CHAPTER 35

TWO OF US

Leah looked at herself in the mirror and couldn't believe her reflection. She had never considered herself a girly-girl . . . she had always been somewhat of a tomboy. Especially since becoming a wolf. Her mouth was just as bad as any of the guys, and she hardly ever wore a dress or make-up, but looking at her reflection now . . . Leah was amazed.

"Leah, do you want me to dress Noah now or . . . oh my goodness," Sue stopped in the doorway and with her hand over her heart, just stared at her daughter. "Oh honey, you look beautiful."

"I can't believe it's me." Leah had decided to do without a veil. Since the wedding would be outside on a cliff top, she didn't want to deal with it blowing around. So, Emily put a few curls in her hair and then pulled one side back and pinned a white orchid there. The only jewelry she wore was her engagement ring and the charm bracelet that Paul had given her for Christmas.

Sue walked over and put her arm around Leah's shoulder. Leah could see the tears in her mother's eyes and she warned her, "Mom, don't start. I am wearing make-up for the first time in a long time, and I don't want to walk down the aisle with mascara running down my face."

Sue gave her a soft laugh. "I know, but Leah, I just know how your daddy would feel seeing you like this. Makes me miss him so much."

"Me, too, Mom." Leah laid her head on her Sue's shoulder for a moment as they both thought of Harry.

"OK, look, I changed his diaper, but I don't know what to put on him now," Seth said as he walked into the room carrying Noah.

Leah smiled at him. "Boy, that's something I never thought I would hear come out of your mouth. You changed his diaper?"

Seth gave her a look. "Yes, I'm not stupid. I know how to put a diaper on a baby's butt."

Sue laughed and Leah joined her. "Here," Sue said. "Give me that baby. I'll go ahead and dress him then put a bib on him so he doesn't spit up on his nice new outfit." Sue took the baby from Seth and walked out the room.

Seth looked at Leah and said softly, "Wow. You look . . . really pretty."

Leah beamed at his compliment. "Thank you, Seth. That is high praise indeed, coming from you."

Seth rolled his eyes. "I have to finish getting dressed."

As Seth turned to go, Leah stopped him. "Hey, Seth?" He turned back. "Thanks for filling in for Dad today."

Seth's eyes softened as he hung his head. "Yeah. I wish he was here."

"Me, too. But I'm kind of glad to have you there with me. It means a lot to me, little brother." She stepped up to him and put her arms around him. Seth wasn't real touchy-feely, so he was a little stiff at first, but Leah was patient, and finally he relaxed and hugged her back. Then he stepped back and turned to make a quick escape, somewhat embarrassed by his show of affection.

"Leah! Look at me!" Claire called out as she ran into the room. She was wearing the same dress she wore for Emily's wedding and she looked like a little princess.

"You look very pretty, Claire," Leah told her.

"So do you, Leah," Emily said as she followed Claire into the room. "That dress is perfect."

Kim came in behind Emily. "Wow! Leah . . . you're beautiful!"

"OK, OK, enough. You all are going to make me conceited. I'm starting to believe you," Leah told them.

Sue came in with the baby and announced that it was time to get going. "You don't want to keep your groom waiting."

"No, I do not! Let's go!"

Over at Paul's house, the boys were hustling around trying to get ready. "Come on, Trav, hold still," Paul said as he was trying to help Travis tuck his shirt in. Tyler had just gotten out of the shower and Paul heard him walk across the hall and close his bedroom door. "Jared! Do you see Travis' tie out there?"

"Yeah, it's here on the chair with his jacket," Jared answered. Leah had tied all of their ties and hung them on the hanger with their suit. All they had to do was slip it over their head and push the knot up. Paul had smiled when he saw that. Even when she wasn't here, she was taking care of them.

Paul sent Travis out to Jared to finish getting dressed then he turned to the bed and pulled his own shirt on. He thought he would be nervous today, but he was actually very calm. Maybe it's because he knew this was the best decision he had ever made. He had no doubt whatsoever about marrying Leah. It was what he wanted most in the world.

After pulling on his pants, he tucked his shirt in, and pulled on his belt then he sat down on the bed to put on his shoes and socks before he made his way out to the living room. "Look at me, Paul! I look good," Travis bragged.

