A/N: Here ya go, guys! THE LAST CHAPTER ZOMG! D: I've had a good run with this story. It is my first ever attempt at making a Twilight fic, and I think I've done pretty darn good so far, if I do say so myself. :) I hope you guys have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my petty stories, it really means a lot to me. -sobs happily in corner-
Okay, so there's NO SMUT in this. There's close to smut, but no actual smut. Sorry ladies, I'm just not comfortable with writing that kind of stuff. Call me immature or whatever, but I think that is something private between the two people. I'm sure Ina and Jake would like their privacy. I know I would. XD If you guys aren't satisfied with what I wrote, there is a lovely little filter at the top of your screen that says "M" that I'm sure you would find very agreeable. :)
There WILL be an epilogue following after this chapter. If you'd like, you guys can send me your favorite names and I'll pick one I like and see what I can do about some -cough- babehs -cough-. :) So please be patient with me! This week is going to be crazy. I wrote this instead of working on my paper. Yes, yes, send me flowers and cookies later while I slave away at 3 AM working on my college degree. :)
Please review and tell me what you think! I'd love your opinions, even if you think it sucks. Well, I would be crushed if you said that, but I'll live. :) Without further ado...
ENJOY THE LAST CHAPTER OF ULTIMATE JAKE LOVING HONEYS! :D
Chapter 22
Jake panted quietly, sinking back to sit on the ground. I looked at him curiously, watching his glowing eyes flutter open under the fringe of dark hair that covered his eyes.
"You doing okay there, partner?" I chuckled, moving his hair out of his eyes. He grinned, his canines glittering seductively in the moonlight.
"Better than okay," he replied, his voice a hoarse whisper. He touched the bite mark on his shoulder and groaned, the glow from eyes being abruptly cut off as he closed his eyelids. He muttered something in Quileute, but he was speaking so low I couldn't understand.
"Jake?" I asked, bending down so I could see his face. His eyes flashed open and he bit his lower lip, his sharp teeth dimpling the soft flesh beneath them. My eyes widened as he snaked an arm around my waist and pulled me forward, bowing me against him. His breathing was ragged and warm on my lips as he held me there, mere inches from my face.
"Ina," he said finally. "Do I scare you like this?" His face looked worried.
I shook my head and grinned.
"Quite the contrary, my dear. I actually find it kind of sexy," I admitted, staring him straight in the eyes even though a blush was spreading across my cheeks.
"Oh?" he smiled. "How so?"
"Just do," I shrugged. His jewel toned eyes flashed in amusement, making my heart hammer in my chest as he leaned in closer. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and gently tugged on my earlobe with his teeth.
"Do I make you nervous?" he asked, his voice dropping an octave.
I shivered, closing my eyes as his mouth grazed my cheek. I parted my lips in anticipation, my heart sputtering painfully in my chest as I waited. He nudged my jaw upward with his nose, placing heated kisses along my exposed throat and across my collar bone as he tipped me backwards, holding my waist and head as we lowered to the ground.
I shivered as the cold caressed my back with icy fingers, but it was soon forgotten as the heat of Jake washed over me. He crouched low, trying to not to crush me, but was close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off of his feverish skin. His lips connected with mine and I was lost, drugged by his taste. Sweet and agonizingly slow, his lips pressed against mine again and again, searing hands skating up my sides and leaving tingles in their wake.
"Ina," he breathed. The pace of my heartbeat painfully increased as his tongue slid up my neck, causing me to gasp. He growled into my skin, yanking the collar of my dress down as he pressed his face into the crook of my neck and inhaled deeply. I pressed my fingers against his chest, feeling another low growl reverberate through his chest at the contact. I felt his fingers tracing my collar bone, and I froze as his lips paused over the scar from where Paul had bitten me. I opened my eyes, flinching at the pained expression on his face.
