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.

103. Chapter 103

Chapter 103

It was December when Kevin and Amber started looking at places to have the reception following the ceremony. Amber made one thing very clear: no hotel or ballroom. She'd never say this within earshot of Alphonse or Anastasia (assuming she was in the office periodically checking on Harold) but Amber didn't want their wedding to feel like they were just showing off. She wanted something cozy and homey where all the guests could feel comfortable and like they could relax a little, not like they were at some kind of black tie event. With those specifications in mind, Kevin and Amber looked specifically for outdoor venues where they'd be surrounded by trees and there would be a beautiful view. Given they were getting married in July, they could get away with such a venue. They would still need some type of indoor enclosure for his mother's side of the family and Evalina's side of the family. It would still be bright outside once the reception started so they needed cover.

After spending the better part of two weekends researching venues, following tips and recommendations, making appointments for viewings and seeing at least twelve places, weighing the pros and cons of each, they finally made a decision. In truth, were it not so far away they would hold the reception on the beach of the Quileute tribe but that would require a good 3-4 hour drive for typical drivers and it was too big an ask. So they picked a place in Newcastle just east of Seattle. It was a lodge that was owned by a kindly couple who'd lost their son in the war. The husband's father had made his fortune courtesy of the coal mining industry and upon his father's death, the husband inherited his father's riches. They'd had a rough patch during the depression, but as things improved, so did their finances. Their son and his wife had married and held the reception at the mansion with the breathtaking view of the mountains and woods. After they'd lost their son, they made a business of couples marrying at their home. When Kevin and Amber were viewing the mansion, they told some of their story, leaving out bits that they couldn't tell of course.

"The view of the mountains is spectacular," Amber swooned as they walked around on the back porch of the mansion.

"It's my favorite part," Mrs. Sinclair agreed. Kevin and Mr. Sinclair were viewing another part of the house and discussing payment options. When Amber saw the view, she knew this was where she wanted the ceremony. "So you're a survivor of those camps?"

"Yes," Amber said, losing her smile just a little. "Kevin found me in one of medical barracks locked away; searched high and low for me until he finally found me at Dachau. I'd lost all hope that he'd find me so when he did I almost didn't believe it."

"You poor darling," Mrs. Sinclair said. "And before that you two were engaged how long?"

"19 years," Amber said, counting from when her father had given him approval. "My family and I still lived in Germany at the time and Kevin could only visit from time to time, but we could write letters to each other still. I've loved him my whole life if you want the truth. He asked daddy for my hand in marriage and then proposed to me while we were at the cabaret playing the piano for me. The whole restaurant got a free glass of champagne to celebrate our engagements, but it kept having to be put off. First because of the crash of '29. Kevin and his business partner were just barely able to keep their law firm afloat and then the issue came up of my parents and me becoming citizens. Then when we finally got our citizenship, the boat we came on was rejected and we had to go into hiding once we returned to France. After the St. Louis was turned away, I didn't see Kevin again for six years, all the while him trying to find me."

"Well, thank God he did," Mrs. Sinclair said. "To think you're marrying the man that rescued you from the concentration camps. It's like something out of a novel."

"I suppose some might see it that way," Amber said politely. "I'd have far preferred we'd married right after her proposed."

"Absolutely," Mrs. Sinclair agreed. "But better now than never. At least you two are finally having a wedding."

"Yes," Amber answered and finally smiled. "And I think after the ceremony, this would be the perfect place to have the reception. It's tasteful but open and inviting."

"We pride ourselves on it," Mrs. Sinclair smiled. "And the 18th is wide open seeing as it's a Monday. I can convince my husband to give you two a rather generous discount for that too."

"If such an offer is available, I'm sure Kevin will accept," Amber answered. She looked out onto the scenery taking in the view of the mountains and vast evergreen forest that was currently covered in snow. "This must be beautiful in the summer."

"Oh, I can assure you it is," Mrs. Sinclair affirmed. "I have pictures for you to see if you'd like. Sadly, they don't quite do the view justice, but it'll at least give you an idea."

"I would like that," Amber agreed and followed Mrs. Sinclair back inside so she could see the pictures of the patio view when it was summer, even if there was no color to really show off its beauty. While Mrs. Sinclair was showing Amber the pictures, Kevin and Mr. Sinclair returned downstairs and Kevin asked Amber if this was the place she wanted to hold the reception despite already knowing the answer based entirely on her smile.

Once they'd made their decision to have the reception at Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair's lodge, Mrs. Sinclair provided Amber with all the contact information she would need and set up an appointment to meet again in February so they could start planning how Amber wanted the place to look for the reception. By then, Ivory had arrived to Washington to spend Christmas with Nathan. He had to tell Ivory that because her Uncle Kevin was getting married in July they would be spending the summer in Washington instead of going to Brazil. Since it was for her uncle's wedding, Ivory wasn't too disappointed. She only made Nathan promise that he'd take her to Brazil the following year and, with a light chuckle, Nathan promised he would.

Given that she'd been promised the position years and years prior, Amber asked Anastasia if she'd like to be a flower girl. She's toss flowers alongside little Jaedynn who was already walking and talking a mile a minute by this time. By the time of the wedding, they'd just have to make sure that she walked down the aisle without getting scared or nervous. All the more reason to ask Anastasia to go with her. She eagerly accepted the role and promised, if her and Harold had a daughter come April when she was due, she'd dress the baby girl up accordingly so she could be a third flower girl. Gabriel was growing fast, but he'd still appear under the age of eight or so by the time of the wedding, so he was assigned with the task of ring bearer. Embry was, naturally, the best man. After him in the line of groomsmen were Kyle, Nathan, Travis, Peta and JJ (in his father's uniform again). Amber asked Natalie, Evalina, Scarlet and Ada María to be her bridesmaids while Ivory was asked to be a junior bridesmaid. As gratitude for, by some miracle, finding her dress, Amber asked Alice to be her maid of honor which she graciously accepted. She was terribly excited for it seeing as she'd not been a bridesmaid since Edward and Bella got married well over a century ago.

As such, Alice took over a great deal of the planning for the wedding. She helped make up the save the dates that were sent out in January and then the invitations that were to be sent come May. She helped pick out the bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, she helped find a caterer for the reception, she helped find a band for the ceremony and reception with Kevin's and Amber's specifications in mind. She effectively took over any and all planning for the wedding on Kevin's and Amber's behalf so as to make everything easier for them. She generally went straight to Amber where any design or color questions were concerned and she'd go straight to Kevin if something needed paying for. Sometimes, Levi would pay for something for the wedding, but it was usually Kevin and he was fine with it so long as Amber loved the wedding and what Alice was planning.

