a/n---So heres something kind of interesting... I think it'll definitely answer some questions for you guys. Or at least some of you. Thanks for reviewig the last chapter, I was happy by the amount of feedback I got. Mediate beta'd this, so thanks goes to her. And now.. on to the story....

Chapter 23

I glanced to my right at Embry who was leaning against the window of the passenger's seat and watching me as I drove toward Port Angeles. My peripheral vision and sneaking glances at the clock told me that he'd been staring at me for six minutes.

"What?" I asked self consciously, pushing a piece of hair behind my ear. Embry shifted and smiled lazily.

"Nothing. Just looking at you is all." He reached over and took my free hand in his.

"That's not creepy," I joked rubbing my thumb over his smooth copper skin.

Things were finally going good for once in a long time. Embry and I had been trying out our relationship and I was loving it. He was so sweet and considerate… and sexy-- the perfect man, in anyone's opinion and I kept waiting for him to wake up and realize that he deserved so much better than me.

Paul and I were finally back on speaking terms again. Embry had helped me realize how wrong I was for using Bridget against him, and that the imprint wasn't his fault but it still took me a couple weeks to finally see reason. I still really loved Paul but I was happy with Embry and keeping Bridget from Paul and Paul from her didn't seem to make much sense anymore.

Embry's assistance in getting Paul his daughter back proved very helpful when it finally came time to tell himabout our new relationship. Embry and I had tried to keep the fact that we were dating away from Paul as best we could, but after a few nights of patrolling together Embry let it slip through his thoughts. We were all hanging out at Emily's when a fight almost broke out over it. Paul had accused Embry of scamming on me for months, which was partly true but not in the way that Paul thought. Sam had to break them up before things got out of hand.

I explained to Paul that if it hadn't been for Embry I'd still be keeping Bridget from him and that calmed him down a little bit. I also explained that I was happy and that him worrying about my love life was no longer appropriate now that he had Rachel. He'd looked a little guilty when I pointed that out. I suppose I was being a little hypocritical, though because I still refused to make friends Rachel. Whether I was with Embry or not I didn't want to be reminded of the fact that she'd taken my first love from me by simply looking at him. I allowed her to help Paul take care of Bridget but that was as far as I was willing to go for awhile.

I pulled into the parking lot of a party supply store and made sure to find a space close to the front doors so I wouldn't get drenched in rain. Embry got out and came around to open my door for me while I picked my purse up from the floorboard.

"Oh, how gentlemanly of you," I teased.

He smirked. "I try."

When we got inside I looked around for the paper plate section. I figured it would be easiest to start there.

"So… ballerina stuff, right?" Embry asked as we made our way to the back of the store. I took his hand and nodded.

"Yep. Emily said she found a really cute pattern for a ballerina cake and that she wanted to give it a try so I figured we'd base everything on that."

"Cool."

Embry followed me around the store patiently while I filled my basket with party supplies. I was halving the expense with Paul so I made sure that I got everything I wanted before I checked out. Embry picked out a cute balloon in the shape of a dancer at the register and insisted on paying for it with his own money, which I thought was a really nice gesture. It showed that he really didn't mind being a part of Bridget's life.

When we were finished we loaded everything into the car and started the long drive home.

"So, do you wanna hang out later or something?" Embry asked, breaking the silence as we drove down the interstate. We'd only planned on going together to shop for Bridget's first birthday party, but I certainly wasn't going to deny him if he wanted to spend more time with me.

"Sure, what'd you have in mind?"

"I dunno, movie at my place? We can order in. My mom's leaving around six and not gonna be home until later tomorrow."

I shrugged and flipped on the heater, more to clear up the windows than anything since Embry's body was warm enough to heat up the entire car. "Sounds good. I'll leave Bridget with my parents or see if Paul wants her. Do you work in the morning?"

"Yep, but don't worry about that. Sam asked me to do a quick patrol before I head off to the site so I probably won't get any sleep tonight anyway. You can stay as late as you want." He looked over at me and winked and I felt my cheeks flush. "Do you wanna grab some lunch?" Embry asked as I pulled onto the main street. I glanced at the clock. It was twelve-thirty and I hadn't eaten since before Embry and I had gone on our daily run together.

