead of stubborn, Maggie was more mysterious and serene. She was cultured and excelled at music. Probably even rivaled Edward. Her gift left her outspoken and honest to a fault, in a way that had always reminded Mae of Leah. And her innocent beauty was reminiscent of Bella's.
Honestly, Mae couldn't imagine a more perfect counterpart for her father existing if she could have designed one to taylor fit his preferences.
"That's Maggie. She's part of the Irish coven. I met them a few years ago on the trip I took with Grandpa Carlisle and Grandma Esme," Mae said, eyes shining with delight at the prospect of her dad having a crush on someone new.
The Irish coven hadn't made it in time for the ceremony, and since this was the first time Mae had noticed them, they'd probably just arrived.
"Why? Do you want me to introduce you?" she asked impishly.
"She has the most sincere mind I've ever heard," Edward murmured, all but ignoring Jasper and Mae watching him.
"She's gifted. Anytime someone lies, she feels a flash of incredible pain," Mae explained.
Considering the way Edward was wont to bend the truth to suit his purpose, this should be interesting.
"She - where did you get this song?" Edward demanded, switching topics part way through as Rose began playing a lullaby on the piano.
"Auntie Leah gave it to Jake. He said you wrote it about me. I hope it's all right that he had Auntie Rose play it for us to dance to," Mae said, suddenly sounding uncertain. She'd wondered what Jacob had been referring to earlier, but now she knew. It was his gift to them.
"It's perfect, and so are you," Edward choked out, pulling Mae onto the dance floor and spinning her around. "I wrote it in Italy. Working on it whenever I missed you."
"I love you, dad," Mae said sincerely.
"You're my proof," Edward vowed.
He'd said that to her once before, in reference to how he knew he was capable of goodness. Her existence was proof. As well as how he knew forgiveness was possible - because she'd allowed him into her life after the things he'd done. The way he'd wanted to destroy her and threatened to kill her. She understood. Even more now than before. She might very well threaten to kill anyone who ever dared threaten Jacob.
"I'll remind you anytime you forget," Mae replied lightly, loving him despite it all.
Edward spun her around the dance floor. Past Alice sitting on Seth's lap, nuzzling his nose while Sue and Charlie purposely looked anywhere else from their seats beside the besotted couple. Past Leah dancing with Aiden, her long, glossy hair flaring out whenever he spun her. Apparently her morning sickness had finally wanned, otherwise she'd surely hurl if he turned her that fast one more time.
"Come on, Dad, I'll introduce you," Mae said brightly, looking for Maggie. Edward's attention had been torn the entire song, half on her, and half remaining on the female vampire.
"Renesmee," Edward hissed, but let her drag him over regardless.
Mae led Edward over to Maggie when the song ended. Maggie watched them approach speculatively, though there was definitely a keen interest when she saw Edward. Objectively speaking, he wasn't ugly, so that was to be expected, but Mae detected something more than the usual looks he got in public.
"So you were the one able to sleep with a human," Maggie asked, looking him up and down with interest.
"It was not without difficulty," Edward said, grinding his teeth as he fought to remain polite after such a personal subject was dredged up. It was priceless!
"No, I haven't," Edward said a second later to something he'd read in her mind.
"Yes," Edward huffed, exasperated.
Mae took that to be a good sign. Maggie was already getting under her dad's frozen, stone exterior. Sensing he was in capable, if not altogether gentle, hands, Mae excused herself to locate Billy, the final father in her life.
"Hi, Pops," Mae greeted, dropping heavily into the seat beside him. Her feet were killing her in the narrow stilettos Alice had chosen first for her mom then loaned to her. But they were pretty and made her the perfect height for Jacob, so she'd not complained.
"Pops, eh?" Billy asked, a single brow raised in question while his lips quirked up despite his efforts to remain stoic.
"Who says a girl can't have three dads?" Mae teased, smiling fondly as she took Billy's hands into her own.
"You've made me unbelievably happy today," he said, gripping her hands as hard as he could. Even that effort on his part was barely detectable. His fingers had become so slim and knobby, the thin skin stretched so tightly over the bone that Mae feared the blunt edges of the phalanges would push right on through, shredding it like so much tissue paper.
Carlisle had reluctantly told them the week before that he wanted Billy to begin radiation therapy as soon as possible. He believed that he'd actually caught the newest tumor early enough that surgery wouldn't be necessary, but everyone was still worried. Paul and Rachel had promised to look after him while they were on their honeymoon and call if anything happened. Mae was optimistic that things would go well.
"I guess that's only fair since your son has done the same for me," Mae retorted brightly.
Billy made it easy to ignore the evidence of his illness, even when it was staring her in the face, and stay positive. His was an iron will. A core of strength that would ultimately prove capable of withstanding anything.
"Don't think I don't know you two rushed this for my sake," Billy said offhandedly, glancing around to take in their elaborate surroundings.
"You're getting senile in your old age, because I don't have a clue what you could possibly be referring to," Mae said breezily, all mock innocence.
