Letters For My Love

by brierlynn03

Sometimes, letters are needed to speak the words that are left unsaid. Here are a grouping of those letters. From Charlie and Edward to the women they love. TISSUE WARNING! Trigger warning! Some character death and violence. MY FAGE 12 for Cullen Cousin Mostly canon.

18. Chapter 18

Edward and Bella's Daughter, Charlize Esmerie Evelyn Cullen on her wedding day to Paul Jacob Black

Included: Edward's letters.

Charlize Reacting to Letters From Family On Her Wedding Day.

September 14th, 2024

There are many things that I am thankful for today. I turned eighteen yesterday and today I am getting married. While getting married on my, my Mom's and my Poppa Charlie's birthday would have been great, a Friday the 13th wedding was just not what I wanted. Paul has ZERO excuses for forgetting our anniversary. Unless I give birth on either my birthday or our anniversary like Mom did to me. I mean, that is a fair excuse for forgetting. Dad was quickly forgiven when he forgot Mom and Poppa's birthday that year if memory serves me right.

It was a surprise that was well received by everyone in my family. While I was loved and wanted, I was not overly spoiled. That was one of the things that my family made sure of. While both my parents are well off, I did not have a t.v. in my room or every single gadget known to man. But, I really enjoyed my childhood for the most part.

The parts that were not fun had nothing to do with my family. It had to do with my almost-husband, Paul, getting shot in his backyard. He took bullets that should have hit me. The trajectory of one of them was that it would hit me in the head. I'd have been dead nearly instantly. Paul moved me out of the way and had a lot of rough medical issues from his spinal injuries and one bullet nearly hitting his heart. My family will always be grateful for him and his sacrifice. He wanted to be a football player. He hoped that a scholarship would pay his way through college. That did not happen. He was thirteen when the shooting happened and I was twelve years old. Our lives really changed.

The hospital visits and therapy were almost never-ending. He worked very hard to get to the point he is at currently. To say that I am proud of him would be an understatement.

Like my Dad, he was held back a year and everyone was more than okay with it. My Uncle Emmett, Dad, and Papaw Carlisle did everything that they could to make sure he got the best care possible, which he did and he thrived. While he did not have the same goals my Dad had when he was in therapy, he had great goals.

Enough about the past. Let's talk about today.

I am marrying Paul Jacob Black today, the day after my eighteenth birthday. This wedding was in the works for about a year since we got engaged. Which is a long time for wedding planning in my family. Since my parents did theirs in like four days start to finish. All things considered, their wedding was amazing!

I am marrying into the Quileute tribe and more than that I am marrying the next Chief. My adopted Uncle Jacob is the current Chief. Because of this, I wanted to make my wedding as close to a traditional Quileute wedding as I could. I am wearing Grandma Sarah's wedding dress, like my Mom wore Great Granny Evie's dress for her wedding. I am not sure if we are starting a tradition of wearing our Grandmother-in-law's dresses, but I'd be alright if we did. Easier and cost-effective. So long as they aren't like some of the dresses from the 1980s. Some of them are horrible!

Anyways.

I opted to have a simple ceremony. I wanted my husband and our Dads to make an altar and they made a replica of the one that was used in Mom and Dad's wedding. I am keeping the sunflowers and tulle on the altar the same. It looked so beautiful in pictures that I couldn't do them again. They remind me of the sun and happiness. So, my wedding bouquet is going to be sunflowers as well. Just like Mom's except for no irises since they are out of season.

We are going to have a simple ceremony in Quileute and English. Thankfully, I have been learning Quileute so that will be helpful.

My dress was worn by my soon to be mother-in-law and Grandmother-in-law. It is a simple Quileute wedding dress. Paul is wearing the Quileute men's wedding clothes.

Thinking of things from the past makes me smile. My Mom and Mother-in-law walk into the room with gift bags. Mom is holding back tears as she comes and gives me a long hug.

"Everything is ready on the beach and it looks beautiful. You are going to have a beautiful ceremony. I have some gifts for you, my daughter. I have to tell you, one is from me, another from Jake and Vanessa, one is from Paul, and one is from Daddy. I am going to give you a few minutes to open these. Make sure that you open mine first. I love you, Charlize." Mom says as she kisses my forehead and walks away.

Mom has always loved me and called me all my eight hundred nicknames. Except when I was in trouble or on big days like today. It makes me feel special. I go and open her gift first as suggested.

I open the gift bag from Mom and under the tissue paper, see an envelope with my name on it. I open the letter and start to read it.

September 13th, 2024

My Charlize,

There are many things that I want to say to you today on your eighteenth and my thirty-seventh birthdays, on the eve of your wedding. Right now, all I can feel is a strange mix of joy, sadness, hope, fear, and peace. Interesting combination, let me explain.

Joy. Because like your Daddy and I, you found your forever as babies. That makes things so much easier, doesn't it Charlize? We got to watch the two of you for years and know how well you work together. Even in the tough times, you complement each other as well as Daddy and I do. You know each other's strengths and weaknesses and use that information well.

This is not to say that you will not fight because you will. Some fights will be funny. Some will threaten to tear you apart. But you have to know that your love is worth the fight and by God and the Great Spirits, you have made it this far.

He would die for you. He almost did once. As I know you would die for him. Years ago, when it was not known if Paul would ever walk again, I asked you if you were ready for this fight. It might be a long painful road and I would understand if you were not ready for it. Even at twelve years old, you knew that Paul was for you.

"Mommy, you knew Daddy was your true love at six. SIX. You have been fighting for him since then. It is my turn to fight for my true love. Paul was raised in part by our family. He is going to be the best man for me. Even during the rough times. It will be worth it. I might not have an easy life, but it will be worth it. I love you, Mom. I love Paul too. Let us take this one day at a time and go from there."

I was never more proud of you at that point in your life. You are an amazing young woman who makes me proud. There is nothing better than being your Mommy. Well, shared now that your sister and brother are here.

Sadness and fear because you will no longer be my baby girl anymore. You will be Paul's wife. I can kind of understand how Poppa Charlie felt when he gave me away all those years ago. I am lucky that you and Paul have an apartment in town for college. So, you will be about five minutes away instead of plane rides. So, while I am sad, I am also glad. Glad that you and Paul are going to try to make it on your own. Even though you were offered the in-law apartment that Great Granny Evie used to live in. I am sad that you won't be living across the street, but understand. You both want to try to make it on your own. We are proud of you and Paul for making it work. We are fearful of the unknown. I am not willing to put anything out there to be fearful of so deal with it.

Hope and peace because, well. We need it. I will be the first to admit that. I hope that you have peace in your life and understanding. I hope peace finds you even though you will be arguing with people as a lawyer. Remember, if it does not work you can take a test to teach. The only time you fail is if you give up. If you take steps to do something good, then there is no problem.

I am proud of you for everything you have done. Everything that you will do. You will make an amazing wife and someday Mom. Things won't be easy. But, you will make it work. You have Swan blood in you. We don't have quitting in our blood. Cullens and Platts don't either.

I love you, my Darling Daughter.

Love,

Mom

P.S. I wish I had something like this on my wedding day. One of my few regrets of the day. What else did I regret? Not having a gift for your Daddy. Love you, sweet girl.

I cried. For several minutes. Once I calmed down, I saw my gift.

It was a stationery set that had a journal, fancy paper, envelopes, and a pen. All that had sunflowers on them. It was beautiful. My name was on it. Exactly how it was going to be when I was married.

Mrs. Charlize Esmerie Evelyn Black

Wife to

Paul Jacob Black

September 14th, 2024

They were amazing! I can totally understand why my Mom would have wanted these!

I put them down and see something else. It is in an old-style jewelry box and oddly shaped. I pull it out and open the lid. It was the comb that Mom had from Great Granny Swan from her wedding. I was floored. In a good way. I put the comb down and get the paper and a pen out to write the first of what I think are many letters.

September 14th, 2024

Dear Mom,

Words are escaping me as well. I can't believe that yesterday I turned eighteen and today I am getting married either!

Thank you for your wonderful gifts, one which I am currently using! They are amazing! I can't wait to wear the Swan comb. I hope that Kim will be able to put this in my hair with the braids!

You said a lot of good things, Mom, that make me think. Not because of anything bad. Thank you for making me feel better about my choices. While Paul and I wanted to go to Yale, we thought it would be easier to stay where all the doctors are. A degree is a degree and I am sure that we will have jobs with your firm! Don't sell it till we are ready. Please.

It's funny in a sad way that Grandpa Billy is not here. It almost seemed like he was staying just long enough to know Paul was going to be taken care of. He knew a Swan girl was going to be in the family. He was happy beyond reason that it was me. Not that I blame him, I am pretty awesome!

Thank you for your years of love and support for me. That you for all your sacrifices that you and Dad made for me. I love you.

Love always your firstborn,

Charlize

I fold the letter and put it in the envelope writing Mom's name on it. Well, Isabella since I call both my Mom and Paul's Mom, Vanessa, Mom.

She will understand.

I get to the next gift and it is from Jake and Vanessa. I open it and am amazed. Inside there is a letter and a book. I know the book based on its cover. It is a hard copy of the Tribal Legends and how the Tribal Government works. Definitely something I will need being a Chief's wife down the road.

I open the letter and read it. There are two parts. One is Jake's scribble and the other is definitely Vanessa's neat cursive.

September 14th, 2024

What I am supposed to call you today? Oh yeah! Daughter of the Chief!

Today is your wedding day and I am blessed beyond measure that you have agreed to be Paul's wife. I am well aware that it is not an easy calling in life, and I thank you for stepping up to the call. Your Mom thought that your Dad was better for her instead of me and married him instead. Little does Bella realize that she was right. This was how it was supposed to happen. You were supposed to be born and be my daughter-in-law. And as much as I love your Mom, always have and always will, she was right. She is always right. And I love her for it!