"So let me ask you something," Kevin said to Amber when she stepped into his office to drop off a file just after Alice had left with a check signed to a bakery from what he'd been advised. "Do you actually know what's going on with the wedding?"

"I know Alice is sending the check you just wrote to the bakery. You remember don't you? That little cake Alice brought to your house for you and my parents to try was from that bakery. You'd all said you liked it and the filling, so she's giving the bakery the money for that cake. It'll be delivered just before we arrive for the reception."

"Alright," Kevin said. "As long as you know what's been going on. Alice tends only to discuss the wedding with me when money is owed."

Amber smiled, "I know, but I've made sure anything she does is tasteful and keeps within the color scheme."

"What is the color scheme again?"

"Yellow and purple," Amber said. "I think it'll look nice."

"I'm sure it will," Kevin smiled back. "What flavor was that cake we tried again?"

"Vanilla cake with a strawberry filling I think," Amber said. "She figured that would be the better flavor to go with. She suggested we have fruit out for dessert too for anyone that doesn't want cake."

"That's fair," Kevin said.

"And Alice said the caterer will make sure he takes care of Nathan, Natalie and JJ. From what I'm told, Salem and Nesia are a little more willing to be flexible, but JJ and Natalie have their way of eating and, well, Nathan does suffer lactose intolerance. That's what it is right?"

"Oh, yeah, that," Kevin sighed. "That caterer's in for a field day. God help him if he accidentally puts nuts or cheese in Natalie's food."

"Alice has already made clear there are to be no nuts of any kind in any of the food whatsoever," Amber said. "In fact, if I recall correctly, Alice says she explained to the caterer that if they so much as suspect there are nuts in any of the food, he will not be paid."

"And he still agreed to be our caterer?" Kevin chuckled.

"I'm sure Alice found a polite way to say that," Amber said. "So long as our guests eat, I'll be happy. I just have to poke at it and pretend I'm eating it."

"We have to eat the cake together after we cut it don't we?" Kevin asked.

"We do," Amber nodded. "And I'll eat that cake with a big smile. I just won't like the cake."

Kevin smiled, "It's alright. You do realize we need to keep the top layer of the cake and eat it together on our first anniversary right?"

"Yes," Amber muttered, "that tradition has been brought to my attention and I will comply with it begrudgingly." Kevin chuckled and took a hold of Amber's hand so he could gently pull her down to kiss her.

"Don't worry, we'll do it together," Kevin said. "There's something else we should probably talk about."

"What's that?"

"Do you want to keep working after we get married or do you want to retire before the wedding? Or do you want to wait until we're expecting?"

"Oh," Amber said and thought a moment. "Would you rather I retire right away?"

"I'll support whatever you decide you want to do," Kevin said. "Part of working here was to help you therapeutically. It's done a lot of good for you and it's given you a chance to make your own money. If you want to continue doing that, I'm alright with it, but you certainly don't have to."

"I am rather fond of making my own money," Amber said and rubbed the back of her head. "Mom and I still want to open our own candle shop. We're still saving up for that. Would you mind if I worked at least until I was too far along in pregnancy to do so?"

"If that's what you'd rather do, then I'll be supportive," Kevin smiled and rubbed Amber's hand. "How much do you and your mother need?"

"We're trying to raise about $3000," Amber said. "We want to have a shop in Seattle proper for good foot traffic and those places are a little more expensive. We have a handful of people who's orders we're fulfilling and I make soaps for women at the synagogue when they ask. Between all that, my work here, and the money mom earns from working for the daycare at the synagogue, we're making enough that we'll be able to do it soon. After the wedding even."

"How much do you have left to raise?" Kevin asked and Amber smiled knowingly at him.

"Not so much," Amber smiled. "I think we'll reach that threshold soon. I can always keep carving soaps and candles after we're married and when I'm pregnant. If you want to help, you can act as our business attorney."

Kevin chuckled, "I'll even work pro bono. Just for you."

"That's awfully generous of you, Mr. Black," Amber replied with a loving smile and gave Kevin another kiss. "I think I'll continue to work until I'm pregnant."

"Alright," Kevin said and kissed her back. "I know you say you don't want me to, but if you or Anna ever change your mind about me helping get you a shop just let me know."

"We will," Amber smiled and left Kevin's office to returned to work.

They had their calendars marked for both wedding days and Amber was even crossing out the days as they passed. They would take a month off together and they would spend that month in Salvador where there was a beach just as Amber wanted and they could stay in the little blue house on the hill that Nathan was going to let them use for their honeymoon, just the two of them. Alice made all the arrangements and worked with Ada María to ensure the house in Brazil was perfect. That meant working a great deal with Marcelo to ensure everything was perfect and romantic. Come April, Anastasia and Harold welcomed their son Harold into the world. He would be called Hal. Alphonse was most displeased with the name, though not so much with having a grandson. Just the name that his grandson was christened with. The intent became that Hal would stay with his father while Anastasia walked down the aisle with Jaedynn but then she suggested Hal could wear a little yellow suit to match her dress and she would carry him with her down the aisle. A suggestion that, upon hearing it, Alice jumped on it and made a slightly too big yellow suit so the outfit would fit by the time of the wedding.

Alice continued to do most of the planning for the wedding including putting together the guest list. She consulted Amber and Kevin for anyone outside of the family that they might want to invite that she wasn't already aware of. Kevin had Mentioned Sgt. Stanley, his wife, Lieutenant McCarthy and Dr. McCarthy, but in truth it was jokingly. It had been so many years since he'd been able to speak with any of them. Alice prepared the Save the Dates and sent those out in February but there was some teasing from those because Save the Dates are different from Invitations for some reason. Alice made sure to remind all Kevin's groomsman they were required to wear their uniforms and she took care of seating arrangements for all the guests and so on. Did she not bring it up from time to time, Kevin and Amber might very well forget there even was a wedding.

"Where was your aunt when my daughter was getting married?" Alphonse asked Kevin one evening after work. The two of them decided to go out for drinks together to unwind.

"She's been the same place she's always been," Kevin teased. "If you'd wanted her to plan Anastasia's wedding, she would have gladly done it. And for how much money you threw at that fire Alice would have had a ball."

"I'm sure," Alphonse muttered and sipped his brandy. "I received my invitation and I'll send your aunt that RSVP. Of course, it should be assumed I would attend."

"It's not assumed, Alphonse, it's expected," Kevin said and the two smiled at one another. Alphonse stared at his glass a moment after that and signed a little.

"I promise, I am happy for you," Alphonse started but he didn't continue.

"But," Kevin encouraged.

"I guess I'm just jealous of her," Alphonse admitted. "Amber's a very lucky woman for you to love her the way you do."

