Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

100. Chapter 100

Chapter 100

Shortly after they had arrived in Las Vegas, Nathan and the others were invited to go into the desert with a bunch of people in the tribe for a bonfire for storytelling. It was the first time Nathan and Delsin had seen each other in years and while Delsin welcomed him, he made a point to give Nathan his 2 cents about his getting Tamara pregnant and not marrying his daughter. Tamara came to Nathan's defense and eventually Delsin dropped it. He made sure to say, though, that were it not for Ivory and were it not for the fact that Nathan was at least helping take care of his granddaughter, Delsin would see Nathan skinned and hanged on his wall. Nathan kept the situation in as good of humor as he could manage and focused on stories being told and entertaining Ivory with stories from his tribe. Ivory stayed in Nathan's lap the entire night asking for more details about any story he was telling until she couldn't stay awake and fell asleep in his arms.

As Kevin promised he would, he put a letter under Amber's pillow every night up to the night of Christmas Eve. Each letter was effectively a love scene from several spots in the house including his bedroom, her bedroom she used now, the kitchen, dining room, garage and so on. Kevin went into the office Christmas Eve as did Alphonse and Harold, but all other employees had the day off and everyone would be off for Christmas. After Kevin had returned from work Christmas Eve, they all packed up and left the city to go to Forks for Christmas. Since Nathan's side was in Las Vegas, Kevin, Amber, Levi and Anna stayed at his house for the holiday. He insisted Anna and Levi use the master bedroom and he and Amber would sleep in the kids' rooms. Natalie was doing much better since she'd started working at the inn. She was still quiet most times and everyone still had to get on her case about eating, but she wasn't as depressed and her nightmares had reduced quite a bit so she was getting better sleep.

Since Evalina and her family were in town, talk often went to the wedding, both the traditional wedding that would be held in Washington as well as the Catholic wedding in October that would be at the Vatican. She was searching for a dress for that wedding and was hoping it wouldn't be too hot since she'd have to wear a long sleeve turtle neck dress for modesty's sake. The topic of who would be going to the wedding in Rome also came up. Jacob and Renesmee would go of course. Nathan decided that he would be going and bringing Ada María and the kids with. The only exception to that would be Ivory, though it wasn't from lack of trying to get Tamara to agree. She'd agreed to Nathan taking Ivory with to Brazil, but that would be for the summer and under the understanding she'd be returned for the school year. It would take too long to get to and from Rome and she'd miss a solid month of school best case scenario, so Tamara put her foot down and said the trip to Rome wasn't permitted. Ivory did her kicking and screaming saying she wanted to go, but Nathan eventually had calmed her down and agreed with Tamara that she'd need to be home for school.

Embry couldn't go and neither could Travis for the same reason of work. Kevin was able to go and had already told Alphonse that he would be gone for a while around October for Kyle's wedding. The uncertainty was with Amber. He wanted to bring her but she was apprehensive about returning to Europe, even if she'd be nowhere near Germany. The thought still filled her with anxiety. Kevin promised she didn't have to go but that if she changed her mind at any point to let him know and they'd do whatever it took to make sure she could come. Anna and Levi would remain home. Natalie would stay home but said that if JJ, Salem and Nesia wanted to go that they were more than welcome to. JJ initially declined to go, but Hailey insisted JJ should go and went so far as to say he'd not let the boy come to work the entire month of October so he may as well go to Rome. JJ eventually relented and agreed he would go and Salem and Nesia were all too eager to go. From both Kyle's side and Evalina's, it would be a small wedding but that was exactly how they wanted it.

"Do you really have to leave?" Kyle asked Evalina while she was getting her Christmas gifts packed. They'd all be staying another few days, but then they'd return to Italy and would return in September for the Quileute wedding only to swoop off to Italy again for the Catholic ceremony.

"As much as I want to stay here, daddy's rather insistent I need to return with them," Evalina said. "I'll be able to stay here once we're married."

"I have several different family members you can stay with so we aren't living together, you know," Kyle said.

Evalina giggled, "Worthwhile effort, but how's daddy to know I won't just sneak off to your house and stay the night with none of your relatives telling on us?"

"Miss Evalina, I would never do anything so disrespectful," Kyle joked.

"Just like you'd never do anything so disrespectful as to spend the night with me at someone else's summer home?"

"I didn't know at the time that wasn't your house now did I?"

"Oh yes you did," Evalina giggled. She secured her suitcase that would carry all her gifts and put it in the corner as Kyle walked over to her and was standing before her once she'd straightened out.

"I assure you I did not," Kyle joked and leaned down to give her a kiss. Evalina sighed and returned the kiss only for them to be interrupted by someone whistling. They looked around and saw Alphonse leaning on the door.

"Reign it in, Romeo," Alphonse chuckled. "You're lucky I caught you and not dad."

"I was only giving my fiancé a kiss," Kyle defended with a humored smile.

"Make sure that's all you're giving her," Alphonse said and Evalina approached her brother while crossing her arms.

"Perché ci interrompi?" (Why are you interrupting us) Evalina grumbled.

"Sto solo cercando di preservare la tua castità, sorella," (I'm only trying to preserve your chastity, little sister) Alphonse answered and winked.

"Tu –" Evalina started with a grumble but stopped to swat Alphonse while he laughed.

"I hope she doesn't treat you this way, Kyle," Alphonse laughed, "otherwise you're in for a hard marriage."

"I treat him with the utmost respect I'll have you know. He's earned it, unlike you," Evalina grumbled and swatted him again.

"Excuse me, little missy, but I'm your big brother. I'd say I most definitely earned your respect."

"Sometimes you do," Evalina said.

"You're a little brat, you know that?" Alphonse teased and pinched Evalina's cheek and then she swatted his hand away just as Kyle walked over and took her in his arms.

"Don't be so mean to her, Alphonse," Kyle chuckled.

"Tell your bride to stop being so mean to me," Alphonse laughed and leaned down to give Evalina a kiss on the cheek. "Now come back to the Cullen house before mom and dad come looking for you."

Evalina complied after giving Alphonse one last mean look. Shortly after New Year's Eve was over was when Evalina and her family left Washington to return to Italy. By that time, Kevin and the others had returned to the city. After New Year's Day, their work schedules returned to normal and, as a belated present and knowing Levi, Anna and Amber had saved up enough money to do so, Kevin researched and obtained the address and contact numbers of houses within the neighborhood that were two bedroom homes. Nothing too extravagant as Levi would prefer, but houses that had up to date appliances and any other fancy necessities. After he'd collected all of those, he gave them to Levi for him to review and he and Anna narrowed it down to a few houses they liked the most and started making arrangements to see the houses. Kevin insisted on going with them to each of the houses they'd been interested in just in case. He asked Embry to join them too. He'd gotten into construction for homes and wanted to make sure an expert looked the places over.

"Honestly, Kevin, you don't need to be so rigid on our account," Levi said to Kevin while they were looking through one house that was a prime contender for purchase since it was just down the street from Kevin's house.

"I'd prefer to make sure there's nothing wrong," Kevin said. He didn't want to admit part of it was him not trusting the realtors not to discriminate against the Dymeks either for being Jewish, for being audibly German, or both. "Embry, how does everything look in the Kitchen?"

"So far everything looks alright," Embry said. "It's a brand new house isn't it?" he asked the realtor.

"This house was built in 1940," he answered. "I had the property looked over thoroughly after the previous owners left."

"Why did the previous owners leave?" Kevin asked.

"Unfortunately, this house belonged to a family of whom the husband fought in the war. He was killed in the line of duty and the wife couldn't afford the house and had to return to her family. Tragic, really," the realtor said.

"Indeed," Kevin agreed and kept looking around. "It looks like she kept the house in good condition."

"She absolutely did," the realtor answered. "Poor dear hated to leave, but had to."

"And how much is this house?" Kevin asked.

"For this house, it's $8500 with a minimum $2000 down," the realtor answered.

"And the monthly mortgage payments?"

"$20 a month," the realtor answered. "A rather fair price given the quality of the house and the condition."

"It's nice, I'll not argue that," Kevin said. Embry went up the stairs to look at the bedrooms and inspect them. He found a few cracks but nothing he couldn't fix with relative ease and a few of the rooms needed to be repainted. Again, nothing he couldn't take care of. Eventually, Embry returned downstairs and relayed the news.

"You said it was $2000 down, right?" Levi asked after Embry finished.

"Unless someone makes a better offer, yes," the realtor asked. "How much would you be able to put down?"

"They'll put down what's needed," Kevin answered sternly. "If Mr. Dymek puts in an offer, how long before they'll receive that approval?"

"Well, I was planning to keep this on the market at least until the end of the month," the realtor answered. "I should give others an opportunity to see the house and make an offer."