Paul chuckled at him. "Yeah, you do. Now do me a favor and stay clean!"

Travis actually rolled his eyes at Paul then sat down and turned on the TV. As the theme song from Sponge Bob Square Pants echoed through the room, Jared walked over and handed Paul his tie. "So? You nervous at all?"

"Nope, not at all, J." Paul put the tie over his head and slipped up the knot. "This is exactly what I've wanted for a year now. I am more than ready."

Jared grinned at him. "I hear that. I can't believe I still have to wait six more weeks!"

Tyler made his way to the living room and grabbed his tie and put it on then slipped into his jacket. "This good?" he asked Jared and Paul.

"Yeah, dude. Looks good," Jared answered.

Tyler nodded then announced he needed to go back to the bathroom and work on his hair. "It's still not right."

Jared cracked up as soon as Tyler left the room. "Oh my God, P. That kid kills me. Is Cristy making an appearance at this shin-dig?"

"Uh, I wouldn't mention that if I were you," Paul warned. "Since Cristy has moved onto high school, she's been a little more cool toward him. I think he thinks if he looks good, maybe she'll see what she's missing."

"Women," Jared huffed.

"Yeah, women," Travis muttered.

Paul had forgotten for a minute that Travis was sitting there as he was being unusually quiet. He looked at Jared who was laughing and then he said to Travis, "What do you know about women?"

Travis looked over at Paul. "When I left Carly's the other day, I told her I loved her and she told me to shut up," Travis explained. "I just told her, 'Whatever.' She's all, 'Let's play house and you be the dad, and then she's 'shut up and don't say that.' I don't get it."

Paul sat down next to Travis and asked, "You told her you love her? Do you even know what that means?"

"Duh, Paul. It's when you like being with a girl and you want to kiss her."

"Did you kiss Carly?"

"No, she wouldn't let me. She said maybe when we're older. How old do you have to be to kiss a girl anyway?" Tyler had walked back into the room and looked over at Paul like he was interested in that answer.

Paul glanced at Jared who was still snickering. "Well, I would say at least 13 for a single kiss. But no more than that till you're in high school."

"Oh," Travis said seriously.

"Look, buddy, you and Carly are good friends, right? Maybe you should just think of her that way . . . your best friend and leave love for when you're older."

Travis just shrugged and said, "OK."

"Good man," Paul told him as he stood up and walked back over to Jared. He gave Jared and a grin and shook his head. "I thought he'd be alot older before we had that talk."

"Seems to me, I remember someone telling me that he and some girl were just best friends. Look where that got you," Jared reminded him.

Paul grinned at that. "Yeah, well, let's hope that doesn't happen for Travis for a few more years at least."

Tyler tapped Paul on the shoulder. "Hey, we better get going. Leah will kill us if we're late."

Paul glanced at the clock. "Shit! You're right. OK, let's go get me married!"

Kim had worked her magic and turned the cliff side into a romantic spot for a wedding. She had put some poles into the ground and tied some white, gauzy material to it to make a canopy for Paul and Leah to stand under. There were pillars with white flower arrangements on them set on both sides of the canopy and a white runner on the ground, held down by pots of white flowers all along the length of it to make an aisle. Since the ceremony wouldn't take too long, she didn't bother with chairs. She figured everyone could stand on either side of the runner.

Even though the weather was unseasonably warm, Kim had hung all sizes of glittery snowflakes in the trees with fish line, and they sparkled in the sunlight as they twisted with the slight breeze blowing.

As soon as Paul arrived and saw it, he was blown away. "This is perfect," he whispered to himself. Jared stepped up beside him and looked around. Paul turned to him and smiled. "I can hardly wait to see what she comes up with for your wedding."

"Me, either," Jared said in amazement.

It wasn't long before the guests started arriving. They all took their places on either side of the aisle and chatted before the ceremony started. Old Quil would be performing the ceremony for them today. Leah thought it was important for them to have a tribal elder marry them in the old way, and Paul agreed. He stood next to Billy while he waited for the rest of the bridal party to show up. Soon Charlie Swan walked in, without Bella, Paul noticed, and joined Billy and Old Quil.