Kevin smiled gently and patted Alphonse's back, "I appreciate that. Although if anything, she's too good for me."

Alphonse laughed in mild condescension, "Don't be absurd. You spoil her rotten. More than I do to Anastasia."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Kevin chuckled.

"You should," Alphonse said. "All I'm saying is she's lucky that you love her so." Kevin smiled again as Alphonse took another sip of his brandy.

"So how has Hal been?" Kevin asked and Alphonse rolled his eyes a little.

"I wish so much they didn't name him that," Alphonse muttered. "Otherwise he's doing excellent. Anastasia promised she'd bring him into the office sometime soon. She just needs to relax for a while before she does."

"I look forward to meeting him," Kevin said. "My aunt has already finished a little yellow suit for him to wear when Anastasia goes down the aisle with him."

"Yes, I saw it," Alphonse smiled. "It's a handsome suit. It's a shame he's too young to appreciate it."

"We'll have pictures," Kevin said. "I'm sorry I didn't ask you to be one of my groomsman but-"

"No need to apologize," Alphonse said. "I'm too old for that nonsense. I'd far rather be there for you."

"You're welcome to join us for my Bachelor party. I have no idea what Embry's planning, but he know what I would and wouldn't like."

"Just tell me when and I'll happily join you," Alphonse smiled. "Just no strippers and no loud music."

"Shall we host it in your library at that new 'smaller' house of yours?" Kevin teased and Alphonse grinned wickedly. "Does Ana know you bought a bigger house for yourself?"

"Oh, she knows," Alphonse said. "What fun would it be if she didn't?"

"She must be delighted," Kevin said in sarcastic humor.

"She's over the moon," Alphonse said and they both shared a laugh.

"I suppose as long as she's still getting her alimony payments, she doesn't have much to complain about," Kevin said.

"She will find anything to complain about," Alphonse said bitterly.

"How is Anastasia taking the separation? She doesn't seem so bothered."

"She's supportive," Alphonse smiled lightly as he thought of Anastasia. "She knows her mother and I have never liked one another let alone loved each other. She knows we were both miserable. Aside from our periodic jabs at each other one way or another, we're both happier to be away from each other and Anastasia sees that. She's relieved we're both happy and aren't making each other miserable anymore."

"You've been in better spirits since you separated," Kevin said. Alphonse nodded in agreement and lifted his glass.

"Cheers to my separation and to your marriage. Cheers to both of us finally being happy."

Kevin couldn't help a chuckle and they touched their glasses and said, "Prost" before taking a sip of their drinks.

Embry took over the task of Kevin's bachelor party while Alice, as she controlled every other part of the wedding, took over the task of Amber's bachelorette party. Alice put together a little party where everyone gave Amber tropical appropriate clothes and some wedding night appropriate attire that she stopped opening in front of her guests due feeling odd doing so. If it was lingerie that was being given, her guest that gave the gift warned her and she'd place it to the side with a thank you promising she'd open it later and make sure it was packed. Kevin's bachelor party was comparatively boring but they all had a good time. Embry made sure they were stocked with beer and whiskey while the men played a gambling game together that near ruined everyone's friendships.

"So how does this game of yours work, Uncle Embry?" JJ asked while all the groomsmen and anyone else that was invited got out their ten dollars.

"Everyone that's playing as their ten dollars?" Embry asked and everyone at the table nodded. Jacob and Embry Sr. sat out but watched while sipping on their own beers. "So the object of the game is to toss the dice to decide what you're doing with your money. That's why I'd said this needs to be ten dollars in singles. There are three dice and each one has three letters on those sides: R, L and C. R is for right, L for left and C for Center. All three of these letters are on the dice. If you only have two dollars left, you threw two dice, if you only have 1 dollar, it's only 1 die. If you don't have any money, you don't toss again until you get more cash. Everyone with me so far?"

"I think so," JJ said. "So we all start with ten dollars and we pass around the cash according to the dice?"

"Exactly," Embry said. "So for example, let's pretend you rolled three Rs. In that case, you would give the guy to your right three dollars. If you get a C you put a dollar in the center of the table and that's the pot. If you roll an L then you give the dollar to the man to your left. The pot we accumulate goes to the last person with money."

"So the winner of this whole thing will win $90?" Harold confirmed.

"Exactly," Embry said. "Not too shabby for a night I'd say."

"For the record Uncle Embry," JJ said after taking a sip of his whiskey, "I'll fight you to the death for this $90."

Embry chuckled, "May the better man win, kiddo."

"Kevin will win the pot," Kyle said. "He's the luckier of all of us."

"We're fucking see about that," Harold said and blew out a little smoke from his cigarette. "No offense, boss, but I'll see you the loser tonight."

"Assuming it doesn't cost you your job," Kevin joked.

"You can't fire me, Mr. Black," Harold played along. "How would I afford Anastasia if you did?"

Alphonse laughed out loud while Kevin chuckled, "That is true. For the sake of your marriage, I'll spare your job."

"You're too kind, sir," Harold said.

"Alright, let's start the game," Embry said and gave the dice to Kevin to start first. His first roll was two Ls and one C. With Alphonse to Kevin's left, he handed over two dollars and put a third dollar in the center of the table.

The game lasted several hours of money being passed around between the players or tossed into the center pile. JJ and Embry sat beside one another and always gave each other dirty looks if they needed to hand over a dollar or a boastful laugh if they were receiving the other's dollar. Much the same teasing passive aggressiveness played between Nathan and Ariel. The more money was tossed in the center, the taller and more tantalizing it became. The game was being held at Alphonse's new house in his big library so Dianna was there to give anyone that wanted it more whiskey or another beer. Levi made sure not to drink more than three beers as Anna requested. After several hours of passing around dollars and lots of glasses of Whiskey, Embry won the game after being barely able to stand from so much whiskey. It was a successful and enjoyable party for everyone.

Even though the ceremony wasn't until Monday, the rehearsal was Saturday evening. There were a few others present but it was mostly the bridal party. Mrs. Kowalski was walking everyone through how the ceremony would play out, who was doing what and going where and Rabbi Kowalski reminded Kevin and Amber what they'd be doing and let them know when during the ceremony the two would be able to say their personal vows since that was being worked in. After the rehearsal, all the guests retreated to Anna's and Levi's house for a giant dinner for the guests. With the exception of her vacation items and other necessities, most of Amber's things were already moved to Kevin's house. Once they returned home, she'd officially start living with him. The two of them didn't get even a moment alone the entire dinner, but they sat with one another the whole night.