This is my gift to you. I am sure you saw it with my superior wrapping skills.

To make your life easier someday. To make you an amazing wife of the Chief. So you know your heritage. I love you, little girl.

Love always,

Your Other Dad

I laughed so hard I cried. Yeah. He has a hard time being serious. I am going to have to show this to Mom. He never admits he is wrong.

I get another pen and paper ready. This is going to be fun.

September 14, 2024

Hey Other Dad,

It is I. Your favorite almost daughter-in-law. You can call me whatever you wish since you never called me the same name like almost ever. One minute I am Liz, the next Em, five minutes later Eve. Like truly, never the same thing twice in one sitting. Some days were hard when I was there for long periods of time. Then you would resort to things like "Bella's kid" or shortie. It was a good time.

For a father-in-law, you are a pretty awesome one. I really lucked out having you and "other Ma" as my in-laws. Just like you rocked out having me as your daughter-in-law.

Don't worry, my Mom will be made aware that she was right about the two of you. I love you both, but I think you would have killed each other many years ago had you been married to each other. Just saying.

I am speechless at the gifts that you gave me. I am well aware of my pale-facedness and how many in the Tribe might not accept me. I am beyond grateful that you and Ma do. I am looking forward to many years of learning the language, cultures and teaching them as my own. To the babies that Paul and I will have and teach them too. You have to help us old man! These will be your grandkids!

Thank you for your generous help with our other gifts. I enjoyed spending time with you while we made the table, chairs, and chess and checkers sets. I know that Paul will love them! Especially since we both made them together. They will look amazing in the house!

Thank you for your thoughtful gifts and for being so welcoming of me into your family and Tribe. I can't wait to be Charlize Black, wife of future Chief Paul Black.

Love Your Daughter,

Charlize

I read the letter over and put it in an envelope with Jake's name on it. Then I found the second letter and read that one.

September 14th, 2024

To My Now Official Daughter On Her Wedding Day,

Thank you for agreeing to join our family and for all the years that you have taken care of Paul. As a Mom, there is nothing better than knowing that the woman your son is going to marry is the right one for him. Thank you for being the right one for my son.

I have loved you since I found out you were coming. I love all babies, but I always knew you were special. I prayed extra hard for you for as long as I can remember. I never did that with your brother or sister. Don't get me wrong, I pray for them often. But not like I prayed for you.

Taha Aki made Paul for you and you for Paul. I have been convinced of that since you were born. Paul always was protective of you. You know that. And you are of him.

I have a small gift for you. I know it is not much, but I wanted you to have it. You have your something old, borrowed and blue in Sarah's ring and Great Grandma's dress. You need something new and a sixpence for your shoe which is a penny. So, I got you a new 2024 penny. And a shawl that I made for you when you were a baby for your wedding day.

I love you and am excited for you to join our family. I love you Charlize.

Love always,

Mama Black

I smiled at this. While many people don't have a great relationship with their mother-in-law, I have a great one with mine. Truth be told, she is one of my best friends. One of life's truest blessings.

I get my pen and paper ready and start to write. Damn my hand is getting tired.

September 14th, 2024

Mama Black,

Finally! After eighteen years and a day, I am going to be an official member of the family! It sure has been a long time coming! I am grateful for all the love, support, and encouragement that you have and will give me for the years to come.

I had forgotten about the penny and the new! You are a lifesaver! Thank you for helping me to have both a traditional Quileute and "pale-faced" wedding. It means a lot to me!

I cried when I saw the shawl that you made for me. It will be perfect for me and making sure I am just warm enough on the beach. You know that the wind can blow hard there when it wants to. I pray to Taha Aki and God that the weather behaves!

When you said that you always would pray for me, it made a lot of sense to me. Sometimes growing up, I would feel peace and calm come over me at random times and I felt that it was from you. It makes a lot of sense now. Thank you for your years of prayers for me. They always helped me more than words can say.

Thank you for everything that you have done for me and Paul. I know that Paul is your son and that you would do everything for him. But there are some among the tribe that might not have accepted me as their daughter-in-law. It is a very sad reality. The tribe is my future and I plan to do what I can to ensure it's growth and traditions. I am blessed to have such a wonderful role model in what the wife of the Chief is supposed to be. Thank you, Mama.

Love, Your Daughter,

Charlize Black

I read it over and put it in an envelope writing her name on it. I got the next gift from Carlisle and Esme.

I open the envelope and get two letters out of the bag. I read the first one I came to.

September 14th, 2024

Dear Charlize,

Words can not express how proud of you I am. You have grown into a wonderful young woman and get better each and every day. Paul is a very lucky man to have you become his wife. Your Poppa and I worked really hard with your Dad to make sure that he treats you with the most love and respect in the world. If he steps out of line, make sure to tell us, we will take care of it. Between all of us, not only will they never be able to find his body but they won't know it was us who did it. Our little secret, my not so little girl.

When you were born, you were my first grandchild. There are no words that can describe how it felt knowing that you were here. You were the long-awaited (okay, not really long since your parents were like twenty and twenty-one when you were born) princess. Your Daddy really wanted you to be his princess. He got his princess. You were the missing piece of our family that we did not realize was missing. Thank you for being a Cullen. We love you.

I know that you were promised your Cullen crest necklace for your eighteenth birthday. You are getting it today, as a joint wedding and birthday gift. Not that you did not get enough gifts yesterday. But, I wanted it to have a special meaning. Yours is two-sided. One side is the Cullen crest. The other is the Chief of the Quileute tribe's symbol. You are the wife of the future Chief of the tribe. That is a high honor. One that you will be able to be successful in. You were made to be Paul's wife. His partner and his sounding board. You two will make that tribe better than it ever was and your children will do the same. I am proud of you.

I love you, Charlize.

Love Always-

Pappy Carlisle

It is a good thing that there has been no makeup done yet or it would have to be redone. Again. And Again. I get another piece of paper, an envelope that I put Papaw's name on, and my pen and start to write.

September 14th, 2024

Dear Papaw Carlisle,

I had a feeling that you were waiting to give me the beautiful family crest for today. I am beyond words on how beautiful it is! I am in awe of its beauty and meaning. I can not wait to put it on. It will be a great part of the wedding ceremony. Thank you Papaw!

I have always appreciated that you and Mamaw were such a strong force in my life to show me how marriage is supposed to work. How a husband is supposed to treat his wife and his children. Paul has many things that he can learn from you, which most of them he has. I know that you and Mamaw are not perfect, but you are pretty close. I will lie if you say anything.

I love you and thank you, Papaw, for your love and support in me.

Love Always,

Charlize

I laugh as I reread the note and put it in the envelope folded.

I read Mamaw's letter and really it is not helping the tears.

September 14th, 2024

Dear Charlize,

Depending on the order you open the letters and gifts will depend on how sore your hand is. I understand if you need a break from writing one to me. I know what your Mom gave you, and I have a good idea of how many letters there are, so there are no hard feelings either way.

That being said, I have a small gift for you from Great Granny Evie. She would have loved to have been here and I know that she is watching over us in heaven. She wanted to give you a small piece of her jewelry. She wanted you to have something of hers but was understanding if you were not able to wear it. But if you decided that you wanted it, I can make it work. Maybe putting it in your bouquet. I won't say anything else, but know that you loved this piece as a child and she wanted you to have it. She made that clear to your Mom and me many times over the years that this was "her Lizzie's piece." You were always her Lizzie.

If you dig underneath, there is another letter from Great Granny. She wrote it before she died. I think you were a baby and your parents were still at Yale. That was a long time ago, so I might be wrong, forgive me if I am! She loved you so much!

My sister, your Grandma Elizabeth, would have been a crying mess if she was here to watch this. She would have loved and spoiled you as I do. I kept a few of her pieces after she passed and also wanted to give you one of them. The one I gave you of hers is a blue box. Great Granny's is in a black box. I hope that helps.

I found the box with Grandma Elizabeth's jewelry with a note. It was at the local jeweler's getting cleaned when she had her accident with your Daddy. She did not have it on her that day. Amid the confusion and everything with your Daddy, that piece was overlooked. When there was no way of knowing if your Daddy was going to make it, a piece of jewelry that she loved before she left us was not a high priority. It took awhile for us to get it back. But, we never knew that it bothered your Daddy until after he married your Mom. He said that he wanted to have his Mom's ring which is just like your Mom's wedding band. Somehow, he made it and it fit her nearly perfectly when they married.

What advice do I have for you? Just enjoy the day. You picked a great man and an equally great family. When you decide to have babies, whether they are planned or not, love them with everything you have. Which I already know that you will.

We both know that unplanned babies are just as much of a blessing as planned ones. You and C.J. are proof of that. Things are moved around a bit, but it will all work out. Every step of the way, we will be with you and Paul.

I love you, my dear Lizzie.

Love Always-

Mamaw Esme

Over the years, I heard stories of my Grandma Elizabeth. She was a lovely woman like Mamaw Esme and Great Granny Evie. Mamaw was her sister and Granny their Mom. She loved her family to a fault. Even when she should have left her husband, she stayed. It ended up getting her killed and Daddy nearly killed and a lot of medical issues. But like Paul and I, Mom and Daddy both thought that it made their relationship better. Stronger. Harder to break.

I get the gifts and open them. I see the box that I know has the Cullen/Black crest in it. I open it and see it. I know that someone is going to want to put that on me, so after I am done admiring it I set it aside.

The black jewelry box is the first one I see. I open it and try to remember what might be in here. Since she gave me a Santa that had blue eyes that she made that I said I loved when I was two. She put my name on the bottom so everyone knew that treasure is actually mine. Looking at it now, I really wished that I got her painted Easter bunnies. Who am I kidding? I'll get those as well thinking back most likely.

