Chapter 16, Bridal Shower
Leah was just finishing up the last lap of her scheduled patrol. She sniffed the air, detecting a pleasant and familiar scent, just before Jacob came over the hill. Hey, big fella! she greeted him with her mind.
Hey yourself, gorgeous, he shot back. I'm here to relieve you. Hurry on home like a good girl and get ready for your bridal shower.
Ugh, Leah moaned. Do I have to? The large reddish wolf rubbed his nose against her neck, and she shivered. Or, how about this? We could find ourselves a nice cozy cave…
Oh no you don't! Sue went to a lot of trouble, and the guest of honor will be there, he snickered. The smaller grey wolf whined, but she obediently turned toward home with a backward glance, as Jake turned to start his first circuit of the reservation's perimeter.
Leah had just enough time to phase back, shower, and put on a little makeup before the guests started arriving. Sue had decorated the living room with white crepe paper and flowers, and she'd been cooking and baking for days. She knew this wasn't Leah's cup of tea, but her only daughter was by-God going to have a respectable bridal shower.
The Cullen women were the first to arrive, and Paris greeted them at the door. Esme, Bella, and Alice chattered excitedly, while Rosalie remained characteristically aloof. As Paris ushered them in, Jake's twin sisters arrived on their heels. Like their brother, the Black girls were dark and attractive, though they were at least a foot shorter than Jacob. Sue had not seen Rebecca since she moved to Hawaii, but she and her surfer husband had come back to LaPush for the shower. After college, Rachel had returned to LaPush and was now happily engaged to Paul.
Emily and Kim walked over from Emily and Sam's house, and this completed the guest list. Sue's house was small and cozy, so there was no room to divide into groups even if they had been so inclined. Everyone mingled, vampires and humans together. Alice poured punch and Paris passed around hors d'oeuvres while Esme arranged the gifts on a table.
Leah chatted with Rachel and Rebecca, who had been her best friends when they were all children. When the human guests went into the kitchen to get plates of food, Leah sat and talked with the Cullens. Alice was fascinated with the wedding plans and, as always, had helpful ideas to contribute.
As everyone drifted back into the living room, Paris helped Leah open gifts. Leah was gracious, though everyone knew she'd rather be sitting on the couch talking (preferably in jeans and a tee shirt) than be the center of attention.
The Cullens had brought an exquisite gift of sterling silver flatware. There were the usual sheets and towels, toaster and blender, and the last to be opened was a special gift from Paris. Leah blushed as she withdrew a filmy negligee from the tissue paper just as Jacob walked in the front door. "Don't be embarrassed, Leah, that gift was actually for him anyway" Rachel quipped. Jacob smirked and walked over to his fiancée, kissing her lightly and escaping quickly to the kitchen. He came back with a plateful of food and sat down between his sisters, to their delight, as everyone began chatting. Sue and Leah cut and served the cake.
It seemed no one wanted to leave. Instead of thinning out, the crowd kept growing, as the men started to drift in. Charlie was on the porch chatting with Sue and Esme. Edward came to pick up his family and got caught up in a conversation with Seth and Alice, and when Billy Black came looking for his daughters Sue insisted on feeding him.
Leah sat on the floor near Jacob and his sisters and listened to their stories with rapt attention. She had missed Rebecca, and she knew it was difficult for her to be here with memories of her mother all around so she really appreciated her presence.
Finally, everyone left. Sue shooed Leah and Jake out of the kitchen, insisting that she didn't need any help cleaning up. Leah hugged Paris and thanked her for all her help, then Seth insisted on driving her home, leaving Jacob and Leah on the porch. Leah turned to Jacob and admitted with a smile, "I guess you were right after all. It was a wonderful day. Remind me to listen to you next time."
He wrapped her in his warm embrace, and she laid her head against his chest. He whispered against her hair, "I can't wait to make you my bride," but she didn't comment. He smiled and kissed her hair, knowing by her slow, even breathing that she was already fast asleep.