"Actually, yea. All I had was a waffle for breakfast."

"Okay, then turn in here," Embry instructed, pointing to an entrance leading to a large Japanese grill. "I love this place. They have the best fish steak in the world." I looked at him and scrunched up my nose. I wasn't a big fish person. Embry rolled his eyes as I cut the ignition. "They have other things too."

We were seated at a table in the back. Embry waited for me to figure out what I wanted before he ordered. I ended up choosing a plate of fried rice and some sort of vegetable soup, and Embry got his fish along with four other sides and a large Coke. The waitress didn't seem to mind the big order, though. She looked around my age and was eyeing Embry dreamily the entire time she was standing next to us. Of course, the devilish grins he kept flashing her probably weren't at all discouraging and I was surprised she hadn't burst into giggles by the time she headed back to the kitchen with her notepad.

"Do you do that often?" I asked, trying to sound disinterested.

Embry smiled and glanced up at me through his long, dark lashes. "You said you were hungry."

I didn't understand what he meant until our waitress was back less than ten minutes later with all of our food. We had a good start on our meal before anyone around us even got theirs.

"So, my parents will be at the party," I said in-between bites. "I was thinking that maybe you guys could officially meet."

Embry took a big bite of his stir fry and looked up at me chewing a mouth full of food. He waited until he swallowed to speak. " 'Kay. Think they'll like me?" He asked, filling up his fork again.

I shrugged and focused on pushing a grain of rice around my plate with a spoon. I highly doubted they would approve of my new boyfriend, as amazing as he was to me. They knew he hung around Paul and any friend of Paul's was not supposed to be any friend of mine. I didn't think it could go any worse than my meeting with his mother had, though. She'd gone out of her way to be rude to me every chance she got. Apparently she didn't think I was 'good enough' for her only son, which I reminded myself of often, but the reasons she gave him for our incompatibility were completely outrageous.

I glanced up at him and smiled. "I don't see any reason why they shouldn't adore you." I really didn't, but that didn't mean they wouldn't.

After we were finished eating we headed back to La Push. I dropped Embry off at Sam's instead of at his house, since his mother was still home and he avoided her when he could. "Ill see you later, right?" he asked, leaning down into the window at the same time I moved up. We smacked foreheads and I pulled back quickly. Embry chuckled and blushed and ran a hand through his dark black hair. "Sorry," he mumbled. I nodded in response, too embarrassed to speak.

I didn't move this time when he leaned back down and kissed me softly on the lips. I shut my eyes and let him take the lead. If there was one thing Embry excelled in, it was kissing. We pulled away only when we heard a series of wolf whistles issuing from behind us where Jared, Quil and a new wolf named Jay were walking up. Embry kissed me on the nose before stepping back.

"So, seven?" I asked him, shoving the key into the ignition.

He nodded once and gave me an adorable half smile. "Seven."

As soon as I pulled into the driveway of my house on the edge of the reservation my mom opened the front door and Bridget came toddling down the porch steps. She had her eyes fixed on me and was grinning from ear to ear. I hurried over to her before she could trip and fall on the concrete.

"Hey Princess," I cooed, picking her up and cuddling her to my chest. "Mama was getting your birthday stuff." I smiled down at her and her expression lit up. "You ready for your party this weekend?" She babbled excitedly as we walked into the house.

"Was she good?" I asked my mom when we entered the living room. I kissed the top of Bridget's head and sat her down next to her toy box.

"She was great," my mom called from the kitchen. "Paul left a message, though. He wants to take her until Saturday." Perfect. I hadn't even had to call and ask.

"Did he say what time he wanted her?"

My mom stepped out from around the corner wiping her hands on a dish towel. "He said he'd be here around four." Great. That gave me two hours to spend with Bridget and plenty of time to get myself ready for my night with Embry.

After I brought all of my stuff in from the car I picked Bridget up and carried her to the nursery. "Let's get you some things packed up for daddy's house," I told her. Bridget bounced excitedly in my arms and went off into a series of "Dadadadada!"

Bridget and I were watching Blue's Clues when Paul knocked on the door. My mom had gone off to the grocery store and my dad was in his bedroom sleeping so I stretched and groaned and walked over to answer it. I could tell Paul had just gotten off of work and he looked tired but happy. He always looked happy these days and I tried to convince myself that that was a good thing.