The piece that Great Granny Evie left for my wedding was a single purple pearl necklace. They were right, I have always loved this piece. It is so beautiful and delicate. I can't wait to wear that as well.

The piece from Grandma Elizabeth is next. I open the box and am shocked, I feel as though I am looking at my Mom's necklace. I know she has one and she wears it all the time! I did not see her wearing hers today. Did she give it to me?

It is a heart-shaped diamond. That was a gift to Great Granny Evie's Mom from her Dad. Unless there is something that I am missing. I look for a note from Great Granny Evie. I found it and another note. I opened the first one and it is from my Mom.

Baby Girl-

I know that you are seeing a replica of my necklace. It is not mine. This one is the one that Great Granny Evie got from Great Poppy Elijah. I have the one from Great Granny Evie's parents. How both of them were able to get nearly identical necklaces is amazing. Now we are twins! Deal with it! If you allow me to, I will wear this instead of whatever you got with that gift. Just let me know.

I love you,

Mom

I laugh. Mom is funny when she wants to be. I am glad she made me laugh. Next I find the box from Grandma Elizabeth. When I open it, I am shocked. It is a ring,

a thicker width band than I would normally get, but it works with this ring. While its width is thick, it is a very thin band, which was good, yellow gold and shaped like flowers. I am stunned. It is a beautiful piece and I will wear this every day! I put it on my left ring finger and it fits perfectly. I am speechless.

I needed to write some more letters.

Dear Mom (again),

Thank you for letting me know that I did not steal your necklace! What are the odds that the same necklace was bought twice, by two members of the family? Or does Mamaw Esme have one? That would be even funnier!

It is your choice if you want to wear the necklace we got, but I think that what I got you will work with your necklace. Love you!

Love,

Charlize

September 24, 2024

Dear Mamaw Esme,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful gifts! I am beyond stunned with them! I did not think that I would get anything from Great Granny Evie but I am excited that I got her pearl necklace! I always loved that necklace! Purple is one of my favorite colors, in part because of this necklace!

Thank you for keeping it safe. I would have not been happy if I lost it somewhere.

To have Grandma Elizabeth's ring is one of the best things ever. I feel like I know her a little through having this. It fits. I might even try to use it for my wedding band since it really matches. I am not sure yet. I am sure Paul will not care. A piece of each of our grandmother's that neither of us met. I will figure out a way to ask him. Maybe Dad can ask him? We will see.

Thank you for all that you have done for me and Paul. It means the world to me that you love me even though I am really not your granddaughter. I know that you have never met a baby that you did not love and want to spoil. But it means a lot to me that you loved me when Renee would not. She missed out on the awesomeness known as Lizzie!

Thank you, Mamaw. I love you.

Love Always,

Charlize

I find Great Granny's letter and open it. The familiar cursive penmanship I miss dearly. The old-style cursive that we no longer use today. It makes me want to write only in cursive, like I used to get in trouble for at that one school back east.

September 14th, 2012

My Dearest Lizzie,

There are many things that I want to tell you and I do not know how much time I have. Yesterday was your seventh birthday and it is amazing how much you have changed in seven years. When you were first born, you were so tiny. Not that you are a large child now. You are still very petite. Most likely will be, just like your Mama.

I am having medical issues, sweet girl. I don't know if I will still be around when you and your Mama and Daddy come home to Forks. I can't wait for you to come home. My goal is to be healthy for you so we can have tea parties and play princesses when you move here. We already have a house in mind for your parents to buy. It is across the street from Papaw, Mamaw, Poppy, and me. Don't tell your parents, we already bought it for you all. We have been renting it to a local family who is old friends of your parents who will move out before you all come home, Angela and Ben Cheney.

Don't worry. Your parents have always loved that house and actually told us and the neighbors. The neighbor sold us the house when they decided to move south with their son. He got a great job and house in California somewhere and they love it.

Enough about them, there are things that I want to tell you.

No matter what you do, I am proud of you and love you. Whatever you decide to do with your life, as long as you are happy, I am happy for you. If you decide to get married out of high school to a good man and start having babies, that is a blessing! Your family and I want you to be happy.

Your Grandma Elizabeth would have loved you as much as I do. Maybe more. Since you are her only baby's only baby. Know this, even though she is not here with us, she has been watching over you. And loves you dearly.

I love you, my little Lizzie. While I pray that I will add letters to this one for your wedding, I know that might not happen. I love you, sweet girl.

Love Always,

Great Granny Evie

There are no tears. Just ugly sobs. Why did I have to do this today? Why could I not have done this last week? I say a silent prayer and thank Granny and Grandma Elizabeth. I notice two soft pairs of hands of my Mom and Dad.

"She must have read Granny Evie's letter. I cried just seeing that Mom had it. I can't imagine reading it." Mom said quietly to my Dad.

Dad has always been able to pick me up no matter how I was sitting. I am grateful that I am going to get a good hug from him today.

"My Princess Birdie, no sad tears today. Only happy ones, my little love. Daddy is here." He started to hum my lullaby and I calm down. He is smiling when I look up at him. He is not dressed in his Quileute wear. Nice polo and dress pants. Mom is wearing a nice dress, not one of her Quileute dresses. She has had a few over the years. Her and Poppy Charlie have always been very involved in the Tribe. Which actually might be helpful for me since there are always a few people who are not nice. Thankfully for anyone that thinks I should walk, there are ninety-nine that love me once they know me.

I calm down in my Daddy's arms and he laughs at something that Mom says. I look at them and he looks at me like he is telling me to ask my Mother. I laugh.

"I see you got my gift and are already using it. As I said, that was one of the only things that I wish that I had for my wedding with your Daddy. I hope that your day is as happy as mine and Daddy's was, my daughter." She says with a smile.

"Other than the onion cutting going on, I am overall happy. I got your letters, but I did not get to them yet, Daddy. Sorry."

He laughs. "I am just happy to spend time with my Birdie. I can't believe that you are getting married. You know what that means?" He looks at me with a very serious look. This only means Mom's going to smack him.

"No, Dad. What's that mean?" I ask.

"Your Mom is old." Sure enough, she smacks his back. They laugh.

"Thanks, old man. Alright. I hate to rush you, but, we have a wedding to prep for. I told you she should not do this today. Love you Charlize." Mom's trying to not cry.

"I only have Paul, Daddy, and Poppy's left. Can you ask Paul if I can wear Grandma Elizabeth's band as my wedding band? I love the matched set of Grandma Sarah's, but think that the engagement ring would look great with Grandma Elizabeth's ring. Something old from both families." I get up and show them. Daddy starts to cry.

"Daddy?" Was all I could ask.

"Daddy and I were with Granny Evie when he picked that out for her. It was her favorite piece of jewelry if memory serves me right. Right Edward?" Mom looked at him.

"He said she lost it in the accident. He lied to me!" He looks angry. Very angry. He must be talking about Mr. Masen.

"Edward, I can explain this. Mom told me this morning that she found that last night in Granny's room. She wanted to give this to you, but thought that Granny's Lizzie needed it. Please don't be mad at her. She was going to tell you but we forgot." Mom held Dad close to her. This must be more special than I realized.

"Maybe you should explain what is so special about this ring, Edward. Why does it have so much meaning to you and your Mom." Mom prods him and he took a deep breath.

"Little Bird, I am sorry to have lashed out. It was not my intention. This ring, your Mom and I had made for my Mom. I also had one made for your Mom. While I knew we were young, I knew that your Mom was my one and only. She was the one who I would share my life with. Change her name to mine. Have my babies. I was praying for a daughter that looked like she does. So, we got them with Granny Evie's help. She kept your mom's safe. I was happy to have given my Mom hers before she died. It was her favorite piece of jewelry because it was from her son and daughter. Even then, my Mom considered your Mom her daughter-in-law. She and Esme used to plan our wedding. Something tells me that it was not what either was expecting…" Dad was cut off.

"But it was better than either of us ever imagined, Edward. We honestly did not care how it happened. We just wanted Bella in our family. We are grateful that she chose you and as an extension, us. Bella had many suitors in her day. You did as well, son. Jessica and Lauren, ring a bell? Jake and Mike? Jake loved you something fierce Bella, but once he met Vanessa, it was a complete 180. Jake would have been a great choice had Edward not been in your life. He would have taken excellent care of you. One thing about the Black men, like Cullen men, they take care of their families. Which is why we know that YOU, Charlize, will be taken care of. Loved. Honored and respected. That is why you are getting married today. Not six years from now. Or never. Because believe me, even though we let your parents get married young, had you married about anyone else, we would not have made this wedding happen." Mamaw Esme came into the room.

"Edward, I am sorry about your Mom's ring. I was looking through Granny's things for what she set aside for her Lizzy. I literally found it right before I wrote that letter. Like, ten minutes before. It was close to midnight. I was not calling you, even though I figured you were awake. Granny may have mentioned finding it while you were in the hospital, but, we were not really thinking about it since we were worried about if you were coming home or not. You were in a coma. There was a chance you might not make it. As much as we knew you would want that, we were trying to spend time with you. Not that we wanted to think of you leaving us. We already lost Elizabeth. We did not want to lose you too and have regrets of not spending as much time as possible with you. I hope that you forgive us, Edward. I wanted to talk to you about it, but we all have been busy trying to make this princess' wedding day perfect. I love you, Edward. As if you were my actual son. I hope you don't think I meant to hurt you." She gives Daddy a hug and he cries.

"I know, Ma. I know. I know how much has gone on in our lives. I was shocked. I am glad that you explained everything. I would have wanted to give Mommy's ring to Charlize either way. So it works out. It was just a shock to see it and it brought everything back. We have had an adventure, haven't we?" He is calmer and almost smiling.