Kim arrived with the single white rose boutonnières to pin on each guy. She also had the ring bearer pillow with the ring tied on it for Travis and Claire's flower petal basket. Everything and everyone was in place and the time for the ceremony to begin finally arrived.

Paul watched anxiously to see if his father would really show up. He seemed excited about it the other night, but now Paul was having doubts about asking him. Then he felt an elbow in his side and he glanced over at Jared. "Hey, P, who's the guy that just walked in? I don't know him."

Paul smiled and said, "That, dude, is my father."

Jared's mouth fell open. "He's your . . . that's your . . . dad?"

Paul chuckled and left Jared standing there stuttering to walk over to Jim. "Hey, Dad. Thanks for coming."

Jim's face erupted into a huge smile. "Thanks for asking me. You look good, son."

"Thanks."

Paul noticed Jim glancing over at Tyler, who was standing with Collin. Paul knew his dad wanted a closer relationship with Tyler, but that was going to have to come from Ty. Just then, Sam walked up. "Hey, Sam. This is my dad, Jim Uley. Jim, this is our cousin, Sam Uley."

"Well, Sam, it's good to see you," Jim said as he shook Sam's hand. "I believe we met once when you were just a little boy, at your grandpa's funeral."

"Is that right?" Sam asked. "Well, it's good to meet you again."

"I'll talk to you after the ceremony, alright?" Paul said.

"Sure, sure. Go get yourself married, son," Jim said as he clapped Paul on the shoulder.

Paul nodded with a grin and walked back up to the front to await the start of the ceremony.

Leah took her place behind some bushes so she was out of view of everyone until it was her turn to walk down the aisle. She closed her eyes and remembered the first time she had found Paul here the night before the fight with the newborns. She had been so scared that night and filled with uncertainty about what was to come the next morning. They slept here together and Paul had made her feel so safe and secure. Now here she stood, waiting to marry him, completely sure that whatever tomorrow brought, they could handle it together.

Emily walked up to stand beside her and handed her her bouquet of white roses. "Are you ready?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes! I am SO ready!" was Leah's answer.

Kim had set up a large CD player and placed it strategically where everyone would be able to hear the music. She had the CD with the wedding music keyed up and ready to go and had assigned the job of playing the music to Embry. He pushed play when she signaled him and the music filled the air. As Canon in D began playing, Sue, holding Noah, took Seth's arm to be walked down the aisle to her place up front. Then Seth turned and walked back to stand beside Leah as Claire and Travis made their way toward the canopy next. Everyone smiled at how cute they looked, as Claire gently tossed her rose petals like a pro.

Kim came next, walking slowly to the music, as Jared watched. He thought she had never looked more beautiful than today as she was dressed in a long, strapless dress that was sage green and went perfectly with her eyes. He winked at her as she took her place near the canopy and smiled as she blushed.

Emily made her entrance in a dress that was the same green color, but in a different high-waisted style to hide her growing baby bump. She smiled at Sam, who couldn't take his eyes off of her and then she took her place beside Kim.

Leah turned to Seth and said, "Well, this is it. Are you ready to give me away?"

"I've been trying to do that for years," Seth said in his dry humor.

Leah let out a short laugh and then was shocked as Seth bent to kiss her cheek. "Be happy, OK?"

"I will, Seth. I know I will."

Embry changed the track on the CD to the Wedding March and everyone turned to see Leah standing at the end of the white runner beside Seth, looking every bit the image of a beautiful bride. Paul felt his heart stop for a moment as he took her in. As she walked toward him, he fought to keep his emotions in check. The guys would never let him hear the end of it if they caught him crying.

When she arrived at the canopy, Seth took her hand and placed it into Paul's. He leaned toward Paul and whispered, "Be good to her so I don't have to kick your ass."

That made Paul chuckle. "OK, kid. I promise." Seth turned and went to stand beside his mom and Paul turned toward Leah. "Hello, beautiful."

She beamed at him and her eyes lit up. "Hello, handsome." Then they both turned toward Old Quil who began the ceremony.

He talked about the history of marriage in the tribe, and how important it had been to the ancestors then he in turn talked a little about Leah and Paul and how he had known them since they were both children. "It does my heart good to see these two commit to marriage today, and to the dedication they have demonstrated in being good parents to their son. This tribe's survival is based on actions such as these."

