Chapter 15 : Two Years Later
Jacob Black stood in his bathroom, looking in the mirror for a long time. He trembled nervously thinking about what he was about to do.
Today he was going to marry Renesmee. He'd thought about this day for a long time remembering the day he proposed to her a year ago. Jacob wasn't pleased that Edward made them wait an extra year before they could marry but he understood that it was difficult for him to watch his little girl grow up so quickly, losing so much precious time with her. Even though she wasn't really going anywhere, she would no longer be neighbors with them and she'd have a new life and a new husband. Edward wasn't thrilled about the second part. As much as he liked Jacob, he knew he'd have to try very hard to keep out of their heads.
Seth knocked on the door distracting his train of thought. "Hey you ever coming out? Don't make me drag you to the altar!" he shouted.
Jacob opened it.
"You're not even dressed yet! You gonna get married your underwear or what?" Seth said.
"I was shaving. I didn't wanna get it dirty."
"Right, you've been shaving for an hour. A little nervous are we?" Seth teased.
"No," Jacob lied. He fidgeted nervously.
"Liar," Seth grinned at him. He looked over at Jacob's clothes that hung on the back of the door.
They chose to have a traditional Native American wedding. They planned an outdoor ceremony and requested for one of the spiritual elders of the tribes to wed them. The idea of it thrilled Renesmee when Jacob proposed it to her. Alice needed a little convincing however.
"Wow, where did you get this?" Seth said as he was checking out the hip-length native shirt. He'd never seen one like that before.
"Billy found it. eBay." Jacob grabbed it off the hanger.
So I guess you don't have to worry about the 'thought-police' anymore now eh?" Seth chuckled.
Edward told Jacob he was forbidden to even as so much as think about his daughter in ways he shouldn't, not at least until they were married. Edward promised to bring great physical arm to Jacob if he misbehaved even the slightest.
"Nope…the ball is in my court now. And in fact, during the entire ceremony, I plan to make Edward totally squirm in his seat." Jacob grinned devilishly.
"Oh now that's just playing dirty…but I like it!" he laughed.
"Yeah well, serves him right for making me wait another whole year! Oh hey, what about you? Did you get it? Come on…let's see the goods."
Seth nodded. Then he pulled a small box out of his pocket and opened it exposing a diamond ring.
"Very nice," Jacob said looking.
"Do you think she'll like it?" Seth hoped.
"What girl doesn't like diamonds?" Jacob shrugged.
Seth snapped the box shut and sighed. "One's that aren't too keen on the idea of marriage."
Tara never expressed any desire to marry. She only saw marriage as a human custom, but it was one that was very important to Seth and he hoped she would understand it was an experience he wanted to share with her.
"I think once she hears you pop the question, she will change her mind."
"I hope you're right," Seth stuffed it back in his pocket.
Alice was very excited that Renesmee allowed her to plan the wedding, even though she had strict guidelines to follow. She did a lot of her own research and also received some guidance from Sue. Esme and Rosalie were pleased to help with the preparations as well.
Renesmee sat in stood in the bathroom while Alice finished her last minute primping. She wore a traditional tribal wedding dress. She chose a white one, beautifully decorated with Indian beading. Her long brown curls hung down her back with just the sides pulled up off her face and a few wavy strands in the front. Alice helped her pin a ring of flowers in her hair that Sue made for her as a veil.
Bella and Alice were the only ones that stayed behind to help her get ready. Alice assigned the rest of the girls with other wedding details. When Alice finished Renesmee's hair, she styled Bella's hair and laid out a sleek blue dress for her that she slipped into.
Edward arrived to escort his wife to the ceremony. He wore a black suit with blue trim that matched Bella's dress. When he politely knocked on the door, Alice unlocked it and peeked out to confirm he was alone. She opened it to let him enter. Edward then smiled at his daughter.
"You look absolutely beautiful," he said.
"Thanks dad. You look pretty sharp yourself. Are you ready to give me away?"
"Never," he shook his head. "But I will today." Then he kissed her on the forehead trying not to mess up her makeup.
Alice eyed him making sure they didn't wrinkle anything. "Alrighty, lets head out. Don't wanna be late!" Alice chimed.