"You don't have to, though," Kevin said and looked at Levi. "What do you think?"

"Levi, I think this place would be perfect," Anna spoke up. "Think of it. We'd be just down the road, so when Kevin and Amber get married, we'll be nearby for when they have children. We'll be just a quick walk away from our grandchildren."

"That's true," Levi agreed and then looked at the realtor. "If we made an offer today, do you think we could move in soon?"

"Naturally, we'd have to-" Kevin cleared his throat, stopping the realtor from continuing with the line of thought he'd been proceeding with.

"I think $2000 down is more than fair," Kevin said to the realtor and then looked at Embry. "There was nothing you saw that would warrant a lower price?"

"Nothing I can't easily fix," Embry said. "Just some new paint here and there."

"In that case, if Mr. Dymek wants to, he can write you a check for $2000 right now," Kevin said.

"You realize, Mr. Black, that $2000 is the minimum," the realtor said. "If someone makes a better offer, than I can't very well turn them away."

"I can go as high as $2200," Levi offered.

"It's certainly a better price and it would reduce your mortgage payments," the realtor said.

"So if they put down $2200, can we have a guarantee the house is theirs and set a move in date?" Kevin asked.

"It'll depend on whether or not someone else makes a better offer which is entirely possible," the realtor said. "I'll leave the house on the market another month and if no one makes a better offer than $2200, the house is yours."

"Okay," Kevin said, losing his patience but remaining professional. "Come out to the backyard with me. Let's talk." Kevin made the realtor come out to the backyard with him. It really was a nice, spacious backyard that Anna had expressed a great liking for.

"Mr. Black, if you're trying to intimidate me-"

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Kevin interrupted. "Now, I can appreciate that you want to get the most out of this property that you can get, especially since the previous owners had to leave so suddenly. But I need you to appreciate the situation Mr. Dymek and his family are in."

"Mr. Black, you've already explained their situation and my heart goes out to them," the realtor said. "However, I can't just hand over this house because they're holocaust survivors."

"I fail to see how Mr. Dymek writing you a check for $2200 is you handing the house over to them," Kevin said sternly. "$2200 is more than generous."

"I didn't say it wasn't, but who's to say within the month someone would come to me and offer $2500 for it? Or more?"

"I think we both know a family that would be able to afford to put that much money down wouldn't waste time with such a small house," Kevin said. "Frankly, this price is already higher than I think it deserves to be but I won't argue with you about that."

"What price, might I ask, do you feel would be appropriate Mr. Black?" the realtor asked with an offended tone. "Shall I sell it to them for pennies perhaps?"

"Don't get flippant," Kevin said. "I already agreed I'd not argue the price for the house. What I'm arguing is the acceptable down payment for them to take this house off the market and start moving in."

"I didn't say $2200 wasn't acceptable, I only said someone might pay more," the realtor said. "Unless, of course, they're willing to pay even more."

"He already told you he can pay as much as $2200 and like you said, that'll reduce the mortgage payment a bit which is the only reason I'm not telling you to accept $2000 instead of the $2200."

"Mr. Black, if they want this house so badly, then they'd have to pay more so as to ensure no one could reasonably outbid them, but the fact remains they could be outbid and I'll not turn down a better bid."

"I'm sure you can find it in your heart to accept the $2200 and be done with it," Kevin said.

"I'm not a charity, Mr. Black, I'm a real-estate agent. If they want to guarantee this house is theirs, then they need to pay more. Otherwise, the house will stay on the market a month and if they're not outbid, then the house is theirs."

"Okay," Kevin said, "I'll tell you what. Keep it on the market for a week. But no more than a week and remember you've already got an offer for $2200 already lined up."

"I'd have to keep it on the market at least 2," the realtor argued.

"You don't have to," Kevin said. "There's no reason you can't take it off the market after a week. I know you've already had a few people see this place and last I checked, only two out of ten put down an offer and the highest one was $2050."

"How do you…..God damn it," the realtor muttered.

"So what do you say?" Kevin said. "$2200 is the best offer you've gotten and I'm rather confident it's the best you'll get. So what do you say we cut to the chase and you accept that check for $2200 and give my in-laws their cut of the American Dream?"

The realtor sighed heavily and nodded. "Sold," he said as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes about to light it before Kevin took it away.

"I'd appreciate it if you not smoke on Mrs. Dymek's back porch. Having to clean up cigarette butts really irritate her something awful. And it was a pleasure doing business with you."

The realtor gave Kevin a bit of a dirty look and took back his cigarette and put it back in the pack before the two walked back inside and the realtor announced to Levi that if they could write a check for $2200 now that the house was theirs. Levi did just that and Levi personally took the For Sale sign off the front lawn. Levi and Kevin returned to the real-estate office with the realtor to sign some paperwork officially selling the house to Levi. Kevin, of course, made sure to read over all the fine print. When they left and Levi had the two keys to the house, they got into Kevin's car to return.

"I want you to be honest with me," Levi said. "Did you pay him off to give us the house?"

"I did no such thing," Kevin smiled. "I simply explained to him that what you offered was more than generous and there was no one that would beat that price."

"Are you being honest?" Levi asked, but he couldn't help but smile.

"I swear on all that's holy I didn't pay him," Kevin reassured. "I might have done a little snooping prior to this and was well aware that the highest offer he got on the house thus far was $2050."

"Ah," Levi said. "So you cornered him into letting us buy the house."

"With your money and your money only," Kevin smiled. "Anna really loves the house and I know you do too and you can't beat the location."

"That's true," Levi smiled and looked down at his copy of the contracts and the keys. "Thank you by the way. I know I'm not always the most agreeable when it comes to letting you help us, but you really have been invaluable."

"It's my pleasure," Kevin said. "What kind of son-in-law would I be if I didn't look out for my bride's and her family's wellbeing?"

Levi smiled appreciatively. "I'll have to make 2 more copies of these keys so you and Amber have them."

"You don't have to give me a key," Kevin said. "Amber needs one most definitely, but you don't have to give me one."

"I still think it would be good for you to have one just in case," Levi said. "So we can move in whenever we want?"

"You could move in today if you want," Kevin said. "I'd suggest we wait to get furniture moved in first."

"Ah, yes, we need to buy furniture," Levi said. "I don't suppose you can recommend a place that might sell furniture for a reasonable price."

"I'll look into it," Kevin said. "I'll even talk to my relatives about seeing what we can make you ourselves."

"I think Anna would love that," Levi said. "So now that we have our own home, how long before I can expect Amber to return to living with you?"

"She could do that now if she wanted," Kevin joked.

"You know what I mean," Levi said. "She certainly seems to be perking up and in better spirits since you two started doing things together. Have you two talked about a date?"

"Not yet," Kevin said. "We're making progress, though. I think so long as things continue to go as they are, we'll come to a decision for a date by the end of the year."

"Alright," Levi said. "I wonder if it would be possible to get a candle room added to our house."

"I'll talk to Embry about it," Kevin said. "We'll see if we can't convert a pre-existing room but failing that, we'll look into adding a room. That'll take permits, though, so it'll take a while."

"That'll be alright," Levi said. "How much do you suppose it would cost?"

"I'll make sure it costs as little as possible," Kevin said. "When I added the room, I think I spent about $120 altogether. Doing all the work myself and with help from family kept the cost low. We'd do the same for you."

"I think we could save up enough for that," Levi said. "How long did the permits take for you?"

"A few months," Kevin said. "A contractor had to review the property so that cost a little. Embry will do that for you for free. I just wish he'd been into housing construction when I first moved into that house."

"Perhaps he could do that today?" Levi enquired.

"I'll make sure he does that before he leaves," Kevin said. Once they returned to the house, Anna was occupying Embry's attention with places they needed to paint and trying to decide what colors to use. Kevin told Embry what he and Levi had discussed in the car, so Embry started a walk around the property again with the project in mind.

"I wouldn't recommend added the way we had with Kevin's house," Embry said. "The ground isn't really so forgiving. I think the best thing to do would be to convert one of the rooms in the house."

"What room would you recommend?" Anna asked. Embry returned inside and looked around the little house. There was a little section of the house that had an archway away from the living room.

"Would you be alright with no door?" Embry asked.

"For the candle room, that would be just fine," Anna nodded eagerly.

"In that case, I think this would be a good spot," Embry said and went into the corner room. It connected to the kitchen on one end and the living room on another. "I think this is meant to be a dining room, but what we can do is we can put down tile or something so it's easy to clean and turn that other spot by the kitchen into the dining area. It'll cost a lot less to convert this room than it would be to add one and all we'd have to add is tile floors and a well."

"What about cleaning out the water?" Anna asked. "Would it be possible to add a window so we can dispose of stagnant water?"

