CHAPTER 50

Leah POV:

I got out of the Jeep and walked into the grocery store. I asked the manager if they were hiring, and he handed me an application. I filled it out and handed it back to him and he told me they didn't have anything right now, but he would call me if something opened up. Yea, great. I thanked him and headed across the street to the little restaurant there.

I remembered Mom telling me how she used to work here when she was young. I walked in and asked one of the waitresses who I should talk to about a job. She pointed out the manager so I moved over to talk to him. He told me they were looking for a part-time waitress, so he sat down with me at a table and asked me some questions. We talked for about 10 minutes then he smiled and offered me a job! He brought me some papers to fill out then he told me he would get me put on the schedule and give me a call. I filled out the papers, handed them to him and thanked him. I had a job!

I walked out of the restaurant and headed for the Jeep. "Leah!" I heard someone call from behind me. I turned to see Josiah walking toward me. I stood and waited for him to reach me. He looked good! He had a healthy color back in his cheeks and he had gotten a haircut. He was wearing a nice pair of jeans and a white shirt with a leather jacket.

"Hey, Josiah," I said. "How are you? You look good!"

He gave me a big smile. "Thanks. I'm doing OK. Jason and I are meeting Josh here in town today. I spotted you coming out of the restaurant and I wanted to come and say hello."

"Good. I'm glad you did. I just got a job here at this restaurant! I'm going to work here part-time and go to school."

"That's great! What are you studying in school?" he asked.

"I'm studying to be a teacher. I hope I can teach here at the rez school someday," I told him.

He nodded. "That's cool. Good for you." He looked at me and smiled. "You look really pretty today, Leah."

The look in his eyes as he said that scared me a little. "Um, thanks. Uh, I better go."

"No, don't go yet," Josiah begged. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Can we talk for awhile? Please?" He pleaded with his eyes. I couldn't take it, and gave in.

I was being silly. It couldn't hurt just to talk to him. "OK. I have a little time. You want to walk?" I asked.

"Yea, that would be great," he said with a big smile. We headed down the little street and turned the corner and headed toward the park.

"Where's your brother?" I asked.

"He's at the hardware store. He wanted to pick up some things for the farm where we live."

"You live on a farm? Tell me about it," I asked. He smiled and told me all about the little farm they inherited from their father, who had died a year ago. They had a few pigs, some chickens, a couple of cows and two horses. They also planted corn and had just got done harvesting for the year.

I nodded and said, "I've never been on a farm."

His face lit up. "You should come and visit sometime. I'd love to show you around!"

I looked away from him and didn't answer. "I'm sorry," he said. "I did it again. Why do I make you so uncomfortable? I thought you said you wanted to be my friend?"

He had a point. I did say that. I looked over at him and smiled. "You're right, I did say that. I'm sorry. I guess I just don't want to, um, lead you on, you know? I want us to be JUST friends. I can't help how I feel about that. You understand that, right?"

He nodded then looked into my eyes. "Yes I do. But, I also can't help how I feel about you." I looked away and walked ahead to a little bench and sat down. It was breezy today which made it cold, so the park was empty. The cool temperature didn't bother either one of us.

Josiah sat down beside me and said, "I know you love Embry. You've made that clear. I'm not expecting you to leave him and run away with me or anything." I glanced over at him and he smiled at me. "But I can't help this connection I feel with you. I wish things could be different between us, but I know they can't. So, I'll behave myself, I promise, OK? I really need a friend right now."

I nodded and couldn't help but smile. He was so damn charming! It must run in the family genes or something. He really reminded me a lot of Embry. If things were different, and I wasn't in love with Embry, well, maybe things would be different. But I did love Embry, heart and soul. And that was never going to change.

We sat there quietly for a few minutes then Josiah said, "Leah, Josh is going to talk to us today about me going away to some reservation up north. I'm scared. I don't want to go." He looked so sad.

He had his hand resting on his leg, so I reached over and put my hand on top of his and said, "I'm sorry, Josiah. I wish you didn't have to go. I've heard Josh talk about it. But, he only wants what's best for you. He's not sending you there to punish you."

He nodded. "I know. He's worried about my safety, and . . . anyone else I might hurt. This is hell, Leah. I hate it." He looked off toward town. "I thought it was hard last year when Dad was sick. And then he died, and it was just me and Jason. I thought life couldn't get more tough. Guess I was wrong, huh?"

