Anna paced at First Beach as she waited for the Wilson family to arrive. Paul tried to calm her nerves. She looked beautiful in a country blue summer dress with a white cardigan and her hair in two braids. It wasn't her normal style, but it was a special day.
Since it was possibly the last warm, sunny day before fall hit, the pack decided to organize a big beach party and bonfire. It would give everyone a chance to meet Abbie and the rest of the Wilson family as well as welcome them all as extended family to the tribe.
Knowing that they were taking really good care of Anna's daughter, and made extra steps to keep her safe from Anna's past, that held a significant place in the hearts of the pack and the Tribal elders. They would not share tribe secrets, but, welcome them as family, they certainly would do.
As Native American children fall under specialized laws for adoption and foster care, Anna had to take extra steps to work with the Tribal Counsel of both the Quileute Tribe and Abbie's fathers tribe. She didn't want anyone in the Price family being able to track her down through tribal records. So, they all agreed to remove themselves from jurisdiction during the legal battle to sever her father's parental rights. The agreement was on the basis that the adoptive parents be given documentation from each tribe, so that Abbie could return and claim her heritage when she was old enough to choose without fear of her father finding her as a child. The fact that Brandon and Becca made the efforts to connect Abbie to the tribe even as a child, that helped to show the La Push elders, that they had made the right decision in the case. And, they were looking forward to meeting the little girl and the family that did so much for her.
The little orange car pulled up and Brandon Wilson climbed out to wave at Anna. Her eyes started to water. Paul tightened his arm around her waist. "Give them a second to stretch their legs."
Before long, two squealing little kids ran to the beach to hug Anna and Paul. Anna scooped up Abbie into her arms as everyone started to gather around.
"Look at your curly hair!" Anna exclaimed.
Abbie smiled very wide. "Now I look like brother!" Anna laughed.
"What's wrong little man?" Paul asked a gaping Jayden. He looked around with wide eyes.
"Sissy! It's a whole army of wolf warriors!" Abbie giggled in delight. Paul let out a good loud laugh. "Why didn't you tell me Uncle Paul?"
Sam arched a brow. "Wolf warriors? Where did you hear about the wolf warriors?"
Brandon carried some beach supplies from the car as he answered Sam. "Oh yeah. Jayden has been obsessed with wolves ever since Paul told him the legends of the wolf warriors."
Anna jumped in. "I tried to convince Captain America here..." She ruffled his curly blonde hair with one hand. "That Paul was the Hulk."
"He is not green!" The six year old whined. Everyone chuckled.
"So, Captain America and Princess Sophia thought that maybe he was the Wolverine. Until he heard the stories. That was it. Paul has been dubbed his superhero persona in service to the royal family." Anna continued with a grin. Helping to explain that Paul had not revealed the packs secrets, just the tribes stories. The kids took it from there.
Abbie pulled at Anna's braids. "And, Auntie Anna is Princess Pocahontas. She is really pretty and sings pretty too." Anna rubbed her nose against the girls.
"Well, who are we to argue with that logic?" Sam grinned. "I guess we will have to tell those stories again tonight by the fire. I think that Old Quil does a better job of telling those stories than Uncle Paul." The boy jumped in excitement.
Seth knelt down by Jayden. "We like wolves too."
"Really?" Jayden smiled.
Quil walked up with Claire in his arms. "Hey guys!"
"Oh, Abbie and Jayden, I want to introduce you both to our friend Claire." Paul said. "We thought that maybe she could play with us today. What do you think?"
The kids quickly spoke over one another in introductions and laughter. Claire was a perfect fit with the two. Though, Quil nearly ripped Jake a new one when he whispered something about Quil having competition from a six year old for Claire's affection.
The afternoon rolled on in bliss. The kids had wrapped the whole pack around their little fingers. Anna took lots of pictures with everyone and played songs on her guitar as they ate lunch. Even Leah was smiling as she helped them build sand castles.
Paul was happy to see Leah open up more. She and Anna had really become close. The pack even chipped in to turn the house garage into a kickboxing gym for Anna's birthday. Leah was over, training with Anna several times a week. The two women chatted while beating on punching bags. It helped take the edge off of Leah's anger. Something that Paul understood all too well.
Sam and Emily had sat with Brandon and Becca, eventually Billy Black and Sue Clearwater joined them. They all remarked at how happy Abbie appeared and praised the adoptive parents for their love and commitment to the little girl. And, for how much Jayden had really accepted her as his sister. The sibling bond between the two was beautiful and strong.
Abbie ran by trying to chase down Quil with the other children when she tripped and fell face first into the sand. Paul was there in a heartbeat to pick her up and check for any injuries. Abbie smiled at him. "I'm okay Uncle Paul."
"You better be, munchkin." He scooped her up and tickled her sides.
Emily leaned over to Sam. "Who would have thought Paul could be so... this?" She gestured toward the oversized man with the little girl.
