Chapter 13.
Wedding
"It wouldn't do for you to show up to your own wedding in a Jeep." Edward turned and smiled back at us from the drivers seat. We climbed into the luxury car and he drove us to the perfect spot for a wedding; the beach. The sun was shining and I was worried that the Cullen's wouldn't be able to be seen because of the affect the sun had on their skin. We parked on the side of the road and walked down the pathway to a tent that was set up. Mom took Lora to find her place for the wedding. I stepped into the tent where I was supposed to wait for the start of the wedding. I was surprised since I wasn't alone; Emily was there, dressed in a tea length red dress. It was a perfect match to the one worn by Ahnah who was also inside fiddling with her hair.
"Your mom planned for you to have attendants today even though you didn't want to. So I'm your matron of honor!" Emily seemed pleased with the surprise. "Ahnah is a bridesmaid, and so is Rosalie!" I was most surprised to see Rosalie, looking stunning in a matching red dress, but with a large hat on her head and gloves covering her hands.
"I've been a bride so many times; I wanted to know what it was like to be the bridesmaid." She smiled a genuine smile and I couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm so glad you are all with me!" I thought about how it seemed my wedding was turning into some kind of healing and peacemaking effort. A year ago I would have never though this was possible, to have two of the people who bore so much of my anger and hatred actually participate in my wedding as friends! "So, what other surprises do you have?" I looked at Emily and she smiled knowingly.
"I can tell you that Sam has a surprise for you, but that's all I'm saying." As I was trying to figure out what kind of surprise Sam might come up with, I heard the drums start. Many major celebrations and holidays included the drumming. It was so deep in our traditions I should have known that Mom would have included them. I loved the way the rhythmic sound drifted over the water. Emily kept looking at her watch, and then Mom slipped into the tent.
"It's better than I hoped! Those men must have come down here last night to set things up; it's amazing! They set up chairs and places for everyone to sit. They've even put up several sail shades to keep the sun off the wedding. They had to climb the rocks and anchor the cables to get them to work as well as driving the other anchors deep into the ground! I don't know how they did so much. Leah, just wait til you see it! She handed me my bouquet which was simple red roses with white miniature roses tucked in along with baby's breath and other white flowers. Mom too wore red, and her dress was simple and elegant. She held a single white rose in honor of Dad. "Seth isn't walking with you like we'd planned. He's actually one of Kyles attendants, and he's escorting Ahnah, so it's just you and me."
The drumming stopped and all I heard were the waves. Then I heard piano music drifting along with the sound of the waves. It was beautiful and hauntingly familiar. I listened mesmerized at the beauty of the music. I almost didn't notice when the singing started. So in tune with the music I was repeating the words before I realized they'd been sung. I knew that voice, it was Edward! "Mom, did Bella loan you her recording?"
"I'm glad you recognized the music; it came as a surprise to me too!" The song ended and then another one began to play. It took me a minute to realize it was the bridal march. At least it was there somewhere in the complex arrangement that human fingers would have had difficulty playing. "That's our music! Leah sweetheart, this is it! We stepped out of the tent and Rosalie lead gracefully as Emmett came and took her arm. He wore light gray pants and a simple white shirt and he kept his face turned away from the sun while Rosalie leaned close so her hat would shield him. Following them Seth came up and took Ahnah's arm and she smiled happily up at him. Last I was surprised to see Sam come up to take Emily's arm. I knew that would make him Kyle's best man and I was stunned when he smiled and winked, making Emily laugh.
A subtle shift in the intensity of the music let me know it was my turn. Mom kissed my cheek and we walked. We were walking along the beach and the tide was going out. I could see the footprints in the sand and I left my own as I was barefoot. It seemed there was a lot to take in as we came closer. I saw the sails overhead like she'd said; the opaque triangular pieces held by wires and cables anchored to the rocks to shade the people beneath. I was stunned to see that the music wasn't recorded, but was Edward playing a baby grand piano set way back against the rocks on a wooden platform.
I didn't have time to wonder how they'd gotten it to the beach and set up since I caught sight of my groom. With the guests facing the ocean he was closest to the water and he was looking past my attendants to watch me approach as we walked along the water. It was all I could do not to run to him. He looked amazing all in white with his pants rolled up a little. I smiled and I lost sight of everything else but him. Mom placed my hand in his and I felt that magical connection of finally being where I belonged.
One of the tribe elders performed the ceremony and I was surprised when for the ring ceremony Kyle pulled out a necklace. As he recited the vows he slipped the necklace around my neck and it connected magnetically. Emily handed me an identical necklace for me to put around Kyle's neck. I imagined in a sudden change the magnets would release easily. It took me a second to realize each necklace had a wedding band suspended on it. It also came as a bit of a surprise when the elder used my new name. We'd agreed that I would take his last name. Kyle would legally be Kyle Taqukaq Sangilak. My married name was going to be Leah Tikaani Sangilak. Part of me wanted to stay Clearwater for Mom and Dad, but I knew that soon she'd be getting another Clearwater to take my place.
I hadn't been following the words of the ceremony, I was caught up just gazing at Kyle, knowing he was going to be mine forever. When the elder stopped talking I realized something important had happened. Kyle smiled down at me. It hit me then what I'd missed; the pronouncement! I was married! Kyle pulled me close and kissed me; he was all mine! As we turned around to face the crowd, Edward started to play again. That's when I saw them. Twelve birds flying our way from the top of the rocks. Various birds of prey; golden and bald eagles, hawks, and even a California condor! They flew, swooped and spun, following an orchestrated pattern They flew close enough to the guests that every head was craning to see them. Then they headed out over the ocean but not too far and there they floated on the air currents for a few more minutes. Then I watched as they formed the shape of a heart, holding it for several moments before separating to fly back the way they'd come. I noticed that the music was perfect for the flying birds, as every note seemed to soar on it's own. While the guests were distracted Kyle took the opportunity to kiss me again.