This guy was breaking my heart. I hated how he had no choice in this! I remembered how I felt that way when I phased, but at least I could live with it. I could stay with my family and not have to be sent off to some God-forsaken place up north with no other people around. "You know, my dad died, too. And then I phased for the first time." His head turned to me and he said, "Really?"

I nodded. "It was horrible. I had no idea what was happening to me and I was still grieving for my dad. I really understand a little what you're going through. Although, I'm really lucky to be able to control it. I wish you could find that, too."

He looked at our hands on his leg. He turned his hand over so he was holding mine. He squeezed my hand then looked up at me. "You don't know how badly I wish that, too. Were you close with your dad?"

"Yes, I was. He was a good dad." I felt myself tearing up and I tried hard to hold them in. "He was a tribal elder. I was really proud of him."

Josiah nodded. "I'm sorry, Leah."

I smiled at him. "Thanks. Things are better now."

"Leah, thanks for talking to me today. I feel better just knowing that there is someone out there who cares. Maybe while I'm gone, you could think about me once and awhile?" He was still holding my hand and he turned his gaze down to stare at them.

"Sure, I will. You're a good guy, Josiah. And, like I told you before, it will get better for you. Someday, you'll be able to live around people like Josh does. He'll help you." I squeezed his hand.

He nodded and looked back up at me. "I hope so." We sat there for a few more minutes then he said, "I guess I better get back. Jason will worry about me." We stood up and Josiah turned to me and asked shyly, "Would it be OK if I gave you a hug?"

I smiled. "Yes." He put his arms around me and pulled me close and held me.

"I will miss this, Leah. Human interaction. Feeling that someone cares about me. How will I live without it?"

How do you answer that? What could I say? I just stood there and let him hold me. He finally loosened his hold enough to look at me. He looked into my eyes and I could tell he wanted to kiss me. I couldn't let that happen again. I backed away and he let me go.

"I hope to see you again before I go, Leah. You make me feel . . . better about things. Thank you."

I nodded and he walked me back to my Jeep. "Josiah?" I wasn't sure why, but I couldn't just let him walk away.

"Yes?"

"Hang on. I want to give you my phone number." I reached into my purse and pulled out an old receipt. I wrote my phone number on it and gave it to him. "Call me before you leave, OK?"

He smiled. "I will. Thanks, Leah. This means a lot. See ya."

"Bye." He turned and jogged back up the street to the hardware store. I watched him until he disappeared inside. I opened the car door and got inside. I sat there for a few minutes thinking about Josiah. I really hoped that he could find a way to live through the next few years of his life. It wasn't going to be easy.

Embry POV:

I was standing in my room trying to decide what to wear. What the hell is wrong with me? I laughed and thought about when Seth was all upset about what to wear for the dance. You're a guy! Just put some clothes on and get going! I picked up a pair of black jeans and put them on and grabbed a t-shirt out of the drawer and slipped it over my head. I grabbed my Pumas and sat down on the bed to put them on.

I was taking Leah to the movie tonight with Seth and Abby. This should be fun! Watching Seth make his move in the dark theater. Oh, those were the days. I finished tying my shoes and headed for the bathroom. I shaved, brushed my teeth, brushed my hair and put on a little cologne. I checked myself in the mirror and gave myself a smile and a wink. Oh yea. Looking good.

I jumped into the truck and headed over to Leah's. I couldn't get over how much I missed her when I was away from her. I had been thinking more and more about marrying her. But I was still in high school! I couldn't get married right now. But I knew I wanted to, more than anything. How weird is that? A year ago, I would never have thought about settling down with just one girl. There were too many others out there to have fun with! Now I didn't even LOOK at other girls. Man, what a turn around.

I pulled up to the house and parked. I ran up to the door and opened it and went inside. "Hey, Seth," I said as I walked into the living room. He jumped up and said, "I'm glad you're here. How do I look? Is this OK? Too dressy? Not dressy enough?"

I cracked up. "Dude, didn't we go over this before? They're just clothes!" Yea, listen to you. You just went through this at home!

"Come on, Embry, I need help! I'm freaking out here."