She had everyone on a tight schedule.
"I'll take Ness, and we'll meet you guys there. Okay?"
"Got it Alice," Edward said, wanting to get her out of the room so he could get a better look at his wife's low cut dress.
When they finally disappeared, leaving them alone, he shut the door and turned to Bella, scowling.
"What's wrong?" Bella worried when she saw his mood change.
"Hmm, I'm not so sure I like this dress on you."
"Y-you don't?" She frowned, looking in the mirror disappointed.
"No, I really think maybe you should take it off," he said as he reached a finger under one of the straps on her shoulder and pulled it down her arm.
Bella suddenly grinned picking up on the hint. "Edward! We have a wedding to go to!"
"We have approximately one point seven hours before we actually have to be there. And considering I can get us there in less than fifteen minutes that gives us nearly an hour and a half…"
Before he could even finish, Bella grabbed him by the suit jacket and pulled him against her and kissed him. He quickly lifted her to the counter knocking several bottles off onto the floor, and also breaking the mirror behind her. As Edward kissed Bella's neck he slid his hands up her thighs all the way to her dress and then just a little further. He searched for an undergarment to pull down but there wasn't one. He was surprised at her and yet pleased at the same time.
"Why Bella Cullen, you little minx! You have absolutely nothing on under this dress!"
"Hmm, I guess maybe we won't need to remove it then." She grinned trying to act coy.
Edward was amused. "Oh, I'm not so sure, I think Alice would be pretty upset if I accidentally tore it. Maybe we should remove it, just to be on the safe side." He began to unzip the back, smiling at her.
"Okay, just to be safe," she agreed and he slipped it off her, gently laying it on the chair behind them along with his jacket, then he quickly returned to his former position.
"Hmm, now where were we?" he asked as he gripped her and pulled her body into his.
She wrapped her legs around his waist. "I think we're kind of trashing Alice's beauty supplies. We better be more careful."
"Yes, I think you are so right." Edward wrapped his arms around her and picked her up. Her legs were still wrapped around him. He carried her over to the wall and pressed her back up against it. The vibration made a picture frame fall off the wall but they didn't even notice as they were so wrapped up in the passion of the moment. Edward counted down the time. He had approximately one point six hours left and he was about to make every second of it count.
It was June: the Summer Solstice.
Alice helped them pick the perfect date that would give them the driest day of the year. As predicted, it had been a clear day and they were going to start the ceremony once the sun began to set.
The décor was all very traditional. It consisted of decorative baskets filled with corn as a symbol of fertility and others filled with various plant foods for blessings. There were animals hides displayed near the altar, and a water bowl used for a symbol of purification and cleansing. Alice made sure to include flowers everywhere.
As the guests arrived, Seth, Quil and Embry seated them. All of the Cullens sat on the bride's side and the pack on the other. A few close friends and family, including Renee showed up.
Everyone in the wedding party arrived on time except Bella and Edward. Renesmee tried to calm Alice who started to panic, until they saw Edward's Audi finally.
"Where the heck have you guys been?" Alice demanded to know when they finally strolled in. "We left you over an hour ago."
"Sorry Alice, I had car trouble." Edward lied.
"You…" She paused, and her eyes narrowed into slits. "What kind of car trouble?" Alice asked suspiciously, putting her hands on her hips.
She had difficulty seeing most spontaneous events and Edward hoped his moment with Bella was one of those events. He made sure to pick her brain before fabricating his cover-up story, to see if she knew or not. Fortunately for him, Rosalie came over and distracted Alice's attention before she could question him further.
"Where do you want me to put these?" Rosalie asked, holding two large baskets in her hand.
Alice grabbed one from her and then told her to give the other one to Billy Black who was sitting next to the altar, wearing a black and gray tux. Jacob stood next to him.
While Rosalie kept Alice's attention occupied, Edward noticed Bella's zipper in the back of her dress needed to be zipped. He stealthy pulled it up with one hand before Alice even noticed. When Bella giggled, Alice looked back at the two of them, even more suspicious now. She stared at Bella as she handed the other basket to her and noticed something else.
