Jacob Black Pov
*Flashback*
16 Year Ago
Walking into the bedroom, I looked over surprised to see Leah awake.
Standing by Sarah's crib, it was clear she was changing her diaper.
Today is the day we get married.
Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, it read 5:07am.
"Need help?" I ask, approaching her.
"It's alright. I'm just about done." She said buttoning Sarah's onesies. "Look at her. She's not even fully two days old and I can already see she's taking after you."
"How so?" I ask.
"So beautiful, and calm when she's asleep, and then when she's up.. she looks around for food." Leah smiles, tilting her head up to kiss my cheek.
"Oh.. I thought you meant by her 'wolfy cleverness to acknowledge when someone is gearing up to hold her and rock her to sleep." I said moving towards her, wrapping my arms around her waist. "Because I take sleeping in your arms over food any day."
Leah laughed. "I bet you would. I was talking to her earlier and I could tell she was listening to every word I was saying. So alert and observant. It's scary."
"I'm amazed this fascinates you, it's Daniel all over again." I commented.
"Yeah, yeah, I honestly thought I was having another boy. Well, when I did realize I was pregnant. There was so much going on a year ago. This pregnancy was completely different from the boys. My sensitivity was out of this world." She stated.
This time last year.. Sam was avowing his never ending love for Leah.
Our friend Adam's little sister Camilla started to wiggle her way into our lives.
The Russian Coven and The Volturi had plans to end us.. again.
Half-human and half-vampire offsprings, constantly lurking around First Beach for a home land.
It certainly was a rough year.
If I knew then what I know now, I would do a lot different.
Looking back, it completely made sense with why Leah hated my guts- I couldn't touch or talk to her. Her hormones were sky high and I was more angry at myself for not figuring it out sooner.
With the boys I always knew when she was pregnant, oddly I always sensed them, or felt their heartbeat. It was always exciting and advantageous to even tell Leah before she could feel a symptom.
"After I got out of the cell.. I just knew I had to come home and beg with every shred of dignity I had left. Even when I saw you getting out of the car with Embry .. your haircut and completely pregnant .. A sick thought that you replaced me with Embry creeped into my head and I felt too low to even lose it. Ironiclay, Sarah now is Embry's. She's ours… but one day when we can't come through for her.. He will be the one she calls. I hate to think of it that way.. But anyway- I'm happy she wasn't a boy. We need another you, around here." I admitted, squeezing Leah tight.
"I couldn't agree more. We needed another me around here, to keep you all in line. I hate being outnumbered, and as for Embry… I would have never crossed that line. No matter how long you're gone." She says, and I nodded relieved. "I'm happy you came back to me. To us." Leah smiled.
"I'm happy you allowed me to, no questions asked." I say honestly.
"At 6:00am it'll be time to feed her again, Are you going to be up? I'm really tired." She says.
"Sure. I'll stay up with her, If not Embry will break his neck running in here." I joke.
Leah laughed. "I think I'll have to get used to that."
"You and I both. Rather not, though. Just seeing him take our girl away feels like we're second place already."
"I know, but it's good that he will forever be here. I never noticed how much the boys could tell he needed us. He's been alone for way too long." She said resting her head back against my chest. "We can trust him with her life." She says and it was clear that her and Embry did grow closer while I was locked away.
I sighed. "I know. That's why he's our best friend, my best man. I know he'll protect her no matter what."
I bent down, bearing my face into her neck. She smelt amazing. "I rather him my best man, not my son in-law, but beggars can't be choosers." I said, giving her a few breathy kisses on the neck and shoulder.
She laughed. "Oh wow, this is going to be so weird."
"Tell me about it. All last night all he kept saying was 'that skin contact was good when dealing with a baby'. As if I didn't know. He's a complete zombie." I say.
"For someone who doesn't have kids he's becoming a pro with her."
"Oh yeah, pretty sure he has all the answers." I mocked.
"Well one rule I've learned about motherhood that Embry didn't teach is to sleep whenever the baby does." She said turning in my arms to face me.
"That's no issue at the moment, she sleeps very well." I say.
"I know, and just so you know... I love that cherished look on your face earlier when you were holding her. It was different from how you were with the boys. It was beautiful to watch. You might just be the most important man in her life." She smiles.
"Highly doubt that one. Embry will be her number one for a while. As of this moment, I'm not even jealous." I admitted.
She smiled pulling me close. "And that's why I love you so much. The fact that you can say that out loud just proves how honest those words are."
"No matter what I'm still learning." I replied.
"We both are." She agreed.
"We've had and will continue to have a long way to go." I said pulling her closer.
"Yep and for future references.. let's not torture them." She said, speaking of Sarah and Embry.
"Right," I agreed. The imprint just may do everyone a favor in a break like mine had. "Why make things harder by fighting against it... the magical forces of Imprinting are unpredictable." I mocked.
Leah snorted. "So melodramatic. Now I see where your children get it from."
I ignored that statement. "Yeah and so you can sleep better at night knowing you said no to marrying me last night after I pleaded and begged?"
She rolled her eyes. "We're getting married today aren't we?"
