Chapter 21! Can I just take a minute to thank everyone who is reading this story? I know it's really long, and I am amazed at the support it's received. So thanks guys! If I could, I'd send you all cookies... and an actual invitation to Jake and Nessie's wedding :)
Chapter 21: Leap of Faith
"Are you sure you can't tell me where we're going?" Renesmee asked, clinging to Jacob's back as he ran through the woods in his human form. "You know I hate surprises."
"I know, but you're going to have to trust me on this. If I told you, it'd ruin it," he said, though some of his earlier enthusiasm was fading.
"Fine," she sighed, laying her head against his shoulder and closing her eyes. Even if she didn't know where they were going, she could still enjoy the pure and simple joy she received from just being with Jacob.
It seemed as though only a few seconds had passed when she heard Jacob say, "We're here, Nessie."
She opened her eyes and looked around. The moon shone down brightly upon them, causing her skin to shine. She slid off Jacob's back and examined the area to discover the identity of the mystery location. The dense forest was behind them, and before them was a breath taking ariel view of La Push. She gasped. They were on the cliff! "Oh Jake," she breathed, in total awe.
He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck. "Do you like it?"
"Of course I do," she sighed. "You know I love it up here."
"There's more," he said cautiously. "We're going to jump."
Renesmee froze. "What?"
Jacob felt her tense up in his arms. "Didn't you want to?"
"Well yeah, but Jake," she said as she turned to face him, "this has always made you so nervous. We've only been up here once on our own accord and you looked about ready to pass out or something. And now you want us to jump? Why?"
Jacob was quiet for a moment before he said, "We're getting married in three days. It's a big step, but it's one that we'll make together. I'll rely on you, and you'll rely on me for the rest of our lives."
"That's a long time," she whispered, taking his hands in hers.
"It'd better be," he smiled. "Maybe I'm crazy, but it just seems kind of symbolic, y'know?"
"So you're comparing our wedding to jumping off this cliff?" she laughed.
"Yeah," he laughed too, "I guess I am. Facing my fears. Letting my guard down and letting you in. Trusting you, and trusting myself to take care of you. We're taking a leap of faith, Ness."
"I like that, Jake," she whispered sweetly. "It's perfect."
Jacob kissed her forehead tenderly, and then she looked up at him with a grin. "C'mon," she giggled, "let's take that leap of faith!"
~*J/N*~
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Renesmee asked again as she and Jacob stood looking out over the water below them.
Jacob took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm sure."
Renesmee took his hand. "I won't let go," she promised with a reassuring smile.
"Me neither," he said, kissing her hand. "On the count of three?"
She nodded and her heart beat faster with excitement and nervousness, just as she expected it would the day of their wedding. Now, like it would be then, she was taking a leap of faith into the unknown, just like Jacob had said. She wasn't afraid though, and the man by her side was the reason she could be brave. With him, she knew she was strong enough to face anything life threw their way.
"One," Jacob said softly.
"Two, three!" she finished for him, running towards the edge and pulling him along with her.
"Go!" Jacob cried as their feet lifted off the ground and they flew through the air. Renesmee squealed with delight as the waves got closer and closer. Jacob laughed and held her hand tighter as they plunged into the cold water. They broke the surface laughing breathlessly, and Renesmee threw her arms around Jacob's neck. She ran her fingers along his cheek, catching the water that dripped from his hair.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He shook his head. "Thank you, Nessie," he said, his arms wrapping around her waist beneath the water. He leaned in to rest his forehead against hers. "Thank you for giving me a reason to live."
"I love you, Jacob," she sighed.
"Always and forever, Nessie," he breathed. "You are everything to me."
Renesmee smiled and pressed her lips to his ever so gently, in an innocent and tender kiss that soon turned into so much more. She wrapped her legs around his waist and Jacob slipped his tongue inside her mouth. Renesmee sighed and greedily dug her fingers into his wet hair needing him closer to her. Jacob took the hint and placed his hands against her hips, his fingers pressed against the soft flesh. He pulled her so close to him that she no longer felt the chilly water that surrounded them. Renesmee was suddenly very aware of the direction they were going and how quickly they would get there. She knew if she didn't stop this, they would be in way over there heads. She forced herself to break away. "Jacob," she gasped.
"I know," he groaned. "I know."
"Just three more days," she reminded him, leaning forward so their forehead touched.
"Last chance to run away to Vegas and elope," he teased.
"If not for Auntie Alice and the rest of our families, I'd take you up on that offer," she giggled, placing a kiss on his nose.
He smiled and kissed her dripping hair and said, "Ready to head in? Holding you like this would be a lot easier if I didn't have to tread water."
She laughed and nodded before they both swam to shore.