"Bella! What happened to your makeup? I can't even tell you are wearing lipstick!"
"Ah…well.." Bella stuttered trying to think of an excuse.
Just then, Esme showed up with Renesmee. "She's all yours Edward…at least for the next half hour." Esme winked at him. Then she kissed Renesmee and took her seat.
Edward knew this was his out. "Another save," he thought
"I think you better take your place Bella," he quickly said as he rushed her out of Alice's sights, gladly escaping his sister's interrogation.
Once everyone took their place, the spiritual leader performing the ceremony, started by welcoming everyone and explaining the symbolism of each of the traditions they chose.
Jacob stood next to the ceremonial water bowl. Two white flowers floated in the water as a sign of purity for them. Bella and Billy were also at the altar holding baskets.
As someone began to play a melody on an Indian love flute, Edward walked Renesmee down the aisle. He kissed her cheek and then stood her next to the groom. Once Jacob laid his eyes on his beautiful bride, he didn't need to try very hard to get under Edward's skin. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
The spiritual leader spoke again. "What do you provide for this union of marriage?" he said, looking at Renesmee.
Bella handed her the basket she held and she then gave it to Jacob reciting her vows.
"I provide these things to you, they are a symbol that I will care and love you always."
The leader asked the same of Jacob, and Billy handed him his basket.
"I provide these things to you. They are a symbol that I will provide, love and protect our family always." Jacob said as he looked in her eyes.
They then were instructed to place the baskets aside and dip their hands into the ceremonial bowl of water. While everyone looked upon them as they washed their hands, Seth looked over at Tara and smiled taking her hand. She returned a smile to him.
The spiritual leader spoke to them again. "Now you will feel no rain, for you will be shelter to each other.
You will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. There is no more loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. You are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. May your days be good and long upon the Earth."
Jacob and Renesmee exchanged rings and personal vows that they wrote for one another. Then the Holy man took a large white blanket and wrapped it around them both, symbolizing their unity, and he spoke again.
"Oh, Creator and nurturer of all life, we give heartfelt thanks for the moment that brought Jacob Black, and Renesmee Cullen together in the Holy state of Marriage. Now as you both have consented and have pledged your faith to each other before your community, according to the powers vested in me by the state of Washington, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your union with a kiss."
As Jacob put his arms around his new wife and pulled her in for a kiss, all of the pack stood up to howl and cheer. Even Emmett stood up and cheered them on and then all the others joined in making noise. Edward was the only one groaning rubbing his head.
Bella leaned over to him. "I hear Alaska is beautiful this time of year."
After the ceremony, everyone followed the happy couple to the Cullen home for the reception.
All of the furniture had been moved out of the living room that over-looked the back yard, making a small dance floor. Several tables were placed around the room for the guests. Most of Jacob's closest friends and family came to the reception party. Alice decorated the house of course. She wasn't quite as restricted on this task since it was in her territory. Renesmee picked the colors of red and white and she filled the house with bouquets of red and white roses everywhere. Candles and flowers were on every table in the room and almost everywhere in the house. All of the table cloths matched the flowers and she trimmed everything with red and white ribbon.
They hired private caterers to prepare and serve the food. Once the guests that ate finished, Jacob and Renesmee cut their wedding cake (also trimmed in red and white) and fed it to each other. They both of course grabbed handfuls to smash in each other's faces like little kids. Alice nearly had a fit but everyone else laughed as they did and then kissed with their faces full of cake.
Afterwards, Jacob took Renesmee up stairs so they could wash off. Renesmee got too much cake on her tribal dress so she changed into an ivory one that Alice laid out for her to wear when they were to leave for their honeymoon. When she came out of her room, she had Jacob zip up the back. She held up her long hair as he slowly pulled the long zipper up her back. Then she turned to face him and smiled.
He already removed his tribal jacket, wearing only a white button up shirt with his dress pants.
Jacob wrapped his arms around his new bride, staring at her beauty. "I can't wait to take this off of you later." He whispered in her ear.
Renesmee blushed. "You're lucky my dad's not around to hear to say that Jacob Black." She teased.