"I don't know, are we?" I mocked.
She sighed smirking. "I really wish I could press a fast forward button, just to see if you're worth it." She said playfully, shoving me. I didn't move an inch as she climbed into bed. "What time do I have before I waltz to my doom?" She said and I rolled my eyes.
"Now who's being dramatic?" I laugh.
"That was a joke, you were not." She said as I lowered myself beside her.
"You frustrate me, you know that?"
"If I say something sexually apologetic, will you forgive me?" She said, snuggling her body into mine.
"No need, you are forgiven already."
"Hmm... someone is using affection for their own gain today..." She said mockingly.
"Yes, I'm trying to avoid the long run." I said acrimoniously
"Long run to what? Butter me up?"
"Exactly." I stated. "Though if you haven't noticed... I'm affectionate every day" I smirked, kissing the side of her jaw.
"If you say so. Then again compared to me, you are. I'm the uptight one." She said which was semi-true.
"You have so many sides to you, and I loved them all."
The first side is to tell it like it is- no sparing anyone's feelings Leah.
The second side is the nice-sweet-caring about every word you say Leah.
The third side is the mixture of both, all into one.
She was and still is the most amazing person I ever met.
My day isn't complete unless it involves her.
Rather you're fighting with her or having a conversation with her, it doesn't matter unless she's near you. You love her completely, and that I have for a very long time.
"You know the best thing about me is you." I smiled.
"It's actually the other way around. You were always too good."
"There's no such thing." I answered.
"To me there is." She said nicely, grabbing hold of my hair, kissing me sweetly.
My passion for her is indescribable.
"I will always love you, no matter what." She whispered.
I groaned, moving my hands to her hips. "Good because I don't plan on going anywhere for a very long time without you."
"Good, I would hate for you to miss out on our only daughter's life. I refuse to live this life without you, no matter where we decide to move to." She says.
"We'll figure that out later. I just don't want us to fall apart, ever again.." I said honestly. "I love you, I accept you for the person you are, and the dreams you have. I will never think to change you or your mind. I will never expect perfection from you because no one could ever fit that definition. As long as I'm alive, I'm living for you. I'll love you through the worst of things and I will continue on. Knowing your deepest secrets I won't ever judge you for them as I hope in return only that you do the same. You're all I have."
"Jacob, even for my past stupid mistakes. I'm in love with you too much and will never stop fighting for what we have. I'm happy I changed my mind." She whispered, caressing my face. "You have no idea how much I'm with you on this."
It's not always a happy ending but it's happy in between. "Getting married is the only thing left for us to do."
"I have to go run out and grab a dress but yeah .. the only thing left, yes." She smiled.
"I would help if I could." I said knowing she's the type to see what she wants and grab it. Especially if it comes in black or violet.
"You're too generous for your own good."
"There's no such thing." I noted. "Besides, to give to you could never be enough for what you have given me."
"And what would that be? A house full of pups?" She smiled.
"That and beyond much more. You have no idea." I say kissing her once more.
*End Of Flashback*
Joshua Black Pov
"Josh?" Someone called out, opening my dorm room door.
"Yeah?" I paused from stuffing the last few clothes I had on the floor in my duffle bag.
"I hope you don't mind, but I told Henry he could tag along." Uncle Seth says and I looked over as they came into the room.
Two days ago, as soon as I got home after talking with Shane, I knew I had to make a decision about my future.
Yesterday, I spoke to my college chancellor, and this morning I phoned uncle Seth in hopes he could help move some of my stuff back home.
"It's no problem. I'm just glad you were able to come. I know this was last minute, I'm sorry." I say zippering my bag.
"So.. you're um... really dropping out, huh?" He asked.
I sighed. "Yeah, I just think it's time to face the facts. I'm not cut out for medical school, I don't have the grades or ambition."
"Well... have you told Leah or Jacob, yet?"
"No way.. If I tell them now while my stuff is still here, there'd be no leaving." I say honestly. "They will literally chain me to that desk." I said raising my hand to reach for one of the other seven bags I packed.
Uncle Seth laughed. "Ah.. let's not get dramatic. Come on, Henry, let's help your cousin Josh carry he's stuff to the car. Just remember, not to tell anyone we were here or had any part of this."
"Okay, dad." Henry muttered.
"Thanks, guys. I really appreciate this."
"No problem, let's hurry before Leah phones to ask me to check up on you and make sure you're studying." Uncle Seth snorted giving my shoulder a light pat.
I certainly hope mom hasn't turned my room in the basement into her personal gym.
*Flashback*
16 Years Ago
Walking down the steps, I look over into the living room.
I thought being the oldest I could have more freedom, but no. To everyone around here I'm just some lame kid they treat like a baby.
"Can I help?" Caleb's voice practically yelled overly excited as I came down the steps to the living room.
Looking over to see mom on the couch with Daniel sitting on a pillow on her lap.
"Can we not braid it this time?" Daniel asked mom and I walked in the direction of the kitchen.
"I'll put it in a ponytail, after I comb and wash it." She answered by brushing Daniel's hair.
"Big, big braids will you do his hair?" Caleb asked, jumping on the couch and I leaned up against the wall looking over at them.