"Actually," Embry said, "I think it would be a better idea to add a plumbing line. Since we need to fix up the floors anyway, I can add a pipe under the well so that when you need to change the water, all you have to do is press a button and the old water will dump outside. We have floor plans, right? Do we have it for plumbing? Maybe I can install another line so you can refill the well by just turning a knob."

Kevin retrieved the floor plans from Levi and started reviewing them with Embry while Amber and Anna started planning how to decorate and what color of paint to use in what room. Within a few weeks of obtaining furniture, some relatives making furniture, and Embry and Kevin working on redoing to designated room, Levi, Anna and Amber were ready to move it. The candle room wasn't quite done by that time. Embry and Kevin had just finished adjusting the plumbing after having an expert check it and receiving the okay to proceed with their plans. By the time the Dymeks moved it, Kevin and Embry were getting ready to start laying down the tile floors. Making sure the area under construction was obstructed from view with some cloth covering, Levi and Anna had several people over from the synagogue, from Levi's work and from Kevin's family over for a house warming party. Anna bragged endlessly about the dining table Jacob had made for her and Levi as well as the candle room her future son-in-law and his friend were building for them. She was leading tours of the little house and boasting how Alice had proved to be a most gifted decorator for the house.

"Your mother's certainly bubbly," Linda, whom Amber had invited, said. "This isn't the first house they've had is it?"

"Oh no, but it's the first we've been on our own since we came to America," Amber said. "Daddy's pleased as can be about it. Kevin's been wonderful, but he wanted independence and to take care of us himself and now he is."

"Well, the house is adorable," Linda smiled. "So how long will you be here before you move in with Mr. Black?"

"I don't know yet," Amber said, scratching the back of her head.

"Well, after Christmas, I figured you two might announce a date soon. You're certainly seem more comfortable at work when you interact with him. I dare say there are moments when it's downright work place inappropriate," Linda teased.

"He kisses me on the cheek sometimes and it's only before or after work," Amber blushed.

"Is that all?" Linda asked. When Amber's blush depended, Linda giggled. "Looks to me like you and I need to go out to coffee together soon. Do you suppose you'd get in trouble if we ran off for just that?"

"I suppose I can ask," Amber said.

"I'll wait right here for you," Linda smiled and waited for Amber to walk away. Eventually she did and went to Kevin.

"Kevin?" Amber said.

"Yeah, Amber?" Kevin asked.

"Linda just invited me to coffee. I don't suppose you'd mind letting mom and daddy know would you?"

"Sure," Kevin said. "Did you want me to drive you?"

"That's alright, Linda brought her car. We won't be more than a couple hours."

"Alright," Kevin said. "I'll let them know."

"Thank you," Amber smiled. Kevin bent down and gave her a quick kiss.

"Have fun," he said and Amber smiled shyly before walking back to Linda.

"You don't mind driving do you?"

"Not at all," Linda smiled eagerly and they went to her care to drive to a shop downtown. Once they were seated and had ordered their coffee, Linda rested her chin on her hands and smiled. "Spill."

"I beg pardon?" Amber asked.

"Tell me what's been going on," Linda clarified.

"Oh," Amber said. "Sorry, I misunderstood you."

"It's alright," Linda smiled. "So what's been going on with you two?"

"Starting over I guess you could say," Amber said. "He's trying to recreate how we fell in love."

"Based on how you two have been at work, I assume it's working?" Linda asked and when Amber blushed Linda giggled. "That well?"

"We haven't been…at least, not fully.." Amber was fumbling, a little embarrassed and unsure if she should really be relaying this information.

"You haven't slept together you mean?" Linda asked bluntly and Amber averted her eyes. "Don't be so bashful, Amber. I'm no saint. You'll get no judgment from me."

"Do you promise?" Amber asked and Linda nodded.

"Scout's honor," Linda promised. "Anything you tell me is strictly between you and I." They looked at one another a moment and just when they were brought their coffee, Amber figured she may as well take the plunge. So once the waitress walked away, Amber took a deep breath.

"When I still lived in Germany, Kevin used to write me letters. Usually, they were just us telling each other what was going on in our lives and making plans. Rather standard things. But every now and then, Kevin would send me…..more intimate letters let's say."

"Oh?" Linda rose a brow. "Do tell."

"I'd prefer not to go into too much detail, but long story short is he'd describe our love life. So if we….you know….did something in the candle room for example, he'd recount what we did."

"He'd write you a love scene you mean?" Linda enquired.

"Pretty much," Amber said.

"Is he a good writer?" Linda asked.

"Gifted," Amber said and even fawned a little. "Anyway, the last day of Hanukkah and every day up to Christmas, he started putting letters like that under my pillow."

"Goodness," Linda said and giggled. "So are you two….you know."

"No," Amber said. "At least, not really. Not entirely. He did….um…he's done something but we haven't had sex."

"Point is you're becoming more comfortable, right?" Linda asked.

"Yeah," Amber nodded. "It's embarrassing. That first night when I got the first letter he wrote to me, I went to his room and woke up just to thank him. He…..took care of me more or less but I didn't do a thing for him. He told me it was just fine and that we'd start from scratch."

Linda sighed with a gentle smile, "If you don't want to marry him, I'll take him."

"What about your boyfriend?"

"My boyfriend isn't so attentive as Mr. Black seems to be," Linda said. "Though if he could teach John to be half so attentive, I'd marry the man tonight."

Amber giggled, "I'm a lucky girl."

"Truly you are," Linda signed with envy. "So what are you waiting for?"

"I don't know," Amber said and then thought about it a moment. "I think I'm just scared. Sure, I could do…what we did, but what if he wanted to sleep with me? I don't know if I'm comfortable. It's really only been recently that I've started remembering what it's like to want him."

"How could you forget?" Linda asked. "He might be in his forties, but Mr. Black is dreamy. Any young lady would kill to be in your shoes about now."

"I suppose," Amber said. "I just don't know if I can be what he needs yet. He's gone above and beyond to be everything I've needed and I don't know if I can return the favor yet."

"But these letters he gave you are helping?"

"They have been," Amber said. "He's taken me and my parents on little dates too. When my parents are there, he'll be on his best behavior. When we're alone, he'll sneak a touch to my knee or a kiss but he never strays too far from gentlemanly behavior."

"Except the night you read his letter of course," Linda teased and made Amber blush heavily which made Linda giggle. "Do you still love him?"

"Of course I do," Amber said.

"And he loves you too?"

"He does," Amber said.

"Then why don't you just got for it?" Linda asked. "Just set a date."

"I want to wait until I know I can be a wife. That means knowing I'm comfortable sleeping with him," Amber admitted in a hushed voice.

"I can think of no better way to be sure than to just go for it," Linda smiled. "Find time to sneak away and be together. And hey, Mr. Black is part owner of that law firm. Just saying," Linda said with a wicked wink and Amber went beet red.

"I could never do such a thing," Amber said.

"Just a thought," Linda teased before taking a sip of her coffee. "Also, isn't his brother getting married in Italy in October? You're going right? I'm sure you two could get some alone time then."

"I don't want to go to Europe," Amber said. "I never want to set foot there again."

"Germany, certainly, but Italy? It's supposed to be breathtaking. Besides, the war's over. And I'm sure Mr. Black will never let you out of his site, so it's not as though you won't be safe."

"I know, but I don't want to go," Amber said.

"Now, you listen here, Miss Dymek, you have the opportunity to go to Rome. I suggest you take up to opportunity. I can cover for you."

"I don't know," Amber said in a mumble.

"I say just go for it," Linda said. "It'll be a nice excuse to be alone with Mr. Black and reconnect if you know what I mean." Linda winked and giggled when Amber's cheeks seemed to go from pink to red in an instant.

Eventually when they finished their coffee, Linda drove Amber back to her house and stayed a little while longer before leaving and promising to see Amber on Monday. However, before she left, Linda whispered to Amber, 'think about what I said'. Kevin stayed at the house the longest after all their guests had left and helped clean up. Embry stayed to help clean and to get a little more work done on the candle room figuring he may as well get the pipes connected to the bottom of the well he'd be starting the next day. Once that was done, Kevin and Embry left, saying good night to Levi, Anna and Amber before walking back to Kevin's house.

Amber did consider what Linda had said. She spent most of the night thinking about it. She'd thought about the pictures in Kyle's home of Italy, particularly of Rome. They were lovely to be sure. But the thought of going to Europe again was enough to turn her stomach. By morning, she'd gotten hardly any sleep and was barely awake when they all got in the car to go to the synagogue while Kevin and Embry came to the house to get back to work on the candle room. By the time they returned home, Embry and Kevin were nearly done with the well and were getting ready to work on the tiles. Anna got some lunch started for them when they returned, encouraging the two to take a break.

"Are you alright?" Kevin asked Amber, noticing she looked tired.

