Chapter 40
Winter of 1908 came and went. The Cullens hosted Christmas again that year with the whole tribe being invited to enjoy the festivities. On Christmas Eve, all the children helped the Cullens decorate a massive Christmas tree in the living room and the Cullens helped decorate a tree on the Quileute lands that had become the designated Christmas tree every year since Renesmee became a part of the tribe. On Christmas day, Edward and Carlisle pulled Jacob aside to let him know they purchased the remaining land of Quileute territory and had the legal paperwork for Jacob to sign so it would all be in his name. Making sure to bring Renesmee to the room as a witness, Jacob, Edward, and Carlisle all signed the paperwork, making Jacob legal owner of the Quileute territories. Now they could begin construction on the little house Jacob wanted to build for Renesmee. Carlisle confirmed that it would be completed before Renesmee's birthday year of 1909 and he'd be fully informed through the whole process. And since there was a path that led to the Cullen house that completely blocked the view of the ocean, they'd be able to keep it from her until then barring incident. Naturally, Renesmee was not present for this portion of the conversation.
"You know, Jacob," Carlisle said once Renesmee had left the room. "Now that you're a legal entity in the eyes of the state, you and Renesmee could get married."
"We're already married," Jacob said.
"You're married in the eyes of your tribe," Edward said. "You're not married in the eyes of the state."
"Well," Jacob sneered, "I'm not concerned with what the 'state' sees."
"Jacob, please hear us out. With you signing this, we were able to make you soul owner of the lands listed, but if you and Renesmee aren't legally married, there's no way for your sons to inherit it should anything ever happen to you."
"I thought you said they would," Jacob said, starting to raise his voice.
"Jacob, please, let me explain," Carlisle said. "At present, since you and Renesmee aren't legally married, the children the two of you have together aren't legally entitled to your holdings, that being these lands you just signed for. Once you and Renesmee are married legally, at the very least so long as this next child is a boy, this next son will be legally entitled to these properties. Of course, by the time such a matter would even be an issue, which son was born before or after you two were legally married would likely be a moot point. However, it would be in yours, Renesmee's and your sons' best interest if the two of you got legally married."
"And what, exactly, goes into that?" Jacob asked.
"Anything you two want," Carlisle answered. "We can put together a big wedding for you two and you can sign the marriage license after the ceremony, or we can just obtain a marriage license the same way we did these deeds and have the two of you sign once they're available." Jacob looked at Carlisle thoughtfully. Though ultimately, he wasn't sure he was comfortable with this yet. It felt as though he'd already gotten himself mixed in with legal matters he wasn't completely familiar with and he wasn't going to do it again just because his in-laws said it was for the best. Edward wanted to retort, but then, if he was being honest with himself, Jacob had every reason to be wary.
"Let me talk to Renesmee first," Jacob said. "We'll get back to you tomorrow." They all agreed to reconvene the next day and when they all returned to the village late that night, Jacob practically forced Embry and Caevia to take the kids and let them spend the night with them and said he'd join them on patrol once he and Renesmee were done talking. Renesmee saw the children go in Caevia's tent and went right to hers and Jacob's and got ready to go to bed. When Jacob came, Renesmee was already bundled up but she noticed Jacob come in and smiled.
"Kevin and Kyle are staying with Caevia tonight?" Renesmee asked.
"Yeah," Jacob said as he laid down next to Renesmee leaning on his elbow. Renesmee turned over so she was looking at Jacob.
"Is everything alright?" Renesmee asked.
"Carlisle pointed out something that may be problematic. He said that while I'm sole owner of the lands like they promised, since you and I aren't legally married, our sons wouldn't be able to inherit it if something happened to me." To Jacob's relief, Renesmee didn't look surprised. If anything she looked a little embarrassed.
"I can't believe I didn't think of that," Renesmee said.
"I asked them what we would have to do about it and Carlisle said we could either have a wedding and sign a marriage license, or we could just sign the document when it's available."
"And what did you want to do?" Renesmee asked.
"Honestly?" Jacob asked and Renesmee nodded. "I'd rather just sign the damn thing and get it over with. Come January, we'll have been married 7 years already and I don't need the 'state' determining whether you're my wife or not. I certainly don't need them telling me our children aren't 'legally mine' either. If this is how it has to be, then fine, but it'll be for yours and the children's sake, not because it's the status quo." Renesmee smiled at Jacob and moved just a little closer to him. When she was right below him and they were looking at one another, Renesmee placed her hand on Jacob's check reassuringly.
"We can just sign the license," Renesmee agreed. "We already had a ceremony and it was perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. Carlisle is right, though. It would be in our best interest to make our marriage legal. And think of it this way; once we sign, we'll never have to worry about it again. My family can archive it and, if the matter ever comes up again, it's right there when we need it." Jacob finally smiled.
"We'll let them know tomorrow," Jacob agreed. Renesmee smiled back and reached her head up to give Jacob a kiss. It was meant to be quick, but Jacob intensified the kiss and leaned down above her, her pregnant belly the only thing keeping him to the side. They kissed several minutes holding each other in a tight embrace. By the time Jacob took his lips away to kiss Renesmee's neck, she felt light headed.
"Shouldn't you get to patrol?" Renesmee finally asked in a breathy moan as Jacob kissed and licked her neck.
"They can wait," Jacob answered back. He grabbed the top of her purple dress and pulled it down until her breasts were in his view. "The kids are with Caevia and it's just the two of us. Let's take advantage."
Renesmee giggled and let Jacob continue kissing along her neck and down to her chest where he lovingly kissed each breast, licking and sucking her nipples when he got to them. He was mindful not to be too rough with her and savored the moans Renesmee released as he kissed. Jacob bushed his hand over her belly until his hand came between her legs. He pulled her dress the rest of the way off before bringing his hand back and slipping two fingers inside her while his thumb touched her clitoris tenderly and rhythmically. Jacob brought his lips back to Renesmee's while he continued to use his fingers to bring her to her climax.
Renesmee grabbed for Jacob's erection and pulled at his clothes until he was bare in her hand. Jacob took in a sharp breath through their kiss at the feel of her hand and he couldn't bear to wait anymore. So he pulled his fingers away and helped Renesmee get on her hands and knees. Once Jacob had her positioned and he knew she was comfortable, he took a firm hold of her hips and slipped inside her. He savored the feel of her as they both moaned from the contact. After a moment, Jacob started to move slowly at first and made sure not to lean on her too much. Soon, he got a little faster and didn't stop until Renesmee came off her hands and leaning down on her elbows. That was Jacob's sign to shift positions, so he pulled away to get on his back and helped Renesmee get on top of him.
With no other way to help her stay upright, Jacob took Renesmee's hands in his and let her lean on him while she moved. Jacob moved his hips up and down with her so she wouldn't have to do to all the work given her current state. Renesmee smiled and moaned while they moved enjoying the feel of one another. The longer the two of them moved, the more Jacob wanted desperately to hold Renesmee close to him. She he gently thrust with his hips so Renesmee came off him onto her side. Jacob turned her around so her back was to his chest and he wrapped his arm around her in the space between her breasts and her protruding belly. His right hand grabbed a hold of her breast while he held her close and used his free hand to bring Renesmee's hips to his and he slipped inside her once again. Now able to hold her and control their movements, Jacob started thrusting again and savored the sound of Renesmee moaning.