Paul and Leah each took their turns saying their vows, and when it came time for the ring, Travis stepped up and Jared untied the ring from the pillow to hand to Paul. Paul winked at Travis and whispered, "Good job, buddy. Stay right here with me, OK?" Travis nodded and stood beside Paul.

Leah was happy to see the plain white gold band that Paul had picked out to go with her engagement ring. He had explained that his grandma had been buried with her wedding ring because she had never taken it off since his grandpa had placed it on her finger on her wedding day. Leah decided she would do the same.

Then came the point in the ceremony that Paul had been waiting for: Old Quil said, "My dear family, I am very proud to present to you today, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jacobs. Paul please claim your bride with a kiss."

Paul grinned at Leah and said out loud, "Gladly!" He took her happy, shiny face into his hands and placed his lips over hers. He could feel her tears run over his thumbs as their lips moved together. Finally he broke away as the guys all let out their wolf whistles and cheers. Paul rested his forehead against Leah's and gently wiped her tears away as he said, "I love you."

Leah's lip quivered as she said, "I love you, too . . . so much."

Paul pulled her into his arms and then surprised her by picking her up and twirling her around. As he set her down, they were assaulted by all their family and friends wishing them well. Leah was shocked at the kisses she received from Jared, Jake, Quil, Embry and even Sam. It wasn't that long ago that they all hated her! Now here they were, treating her like one of their best friends . . . or sister. It really made her very happy.

Leah was so pleased to see that Paul's father had come like he promised. He stepped up to her and smiled. "You make a very beautiful bride, Leah."

"Thank you."

"Would you mind too much if I kissed the bride?" Jim asked warily.

"Not at all."

Jim leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek. "It's good to see Paul so happy. I wish you both all the best."

Sue, who was still holding Noah, moved to stand beside Leah. "Oh, Mom, this is Jim Uley, Paul's father."

"Well, hello," Sue greeted him warmly. "It's very nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too," Jim replied then he looked down at Noah. "Hey there little guy. You remember your grandpa?" Noah smiled at him and it made Jim chuckle. "Look at that. You do remember me, huh?"

"I need the bride and groom here for pictures, please!" Sue had hired a photographer to snap pictures, and he was busy hurrying people around to get that done. He posed the bride and groom for several pictures with and without the bridal party. Paul insisted on taking a couple of pictures of them with him holding Noah then he had Travis and Tyler pose with them for several more. He was very proud of his little family and thought it would be great to have a family portrait to display.

Then he shocked himself and his father as he spoke up and invited him to stand in for a picture. Leah looked at Paul in surprise, but also with pride. She knew it wasn't easy for him to trust his dad, but at least he was trying.

They also had some taken with Sue and Seth and then for fun, Leah suggested they have one taken of just the pack. That ended up being one of their favorite pictures.

Sue reminded everyone that the party was at her house, and the crowd dispersed to go to their cars to drive over there. Paul and Leah made their way to Paul's truck and then Leah broke out in laughter as it came into view. As soon as the ceremony was over, Tyler, Collin and Brady had snuck out and covered it with white crepe paper and balloons and had written "Just Hitched" on the back window. The three of them stood there laughing as they took in Paul's shocked face.

Paul just stood there staring and finally got out a weak, "My truck."

"It will clean up, don't worry," Leah reassured him.

Paul shook his head and moved to open the door for Leah then help her climb inside. He ran around to the driver's side and they waved at the crowd as he started the engine and drove away. Leah looked over at him with a grin plastered on her face.

"What?" he asked.

"I can't stop smiling!"

Paul chuckled and held his arm out for her to scoot over beside him. "Well, don't because you are so beautiful when you smile."

"Listen to you, you charmer. I'll bet you say that to all the girls."

"No, only to those who marry me."

"Oh, yeah?" Leah said as she turned her head to look at him. "And how many is that?"

"Just one, baby. Only one," he answered her with a cheeky grin.

Leah laid her head over onto Paul's shoulder. "Good, cause that's all you are going to get."

Sue Clearwater knew how to put on a party, and this one was no exception. There was tons of food, Embry had music playing and everyone was having a great time. After they had a plate of food, Paul and Leah made the rounds being sure to talk to everyone there. Then they posed for more pictures, cut the cake and then Leah took a break to express as much milk as she could again to leave for Noah. She had taken some time earlier in the day to do that, but she was afraid of him running out. Sue assured her she could buy formula if she needed to, and told Leah to stop being a worry wart.