"I'm alright. I just didn't sleep very well," Amber said. "I actually wanted to go to your house and work on Anastasia's candles if that's alright."

"Sure," Kevin said. "You said you're almost done, right?"

"I'm half way," Amber said. "Just 250 more candles to go." Kevin returned a humored smile as Amber left to go to Kevin's house and return to working on the candles. It took a while to warm the wax but she dived in once the wax was hot and focused on working. She lost all track of time and was finishing up with a 15th candle when the front door opened and Kevin stepped in with Embry.

"I'll shower and get back home," Embry said to Kevin. "Once that tile has time to set, we'll paint next weekend and we'll get some more painting done in one go. Then that candle room will be ready to go."

"Thanks for all the help with this candle room," Kevin said. "I owe you a case of beer."

"You certainly do," Embry teased and went up the stairs to take a shower. Kevin looked into the candle room where Amber was and smiled at her.

"How many have you gotten through?"

"15," Amber said and dipped the finished candle in the well to cool and then brought it to an iron to flatten the bottom and dip in varnish.

"Only 235 more to go," Kevin smiled as Amber got that candle on the table with the others. "How about after this wedding, you take a week to yourself? You've spent most every waking hour working on these candles since January."

"I just won't be carving again for a while," Amber said. "Once that candle room at mom and dad's house is done, mom can start helping with them and we'll be done in half the time. Then I can get to work on those soaps."

"They look beautiful," Kevin said when he looked at the ones she'd finished. "Anastasia will love them."

"I know she will," Amber said. "She's seen her unity candle and she's in love with that. She already approved the design for the table setting candles, so it's just a matter of getting them all done."

"I'm happy to hear it," Kevin smiled. "For how much Alphonse grumbled over the price of all these candles, she'd better like them."

"She has expensive taste," Amber said. "He has no one to blame for that but himself."

Kevin laughed, "That's certainly true." Kevin watched her as she went to the wall of slender star shaped tapers to grab one more for her to start dipping and work on. "Why don't you call it a day?"

"Just one more candle," Amber said as already started dipping the candle accordingly to the pattern. Since she'd already started, Kevin stepped back and left the candle room so she could focus. Then he went to the kitchen and started making coffee. Embry returned downstairs wearing some of Kevin's clothes and his hair slightly damp.

"You are planning to clean and return those right?" Kevin asked Embry when he saw him in a pair of his jeans and white tank top.

"I'll get to it eventually," Embry said with a smile. "Is there enough coffee for me?" Kevin huffed a light laugh and grabbed another mug, filled it with coffee and handed it to Embry. He glanced towards the candle room and saw Amber as she was dipping another candle and Kevin sighed.

"She'd said only one more," Kevin said. "That was two candles ago."

"She's a hard worker just like you are," Embry said and sipped his coffee. "The candles are beautiful."

"They are," Kevin agreed. He watched her as she finished dipping the candle and brought it to the well to start carving.

"So has anything happened between you since she came to your room?" Embry asked.

"No," Kevin said. "She's been focusing on work and these candles most times."

"Should I leave?" Embry asked. "I don't think Levi and Anna will kick up a fuss for a little while yet."

Kevin was tempted but ultimately shook his head, "No. I'd prefer to let her come to me. It's something she needs to do in her own time. I'll be here when she wants me, but I'll give her space when she needs it."

"You two haven't even been on a date in so long," Embry said.

"I know," Kevin said. "She's been busy."

"Is that it or you're scared to rock the boat so to speak?" Embry asked.

"A little of both I guess," Kevin said. "I don't want to put us back by being impatient."

"I get it," Embry said. "Still, it might do you both well to take a risk here and there. If she's uncomfortable, she'll tell you, right?"

"I've told her as much," Kevin said. A moment of silence passed as Embry finished his still hot coffee in a big gulp and put it in Kevin's sink.

"Well, I'm going to get going home. Tell Amber to relax a little, alright?" Embry said with a wink and walked out of the house, leaving Kevin and Amber alone. He looked at her and watched as she was finishing up the candle she'd started mere minutes ago. He took a sip of his coffee and walked over to the candle room only for his front door to open and Anna to be there.

"Is Amber still here?" She asked Kevin.

"In here," Amber said from the candle room. She dipped the candle in the well, got the bottom of the candle flat, dipped in varnish and hung it to dry.

"How about making that candle your last one for the night and come home?" Then Anna looked at Kevin. "I have something light for dinner ready if you'd like to come back over for a bit."

"That sounds great," Kevin smiled. Amber finally agreed to join them and return to her parents' house for a light dinner. Amber still appeared largely distracted and a little tired.

Kevin stayed at their house long enough to enjoy some coffee with them after dinner before going back to his house for the night. Rather than go straight to bed, Kevin went to his office to get some work done. He wound up working into the night until he heard the lock turn at his front door and looked up to see Amber letting herself in and close the door behind her. When she noticed he was in his office, Amber looked a little surprised.

"Amber? Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine," Amber said appearing a little embarrassed. "I actually thought you'd be in bed by now."

"Were you planning to work on more candles?" Kevin asked with a gentle smile. "I'll warn you that I have a responsibility to send you home to bed. We have work in the morning."

Amber smiled shyly a little and started to walk over to Kevin's office. "Actually, I came over because I wanted to talk to you."

"What about?" Kevin asked as Amber entered the office and stood next to him.

"It's about Kyle's wedding in Rome," Amber said and took a deep breath. "If there's still time to do so, I would like very much to go."

"Really?" Kevin asked with a smile.

"Really," Amber said, ignoring the anxiousness that was beginning to set in all the more. "This is your brother's wedding and it would be disrespectful of me not to attend given they've extended the invitation."

"Amber," Kevin lost his smile a little and stood from his chair. "If you don't want to go, you don't have to."

"I know, but you want me to go," Amber said. "And Linda's right: this is a great chance for you and I to enjoy ourselves and you'll be with me the whole time so I have nothing to worry about."

"Linda?" Kevin asked, a little confused. "Is that what you two talked about yesterday?"

"It's one thing," Amber said and was starting to blush a little. "Linda's a very good friend and a good listener. I'm glad to be able to speak with her."

"Me too," Kevin said gently. "Well, if you're comfortable with going, you're more than welcome. And I will be there the whole time."

"I know," Amber said. She took another deep breath and looked up at Kevin. "I didn't give her details or anything….but I told her about how you've been writing me letters." Amber's cheeks turned crimson, but she kept looking at Kevin.

"Did you?" Amber nodded. "How'd that come up?"

"She knew about all the little presents you'd given me for Hanukkah and I more or less explained that the last present you had given me were letters. Perhaps I shouldn't have spoken to her about it, but she reassured she'd not judge me."

"And what did she say about them?" Kevin asked.

"She said the only way to find out if I was comfortable with…" Amber took another deep breath before continuing. "She said the only way to find out if I was comfortable with being intimate was to just 'go for it' as she put it."

"Alright," Kevin said, unsure what else to say. "Is that what you want?"

"I mean…" Amber kept blushing. "I'd thought to but….not now. This isn't exactly the most romantic way to initiate anything."

Kevin smiled, "I wouldn't think so."

Amber sighed, "I feel silly."

"Don't," Kevin said and took her in his arms. Amber accepted the embrace and rested her head against his chest. "We can take all the time you need. Don't feel like you need to force yourself along just because people around us are getting impatient."

"It's not just them," Amber said. "I'm impatient with myself. And I know you're getting so too."

"Amber-"

"I overheard you and Embry," Amber said. "I want to at least try."

Kevin took a deep breath and kissed Amber's head, "Another time. Next time we can sneak away and be alone." Amber nodded her head and Kevin gave her another kiss atop her head. "Let me walk you back home."

Kevin released Amber only to lace his fingers through hers to hold her hand and walked her back to her house. It was the middle of the night, so Kevin didn't suspect there were neighbors watching, but even if there were, he'd think of a reasonable excuse. The next day, Kevin went into the firm early to finish some last minute work before a court appearance and was walking out just as Amber had been dropped off by Levi. Kevin gave her hand a gentle kiss before he left and Amber went to her desk with a little grin on her face which Linda noticed. Linda finished her call and then went to Amber's desk, sitting on the edge smiling.

"So? You're in a good mood this morning," Linda mostly whispered.

"Kevin just kissed my hand before he left," Amber smiled. "It was very sweet."

"Indeed," Linda smiled. "And? Anything else happen after I'd left your parents' house Saturday?"

"No," Amber said. "I'd snuck over to his house thinking I would, but he was still working when I came over and….I guess the romantic scenario I'd had in mind had the wind taken from its sails and we didn't do anything. I explained why I'd come over and it just killed the mood."

"Oh dear," Linda giggled a little. "What about Rome? You told him you're going, right?"