"Ina, honey, can I see the other one too?" he asked. I nodded, struggling with the sleeve of my dress in an attempt to roll it up, but the fabric was too tight. I tugged on the collar of my dress to pull it down over my shoulder, but that didn't work either. I felt Jake's fingers fiddling with the edge of my dress and he looked at me assuredly. "May I?" he asked, tugging the dress up slightly. My eyes widened, and I unconsciously crossed my arms over my chest. His eyebrows scrunched together in regret, and he quickly let go of my dress. "Never mind, that was a stupid question," he growled, berating himself.
"No it's not," I said, gently cupping his cheek. He closed his eyes, nuzzling his face into my hand. He sighed and kissed my palm, his smoldering eyes gazing at me longingly. I stared back, knowing that he was the one person I could trust implicitly, who would never intentionally hurt me and who would defend me tooth and nail given the chance. The only person I would ever love so deeply for all eternity.
"Jake, I trust you," I whispered, nodding at him. He blinked a few times in surprise, then looked slightly confused. "G-go ahead," I stammered. He nodded, taking my face in his hands as he kissed me ever so gently, warming me to the very tips of my frozen toes. He gazed at me for a long time, his eyes shining with all of the love he held for me. Eventually he sat up, and, never taking his eyes off mine, gently tugged the dress up over my head. I trembled as cold air hit my bare skin, but left my arms at my sides to let Jake's eyes roam over my exposed torso. It was my way of letting him know that I trusted him, even though a blush across my cheeks betrayed my self consciousness.
His face immediately took on a blush as he gaped down at me.
"Ina, you're beautiful," he gasped. His eyes landed on the small scar Paul had given me, and he traced his finger over it, then over the ragged bite mark Bella had so graciously bestowed. My heart fluttered in my chest as he leaned down, trembling fingers holding my waist for support as he placed a gentle kiss over Paul's mark.
"Ina, I'm so sorry I let this happen to you," he breathed, his voice wavering as he leaned down to kiss the other scar. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you like I should have been." He leaned up and stared at me a moment longer, his hands still on my waist, and I was secretly grateful May had made me wear such a lovely bra. I shivered uncontrollably under his grasp, inhaling sharply as a cold wind suddenly blasted through the trees.
"B-but you were, J-Jake. You were always r-right there, protecting me, like I know you always will b-be," I chattered.
I held my breath as his fingers made a slow, burning trail down my sides. He leaned down again, coming in for another kiss. My heart beat faster and faster with each inch that disappeared between us, until finally it exploded inside my chest in a mini nova of happiness.
"Jake," I sighed as his lips made a burning trail down my neck again. His hands were everywhere, gently skimming down my body, pulling me up to him, brushing my hair out of my face, exploring every exposed inch of skin he could reach. His lips found my mouth once more and kissed me hungrily, desperately, while his hand crept lower along my abdomen. He yanked on the fabric of my leggings at my hip, and I barely registered the tearing noise that they made. His fingers grazed my now exposed left thigh, slipping up under the thin slip of lace that protected the bare flesh underneath. He moaned at the new skin contact, and I shivered under his grasp.
"Please, baby," he groaned. I gasped as he ground his hips against me, panting in my ear. "I need you."
He kissed my cheek, then leaned up again. My eyelids fluttered open, my vision a blur of tanned skin and molten, golden color. He skimmed his hand back up my left side, bringing it to cup my cheek as he looked at me for approval. His other hand squeezed my waist gently, eyes flickering between my eyes and lips as he waited.
I sighed and smiled, placing my hands on the sides of his face before leaning up and giving him a chaste kiss on the lips.
"I love you Jake. I always will," I breathed. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed him firmly against me, groaning at the feeling of his heated flesh against my bare skin. His body vibrated in what I can only describe as a purr when I slid my tongue between his lips.
He ground his hips against me repeatedly, groaning into my mouth at the friction he was causing.