"Don't you?"
"I was just worried he'd change his mind if we didn't get this part over with," Mae jested, laughing outright at the notion.
"Right, like that boy will ever look anywhere else ever again. I'm so happy I got to be a part of this," Billy admitted.
"Don't talk like that," Mae scolded, hushing him and begging, "You've got to stick around long enough to meet your next grandchild."
"You're not -" he began, alarmed enough to turn a peculiar shade of mauve at the idea.
"No! No, not yet. Not for a few years yet - you understand?" Mae rushed to deny, shaken by the idea of that happening now or that she'd unintentionally implied that it had, when she'd just wanted to give him a reason to stick around longer.
"I promise I'll do my best," Billy said, unshed tears giving his eyes a glossy appearance.
"I love you," Mae whispered, throwing her arms around her father-in-law. He chuckled and patted her back, uncomfortable with the emotional display.
Mae met Jacob's eyes across the room when she pulled away, and he mouthed 'I love you'. The simple act tugged at her, guiding her to him on the straightest path possible through the assembled wedding guests before she'd even realized her feet were carrying her to him.
"On that note, can I steal you for a minute?" Mae asked him pointedly. She needed him. They'd been good long enough. Today was supposed to be about them anyways. It was time for them to consummate their marriage.
"Wh - Oh! Yeah, see you guys," Jacob said, following after her like a mindless zombie.
Mae glared at everyone that approached, scaring them off. She was through waiting.
The first few days of their honeymoon had been filled with sweet, tender moments and slow love making in between their adventures traveling through the beautiful forested roads surrounded by brilliant color and remarkable sights.
On the fourth night of their trip, Jacob had drawn things out, working her up to the brink of orgasm again and again then stopping just short. For hours he'd tormented her, never letting her reach her peak. Not until she'd been an aching mess, begging him and threatening to finish herself did he take them over the edge together for the most intense orgasm of her life. She'd been mush, putty in his hands afterwards, and it was hours before the afterglow completely faded.
Then the day before, when she'd fed from him, Jacob had spun her around and tugged her leather pants down to her knees so they pinned her legs together. Afterwards, he'd bent her over her motorcycle and taken her from behind. It had been hot and rough, not to mention sexy as hell.
Married life was the absolute ultimate. Definitely a way to spice things up - not that they'd needed to be, but it was exciting regardless.
Their adventure on the motorcycle had given her an idea. One she was currently trying to coax Jacob into doing.
"Sure you want to try this?" he asked, climbing onto his bike.
They were in the middle of nowhere, a tiny dirt road likely intended for mountain biking instead of actual motorcycles, but it was late and no one was still out in the woods.
"It's my birthday. You promised - whatever I want," Mae prompted, moving to his side and kissing his cheek.
"It'll be a bumpy ride," he warned, though from the way he was looking at her, he was as eager to try as she was. It wasn't like their bodies couldn't handle things a little rougher - or like they wouldn't both enjoy it.
"Sounds… intriguing," Mae taunted, capturing his shirt in her fist and hauling him in for a passionate kiss.
"I'll have to go slow so we don't crash," he said, offering her his hand to pull her astride him.
"That's fine, but it's not like we can really get hurt anyways," she reminded, lifting her hips to unzip his pants. Besides, she trusted his superior and supernaturally enhanced reflexes enough to know he could split his focus and they'd still be fine.
He was rock hard already, and he revved the engine right as she sunk down on him, taking him fully inside herself as her skirt fluttered out around them. She'd skipped wearing panties precisely with this moment in mind. Mae's head fell back at the sensation of fullness and she moaned when he started forward, the bike's momentum forcing him impossibly deeper.
The purr of the engine vibrated through them, creating a pleasurable hum. Each bump sent their hips carenning together at the place where they joined. Jacob's head dipped to nibble a path along the top of her tank where the mounds of her breasts threatened to spill out.
"Faster, Jacob," Mae commanded, using her feet against the back foot rests to ride him.
Immediately, he complied, speeding up the bike, and incidentally, their bodies coming together. His teeth tugged at her pebbled nipple, and Mae keened in response, arching into him.
When he released his hold on the sensitive nub, she nipped his neck, relishing the way his pulse jumped in expectation, anticipating her bite. She didn't disappoint, sinking her teeth into his russet skin just hard enough to break the skin and claim two mouthfuls of the tantalizing nectar that was Jacob's blood before the wound sealed.
The mounting tension coiling inside her splintered and shattered unexpectedly, her climax overtaking her with a furocity that left her a shuttering, boneless heap in Jacob's lap.
Jacob slammed on the bike's brakes, dropping his feet to the ground and clutching her tightly to him as he came, spending inside her in a rush of heat that filled her.
"That was… "
"Incredible?" Mae supplied for him, nuzzling his neck in the spot she'd bit him.
"Yeah. Let's take a honeymoon trip every anniversary," he suggested.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Having an adventure like this every year would definitely be something she would enjoy indulging in.
"Happy Birthday, Nessie Black."