Renesmee reached her left arm up so she could reach Jacob's head and pulled him to her neck where he started to kiss and suck. It tickled and made Renesmee moan and giggle all at once. Jacob reached his left hand down to her core and rubbed her clitoris intimately while he thrust. Her moans turned to whimpers as the pressure began to build and she gripped Jacob's head tighter from the sensation. In response, Jacob thrust harder and started nipping her ear. Renesmee began pushing her thoughts into Jacob's mind in a frenzy revealing that she was nearing her release and it made Jacob all the more desperate. He became faster and Renesmee pulled her hand away suddenly, slamming it to the ground in a fit of passion. She began to dig her nails into their blanket and she kept getting closer and closer until she finally reached her climax. She released an audible whimper as she relished the sensation. Feeling Renesmee clench around him, Jacob tightened his hold on her as he climaxed shortly after her. They both released labored breaths while they recovered and Renesmee turned her head so she and Jacob could kiss. They whispered their 'I love you's to one another and fell asleep in each other's arms. The next morning, Jacob was rudely awakened by the feel of tiny hands tickling his feet. He yelled at the sudden intrusion, but the little hands pulled away as Jacob kicked and Renesmee was startled awake as Jacob yelled. Jacob overheard Embry and Quil laughing outside and dressed in a frenzy before going outside and jumping on Embry. Renesmee stayed under the covers so she wouldn't be seen naked. Aidetzi was giggling and clapping her hands triumphantly. She saw Kyle and Kevin outside momentarily, but it was only to see them running past the tent presumably to join the little fight.
"Aidie," Renesmee said sternly and directed her to come into the tent. Aidie walked over with a smile still bright on her face. "Young lady, what is the matter with you?" Renesmee scolded. "That's not very nice to wake your uncle so suddenly."
"Daddy said that since Uncle Jacob wasn't out on patrol last night that he deserved it," Aidie said so innocently.
"Well, sweetie, if that's the case then your daddy can wake Jacob by patting on the door like a normal person. I'm sure Uncle Jacob would've been more than happy to talk then."
"But Uncle Jacob did that to daddy," Aidie argued.
"Well, sweetheart, two wrongs don't make a right, now do they?" Aidie started making a grumpy pout. "Do they, Aidie?"
"No," Aidie mumbled.
"That's right, young lady. Now you go to Uncle Jacob and apologize." Aidie continued to pout while she walked back outside and did as Renesmee said. In the meantime, Renesmee closed the door so she could get dressed into her winter clothes. By the time she stepped outside, Jacob and Embry were still wrestling with Kevin holding onto Embry much the same as the last time this nonsense happened. She saw Caevia standing near her tent laughing as she watched. She noticed Aidie trying to apologize, so she walked over to Caevia.
"I hear Jacob didn't go on patrol last night," Caevia teased.
"We were discussing some important legal matters," Renesmee said.
"Oh, I'm sure," Caevia laughed. "And did this 'discussion' end in a climax?" Renesmee swatted Caevia's arm, but she was laughing too.
"We really were discussing some legal matters. Carlisle reminded Jacob that since we aren't legally married in the eyes of the state, our children wouldn't be entitled to any of the land my family signed over to him. We decided that we needed to make our marriage legal."
"And when will that happen?"
"We're going back to my family's house this morning to discuss it further. I'm sure my father can have a marriage license ready within a few days at most."
"Well, congratulations on getting married," Caevia teased. "I would forgo the white dress, though." Caevia started petting Renesmee's belly. "I'm afraid the secret's out."
"Oh shush," Renesmee blushed as the two of them laughed.
Later that morning, once Jacob and Embry had finished their bickering, Jacob and Renesmee went back to her family's house and let them know what they'd decided to do. Alice was a little disappointed that she and Jacob wanted to just sign the legal papers without a ceremony. She tried to convince Renesmee otherwise, but she was adamant. They'd already had a ceremony when they first got married and she wouldn't have any other. Carlisle worked to procure the necessary paperwork and on January 6th, Jacob and Renesmee signed the license with Carlisle as their witness, having been ordained many years ago, finally making Renesmee and Jacob legally married. Despite the business-like nature of the transaction, Renesmee still got butterflies in her stomach as she signed her name and Jacob signed his own. They even shared a kiss afterwards as if to make it official.
Caevia was finally feeling better by the time Christmas came along. Carlisle attributed the bout of illness with a mild cold and exhaustion from carrying three babies. Sokajili agreed. By this point, however, both Renesmee and Caevia always needed assistance getting off the ground if they were sitting. Nothing Jacob or Embry couldn't take care of, of course. Renesmee and Caevia, while eager for the babies, were ready for it to be over and couldn't wait for summer. They appeared as though they'd have the babies any day, but they still had plenty of waiting to do.
In all that time, none of them heard a word from Hailey. Though to be fair, Edward had not gone to the General Store since early December before William and Sara found out. It was only in late January that Edward finally went to the General Store and, when he arrived, he heard from Hailey's thoughts that he wasn't quite prepared yet. He'd gathered some raw materials for Leah's bracelet when they were in Port Angeles for Christmas, having told Mitch they were for his watch, and now he was waiting for a time when he could go to the store down the street that had a tool that could fuse metals for bracelets, again, under the guise that he was adding to his watch. Hailey did, however, keep with their own traditions and already had a wedding band to give to Leah. Though that he would give to her after they were married. Hailey had smiled at Edward when he arrived, but did not prompt him any further. Since his thoughts revealed he wasn't ready yet, Edward wished Mitch and Hailey a good day and left without broaching the subject. Leah did ask how Hailey was doing next she and Edward saw each other. He just told her he was depressed without her (which was true) and working to resolve the situation (which was also true). He only left out details despite Leah's pressing for a better answer.
A few weeks later, the children decided they wanted to go to their grandparent's house to play. Wanting to give Leah a chance to have a relief from his mother's constant gaze, Jacob asked Renesmee to task Leah with looking after the children. Back in town, Hailey was at the counter of the general store getting things locked up for the day. He was working as fast as possible so he could make his way to the Cullen house. He'd finished the bracelet for Leah the day before and he didn't want to wait for Edward to come to the General store to get things initiated. He was actually quite proud of himself. The entire thing was copper. The pendant itself was just a thick oval copper plate with three small copper chains on both sides. All three of the links met and were fused together at the ends and were fused to the clasps. It was simple, inexpensive for him to make, and met the requirements of giving her a bracelet that he made himself. He'd had it in his pocket all day and he anticipation was keeping him on edge. When all his work was finished, Hailey got himself bundled up as Mitch looked at him strangely.
"Where are you going at this hour?" Mitch asked.
"Nowhere in particular," Hailey said. "I just want to go for a ride: get some fresh air."
"In this weather? It's freezing out there."
"The cold air will do me good," Hailey said. "Don't wait up for me," he said before stepping out the door and going to the stables. He got his horse ready and mounted as fast as he could, bringing the horse to a gallop the moment he was situated.
A very small handful of people saw him riding, but he ignored them. If need be, he'd tell them the same thing he'd told Mitch. It took him twenty minutes or so to reach the Cullen house with the speed the horse galloped, but given the cold and his general eagerness, it seemed like much longer. When he finally reached their huge house, he immediately brought his horse to their stables and got his horse inside and warm. He overheard a violin and piano playing. He wasn't familiar with the song, but it was a pleasant thing to arrive to.
"What brings you here, Mr. Dauer?" Edward asked from behind Hailey, who yelled and cursed when he realized it was just Edward. This was not as pleasant a thing to arrive to.
"Fucking Jesus! Stop sneaking up on me like that!" he yelled. "Do you people fucking float or something? How do I never hear you?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Dauer. I did not mean to scare you."
"You keep saying that, but I'm not sure how much I believe that." Hailey took a moment to catch his breath.
"So what brings you here, Mr. Dauer?" Edward asked, regardless of already knowing.
"Ah, well," he took one more deep breath, "I finished the bracelet for Leah. I know we all agreed I'd wait for you to come to the General Store, but I didn't want to wait."
"No trouble at all, Mr. Dauer," Edward smiled kindly. "Actually, Leah happens to be inside right now."