"I did," Amber said. "I'm still apprehensive, but…..Kevin will be with me so it'll be okay."

"Exactly," Linda smiled. "Perhaps by then, you two will have set a date for your own wedding. You're going to two this year so maybe it'll give you the bug."

"I beg pardon?" Amber asked.

"Give you the bug. It's a figure of speech. Never mind," Linda said. "Just enjoy yourself at her Majesty's wedding and your soon to be brother-in-law's wedding. Maybe you'll enjoy yourself so much you'll want your own wedding. That's what I meant."

"Oh," Amber said and smiled. "I hope so."

"And I expect to be invited," Linda joked, making Amber laugh, and stepped away to return to her desk.

"Rest assured, you're invited," Amber smiled.

Kevin didn't return to the office until late in the afternoon and he looked exhausted. Amber smiled at him and welcomed him and back Kevin smiled back before returning into his office. Amber left him alone for a little while until she got a call from a client demanding to see Kevin as soon as possible. Today being preferred. Amber put the client on hold and knocked gently on Kevin's door before stepped in to see him staring at some paperwork and evidence.

"Kevin?" Amber said and Kevin looked up at her. "I'm sorry to bother you, but Mr. Collins is on the phone and he's demanding an appointment with you as soon as possible. He said today was preferred. I tried to tell him that wasn't available, but he's being difficult."

"Of course he is," Kevin groaned a little and stood from his desk to walk out of the office to Amber's desk and talk to the client on the other line. Kevin reluctantly agreed to meet him at six that afternoon before returning to his office to get back to what he'd been working on. It came to be the end of Amber's shift as well as Linda's but Amber insisted that she stay until Kevin was finished with his meeting just in case. She stepped outside catching Levi and told him she'd just ask Kevin to drive her home before returning to her desk just in time for a very upset Mr. Collins to come in to see Kevin.

"Good evening, Mr. Collins," Amber smiled politely and stood from her desk to greet the client. "Mr. Black's just inside his office. Would you mind waiting just one moment and I'll let him know you've arrived?"

"Make it quick, dear," Mr. Collins said. Amber smiled sweetly at him and that seemed to calm the man down. Amber left her desk and went to Kevin's office, gently knocked and then let herself in. "Mr. Black, your 6:00 is here," she said to Kevin, remaining professional since a client was in ear shot.

"Thank you, Miss Dymek," Kevin answered, just as formal. "Send him in please."

Amber nodded and returned to Mr. Collins, "He'll see you now, Mr. Collins."

"Thank you, dear," Mr. Collins said and went into Kevin's office closing the door behind him. Amber went back to her desk and just waited. She looked over her things to make sure there was nothing she'd forgotten to do that day and made sure the schedule for the next day was finished. She ended up waiting for an hour and a half before Mr. Collins came out of Kevin's office lighting a cigarette, putting out the match and tossing it into Amber's bin. She hurried to stand up and smile at the client.

"Was there anything you needed before you left, Mr. Collins?" Amber asked pleasantly.

"Not at the moment, toots," Mr. Collins grumbled, being on what one might call his best behavior with Amber. "Your boss can go to hell, but you have a lovely evening."

"You as well, Mr. Collins," Amber smiled sweetly and the client finally left. Once he'd left the office, Amber turned to go to Kevin's office just as he was packing some things away in his brief case. "Is everything alright?"

"He's just throwing a tantrum," Kevin said. "Just keep being as sweet as you're being to him and he'll manage to act like an adult most days."

"I don't know why that man likes me so much, but as long as it's helping," Amber said.

"Just let me know if he does or says anything questionable to you," Kevin said. "Is Levi aware I'll drive you home?"

"I told him I'd be staying and that you'd bring me home," Amber nodded.

"Okay," Kevin said. "If this ever happens again, don't feel like you have to stay past your hours. I don't want us getting in trouble."

"It's alright," Amber said. "Daddy wasn't upset. I just explained what was going on."

"Still," Kevin said and closed his brief case. He turned off the lamp on his desk and walked around. Amber went to her desk and got her purse before following him outside to his car. Once they were in the car Kevin didn't turn on the car right away. Instead, he closed his eyes and leaned his head against the seat.

"Are you alright?" Amber asked.

"Just a long day," Kevin said. "Despite what I said, thank you for staying. It made me feel a lot better." Amber smiled and shifted across the seat so she was leaning her head against his shoulder. Kevin leaned his head over hers and put his hand on her knee while Amber put her hands over his.

"I'm happy to have been helpful," Amber smiled and lifted her head so she could kiss Kevin on the cheek. Kevin tilted his head down and returned her kiss. While he kissed her, Kevin squeezed her knee and she trembled. Kevin smiled through the kiss and pulled away resting his head against hers so he could look at her.

"Now this is romantic," Kevin said. "A long day of work for us both and finally having a moment alone."

"This is romantic," Amber agreed and squeezed Kevin's hand. He in turn squeezed her thigh and started to rub his hand up and down her thigh. They shared another kiss, but Kevin kept it brief since they were still in the parking lot of the Law Firm.

"Did you tell Levi when to expect you home?" Kevin asked.

"I just told daddy we had a difficult client and we'd be late," Amber said.

"How about we go back to my house for a little while?" Kevin asked. Amber blushed and her heart raced, but she smiled and nodded. Kevin gave her one more kiss and then took his hand away so he could turn on the car and get them home. He got them home in less than twenty minutes keeping his hand on Amber's thigh once they were on the road and he could drive with one hand. Once they got back, Kevin left the car and walked around to the passenger door to open it for Amber. Just for modesty's sake, they didn't hold hands on the way to the front door. Kevin opened the door and was ready to pull Amber to him when he saw Anna in the candle room. "Anna?" Kevin said.

"Oh, Kevin, there you are," Anna smiled and then noticed Amber. "Amber? What are you so late for?"

"Oh," Amber blushed, "a difficult client demanded to meet Kevin late, so I stayed just in case I was needed. We just left the office. Didn't daddy tell you?"

"I'm afraid I haven't been at the house all day," Anna said. "I hope you don't mind, Kevin, but I let myself in to work on the candles. I took today off and I got about 100 done."

"Oh," Amber said, "Well, then I can probably get the rest done tonight. I'd come home with Kevin because I wanted to get a few more done."

"No, Amber, we should both get home," Anna said. "You've already worked a full day and then some, so you need to get yourself some rest."

"Really, it's alright, I can work on some candles," Amber tried to insist.

"I'm sure you could, but you really should get home," Anna insisted. "Also, Kevin, you must be starving. How about you come to our house and I'll whip something up for you?"

"That's alright, Anna, you've been carving candles all day so you're probably dead tired too," Kevin reassured. "I still have some of that soup you made, so I'll warm that up on the stove."

"Are you sure, Kevin?" Anna asked.

"Really, it's alright, Anna," Kevin smiled. "Besides, I need to get some more work done before I get to bed myself."

"Well, if you insist," Anna smiled and hung the last candle to dry before going to Amber. "You'll come over for dinner tomorrow right?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Kevin smiled and then looked at Amber. "Good night Amber, and thanks again for staying after."

"Sure," Amber nodded and stepped away from Anna so she could give Kevin a hung. He hugged her back and kissed her head. "I love you."

"I love you too," Kevin smiled. "Now get home. It's been a long day."

Reluctantly, Amber let go of Kevin and left the house with Anna, but not without looking at him a moment before closing the door. She was disappointed and he was too, but he smiled at her all the same. Since he was alone, he went ahead and did get some work done in his office downstairs. As it turns out, he didn't have as much to work on as he'd thought. Once he was done, he leaned back in his chair and groaned, finally letting himself feel frustrated with the interruption. He'd never say it out loud, but he'd been hoping for some time alone with Amber. He even glanced at his front door hoping that maybe Amber was just as frustrated and would come over, but she hadn't. Eventually, he gave up and went to bed, but he didn't sleep very well that night.

After that night, Amber and Kevin didn't really get another opportunity to be alone. The following weekend, Kevin and Embry finished the candle room at the Dymek's house. Anna was thrilled, but Amber was a little less so. To her, it meant there was one less excuse to run to Kevin's house. Kevin still made sure to take Amber on dates that her parents would chaperone. Since the weather was getting better, they'd go to the park or playground together with her parents close behind or he'd take her to a movie or to dinner. With Anna having made great headway on the candles before, Amber was able to get the last candles finished in a matter of days, especially since there was a candle room at her parents' house now. It freed up time for them to go on dates together.