"Ah…Jake," I whimpered. I dug my nails into his shoulders as he savagely bit down on my neck, humming softly as he used his tongue to massage the pain away. He wrapped one arm around my lower back and pulled my hips up against him. I closed my eyes and hissed, dragging my nails down his back as he worked. Heat coursed through my body, blood pumping in my ears loudly as his tongue made a warm trail against my skin. He drug his teeth down through the valley of my chest, pausing for a moment before kissing the soft exposed flesh.
"So soft. I wonder what's under here?" he teased, nudging the lace fabric of my bra with his nose.
"I think you know as well as I do," I chuckled. He smiled against my skin, then pressed his searing lips onto the plush flesh. His fingers slid up my side, thumb slipping under the wire and brushing softly against the skin there.
"We'll have to get rid of this, you kn—"
"ACK! MY EYES!" someone screamed. I jumped and was snatched up in an instant, Jake's shirt thrown over my shoulders and me tucked into his arms to hide my appearance. He growled menacingly as Embry and Quil stumbled out of the trees, hands over their eyes.
"Jacob Ethan Black! What did I tell you?" Embry hissed, pointing at a random spot of air I assumed he thought was Jake while he kept the other hand clamped over his eyes.
"Oh dang, he's even got the crazy eyes. Things must have been getting pretty hot and heavy," Quil chuckled. Jake growled again, turning it into a threatening snarl. Quil held his hands up in defense and shrugged. "Hey dude, don't blame us. Emily sent us to get you so we can open presents. You can come back later if you want." I blushed as he winked at me.
"Why don't you guys leave and we'll come when we get ready to," Jake growled. Quil shook his head.
"No can do, buddy. Emily was irate when she noticed you guys were already gone."
"And if you don't come with us now, we'll go get Leah to drag your butt back!" Embry yelled. Jake took a breath, his shoulders trembling.
"Go. We'll be right behind you," he sighed. Quil gave Jake thumbs up and winked at me before he dragged Embry back into the forest. Jake's grip on me did not lessen as he turned back to face me, leaning his forehead against my own. He sighed again, clearly irritated, and I chuckled.
"I don't see what is so funny," he grumbled. I gave him a hug, twirling his hair with my fingers as I kissed his shoulder.
"Come on, it's present time!" I said cheerily. I was secretly thankful to Em and Quil for intervening. Jake sighed, resting his cheek against my shoulder.
"You're the only thing I could possibly ever want," he mumbled. I felt my face heating up even more and gave him another quick squeeze before scrambling out of his arms and picking up my dress. He watched my every move, frowning when the fabric covered me once more. I tugged down on the ends just to make sure everything was in place, then picked up his shirt. Luckily none of the buttons had flown off in his hasty undressing. He stood up and I slid it back onto his arms, pausing to admire his moonlit skin before slowly buttoning his shirt back up.
"There," I said when I was done, patting his now covered chest. I made the mistake of looking back up into his eyes, which were now dull and emotionless. "Hey, don't be like that," I chided, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"Sorry," he sighed.
I stood on my tip toes and gave him a peck on the lips, the feeling of his soft mouth beneath mine still sending shivers of electricity down my spine. He squeezed my waist and pulled me closer to him, making me squirm uncomfortably. When I opened my eyes his were yellow again, glowing under his dark eyelashes. He smirked and I blushed.
"You've been thinking naughty thoughts, haven't you?" he growled in my ear. My eyes widened and I pushed him away, beginning to walk toward the trees. He laughed and pulled me back to him, giving me another searing kiss before picking me up. We quickly met up with Embry and Quil. Embry's face was still red when we found them, and Quil laughed at Jake.
"Dude, you've got to calm down and get rid of the eyes. Emily and Leah will have a fit!" he chuckled. Jake tried to kick him in the shin, but Quil was quick to get away.
"Come on, let's get going before someone comes after us," Embry said uncomfortably. We started back toward Sam and Emily's, and Jake's eyes slowly turned back to their original color. He glanced down at me every now and then, a small smile gracing his perfect lips. When we finally returned, Emily gave us an earful, more so at Jake, and demanded to know what we had been doing. I blushed and looked down at the floor.