I smiled and said, "OK, let me take a look." He was wearing khaki cargo pants and a black t-shirt with black skate shoes. He had on the chain that his dad had given him with the little wolf charm on it. I liked that chain. It was cool. "You look good to me, dude."

"I have a jacket I was going to wear, too. I'll go get it." He took off upstairs. I heard him holler at Leah, "Hey, sis! Embry's here."

I sat down on the couch and picked up one of Seth's car magazines and started flipping through it. I heard footsteps on the stairs so I threw the magazine back on the table and stood up to go meet Leah. I looked over and smiled. She was wearing a pair of jeans that fit her just right, and a long sleeve, dark purple t-shirt that showed off her curves. God, this girl is gorgeous! And she is all mine.

I walked over and took her in my arms and kissed her long and slow. She melted into my arms. I forced myself to pull away to look down at her. "You look hot, Leah. I like those jeans."

She grinned and said, "Oh yea?" She pulled back and turned slowly around to give me the whole look. I shook my head slowly and said, "Girl, do you know what you do to me?" She nodded and said, "Yes, I do." I pulled her to me again and really kissed her.

"Hello? Abby is waiting for us to pick her up. Get a room later, will ya?" Seth complained.

We broke apart and I gave him a look. "What? I can't get any of that action until we pick up my girl, so let's go!" he said as he ran out the door.

Leah looked at me and I laughed. "Don't you dare blame me for that!"

She just rolled her eyes and took my hand to drag me behind her out the door. We got to the Jeep and she handed me the keys. I smiled and opened the door for her. Seth was already in the back seat so she climbed in and I shut the door. I hurried around and jumped in and we took off for Abby's house.

Seth gave me directions and I found it easy enough. I felt bad for Abby as we pulled up. I remember being embarrassed about my house in front of Leah, but this was really something. She lived in a rundown trailer that sat on the edge of town. There was an older Pontiac Trans-Am sitting there beside a little rusted out Ford Escort. As soon as I pulled up, the door opened and Abby came running out to the Jeep. I got out and held the seat up for her to climb into the back with Seth. "Hi Embry," she said with a smile. "Hey Abby," I returned.

I climbed back in and we headed for the movie theater in Forks. She and Seth settled into their own conversation and I glanced over at Leah. She smiled at me and she put her hand on top of mine that was resting on the gear shift. Abby leaned forward and said, "Thanks a lot for taking us to the movie tonight you guys."

Leah turned and said, "You're welcome! I'm glad you could come with us."

I glanced in the rear view mirror to see Abby all smiles. I felt bad for the girl. I hoped Seth would treat her right. I would have to keep an eye on him tonight.

I parked the Jeep just down the street from the theater. They were playing some romantic comedy tonight. I never minded seeing these movies. Most guys complained when their girl wanted to see one, but I found they always seemed to put girls more in the mood to make out! We walked up to the box office and I bought two tickets and stepped aside for Seth to buy his tickets then we joined the girls and went inside. We bought some popcorn and pop and walked into the theater to find our seats. We sat down, boy, girl, boy, girl, with me on the outside.

"The last time we were here was your birthday," Leah said. She smiled at me and I had to lean over and kiss her.

"Hey," Seth said. "The movie hasn't even started yet. Can't you at least wait until it's dark?"

Leah laughed and told him, "Fine. We'll eat our popcorn, OK?"

Seth said to Abby, "Sorry. They make out a lot. You have to get used to it if you hang out with them."

Abby laughed and said, "I don't care. I think it's sweet how much they love each other."

I looked at Seth over the girls' heads and grinned at him. He smiled. "Yea, whatever," he replied.

The previews started and we all got quiet and ate our popcorn. Once the movie started I put my arm around Leah and she settled close to me. I glanced over at Seth and saw him watching. I nodded at him and he reached out his arm and put it around Abby. She smiled and settled into him. He looked over at me and beamed. I gave him a "thumbs up" then turned back to the movie.

I noticed Seth kept looking away from the screen and glancing at Abby. I knew he was thinking about how he was going to make a move to kiss her. I glanced over at him and caught his eye. I nodded at him to give him a sign to watch me. I leaned slowly toward Leah and smelled her hair then as she turned to look at me, I kissed her. I smiled at her then looked over at Seth.