"Hey, Sarah. Did you get my message?"

"Yea, my mom told me." I stepped aside so he could come into the house.

"So I was gonna bring her back right before the part--"

"Daaaa!" Bridget screeched and came padding into the kitchen. She ran right up to Paul and whined with her arms held out to him until he bent down to pick her up.

"Daddy's here, Princess," he told her softly, giving her a smile and a sloppy kiss on the cheek. Bridget giggled and wrapped her arms like a vice around his neck before settling her head onto his bare shoulder.

"So, how are things?" Paul asked over Bridget's head. He followed me into the living room and waited by the couch while I got her things around.

"Things are good," I told him simply. I didn't want to divulge too much information. Telling Paul any details about my life implied that I might want to know something about his.

As soon as Paul left I started getting ready to meet up with Embry. I took another shower, making sure I was all shaved and then rubbed my entire body down with my special reserve: Cherry Blossom lotion from Bath and Body Works. I dried and straightened my hair before applying a light layer of make-up. Embry said we would just be watching a movie so I chose to stay casual and picked out a pair of faded jeans and a pale blue Washington Cougars t-shirt.

My nerves were starting to work themselves into a bundle by the time I slipped into a pair of tennis shoes and threw on a light grey hooded jacket. It was six-thirty according to the microwave clock so I decided to head out.

As I walked up the little sidewalk leading to Embry's porch, I noticed with much relief that his blazer was the only vehicle in the little stone driveway. I rang the doorbell and looked around at the bright orange and yellow chrysanthemums growing sparsely underneath the front windows while I waited for Embry to answer the door.

It was only a few seconds before Embry was standing in front of me with a welcoming smile on his face. He'd changed from what he was wearing earlier into a plain grey t-shirt. It wasn't tight like the ones Paul used to wear to flaunt off his abs; it was much more subtle and somehow an even bigger turn-on. His cut-offs were hanging low on his hips and I could tell he'd just showered because his hair was still wet and brushing against his forehead. When he leaned over to shut the door behind us I was assaulted with his wonderful new scent—some tantalizing mixture of spice and clean linen.

Embry cleared his throat and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Well, this is it. Home sweet home."

I'd never been in Embry's house before so I took in the scene.

"It's nice," I lied. It wasn't bad, but it could have been a lot better. The rooms were clean, but small and kind of dark. There were old pictures on the walls of what I assumed were long-deceased uncles and grandpas, a few of Embry when he was younger and a whole mess of framed calendar pictures of mountains and waterfalls. The smell of cigarette smoke still lingered in the air but the soft aroma of dried potpourri made it bearable.

"So, what movie do you want to see?" I followed Embry into the living room where he was crouching down in front of the large entertainment center. He looked at me over his shoulder and raised his eyebrows.

"Um, I don't care. Just… just whatever you want," I stumbled, sitting down carefully on the edge of the old sofa. Embry grabbed a DVD case and switched on the Tv.

"Rat Race." He grinned and sprawled out next to me.

Embry's eyes stayed glued to the screen until the previews were over, and then he casually scooted next to me. He spread his arms out over the back of the couch and looked down at me with a questioning stare. I smiled and snuggled into his side to show him that being this close in proximity was perfectly alright and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, enveloping me in his warmth. His scent was stronger here and I inhaled quietly, trying not to make it too obvious that I was smelling him.

It wasn't long before the only things I could properly focus on were the deep, steady breathing coming from inside Embry's chest, the warm, soft cotton of his t-shirt against my cheek and the way his fingertips were brushing lightly against my bicep. I wanted more. I wanted so much more of Embry. I wanted all of him. I slowly slid my hand over and rested it atop his hard, flat abdomen. I felt him shift and I knew that he was watching me, but I didn't dare meet his gaze. I stayed frozen in place, trying desperately to concentrate on the movie and not my rapidly beating heart. I didn't want Embry to think that I was being too forward, or that I was expecting something he wasn't ready for, so I waited to see if he would make the next move.