"Are you excited for tomorrow?" Kevin asked Amber when they were all sitting together outside on the porch. There was hot cocoa for some, beer or brandy for others and people were in their groups talking while enjoying a big fire that was set up in the backyard.

"I'm so nervous," Amber admitted while staring at her coffee. "I don't know why except that I'm just so happy that it's overwhelming."

Kevin smiled, "Me too." Kevin took her hand in his and kissed it. "Just three more days. Tomorrow we'll marry under Quileute tradition, then Monday we'll have our Jewish ceremony and Tuesday, we leave not to be seen or heard from until we come back from Brazil."

"Do you suppose we'll ever come back?" Amber asked as a joke.

"Only if you want to," Kevin teased, playing along. "We can always learn Portuguese and stay there never to return."

"Now, Kevin, were that the case, you could have just stayed with us in Germany."

"That's true," Kevin smiled weakly. "Maybe one day we'll go back to Germany."

"No time soon," Amber said in discomfort. "Chateau Thierry perhaps, but not Germany. I never want to set foot in Germany ever again."

"Then we won't," Kevin reassured with a comforting smile. "How about for an anniversary we go to France? Our 1 year maybe?"

"No," Amber said. "We can't go traveling like that with a baby. If we're assuming we're having children right away, I'll have just healed from having a baby and it wouldn't be a good idea to travel with an infant."

"You're right," Kevin said. "Our ten year, then. By then, our son and daughter will be old enough we can toss the kids at my parents and tell them to behave while we're gone."

Amber giggled and nodded, "What if we have two girls or two boys?"

"I'll still expect them to behave themselves," Kevin said and Amber giggled again. "I'm sure our youngest will be about four or five by then."

"So confident in your timeline," Amber teased. "Perhaps we won't have a second child until our ten year anniversary."

"Unlikely," Kevin said and she giggled again. "We're in for two long days, but they'll be the best days of my life."

"Mine too," Amber said.

Since the ceremony wasn't until the following night, the guests remained at Levi's and Anna's house very late before they all got to bed for the night. Since they were all going to the tribe, they all spent the night and the following morning made the trip back to the tribe. Kevin and Amber were kept separate as much as possible. Kevin helped build up the pyre while several members of the tribe were getting a feast ready and Amber stayed at Kevin's parents' house getting ready. Renesmee helped Amber get into the rabbit fur dress and Alice curled her shoulder-length blonde hair so it would frame her face from under the white headdress. She tried it on a few times to get herself used to wearing it. The skin was surprisingly heavy and she needed to get used to making sure to move her head slowly and not let the skin tug at her hair. Kevin had shown her images of the headdress years ago, but she'd long since forgotten what it looked like. Seeing it now was breathtaking and made her shiver. The sharp teeth obstructed her view a little but was nothing unmanageable.

"This really belonged to an ancestor?" Amber asked.

"Indeed it did," Renesmee smiled. "Kevin's told you the story, right? You'll hear it tonight as told by Jacob and Kyle."

"I know there were two wolves that wanted to be human and were granted the wish by a trickster," Amber said.

"Indeed," Renesmee said. "Those two are said to be the first of the Quileutes. Only future chiefs and their brides ever get to wear this headdress. It's my understanding that, back when chiefs used to take multiple wives, it was only the first wife that got to wear this headdress since it was her sons that would take the mantle of chief. Of course, there's so much grey in that now."

"I didn't realize the tribe permitted polygamy," Amber said. "It's illegal in the United States though isn't it?"

"As far as I'm aware," Renesmee said. "But I'm not aware of a chief in recent history that's had multiple wives at one time. I know of several that have remarried, but multiple wives at once I can't say I know who's done that. I imagine it was thought of the same as it used to be in biblical times. God told man to be fruitful and so long ago, that meant marrying multiple women to produce as many children as possible."

"Jacob isn't Catholic right?"

"No, he's not," Renesmee said. "I'd never expect him to become Catholic. You might not know this about Jacob, but he's rather…..I hate to use this word, but it's the only word to use. He's a bit racist towards White people. It's not to say the feelings are entirely unfounded but it's a truth about him I'm afraid."

"I'd never think so since he married you," Amber smiled.

"Jacob used to say that if more pale faces were like me, he'd not detest them so," Renesmee smiled a little. "He's softened a bit over the years but he still has rather harsh feelings. Owning the land on which the tribe resides and having a good lawyer in our arsenal always helps."

Amber grinned a little at the mention of Kevin. "I've loved watching him work these past few years. His reasoning ability is to be envied."

"We always say he could convince a snake to hand over its skin," Renesmee smiled. "But then, all my children are brilliant."

"Would any of that be a mother's bias?" Amber teased.

"Most definitely not," Renesmee defended with a smile. "Kevin and Kyle are my scholars and Nathan's my little adventurer. Kevin and Kyle enjoyed history, but Kevin always enjoyed English and French and math. He was always gifted in rhetoric and Kyle always loved science. My Kyle was mixing herbs before he could walk. And Nathan's always been a dreamer. He's the one that wanted to see the world loved history and had a fascination for the tribes of the south and to see their empires. He would have made an excellent chief were he the eldest. But Kevin will be excellent too when the time comes."

"Do you know what that might be? Jacob is abdicating, no?"

"Jacob will abdicate when the time is right or when he wants to retire," Renesmee said. "He'll be the first chief to retire to a son instead of pass away. All other chiefs passed away before their sons became chief."

"I'm told the tribe's had a storm of first time occurrences since you came," Amber said.

"So I'm told," Renesmee said. She looked at Amber in the mirror and, suddenly, felt a little teary eyed. "I'm so happy you two are finally able to marry. When Kevin couldn't find you….my God, I hope you never know what he was like."

"I shudder to think," Amber said solemnly. "I'd tried writing, but we just couldn't send anything without us being found." Amber rubbed a tear away.

"It's in the past," Renesmee reassured. "You're finally moving forward. In just a few short hours, you'll be husband and wife under our traditions and then tomorrow, you'll have a Jewish ceremony and you'll sign a certificate naming yourself Mrs. Amber Charlotte Black." Amber smiled and another tear came but this time of joy. Renesmee kissed Amber's cheek and removed the headdress so Amber could have a rest. "And grandchildren. Plenty of grandchildren."

"You know, Renesmee, for how baby crazy you are, it does seem silly that you and Jacob wouldn't have more children yourself," Amber smiled.

"I don't want more children," Renesmee said. "I've been in labor three times and that was three times too many. Honestly, if I didn't have to experience labor, Jacob and I would have had as many children as Caevia and Embry did. Maybe more. Caevia's a stronger woman than I am to be sure."

"So grandchildren are the next best thing?" Amber said.