He nodded but still looked a little hesitant. Finally he leaned toward Abby and as he went to smell her hair, she leaned in and kissed him! I laughed and Leah looked at me. I nodded toward Seth and Abby who were really kissing now. She looked back and me and raised her eyebrows. "What?" I whispered. "Isn't that what the movies are for?" She smacked me on the leg and turned back to the movie. Great. He's getting action, and I get smacked! They finally broke apart and turned back to the screen.

The movie ended and we walked out to the street. "So, did you two enjoy the movie?" I asked Seth and Abby.

Seth grinned and said, "I enjoyed it."

"Yea, I noticed," Leah said to him.

"So, how about stopping at the diner for some pie?" I asked them. They all thought that was a good idea so we walked over to the diner and walked inside to find an empty booth. We sat down and the waitress came over to take our order. Leah and I both order the cherry pie and a coke, and Seth ordered apple pie and milk. Abby looked over the menu and said, "Um, could I have some fries please? And a coke, thanks."

We all looked at her. "Um, I don't like pie, sorry."

"Seriously? You don't like pie?" She shook her head shyly. "Wow. I've never met anyone who doesn't like pie. Abby, you're the first!"

"Sorry," she said.

"It's OK, kid. You're pretty cute, so I can look past it," I teased.

She smiled prettily at me.

"Quit messing with her, Embry. Be nice," Leah scolded me.

"OK, OK."

"Hey! I forgot to tell you! I got a job today!" Leah announced.

I turned to look at her. "How could you forgot to tell me you got a job? Leah!"

"I know, right? I'm going to be a waitress at Shorty's in LaPush. Mom told me she used to work there when she was 18."

"She did?" Seth asked.

"Yea, she did. I went in and talked with the manager and he hired me. I'm going to work part-time so I can still go to school. He said he would put me on the schedule then give me a call."

"Awesome, baby! I'm proud of you," I told her. I put my arm around her and pulled her over for a kiss.

"So, do relatives eat free?" Seth asked.

She rolled her eyes and said, "You would ask that! No, I don't think so."

Just then the waitress brought our food. We all started eating then Leah said, "I ran into Josiah today while I was in town. He was with his brother and they were waiting to meet your dad."

She saw Josiah. And she's just now telling me? "Yea? How is he?" I asked hesitantly.

"Um, he looked good. He looked healthier and he got his haircut," she said as she took a bite of pie.

I nodded and drank some of my Coke. Seth glanced up at me to see how I was taking the news that she had talked to Josiah. I needed to stay cool. "Yea, that's good."

Abby looked at me and asked, "Who is Josiah?" She dipped a fry in ketchup and popped it in her mouth.

I looked at Leah. I could see then she forgot that Abby didn't know about . . . us and Josiah. We had tried very hard to keep all that hidden. I couldn't very well say, "You remember, the monster that kidnapped you? Yea, that's him in human form." So, I said, "Um, my cousin." She just nodded and ate another french fry.

Seth turned to her and asked her a question about someone I guessed they knew at school. I looked over at Leah. She put the last bite of her pie into her mouth and wiped her mouth with her napkin. I suppose we could talk about this later.

We finished eating and I picked up the check and went and paid it while they all walked outside. "Ready to go home?" I asked.

Everyone nodded and we headed for the Jeep. We climbed inside and I drove toward home. Seth put his arm around Abby and they chatted. But Leah was quietly looking out the window. I wondered what was on her mind. Seth leaned up to me and said, "Hey, Embry. Can we go somewhere else for a little bit? Abby really isn't in a hurry to go home."

I smiled. Yea, and you want to make out a little, I get it. I nodded and said, "Yea, sure. My mom went out with my dad tonight. We can go to my house for a little bit, OK?" He smiled and nodded.

I glanced over to Leah and asked, "That OK with you?" She smiled and said, "Of course."

I pulled up to my house and we all got out and made our way inside. I flipped on the lights and said, "It's not big, but it's home."

"This is the first time I've ever been here, bro," Seth said.

"Really? Hmmm, I guess it is," I replied.

Abby smiled and said, "I like it. It's cute."

"It's just my mom and me, so it's all we need I guess."

Seth took Abby's hand and led her to the couch. He sat down and she sat down beside him. "Um, Leah? Can I talk to you in the other room?"