"Dancing."
"Jizz…in…my pants."
Quil and Jake said at the same time. Embry shoved him, which only made him laugh maniacally. Emily narrowed her eyes at us, but before she could say anything May jumped up and screamed, "I LOVE that song! Lock eyes from across the room..." The whole room started singing loudly, effectively cutting off any impending tirade from Emily. She glared at Jake once more, then went to talk to Sam, who shook his head and smiled at Jake. I gave a thankful glance at May and she winked, waving her arms around as if she were conducting an orchestra.
I noticed that Leah was actually sitting beside Sonnet, her wide eyes glued to his angular face as he demonstrated how to play a part of the song. He suddenly looked back up at her and she blushed, quickly scowling at him as she took the guitar away and fiddled around with it. I chuckled as she jumped when Sonnet guided her fingers to different strings and showed her how to strum.
"Come on, let's go sit over there," Jake said in my ear. He wrapped an arm around me and guided me over to an empty seat. Once the song was over, Emily brought out a huge bag full of presents and handed them out to everyone.
"Sorry guys, I'm a cheapskate," she said as we tore into the colorful wrapper. Inside each package lay a massive pile of iced sugar cookies, gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and various other tasty items that were sure to put all of us into a sugar coma by the end of the night. Jared immediately tore into his pile, making Kim snicker as he smeared icing all over his face.
"What? It's delicious!" he said defensively. I jumped as someone poked me hard in the side. Quil shoved a package into my lap, then quickly scurried back over to his seat with a smirk on his face. I looked at him questioningly, but he just grinned widely and waved at me to open it.
My breath caught in my throat as the image of an adorable sleeping couple was revealed, my favorite picture from long ago.
"Hey, it's us," Jake smiled, squeezing my shoulder. I was speechless.
"Quil, you've really outdone yourself," I said, giving him a watery smile.
"Aw, shucks," he replied, blushing slightly.
I traced a finger over the delicately carved black frame, smiling at the shadows in the corner of Jake's mouth and the way his tousled hair caressed his cheek. One arm lay resting gently on across my shoulders, the other disappearing from view as it wrapped around my waist. The beautiful girl I still couldn't believe was me was tucked into his chest, smiling with such ethereal beauty.
"Wow, Quil is actually good at something," Embry teased as he looked over my shoulder. Quil stuck his tongue out at him but was soon crushed by a giant hug from me.
"Thank you Quil!" I squealed.
"Hey, hey, get your hands off my woman!" Jake growled playfully. Quil looked up at the ceiling innocently as everyone laughed. I released Quil and went back to sit beside Jake, my eyes still fondly ogling the beautiful photograph. Other presents were passed around. My head nearly exploded when I opened my gift from May and Paul, those rascals. May waved and blew kisses at while Paul wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"Thanks guys. We'll put this to good use," Jake growled in my ear before sniffing the small tub of body chocolate.
"W-what? We will not!" I gasped, hiding behind Emily, the ever mighty wooden spoon slapper. May was quickly thrown over Paul's shoulder as he ran out of the house, Emily and her fearsome spoon chasing after them.
"So awkward," I groaned, now hiding behind Sam.
"It could be worse," Sam chuckled.
"I am SO wearing this tomorrow!" Quil cried. I almost fell over when I saw that he was holding up a white man thong with the words, "I'm a beast" printed across the front.
"See? Much worse," Sam grunted, hiding his eyes. Emily finally returned, huffing and puffing and with the end of her spoon broken off. I was a little afraid to see what had happened to Paul's head as a result. May ran in a little while later saying something about Mama K and Jayjay, and when I looked out the window I saw Jathan and Mom walking up the driveway.
"Hey guys!" I said, running out to hug them. Jathan frowned when he noticed Sonnet sitting so close to Leah, and when I told him that she had imprinted he sighed and rubbed his temple dejectedly. Emily quickly handed the both of them giant plates of baked goodies and ushered everyone outside.