"An improvement I would argue," Renesmee said. "I get to play with them, feed them and enjoy their pleasant moods and when they're in a bad mood, I can just hand them back to you." Renesmee kissed Amber's cheek again and Amber started to laugh.

Anna helped with some of the food when she could but she spent most of the day with Amber. The plan was to retreat to the Cullen house after the ceremony so Amber could be hidden away and get dressed without Kevin seeing her again until the Jewish ceremony. Alice had ensured all seating was to snuff, all party favors and thank you notes were at each place setting, she ensured that a band would be there, she'd arranged for two separate photographers because both had excellent reviews and beautiful portfolios and she simply couldn't decide between the two, so she hired both. The dress was pressed, cleaned and perfect, the flowers would be picked up from a florist in Forks just before they left for the city, the men's uniforms were pressed and ready with their boutonnieres picked out. They'd all have a single orchid and those would be obtained from the florist in the city. Alice had planned everything down to the slightest detail and ensured it was everything Amber wanted and more per Kevin's instructions.

Their first ceremony didn't start until it was finally sundown and the moon was showing in the sky. Kevin was already at the unlit pyre and everyone in attendance was waiting for Renesmee to bring Amber down. There was no special progression to apply. They only needed to wait for Amber and once all those in attendance were seated before the unlit pyre in the moonlight, Renesmee brought Amber down and sat her right beside Kevin so the ceremony could begin. As Kyle started the ceremony, Kevin took a hold of Amber's hand and laced his fingers through hers. They smiled at one another but resisted the urge to share a kiss so they didn't interrupt Kyle. Kyle and Jacob were both in wolf skins and after the usual ceremonial procedures, Kyle and Jacob both stood so all in attendance could see them.

"It is important, now, to remember the story of Q'waeti," Kyle said. "Q'waeti traveled the land correcting the wrongs of humans and nature alike. He made the deer humble and made the beaver productive. He made the Hou stand on their feet and he made a people with his spit and dead skin. Our people's story begins when Q'waeti came upon two wolves, Quiyaketa and Zaquitai. Quiyaketa looked at Q'waeti and voiced the wish for he and his mate to be human. Q'waeti granted them their wish, so Quiyaketa and Zaquitai shed their skins that the bride and groom wear now and changed to man and women with skin and two legs. Q'waeti promised that they would be the beginning of a powerful people with command of their spirits." Kyle and Jacob shed the skins they wore so they were in their normal attire, traditional summer clothes, and danced to simulate the journey the couple took through the woods until they found the beach. "Quiyaketa and Zaquitai traveled together until they came upon this beach and it was here that they decided they would create the people that Q'waeti promised would be their legacy. It was here where they wore their former skins and became man and wife to produce the Quileutes. They ruled the young tribe with a stern and fair hand and fruitfulness of loins. So has been the responsibility of every chief and his wife since then. Everyone now rise so we may dance their memory and wish upon the couple the same virtues of our ancestors."

Those in attendance, except Amber and Kevin, stood and began to dance around them as tradition dictated. Amber compared it to a dance called the Horah in which the newly married couple are in chairs and lifted above the guests holding a clothe together while their guests danced in a circle around them. Kevin stole the briefest kiss from Amber's cheek while the guests danced together and it made Amber giggle sweetly and lean into him. Soon the guests returned to sitting, looking towards the couple while the women with newborn sons danced for Amber and Kevin to wish fertility upon them. Amber and Kevin lit the bonfire to signal the beginning of their marriage and it was after that when food was served and the guests were encouraged to dance, Kevin and Amber included, to encourage unity between them in their marriage. Not to dance at least once around the new fire would be bad luck. It was quite a sight watching Nathan dance with Ada María, Jaedynn, Ivory, Gabriel, Ariel and Scarlet all at the same time.

Kevin and Amber focused on one another while they danced around the fire, only staring into one another's eyes. They talked about nothing and everything all at once and there were several that had stopped dancing only to watch them or so it seemed. Renesmee and Jacob made several rounds around the fire before they sat in the sand beside each other and watched Kevin and Amber continue to dance.

"Was it really 46 years ago that you and I were dancing around this pyre?" Renesmee asked Kevin as they watched.

"If you did the math, that's probably right," Jacob smiled. "It still feels like yesterday." Renesmee smiled and leaned her head against Jacob's shoulder. She remembered that night just as vividly. She remembered, despite the less than ideal circumstances they faced at the time, how happy that night had been. Save for the births of their children, it was the happiest night of her life.

"I remember when you proposed," Renesmee said. "That snow was freezing, but I can't recall caring at the time." She giggled a little. "I certainly cared when I woke up the next morning and my butt felt a little cold, but I got over it rather quick."

"I remember sneaking out of our tent to go to Sokajili and ask him to make sure we could marry as soon as possible," Jacob smiled too. "He told me to let him sleep and be patient."

"You tickled his feet and made him force you out of his tent as I recall the story," Renesmee teased and they laughed.

"All the good it did me," Jacob said. "It was still days before we got married. Still," Jacob kissed Renesmee's head, "it was worth the wait." Renesmee sighed a little and leaned further into Jacob's shoulder. Jacob wrapped his arm around her and rubbed his hand up and down her arm tenderly. "I love you."

"I love you too," Renesmee smiled and lifted her head to kiss Jacob's chin. She looked at Kevin and saw the way they looked at one another. The tenderness in both their eyes was a mirror of the way Jacob looked at her and it made her cry a little.

"What's the matter," Jacob asked.

"I've never seen Kevin so happy," Renesmee said. "The way he looks at Amber reminds me of how you look at me. I want them to be as happy as we've been. I want all our children to be as happy as you and I." Renesmee glanced at Natalie. She was smiling at Kevin and Amber, but there was still a distinct sadness in her eyes that lingered. "Has Natalie been doing better from what you hear in her head?"

"She's improving," Jacob said and looked at Natalie. "Working at the bar is doing her good. It's keeping her mind off it. It's when she thinks about it too long that she begins to regress. We just try not to let her dwell on it too much."

"Has she removed Jae's pictures from her room?" Renesmee asked. "I haven't seen the living room since I told her to do it."

"No," Jacob admitted. "She tried to but it hurt too much. Jae's pictures are still in her room. We've managed to get her not to read his letters so much as she used to. It only upsets her."

"Perhaps we should relocate those pictures and letters ourselves," Renesmee suggested hesitantly knowing it was a terrible suggestion before it even left her mouth. Jacob was in agreement.

"That would only make it worse," Jacob said.

"I wish there was something we could do," Renesmee said. "I hate seeing her so unhappy."