I was beginning to think that Embry was actually watching the movie, completely oblivious to my subtle advances, or that he really didn't want to try anything with me when I felt him lift his arm from my shoulder and carefully tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. He took my hand that was on his stomach and slowly brought it to his lips. Instinctively, I turned my head and kissed the first part of Embry I came in contact with. I was still nuzzled against his ribcage when he slid his index finger under my chin and raised my head so that his large doe eyes were locked on mine.

We stayed still for a moment before Embry took the initiative and slowly leaned forward to take my lips with his. His kisses were always so sweet and sensual, not hungry and demanding like the ones I was used to receiving. The way Embry's soft, warm lips moved in perfect synchronization with mine had my lower half tingling with excitement before we even pulled away to breathe.

I didn't realize how far things had gotten until I felt the arm of the sofa beneath my head. Embry was hovering over me and breathing heavily with a fire in his eyes. I was very aware of his arousal pressed hard against my thigh and the thought that we might actually go all the way for the first time flooded me with a plethora of different emotions. I wasn't sure what sex would do to our relationship, and I was sort of enjoying something new—the cuddling, the kissing, the savoring of what was to come; things I never really had with Paul. But my body wasn't used to waiting for what it wanted and Embry's hands caressing my sides, Embry's soft, hot kisses on my neck and Embry's irresistible fragrance were creating an uncomfortable ache in my body's most sensitive area.

I moaned lightly when Embry started nursing the spot below my ear and subconsciously moved my hands to the waistband of his shorts. The tips of my fingers had barely been inserted when Embry abruptly pulled away. He flattened himself against the back of the couch and placed his hands on his knees.

"What's wrong?" I asked cautiously. I brought myself to a sitting position while I waited for a response, but all I got was an apologetic glance.

"Embry?" I pressed. He exhaled loudly and ran a hand through his hair.

"Nothing."

"What did I do?"

"No! Nothing! It's just…." He trailed off and turned to face me. "I don't—I… I just don't really want to have sex is all," he continued, reaching over to take my hand in his. I pulled away, taken aback by his blatant rejection. He must have seen something in my expression because he groaned in frustration and reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "No, no… I didn't mean it like that. I just…. It's not you, Honey, okay?" I nodded and he sighed dejectedly. "Come here." He brought me next to him and gently pressed my head against his chest.

"It's okay, Embry," I said softly, wrapping my arms around his waist. I was still a little wary of his spotty explanation but I didn't press the matter. I didn't want to admit even to myself that if he hadn't stopped me, I would have had sex with Embry without being on birth control.

Apparently appeased, Embry kissed the top of my head and pushed the hair out of my eyes. Suddenly he chuckled.

"Do you even know what the movie's about?"

I laughed. "Not a clue."

********

Due to our busy schedules, Embry and I had gone three days without seeing each other by the time the day of the party rolled around.

I was still hurrying to get everything ready when Paul showed up with the birthday girl. He'd dressed her in a long-sleeved lavender t-shirt with ruffles at the end of the sleeves and matching lavender pants, complete with their own ruffles at the end of the legs. I knew it was all about frills with Paul, but that didn't prepare me for the little white tutu he pulled out of the sack he was carrying. I hadn't even thought of making Bridget into a ballerina for her ballerina party and I congratulated him on his cleverness. Paul smiled proudly in response and adjusted the tutu around Bridget's waist, making sure the large satin bow was properly positioned before stepping back to admire his handy work. Bridget stomped her feet and giggled at the silly new garment, making her shiny curls bounce around her face.

Paul offered to take over decoration duty so I could spend some time with my baby girl.

"Hey, Pumpkin." I cooed, lifting her into my arms. "Are you ready for your big party?" Bridget pointed to the balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling and walls and chattered excitedly. I took that as a 'yes'.

My mom came into the house then carrying an armful of bags. Paul dropped his tape and rushed over to grab the largest ones from her. "Thanks, Paul," she said, sounding out-of-breath. We helped her set up drinks and sandwiches while Bridget contentedly kicked balloons around the kitchen. She'd loved the one Embry had gotten her and insisted that I tie it to one of her crib posts.

Sam and Emily were the first of the others to arrive. Sam was cradling baby Adam in his arms so Emily could carry in the beautiful cake. It was in the shape of ballet slippers and frosted to look like a pink pair of dancing shoes with real ribbons for the laces. I thanked her several times for going through all the trouble for me but she assured me that she'd enjoyed doing it.