"Ina, the boys would like to return something to you," she chuckled. Jared held his hand over my eyes and I held on to Jake for support as we all tumbled into the front yard. I heard an engine revving, and when I opened my eyes I gasped.
"My car!"
Okay, so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it was still pretty outrageous.
"You like the art? Paul did most of it," Quil grinned. I was still in shock, my feet rooted to the ground with disbelief.
"You guys painted yourself on my car…" I said.
"Yup! Isn't it cool? Now you can take us with you wherever you go!" Seth chuckled.
"And the background is your favorite color. Am I right?" Paul smirked. I gave him the 'you-know-you're-right-so-why-bother-asking' face and he laughed. Jake walked me over to it and opened the door, pulling a pendant off of the rearview mirror.
"This is for you," he smiled. I held my hair up as he tied the string of leather around my neck, feeling the cool weight of smooth stone against my skin. I picked it up, gaping in awe at the intricate carving of a wolf's head.
"Did you make this, Jake?" I whispered, wide eyed. He nodded, grinning sheepishly.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"Like it? I love it!" I shouted, throwing my arms around his neck. I turned and gave each of the guys a hug, thanking them for all of their, um, hard work. I saw Jake nod to Jay, and my mother started squealing with excitement. Everyone shushed her and they watched me with mischievous grins and sparkling eyes.
"Ina, honey," Jake's quiet voice said from behind me. I turned and he was grinning slightly, hands in his pockets.
"You okay, Jake?" I asked, noticing his trembling. He nodded and swallowed.
"Ina, I know we've only been together for four months, but you know that I love you, and I always will. You're my imprint, so of course I love you, but you mean so much more to me than that. I mean, you're my imprint so you're really important, but what I mean is—"
"What he means is he'd love you even if you weren't his imprint," Quil smiled. Sam smacked him over the head and he hissed. Jake glared at him.
"I know that," I smiled, catching his hand. I kissed his knuckles and looked up at him, waiting for him to continue saying whatever he was saying. He took a deep breath, then looked me in the eyes.
"Ina Call, I love you more than anything else on this earth. You make me smile, and laugh, and feel like there's nothing in the world that could ever bring me down. You have the power to make me or break me, but you're always so considerate and gentle. I don't know how my life would have turned out if it wasn't for you," he whispered.
"And you almost lost her to me," Paul chuckled.
"Oh rats!" May teased, snapping her fingers.
Jake rolled his eyes.
"Anyway, what I'm trying to say is…um, well," he faltered, his hands trembling even more now. I cocked an eyebrow at him as the 'crowd' behind us started chanting, "Jake, Jake, Jake, Jake!"
Jake kissed the back of my hand, then tucked a wayward piece of hair behind my ear with a gently smiling face. My heart thumped loudly in my chest as he came closer. He pressed his lips against mine, his hands cradling my face in a warm embrace. He pulled back to look at me, his eyes swirling with emotion.
"Ina, I can't ask you to marry me quite yet because Jay said he would kill me. But will you stay with me forever?" he whispered, his lips tickling my ear. Warmth flooded my entire body, and suddenly I found myself wrapped around Jake, kissing and crying and saying "yes!" over and over. He hugged me tightly, shouting and jumping at the same time as everyone hustled forward to congratulate us.
"Oh, my only daughter is getting married!" my mother cried, tears rolling down her rosy cheeks.
"Not married yet," Jay warned.
"Give it a rest, you tight wad! You know they're perfect for each other!" Embry teased, punching Jay in the shoulder. May stared at me for a moment with a quivering lip, then flung her arms around my neck and sobbed dramatically.