"You are one of the strongest men I know. Paul is the other. Because you both came from such difficult situations and did not let it let you down. Yes, Paul wanted to be a doctor, but because of his difficulty with standing sometimes, he opted for his second choice. He complained once to get it out of his system and then moved on. I admire him for that. As I admire your ability to move forward Edward. I love you more than words can say and am glad that we have been together all this time. You are stuck with me until the end of time. Deal with it." The way that my parents are with each other is amazing to watch. I wanted a love like theirs. Until I didn't. I saw the way that Uncle Emmett was with Aunt Rose and how Uncle Jake was with Aunt Vanessa, well, now father and mother-in-law are and determined that I needed a man for me. Not my Mom. Dad might have driven me crazy. Paul is the perfect man for me. I can't wait for today to be done, so I can be Mrs. Black.

"I came in here because you need to get ready soon dear. Whose letters do you have left?" Mamaw asks me.

"Just Paul, Daddy, and Poppa Charlie's, Mamaw." They all laughed.

"Oh princess, remember what I told you about what Poppa did for me?" Mom waits as I nod yes. "Daddy did too. God knows if Poppa did as well. We may not have time for this."

Daddy gave my Mom a smile. "How about me and my Birdie read them together. Our last adventure together where she is only my daughter. Not Paul's wife and my daughter. What do you say, princess?" I thought that was a great idea.

"Is there time?" I look at Mamaw and she smiles.

"We will make it work. Your makeup and hair won't take too long. I am sure we will be alright. Go ahead. I will come in to check on you in a bit. Love you." Mom and Mamaw leave with the letters I wrote, leaving me with Daddy.

"I am glad we are doing this Daddy. I am sorry that we don't have more time. I wish we could have done it yesterday. Or last week. Maybe we can read what we can and save the rest for later?" I asked him, smiling.

"Of course, my Bird. Whatever you want. I am just happy to spend time with my girl. You know you were pretty close to what I prayed for when I wanted a child right?" He smiles hugging me.

"Pretty close? I know that you wished I was born later so it would have been easier for you. Was there something else?" I asked.

"Nope. Just that. But, God knew what He was doing. So, you came at the perfect time. Everyone was so excited for you. Sorry, not sorry about your name. While your name is different, I wanted it to be something that someone heard of. Not like something like Renesmee. Not that Renee was going to be involved in your name. But still." He laughed.

"Here, open this one. This is from me." I open the gift that he suggested and am in shock.

There is a journal inside that has mine and Daddy's names on it.

A Father's Journal To His Daughter:

Edward Platt Cullen and Charlize Esmerie Evelyn Cullen

September 13th, 2007

Edward's Letters To Charlize

September 13th, 2007

My Dearest Charlize Esmerie Evelyn:

Today was one of the best days of my life. Today, I watched you come crashing and screaming into the world. There are three special people who share this special day as their birthdays. You, your Mama, and your Poppa Charlie. And for the record, Poppa already told you that you need not ever give him a gift. Your birth is more than enough. As it is for me. It is a day that I will never soon forget and be one of the happiest days of my life. There are not many of those days in my life.

See my little bird, my life has not always been an easy one. My family was involved in a car accident that left my father permanently disabled and unable to walk or care for himself or me. Worse than that, my mommy died while I was in my coma for almost three months. I never got to say goodbye to her. This was when I was seven, just two weeks after my birthday.

I spent the next almost six months in the hospital and then rehab facility to relearn everything I ever learned. I mean everything. Eating, drinking, walking, playing, dressing myself, and personal hygiene. Yeah. That was not a fun time. But I eventually relearned everything.

The car that hit my family's car, t-boned us on the passenger side where my mommy, your Grandma Elizabeth or Lizzy and I were sitting. From what I understand of the accident, it was a drunk driver going too fast and hit us just right. Or wrong. A drunk driver who wanted to die and take people with them. My father found out and somehow arranged to be on the road at the same time and we were hit. Sadly for my father, but thankfully for me, I survived and my father received injuries that he was not expecting.

You will never meet that man. The man that you will know as Pappy Carlisle is my adopted Dad. He loves you so much and will help you to grow into a wonderful young woman like he helped me to grow into a halfway decent young man. Your Mamaw Esme is my adopted Mom and Grandma Elizabeth's sister. She will be extremely important to you as well. She already has many plans for tea parties and dress up, that its not funny. You are a very wanted little girl. I hope you remember that.

Your Poppa Charlie is your Mama's Dad. He has a little pink fishing pole and gear waiting for you once you know how to walk. We are praying for you to have more coordination than your Mama did growing up. We will love you either way.

There was never a time that I thought of if I wanted a son or a daughter. That was until I met a beautiful girl named Isabella Marie Swan. My beautiful Bella. The day that I met her, I knew she was the love of my life. She was going to be the mother of my daughter. Even though we were just kids at the time. I might have been four and her three.

When I met her, I decided that I wanted a little girl that looked just like her. Our little girl would have her mother's brown eyes that you can see the world through them. Her smile makes my heart melt like nothing in the world. Other than her laugh. Or kiss. Well. Everything about her.

I look at you right now, and you have mostly the Swan look to you. I am sorry to say, it appears that you have my hair. I am sorry if that is the case. There is not much we can do with it if that is the case, but it might be easier for you if you have long hair. We shall see and figure it out if it comes to that. I am still hoping you have your Mama's hair!

I can't promise that I will be a perfect Daddy for you, Lizzy. There are so many things that I am still trying to work out from my own childhood that scares me to no end. But, I will do everything that I can to be the best Daddy I can for you because you deserve the best.

I wanted to let you know where your name came from. It was important to me and your Mama that you have a good name that would be good for not only you but represent your family as well.

According to the baby names website:

Charlize is a French feminine form of Charles

Charles is German and means Free Man

We wanted you to have a name that represented your two Grandfathers, Charlie and Carlisle. It happened to work out that we were able to get your Grandmother Elizabeth in on the action too. How? We can call you Liz or Lizzy. One name. Three people are honored. We are so awesome!

Esmerie is a French name that means Emerald and we wanted to present your Grandmother Esme and your Mama's middle name Marie here. It is such a pretty name that is different. But it works beautifully. Never thought about it, maybe you will have my green eyes because of it. That would be pretty. You will be beautiful no matter what, my princess.

Evelyn is your Great Granny's name. It is also English and means Beautiful Bird.

Your full name means Free (Wo)man Emerald and Beautiful Bird. Pretty cool meaning if you ask me. Which you haven't. Yet.

There are many things that I want to say to you. I am not sure what is needed and what is not, so I will just say whatever comes to mind.

I am currently in college at Yale, studying to be a doctor, which is one of the top schools in the country. The goal was to be a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. But I might change to a regular Pediatrician. I still have a few years before I need to make that choice. The basic classes are still the same for the first couple of years. I will be interning in a neurosurgeons office and a Pediatricians' office to see what fits better. For me and our family.

Your Mama has also been going to Yale but studying to be a lawyer. She had been key for me growing up with some of my legal needs with my rehabs and trying to get me back to Forks, Washington and living with Pappy and Mamaw. Which is next to Poppa. The goal is to get back to Forks so we can be close to the family.

Maybe buy a little house near your grandparents. They would love for us to live near them. Pappy and Mamaw would probably let us live with them if we needed to. Great Granny Evie lives in an in-law apartment with them. What would three more people be? A fuller house! Though I am sure that both sets of Grandparents have talked the one neighbor near retirement into waiting to sell until we come back. I would not put it past them. Not that I would care. Lots of free babysitters at the ready!

I am not sure what I should say now. I love you more than words can say and you are my biggest blessing, Charlize. Because you are a perfect mixture of your Mama and I. I will do my best to look after you, protect you from harm, and love you with all that I am.

I love you, my princess!

Love always,

Daddy. Otherwise known as Edward

September 13th, 2012

My Dearest Lizzy-Bird,

Time flies when you are having fun and watching your favorite green-eyed and not Daddy's messy hair, but Mama's brown-haired princess grow up! It seems like just yesterday you were born and today, you are five and in kindergarten. Where did my baby girl go?! Every time I ask you, you tell me "Up Daddy!" I really need to stop having Emmett around you.

Emmett and Rosalie McCarty are Mama and Daddy's best friends here in college. They actually met here and married six months later. They fight like crazy but love each other like crazy too. Rosalie's parents are not happy with their new son-in-law, so they are no longer contributing to her education. I am only telling this to you so you understand that as long as you meet a boy that loves and respects you, I have no issues with how much or how little he makes. I just want you to be happy, loved, and protected. See, Rosalie's parents wanted her to go to college and get married to a local boy who only needed a good looking girl on his arm. He had no plans of staying faithful to her and she needed to be faithful to him. She did not want that but played along planning on being a lawyer, that is until she met Emmett. Emmett is going to school to be a doctor, general practice. We have talked about him coming to Forks with us to live. They have visited and feel that would be a good area to have a practice for both Rose and Em. Your Mama and I are going to be co-owning them. It works out perfectly!

Things that you have done. You can read really well. We had to switch your teacher twice already since they are not happy how much you know. "Charlize is not supposed to know how to read, write, or spell any words. The fact that she can sign her name in cursive, horrible! That is third-grade work! That is the teachers' job to teach her! And YOU! Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, are not teachers!" You would think that we were beating you. The amount of money that we were paying to send you to that school is disgusting for how they were treating you.