Soon the house was full of people. Bridget was clinging to me and playing shy whenever someone came up to talk to her, which was unusual for her—usually she was fairly outgoing, but I guess the thrill of the party and a horde of new strangers was too much to take in one day. The one person I really wanted to see and one Bridget probably wouldn't have minded had yet to make his appearance and I tried not to worry myself.

Thirty minutes later Embry arrived and I kissed him on the cheek, very aware that people were watching. "Hey. I was starting to wonder," I murmured, shifting Bridget over to my left side.

He grinned and gave me an extra peck on the lips before he stepped back. "I had to stop and get Bridget's present." Bridget whined and held her arms out for Embry until he took her from me. "That's a neat little outfit you've got on," he told her before planting a small kiss on her nose. She giggled and leaned down to rub her face on Embry's t-shirt.

I glanced over at my parents who were making small talk with some of the guests. "Ready to go do a meet and greet?" Embry shrugged and trailed behind me as I slowly made my way over to them.

"Mom, dad," I started, after their conversation had ceased a bit. "This is Embry, my new boyfriend. We met at school." They both looked surprised but didn't have a chance to say anything before Embry reached out to shake their hands with the arm that wasn't holding Bridget.

"Mr. and Mrs. Carter it's nice to meet you." He smiled. I could tell they wanted to say a lot of things to me, to him—probably wondering what I was doing with a guy I knew they were so obviously going to disapprove of, but a roomful of guests certainly did have its advantages. I flashed them one last smile and pulled Embry back into the kitchen.

"So, that wasn't so bad," I said cheerfully. Embry didn't answer. He was looking past me with a blank expression. I turned to follow his gaze and narrowed my eyes when I saw Paul standing in front of Rachel with his hands on her waist. I'd forgotten that she was supposed to show up. She was pretty—copper-skinned and raven-haired. Paul's parents must have been overjoyed when they found out that he was going to end up with a nice Quileute girl after all. I quickly turned my attention to Bridget who was still perched happily in Embry's arms.

"Are you ready to open presents?" I asked her. She babbled happily and Embry sat her down on the ground so she could toddle after me as I walked toward the living to announce the event.

We sat in the middle of the room so everyone could gather around. Paul sat down beside us, leaning in closer for a picture whenever his mom ordered him to. "Look, this one's from Daddy," I told Bridget, helping her tiny hands rip off the paper after we'd opened a few of the other gifts. Bridget pulled the paper off of the large box and squealed with delight, moreso at the wrappings she was waving wildly in the air than the illustration of the pink rocking horse that was waiting inside to be assembled.

"You like it, Bri?" Paul asked her, kissing her on the cheek.

When we were halfway through the pile of gifts Paul stood up to stretch his legs and I noticed him slowly making his way over to Rachel until he was close enough to grab her hand. I scoffed to myself and tried to focus on other things, like Embry striding across the room with a huge smile on his face. He took Paul's place beside me and carefully sat an over-sized shoe box down in front of Bridget. It was a very plain box with nothing for wrappings or bows, not even a nametag and I got nervous when the top started to jump a little. I glanced at Embry suspiciously but he just kept on smiling and urged Bridget to open it.

When she did she screamed and I quickly looked to see what the problem was.

Inside the box was a tiny grey kitten with a little bell on its bright yellow collar. It let out several squeaky mews as it looked around at the crowd. He was cute and although I'd never thought about getting a family cat, I was happy that now Bridget would have something to entertain herself with when I was busy. Bridget, however, had other ideas. She was whimpering and hiding herself behind Embry's broad back. She would peek out at the kitten every few seconds, but start cowering again as soon as it moved or made a noise.

"Come on, Bridget, it's just a kitty," Embry coaxed, trying to pull her in front of him. Paul settled back down beside us and brought Bridget into his lap. I picked up the furry little rascal and held him, kicking and squirming in front of her. She cringed into Paul's chest and whined. Everyone thought it was adorable, but I was surprised at her reaction. She loved stuffed animals.

"Bridget, look, he's soft." Paul took her small hand in his and brushed it against the animal's bristly coat. Bridget sniffled and reluctantly turned to look at the kitten.