"Me too," Jacob said. "I'm going to talk to Kevin and Alice about not making JJ wear his dad's uniform for the wedding. That was hard enough for me to see. Imagine Natalie seeing him like that."

"Oh God," Renesmee mumbled and rubbed her eyes a second. "I can't believe that never occurred to me."

"It didn't occur to me either until Alice made JJ try it on again this morning to make sure it still fits alright," Jacob said. "Were he to just smile, I'd swear I was looking at his father."

"Is there a suit available for him?"

"I'll make one available," Alice said, having walked up behind them suddenly after overhearing the concern and coming over. Renesmee and Jacob looked at her and watched as she sat beside Renesmee. "I should have been more considerate about that. I know I have a suit JJ can wear. You're right: having him wear Jae's uniform and making Natalie see him would be insensitive."

"Thank you," Jacob said.

Never one to waste time, Alice went right to JJ and told him to come with her to the Cullen house now so she could fit him for a suit instead of his father's uniform. The party continued for all the guests, but shortly after the Kevin and Amber had danced around the fire, Anna insisted that she needed to get to sleep so she could prepare for the next day's wedding and also make sure Kevin wouldn't see her until the ceremony. Reluctantly, Kevin and Amber said goodbye to one another and Amber retreated to the Cullen house for the night while Kevin and his groomsman, JJ the only one not included, returned to the city and they all stayed at his house for the night. Kevin was in his bed sound asleep when he felt a little hand poking on his cheek. He groaned and opened his eyes to see Gabriel standing at his bedside already partially dressed in his little suit.

"You're getting married again today," Gabriel said. Kevin glanced at his clock and saw it was noon.

"Thank you for letting me sleep in," Kevin yawned and sat up. "Is everyone downstairs already?"

"They're still asleep," Gabriel said.

"Are you being serious?" Kevin asked in a grumble. Gabriel nodded. "Do me a favor and give all of them a strong kick to wake them. Noon and they're still in bed."

"It's noon and you're still in bed," Gabriel pointed out and Kevin leered at the boy a moment.

"Smart ass," Kevin said. "Just wake everyone else up for me?"

"Okay," Gabriel said and went to the guest bedrooms where all the groomsmen were sleeping. Embry was in Kevin's room sleeping on the floor with a blanket mattress and more blankets and a pillow. Kevin leaned over his bed until he could reach Embry and poked his shoulder.

"Damn it, Gabriel, I told you I'm sleeping," Embry grumbled and swatted Kevin's hand away.

"Embry, it's noon. We have to get ready," Kevin said and realizing it was Kevin made Embry open his eyes and look at him.

"Shit, it's noon?" Embry asked. "Gabriel didn't mention that part when he was poking my damn shoulder to wake me up. Kid's lucky I didn't snap at him."

"No kidding," Kevin groaned. "Still, we need to start getting ready. You're the Best Man, remember? You're supposed to be on top of this."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm getting on it," Embry grumbled as he sat up. "Tiredness aside, are you excited for today? It's about time this fucking day came along."

Kevin finally chuckled a little and smiled, "It really is. All the more reason for you to get up and get ready."

"Yes sir," Embry teased and they both got out of bed and went to get in their uniforms.

Gabriel took his uncle's instructions a touch too seriously starting with giving Travis a kick to the back that produced a yell from him that likely startle every house wife in the neighborhood. Since Gabriel adamantly stated he was doing as Kevin told him to, he was lucky enough to avoid being disciplined, but he still got a firm talking to. Now that everyone was awake, they got started with getting in their uniforms. Alice arrived with the boutonnieres and helped them all get those applies in their coat pockets, making sure they didn't clash with Kevin's metals. She reassured that JJ was in a suit and would be at the Synagogue in plenty of time before rushing off to get the remainder of last minute things done. As soon as they were cleaned up and dressed, they all made the trip to the Synagogue together where Rabbi Kowalski and his wife were already waiting for the ceremony, getting a few things set up that Alice hadn't done already. Thankfully, that to-do list was short. Rabbi Kowalski led Kevin and his groomsmen to the daycare room for them to hide while they waited for Amber and for the guests. Mrs. Kowalski took over the task of helping guide the guests as they funneled in and instructing JJ where to go when he had arrived.

Amber and the bridesmaids arrived an hour in advance of the ceremony and Mrs. Kowalski led them all to their bridal suite for them to hide before the ceremony. Amber was in her dress, light purple in hue and fitting like a glove. She's trembled when she tried it on after finding out Alice had rescued the dress. Now, looking at herself in the mirror in the bridal sweet on her wedding day, she was barely managing not to cry. Anna did not bother to not cry. She was inconsolable, but in the best way possible. Alice didn't voice a word of complaint over having to reapply Anna's makeup over and over, offering her a handkerchief to assist her further. She had to clean up and reapply Amber's modest make up a few times too despite Amber's attempts to not cry. Anna eventually left the be with the guests taking her seat in the front pews where family was seated while Levi remained in the bridal suite with Amber and the rest of the bridal party.

"Rosalie, have the photographers arrived yet?" Alice asked when it was a half hour before the ceremony.

"One has," Rosalie said. "We're still waiting on the other."

"I specifically told them to be here an hour beforehand," Alice sighed heavily. "Ask that photographer to come up here so we can take our pictures and then tell him to find Kevin so he and the groomsmen can get their pictures. Let me know the instant that second photographer arrives. I have a few choice words for him."

"Yes ma'am," Rosalie said, knowing when to get out of Alice's way.

A few short minutes later, Anna and the photographer came to the bridal suite and took all their pictures before immediately retreating to go take the other pictures he was asked to do. By the time he was taking the pictures of the groomsman, the second photographer finally arrived. As politely as possible, Alice informed the second photographer she was very unhappy with him being so late and ended up guilting/charming the man into refunding them a bit of money for the inconvenience of being late then he got to work right away taking pictures of all the guests and the venue. When the ceremony was only a few minutes away, Rabbi Kowalski got to the altar making sure all his necessary notes and the Torah where cleanly placed on his podium. Music played haphazardly while the guests waited, the band making sure their instruments were tuned appropriately and making sure they had the sheet music ready. When it was time for the ceremony to start, any guests that were conversing with one another hurried to sit down and watched as the band started playing a classical piece. Anastasia walked down the aisle holding Jaedynn's hand so she wouldn't be so nervous and stopping so she could toss the white rose petals. Hal was in Anastasia's arms in his cute yellow suit sleeping through the whole thing. After that came Gabriel with the rings and then finally the bridal party coming down the aisle two by two ending with Embry and Alice. Kevin walked down the aisle last and got to the altar waiting. He noticed his hands were shaking but he tried to ignore it.