We talked to the local public school and they wanted to have you badly. They wanted to test to see what grade you are in and if you would do well in an older grade. Mama and I agreed and you tested at almost a second-grade level. We don't want to have you skip two grades, but one might not be too bad. We talked it over with you and you wanted to spend a few days in kindergarten and a few in first grade. The school was more than willing to accommodate your request, asking that you give each a week. That seemed reasonable. So far, you think that you would be better in first grade, which is fine with everyone involved. Tomorrow will be your last day of first grade and you have the weekend to figure it out. I think that you will be a first-grader come Monday. Either way. We are proud of you. Most importantly, we love you Lizzy-Bird. '

Right now, our plan is to be here for another two years while Mama and I finish going to Yale. This has been quite the experience. We are truly blessed Lizzy-Bird. Most people who get pregnant like your Mama did do not finish law school. Currently, Mama has this year. I can graduate in January. With help from your Mama and I took all our AP courses. Did it help much? Not really. But it did help us to know what college will be like.

When you were first born, Mama had taken half a semester off of college to be with you. After those six months were done, she went back to full time and sometimes tried to take extra classes if she was able. She took summer classes and classes during breaks to try to catch up. I took as many classes as I could as well. Thankfully, we found a church here and there was a group of stay at home mom's that would take turns watching you while we were in classes or my clinical and Mama's schooling and work-study in a local law firm. They really want to hire her. They have actually started to find ways to pay her because she is so good at what she does. We eat like kings now from the gift cards to either local restaurants and grocery stores! I almost feel bad, but this law firm is really sweet. Sweet enough that they want to possibly open a branch wherever we move to. This is a high power law firm. Volturi, Denali, and Associates are top ten in the country. Over winter break we are taking a huge trip to Washington with them to Seattle and Forks. While Forks would be our best bet for family, Seattle is a short drive if Mama was able to get her own office off the rip like that. We still have a way before we need to worry about that. At least two years since Mama will want to work as a lawyer for a year before we go home.

As does the doctor's office that Emmett and I are working out of, they want to keep us too. Sadly, our plans are for Washington State. We might change our minds, but I doubt it. Mama and I miss Forks too much. We miss our little family back home. We miss eating the fish that your grandfathers caught until we are sick of it. We miss the small-town feel of it. We miss where we fell in love. Where you were made in love and care. Most of all we miss the chances of you spending time with your family. Your Uncle C.J. and Aunt Eden. Might as well add Uncle Jake and Aunt Vanessa and their pack of wolves. I know that they are not wolves but they act wild and crazy, especially Paul. That one is CRAZY! And yet, you are the only person who can calm or control him from what I hear. It has been that way since you were born. Well, since we first visited with you. Paul hated babies but got protective of you and mad if others wanted to hold you. Even Mama and I or Aunt Vanessa and Uncle Jake. He is about two years older than you are, and depending on what you decide tomorrow for school, you might be one grade behind him. I can see it now. Actually, I don't want to. Must not think you will marry young like your Mama and I did! I am not signing any papers for you to marry anyone under any circumstance. We clear, my little Bird? Another topic.

Well, now that I got myself into a total mental breakdown, I should probably end here. Or I am not going to be held liable for what I say.

I love you very much Charlize. You are my princess and my world.

Love always-

Daddy

P.S. It's tomorrow. You picked first grade. Since you wanted to learn real things that you do not already know. My baby girl is so smart! I love you, princess!

P.P.S. I know earlier in the letter I said you could marry whoever you wanted. I guess that would include Paul. Both of your grandpas are already working on him, so he will be perfect once we get there. God help me. I think I may understand how Poppa Charlie felt about your Mama. Praying for my sanity.

Love-

Daddy

September 13th, 2019

Dear Eve,

Out of all the nicknames that you have picked from your long name, you picked the one name of the woman who has told your Mama and I that we were NOT to name you after her. I am sure she loves that. How time flies when you are having fun!

Life has had its ups and downs. There was a hunting accident on the Reservation that Uncle Jake and Aunt Vanessa live on and Paul and you were involved. He survived but is wheelchair-bound trying to relearn to walk. There is a small chance that he will be able to walk again. Thinking about it upsets me.

I am not mad at Paul. He did nothing wrong. He actually saved you from getting shot in the head. Some drunk hunter was in the woods and thought that you and Paul were bears or something, standing behind Paul's house. Still unsure of how since you were wearing neon colors but whatever. We will owe that boy for the rest of our lives.

And if we didn't think that you two would be a set pair, this trial sure did. You have been with him through most of his doctors' appointments, trials, and therapies. Like your Mom did for me, you are the rock that Paul needs. I know that things have happened between you two and I understand and am okay with them. Well, as understanding that a Daddy can be knowing that his little girl saw a boy two years older than her naked. I know you are twelve and that Paul is fourteen and that nothing happened. But still.

I am somewhat teasing you. Since the first time you saw him naked was when Emmett and I started stripping him to try to control the bleeding from the bullet wounds. That boy is beyond lucky! One bullet hit him close to his heart, barely missing it. The other went through his butt. Yeah. His butt. He will NEVER live that down! We try to make it as manageable as possible. We always joked about bad shit happening, why not do it now?

Okay, I will try to behave. You know he laughs at that.

A side note, it truly is sad that that bullet had to move. That was the bullet that might make him unable to walk. It hit his left hip then went into his spine. He is one unlucky man there!

Like I said before, you have been with him through everything. Mom has defended him and you throughout the case and with your help, you both were awarded a settlement. But, his medical bills will be paid for life. Technically, you are set for college and could buy a house or apartment depending on where you choose to go. But you are smart enough, you should get a full ride like your Mom and I did. We would support you if you moved cross country like we did as well. We want you to be happy.

Paul is likely going to be behind in school. We talked about this and you thought we would be mad at you for continuing your friendship with him. While not one of my proudest moments as your father, I told you off.

I realized afterward, I never fully explained what happened to me. And why I graduated from school with your Mom's class instead of the year ahead like I should have and why Charlie never cared. Let me tell you if it was about any other reason, but sickness, therapies, or my court shit, it would not have happened. Believe me, we went to court and different doctors or therapy a lot. Nor with Carlisle and Esme. Or Evelyn for that matter. They were reasonably strict about school. Similar to how Mom and I are. I felt like a failure as a Dad but you understood. I was never more proud of you then when you told me that life sometimes sucks, but it doesn't have to mean you aren't going to make the most of it. And that you forgave me and loved me very much. We had not been on the same page and we needed better communication to get there. It was a shock, but a good one. When you hugged me, I pulled you into my chest and cried. We both did.

We became closer and you became closer with your Mom also. We grew as a family and loved it. I was proud that you made our already great family better. I never thought that was even possible.

You plan on taking AP classes in high school. I can't believe that you will be in high school next year. How did this happen? My princess is growing up and that makes me think we should not have let you skip kindergarten. I am not ready for you to be this close to being in high school and college.

Forgot to tell you about what you know about your life as we know it. The McCarty's and our family all moved to Forks. It was determined that Emmett could not leave me and our budding bromance and Rosalie could not leave her idiot husband. Her words, though I agree. So, after graduating college with our degrees in Peds for me, General Practitioner for Emmett, and Lawyers for Mom and Rosalie, the office that Mom worked at loved Forks and the area. There were no real good lawyers in the area that are not an almost three-hour drive. A community-wide questionnaire was sent out to La Push, Forks, Port Angeles, and the surrounding areas to see if it was something that would be welcomed. The response was overwhelmingly positive. There was one lawyer in town, but he was related to Downing and as crooked as they came. Jason Jenks is still in jail for his law offenses including trying to threaten Great Granny Evie. That man is lucky to be alive after that.

So the practice for Cullen and McCarthy was established in Forks near the high school. Mom wanted the students to have access to the firm if there were issues. Lots of kids decided to go to law school because of the love and support they got from your Mom and Aunt Rose.

Your Mom and I bought the house across the street from your grandparents. And a month after we bought that house, the house next door to us went up for sale. Emmett and Rosalie bought that one. They are all on the smaller side, especially with the amount of money that both families make. But, we all wanted to be more family-centered then house centered. Both homes are modeled after Cape Cods, but ours are bigger. Four bedrooms upstairs, two bedrooms upstairs. One full bathroom on each floor. Fully furnished basement. Lots of room. We all could have bought bigger and more expensive homes, but we wanted to be closer to your grandparents. Emmett did not want to be alone. Rosalie wanted a babysitter for her kid. Which she one of them and that is Emmett. He is the biggest kid of them all!

You asked me recently if I wished we had another child. To be honest, you were perfect for us and we wanted to give you everything that I did not have for the last several years of my childhood. Would a sibling for you have made it so you were loved less? No. But we just didn't want that. If you were a boy, we probably would have tried for a girl. But since I had you, I was done. While I had wanted a big family, I came to realize that the three of us were as close to perfect as we would get. So, I don't regret only having you. You are a great child and I am forever grateful for you. I love you, Eve!

I have always been under the thought that if we were meant for a bigger family, we would have had it. God gives us what we need and can handle. For that I am thankful!

On that note, I love you very much and want the best for you. Thank you for reading this. I hope it helps you to understand things better. Thank you for being my Baby Bird.

I Love You Always-

Dad

September 13th, 2023

Dear High School Senior Who Keeps Changing Her Name:

This is your Daddy. You know, the man that helped you come into this world eighteen years ago today. I know that you are not looking forward to reading this letter, but keep in mind I am sleep deprived of your siblings' antics. I swear, that you never gave us the trouble that they do! Why did your Mom and I think we could handle this? We were not smart. But I love your brother and sister just as much as you. Even though they are rotten! Don't tell them I said that!

Since we are on the topic of your brother and sister, YOU helped pick their names. SO I do not want to hear that you think that they are not the second and third best names ever. But, honestly, they are great names that you picked. I was really worried when you started the conversation with names like ABCDE, La-a, Orange or Yellow Jello, and 4444s. Your Mom and I were close to picking our own names. You literally had one more day and we were going to pick.