"Is he not normally like this?" Becca questioned. Paul smirked as he listened, continuing to play with Abbie.
Emily shook her head. But, it was Sam to speak. "Paul is complicated. And, he took it very hard when Anna left." Anna sighed. "No one blames you Anna. It's just the truth. But, we're not really used to this version of Paul yet. It is good to see it though."
Becca smiled. "Well, I don't know how he was before. But, the kids both adore the man we see now. And, I think that Anna does too." Anna blushed.
It was getting close to sun set as Paul looked at his watch before he swung Abbie around over the edge of the water. Her laughter rang out everywhere.
Slowly, everyone made their way to the beach. The elders. Ryan and Beth Jacobs. Everyone and anyone who was friend or family to the pack. Except for the Cullens as it was a sunny day, they had to wait until just after sunset to arrive. Even Detective Ellison was invited up from Oregon. The Policeman had been in charge of Anna's case and kept a close eye on her while in Witness Protection. Paul was appreciative of the chance to meet the man that had kept Anna safe for so many years. And, he seemed genuinely happy for Anna as she settled into a life with friends and family.
"Uh, oh. Are we in trouble?" Brandon asked Anna as he watched a Police car pull up next to their orange car.
Anna chuckled. "Na, they're here for the free food. Embry! Jared! You're late!"
"What's the rush Anna? Jared's still on duty remember? And, he had to pick me up." Embry whined while he leaned down to give her a kiss on the head. The pack remembered that unless she offered the hug, to keep greetings to just a kiss on the head. Some days were better than others when it came to physical contact. Paul and the children had always been the exceptions to that. "And, where's the food?"
Anna gave an 'I told you so' look to Brandon. "Lunch and snacks are long gone. Emily and Kim will go back to pick up dinner soon. The fire and grills are just now getting lit." She smirked. "And Sheriff Call is already here. So, relax." Embry glared at her for the idea of relaxing around his father.
Paul ran up with Abbie on his back. Jayden was helping Claire bury Quil under a mountain of sand. "Hey guys. About time you showed. Anna, the Cullens are about 20 minutes away. They have to make a quick stop on the way. They already figured it out, so they said we could start the announcements without them."
"Okay, seriously here, what is going on?" Jared asked, eyeing Paul skeptically. Paul's face split into a wide smile and his eyebrows danced. He quickly called everyone's attention.
"Alright, alright. I am not good with this whole public speaking thing. But, we have some business to take care of." Paul tried to pull himself together. He set Abbie down and then pause, looking at her for a moment. "Everyone knows that Brandon and Becca Wilson, and their children, have become family to Anna and I."
Murmurs went around the group. "And, there is something that we would like to share while they are here. Abbie? Do you think you could help me out here?"
She bounced in excitement. "What can I help Uncle Paul?"
"Do you remember what you were just asking me down by the water?"
She smiled. "Yes." She said hesitantly.
"Can you tell everyone what you asked me?"
Abbie got shy all of a sudden, looking at everyone around her, and blushed. She looked at her feet. "I asked Uncle Paul why he doesn't wear a ring like daddy."
Anna's eyes went wide as she laughed. "That is cheating, dork."
"Auntie Anna. It's not nice to call names." Jayden scolded.
That made everyone laugh even harder. "Schooled by the kid!" Seth quipped.
She hugged him tightly. "You are right. I am sorry. But, Paul and I have a special way of saying I love you. It usually involves me being a silly adult like that."
Whispers and snickers erupted around the group, Paul could hear the expectations to see him drop to a knee.
Paul's voice cut through. "Well..." He waited for everyone to get quiet once again. "Well, we have a surprise today." He looked around. "Neither of us wanted anything fancy. Just a beautiful day with the people that matter." He blushed and pulled Anna into his arms. "Would you all be willing to witness our wedding?"
Jaws dropped. There was no public proposal. It was a spontaneous-ish, wedding. Right then, and there.
"Seriously? Now?" Ryan Jacobs questioned. "Isn't this a bit fast? You two have only been really together for a couple months."
Anna laughed. "Yes. Now." She hugged her uncle and aunt. "We have done everything all out of order anyway. But, we are happy and know that we plan to be devoted to each other for a very long time. Plus, with the baby coming..." She placed a hand on her stomach.
"Holy shit! Your getting married? Now? And, becoming a father?" Jared ranted at Paul who quickly reminded him of the kids present.
"So, what will it be Jared? You are already dressed up in uniform. You gonna be my best man?" Paul clapped him on the back.
Jared gave a cocky, lopsided grin. "Only if you will be mine. Dude, I proposed last night. We were going to announce it tonight, but you stole our thunder!" Jared punched Paul in the shoulder as they laughed. Kim erupted in giggles as she showed everyone the ring. Hugs, giggles, and congratulations filled the air until the Cullen family arrived with their own congratulations. The pack even managed to not tease Paul too much, or flinch around the Cullens.