"Oh no, I can think and say whatever I want about my new wife now. Edward will just have to tune me out from now on if he doesn't like it."
She laughed thinking about her poor dad. "He seemed pretty distressed during the ceremony. I've never seen him so fidgety before"
Jacob tried to hold back a laugh but was failing horribly.
"Jake…what did you do? What were you thinking about during the wedding?"
"Oh I dunno just….you and … the honeymoon."
She gasped and swatted him.
"Hey! Stop that, I'm allowed now!"
"Don't torment my dad like that, it's not nice. Besides I don't want him to be thinking about me that way."
"Ness, you're spoiling all my fun," Jacob complained. "At least let me mess with him just for tonight, and then I promise I'll keep everything private….deal?"
Ness rolled her eyes. I don't even want to know," she said.
He laughed and then gave her a kiss that lasted a very long time. When he parted he looked her in the eyes and took her hand.
"So would you care to dance with your husband Mrs. Black?"
"Yes, very much," she agreed, and then they headed back downstairs.
The guests all mingled and danced. Edward and Bella twirled gracefully out on the dance floor. Jacob and Renesmee took their first dance together and then when the song changed, Renesmee danced with her father.
Rosalie and Emmett, Alice and Jasper, and Esme and Carlisle all danced. Sue even managed to get Charlie out on the dance floor for spin. He was a clumsy as ever but they laughed every time he stumbled or stomped on her foot. Seth chuckled as he watched them having fun together. He and Tara sat at their table watching everyone. Seth had become very quiet as he'd been trying to think of a plan. He'd been unsuccessful so far.
"Are you okay tonight?" Tara asked him as she rested her hand in his leg.
"Fine. Why?"
"Because you seem really tense, plus you hardly touched you food. Are you sure you're alright?"
He put his hand over her. "I'm sure," As he stared into her eyes, he tried desperately to ask her but tensed up and the words wouldn't come. Finally he decided he would just excuse himself. "I'll, um…be right back okay?"
She nodded and watched him as he ran off. She expected him to head to the bathroom perhaps, but he ran into the kitchen instead. He leaned against the wall fearful he might pass out.
When the dance tunes changed to something more upbeat, several of the couples dispersed. Jacob and Renesmee stayed on the floor and did a funny little routine that looked like they rehearsed. The pack laughed and cheered them on. Tara moved over to sit with Bella and Esme and watched. She enjoyed herself though she couldn't quite figure out why Seth kept acting so odd.
After a few minutes, Seth peaked around the corner and saw that Tara moved from their table to sit with Bella and Esme. He watched her as he tried to calm himself.
Edward casually strolled over to Seth and leaned over to him. "Relax, your heart is racing too loudly, she'll pick up on that." He advised.
Seth realized Edward knew what he was planning to do and he grabbed Edward by the front of his jacket and pulled him around the corner. Edward gave him an objectionable stare and then looked down at his hand that was still gripping his lapel.
Seth noticed the unpleasant look he had on his face and let go. "Oh,...sorry," he said nervously trying to smooth out the wrinkle his hand made. "Tell me what do what do Edward please, I'm so nervous right now."
Edward chuckled at him with a sigh. "Well first of all you should probably try breathing. You need to calm yourself down."
"Yeah, I've been trying," he said as he took some deep breaths.
A caterer passed by them carrying a tray with several glasses of champagne on it. Seth quickly snatched one off the tray as the man kept walking, not even noticing. He began to chug it down quickly.
Edward grabbed the glass just before he got to finish it. "Hey slow down! You're not even twenty-one yet."
"Yeah well I have a good excuse right now."
Edward looked at him, debating the facts. "Okay, you're right... here." He handed him the glass back and he finished it.
Seth's hands trembled.
Edward put his hand on his shoulder. "Deep breaths, relax."
"Right." Seth inhaled deeply.
"Okay, now go ask her for a dance." Edward told him.
"A dance? Um…" Seth stared at Tara.
Edward could clearly see he didn't know how to dance. "Yes, a dance, she's been wanting you to ask her. Don't worry she knows how, she can just lead you. Just try not to step on her feet with those boats of yours."
Seth looked down at his size-thirteen shoes. "Well then what do I do?"