She was standing behind the couch and she gave me a look and pointed at Seth and Abby. I looked down at them and said, "We'll be back in a little bit." Seth grinned and I laughed as I walked toward Leah. I took her arm and dragged her down the hall to my bedroom. I closed the door and said, "Give the kid a break, Leah. He just wants to kiss a little, OK?"

"Embry, they are only 15! You need to quit encouraging him. I see the little wink, wink, nod, nod stuff between you. I want my sweet little brother back!"

I laughed at her. "I'm sorry, baby. That ship has sailed. He's growing up and there is nothing you can do about that." She plopped down on my bed and I sat down beside her. I started nuzzling her neck and planting kisses on her. "Come on, baby. Don't be mad at me. We have a little time here alone. Let's make the best of it."

She turned toward me and I put my lips on hers. She finally gave in and kissed me back. I laid her back on my bed and she wrapped her arms around my neck and let me run my hands down her body. "Mmmm, baby, the way you look in these jeans has been driving me crazy all night," I whispered to her.

She smiled as I ran my hand over her ass. "I have to say you look pretty hot in your jeans, too, you know. And your t-shirt really shows off your muscles."

"Yea? You think?" I flexed my arm and she ran her hand over my muscle then she laughed. "What about these?" I pulled my shirt off and showed her my abs. "I know, not as hot as Jake, huh?" She sat up and put a kiss on my chest.

"Jake, who?" she asked. I grinned and she kissed me. I laid her back down and was reaching for the zipper on her jeans. She stopped me and pushed me back.

"What?" I asked. "You have no idea how many times I have laid here in this bed and fantasized about having you here with me."

She smiled and said, "I just can't do that with my brother out there in the next room. It just doesn't seem right. Kissing, OK, but that . . . I can't. I'm sorry."

I smiled and said, "OK. But promise me someday I can have you right here on my bed?"

"Mmmm, I promise," she said in her best sexy voice. Then she kissed me and ran her tongue along my bottom lip. We made out for awhile until I couldn't take it anymore. I moved off of the bed and said, "Um, I need to stop, OK?"

She smiled and said, "Yea, me, too." I paced around my room, which meant about 2 steps in one direction, then 2 in the other. She laughed at me as she lounged on my bed. That didn't help any. "I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be back." She nodded and I opened the door.

It's pretty quiet out here, I thought as I took the few steps to the bathroom. I closed the door as quietly as I could and turned on the cold water. I splashed some onto my face and wiped it dry. I needed to calm down. I stood there for a few minutes trying to think of something else – anything else! I finally felt like I could face her again, so I opened the door quietly and walked back to my room. I closed the door and Leah said, "It's awful quiet out there. Maybe we should go check on them."

"Leah, it's only been like 15 minutes. Let's give them at least 10 more, OK?"

She nodded. She was sitting across my little bed, leaning up against the wall. I sat down next to her and said, "Why don't you tell me about your talk with Josiah today." I knew that would definitely get me away from wanting to have sex with her.

She glanced over at me and said, "Well, we walked over to the park and he told me that he lived on a little farm. Did you know that?"

I shook my head. "I don't anything about him, really."

"He lives there with his older brother, Jason. They got it from their dad who died about a year ago. They have a few animals and they grow corn," she told me. I noticed she was playing with the silver bracelet that she was wearing on her wrist and looking at it while she talked. What was it she didn't want to tell me?

"Is that all you talked about?"

She was quiet for a moment then she looked at me. "No. He was pretty scared about the talk he was going to have with your dad. He told me that your dad was going to send him up to that reservation up north for awhile. He doesn't want to go."

I nodded. "Yea, I get that. I wouldn't want to go either." I thought about how Dad told us he was there for nine years! How he spent most of that time in that wolf monster body with no human contact. I guess I had to feel a little sorry for Josiah, too.

"He's a good guy, Embry. I wish you would spend some time with him. He's lonely and he's having a hard time adjusting to his new life."

"Well, who wouldn't? At least he has Dad to help him."

"Yea, I told him that, too. I told him that it will get better someday. And, I hugged him and he held onto me and told me he was really going to miss human contact."

I shot her a look and she said quickly, "We just hugged, Embry. He didn't try to kiss me again."

"I'm sorry, baby. I know. I trust you. It's just him I don't trust. Did he talk again about this connection he feels with you?"

"Only to say that he knows that I love you and that is not going to change, so he promised to be good. He only wants to be friends," she answered.