"She is?" Hailey said eagerly, looking towards the house. "Do you suppose I could see her? Her aunt or uncle aren't here are they?"
"No, they're not. Though might I recommend waiting to propose until you and Jacob have had a chance to talk? He will best know what to do next."
"No," Hailey said. "No, I don't want to wait. I haven't seen her in over a month. I want to have a solution for her. Besides, I'd rather talk to her about this first. Then Jacob and I can talk about the technical details."
"As you wish," Edward said. "I'll have her meet you out here."
"Thank you." Hailey waited inside the stables while Edward went inside to grab Leah. She was in the music room with Bella and Claire, who'd become quite the gifted artist since taking up the violin. She would often come up with her own songs and Bella was teaching her how to write those songs down on paper. She'd already been learning how to read music, but writing it herself was a little trickier. She was becoming quite good, though.
"It sounds excellent," Edward said, listening to the song she'd made up. "Might I ask what the inspiration was?"
"I wanted to make something happy after Bella and I had spent so much time playing Mirror my God to Thee. It's such a depressing song that I needed something pleasant." Edward and Bella chuckled.
"Well, you did just that," Bella praised. "Edward, surely you've noticed she's started playing Mozart purely by memory."
"Only a few songs," Claire blushed. Quil smiled proudly in the corner.
"Don't be so modest," Quil teased. "I remember when you first started playing that thing and you're parents would never let you practice near them."
"I simply can't picture it," Edward said. "She was gifted when we met her."
"Renesmee had already been getting her well trained," Quil smiled. "Hey Claire, I know you said you wanted something more cheerful, but would you mind playing Mirror My God to Thee? It's a really nice little song."
"Only for you," Claire smiled and blushed. Then she brought her bow up to the strings and began to play. While she played, Edward walked over to Bella, gave her a quick kiss, and then went to Leah with a kind smile.
"Leah, might you go out to the stables for me?"
"What for?" Leah asked.
"I need your help with something," Edward said vaguely and stepped aside for her. Leah looked at him strangely but did get out of her seat and went in front of Edward to make her way to the stables.
Edward followed behind her and kept the door open when she stepped outside, but he stayed at the door as she went forward. He didn't close the door until he knew that Leah had noticed Hailey. When Leah did notice Hailey, she was so surprised she didn't move at first. But Hailey smiled at her and came forward enough so he could lead Leah into the stables and completely out of sight. The first thing Hailey did was kiss her and she kissed his back. He pushed her against the walls of the stable and the two just kissed. When they did eventually pull away from one another, they rested their foreheads against one another's and smiled.
"So how've you been?" Hailey asked.
"I've missed you," Leah said.
"I missed you too," Hailey said. He gave Leah another tender kiss. "I'm sorry to have made you wait so long."
"Edward and Jacob told me that you were trying to come up with a plan to rectify the situation. They never told me what you were planning, though."
"I have a plan," Hailey said. "Jacob just brought it to my attention that certain requirements need to be met per your tribe's laws. So I was working to ensure I was in keeping with those laws. Anything that will make this situation easier."
"And what is the plan?" Leah asked. Hailey smiled at Leah and kissed her again.
"I'm debating whether I should be direct or romantic," Hailey smiled.
"What do you mean?" Leah asked. Hailey decided that if there was ever a time to be romantic, now was the time. So he took a deep breath and smiled, giving her one more kiss.
"Well, Leah," he finally started. "One thing Jacob had said your family was concerned about was whether you were safe with me. I'm sure alongside that was a concern of whether I really love you. I don't want there to be any doubt in their minds or yours that both are very true. And I know beyond a reasonable doubt that I'll never love anyone the way I love you." To complete the romantic gesture, Hailey got down on one knee and pulled out the copper bracelet he'd made her. "So, Leah Jagger, will you marry me?"
"You're asking me to marry you?" Leah asked, dumbfounded with her stomach in knots.
"Yes, Leah, I'm asking you to marry. I don't want you to think it's just because of your family, though. I'm asking you because I know you're who I want to spend my life with. You love me for who I am, all my quarks, my oddities, and all my flaws. No one knows me or understands me the way you do and no one makes me happy like you do."
"Did you make that?" Leah asked, staring at the copper bracelet. Hailey smiled proudly.
"I did," he nodded. "Jacob said when your people propose, the wedding band is a bracelet the groom made himself. I know it's different than what might be traditional in your tribe, but I wanted to give you something special."
"Hailey," Leah practically whimpered. Hailey smiled and placed the bracelet on her left wrist, but he didn't clasp it just yet.
"Will you marry me, Leah Jagger?" A tear rolled down Leah's cheek as she looked at the bracelet resting on her wrist. Now that she was seeing it on her, she never wanted it off. She didn't care about the repercussions in that moment. So she smiled at him and let one more tear fall.
"Yes," she said. Hailey finally stopped trembling. He hadn't even noticed he'd been shaking until then. Hailey clasped the bracelet and Leah fell into his arms in a hug and they shared a passionate kiss. Yet, as they kissed, the reality of the situation began to weigh on her shoulders. So she pulled away and looked at Hailey. "How are we going to make my aunt and uncle agree to this? I can't just leave."
"Absolutely not," Hailey agreed. "I would never ask you to. Jacob told me how this is supposed to work. First thing tomorrow, I will come into the village and I will talk to your aunt and uncle. Jacob recommended that I get on your aunt's good side."
"Yes," Leah finally smiled again. "She is the master puppeteer in the relationship. If you can win her over, Uncle William will be a guarantee."
"Good," Hailey said. "I will come talk to them tomorrow morning. I'll make sure we're married by the end of the year." Leah giggled and kissed Hailey.
"What about your uncle? Does this mean we'll be telling him?"
"One hurtle at a time," Hailey joked and kissed Leah's nose. "I'd rather we get over the mountain before we cross the pond." Leah giggled and kissed Hailey.
"Will he be so much easier?"
"I don't really care," Hailey answered honestly. "He can't stop the two of us from being together. The only ones that can stop us are your aunt and uncle, so they're my priority."
"Alright," Leah smiled and they kissed again. "Ich liebe dich."
"Ich liebe dich auch," Hailey responded.
The two shared another kiss that started out tender. But it intensified until Hailey had Leah against the wall again. Leah forgot there was a house of vampires that essentially knew their every move and Hailey had no idea they were vampires at all and they just made love in the stables. It wasn't slow and tender like the last time. This was fast and demanding. And after they climaxed, they just held onto one another as if scared to let go. They did, inevitably, let go of one another and Hailey promised once more that he would be at the village in the morning to talk to William. Though she was remised to, she recommended that Hailey take back the bracelet to ensure her aunt and uncle didn't find out they'd met. The less roadblocks they faced, the better. He could always give it back to her tomorrow. They said their goodbyes and Leah stayed outside as she watched Hailey ride away. She only went back inside when he was no longer in sight. Edward was there waiting when she stepped inside. When she saw him, it finally dawned on her that Edward would have heard everything and she blushed.
"I'll let it go this time, Leah," Edward said. "Otherwise, congratulations to you both."
"Thank you," Leah said. She started touching her wrist, already missing the bracelet.
"It's a good idea for them not to see you come home with that. It will help Mr. Dauer's case more if they don't know about tonight."
"Yeah," Leah mumbled. "Would you mind taking me back?"
"Of course. I'll have the children stay here. Poor Renesmee and Caevia need all the time to themselves they can get."
"Absolutely," Leah agreed.
With that, Leah and Edward went back outside and they got on one of the horses and returned to the village. After dropping Leah off, Edward went to Renesmee, who was sitting by the fire with Caevia, and let her know the children were still at the Cullen house. Renesmee thanked Edward for looking after the children and gave Edward a tight hug. After that, Edward located Jacob and pulled him aside a moment and warned him that Hailey was planning to come to the village tomorrow to ask William and Sara's permission to marry and to be prepared to help him. Jacob agreed to be prepared and made sure to warn Seth too after Edward finally left.