"See, he won't hurt you," Embry added, scratching the little cat behind the ears with his index finger. I sat the cat down on Bridget's lap and she started to protest until the kitten turned and looked up at her with his pale blue eyes. Bridget stared back at him with a calculating expression and then gently pinched its tiny ear between her thumb and forefinger. She quickly pulled her hand back again and started to giggle.

"Yea, see?"I said hopefully. "He's a good kitty."

After their initial introduction Bridget and her new little friend were inseparable. She merrily crawled after him from room to room and had a grand time playing hide and seek when he decided to squeeze underneath the couch. I'd already set up the litter box Embry'd provided and two plastic dishes for food and water.

Not long after, Bridget walked up to me with a package of little jingly cat toys and placed them on my lap. I was sitting in the rocker feeding Adam a bottle for Emily. "Take it to daddy sweetie, ask him to open it for you," I said, glancing back down at the perfect little baby in my arms. He looked a lot like Emily but the intensity of his eyes was the same I saw in Sam's.

Bridget frowned a little and looked around the room. She then took off at a quick pace across the floor and held her arms up when she reached Embry on the other side of the room. "Dad-dy!"

Sam snorted loudly from my left. Embry froze and his eyes darted over to Paul whose reaction to the situation was a little less benign than his brothers'. He stopped drinking out of his soda and sat the can down on the coffee table with enough force to cause a small eruption. "What the hell?" He spat from his place on the sofa. His eyes flashed from Embry to me, anger apparent in every one of his features. I knew what he was thinking—that we made Bridget call Embry 'daddy' when Paul wasn't around.

I handed Adam back to Emily and hurried over to Bridget, cursing myself for not opening the damn toys myself. I knew I was blushing profusely, right along with Embry, who backed away and casually turned Bridget so she was facing Paul's direction.

"She was just being silly," I explained, scooping my daughter up into my arms. "Weren't you, honey? You know that's not daddy." I brought her over to Paul and placed her in his lap. He gave me a hard look and wrapped his arms around Bridget's body.

He held her for the remainder of the party, even when we had cake and ice cream. He seemed determined to make it clear to her that he was daddy, not Embry. As if she really needed reminded. She adored Paul and the relationship she shared with him was more special than one she would ever share with Embry or anyone else, including me.

***

Sam and Emily were the first to leave, saying that Adam was getting cranky. Little by little everyone else filed out as well. Paul and Rachel stayed behind until they were the only ones left, other than Embry and my parents. Paul finally relinquished his hold on Bridget and handed her back to me.

"I'll be by for her on Monday," he said kissing her one last time. "I want to take her to the zoo up in Seattle."

I wasn't very happy with the fact that Rachel would be taking Bridget on her very first trip to the zoo, but I knew Paul wanted to do something nice with Bridget for her birthday so I didn't argue. "Fine, I'll have her ready in the morning then."

Rachel walked up and touched Paul on the arm lightly. "I'm going to the car." They locked eyes for a moment and I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the serenity that washed over both their faces. "It was nice to meet you Sarah," she said, turning and offering me a small smile. I tried to smile back, but it ended up feeling more like a grimace. I waited until she was gone to speak to Paul.

"Well, thanks for the help with the party."

Paul shrugged. "You didn't even have to ask."

"Can you believe it's been a year?" I asked, looking down at Bridget. She was resting her head on my shoulder and her eyes were starting to droop. She'd had a long day.

Paul shook his head and reached out to push her bangs away from her eyes. I felt Bridget shift and she extended the hand she wasn't chewing on toward Paul. "Dada," she said, with her little finger still in her mouth. Paul took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.

"Daddy will see you in a few days, alright Princess? We're going somewhere special," he added with an air of excitement. Bridget took in his tone and let out a small gasp. I didn't need to be looking at her to know that her entire face was bright and shining. Paul chuckled and leaned down to peck her on the nose. "Do I get a kiss?" he asked, still puckered. Bridget lifted her head and blew him a raspberry. She hadn't quite got the concept of kissing down yet, but Paul thought it was adorable even if he did end up covered in baby spit. "Bye-bye, Princess. I love you."

He surprised me then by leaning down and enveloping me into a hug. He gave me a light squeeze and I surprised myself by hugging him back. It was a slight peace offering between us, and the start of an entirely different relationship.

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