"I wish Paul were so considerate!" she cried loudly. "By the way, that's actually just a big sticker on your car. You can remove it if you want. Which I don't see why you would since Paul's sexy face is on there. I mean Jake's. I mean…whatevah!" I laughed and squeezed her back, then we jumped up and down while squealing like a couple of school girls. Embry and Quil nearly crushed me in a sandwich bear hug, and Leah actually had tears in her eyes.
"You have no idea how happy I am for the both of you," she smiled, pulling me into a hug. "Be good to him, Ina. He'll be good to you."
"Aw, Leah," I sniffled, scrubbing my teary face with my sleeve. She laughed and took my hand, leading me back over to Jake.
"You better take care of her, pup. If not I'll skin you alive and hang your pelt outside of my house," she growled. Jake's eyes widened, and he looked at me unsurely as she beamed and headed back over to Sonnet.
Jake squeezed my hand and smiled down at me. I suddenly felt very shy standing next to him.
Jacob Black, my fiancé
Surrounded by my family, my friends, my future husband, I suddenly felt extremely blessed. All of their smiling faces, their loud laughter resonating through the crisp, cold air, flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. The way we all just fit together, humans, shape shifters, lovers, friends, sisters, brothers.
Jay had his arm around Mom, who couldn't stop smiling as tears poured town her face. Even my grumpy big brother was smiling, his furtive glances granting his approval to Jake and I. Sam had his arms wrapped around Emily, his forehead leaning against hers, off in their own little world again. Kim was shrieking as Jared chased her around the yard with his lips puckered up, but you could tell she was enjoying it by the way she giggled continuously. He finally caught her and swept her up, smacking a loud kiss against her cheek. Embry was standing behind Sonnet and Leah, who were now sitting on the porch fiddling with the guitar again. By the astounded look on Sonnet's face and the smirk on Leah's, I could tell she had won. She stole a glance at him, and for the first time in a long time I watched her smile with no pain or anger in her soft brown eyes. That is, until Quil decided to hang the mistletoe stick above her head. She pummeled him to the ground and had to be pulled off by all three of the younger wolves, who were having trouble holding themselves up from laughing so much. Paul and May were somewhere doing who knows what.
I giggled and shook my head, then looked up at Jake, who had been smiling down at me the entire time.
"I hope those are happy tears," he smiled, sweeping the pad of his thumb across my cheek. I nodded, closing my eyes as he cupped my cheek with both warm hands and leaned down. His lips pressed against mine, sweet and soft and tasting slightly of vanilla from the cookie he had snagged earlier in the evening.
"I love you, Ina Call," he whispered. I stayed silent, letting a small grin play on my lips. His face fell and he looked at me unsurely.
"Do I make you nervous, Jacob Black?" I teased, fluttering my eyelashes at him. His face broke out in to a rapturous grin and he kissed me again, pulling me up into his arms and swinging me around.
"DUDE WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!" he shouted. Everyone cheered and started clapping, until suddenly Leah snarled. Emily glanced over at her, then back at me, her eyes bugging out of her head. Jay followed their gaze and his face immediately became like stone, a very red stone.
"What is that?" they growled in unison, pointing somewhere below my waist.
Jake and I froze, our eyes trailing down to look at the small sliver of exposed flesh and the raggedly torn fabric around my thigh. Jake quickly set me down and I pulled my dress down, my face burning under the stares of everyone around us.
"Um, I ran into a tree?" I squeaked. Leah took a step forward, glaring at Jake.
"Jacob Ethan Black!" she snarled.
"W-why is this my fault?" he stammered, glancing between the three of them.
"BECAUSE YOU WOULD BE THE ONE TO GET HER INTO IT, YOU HORN DOG!" Emily screamed, launching a magically appearing wooden spoon at Jake's head. He ducked and grabbed my hand, backing away slightly as they stepped forward.
"I take it back. You can't have her," Jay threatened quietly.
Jake flung me over his shoulder as Leah leapt toward us and took off.
"SHE'S MINE YOU CAN'T HAVE HER BACK NOW!" he cried gleefully. I held on for dear life as he zoomed around the yard, laughing so hard my ribs hurt for several days afterward.