"So he's asked her?" Seth said when Jacob told him.
"And Leah's said yes," Jacob said. "So now Hailey just has to get mom and dad to let them get married."
"And does he have a plan to tell his family?" Seth asked.
"From what I know, he's more concerned about us for the time being."
"Well, he'd better fix that. Uncle William won't be too pleased to find out the man doesn't have a plan for breaking the news to his family. If anything, they're the ones I'd imagine would react the worst."
"He'll just have to take it one step at a time I guess," Jacob sighed. "All I'm saying is we need to be ready to help the man out."
"Fine," Seth answered.
The next morning, Leah woke up after a terrible night sleep. She was so jittery about Hailey coming to talk to her aunt and uncle. Hailey left the General Store claiming he was making a delivery to the Cullen house. He'd come up with the excuse on his way home the night before. So he brought a huge sack of potatoes with him when he left to assist with the façade. In truth, though, the potatoes were an attempt to make the first step in showing he could provide for Leah by giving them all food. When Hailey arrived, Leah was the first person he saw. She was near the fire appearing to be cleaning clothes. The two locked eyes and smiled at one another but they remained reserved. William noticed the man eventually and felt his blood boil. When Sara noticed he was there, she felt a little flabbergasted. William went to Jacob first thing and grabbed him by the arm.
"What is the meat monger doing here?" he asked.
"I don't know," Jacob lied. "Perhaps we should go over and ask him." William grimaced at Jacob snappy comment and practically dragged him with to where Hailey was. Hailey got off the horse when he realized William and Jacob were approaching and made sure to have the bag of potatoes ready to present. Though when they were finally before one another, the welcome, at least from William's part, was less than welcoming.
"Ask him what he wants," William asked harshly.
"He wants to know what you want," Jacob translated. "What are the potatoes for?"
"I recall you saying that part of this proposal involved me presenting gifts so," Hailey held the bag of potatoes forward, "this is my first offering."
"So you want to marry Leah?"
"That is correct." Jacob nodded and looked at William.
"He's here to talk to you about Leah. He wants to marry her. Those potatoes are his first gift to us as a sign of showing he's able to provide for her." William gawked at Jacob, then looked at Hailey.
"Are you insane?" William asked Hailey directly without thinking. "I make it clear you're not to come near her and your response is to have the audacity to ask to marry her?"
"He basically called you insane," Jacob translated briefly.
"I had a feeling," Hailey answered. "Please Jacob, ask him to at least give me the opportunity to try and prove that I'm worthy of her and to let me give her the bracelet I made her."
"Pull out the bracelet," Jacob said. "It'll show you're serious." Hailey nodded and handed the potatoes to Jacob before reaching into his packet to pull out the bracelet he'd made for Leah.
"Is there any way we can sit down and talk?"
"He's asking for the opportunity to sit down and talk. He's made a bracelet for her, so you know he's serious."
"I don't care how 'serious' he is. I told Leah she's not to see him again and I'm not yielding."
"Father, at least humor the man," Jacob said in Hailey's defense. "You don't like him now, but maybe if we all sat together and talked, he might surprise you." William stared Hailey down, but Hailey did his best to remain respectful no matter the scrutiny he saw in William's stare.
"Fine," William finally agreed. "I'll humor him. But that's all I'll do," he said adamantly and began walking towards his tent.
"He's agreed to sit down and talk," Jacob translated and led Hailey with him to William's tent.
"Do you think he'll listen?"
"I wouldn't count on it," Jacob answered honestly. "But you can always keep trying. That is a nice thing about our traditions. No matter how many times the father or, in this case, the guardian says no, you can always keep trying until he's impressed and says yes."
"I promised Leah we'd be married by the end of the year," Hailey said and Jacob chuckled a little.
"Well, Hailey, then you'd damn well better make sure you're charming."
Hailey managed a small laugh, but it didn't last long. He was too nervous. As they went to William's tent, Hailey took deep breaths to calm down. It was strange for him to be this nervous. When they reached the tent, William stepped inside first. Jacob stood aside so Hailey could step in and then Jacob came inside after him and sat next to William. Hailey started fiddling with the copper bracelet and did his best to stay calm while William seemed to stare daggers at him.
"Alright," William said to Jacob. "Tell the Meat Monger to explain what makes him 'good enough' to marry my niece."
"He told you to plead your case," Jacob translated.
"Alright," Hailey took one more deep breath. "I think first and foremost, I would like to point out that what happened between Leah's parents won't happen between her and me."
"Don't start with that," Jacob said. "Start with explaining what you can offer her. If her parents come up, then we'll address it, but for now, stick with what you can offer her."
"Alright," Hailey nodded. "My Uncle and I run a General Store. This means that any materials you could need we would very likely have. And I've already presented you with potatoes. I assure you there's plenty more where that came from. We also frequently get scrap material from the dress shop in town and it's always plenty to make new clothes. I can always arrange to get even more."
"What does any of that have to do with what you can offer Leah?" Jacob interrupted.
"Thanks to these relationships with people in town, I can provide Leah with food and clothes whether it be the raw materials to make them herself or me buying it for her at the dress shop."
"And a place to live?" Jacob asked. "Are you saying she would reside in the General Store with you and your Uncle?"
"No, I'd purchase my own home. There's a little house in town I can purchase for a reasonable price. And Leah is welcome to take the horse and come back here whenever she likes. I would be at the General Store most of the day anyway." Jacob nodded and looked at his dad to translate what Hailey just said.
"Given that he works for the older Meat Monger, he has the means to ensure she fed and clothed and he will build a home for himself and Leah so they don't have to live with the older Meat Monger. He's also confirmed that, should Leah want to, she's welcome to return to us whenever she pleases using that horse he has and he's also implied that this could do the rest of the tribe a lot of good."
"And how would this do us a lot of good?" William asked meanly.
"As it stands, we trade only beef and salmon with them. The beef we only ever use for trade anyway. We've already been doing additional trade with the Meat Monger in the last few seasons for clothes and pots. This man might be able to assist us in arranging for even more trade agreements that directly benefit us rather than fulfilling a small agreement with the Hou."
"He can feed her, shelter her and clothe her. That's nothing she can't be given by any other man in our tribe that would have her. As far as any additional trade agreement with the Meat Mongers, I would much prefer that come of a mutual trade rather than me handing over my niece as collateral. I'm sure your mother wouldn't accept that either."
"He's already agreed that he'll fulfill any task mother might ask of him as any groom would. Seeing as mother is far more open than you are, perhaps he should be allowed to assist her right away and prove he's a hard worker."
"His work ethic isn't what's in question. What's in question is whether or not Leah will be safe with him. Never mind what happened between her parents. What about those people in his village that will chastise and be cruel to her?" Realizing his father made a good point, Jacob turned his attention back to Hailey.
"He brought up the townspeople," Jacob said. "You can't pretend they won't have quite a number to say about all this. Not to mention her shooting her father will likely still have left a bitter taste in their mouths."
"I admit I'm not certain," Hailey said. "I was more concerned about convincing your father first."
"Well, let's think about this," Jacob said. "I assume Mitch will be the most receptive to this whole thing?"
"Actually I'm not so sure. He asked me once if anything was going on between me and Leah. I told him there was nothing going on, but he made a point to tell me to leave her alone. He told me the last thing she needed was a 'philandering' man like me."
"Philandering?" Jacob said suspiciously. "Doesn't that mean a man that sleeps with several women?"
"Actually it means a man that sleeps with a woman he can't or won't marry. Given our current discussion I would think I've proven that's not the case."
"So you were planning to marry her from the beginning?" Jacob asked skeptically.