Sam extended a hand to Carlisle. "When I agreed to Paul's request to let your family come out for this, I had no idea it was going to be... this. But, I know it would mean a lot to Anna to have you and Emmett here." Carlisle smiled before he greeted Anna and was introduced to the little girl that he helped to save years before. Emmett and Rosalie were close behind.
Ryan kissed Anna's cheek. "I am happy for you. You deserve this."
Anna smiled. "Everything just fell into place. We found out about the baby yesterday. Old Quil agreed to officiate. Everyone is here. We even paid for the food. And, we could not do it without our flower girl and ring bear." She smiled at Abbie and Jayden. "If that is alright with you?" She looked at Becca and Brandon who quickly agreed.
Everyone quickly got themselves sorted out with Ryan Jacobs giving away the bride. Old Quil officiating. Jared as the best man. Leah as the maid of honor. Anna's boss, Nancy, was handed the camera for photos. Paul pulled on a button down white shirt over a pair of distressed jeans. Blue and white was a simple and comfortable choice for their attire as Jared's uniform was dark blue and they knew Leah and Paul would already be wearing jeans. They just handed Leah a country blue button down blouse that matched Anna's dress. And, instant staging! Alice and Rosalie had even thought to stop and get a bouquet of flowers on their way. Something that Anna had forgotten about. Fortunately, they did remember rings. Paul had already bought one to propose with and Anna had her father's ring that she gave to Paul. It was all perfect.
The ceremony was casual, sweet and simple, just as they wanted it. It was more about sharing their commitment with family and friends than frilly extravagance.
"Paul, would you like to say your vows?" Old Quil prompted.
He took a deep breath. "I have been practicing all night and now I can't remember the words." He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. Anna just smiled. "Alright, I will try to just wing this." He looked at Rebecca Wilson. "Becca and I talked one day in Seattle. She told me that the best relationships are the ones you share with your best friend. Since, then, I have watched all of the other happy couples that I know. And, what makes them happy isn't just the romance. But, the friendship they share. Annabell Jacobs, I have loved you as a friend for years. I have always wanted to protect you. To keep you safe. To see you smile and be happy. And, with everything that was going on, neither of us could really take a step toward more. It took a long time to over come our hurdles and face our baggage. I would have waited another four years if I had to. Or longer. Because honestly, you held my heart all along. All I know is that no one sees me the way you do with acceptance, trust, and understanding. No one calms me the way you do. No one has ever given me so much to hope for. I love you as my best friend, and more. I promise to always be here to protect you and our family. I promise to work every day to see you smile. I promise to always be your best friend, that you can turn to for anything."
Anna's tears rolled as he talked, but he dared not stop once he started.
She wiped her tears quickly as she tried to regain her composure enough to say her vows as well. "I don't know if I can top that!" She waved her hand in front of her face. "Paul Lahote, you know that I wanted let you marry me the first time you asked four and a half years ago." Whispers wandered through the small crowd. She turned to face the group. "Yes, the fur-ball proposed, on this beach, when we were 17. Can you believe that?" Everyone laughed. She shook her head and then turned to cup his face with her hands, a loving smile on her face. "I am sorry that we had to live so long apart. But, I have come to see that things happen for a reason. Just as I think that our first introduction happened for a reason. That first day that I saw you, I witnessed your temper. And, I jumped to all of the wrong conclusions. But, it was that moment that pushed you to open up to me. I had never had that before. Someone who cared what I thought. Who showed that vulnerability to me. Who trusted me. In that moment, I knew that I found a kindred spirit. Regardless of the circumstances, you broke through all of my defenses and fears and reached the real me. It was the start of something special and beautiful. You taught me how to open up. You taught me how to be friends. You taught me how to love. Yes, we had a lot of baggage and hurdles to overcome. But, never once, did you let me down by choice. You stood by me, kept me safe, and helped me face my demons. You were not just my best friend. You were my first true friend. My only friend for a long time. I am sorry that I disappeared on you. But, I promise to spend the rest of my life making it up to you and never abandon you again. I promise to be your support and confidant. I promise to love and cherish you for the amazing man that you are and the wonderful father that I know you will be."
"Well, I am happy for you both for finding something so special. It is my great honor to now pronounce you man and wife."
The End...
Thank you for reading my story. I hope you liked it.
Please leave reviews. I do take reviews seriously.
This whole project was an experiment for me, to post as I was writing so that I could not obsess and go back and add tons of extra detail, descriptions, and internal dialog that was not relevant to the emotions and the flow of the story. I did write a little faster than I posted which gave me some room to edit and adjust, but not a lot. So, please let me know what you think.
Should I go back and rework the content to add more of the descriptive details? Or does it work as it is?
I didn't put a lot of emphasis in developing most of the characters other than Paul and Anna. But, what did you think of them and their evolution as a couple?
I have already started on another story, one for Embry. It would just follow in sequence with this one. Do you think it is worth me finishing and posting it?