Chapter 11
We were greeted by the entire Cullen clan when we reached Alaska. Alice was quite excited to hear about my new power, and to tell us that Marcello and company were at the house awaiting our return. She gave Tanya a very sly look.
She also said that we wouldn't get any trouble from the Volturi for a while; they had a lot of planning to do if they were going to catch something they couldn't see. Besides, they knew we were untouchable, what with the 'shapeshifters' and all.
We said our good-byes rather quickly as well, anxious to get home. Kate and Garrett seemed particularly impatient… Not exactly something I wanted to think about. Well, Tanya was eager to meet Marcello again and Jack said he had a surprise for me, so I couldn't argue with their haste.
Carmen and Eleazer were overjoyed to see us, and Marcello picked Tanya right up off the ground to kiss her- he had recently acquired Edward's gift. Jack laughed and led me out through the woods, until we reached a small cliff. There was a large blanket spread out across the grass ad a picnic basket set off to the side. Candles lit up the scene, though tey were unnecessary with my eyesight.
"Welcome home," he whispered, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Where did this come from?" I asked, grinning as his lips brushed my bare shoulder.
"I just about went crazy with worry when you didn't come back on time. I had picked this spot out to show you when you got home, but you never did. Alice set this up as soon as she could see we were safe." He led me over to the little setup and watched me as I sucked the fruit dry. It was silent for a long time.
"She set up a few other things too," he went on hesitantly, "while you were gone." I wasn't sure I liked the tone of his voice.
"Like what?" I questioned.
"Well, um, how would you feel about having the wedding next week, instead of next year?" My eyes widened.
"What? No! I mean, don't get me wrong Jack, I love you, but I need to prepare! What will the theme be? What flowers will I use? Where will we set it up? And, oh, my parents!..."
"Cassy, calm down," he soothed, stroking my arm. "Alice has seen everything. She'll take care of it. And don't worry about your parents; I sort of already told them." I felt my mouth drop open. "Don't get mad," he added quickly. "Like I said, I nearly went crazy while you were gone. You are going to have a few questions when you get home, but they promised not to yell." I gulped.
"How did they take it?" I whispered, tracing the back of his hand with my finger.
"It could have been worse," he said, shrugging. "Your mom's in denial until you tell her yourself. Your dad got pretty mad. He yelled. And banned me from your house. And threw a plastic vase at my head on the way out. You may have to talk to him about that. I know I'd want my spouse allowed in my home, but that's just me." I smiled weakly.
"Poor Jackie," I teased. "Did the plastic hurt you?" He rolled his eyes.
"I wouldn't even have noticed if it weren't for the funny sound it made when it shattered." I laughed. I was going to make another sarcastic comment, but I lost all train of thought when his lips pressed against my wrist, making their way up my arm to my shoulder, then my neck. I shivered with overwhelming desire. Most of the night went on like that, making up for lost time. I knew I was going to be in big trouble when I got home, but I just couldn't bring myself to care under the circumstances.
I was safe with the man I love, and that was all that mattered now. All that mattered ever.