"I've known for a while she's the one for me. Whether that meant we kept our current arrangement or got married, I would be happy with either. As long as we could be together."
"I hope you'll understand when I say that even I agree that's not good enough," Jacob said.
"I know," Hailey said, continuing to fiddle with the bracelet. "I'll make everyone in town understand," he finally continued.
"How?" Jacob asked.
"I don't know yet," Hailey answered honestly.
"He said he'll make them understand," Jacob finally relayed to William. "As far as how he plans to do that, he doesn't have a plan."
"Of course he doesn't," William said flippantly. "The answer is no."
"He said no," Jacob sighed.
"Okay," Hailey said, adjusting a little to appear more serious. "Sure, I don't have a specific plan for how to address the issue with Mitch and everyone in town. But it's not their business what Leah and I do."
"You do realize you live in a small town, right?" Jacob said. "They'll make it their business."
"Well, fuck 'em, then," Hailey said bluntly.
"You know, I like the way you think, but my dad will need better than that. So will Leah to be frank. She may agree with that 'fuck 'em' attitude at first, but you can't pretend that the backlash will get to her eventually."
"Then we can build a place here," Hailey said.
"So avoid the problem?" Jacob raised an eyebrow. "That's not a very reassuring answer."
"No, it's not," Hailey sighed heavily. "Look, I'll come up with something. I just want the opportunity to prove I'm good enough for her."
"He says he'll come up with how to address Forks, but right now he wants to prove that he's good enough for Leah. Maybe we should let him try. I know you said you don't want Leah to become collateral, but imagine the doors this would open for us. We could get things for nothing. Anything we would need, we can get from him for nothing or at least for less just because of Leah. It'll be a great benefit."
"Your wife's family fulfills that need," William said. "We don't need to hand Leah over to a close-minded meat monger."
"I wouldn't call him close-minded," Jacob defended. "And think of it this way: he confirmed Leah can come back whenever she wants. She'll be safe no matter what. And we can task him with anything to have him prove he's devoted to her. Besides, how many others have expressed any interest in Leah? She's too abrasive and hardheaded for most. This man not only loves her for it but matches her. What other man in our tribe or the Hou tribe do you know of that could do that for her?"
"I'm sure we could find someone for her. Someone that can actually give her a family," William said. "The man admitted he can't have children. On those grounds alone, the man is useless."
"He brought up the fact that you're sterile," Jacob translated. "It's a huge point against you I'm afraid. Without there being kids, it removes a huge portion of why to get married in the first place. He's stating that since you can't give her children, you can't give her a family."
"I would be her family and she'd still have all of you," Hailey said defensively, "And as I've said, I don't want kids. I've never wanted kids, never will want kids, and I won't be shamed for taking the steps to ensure I'm never cursed with one. I hate kids. And in case he's thinking I just did it without talking to Leah; that's not true. When I discovered it was an option, she was the first one I talked to. She knows how I feel about the matter and she agreed that me getting the surgery was for the best. She's stood by my decision and has supported me the whole way. And she's happy with it just being the two of us. As I recall, she made the argument that she has enough nephews and family friends to get her fill of children should she ever want to interact with them. Besides, you're getting it done. Is he throwing a fit at you too?"
"I have two sons to my name and two more children on the way," Jacob said. "I've fulfilled the need for children in a marriage. Renesmee and I don't need to have more. You and Leah have no children at all."
"Would you rather we did? Certainly would have made this situation a hell of a lot more complicated," Hailey said.
"It certainly would have and your head may very well have ended up on a pike," Jacob retorted. "I suppose if you ask Carlisle, he might be able to reverse it. It could improve your chances."
"I won't be coerced into having children," Hailey said. "Leah and I both agreed that we don't want children. This wasn't a decision I made without Leah. Your father will just have to accept that."
"He said him not being able to have children is a decision that he and Leah came to together," Jacob translated. "If you recall, Leah did agree as much. Maybe them not being able to have children is a good thing. And Seth is still young. He may find a wife and have children of his own one day."
"Whether Seth has children or not to 'compensate' for Leah is hardly relevant. He can't give Leah one of the greatest joys a woman can have."
"If Leah agreed to him becoming infertile, then I would think having children isn't what she would consider a greatest joy. I know mother always said that having me and my sisters was the happiest events of her life, but that's mother. Leah isn't mother. If we're going to argue that she should only get married for the sake of having children, then I imagine she'll die never having married at all."
"Better that then this Meat Monger," William said. "The answer is no."
"Honestly, father, let's give him a chance. If nothing else, let's just give him a chance for Leah's sake."
"Leah's still young. She can find someone else."
"Father," Jacob said. "The man has gone with our traditions and is asking your permission to marry Leah. He could have easily just taken her and left, but he didn't. And when you found out about them and told him the relationship was to stop, he could have washed his hands of her and moved on, but he didn't. He asked me what our traditions for marriage are and has thus far followed them exactly. If he's willing to go through all this trouble for her, I think that warrants at least one chance. Let him try to prove he's good enough." William looked at Jacob for a while weighing the conversation. He looked at Hailey, really looked at him, for the first time since they all started talking. The man was still fiddling with the bracelet in his hand. It was well made from what William could tell.
"He made that himself?"
"Yes," Jacob affirmed, hoping that might impress William. "As I said, he's followed our traditions exactly thus far." The look on Hailey's face began to look desperate as though he was heartbroken at the thought that he might not be able to marry Leah. It finally started to strike a chord with William. He was beginning to feel a little empathy for the man. He recalled when he and Sara were young. He'd faced no opposition from Sara's father when he asked. He'd not even fulfilled the requirements entirely before her father gave them his blessing and they had their moon ceremony. He imagined what it would have been like had their courtship been a lot more difficult. Perhaps, even despite his numerous shortcomings, this man did have something worth offering Leah. That still wasn't enough, though.
"Get your mother," William finally ordered.
"He's telling me to get my mother," Jacob said to Hailey as he stood.
"Do you suppose she will approve?" Hailey asked hopefully.
"My father's telling me to get her so she can weigh in, so you're chances are improving. My mother speaks English, though, so be careful what you say."
"She's fluent?"
"She's damn close," Jacob said before walking out and looking for Sara. Sara was at the fire with Leah, Renesmee and Caevia. She'd not brought up Hailey coming and had not intended to. When Jacob was at the fire, he sat between his mother and Renesmee. "Father wants you to come to the tent."
"What for?" Sara asked.
"The Meat Monger has come to ask for Leah's hand in marriage." Sara stopped what she was doing and looked at Jacob wide eyed. Leah did her best to pretend this was a shock to her.
"What?"
"That's what we've been talking about this whole time. He's made his arguments and now father wants you to come and weigh in."
"What is there to 'weigh in' on?" Sara asked, then sighed. She looked at Leah, who's shocked face (however falsified) had faded. "You knew about this, didn't you?"
"No," Leah answered. She decided, however, that it would be best to at least partially tell her the truth. "Jacob only ever told me that Hailey promised he would make things right and that's all I've heard."
"You knew he was planning this?" Sara asked.
"I'd presented it to him as a possible option," Jacob answered. "He decided that marrying Leah was what he wanted to do. And since Leah's the one he's asking, I suppose we should ask her if she has any objections." Jacob and Sara both looked at Leah, who looked between the two of them a moment. She did, however, eventually look right at Sara with a serious yet respectful stare.
"I will marry him," Leah answered at last. "He makes me happy and I make him happy. I understand your reservations Aunt Sara, but it would mean a lot to me if you and Uncle William would give him a chance." Jacob looked at Sara to see how she might react. The woman looked as though she was trying to be stern, but it wasn't coming off correctly. Sara had always been a bit of a pushover. Finally, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes as if to relax. Then she finally stood up, straightened out her dress and winter coat, and stood tall.