"Try to relax," Rabbi Kowalski whispered to Kevin when he saw him shaking. "You're getting married. Not facing the firing squad."

Kevin nodded at the Rabbi and took a deep breath. In the meantime, Amber and Levi were well out of sight and didn't go down the stairs until they were confirmed by Mrs. Kowalski that Kevin had walked down the aisle and they were okay to go. Amber was shivering too with each step down the stairs and towards the doorway to the main room. Levi squeezed Amber's hand to try and help her relax and let her know he was there.

"This is it, Amber," Levi said to her with a smile.

"I don't know why I'm more nervous now than I was yesterday," Amber said.

"Are you happy?" Levi asked.

"Happier than I've ever been," Amber said.

"Then that's why you're nervous," Levi smiled. "I remember when your mother and I got married. I stood at that altar and kept wondering why someone so wonderful had the lapse in judgment to love a bore like me." Amber giggled a little. "When she walked down the aisle with your grandpa, I remember thinking to myself that I was happy for it regardless how it happened."

"You're not a bore, daddy," Amber said. The band chose that moment to start playing the beginnings of Elsa's Procession from Wagner's Opera, Lohengrin.

"Let's go, Amber," Levi smiled. "It's now or never."

Levi and Amber walked to the doorway and, when the song's chorus began to play, the two started walking down the aisle. Amber and Kevin's eyes met as the music played and she felt herself go dizzy, relieved Levi was there to keep her steady. She was so happy to see Kevin and she felt her heart beating a million times a minute. He wore his uniform with his metals and a single purple white and purple orchid on his coat. Amber carried a heavy bouquet of the same colored purple and white orchids with accents of tiny yellow flowers. All eyes watched her while she was walking down the aisle but Amber didn't see any of them. All she saw was Kevin.

For Kevin, when the music started playing, he went stiff waiting for Amber to appear. He felt Embry patted his shoulder momentarily before returning to a proper stance. Then when she finally appeared with Levi at the beginning of the song's chorus, he feared his heart had stopped. She didn't wear a dress that any other bride of the time wore. She wasn't in white, she wasn't wearing diamonds save for her ring, and she wasn't wearing a veil. She wore a purple dress that looked like it could easily be from the 1840s. It was a full skirt, long sleeves, and a high neck. The neck was an eggshell colored lace and that same lace was on the cuffs of her long sleeves. It fit her like a glove and flowed with her gentle as she walked towards him. He noticed she was trembling but the smile she wore was barely keeping back tears. He'd always thought her beautiful. But in that moment, she was more beautiful than ever. Time seemed to stand still as he waited for her, but she and Levi eventually made it to the altar. Amber looked at Levi who gave her a kiss on the cheek before handing her to Kevin and sitting beside Anna, burrowing a handkerchief to brush away the tears. Kevin held her hands in his and smiled at her.

"You're so beautiful," Kevin pushed the thought into Amber's head and her smile brightened and she shed a tear that Kevin gently brushed away.

"Welcome, to everyone, on this fine day of festivities," Rabbi Kowalski said. "It is a day that in which we bring together two people, Kevin and Amber." Rabbi Kowalski cleared his throat just a little before continuing. "I want everyone to imagine happy times you've had with Kevin and Amber both as individuals and together. Amber, Kevin, I want you two to think about when you first met. For those who don't know, it's quite a story. Kevin, serving in the American Army at a very tender age, found Amber abandoned in the village of Chateau. He had then taken her to shelter at a synagogue where she was able to be adopted by her wonderful mother and father, Levi and Anna Dymek.

"Their story did not end there. They kept in touch once Kevin had returned to America and Amber went to Germany with her parents. Years later, they discovered they loved one another. So much so that Kevin, once again having served in the army, searched Europe until he found Amber, rescuing her from the German prison camps of Dachau. While Kevin is not Jewish in faith, he has proven himself a hero to us all but especially to Amber and her family. As such, it is my privilege to see them married here today. No hard feelings, Kevin, about me giving you such a hard time." Kevin, Amber and all the guests laughed a little before Rabbi Kowalski continued.

"With this ceremony today with the ring you will put on Amber's finger and the Ketubah that you will sign Kevin, you are promising me and those in attendance three things: that you will always have a roof over Amber's head, food on her table and most importantly that you will always carry love in your heart for her. As such, Amber, you are accepting these things from Kevin and his promises to you of a home, of sustenance and of love everlasting. May you both be each other's rock, each other's shoulder to cry on and each other's source of laughter and happiness.

"We will now have Amber and Kevin sip the wine over the blessings," Rabbi Kowalski said and shortly thereafter was handed a silver chalice of wine. "Kevin and Amber, as you drink from this cup that will be blessed, I want you both to think of a wish you have for your marriage and keep it in your mind." Kevin and Amber were silent a moment while they thought of their wishes and then the Rabbi proceeded with the blessings:

"Baruch Atah Adonai eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, boreh p'ri ha-gafen,

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, she-hakol barah lichvodo,

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, yotzer ha-adem,

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, asher yatzar et ha-adam betzalmo, b'tzelem dmut tavnito, vehitkon lo mimenu binyan adei ad. Baruch Atah Adonai yotzer ha-adam,

Sos tasis v'tagel ha-akarah, b'kibbutz bane'ha letocha b'simchaa. Baruch Atah Adonai, mesame'ach tzion b'vaneha,

Sameach te-samach re'im ahuvim, k'samechacha yetzircha b'Gan Eden mi-kedem. Baruch Atah Adonai, mesame'ach chatan v'kalah,

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, asher barah sasson v'simcha, chatan v'kalah, gila rina, ditza v'chedva, ahava v'achava, v'shalom v're'ut. Me-hera Adonai Eloheinu yishama b'arei yehudah u'vchutzot yerushalayim, kol sasson v'eKol simcha, kol chatan v'ekol kalah, kol mitzhalot chatanim me-chupatam, u'nearim mimishte neginatam. Baruch Atah Adonai mesame'ach chatan im hakalah

Amen."

Everyone present repeated 'Amen' after the blessings were recited and then Rabbi Kowalski gave Kevin the cup for him to drunk from and then Kevin held it to Amber's lips so she could sip from it. Kevin gave the wine back to Rabbi Kowalski who handed it to someone off to the side before he continued with the ceremony.