"No, and go sit over on the other couch if you're going to be bouncing around, my head hurts." She answered. "Jeez, Danny. Why is this so….. Tingled?" Mom said sadly trying to comb through his hair. "What happened to keeping it tied up?"
"I don't know. It's braided all the time… it's not that bad- Ouch!"
"Right, not that bad." Mom stated.
"It's a disaster." Caleb mumbled flopping back on the couch.
"Our lives are a disaster." I mumbled.
"Can we cut it?" Daniel asked.
"NO!" Mom practically yelled.
"Please? I promise to brush it all the time." Danny begged.
"No. Daniel. We're not cutting it." Mom stated.
"But you cut Caleb's hair, Why can't you cut mine?" Danny whined.
"I'm different, my hair was uneven." Caleb said.
"No. You had gum stuck in your hair." I told him.
"Either way his hair is cut." Daniel said loudly.
"I'm cutting mine tomorrow." I stated.
No one would care if I put on a fake tattoo.
"No, you're not." Mom said annoyed.
"If I get gum stuck in it I will." I stated as she glared at me angrily.
"Can you at least cut it a little, that way it won't always be so mangled?" Daniel asked mom.
"Fine. I'll trim it, as long as you keep it straight." Mom gave in.
She always gave them whatever they wanted.
"Yes." Danny said excitedly. "Ouch!" He said moving his head away.
"Sorry." Mom mumbled.
"You mine as well, cut it all the way. Between Caleb and me, he'll be the odd one out." I said scratching my hair.
"No I won't." Daniel said back.
"If you say so." I said, shrugging my shoulders. "It makes no sense why you're doing his hair anyway." I stated.
"Hush." Mom said, glancing over at me.
"It's so I can look nice for the wedding today." Daniel said to me.
"What's the point? You're not gonna be in it." I stated.
"We're taking pictures afterwards, so you better find a better mood." Mom said, giving me squinting eyes.
I rolled my eyes.
She used to braid my hair when I was Danny age.
Long before Caleb was born we all would spend the day watching movies and eating junk food.
Wish everything can go back to the days where we all would go to First Beach to play around and build stupid sandcastles.
Now that mom and dad are getting married, I hope there will be no days eating dinner at the table with them never together.
"I don't think I want to be the ring bearer any more." Caleb mumbled.
"Tough." I snorted.
"Why not?" Mom asked him.
"Earlier he said because he was scared of losing the ring – Ouch!" Daniel stated.
"Sorry." Mom apologized to him again.
"I told him it won't be bad, all he has to do is walk and give Embry the ring then take a seat, Right?" Daniel said.
"Yes, it's not that hard." Mom tried to assure them. "Embry's the best man. He will be incharge of giving the ring to your father. So you can't lose it, it will be quick."
"Not to mention there's no other little boys that can do it other than Ethan, but why would Sam kids be there? We don't even speak to them." I stated.
"Not the point of the matter…" Mom said, looking over at me, then turned her head towards Caleb. "Sarah is just a baby, you're the next best thing other than Keira, so you're going to have to suck up the fear and do it." She added.
"Oh, fine. I hope I don't lose the ring." Caleb mumbled and I rolled my eyes.
"I'm sure the attention will put you at ease. Like Haylie always says." I stated. Wonder what she's doing right now, she's probably at the shop working. Of course having more fun than me.
I just know if I was older I wouldn't be caught dead without a date to my parents wedding. Too bad she's going alone.
"Ouch!" Danny said, putting his head down.
"Sorry, you know every time you wet your hair and let it air dry it gets-"
"PUFFY!" Caleb yelled.
"I don't wet it all the time." Daniel stated.
"Well for now use one of my shower-caps." Mom told him.
"Eww, those for girls." Caleb said hyper.
"No. Little boys can wear them too." She said back.
I sighed. "I'm bored. I want to go to the beach."
"Ooh, can I go too?" Caleb yelled.
"No." Mom stated. "And you're not going either." She said looking over at me.
"Why not?"
"You can go next week." She mumbled.
"Ugh. That's not fair." I said back.
"Yeah, life's not fair."
"Yeah I'm noticing that I'm stuck here." I mumbled.
"Just go over to Shane's house if you're bored." Daniel stated.
"No, he's not even home." I say.
Shane called to tell me that he will be out with his parents getting ready for the wedding.
"It wouldn't matter if he was, because you're not going over there either, we all have plans today." Mom clarified.
"This day is long already." I stated.
"Go sit on the porch." Caleb suggested.
"No. Only losers do that." I stated.
"Shut it, Joshua." Mom said seriously with an angry 'I'll kill' look on her face and I bit my bottom lip.
I just watched her as she continued to brush Daniel's hair. "This stinks. I'm bored." I said.
She sighed, glancing over at me. "I'll tell you what I'm not going to do, sit here and watch you sulk and moan or pick fights. So go find something constructive to do." She says.
"I would if there was something to do to kill time." I said pushing myself off the wall, and turned into the kitchen.
I rather stay in the basement playing video games than watching them all day long.
*End of Flashback*