"Alright, let's talk to him," Sara finally answered and followed Jacob back to hers and William's tent. When they were far enough away, Renesmee looked at Leah knowingly.
"You did know about this already, didn't you?"
"Only as of yesterday," Leah admitted. "I think he'd come to the Cullen house to relay the message to me, but since I was there, he spoke to me directly. He asked me if I would marry him and I said yes. The only reason I'm not wearing the bracelet he made me is because I didn't want Sara or William to find out."
"He made you a bracelet?" Caevia asked, impressed.
"He did," Leah said. "It's copper."
"Well, that's impressive," Renesmee said. "I hope everything goes well."
When they reached the tent, Jacob stepped aside so his mother could go inside first then immediately stepped in after her. Hailey was relieved when they finally arrived. He'd spent the past several minutes uncomfortably alone with William in a deafening silence and the discomfort from both ends was palpable. Sara sat down next to William and Jacob took a spot next to her. When they were all situated, Jacob spoke.
"Alright, mom," Jacob started. "Before you got here, father, Mr. Dauer and I were discussing some concerns and he presented his solutions. Overall, he said he loves Leah, he'll handle any backlash from the townspeople, Leah's welcome to return here as often as she wants, he'll provide a home for them and the two of them agreed together that they don't want children. He's aware of our traditions and has agreed he shall fulfill any task you ask of him until both you and father are fully satisfied with his resolve and convinced of his worthiness."
"Kayechiwetchwe," Sara looked at her husband. "Jacob said you three discussed the townspeople, lack of children and his resolve to marry Leah. Is that about correct?"
"That is what we discussed, yes."
"And what was your answer?"
"I said no," William replied. "But Jacob argued that the two of them are in love and fit one another in a way no one else would fit Leah. He also argued that since the Meat Monger was working this hard to win our approval that it warranted giving the man a chance."
"And what was your reply?"
"I told Jacob to get you," William answered. Sara looked at Hailey thoughtfully while he waited patiently to be spoken to.
"Leah said she would marry you," Sara replied. "She said she loves you and that it would mean a lot to her if we would give our approval."
"I love her too," Hailey answered. "It would mean a lot to have your approval." Sara looked extremely skeptical still, so Hailey took another deep breath. "Look, Mrs….."
"Sara," Sara corrected. "Just Sara. We have no surnames here."
"Sara," Hailey said. "Am I correct to assume that your aversion stems almost entirely from what happened with your sister?"
"You would be correct," Sara answered honestly. "Surely you understand this feels like history repeating itself."
"I do," Hailey said. "But our circumstances are very different. I won't do to Leah what Hugo did to your sister. I don't have the same fears and memories haunting me."
"Memories?" Sara said with a hint of bitterness. "You're saying memories led to my sister's death?"
"Yes, they did," Hailey said. "I swore to Mitch I wouldn't tell Leah what happened. Her father never wanted her or Seth to be haunted by his past. But if you will permit, I can offer context as to why what happened, happened."
"There's no excuse for what he did," Sara said.
"No, there isn't, but I can explain how this all culminated, if nothing else to provide you with some sense of closure and understanding."
The two looked at each other a long moment while Sara thought about what to do. Inevitably, she permitted Hailey to speak. It was a story Hailey had told so many times before, but he explained everything. Hugo's parent's divorce, him and his sister having to live with their father, the solitary nature of their home, the körper haus where his father kept human and animal remains, the smell, the grave robbing, the abuse: that's what Sara was most shocked by. All the recounts of being locked in rooms for days with no food, chained to chairs, being force fed from hot pots, the heavily implied sexual abuse until he finally told of the night Hugo murdered his father and set the house on fire.
"He led a horrible life before he came to America," Hailey finally ended. "He came here, I suspect, for the same reason everyone does: a better life than what they have in their home country. Of course, America can be a cruel mistress. Some succeed, but most of us remain firmly at the bottom. Leah told me once that, when she was little, her father used to tell her that her, Seth and Uileila were the only part of his American dream that ever came true. Because of what happened, he was a severe alcoholic. But your sister changed all that and for 13 years I think it was, everything was fine."
"What changed?" Sara asked.
"Honestly, I don't know. Mitch doesn't know either. For one reason or another, the past must have come back to haunt him and he started drinking again. I'm told your sister was very kind about it at first and tried being supportive. Leah said she remembered nights her father would be drunk, Hugo and Uileila would argue, then the next morning, he would realize what he'd done and beg her forgiveness. However, eventually, it got out of hand and one day, when he'd come home drunk and had hit her, she started packing to take Leah and Seth and leave. In his state, I suppose it was too much to bare and he strangled her. Then Leah shot him in self defense."
Sara stared at Hailey a moment unsure what to say. While it certainly did not excuse what happened, Sara found herself feeling an ounce of empathy for Hugo. William asked Sara to translate and she offered an abridged explanation. Even William began to feel badly for Hugo.
"Sara, I have no such history," Hailey finally continued. "I come from a good family. My parents never laid a hand on me besides to administer discipline. My parents had a happy marriage and my sister and I had a normal happy childhood."
"What will your family say," Sara interrupted, "when they find out you and Leah are together?" For a moment, Hailey debated whether to be completely honest or not. But then, lying would do neither of them any favors.
"My sister knows," Hailey said. "She had her concerns but she understands me more than most and she knows that if I love Leah, then there's nothing she can do about. I'm sure once Mitch gets over it, he'll be just fine. He likes Leah and more than anyone understands what happened wasn't her fault."
"And your mother and father?" Sara said.
"My father passed some time ago. My mother lives further north in Port Angeles and I never see her save for holidays. Even if she doesn't approve of Leah, there's not much she can do about it."
"That's not a very reassuring answer," Sara mumbled. Realizing he misspoke, Hailey leaned forward a little and looked at Sara apologetically.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I'm just of the mindset that I love Leah and will do or face anything in order to be with her. And if my judgment of how your son speaks of you and your husband is correct, you know exactly how that feels."
"I do," Sara said and sighed. "I do," she repeated. She kept staring at Hailey as if to determine whether or not she believed him. The look he had made it clear to her that he meant everything he'd said. And after a deep breath, Sara finally gave her answer. "Scissors," she said.
"What?" Hailey asked, confused.
"Renesmee's family has some supplies they use for making clothes and cutting hair that I've come to find quite useful. But then, to use them, we have to go to their home. It would put an ease on us if we have such supplies on our grounds. That way, we don't all have to go to their home to sew or groom."
"Of course," Hailey answered. "So how many scissors do you want? I assume you want needles as well?"
"7 will be plenty for scissors," Sara said. "As far as sewing needles, I would say one for each of us would be best. How many would that be, Jacob?" Sara asked.
"Out of those of you that sew, 75 or so," Jacob answered.
"7 scissors and 75 sewing needles," Hailey said. "Is there anything else? Material and thread perhaps?"
"Only if you are able to get us more than scraps," Sara said. "Please bring more potatoes when you come back too."
"Of course," Hailey agreed. "Is there anything else you need?"
"Start with the supplies I've asked for," Sara asked. "When can you bring us these things?"
"I can have them for you by next week," Hailey said. Sara nodded and looked at William.
"I've tasked him with bringing me some materials for the tribe and some food. He'll have that for us in a few days. If you'll permit, I think we can let him present the bracelet to Leah." William and Sara stared at one another, then William looked at Hailey.
"Jacob," William said, "Tell him that he can give Leah the bracelet. He must fulfill every request Sara has made and any others she makes later. When we're satisfied with him and only when we're satisfied with him will we permit the union." Jacob nodded.
"You can give Leah the bracelet," Jacob said. The look of relief and happiness on Hailey's face was apparent. "Dad said you need to do everything my mother's asked of you and anything else she asks you to do and when they're satisfied with you, then they'll let you marry Leah."