Anastasia was ecstatic when she found out the last of her candles were finished and insisted on seeing them. They were being where they could be kept cold and wouldn't melt or break, so they remained in good condition when Anastasia inspected them. Once she gave her teary eyed approval, she made Alphonse make arrangements for the candles to be brought to the venue the day before the ceremony so the tables could be set up. In the following days, Harold made a point to thank Amber for her hard work on the candles and to remind Amber just how much she loved them to which Amber always blushed a little and smiled saying she was pleased Anastasia loved them.

The few months leading up to Anastasia's wedding seemed to fly by. With all the candles being finished, it was one less thing for her to worry about, though there was no lack of things to worry about for her. The closer it came to be her wedding day, the more Linda or Amber would answer the phones with a crying Anastasia on the other line demanding to speak to either Alphonse or Harold depending on what the problem was. They were generally easily solved problems like the venue had the wrong number of tables on the bill or some of the guests hadn't RSVPd and she'd called them and they might not answer or any other number of things that she was worrying about. Typically, Alphonse or Harold would help her to calm down and fix the problem or have Linda or Amber fix it. Then, at long last, it was the day before the wedding. Alphonse and Harold were both away from the office that day helping with last minute things, getting things set up and so on. When it was the end of Amber's day, she went into Kevin's office finding him working on a deposition.

"Daddy should be here in a few minutes," Amber said. "You're picking me up tomorrow for the wedding right?"

"Yeah," Kevin nodded. "The ceremony's at 4, so we have all morning to get ready if it's needed. I'll pick you up about 3 so we can get to the church early." He looked up at her and smiled. "Are you excited?"

"I'm excited for her," Amber said. "Harold has been nice since I met him."

"He's a good kid," Kevin agreed. "I'm told they're going to Havana for their honeymoon."

"I thought it was Puerto Rico," Amber said.

"It might be," Kevin smiled. "I admit I don't remember."

"I'm sure they're going somewhere nice all the same," Amber smiled. "Alice gave me a really nice lavender dress to wear tomorrow. She said she'd come over to do my hair up too."

"Okay, good," Kevin smiled. "She's very good with that sort of thing."

"Are you staying or going home?" Amber asked.

"I was going to stay another hour and work on this," Kevin said. "Don't worry about waiting for me to get back to make dinner. I'll come over when I get done."

"Are you sure?" Amber asked.

"Really, it's okay," Kevin smiled. "You go home and relax. You'll need it before Alice starts pulling your hair and poking at you."

Amber smiled a little, "Alright. Just don't stay too late, okay?" Then Amber walked over to Kevin's desk and they shared a brief kiss before she finally left his office and went outside to meet Levi to go home.

The following morning, Amber was able to sleep in, but soon Anna woke her up so she wasn't sleeping in too late. Alice was at the house by noon and sat Amber down to do her hair and makeup. Amber begged Alice not to go too crazy, so Alice just curled Amber's hair and left it down. She did, however, pin a small purple hat into her hair that matched her dress. Her makeup was also really simple and Amber was dressed and ready by 2:30. Kevin came over not long after that in a black suit that was much fancier than what he usually wore to work. Levi and Anna opted not to go but reminded Kevin not to have Amber out too late before they got in the car together and left for the church.

"You look beautiful by the way," Kevin smiled at her, finally alone with her in the car.

"Thank you," Amber smiled. "You look handsome yourself."

"Thank you," Kevin said. "Just so you know, Anastasia has asked to take a few pictures with me before and after the wedding ceremony. Did you want to be in those pictures?"

"I'll stand next to you in them if that's alright with Anastasia," Amber smiled.

"She already said it was fine," Kevin said and patted Amber's knee. "We'll even get copies of any pictures you and I are together in. At least I asked Alphonse to make sure of it."

"I would like that," Amber said and held Kevin's hand so it remained on her knee.

When they arrived, an usher was there to locate and lead Kevin to where Anastasia and the others were taking pictures. Amber joined him, but they weren't in very many pictures. At the moment, the pictures were of Anastasia with Alphonse and Ana, one with just her mother, another with just Alphonse, one with Kevin and Amber, one with her bridesmaids and so on. The pictures alone wound up postponing the ceremony about fifteen minutes. Kevin and Amber got to their seats reserved towards to front of the church, but as they were walking in, Amber was dizzy just looking at how many people were there.

"Does she even know any of these people?" Amber whispered to Kevin when they were seated.

"A lot of these people are actually clients of ours," Kevin said. "Either that or family from out of the country. Her cousins are here and they all live in France or Austria. Remember? These are the family members Alphonse got into a heated letter war with over where to hold the wedding. Alphonse's mother was insisting the wedding should be in New York but Alphonse put his foot down on that."

"I remember overhearing that," Amber said. "Should he really be yelling at his mother over the phone at work?"

"It's nothing new," Kevin said. "It's a shame, though. You would have loved New York. I'll take you there someday."

"You went to school in Connecticut right? New York was really close?"

"Close isn't the right word," Kevin said. "A reasonable train ride away, yes. A pretty one too. It's along the coast, so you get to look out on the water the whole way there so long as you're looking out the right window."

"I'd love to go to Connecticut," Amber said. "I want to see where you went to school. Maybe meet Handsome Dan."

"I'll take you to New York and New Haven," Kevin smiled and kissed her hand. "We'll need to go to the east coast to leave for Rome, so we'll leave early so I can take you to New Haven before we go to New York."

"Really?" Amber asked.

"Absolutely," Kevin said. "Just the two of us."

Amber blushed a little, "Do you suppose mom and daddy would mind?"

"I'll take care of it," Kevin reassured. "You promise that you're alright with going to Rome?"

"If I'm going with you, then yes," Amber promised. Her stomach twisted into knots at the thought, but she pushed it to the back of her mind. "If I'm with you, it'll be romantic."

"I can guarantee that," Kevin said and kissed Amber's hand again, making her giggle a little.

Finally, the ceremony began once the groomsmen walked up the aisle with the bridesmaids in arm. They parted once they reached the altar, going to their assigned sides. The bridesmaid dresses were adorable. Each of them were wearing white gloves and light spring colors of purples and pinks with white shoes and each bridesmaid had her hair in a tight bun and a white bow. After that, Harold walked down the aisle and stood before the priest wearing a tuxedo. Then a flower girl and ring bearer walked down the aisle. The ring bearer sat with their parents and then an organ began to play, cueing for Anastasia to walk down the aisle with Alphonse leading her. Along with her long veil, Anastasia seemed to be covered head to toe in lace and beading in a dress that looked to cost as much as the ceremony and reception combined. Kevin smiled and held back a laugh when he noticed Alphonse's eyes were just a little puffy. He'd cried just a little before walking Anastasia down the aisle and Kevin could see through the veil that Anastasia had gotten teary eyed too. All the guests stood once Alphonse and Anastasia started their walk down the aisle and everyone remained standing until after Alphonse lifted the veil to give Anastasia a quick kiss, put the veil back down and handed Anastasia over to Harold, the music stopped playing and the priest instructed the congregants to sit.

Kevin held Amber's hand through the duration of the whole ceremony. It was a very traditional Catholic ceremony that lasted all of an hour including Ana and Harold's mother lighting the small tapers that Amber had carved so Anastasia and Harold could light the big unity candle that Amber had carved. It was the first time Amber had actually seen a candle she'd made be lit at the wedding for which it was intended and she admittedly had a moment of pride at seeing it. Eventually, the ceremony ended with Anastasia and Harold putting the rings on one another and receiving permission from the priest to kiss as husband and wife. The church cheered when the two kissed and they said hello to everyone as they walked back down the aisle hand in hand. Alphonse went to grab Kevin and Amber for the post wedding pictures while all the other guests retreated to the hotel for the reception to enjoy some finger food before the bride and groom would arrive and they could sit down for dinner. They took much the same pictures as they had before, the only difference being that Harold was now in them too. Kevin and Amber retreated to the hotel for the reception and found their seats in the vast ballroom of the hotel and sat down together. It was open bar, so Kevin ordered Brandy on the rocks while Amber just got water.

"So how much did all this cost?" Amber asked with a light giggle after looking at everything. She saw the candles she'd carved on all the tables, each lit surrounded by the soaps she'd carved too.

"Oh, not much," Kevin joked. "Enough for three houses I'm sure. Nothing too alarming."

Amber giggled, "It certainly looks like that. When Alphonse married, was his wedding so extravagant?"

"Oh, Christ, yes," Kevin chuckled. "Alphonse and Ana got married at his parents' house in the Hamptons. That house was a monstrosity and they had a massive back yard with an ocean view and this big ballroom just inside."

"I'm sure it was beautiful," Amber said. She looked around again and saw all the people speaking anything from German to French to Russian. Aside from clients that Amber vaguely recognized and Harold's family and friends seemed to be the only ones that spoke English. "I hope Anastasia and Harold are happy."