Edward sighed. "Seth, do I have to do all the work for you?"
"Ah yes actually, since you're experienced at this ...How about you go ask her to marry me," he joked, holding out the ring to him.
Just then another waiter passed by looking at Seth as he held the engagement ring out to Edward. He heard only the last two words Seth said to him and snickered. Edward rolled his eyes and grabbed Seth's hand covering the ring.
When Edward shook his head, Seth noticed something on his ear. "Uh, is that lipstick on your um..." without finishing, he just pointed at Edward's ear, giving him a funny look.
Edward's expression changed to surprise. Feeling a little embarrassed, he just decided to ignore the comment. "I'll take care of the music for you. You just go and dance," he said sternly before he walked off, rubbing his ear with a handkerchief.
Seth put the ring back in his pocket and then he headed in Tara's direction, still trying to get his heart rate down. "Relax Seth, relax," he reminded himself.
He smiled nervously as Tara turned her head to look at him. "Hey," he said to her.
Then he turned to Esme. "Hi Esme, beautiful job you did. The house looks great," he complimented.
"Well thank you Seth, but I have to give most of the credit to Alice of course. She's been working for days, non-stop to do all this."
"I'll bet. Well you'd think a pro came in here. Maybe she needs to start up her own business in party planning or something."
"You know, that's not a bad idea," Esme smiled.
Just then, Carlisle walked up to Esme when he heard the change in tune and swooped her away for a dance. Edward came over and did the same with Bella.
Tara turned to Seth. "So, are you feeling ok? You disappeared for awhile there."
"Oh yeah…I'm ah…I'm fine. Yup," he rambled nervously. His heart rate sped up again.
"You don't sound fine. What are you up? Are you and Jake plotting some joke I need to be in on or something?" She fished.
Seth chuckled nervously, glad she had no suspicions at least. "No, we're not plotting anything. Actually I was just kind wondering if you know how to ..um…how to dance."
She looked at him with a strange stare. "Yes, I can dance."
"Well good cuz I was kinda hoping you'd show me how."
Her eyebrow rose. "You want me to show you how to dance?"
"Yes, please? If you wouldn't mind?" He held out his hand.
"Of course not, why didn't you just tell me you didn't know how instead of acting weird all night?"
"Ah.." he paused. "Play it off, this is good. Just play it off," he thought. "Sorry, I was kind of embarrassed," he fibbed.
"It's okay, come on." She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the dance floor. She took his right hand in hers and then put his left one at the small of her back. Then she placed hers on his left shoulder. "Well, so it kinda goes like this…" she started, as she tried to remember the moves.
"Um, actually would you mind if we went outside instead?" he interrupted.
"Outside?" she stopped moving.
"Yeah it's a little less crowded out there." He started to pull her by the hand.
"Oh…sure." She followed.
They walked out to the courtyard. There was a giant fountain with an angel that poured water down into it from a vase. The pool in the back yard was lit up with a multi colored light and filled with fresh white lilies that all floated on the top. There were bouquets of flowers everywhere and dozens of more candles. The setting was perfect he thought.
"This is better," he said. He took her arms and placed them on his shoulders and then wrapped his arms comfortably around her waist and began to sway back and forth.
"Um…do you want me to show you some steps?" He just kept moving along with him as she spoke.
He shook his head. "Nope not yet, I kinda like this right here."
She smiled. "Okay." She didn't mind. She liked being alone for a while.
They could still hear the music playing, just not as blaringly loud.
He put his lips to her hair. "Have I told you how gorgeous that dress is on you?"
"Mmm, no actually you haven't said much of anything to me tonight, I was getting worried."
"I'm sorry. I guess I was just a little distracted. You do however, look very beautiful. Red really suits you."
"Thanks," she said, delighted.
They moved along with the music quietly for a few moments. Then Seth decided to ease into the subject.
"So… what did you think of the ceremony?"
"Oh, it was lovely. I've never seen a traditional wedding like that. I enjoyed the experience."
"Really?"
"Yes, the vows were beautiful. It's a very sweet human custom."
He didn't like that she put it in those terms. "Well, I told you, human customs are kinda nice."