Paul had introduced his father around to everyone, and Leah noticed that he was fitting in pretty well. He had been nervous at first because he knew most of these people were aware that he had spent a good part of his life in jail, and he hadn't been there for Paul. There were a few who were a little cool to him, like Jared's parents and Billy. Billy had gone to school with Jim and of course, Jared's mom was related to his grandma, and they all hated what Jim and Doreen had done to Paul. But Leah understood that. She wasn't too crazy about it either. But at least Jim was trying to make amends now, and she was glad that there were some here who were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Of course, Travis was happy he was here, and he bugged his "Uncle Jim" to tell him another cowboy story. Jim laughed and sat down with him and was happy to share another story. Leah even noticed how Tyler had sat close enough to listen. She smiled at Paul as he noticed, too.

The day had been perfect, just like they had imagined it, and they thanked Kim for all her hard work. "I promise to pay you back when it's time for your wedding. You just put me to work," Leah told her.

"I will hold you to that," Kim said as she leaned into Jared. They were both excited about their wedding coming up. After today, Kim thought she would have a hard time waiting six more weeks!

Kim reminded her she still needed to throw her bouquet. "Are you reminding me so you can catch it?"

"Maybe," Kim said while wiggling her eyebrows.

Leah laughed and went to find her bouquet. As soon as she found it, she stood on the stair steps and called out all the single ladies. Kim stood front and center then looked around and realized she was the only one standing there. "Alright, come on," she said to everyone. "Am I really the only single girl here?"

Finally, Collin's sister, Cristy stepped up and Cara, the girl that Embry brought as a date stepped up. Kim rolled her eyes at Leah and said, "OK, make it a good throw."

Leah laughed and turned around then launched the bouquet over her shoulder. She threw it a little farther than she thought and it hit Seth in the head. "Really, Leah? Do I look like a girl to you?"

"You do to me!" Embry hollered.

Everyone laughed as he threw it back to her. "Sorry!" Leah called to him then she turned and tried again and this time it flew in a perfect arch right into Kim's hands. Jared stepped up and picked her up and planted a kiss on her lips. "Great catch, baby!"

After that, Leah told Paul to step up as she lifted her skirt to show off her garter. Of course, being Paul, he pulled it off with his teeth as the guys all whistled. When he had it off, he held it up like a trophy. "Alright, boys, line up!"

Embry, Jared, Jake and Quil stepped up first. Paul looked out to Seth and called him up. "You really think I want to touch something that my sister wore on her thigh? That's sick, dude." Paul laughed and had to admit, maybe that was kind of gross. Collin and Brady walked up, but Tyler sided with Seth and stood in the back with him.

"OK, guys, here goes," Paul shouted as he turned his back to them. He flung it over his shoulder and then watched as Jacob made a lunge for it and snagged it away from Jared. He held it up and hollered, "Yes!"

"So not fair, bro," Jared huffed.

"Yeah, right, Jared. You already have your woman. I need all the help I can get!" Jacob told him.

Jared laughed and patted him on the back. "You're right. It's yours."

Paul took Leah by the hand and led her into the kitchen where he swept her into his arms and kissed her with all the passion he had been saving since last night. "Are you ready to start the honeymoon yet?" he whispered into her ear.

Those words sent shivers up and down her spine as she whispered back a simple, "Yes."

They kissed some more until Sue walked into the kitchen and caught them. "Alright, you two, go. I know you can't stand being apart for more than two minutes. Go and make me another grandbaby."

"Mom!" shouted Leah in embarrassment.

Paul just laughed at Leah's red face. "Sounds like a good idea to me."

Sue put down the platter she had in her hand and walked over to Leah. "Oh stop it, Leah. I'm old, but I'm not a prude and you shouldn't be either. Enjoy your wedding night. With three boys in the house, it may be the last night you two get all to yourself for quite awhile."

Leah rolled her eyes and smiled then hugged her mom. "Thank you for everything, Mom. You did so much to make this day perfect."

"You're welcome, honey. I love you, you know."