"They are," Kevin said. "Alphonse would never have handed Anastasia over if they weren't. He knows how it feels to be married to someone out of convenience or for money. He'd never stand for Anastasia suffering the same."

"I'm relieved to hear it," Amber said. "What do you think will happen now? Between Alphonse and Ana I mean. She never wanted to move here to begin with, right?"

"I don't know," Kevin said. "They won't get divorced. I know that much. Alphonse would never give Ana the satisfaction of claiming he was abusive and Ana doesn't really have anywhere to go. Her parents passed away years ago and they're the only ones she might have been able to go to. It wouldn't surprise me if Alphonse bought her a house in New York for her to retreat to, but he hasn't said anything to me."

"I guess today certainly isn't the day to talk about it," Amber said.

"Not at all," Kevin said. "I would certainly hope they won't talk about this today. I'm sure something to that effect will come up soon, but not today. This is Anastasia's day."

Amber nodded in agreement and they waited another ten minutes before the Bride and Groom were announced to all the guests and dinner started. Kevin was more familiar with the guests they sat with than Amber was, but she smiled and spoke when spoken to, but kept mostly to Kevin. After dinner was served was when Anastasia and Harold cut to cake together and cake was served to the guests. Anastasia and Alphonse started the dancing for the evening with a father daughter dance that had the room gushing. When she and Harold started their first dance as husband and wife, that was when the other guests were given permission to dance with them.

"Dance with me?" Kevin asked Amber and she nodded with a smile, accepting Kevin's hand and following him to the large dance floor to join him for a slow dance. The band was playing a slow waltz, but the bride and groom weren't following a waltz dance unlike Anastasia's side of the family. Kevin led Amber in a waltz copying the other guests to the best of his ability, but it was a lazy attempt. Kevin instead focused more on Amber.

"When was the last time you and I waltzed together?" Amber said.

"Too long ago," Kevin said.

"I remember that night so well," Amber smiled fondly and rested her head against Kevin's shoulder. He stopped the waltz and devolved to a simple two step dancing motion. "Remember how you'd stayed downstairs and I came down in my nightgown. We kissed in the candle room and then went to the guest room."

"I remember," Kevin smiled longingly. He kept his hands at an appropriate spot, but he started gently rubbing his hand up and down a small section of her back. "I wrote about that night in one of those letters I gave you over Christmas, right?"

"You did," Amber nodded. "You really are a gifted writer."

"At least for you," Kevin chuckled. "This is a nice hotel too. Perhaps I should write a letter to that effect and stage it here in this hotel." Amber just smiled and kept her head on Kevin's shoulder. "I'm glad we could do this."

"Me too," Amber said. "You smell like Brandy."

Kevin chuckled a little, "I'm sorry. I don't get it very often, so I thought I'd indulge."

"I don't mind it," Amber said. "I prefer that smell over beer. It's sweeter."

"You know, when I was younger and it was the prohibition era, you had to have connections to get alcohol. When I got Kyle into Yale, the Dean shared a glass of Brandy with me. First time I'd ever had it. I didn't like it much then, but I've grown to like it. That and good Whiskey."

"Whiskey isn't a bad smell," Amber said.

With the completion of a waltz, the band started to play jazz music so people that wanted to could have a livelier dance. Kevin picked up the pace of their dancing but he remained rather simple so Amber could stay close to him. Amber encouraged Kevin to be more lively and they started dancing with the pace of the other people dancing. Some of them seemed like they danced at Jazz clubs all the time while most stuck to spinning around over and over until they were dizzy. By then, Anastasia and Harold were walking around the large ballroom to their guests thanking them for coming and her bridesmaids were putting little gifts for the guests at everyone's spots at the tables. Eventually Kevin and Amber stopped dancing and Anastasia ran to him to hug him and thank him for being there. She then begged to steal Amber so she could introduce her to all her guests that had expressed a liking for all the candles. Kevin remained close behind while Anastasia took Amber from guest to guest bragging about the candles on each table while Amber blushed and curtsied where appropriate. Amber was even able to grab another client from Harold's side of the family whose daughter's wedding would be coming up soon for a Unity Candle. All Amber would have to do is ship it to the East Coast.

"I see Anastasia's showing off Amber," Alphonse said lightly as he approached Kevin.

"Amber already has a new client, so she's happy to be paraded around," Kevin smiled.

"Anastasia really did adore these candles," Alphonse said. "Makes how much they cost worth it."

"Well, the check cleared regardless," Kevin said and Alphonse laughed. "The wedding was beautiful. Anastasia looks so happy."

"She does," Alphonse said and rubbed his eye. "I didn't think this would be this hard. I miss her already."

"She'll always be nearby at least," Kevin promised. "She can always come home if she misses you and you can go to see her."

"It's not the same," Alphonse said. "Dianna has spent all of yesterday and today getting Anastasia's things moved to Harold's house. By the time they return from their honeymoon, all her things will be there, unpacked, put away and everything."

"That's awfully nice of Dianna," Kevin smiled. "She has help right?"

"Of course she does," Alphonse said. "She's directing the movers and keeping them in line. When we get back, the house will feel so empty."

"How's Ana doing with this?" Kevin asked. There was a moment of silence and Kevin looked at Alphonse. "Why the silence?"

"She asked me for a divorce," Alphonse said.

"I take it you said no?" Kevin said.

"If she thinks she's going to go before a judge and cry abuse, she's out of her mind," Alphonse said. "I've not laid a hand on her the entirety of our marriage. It's more than she deserves, frankly."

"So what will you do?" Kevin asked.

"I told her to keep her mouth shut until after the wedding," Alphonse said. "This is Anastasia's time and I won't have Ana's complaining ruin my daughter's big day."

"Try to remember she's Ana's daughter too," Kevin defended and Alphonse grumbled a little. "Anastasia doesn't know about any of this right?"

"She knows we're not happy," Alphonse said. "I think she's always known that. She'll likely not be surprised when Ana and I decide what we're going to do, but it'll be after all this. Our problems have waited this long. They can wait a little longer."

"Do you have an idea of what you want to do?"

"I haven't thought about it too much," Alphonse said. "I thought perhaps I'd send her to New York or Paris where she wanted to be, throw money at her from time to time and be done with it, but then it occurred to me that she'd be far away from Anastasia and Ana would kick up a fuss about it. No matter what we do, I refuse to put Anastasia in the middle."

"That's good," Kevin agreed. "I assume this will be difficult for her no matter what. The best thing would be to keep this as civil as possible."

"I always keep myself civil," Alphonse sighed. He watched Anastasia smile and talk to the guests with that glow about her. Amber followed Anastasia's lead and conversed with those guests and while he watched, Alphonse smiled a little. "The strange thing is if offered, I'd do it all over again. No questions asked."

"What do you mean?" Kevin asked.

"Remember before she was born? Ana and I married and were bullied into having a child together. I remember dreading having a child with her. I dreaded every part of it. I'd gone out of my way to be uninvolved with Ana when she was pregnant and had intended to keep it that way. Then Anastasia was born and that all changed."

"She brings out the best in you," Kevin said.

"I don't know about that," Alphonse smiled a little. "She certainly made me love her though. I loved that little girl from the day she was born. Now she's a grown woman and I have to let her go. It's strange being so proud of her but so sad to see her go."

"I know," Kevin said and patted Alphonse's shoulder. "You were a wonderful father. Just remember that. I guarantee you she'll still go straight to you whenever she needs a shoulder to cry on."

"It's in a large part thanks to you," Alphonse said. "If you'd not stopped Ana, she'd have taken my daughter away and I'd never see her again. I'll never be able to fully repay you for that."

"There's nothing to repay," Kevin said.

"No there is," Alphonse said. "You brought my daughter home. On top of that, you never told anyone about…..well, you know."

"Of course not," Kevin said. "I'd never do that to a friend."

"And I appreciate that," Alphonse said. "I'll insist my first grandson's middle name be after you."

Kevin chuckled, "Ample repayment. Would Anastasia be alright with that?"

"I'm sure she won't mind," Alphonse said. "She adores you, so it'll be no chore for her."

"Well, if it comes to fruition, then I will be very flattered," Kevin said.

They were soon interrupted when Anastasia came over with Harold on her arm and Amber following behind her to tell Alphonse about all the people she'd told about the candles. Around nine, Anastasia got changed into something more comfortable for travel and she and Harold left the hotel hand in hand with people saying their goodbyes while the couple ran to the car. Some remained at the party, especially those that were staying at the hotel, but Kevin and Amber decided to leave and said their goodbyes to Alphonse. Once they were in the car and Kevin started the drive home, Amber sighed and relaxed.

"Mom will be happy to find out we have another order to fill," Amber smiled. "I'm glad it's just the unity candle and tapers."

"You deserve a break," Kevin smiled. "So you had a good time?"