Our names would have been Cadence Esther Emilia and Christopher Elijah Ethan. The more I think about it the more I think that you were just waiting for the right names to fit their personalities. You nailed the naming game. Almost too good. Then again, several people in Paul's family are having babies. So you have been to a ton of baby showers with your Mom and Aunt Vanessa.

I share my birthday with your sister and brother. It is funny how that worked out.

Bellaria Esme Elizabeth Cullen. You pretty much named her after you, without it being your name. Your Mom was happy about the first name. Little Aria is a beautiful little girl in her own right. She has Mom's brown eyes and my unfortunate hair. She has no choice but to be a fighter with your brother and their friends mainly being boys.

Emmett's boys are just too much sometimes. It still seems odd that that man has kids. Landon, Lincoln, and Lysander are his three boys. His daughter, Lila Rose is ALL GIRL. And the baby. The poor boy falls for her. That is not going to end well. Emmett already has his guns polished. Charlie has been showing him "proper technique". The funny part is Lila seems to really like your brother. He treats her just like he should. Like Paul treats you. Cullen men and their women fall fast and hard and have eyes for nobody else.

Anderson Carlisle Charles Cullen is the middle and misunderstood child, who protects Aria to a fault. He is my little twin though. All Cullen through and through. Or Platt I should say. You know what I mean. Since we all know that I look like Grandma Elizabeth, I guess that it is Platt, right? I hate that I never know family tree stuff. Drew is so much a little man that it really is scary. Yes, his name means Manly. Thanks, oldest child. Really and truly.

But when you told Mom and me the names you picked you told us what made you pick them.

"Dad, you said that if you would have picked a name for yourself other than Edward, it would have been Andrew. In my mind, because that was what you would have wanted rather than Edward had Ma not said that it sounded wrong saying it to you. So, he is your son and thus, Anderson." I did not realize that you knew I wanted to be Andrew. That made total sense.

As for the things that I am most proud of you for. There are plenty. While you may only be seventeen, this is your last year of high school. The more that I think about it, the more I think we should have kept you in your actual grade. But, I know you would not be as happy.

You and Paul are beyond happy that this is your last year of high school. You both got accepted in a lot of colleges already, many full rides. You both wanted to stay local since it will be easier for Paul to keep many of his doctors and therapists. You are starting at the University of Washington's Forks campus. Which works out well. You and Paul can stay at home and not pay for room and board. Also, they allowed you both to start taking summer courses in your junior year. You both have done well with all your courses whether high school or college. And you have handled the responsibility of talking to different teachers or professors when you needed a day off for court or other things. One professor had an attitude that if you missed class for any reason, you should quit. I was proud when you told him politely,

"Mr. Morena, I have to testify in a trial. I am not going to a beach day. Here is the paperwork from District Attorney Garrett Larson. This excuses me from school and/or work. Take it up with D.A. Larson if you have any questions. So what assignments will I miss in the two days I won't be here?"

Of course, there was a pop quiz both days, but after discussing it with the dean, they agreed that it was unreasonable to think that you would not go to court when you are court-ordered to appear. You went from failing back to a strong A-. Which for a high schooler is fantastic!

Our families are so proud of you both. You, my daughter, have made being a parent almost too easy. Drew and Aria are showing us the ins and outs of how to not think too highly of our parenting. Rolls eyes.

You and Paul are wanting to be lawyers. This was not surprising to me. You both have the drive to push through and get it done. Paul had wanted to be a doctor but was worried about the long term ramifications to his already stressed body. He had asked me to go talk to his doctors with him and see if they thought it was a reasonable career choice. I went with him and Uncle Jacob. While anything is possible, he talked with his doctors and after the discussion, Paul thought that being a lawyer would be better. Even if he needed his cane, crutches or wheelchair, those things were easy to accommodate. Buildings were all handicapped accessible these days and if he needed to go into a room with some stairs, there were not many of them. He could easily get up and walk it or have help to get over it. That might not be the case as a doctor. If he went into a field that he needed to do surgeries, he needed to be on his feet. Pain or not. Whether he could stand or not. While it is not fair that he wanted to be a doctor, it would not be fair to his potential patient that could possibly get injured or worse die if he was not on his A-game. There are too many variables in the medical field to be adding more to the mix.

I am happy to report that after he was angry for two days, he has been better since. Knowing Paul as I do, he just needed to get the anger of his choices being taken away from him out and from you, again. I know he would never hurt you. He just needs to get it out or it would be worse. He wanted to go to Yale with you like your Mom and I did. You have some great memories of the time we spent there. But whether you go to the University of Washington, Forks campus or Yale, it does not matter. What matters is that you learn and you get your degree. Past that, I just want you both to be happy. As happy as you can be. Life is not perfect, but you need to do what you can to make the most of it, my Bird.

I know I have said this a million times, but I am proud of you. You may not have been a part of the original plan when you were born, but I will never say that you came at the wrong time. God gave you to us right when we needed you. And he gave me your sister and brother when we needed them cause I am not going to handle you being in college well. Even if you are still living at home.

I don't know why, but I feel like you and Paul are going to be married as soon as you turn eighteen. He wanted to talk to me "man to man". That talk ended with him asking me if once you turned eighteen he could marry you. I asked him if he had a ring and he did. It was his Grandma Sarah's wedding set. I know you tend to like white gold or silver better than yellow, but other than that I think that the ring would be a good fit for you. A simple and small blue sapphire surrounded by small white diamonds in a flower design with a thin yellow gold band. I know that you will love it. And I have a feeling that a year from today you will marry him. Charlize Black. Charlize Cullen-Black. That has a great ring to it. Not that I would force you to keep the Cullen name, my Bird. I just want you to be happy and will do everything in my power to make it happen.

I love you, Charlize. More than words can say.

Love Always-

Daddy

September 14th, 2024

My Darling Charlize,

I was wrong a year ago yesterday. You did not want to get married on your birthday. Apparently, getting married on Friday the thirteenth is a no go in your book. Also, depending on who you ask you have to be eighteen and a day old to get married. Either way, I am beyond excited for you. So, you waited a day.

I am sure that the wedding planners were not sure what to do with themselves. They had to wait about a whole year before your wedding. I know that they kept spinning since they got used to weddings like your Mom's and mine where you had a week or so to plan. Several people in town loved the wedding that we had and there was a side business for the women involved. They made decent money with it too. Real wedding planners were not happy about it. After a few years, people started to wait longer which was fine for Mamaw, Alice, and Angela. Maybe you should do that when you grow up. Not really. I love the idea of you being a lawyer.

Paul wanted to be married on the beaches of La Push, overlooking James Island. He wanted the ocean and the forests to be surrounding the two of you. If the weather is nice that is the plan. If it is not, the plan is for us to move everything to the Billy Black Community Center. Named in honor of his grandpa, Jake's dad. He would be proud of you and Paul. He loved you both. He always knew that you were going to be his granddaughter. He told me before your Mom and I married.

"Edward, one way or another, there will be a Swan girl in my family. Whether it is Bella or your daughter, it is going to happen. Get used to the idea." Grandpa Billy said with a laugh.

Looking back, he was right. Sadly he won't be here to see it in person. He died just after you and Paul got engaged. He knew his work was done. He missed your Grandma Sarah and had a ton of medical issues. Complications from diabetes were the cause of his death. But know that he and Grandma Sarah and Great Granny Evie will be watching from heaven.

You are going to be a beautiful bride. You are going to wear a white Quileute wedding dress that your Grandma-in-law and mother-in-law both wore to their weddings. I remember Vanessa wearing hers and she looked beautiful. I saw pictures of Sarah and she looked beautiful as well. You are really taking an interest in being a part of the Quileute Tribe and I am proud of you. Remember that you are now Quileute by marriage. You are no longer a pale face after today!

Remember that your Mom and I raised you to be strong. That you do not need a man to be happy, that the man is supposed to add to your life not take from it. He is supposed to honor and cherish you every day. Marriage is not for the weak. There will be fights and trials. Sadly with Paul's issues stemming from the shooting accident, there are going to be more bad days than good days. And that is okay. It is okay to get frustrated with him or at each other. God knows your Mom and I do it all the time. Carlisle and Esme do. Charlie and his new wife Sue as well.

Yeah, Poppa Charlie has a new wife in Grandma Sue. They were old friends and her first husband was one of Charlie's best friends until Harry died of a heart attack. Your Mom and I are happy that they are both happy.

I need to get going. My baby Bird is getting married in about an hour and I need to look the part. I love you. Thank you for being my princess and allowing me to walk you down the aisle.

Whichever one you choose.

You are going to have a beautiful life. Full of laughter and tears. Full of joy and pain. But I know that you are ready to face the world. Go to college, decide where you will live. Give your Mom and I grandbabies. Yes, we want them. No, they don't have to share your birthday or mine and your sister and brothers. And you can wait for a few years if you can. If a baby comes, we will love them with everything we have. Just like everyone loved you. You bring light into the darkness. Just like any of your children will.

May God's love and peace within you guide you through your life.

Love always-

Daddy

As I read the words that Daddy put on the pages, I was in awe of this man. He knew at an early age that I was most likely going to marry early and seemed to make some sort of peace with it. I am not sure that I could do that for my own daughter.

I knew that I was loved and wanted. There was no denying that my birth was not at the most opportune time, but he saw it as the perfect time.

There was anger, happiness, and love. Anger with the whole Paul getting shot and him almost losing me. I felt that anger. I knew it was not at me, but the man who was stupid enough to do that.

Tears were shed and laughs were had. I think that I preferred this way over reading by myself. Then again, I might have peed my pants with the play by play commentaries from my almost father-in-law and eye rolls from my almost mother-in-law. Maybe for the sake of everyone and their underwear, this was for the best.