"Use protection, honey!" I heard my mom's voice call from around the front of the house. We plunged into the woods and Jake flipped me over so he could hold me bridal style. I couldn't help but melt at the sight of his widely smiling face, his expression completely carefree and childlike as his laughter boomed through the trees.
Eventually he slowed down and we tumbled onto the ground, panting heavily.
"I think she's gone," Jake chuckled, turning his head toward me. I grinned and snuggled in close to his side so I could gaze into his beautiful chocolate brown eyes. I traced my finger along his smiling lips and leaned in for a kiss.
"Mmm," he moaned, smiling. "Care to start back where we were earlier?"
I chuckled and shook my head and he frowned.
"Aw, why not?" he pouted. I smiled silently, tracing my fingers over his forehead, down his nose, his cheeks, his lips. He kissed my fingertips and sighed, letting his hand rest on my hip. "You have your entire life to memorize my face. Can we get to the good part now?"
I smacking his chest playfully and he grinned, pulling my on top of him. I cupped his face with my hands and just stared at the man I would spend the rest of my life with.
Would we fight? Probably.
Get mad at each other? For sure.
Stop loving each other? Never.
I loved everything about him, from his soulful brown eyes to his sparkling smile to the way he clenched his jaw when he was irritated. His big hands, strong arms, wide shoulders, muscled back. The way he let me stick my freezing toes onto his legs at night to warm them up even though he hissed and cursed every time. The way he was looking at me now, open and vulnerable, loving.
He was my sun, my toaster, my protector.
"My Jake," I smiled.
"Damn straight," he grinned, pulling me down for another kiss.
::: FIN :::
Sneak Peek at the Epilogue!
"Stop chewing on your lip, you're getting lipstick all over your teeth," Leah chuckled. My eyes widened and I quickly ran my tongue over my teeth, then bared them to her. "You're good," she smiled, patting my cheek. There was a knock at the door and Jay poked his head in.
"You ready sis? It's almost time," he grinned. My stomach jolted and I winced. The nervous dragons were being especially rowdy today.
I nodded and stood up, nearly tripping on the hem of my dress. I groaned, my heart pounding in my chest and making me short of breath.
"I'm so nervous!" I yelled. There was another knock as May and Paul both poked their head in. Their jaws dropped and May immediately pulled out a tissue, dabbing at her eyes.
"Wow. WOW. Ina, you look great!" Paul grinned, pulling me into a hug. He kissed my forehead and stood back to look at me. "Jake is going to be floored. I mean it. You look beautiful, kid."
"Thank you, Paul. That means a lot," I sniffled, blinking away tears so I wouldn't ruin my makeup. May pouted, her green eyes huge as she squeezed me into a giant hug.
"I can't wait to see the beautiful babies you guys will make. Peace and blessings and all that," she beamed. Jay held his arm out and I took a deep breath, slipping my hand around his elbow. He smiled gently down at me, his hazel eyes so like my own shining with tears as he leaned down to kiss my cheek.
"I'm proud of you, sis," he whispered. I nodded, still blinking. Leah kissed my other cheek and waved before she went out to find Sonnet, who she would be walking down the aisle with.
I jumped as Paul smacked my butt and said, "Go get em' tiger!" He grinned and pulled May out behind him. I took another deep breath, hearing the music beginning to play outside. My heart thundered in my chest, threatening to break out of my ribs and run down the aisle by itself. I let Jay lead me to the back door of Sam and Emily's house, where we would then go outside to the large back yard where the wedding was being held. I glared at the solid block of wood that separated Jake and I, anxiously waiting for it to open.
Jared's grinning face finally peeped through a crack in the door. "You ready, sister?" he asked. I gulped and nodded. The door slowly swung open, and I tried not to flinch too horribly as I was blinded by sunlight, since I heard the numerous clicks of cameras going off.
The wedding march began to play and we stepped outside.