Ashley's eyes lit up as she took in her surroundings.
Lining the Cullens' driveway were trees, brightly lit up with hundreds of mini sparkling lights, adorned with white satin bows.
Sue parked next to a long line of cars on the front lawn, and Seth got out quickly, insisting on helping Ashley out of her seat. She laughed and rolled her eyes, but humoured him. He closed the door behind her, intertwining his fingers in hers. They hovered until Billy and Sue were out of the car; Sue looking slightly uncomfortable, while Billy's contrasting demeanour seemed unfazed.
Excited, Ashley pulled Seth towards the front door. Ashley's expression turned childish as she looked around in giddy awe.
Seth smiled at her, his eye taking on the same adoration just by looking at her joy.
"Alice really outdid herself," Seth stated.
"I want her to do our wedding!" Ashley declared, not thinking as she admired the thousands of assorted flowers and ribbons, decorating every inch of the Cullen's mansion.
Seth pulled her in tightly, smiling as brightly as ever at the natural mention of "their" wedding. She tore her sweeping eyes away from the beautiful décor.
"What?" Ashley laughed, smile matching Seth's larger-than-normal one.
"I just really, really love you."
"I love you more.
"You don't understand how impossible that is."
Ashley didn't argue, she just kissed him quickly. Much too quickly for either or their liking, but people were flowing in, and Sue and Billing were with them.
The four of them took their seats in the satin-draped chairs. Ashley and Seth chatted amongst themselves, Ashley still taking in details she had missed on her first impression of the house.
"The flower smell is a bit strong," Seth commented.
"For you, maybe. I think it's amazing!"
"You think it's all amazing," Seth teased.
Ashley tapped his shoulder lightly with the back of her free hand. He only smirked back, and squeezed her hand tighter.
"Congrats, guys," Seth said as they greeted Bella and Edward. The ceremony was perfectly timed with the sunset, so the twinkling lights shone even brighter. Bella looked more beautiful than Ashley had ever seen her, and the ecstasy that emanated off of both her and Edward made them even more stunning.
"You look gorgeous, Bella," Ashley commented. The girl smiled in response.
Seth released her hand in order to offer Edward a hug, Ashley offered Bella the same, which she returned graciously with her free arm.
"It's good to see think work out for you, man. I'm happy for you," Seth said when he pulled away. Ashley still marvelled over the peace that seemed to be forming between these "enemies".
"Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me. Thank you too Ashley, for coming," Edward turned his attention towards Sue and Billy, who hovered closely behind. "Thank you, as well. For letting Seth and Ashley come. For supporting Bella today."
"You're welcome," Billy said with a misplaced joy Ashley knew was not directed at the .
Seth intertwined his fingers with Ashley's once more as they moved to let others greet the newlyweds. Seth waved with his free hand as they left.
After the food had been served, the cake had been cut, and the happy couple had their first dance, Seth jumped up, dragging Ashley along with him to the dancefloor. Despite her protests, Ashley couldn't help but laugh with joy as Seth spun her around to Rosalie's breathtaking piano sonatas.
Ashley moved away from the dancefloor the moment there was a break, taking a seat next to Billy to catch her breath. Seth followed her over, eyeing his mother as he approached. Charlie Swan had since joined their table, and it was the first time Sue seemed to relax since they had arrived at the Cullens'.
Just as she turned towards Seth to comment, his head tuned in the opposite direction, attention on a spot in the forest, just beyond the dancefloor.
"Are they-" Ashley began.
Seth nodded, getting to his feet again. Ashley went to stand, earning a weary look from her boyfriend.
"Ash, maybe you should stay here," he leaned over, whispering in her ear.
"Not a chance," she whispered back, standing in the process.
"I just don't know how he'll be," he tried to argue as they made their way over.
"Let's just dance here a while," Ashley offered, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Seth sighed and turned his ear toward the forest where Edward had just emerged from.
They swayed back and forth mindlessly, Seth's attention on a conversation Ashley didn't have a hope of hearing. He rolled his eyes.
"Jake commented on my – comfort around the Cullens. I know they don't approve, but they seriously need to lighten up," he huffed.
Halfway through the second song, Seth stopped abruptly, moving quickly towards the woods, eyes flashing towards Edward, who was already calling for Rosalie.
"Wait here" Seth demanded when they got to the edge of the forest. Ashley couldn't see anything as her eyes tried adjusting from the brightly lit yard to the night's dark.
"Jake – stop!" she heard Bella shriek. Soon Edward's voice, and a wolf's snarl joined her.
"Jake, bro, back away. You're losing it," she was just close enough to hear Seth caution over the background noise.
She resisted the urge to move towards them, knowing she couldn't be of any help anyway, never mind the fact she was in heels and a near pitch black forest.
"Now!" Edward snapped, anger laced his voice. Ashley gasped, only imaging what could be happening right now. Even if he could heal himself quickly, she was not okay with the idea of Seth getting in the middle of a raging Jacob, and protective Edward.
Ashley shivered, and crossed her arms in front of her chest as a cool breeze went by. She tapped her foot nervously, hoping the over wolves protective streak was enough to keep Seth safe.
After a few painstakingly slow minutes had past, Seth emerged from the dark in front of her. Ashley released a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment.
Seth wrapped an arm around her waist and steered her back towards the party. It wasn't until they were under the bright, twinkly lights again that she saw the unusually furious expression on his face. He made a beeline for the table where Billy was waiting eagerly for their return. His expression, too dropped as the young couple came into view.
Billy hurriedly offered Charlie – who was still at their table – some excuse of how his daughter Rachel was arriving in the morning and he had to be up early to meet her. They four of them quickly collected their things, and headed around the house to the makeshift parking lot. Ashley paused as she passed Carlisle and Esme, thanking them for a wonderful time, to which they smiled appreciatively.
They had barely made it down the driveway when they heard the faint, despondent howl.