"You know that I have always loved you and always will. No matter what anyone else says, including your mother, brother, and sister, you have been an amazing daughter. You made me think that I could have another child. I must have been delusional. Love those kids, but you have always been a dream. I sometimes pinch myself because I do not think that this is my life. Our life. I am a Dad of three, my oldest is getting married, in college. And I am thirty-nine, while my beautiful wife is twenty." Daddy says with a laugh. Mom likes to pretend that she is barely old enough to drink. Daddy lets her get away with that. Hell, we all do.

"Daddy, thank you for this. This is amazing. I am lucky that you are my Daddy. I never worried if you loved me. I knew that you did and would fight for me. Thank you for loving me and being there for me. Thank you for helping make Paul the man that he is. I know that you, Papaw Carlisle, and Poppa Charlie were instrumental in helping him be who he is. I am sure that was not easy. I love you, Daddy." I say as I give him a huge hug. He softly laughs and pulls me closer.

"My Birdie, you are more than welcome. Thank you for being my princess and for making me a Daddy. It is one of the best things about my life. Having your mom as my wife, you, Aria, and Drew as my children. I could not have asked for a better life. I love you, princess..." Daddy is cut off by a knock on the door. "Come in." He said.

Poppa Charlie comes in at that point with a smile. "I was told that my baby girl needs me. Something about a lot of letters and she needed me to help her read mine." He said with a blush in his cheeks.

"Of course, Pops. I will leave you two to it! I need to get ready and make sure that the groom and his father stay in line. I love you, Birdie. Take care of our girl, Pops." Daddy and Poppa shake hands and as Daddy leaves, Poppa says. "With my life." and I just know that he means it.

We wait until Daddy leaves and I get the letter that Poppa wrote to me. I look at him and smile.

"You have no idea how much this means to me, Poppa. I love you."

"I love you too, Charlize. Always have and always will." And with that, I get into his letter.

Poppa Charlie is a man of few words. But when he speaks, it means more than some who are always talking. Myself included.

Ten words from Poppa Charlie mean like one hundred from anyone else.

And with that in mind, I start to read his letter. Knowing this might be the letter that pushes me the most. Other than Paul's.

So I started to read Poppa's letter.

September 14th, 2024

Dear Charlize,

Today, I am at a loss for words. You turned eighteen yesterday and today, you are marrying your life long love. It is amazing just how much like your Mom you are. It has been a huge blessing to be a part of your life and to watch you grow up. I hope that over the years, I have taught you something. As you know, I am not known for my ability to be overly talkative. But I wanted to say a few words to you before you walk towards being Mrs. Charlize Black. Or Mrs. Charlize Cullen-Black. I don't know what you will do. As long as you are happy, I am happy for you.

I don't know if you ever really met your Grandmother Renee. She was your Mom's mom. She left your Mom and me a long time ago because she was no longer happy in Forks. She thought that the town, your Mom, and I were holding her back from living her best life. So, she moved all over the country. Eventually staying in Jacksonville, Florida when she married a baseball player named Phil Dwyer, I think around the time you were born. Maybe a year or so later. Her happiness was short-lived. Phil was no nice man. While he had money, he would hurt her. That is all I will say about that. Eventually, she retaliated and killed him in what she called self-defense or Florida's Castle Law. There is no real way that Castle Law would work when the man you killed is in bed asleep and drugged. So, she is in jail. I know that your Dad talked to you about what he had to do against his real father. Charlize, I have never had an issue with him killing that man. He got what he deserved. I would have done it if I could have.

I wanted to tell you that life is not always easy. It is full of ups and downs that make no sense at all. But, they, in the end, are worth it. Without Renee, I would not have had your Mom and I would not have had you, Bellaria, and Anderson. I think that the four of you are pretty amazing.

Whatever you decide to do, do the best that you can. Love with all your heart. Laugh with all your might. You will make mistakes but as long as you learn from them, then that is what it is about. Paul will not be a perfect husband. He is going to piss you off. But know that Carlisle pisses off Esme and they have a better marriage than most. Your parents too. Some of the fights they have had over the years have been comical. Especially the closer you got to high school and graduating, your Daddy was thinking that they made a huge mistake allowing you to skip a grade. That man is too much sometimes. He is a little extra when it comes to you. All in love.

Thank you, Charlize, for allowing me the honor of being your Poppa. It has been one of the biggest joys of my life. I love you so much!

May God bless you on your wedding day and throughout your wedding.

Love always,

Poppa Charlie

I think I am overstimulated. Too many emotions going on overdrive and I am at a loss for words. Thankfully, I think Poppa Charlie understands. He just sits there and lets me process. One of the many things I love about him. He does not hover, but if I need him he will be there for me.

I look over at him and we just sit there.

"Thank you for being my Poppa. I wish I could tell you all the things that I learned from you. But, we do not have that long. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being here for me. Thank you for raising my Mom to be the woman she is, who in turn raised me to be the woman I am now. Thank you for loving me enough to take Paul in and help him to be the man he is today. Understanding his issues and limitations are not his fault. For understanding that he is man enough that when he is wrong to take responsibility for that wrong. Just like me. Thank you for hanging with me today. I am not really sorry that I never wrote your letter. I liked us hanging out more, Poppa." I hugged him.

"I love this too, sweet girl. I love you more than words can say. I should get going. You have another letter to read and he can't be here." He laughs and leaves.

That is right! I can't talk to him! It is a good thing I remembered to get him a gift or two.

I asked Jake if he would help me make a chess set for him out of maple. He loves that game and I thought it would be a fun father-daughter-in-law bonding time. Boy was it ever! We made everything from the board to each of the pieces. Some were easier than others. The kings and queens the hardest. But, instead of being regular, mine had wolves in them like the legends for the Black side and Swans for the white like my Mom's side. I really hope that he likes it.

When we were done, Jake and I worked on a maple table and chairs for it for our little house on the Reservation. I helped design it and he taught me how to do different aspects of it. It was a great learning experience. He won't be getting the gifts until we get home since that would be a lot of transporting back and forth and nobody has time for that.

Our home is a smaller one but perfect for what we need. The one-story home is nestled in the woods and has a rustic cabin feel to it. It has a natural dark wood color on the outside and lots of windows. While it is in the woods, there is an area that can be used to plant vegetables. I am really excited about that. The front porch is welcoming and I can't wait to read and do my crafts on it. I have rocking chairs and tables in mind already to go there! There is a sliding glass door both for the front and back doors. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms not far from the ocean. How did we luck out with an ocean view while having privacy? Joshua Uley was moving out and his son Sam did not want the house as he already had his own. Ironically next to the Clearwaters. Sam was the man that helped give my parents their dream wedding. Talk about irony. That was supposed to be a good thing for the young couple. I am sure that everyone hates it now. But, it's fine. Paul and I will have a beautiful ocean and forest view every day. A longer commute to Forks, but worth it in the end.

I am sidetracking myself. On to my husband's letter! I don't want to read it by myself. Wait a minute...maybe we can read our letters together tonight. I love that idea!

I ask my Mom to tell him not to read his letter and she goes and finds him. When she comes back she tells me that Paul has not gotten my letter yet, but he wants to meet me at the house so we can read them together and pray together. What a sweet idea.

When that was agreed to, I start to get ready. I shower and wash my hair and body quickly. After I am done, I dry off and lotion myself then put on my bride outfit of sweatpants and a button-up of Paul's so I can get dressed easier.

The hairstylist that did my Mom's hair at her wedding with Dad, Kim, was there to do mine as well. She does my hair, making sure to put the Swan comb in. Miniature sunflowers are braided into my hair and bun. I am happy with how my hair looks. Pretty but different, yet still respectful of my new heritage. My dress is put on carefully and any hairs out of place fixed. Then my makeup is put on and I finally can look at myself. I am speechless. I have to not cry. I about break into tears when I hear my Daddy come into the room.

"You look beautiful, Baby Bird. Who is no longer my baby. That makes me sad, but so happy that we are here. Paul is a great man. You deserve the best and I know that he will give it to you. I heard that we have to take you to your new home. So you can read your letter?" I nod at Daddy and he kisses my forehead.

"Very well. Let's head there then. I love you, Charlize." He smiles as he takes my hand and escorts me to the car we are using. Like he always does, he opens the door for me and shuts me in before he gets into his side of the car. He drives to my house. We were on the Res, at a family friend of Jake's, Embry's house. Paul was getting ready at his parents' house. I had wanted to get ready at the house but wanted to be close to the action.

"Close your eyes. Trust me, it is a good surprise." I hear Daddy say. "Okay, Daddy."

We get to the house and Daddy helps me out and guides me wherever I am going. I go up the stairs to the porch and am being sat down. Am I on a rocking chair? That makes me very happy if I am. I hear a camera clicking and soft talking. I hear more footsteps coming towards me. I feel a hand on my shoulder, a hand that I know is Paul's. That makes me smile.

I guess that he is also sitting down. My hand is picked up and put in Paul's hand. I start to laugh and am trying to not cry but it is so hard. I feel a sheet being put up between Paul and I. I feel Paul's hand leave me. Papers are put into my hand and Jake tells me to open my eyes to read my letter.

I do as I am told and start to read my letters.

September 14th, 2024

My Dear Wife,

It feels so right to say that! While we may not be old in the scheme of things, we have been through quite a tale already. I am grateful every day that the Spirits and Taha Aki find me worthy of a woman like you. You make me the happiest man in the world. Our Fathers' would say different, but trust me in that I am happier.

There is nothing that I would not try to give you if I could. I want the best for you and our family. What you don't know is that we had other options for houses. Some which might have been way bigger than the house that I picked for us. One nearly three times the size. But, it was not in a quiet or peaceful area. The beach was farther away. No woods. Loud and crazy neighbors. But, I knew that we would not have peace.