"I'll have everything your mother asked for by the end of the week," Hailey affirmed again. "Can I go see her now?"
"Yeah," Jacob answered and led Hailey out of the tent with him. When Sara and William were alone in their tent together, William placed his hand gently on Sara's chin and made her look at him.
"Are you sure?"
"No," Sara answered. "But I can tell he loves her and Leah loves him too. Uileila did what she did because she knew if we all found out, we'd never let her be with Hugo. Maybe if we'd been more open and supportive, when things had gone wrong, she would have been better able to come to us. Or maybe we could have prevented all that from happening. Moreover, the last thing I want is for the two of them to run off together."
"So preventative measure?" William asked.
"I suppose so. And perhaps he's not so bad."
"Perhaps," William said and the two of them remained in their tent. Outside, Hailey went straight to Leah who was smiling at him. He kneeled down and sat next to her with a smile.
"What did they say?" Leah asked.
"Your aunt asked me to bring her sewing supplies and potatoes and then she may ask me to do a few other things and if they're happy with me, then we can get married." Hailey presented the brass bracelet to Leah. "So I can give this to you now." Leah smiled and offered her left wrist so Hailey could clasp it for her.
"I love it," Leah smiled and leaned over to give Hailey a quick kiss.
"I do have a wedding band for you too, but that'll be for once we're married."
"You bought a wedding band too?" Leah smiled. "For you too?"
"For me too," Hailey confirmed. A moment later, Seth walked over and Hailey stood up to look at him. "Hello, Seth," Hailey said.
"Hello, Mr. Dauer. So I take it my aunt and uncle had a change of heart?"
"Your aunt has tasked me with some errands and I'll continue assisting her with whatever she needs until we're allowed to marry."
"I'm glad to hear it," Seth smiled. "You'd better make my sister happy."
"I will," Hailey promised.
Hailey didn't stay very long. Having his tasks, he wanted to work on them as soon as possible. When he returned to town, he went straight to the seamstress's shop and purchased all the things Sara has requested. Upon questioning, Hailey said it was an order the Cullens had placed and no further questions were asked. He told Mitch the same thing when he asked about the supplies and said he'd be delivering the shipment personally later that week. He waited until it was nearing when he'd return before buying potatoes. Sara had not specified how many bags she wanted, but he assumed she wanted more than what would feed just her and her husband. So to be safe, he purchased four bags of potatoes for them. He purchased a fifth bag that he'd give to Leah and Seth. And as promised, a week later exactly, Hailey got all the things together that Sara asked for and told Mitch he was going to the Cullen home to deliver their order. He initially made his way to the Cullen house, but went around so he was going to the tribe. When Hailey arrived, Leah and Sara went up to him and Hailey jumped down from the cart and gave Leah a quick hug before looking at Sara.
"I have the sewing supplies and potatoes you asked for," Hailey said. He walked around the cart with Sara and Leah following and showed them what he got. He'd collected several different colors and trims of material at great expense no less. "None of these are scraps. All the material you see are directly from the seamstress's normal stock." Sara took a hold of the fabric and looked all of it over. They were slightly thinner materials.
"You didn't bring winter material?" Sara asked.
"The seamstress no longer has that in stock. Since the weather's been improving, she's replenished her stock for spring and summer."
"I see," Sara said. "That's for the best. Thank you for all this fabric. It's lovely." She looked for and found the needles and scissors that Hailey brought and pulled them close to examine them. All the needles were in a flexible container in 10 packs, so there were 8 packs.
"I know you only asked for 75, but she only carried 10 packs of needles. I assumed an extra five would be no trouble," Hailey said.
"No trouble at all," Sara answered.
"And four of those bags of potatoes are for you. One bag is for Leah and Seth."
"That will be plenty," Sara said. "Thank you Mr. Dauer. This will all do quite nicely."
"Will there be anything else you'll need?" Sara looked at Hailey and thought a moment. She decided to keep her requests practical.
"If you could bring us 2 sacks of potatoes a week that would be good."
"Absolutely. Is there anything else that I can do?"
"Well," Sara contemplated. "Are you any good at sewing?"
"Never done it a day in my life," Hailey admitted. "But I'm sure I could figure it out if you showed me."
"In that case," Sara said. "Since you brought us all this lovely fabric, you can assist us in making clothes out of them."
Hailey smiled and agreed to assist as best he could. Though Sara tasked him only with cutting the fabrics in patterns she dictated. He ended up staying at the tribe for most of the afternoon helping Sara cut the fabric into patterns before he needed to leave. Before he left, however, he requested Leah come visit him on Wednesday, wanting very much to return to their previous arrangement. With much persuading on Leah's part, Sara, eventually, agreed to allow it. However, she did insist that when they met on Sunday like they had before, Hailey was to be with Leah at the tribe. Hailey readily accepted Sara's terms.
This arrangement went on for a few months. Hailey never complained and did everything Sara asked him to do. By the time it was early summer, she was even beginning to like him quite a bit. Even William was beginning to warm up to him thanks to Sara growing fond of him. Though other, far more important things happened that summer. At the beginning of June, the time Leah and Renesmee were both eagerly and desperately waiting for finally arrived and, within hours of one another, they both finally went into labor. Sokajili was going between their tents the entire day checking on each of them individually.
"Renesmee," Jacob said once Renesmee had come down from one of her contractions. "I know we said we'd name our next son Nathan, but if we have two boys, I'd like to name one of them after me."
"I'm hoping we have two girls," Renesmee said. "Natalie and Isabella."
"Those are pretty names," Jacob smiled. "Let's hope for girls, then." In the other tent, Caevia was taking deep breaths finding it impossible to relax. Carlisle eventually arrived and insisted on assisting with delivering Renesmee's and Caevia's children. They all knew there wouldn't be just one and there were complications associated with such a birth that Carlisle wanted to ensure did not happen or were under control.
Caevia was the first to deliver her children. While they'd known it wasn't just one, they'd not expected what came. First to be born was a little girl. She was so much smaller than the other children Caevia had delivered but she was just as loud. Caevia held her daughter only a moment before Sokajili had to take her while Caevia had another contraction and had to push again. Out came yet another girl. This little girl looked little like her sister, though she appeared the same weight and was just as vocal. The first little girl looked just like Caevia while the second little girl looked like Embry. She held her second daughter, once again, only a moment before she suffered yet another contraction and had to push yet again. She found herself desperately hoping this was the last one. With one more push, this time out came a little boy. This little boy looked exactly like his sister that had been born second. Yet out of the three he was the quietest. He also seemed to be just a little smaller, yet he certainly wasn't lacking in energy. After the babies were cleaned, Caevia and Embry held the children in their arms. Embry held the first born while Caevia held the twins. She knew they had to be twins. Even if they were boy and girl, they looked so much alike.
"I want to name her Sharisa," Embry said, referring to the little girl he was holding. "She looks like a Sharisa."
"It's beautiful," Leah agreed. "These two we will name Rae and Jae. The little girl will be Rae, our son will be Jae."
"Rae and Jae," Embry said out loud and smiled. "They're perfect. Are you happy to finally have five children?"
"Happier than I've ever been," Caevia said and then she looked up at Embry and smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too," he answered back and the two shared a loving kiss.
"Perhaps later, we shall have more," Caevia said and Embry chuckled.
"As many as you want," he said and the two kissed again.
A mere hour later, Renesmee's contractions were one after the other and it was finally time for her to push. With Jacob, Carlisle and Sokajili encouraging her, Renesmee gave birth to a little boy. She heard him cough a few times and then start crying. Sokajili announced to her that it was a boy. Yet moments later, she was forced to push again. Carlisle helped deliver the last child and when he saw the baby, Carlisle smiled at Renesmee and held up the baby.