"I love you, too." Leah pulled away and added, "And thank you so much for watching Noah and the boys. Are you sure you can handle all three of them? I mean, Sam and Emily can . . . "

"Of course I can handle them. Besides, Seth will be here to help. We'll be fine. Travis even asked me today if he could call me Grandma. Made me feel so good. I told him of course he could."

Leah smiled at that then turned to look at Paul as he said, "Thanks, Sue. That was really nice of you."

"Oh, I love that boy, you know I do. Who doesn't? He's such a pistol."

Just then, Travis ran into the kitchen. "Grandma, Claire spilled punch all over her dress. Emily sent me in here to get something to clean her up."

"OK, I'm on it. Thanks, honey," Sue told him then she winked at Leah and Paul and turned to the sink to wet a washcloth.

"Hey, Trav," Paul said to get his attention. "Leah and I are going to leave soon. You OK staying here while we're gone?"

"Yep! Seth is going to take me fishing tomorrow and Grandma said she would cook whatever we caught."

Paul squatted down and said, "Good, I'm glad. But I'm going to miss you. Can I have a hug?"

"Sure." Travis hugged him then turned to Leah. "Do you want one, too?"

Leah smiled and answered, "Of course. Your hugs are the best!" She kneeled down and let Travis give her a big hug.

"Bye, guys!" he called out then he took the washcloth from Sue and ran back to help clean up Claire.

"Oh, Paul. I'm telling you, that boy is too cute for his own good," Sue said.

"Yeah, tell me about it."

Leah and Paul made their way out to their guests and Paul announced it was time to start the honeymoon. That brought wolf whistles and cat calls from the guys and Leah watched Paul strut around like he was a peacock or something. She just rolled her eyes and walked over to take Noah from Emily and put kisses all over his little face. She was going to miss him terribly. She had never been away from him for more than a few hours. Tears stung her eyes as she handed him back to Emily.

Paul put his arm around her and drew her close. "I'll miss him, too, baby, but he'll be in good hands. He won't even know we're gone." He reached out and ran his hand lightly over his head then bent down and kissed him.

"I know, but it's still hard."

Paul took her by the hand and drew her towards the door. "Where's your bag?" She nodded over to the stairway where her bag sat there on the floor. Paul went and picked it up and then announced they were leaving. Everyone called good bye and waved as they walked out to the truck. Paul threw her bag into the back seat then helped her in. As he walked around the truck, he pulled off the crepe paper and balloons so they wouldn't fly off while they were driving down the road. Tyler saw him and ran out with a garbage bag to help.

"You aren't mad about the truck, are you?" Tyler asked warily.

"No, I'm not. It was all in good fun. I just don't want it to fly off while I'm driving and cause a wreck or something."

Tyler smiled and nodded. When they were done, Paul said to him, "Keep Travis in line, OK?"

"Don't I always?" was Tyler's answer.

"Yeah, you do. OK, gotta go. See you tomorrow night."

"Have fun," Tyler said with a wicked grin.

"What's that supposed to mean, little brother?" Paul asked with the same wicked grin.

"Please. Like you think I don't know how much you and Leah have sex? Geez, you're like rabbits or something."

That made Paul laugh really hard. "Oh yeah? Rabbits, huh. Well, I guess I'm a lucky man. I hope you get so lucky someday . . . way, way in the future."

"Hey, I'm in no hurry. But I wouldn't mind a kiss or two. So, I have to wait until I'm 13, huh? Isn't that what you told Travis today?"

"Yeah, you do. Why, you got a girl lined up do you?"

Tyler smiled slyly. "Maybe. See ya, Romeo!" he called out as he picked up the garbage bag and ran for the house.

Paul just chuckled, shook his head and opened the door to climb in behind the wheel.

"What was that all about?" Leah asked.

"Nothing. Tyler's funny, that's all."

"Yeah, OK, whatever."

Paul turned to Leah and asked, "OK, Mrs. Jacobs. Are you ready for the night of your life?"

"You sound a little cocky there, Mr. Jacobs."

"Oh, you just wait. You have no idea how 'cocky' I can get."

Leah rolled her eyes at his bad joke and Paul took off toward Port Angeles. She smiled as she looked at him and she knew this would be one of the happiest nights of her life.