While being near the woods again will be an adjustment for me, it will be good for us. We need to have faith that Taha Aki will take care of us like He already has. He has blessed me with you and our little growing family, which someday will include little ones if He wills it.

I have a gift for you but it is at the house. Dad and I already talked and he let me know that your gift for me will be there waiting as well. I know that I am blessed beyond measure that you will be my wife. As hot-headed and stubborn as I can be.

What the devil made for evil God will make good. I am not sure where in the Bible that is, but that sums us up. Things don't always go well, but we make them work.

I would not still be here if you had not been in my life. I would have died after that idiot shot me. Or tried to shoot you. Had you died, I would have followed you soon after. Nothing would have kept me from you. You are my love and my life.

My goals are to make sure you are happy and loved.

I love you, Charlize Esmerie Evelyn Cullen Black. Until my heart stops beating.

Love Your Husband,

Paul Jacob Black

I am trying to hold back tears as I read the second letter.

My Dear Wife,

Apparently, you had a very busy day reading and writing letters. I did not, instead, I was trying to get your gifts ready and the beach ready for our wedding and patch luck. I am beyond blessed that you agreed to be my bride. Not only because you are the best woman in the world. But, you want to help make my tribe and my people better. I will never be able to thank you enough.

The gifts that I have for you are here. I had help with them from both of our Dads, your Papaw Carlisle and Poppa Charlie. Know that going in, please. I know that my Dad helped you with my gifts, and I am more than excited to see what you two have been up to. It was hard to share time with you. But I am sure it was for a good cause.

As for your gifts, other than the front porch ones, they are in the bedroom. Whether you want to see them now or when we come back from being married is your choice. While it would be great to have the others see our reactions since we had so much help from them, I kind of want to keep you to myself. The choice is up to you, Dear. No right or wrong answer as long as we get married.

I was happy to hear that you wanted to read our letters together. I am glad that I was not given your letter until right before that was decided or I would have already read it. I love you, Charlize.

I want nothing more than to walk with you to our next step in our lives. I want to make you my wife more than anything. I need to take care of you and our family, whenever it comes.

Kwop kilawtley.

Paul

I cry. I am going to need more makeup. I hear Paul clearing his throat like he is trying not to cry. I know that sound all too well. When he asked me to marry him he did the same thing. When he was in pain from being shot he did that as well. I did well I guess.

"Do you want to see your gifts now? Especially since you are already using one, Char?" Jake asks me.

I can only nod.

Daddy stands me up and I see the chair I had been sitting in. It was a handmade maple rocking chair with a natural stain. On the top, it has my name on it. With hearts around it. It was beautiful. I see a second which I am sure Paul is on.

"The chairs are beautiful! Thank you, Paul and everyone! This is wonderful! Just as I wanted! I can't believe it! Thank you!" I jump into Daddy's arms and he laughs.

"Of course my sweet girl. You want to see the rest? What about you Paul?" Daddy asks him.

I am not looking at Paul, but he responds by saying yes and I agree.

I hug Jake, Papaw, and Poppa and we go inside. I hear Mom, Vanessa, and Mamaw quietly talking. Aria and Drew also are here, trying to behave. Aunt Eden and Uncle C.J. as well.

I go into the house and there is a hallway. To the left is a kitchen with the table and chairs that I made with Jake's help. The checkers and chess set is all set up. I hear Paul laugh.

"So...this is why I could not make my wife a table and chairs for the kitchen? Sneaky you two. Very sneaky! I love them!" I hear him laugh about the chess and checker pieces. "I love these! They are amazing! This is why I was not allowed to bring either of those games I take it, Dad?" I hear Jake laughing and a yeah. Guilty as charged.

I am careful to stay away from him so we do not see each other. We go into the dining room and

I notice another table and chairs set. This one is more formal than the one I made. It makes mine not look as good, but he has been woodworking since he was like six or seven. He should be better than me. The tables and chairs are all made of the same wood, maple. I love that they match!

His table has carvings on the top, of the forest and the sea, wolves, and ravens. A bonfire. James Island. On top of it, The Black Family is written on the top and among the bottom, is our wedding date. The chairs are sturdy and thicker than the ones I made. They have a smaller pattern of what is on the table on the two head chairs. It was beautiful. I am beyond speechless.

"This is better than I could have asked for. Thank you all. I love you all. Were you working on this here at the house?" I see Daddy nod.

"Thank you all. I love each piece! How long did this take you all?" I asked.

"Honestly, Paul has been working on everything for your wedding gifts for a long time. He wanted to make sure he could take care of you and knew that money would be tight when you two first married and wanted you to have nice furniture when you moved in. So, we have had many guys weekends just working on them. A lot of beers were had. Some things had to be redone because we measured wrong. Or he was not happy with them. It was a lot of work, but seeing your face makes it worth it. We love you, Charlize. We want you to have the best. I am glad you enjoyed what you have seen so far." I was confused by them so far.

"What do you mean so far? There is more?" I was shocked.

"Go into your room. That is where the rest is." Daddy says. He looks torn.

"Eddie, maybe you should not be a part of that seeing process. Let's get these kids married! They are due at the beach in ten minutes! Let's move!" I hear Uncle Emmett yell.

"That is probably a good idea. It is their room. I don't want to think about what might be done there tonight." Daddy is trying to not cry. I go to him and put my arms around him.

"I know this must not be easy for you, Daddy. You will always be my Daddy and the first man who loved me. Probably the man who loves me best. Don't tell Paul that. You each love me differently. Thank you for being my Daddy and making Paul and me who we are. I love you." I kiss his cheek and hold him tighter.

He smiles and wipes the tears from my eyes. "Let's find the ladies to make your makeup not run. I will meet you in a few minutes. Love you my Bird." He kisses my forehead and walks away.

Mom walks in and has makeup ready. She takes the old off and puts the new on. She kisses my cheek and with a silent smile, we get up. We walk to the path to the wedding on the beach. I see the chairs with hunter green bows on the back. I wanted the color to match the trees. I think it was pretty. Aunt Eden hands me my wedding bouquet and Mom and Daddy are at the start of the aisle.

Paul is halfway up and I see him facing A-ka-lat kneeling in prayer. Jake and Vanessa are next to him with their hands on his shoulders. It is such a wonderful moment. The shaman, family friend Quil Ateara, is waiting at the front of the altar. After several minutes, the music starts. Paul wanted a traditional wedding song played on the drums. I thought it was a lovely idea.

Paul rises and hugs Vanessa and Jake. Quil is in front of the altar that Paul, our Dads, and my Grandpas made. Once the ceremony is done, it is going to our house. I have just the spot in the front yard where I will see it often. Quil asks everyone to stand and those there do. Quil says that we are doing something different since it is a labor of love for our relationship. That each parent helped to raise the other's child. Jake and Vanessa go to the front and I am walked towards Paul with my Mom and Daddy. When we get to Paul, Mom kisses my cheek and goes to her seat. Then, Paul, Daddy and I finish our walk. When we get to the front, Daddy kisses my cheek and hugs both Paul and me.

Quil and Jake take turns with our vows. I don't remember all of the words, but there is talk about love and hope, the future of our family and tribe, our ancestors and their place in our lives, as well as that we are to take care of each other. Not that we did not do that already.

When the vows are read, Paul is asked to kiss his bride. And kiss me he does! When we are done, he picks me up in a bear hug and spins me around.

When we are announced as Paul and Charlize Black, it makes my heart sing for joy! I kiss you again and we run up the aisle. When we get to the end, we stand and greet everyone that came, my parents and his next to us. I am grateful to not be alone. Many members of the tribe are here to welcome me into the family and to bless our marriage and future children. Many gifts are given to us and we give gifts back to those who are here, as part of the tradition. When we are done meeting the guests, we make our way to the community center where the reception is going to be. It is a simple reception with a pot luck kind of feel to it. We eat and dance until our feet are sore. I can't imagine how bad it would be had I worn high heels instead of ballet flats!

Paul and I talk with the people who came from the tribe. Most of them are accepting of me and have known me all or most of my life. There are a few of the elders who are not impressed that Paul married outside of the tribe, but he and I politely tell them how little we care about their opinion about our marriage. They are not happy, but Jake and Vanessa say that we handled them well. They were purists. Only a 100% Quileute wife would have been good enough for the future chief. We did more today to help our cause then if we had not stood our ground.

When it is time to leave, we thank everyone and they send us home. I want to help, but the families are adamant that we go home and see the rest of the gifts Paul had for me. I was not going to argue with it and we take Paul's truck home. It feels so good to say that we are going home. When we make it home, Paul carries me into the house. I say a silent prayer that he does not hurt himself. Thankfully, he is smart enough to put me down just inside the house.

We go to the bedroom and he has me close my eyes. I do and he brings me into our room. I hear the door open and we walk into the room. I hear him light matches for what I assume are candles. He tells me to open my eyes and I start to gasp. I am in awe.

The bed has a beautiful head and footboard in matching maple. The headboard has the same carved wolves, ravens, forests, James Island, sunflowers, and ocean that the table has. Our names and today's date. I am in awe.

There are three dressers, two tall ones and one short one. The short one has a mirror on top of it. The mirror has a simple row of sunflowers. The dressers have sunflowers on them. I am crying from the amount of love I feel.

"I...can't...Paul...Thank...you...I...love you…" I say in between happy tears. He is next to me and holding me.

"I love you, Charlize. You are my love and what makes this life worth living. Without you, I have nothing. You are my imprint. My mate. My soul mate. I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. Building memories and love. I love you. Kwop kilawtley, my dear." Paul says as he kisses me. And so we start the journey of our lives together. One step at a time.