He whispered to me, "Sam's been working hard to get the youngest ones to do that."
I looked past Kyle and saw Sam still looking at the sky. "Thanks Sam, that was beautiful! Now if I remember right, you and your bride have special Valentines plans. You should go soon; I appreciate all you've done. Tell the boys thank you for me!"
"Well, it's the least I could do after messing up the plans for your first wedding."
"You don't owe me anything Sam. It's worked out for all of us and I wouldn't change a thing....well, maybe my own behavior. But I don't want you two to ruin your plans just for the reception. I'll make sure Mom saves you some wedding cake.
We had to leave first and we hurried back up the beach and up the trail to the road. Kyle took my arm and lead me to a waiting limo with a 'Just Married' sign on the back. I didn't ask where it came from; my day had already been so full of surprises what was one more? Someone had put my bag in the car and I slipped into stockings and the white shoes. When Kyle pulled me to him I forgot everything else. "Who's driving? Can they just keep going until we lose everyone now that we're alone?" I put my arms around my husband, and I was finally able to kiss him without worrying about where it would lead.
"You are so beautiful my bride! I can't believe I get to keep you forever!" We were wrapped in each other's arms as we rode to the reception at the community center. Once inside there were pictures to be taken and the chaos of greeting everyone who came to wish us well. The photographer was good, and I hardly remembered seeing her at the wedding. We were directed on where to stand, and what to do, but it didn't matter since Kyle was beside me. When we posed for the group pictures I was happy that Sam and Emily had stayed with us long enough to have our whole wedding party in the photos. Rosalie had taken off her hat and gloves once inside and The photographer posed us more as couples rather than his side and her side. I smiled thinking that Kyle and I were centered in a photo of forever couples.
I hugged Sam and Emily as they slipped out of the crowd that surrounded us after the pictures. "That was really nice of you to have him as your best man; I never would have imagined you could get along so well." I had to speak almost to his ear as people arrived and the noise level went up. We shook hands and hugged everyone who came through the receiving line, and then they were seated. After the pictures Emmett and Rosalie slipped into the background to avoid the touches of so many people. Still we stood shoulder to shoulder with Ahnah, Seth, Mom and Lora, who helped deflect some of the crowd.
Kyle introduced me to a man I didn't recognize in the line. "This is Ben Carver, he's a member of our flying club and he's agreed to take Lora back home as soon as all the drama is over. Lora said it was okay for Akiak and Ahnah to stay until we get back from our honeymoon, then we can all go home together. You're mom said that there was plenty of room now that your bedroom was available." I shook his hand and smiled as he complemented Kyle on his 'lovely wife.'
I was surprised to see the rest of the Cullen family come through the line. The hugs we had for each other were genuine, and I had to specially thank Edward for playing and singing. I again thanked Alice for her help in getting me ready. They said their goodbyes since they didn't want to stay for the meal that was coming next.
As soon as we were all seated, food was served. I was surprised to see the dozen younger shape shifters from Sam's pack hurrying between the tables serving guests. I was humbled by the number of people who had come together to help with all the preparations. The wedding cake was beautiful and sitting on a prominent table, the woman orchestrating the food service smiled and waved to Mom. All in all everything went perfectly, except for a collision of two of the boys collecting plates. We did many typical wedding things like cut the cake and serve each other the first bite. There was a toast with white grape juice, and dancing both modern and traditional tribal. When it was time to give the gifts I let Mom take over since she knew the reasons behind everything. She hurried through the gifting so there would be enough time to get to everyone. I was surprised at how well she'd chosen, as well as how lavish some of them were. It was almost like opening wedding gifts, only in reverse. It seemed strange that it was over so soon after planning it for so long.
My head was spinning I and was surprised when the clock in the back of the room said it was past three. Mom announced that we would be leaving, but that the party would continue. As we headed for the door people stood up and applauded, following us outside where they tossed rice, birdseed, and flower petals. We ran to the car and waved goodbye as we drove away in the limo.
We went to the house first to change clothes and I needed to take the flowers out of my hair. It seemed like I was saying goodbye to my childhood home, and Kyle put his arms around me and kissed me like he knew what I was thinking. I had my suitcase and the gift from Alice and he helped me put it in the trunk. The drive to the airstrip was me wrapped in his arms and little else. Wherever he was taking me, I'd have to leave him alone so he could fly the plane.
As the limo pulled next to the hangar I was surprised when the driver jumped out to help move the luggage. It was Jacob! "You don't know how hard it is to find a limo for Valentines Day!" he laughed. "If I hadn't done some mechanical work for the company I'd have been out of luck. As soon as I see you two off I've got an appointment to drive for another couple later this evening." He grinned conspiratorially. "Charley Swan is taking your mom out for a special Valentines dinner. I get to drive, and Billy is going to 'babysit' the newest imprinted couple. In some ways I'm almost glad Nessie is still a child!" I hugged him goodbye and Kyle shook his hand, then Kyle started with his pre-flight check list. He walked me through it, showing me what everything was and what he was looking for as he went down the list. When he helped me into the co-pilot's seat he went through the same process inside the plane. He still hadn't told me where we were going.
a/n: I know these chapters seem to be getting shorter and taking more time between posts. But it's the countdown to the end; only two more to go and maybe an additional chapter for some other players. I hate to see it end since I know it will fall off the front pages and be buried under tons of other submissions....must be how a real writer feels. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed, your positive comments make my day, and the negative ones keep me working harder to improve.