"It's a girl," he said and Renesmee nearly cried. Jacob was just as happy. They finally had a little girl. "So Jacob," Carlisle said as he started helping clean up the children. "Shall we schedule a day for you to come over for your surgery?"
"What?" Jacob asked suddenly.
"You and Renesmee agreed if you had a daughter you would get a vasectomy, correct?"
"Oh," Jacob said. "Give me a few days," he finally answered.
"Whenever you're ready," Carlisle said and handed the children to Renesmee. The resemblance was uncanny. Both looked just like Jacob. They both had his dark complexion, his black hair, his black eyes and, as it turns out, his smile.
"They look just like you," Renesmee whimpered happily. Jacob smiled again as he looked at their twins.
"So Nathan and Natalie?"
"Nathan and Natalie," Renesmee agreed and the two shared a kiss. The tribe arranged for all five children to have their welcoming celebration on the same night. Sara told Jacob to extend the invitation to Hailey. So later that night while he was on patrol, Jacob went to the General store and managed to catch Hailey while he was outside feeding the horses.
"Hailey," Jacob said as he stepped out of the woods, earning Hailey's attention.
"Jacob," he answered. "What brings you here?"
"My wife and Caevia finally had the babies."
"It's about fucking time," Hailey huffed. "Any longer and I fear they may have exploded. So what are their names?"
"Renesmee and I had twins, a boy and a girl named Nathan and Natalie. Caevia and Embry had two little girls and a boy, Sharisa, Rae and Jae."
"Holy shit, you people brought five babies into the world in one day? That should be a crime against humanity."
"Unlike you, Hailey, most at my tribe like children."
"With that many screaming infants, you'd better," Hailey said. "So you came all the way here to tell me your wife had the baby?"
"My mother is inviting you to the children's welcoming party and she asked me to inform you," Jacob clarified.
"She invited me?" Hailey raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"She's beginning to see you as part of the family. Frankly, you should be honored. It means my mother is beginning to warm up to you. You keep up this good behavior and my parents might just tell you tonight that they approve you and Leah getting married." Hailey looked at Jacob thoughtfully a moment, then took a deep breath.
"When's the party?"
"Tomorrow night."
"Alright," Hailey said. "I can tell Mitch I'm visiting the Cullens or fishing or something."
"So you've still not told Mitch about you and Leah?" Jacob asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not yet," Hailey admitted. "I want to wait until everything's said and done."
"Are you sure that's the best idea?"
"Positive," Hailey said. "I assure you I have the matter under control. Mitch will learn about this when the time comes." Rather than argue, Jacob shrugged.
"Fine, I'll leave it to you then. We'll see you tomorrow. And bring some presents. It'll impress my mother if you do."
"Yeah, yeah," Hailey mumbled.
Just as Jacob had recommended, Hailey searched the shops stocks for toys and filled the register with the money to pay for the toys he took. The following night, Hailey told Mitch that the Cullens had requested toys be brought to them for their newest set of grandchildren and went off the way he'd started doing: going towards the Cullens' home to round back to the tribe. By the time he got there, there was a humongous pyre near the shore and everyone was presenting Caevia and Renesmee with gifts for the children. Leah saw Hailey arrive and was the first to greet him with a hug and a kiss, which Hailey returned.
"You finally made it," Leah said.
"I'm sorry, I had to make dinner first." Hailey took a step back and showed Leah the wooden toys he'd brought two were carved horses and three were dolls. "It was two boys and three girls right?"
"Yes," Leah smiled. "Nathan and Natalie are my new cousins and the triplets are Sharisa, Rae, and Jae."
"Too many fucking kids," Hailey mumbled. Leah smiled and reached up to kiss him. "Jacob said if I brought the little Rugrats toys it look impress your aunt."
"She will think very highly of that," Leah confirmed. "Let's take those over to them."
Leah led Hailey to the group of people swarming Caevia and Renesmee and helped him reach the two so he could present the toys. Renesmee and Caevia readily accepted the gifts and thanked Hailey for his thoughtfulness. As promised, Sara was impressed. Hours later, they'd had a chance to finally be able to talk while Leah took a moment to help Renesmee and hold Nathan while Renesmee finished feeding Natalie.
"I'm happy to see you accepted our invitation," Sara said.
"I'm happy you invited me."
"I'm glad to hear it. I feared you wouldn't want to come since it's a celebration for children."
"Just because I don't want kids doesn't mean anyone else should be void of them. Even if they are screaming, pooping little monsters, some people seem to like them."
"Children are a wonderful thing, Mr. Dauer," Sara said.
"Some people clearly like them. I'm just not one of those people."
"Have you always known you don't want children?"
"Yes," Hailey said. "I was never fond of kids and the more my mother nagged me about having them, the less I wanted them."
"Does your mother know you will not have children?"
"I've not told her yet," Hailey admitted. "I'm content with her focusing on me still not being married. The lack of children only gets briefly mentioned in that context. Besides, my sister has given her two grandchildren already, so she has no room to complain."
"That's not necessarily the point, Mr. Dauer. I think more than anything she just wants you to be happy. Since getting married and having children brought her so much joy, she only wants the same for you."
"Marrying Leah will bring me all the joy I could ask for. She's all I need." Sara smiled, rather pleased with his answer despite his continued insistence that he doesn't want children.
"I suppose given all the cousins she has, there are plenty of children to amuse her," Sara finally said.
"Leah did say that to me once," Hailey said. "But regardless, congratulations on your newest grandchildren. I hope they grow up strong and healthy."
"I appreciate that, Mr. Dauer."
"You can just call me Hailey," he said. "We've come to know each other enough for that have we not?"
"I suppose we have," Sara smiled and they returned their attention to the bonfire. Hailey kept his eyes on Leah and watched her hold her cousin. She eventually returned the little boy to Jacob and went to Hailey so she could be with him. By the time people were returning to their tents and the celebration was over, it was terribly late and Hailey was exhausted. Leah pleaded with Seth to spend the night with a friend while she and Hailey stayed in their tent. Hailey reigned his horse nearby under the cover of some trees to ensure she would be protected.
"Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" Leah asked as she tied the door closed.
"It was pleasant enough," Hailey said. He began removing his shoes and soon removed his shirt. "I'll be telling Mitch I spent the night at the Cullen house after they treated me to dinner. I've been telling him I'm doing favors and filling orders for the Cullens these past few months. I'm relieved Edward's been so readily able to collaborate my stories."
"He's aware of the situation," was all Leah said as she went to the spot where Hailey was. "There will be plenty of potato cakes to eat in the morning for breakfast."
"I can honestly say I don't think I've had that many potatoes in one day before this. And I'm German no less. Most of our recipes use potatoes."
"I remember mom used to make potato dishes all the time," Leah said. Hailey removed his clothes until he was in his undergarments and the two went under the covers together. Once they were snuggled together, Hailey held her a little tighter.
"We've never spent the night together," Hailey said. "This will certainly be a new experience."
"Unless you're a terrible snorer, I assume it will be one of our more tame and uneventful experiences," Leah smiled.
"Most likely," Hailey replied and kissed Leah. The two of them took a moment to stare into each other's eyes until Hailey finally broke the silence. "Soon enough, this will be every night. I'll look into homes so we can have a place to ourselves."
"I would like that," Leah said. "I know my aunt is starting to really like you."
"I like her too. She's one of the sweetest women I've ever known."
"She is," Leah agreed. "She's a lot like my mother."
"Then she was just as wonderful," Hailey said. They smiled at one another and shared a kiss. "I love you Leah Jagger."
"I love you too, Hailey Dauer." They smiled at each other one more time and, despite both being rather tired, they shared a loving kiss that became passionate and they did not separate until they both climaxed and sleep finally ended their night.