"Yes, but I think they only did it to appeased Edward. He so very old-fashioned." She rolled her eyes.
He stopped moving and became more serious."Uh, no, Jacob wanted to marry her, he's been wanting this for a long time. It's a very important custom in our heritage."
"Oh." She replied, absorbing his comment. She thought for a moment and then got the hint. "Well it just seems so unnecessary. I just don't see the point. I know how I feel about you and that's all I need really."
Seth frowned. "You're not the only one in this relationship with needs you know."
Tara stopped moving. His words cut through her. Seth tried to keep dancing but it was like pushing against a solid wall.
She looked at his eyes and saw the hurt behind them."I didn't know it was that important to you."
Seth nodded. "Well, not so much the ceremony and stuff, just the union. It holds great meaning for our people. I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be mean about it…I just want you to understand how I feel."
"I do. Forgive me for being so selfish. I just didn't give it much thought before. It's just that… I don't see how a piece of paper will change anything between us. Marriage is a custom that humans need for legal status and such and well…I have no legal status. I don't even exist in this world." She lowered her eyes.
He took her face in his hands. "You exist in my world, and that's all that matters to me." Then he leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.
She smiled at him when they parted. "Thank you," she said.
"What for?"
"Everything - you give me everything Seth. You shined your light on my dark world and gave me a give me a reason to live. If this is something you really want, I'd be more than happy to give that to you."
"But…would it mean anything to you?" He worried.
"Of course it would. Anything I experience with you means everything to me." She stared into his eyes. "In a hundred years from now, I'll remember this dance with you like it was yesterday. I cherish every moment."
He hugged her. "Thank you. So will I...if I get to live that long."
She squeezed him tighter thinking about the 'if' part of his comment. She never wanted to let him go.
After a few minutes of a silent embrace he began dancing with her again. They continued their gentle sway back and forth.
Seth expressed another thought. "Besides...I think Tara Clearwater has a really nice ring to it, and there's always ways of getting around the legality of things."
Her face changed. She liked the sound of her name joined with his.
"Hmm, I rather like the sound of that." She agreed. "I've never thought of it that way before."
"Told you." He smiled pressing his lips to her hair.
"So… I guess that just means one of these days you'll just have to…ask…..…me…"
Tara's words slowed down as she eyed Seth dropping down on one knee before she had even finished her sentence. She froze like a statue as he pulled the box from his pocket and opened it exposing the ring. Her eyes widened as they fixated on it.
"Tara Spaulding… will you be my wife?" he asked her. He looked straight in her eyes waiting for a response.
They became so wrapped up in conversation, they didn't even notice that the music stopped and that the entire wedding party stared out the window looking and listening with eager smiles on their faces. Edward tipped everyone off and they all began to gather around the bay windows to witness the event.
"Tara?" Seth said to her waiting.
"How…how did you even know my last name? I never told you."
He grinned. "I have an informant."
Tara then turned her head to look for Edward and noticed the whole entire wedding party was starring right at them. She gasped. Then she turned back to Seth and felt her knees giving out.
"Whoa, hey, you okay?" he said as he caught her just as she dropped to her knees right in front of him.
Everyone inside tried to listen in. The vampires tuned in their keen senses as the listened but they hadn't heard Tara say 'yes' yet.
"What's she saying Edward?" Esme asked knowing Edward could hear her thoughts.
They all looked at him curiously, wanting to know.
"She's actually speechless! Even in her mind. I think he stunned her." He laughed.
Tara put her arms around Seth's neck and held onto him. "You actually made me weak in the knees."
"Did I?" he smiled pleased with himself.
She nodded.
His eyebrows went up as he patiently waited. "Um, you haven't answered my question yet."
The corners of her mouth turned up and she nodded. "Yes, I'll be your wife." She answered.
Seth smiled and then slipped the ring on her finger. She stared at it in awe. Then he reached for her face and pulled her in for a kiss.
The entire party started cheering. The pack howled.
Seth wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up. He embraced her and whispered in her hair.
"I love you Tara. I'll cherish you every day of my life."
Then they kissed again even more passionately. He was on top of the world.