"I did," Amber nodded. "I look forward to Kyle's and Evalina's wedding. It'll be nice to have a more intimate group of people instead of a whole city."

Kevin chuckled, "It certainly felt that way didn't it? As far as I know, my parents will be there, Evalina's parents and grandparents will be there, her brother, us, Nathan and Ada and all their kids and Natalie's kids are going. So it's a lot fewer people to be sure."

"I think that'll be nice," Amber said. "Is Rome as beautiful as they say?"

"If Kyle's memory is an indicator, it's breathtaking," Kevin said. "It's warm and sunny and he always said it was like stepping into the past. He and Evalina are going to Naples for their honeymoon. That's where they met."

"Naples is by the sea right?"

"Yeah," Kevin said. "He used to stare out onto the sea from a vantage point outside a bar he used to frequent. Honestly, were Evalina's heart not set on getting married at the Vatican, they might have married outside that bar."

"That would have been beautiful," Amber smiled. "How long can we be away? Perhaps you and I can go to Naples too."

Kevin glanced at Amber, "Really? Would that be alright with you?"

"I suppose we'll see how I feel in Rome and if it goes well, we can go to Naples. We'll leave Kyle and Evalina alone of course, but maybe you and I could do that together."

Kevin smiled and touched her knee, "I'd like that actually." They stopped at a light for a moment, so Kevin leaned down and kissed her head. "You know, maybe one day we should return to where we met."

"You mean go back to Chateau Thierry?" Amber asked. Kevin nodded but he had his answer when he felt Amber shiver. "I don't know."

"We won't go if you don't want to," Kevin reassured. "I just remember when I found you in that little closet. We'd been in the trenches for the better part of a year and it was a scary time. When I found you that day, everything seemed better, no matter the situation we were in."

"I remember being terrified," Amber said. "I felt better when you found me, but I hated it when you had to leave." Amber looked up at Kevin. "I was so mad at you when you'd said you were going back to America. It's irrational, I know, but I felt like you were leaving me."

"That was never my intention," Kevin said.

"I know it wasn't," Amber said. "I just didn't understand at the time. I was happy to be with mom and daddy, but I'd always wish you were around."

"I know," Kevin said and squeezed Amber's knee. "I missed you so much when we were apart. When I couldn't find you, I was frantic."

"I'm sorry," Amber said.

"Don't apologize," Kevin said a little firmer than he'd intended. "It's not your fault what happened. It's mine for not putting my foot down and getting the three of you into the country by any means necessary." There was a moment of silence before Amber came closer and leaned her head against Kevin's shoulder.

"Can we stop somewhere?" Amber asked. "I think we need to talk somewhere private."

Kevin's answer was a weak nod after he was still a moment. Instead of turning where he'd need to so he'd continue towards their neighborhood, Kevin went a different direction. He wasn't entirely sure where he was going, but he kept going looking for a place where it was private. He wound up driving them in the opposite direction of their neighborhood towards the water and looking for a place to park the car so they were staring out on the water. The islands on the other side were in fuel view and the lights from buildings on that side were visible. Most houses in the area had their lights turned off and there were a number of places where homes to be were under construction. Once situated, Kevin turned off the car and turned his attention to Amber.

"What did you want to talk about?" Kevin asked.

"It's about what you said," Amber answered. "I don't blame you for what happened to us. I don't want you to either." Kevin looked at her solemnly before finally speaking.

"I kept dreaming of you," Kevin said. "I had nightmares of what was happening to you. I would feel how scared you were and end up waking up in a cold sweat. The worst part was I couldn't help you."

"I'd wanted to write you," Amber said. "I just never could. We'd planned to flee to America and try to get in illegally. We had the correct paperwork anyway, so we thought once we snuck into the country we'd be fine. But then the Nazis found us. We'd found shelter with a French farmer with several others and he'd hidden us under the floorboards until we could move on. He'd done this for several families, but the Nazis caught wind of it. He was executed and we were forced out from under the floor and sent to a ghetto in Poland until they moved us to Auschwitz."

"I'd had a dream when in England of you and Anna. You were working and Anna had a cough, so you tried to take the blame for it but you were both sent to the gas chambers," Kevin barely managed to voice. "You'd broken down the door and they shot you. I woke up screaming after that."

"They shot me five times," Amber said in a quieted voice. "When they'd incapacitated me, they took me to the medic because they were shocked how quickly I'd healed." Amber shifted, displaying her discomfort.

"You don't have to talk about this if you don't want to," Kevin said.

"I think I need to," Amber said. "I was thinking about what Linda had said when I'd not wanted to go to Rome. It made me realize part of the reason I didn't want to go was because I didn't want to face what happened." Kevin took his hand off Amber's knee and instead wrapped his arm around her so her face was rested on his chest. With that silent reassurance that he was listening, Amber snuggled closer as though he were a safety net. "It was after that when Commander Schneider took a liking to me. He was tasked with keeping me in line. I realized I could take advantage of it."

"Take advantage of it?" Kevin asked, confused.

Amber answered after a brief silence. "We were treated like animals. If an inmate was lucky enough to hold a guard's attention for any reason, it was wise to take advantage of it. Some people were able to get better treatment to some extent like more food, or favors. When Commander Schneider tried to take me to the medic, he'd told the others to send the inmates to another chamber and fix the one I broke. I begged him not to hurt my mom. I cried and begged and pleaded and screamed for him to spare my mom. He told me he would, then he told the other guards to return my mother to work, and then he told me I owed him. That's when it started. He made the doctors treat my mom so whatever she'd caught didn't kill her, but it cost me." Amber felt Kevin's hold on her tighten.

"I'm so sorry," Kevin said, holding back either tears or rage. She couldn't tell. It was likely both.

"I became numb to it eventually," Amber muttered. "I feel so ashamed about it now, but at the time, it was easier to be numb to it."

"You did what you had to," Kevin said. "You have nothing to be ashamed of." Amber shivered a little and held Kevin tighter, feeling tears stinging her eyes.

"I am ashamed," Amber said. "After all that and doing everything he told me to do, they put me through experiments anyway. They kept mom out of it and at the time, it was all I cared about. But when they tried to injure me and dirty the wound like the other prisoners, it wouldn't work. I healed too quickly and that fascinated the doctors. So it was decided I would be transferred to Dachau. I kicked and screamed the whole way until they shot and incapacitated me. After that, I was sure they would die. So many others had and we'd been lucky because I was doing what I could. With me taken away, there was no one to bribe Commander Schneider and I felt like everything I'd done was for nothing. When you'd found me, all I cared about was blood. I couldn't think of anything except my thirst. When I'd come to my senses, that soldier I spared asked me what I would have done in his position. I realized I'd reduced myself just as he had and for nothing. I thought my parents were dead and I'd thought I'd killed you in that fit of thirst because all I could remember was attacking you. So I let him go."

"None of it was for nothing," Kevin reassured and held her tighter. "What you'd done was brave and Anna is alive because of you."

"It wasn't bravery. It was desperation," Amber said. "I was so happy to see you and my parents again, but I could still remember everything that was done to me. I had betrayed you all for the sake of survival."

"You didn't betray me, Amber," Kevin insisted and made Amber look at him. "You did what you had to and you're alive because of it. You fought. And I will be forever grateful for that. You fought back and stayed alive when I wasn't there to save you. If anyone deserves to feel ashamed for that, it's me."

Amber shook her head into Kevin's chest and wrapped her arms around his neck so she could hold him close. Kevin lifted her so she was in his lap so he could hold her closer. They didn't say anything for a long time. Anything they could say would either be reiterating what they've already said or taking the blame for what happened. So instead, they held each other with Kevin rocking them back and forth gently in the driver's seat of the car. Amber cried just a little despite not wanting to and when Kevin felt it, he just held her a little tighter. He brushed his hand up and down her thigh to comfort her and his other hand rubbing up and down her arm for the same reason. Amber stopped crying eventually but she stayed cuddled to him.

"Thank you," Amber finally broke the silence. "I think we needed this."

Kevin nodded a little and kissed Amber's head. "I love you."

"I love you too," Amber said. She kissed Kevin's neck where she was tucked under and they continued to hold one another. There was a long silence between them again, but it was a silence they basked in, taking comfort in each other's arms. Eventually, Amber loosened her hold on Kevin's neck so she could lift her head and look at him. She finally smiled and leaned down to kiss him. He returned the kiss but it stayed brief until Amber pulled away and looked at him again. "Let's get home. I'm sure my parents are growing tired of waiting for us to get home."

Kevin smiled back, "Okay." Amber got off Kevin's lap, but she remained close to him resting her head on his shoulder while he drive them back to their neighborhood. Shortly after, they arrived at the Dymek's house and Kevin gave Amber a tender kiss before walking her to the door and saying goodnight to her.