Yea, I bet. I wasn't stupid. He wanted more than that. "Just be careful, OK? I know you've been honest with him, but I can't help it, Leah. There's something about him I just can't shake. Something that's just not right."

"Embry! He's your cousin. Just spend some time with him, get to know him. I told him I wanted to see him again before he goes away. You should, too."

I had enough of this conversation. "We better go check on Seth and Abby. They've had plenty of make out time." I stood up and Leah scooted off of the bed and took my arm.

"Embry? Hey! Don't be mad at me, OK?"

I looked down into her eyes. "I'm not mad at you. You have such a good heart. I know you feel sorry for him and you want to make him feel better. I can't help it if I'm a little jealous. And worried. It's just who I am, baby."

She wrapped her arms around my waist and laid her head on my shoulder. "But you are the man I love. The man I want to marry. Don't forget that."

I put my arms around her and held her close. "Never. I will never forget that."

She pulled away and said, "Good. Now kiss me again and we'll go piss my brother off by cutting off his kissy time."

I laughed and kissed her and opened the bedroom door as loud as I could. "Come on, Leah. Let's get something to drink," I said loudly.

"It's OK. You don't have to announce your arrival. We're just talking," Seth said as we walked back into the room.

I laughed and said, "Well, then what's wrong with you guys? I gave you over 20 minutes!" I walked to the fridge and took out a Mt. Dew. "Anyone else?" I asked as I held up the can.

"Sure, I'll take one," Seth said. I tossed him the can and he caught it perfectly.

"Abby? I also have Diet Pepsi and orange juice or apple juice?"

"Diet Pepsi is fine. But don't throw it at me! I can't catch like Seth," she said quickly.

I laughed and said, "Hey Seth!" I tossed it to him and he caught it and opened it for her which made her giggle.

I turned to Leah and handed her a Diet Pepsi. "Thanks, baby," she said.

Leah and I walked into the living room and I sat down in the chair and Leah sat on the arm. I put my arm around her and asked, "So, you guys OK?"

Abby looked at Seth and said, "Yea, really OK," which made him smile shyly. "I found out that Seth is a really good listener," she said to Seth. Then she looked at me and said, "And a good kisser."

I laughed and said, "Alright! I'm glad to know you used your minutes wisely." Leah rolled her eyes at me.

"I just really needed to talk and Seth was very kind to listen to me," she said as she looked at Seth. Then she turned to me and Leah and said, "I really hate where I live. And I hate that my mom has so many boyfriends and . . . well, it's just hard. The last boy I was with, um, the one I just broke up with, he never wanted to listen to me. He just wanted to make out and stuff and, well, I had a hard time holding him off, you know? In fact, I know this may sound weird, but, I'm really glad that thing took me the other day. Todd, that's the boy I was with, was really pushing me to . . . do something I wasn't willing to do, and then I woke up in a cave! Bizarre, huh?" She laughed, but it was a nervous sounding laugh.

Leah got up and went to sit beside her on the couch. "I hate that a boy made you feel that way. Listen to me, Abby. You ALWAYS have the right to say no, got it? And if they don't listen, I can show you how to kick them where they will get the message."

"Oh, baby, that's cold," I said moving my hand over my crotch. She laughed and said, "I don't care. For some guys, that's the only way to get your message across." She turned back to Abby and added, "But, I can also show you how to throw a mean right hook to the jaw. So can Seth," she looked at me and said, "can't he, baby?"

All three of us laughed at that and Seth told Abby how he hit me the first time he caught us kissing. She enjoyed that story! "Yea, I wish I had my big brother here. He doesn't live around here anymore. He joined the Navy just to get away from here." She hung her head and Seth put his arm around her shoulder.

"Really?" Leah asked. "Where is he now? Do you hear from him?" Abby's head popped up and she told Leah all about how she gets letters and post cards from him from all over the world. I smiled. Leave it to Leah to know how to make her feel better.

"He's in Japan right now. He sent me some candy from there a couple of weeks ago. I really miss him," Abby told us.

"It's getting kind of late. I hate to do this, but I better take you all home," I said. It was almost midnight, and I wasn't sure how late Seth was supposed to be out at 15. Seth and Abby nodded.

"Can I use your bathroom before we go?" Abby asked.

"Yea, sure," I answered. Leah got up and showed her where it was. Just then I heard car doors. Mom and Dad must be home.

The door opened and Mom and Dad came in. Mom was all dressed up in the dress she wore to Emily's wedding. Dad had told her he was taking her somewhere special tonight. She looked really pretty. "Hey guys!" I said as they walked in. I noticed Dad was even wearing a shirt and tie and a jacket. He looked good!

"Hi Embry," Mom said. Then she noticed Seth and Leah and greeted them, too. The bathroom door opened and Abby came out. She walked over and stood by Seth.

"Um, Mom, Dad, this is Abby. She is Seth's date. Abby, these are my parents."

"Hi! It's very nice to meet you," Abby said very politely.

"It's nice to meet you, too, Abby," Mom said. Dad kind of waved at her and said, "Hi." I looked at him and he winked at me. What was that for?

Mom came over to stand in front of me and smiled. "Embry? I have some good news." She held out her hand to show me this rock on her finger. "Your dad asked me to marry him, and I said yes!" I looked into her face and saw she was practically glowing. I put my arms around her and hugged her tight.

I let her go and she said, "You're OK with this, aren't you?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? Oh sorry," I added. "Of course I'm happy! My parents are finally getting around to marrying each other after 18 years? It's about time!"

Leah squealed and said to Mom, "Let me see the ring!" Mom held her hand out and gushed all about it.

I turned to Dad and hugged him. "You did good, old man," I told him. "Look at her going on and on about that ring."

He laughed. "I was worried, too. I kept thinking that maybe I should have let her pick it out. But the look on her face was worth it."

"Did you get down on one knee?"

"Yes, I did. Right there in the restaurant. Made her cry. I think I shed a few tears, though, too."

Abby had joined the little cluster around Mom and her ring so Seth walked over to us. "Congratulations," he said to Dad.

"Thanks, Seth."

"So, Dad, how soon is this wedding going to take place?" I asked.

"As soon as possible!" he said with a grin.

Mom heard me ask and she laughed and said, "Amen to that!" Dad put his arm around her and kissed her on the forehead. She looked at me and said, "We don't want any big fancy ceremony. Something small with just family and close friends."

"I would like to have time to take your mom on a honeymoon, so looking to my calendar, we hope to get married around the end of the month."

"I am so happy for you two!" Leah said.

Everyone offered good wishes then I told them, "I think I need to get these guys home. We were just getting ready to leave when you came in."

I ushered Seth, Abby and Leah out of the house and into the Jeep. We headed for Abby's house. "It's great about your parents, Embry. They really looked happy."

I smiled at Abby in the mirror and said, "Yea, thanks. I'm pretty happy. I just met my dad a couple months ago. He never knew I existed. It's a long story. But, anyway, I've gotten to know him, and . . . he's a pretty great guy."

Leah reached out and put her hand on my arm and smiled at me. I glanced at her and smiled back.

Seth asked, "Do you think Sam will be OK with it?" He turned to Abby and said quickly, "Sam is Embry's brother. They had different moms, same dads." She nodded.

"Yea. Dad actually told us the other night that he was going to ask Mom to marry him. He asked Sam what he thought, and Sam told him that they can't change the past and he should make an honest woman of her."

"Whoa. That's great," Seth said.

I pulled up to Abby's and Leah got out to let them both out of the back so Seth could walk her to the door. Abby walked very slowly toward the trailer. I felt so bad watching her walk up to the door. Seth pulled her into his arms and just held her for a minute. Good man. I saw him whisper something in her ear and she smiled. Then he kissed her. They talked a minute more then he kissed her on the forehead and she turned and walked up the steps and went inside. Seth just stood there for a minute looking at the door then he turned and came back and climbed inside the Jeep. Leah got in and closed the door.

She turned to the back and looked at Seth. "You OK?"

"Yea. I just feel bad leaving her here."

"You were really nice to her just now. I'm proud of you, little brother." Leah smiled at him.

"Me, too," I said as I pulled away from Abby's.

He looked at us and smiled. "Thanks. I just . . . really kind of . . . care about her."

I laughed at that. "Oh no, dude. That's a whole other talk we gotta have."

Seth shook his head and said, "I hope it's better than the sex talk! That wasn't awkward at all."

Even Leah laughed at that.