"It is time for Kevin and Amber to further show their love with the rings. The rings are a very important part of the marriage because it is an easily visible symbol of one's love for the other. It is my understanding with Kevin's family and Quileute traditions that the wife to be is given a bracelet in a very similar display of this tradition. I'm also told the bride to be receives a bracelet for every time the groom proposes, meaning if the father refuses his consent, the groom can give the bride another bracelet and try again to win her father's approval. As Amber is wearing two bracelets, expertly crafted by Kevin's own hands, I'm to understand he had to ask twice." There was another gentle round of laughter as Rabbi Kowalski teased. "After meeting and coming to know Levi Dymek since he was brought to America, I can say honestly that Kevin has absolutely earned approval the second time around. And now we'll apply those rings as a final declaration of your undying love for one another. Gabriel, please bring forward the rings."

Gabriel did as instructed and walked up to Kevin and Amber so they could take the silver bands form the tiny yellow pillow that he held. Kevin held Amber's ring while Amber held Kevin's. They waited for Gabriel to step back to his previous spot before Rabbi Kowalski continued.

"Kevin and Amber have requested they be able to recite their own vows. As such, Kevin, I want you to look into Amber's eyes and, while you put that ring on her finger, that symbol of your devotion to her, I want you to tell her what you want to say. It is said the eyes are how we look into each other's souls, so by staring into one another's eyes, you are further strengthening the bond you hold and further more reinforcing the truth of your words to one another." It took Kevin a moment to be able to speak. It was harder when he looked into her sea blue eyes.

"Amber," Kevin finally started. Then for a moment he froze, forgetting the carefully planned vow he'd written. "I've thought of this day every day since I asked you to marry me. I've thought of what I'd say and how I'd say it. There are so many things I've said before: how much I love you, how happy you make me and all those things. I'm promising you now that I will tell you these things every day but more importantly we'll live it. I promise there won't be a day that I don't tell you how much I love you. I'll always remind you how lucky I am that you love me as much as I love you and how happy I am to be with you. I will always remind you that your eyes are blue as the seas of Italy, your hair is gold like the amber for which you're named, and I'll always tell you that, in my darkest and hardest time, you are the one that is my light at the end of the tunnel. You are my sunrise after a bad night, my warmth after the frost ends and my warm embrace when I need it most. For everything you do and everything you are to me, I can only offer my love in return. There is no more 'after we do this' or 'once we do that'. Now, on this day and in this moment, you are my love and I, Kevin Black, take you, Amber Dymek, to be my wife in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for as long as we both shall live." Kevin finally slipped the silver band on Amber's finger and she was shaking. She'd started crying but she smiled the whole way through. Kevin brushed away her tears and Alice stepped forward and dabbed them with a tissue.

"Amber," Rabbi Kowalski said, "with the ring you hold, recite your vows to Kevin and look deep into his eyes, for the eyes are the windows to the soul." It took Amber a moment to compose herself. The last thing she wanted was to be unable to speak at all. When she felt semi confident she wouldn't divulge into undecipherable speech from tears, she looked into Kevin's eyes with a smile.

"Kevin," Amber started. "I've loved you my whole life. Even before I really knew what love was. I remember, even now, when I was just a little girl. I remember when the war had ended and you needed to return home. We had gone to port to see you off. Daddy held me on his shoulders so I could see you and I waved until you saw me. I had made daddy let me go so I could run after you and when the boat was moving, you kept walking down the deck so you would still be in view. You didn't stop until you reached the end of the boat. I remember you didn't stop waving to me until we couldn't see each other anymore. You'd promised you'd come back some day. You finally did when it was my Bot Mitzvah. Even so far away, you were always an integral part of my life. You've always put me first and you've always made me feel special. When I realized how much I loved you and you loved me, I felt whole. You've always been my light and my rock. You braved horrors for me and did not rest until you found me. We waited what seemed like an eternity for each other and now that we're finally here, I'll never let go. So, Kevin, I promise that for everything you do for me, I will love you for all my days in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer for as long as we both shall live."

Amber slipped the ring onto Kevin's finger and there were tears in the crowd of guests and Rabbi Kowalski ordered the violinist play a brief musical intermission as a means of prayer while Kevin and Amber. As the music played, Rabbi Kowalski was given the glass of wine again for the second drinking and he recited the seven blessings again gently as the music played. Once he finished the prayer, he said Amen and all the guests repeated the word. Afterwards, Kevin and Amber took another sip of the wine and handed it back to Rabbi Kowalski.

"Myself and all your friends and family that you have invited here today for this wonderful occasion wish onto you a happy marriage. May it be filled with joy and love for all the days of your life. Amen." Everyone repeated amen just as the same attendant brought a glass bottle that was wrapped in a thick clothe to prevent any shards from escaping. "Kevin will now break the glass and may the number of shards formed from breaking the glass be an indicator of the happy days of your time to come and your future together. To all honored guests, it is tradition that when the groom breaks the glass, the guests are the say 'Mazel Tov' to wish the couple good luck and congratulations." Rabbi Kowalski kneeled down to place the glass on the ground before Kevin's feet. He waited for the Rabbi to step away before he smashed the glass under his foot. Through all the Mazel Tovs that rang through the crowd, Rabbi Kowalski said, "Kevin, you may now kiss the bride."

Besides Amber telling him she loved him, Kevin had never longed to hear any other words so much in his life except that he could kiss his bride. Kevin leaned down while Amber went on her toes, they embraced and finally they kissed and all the guests cheered for them but once their lips had met, the room could very well have been empty. Kevin would have deepened the kiss were it not for feeling a scroll tapped on his shoulder and the Rabbi saying, "Alright you two, save all that for your honeymoon." They laughed a little but Kevin gave Amber one last kiss before standing straight again and listening to their guests clap for them.

"Family and honored guests," Rabbi Kowalski called for everyone's attention. "Our couple will now proceed with the signing of the Ketubah. You may all retreat to the reception venue where you will be treated to drinks and food while you wait for the bride and groom. Will those participating in the signing ceremony please follow me?"

Kevin, Amber, Embry Jr. and Renesmee all followed the Rabbi up to his office. Most of the guests left to go to the reception venue but Jacob stayed behind to wait for Renesmee. Once they arrived in the Rabbi's office, he took out Amber's and Kevin's Ketubah that Alice had dropped off the night before. Generally, it was tradition for the Ketubah to be signed before the ceremony, but Levi and Anna requested the signing be after since they wanted to have the tradition of waiting for the couple to see each other until the ceremony, so Rabbi Kowalski made an exception. He joked that he'd never compromised so much in his life, even with his wife. Rabbi Kowalski started with reading out the Ketubah, first in Hebrew which was the top paragraph and then again in English for the second paragraph.

"'On the first day of the week, the 18th day of July, in the year 1949, the groom, Kevin William Black, son of Jacob Black and Renesmee Cullen Black, and the bride, Amber Charlotte Dymek, daughter of Levi Isaiah Dymek and Anna Ruth Dymek, joined each other before family and friends to enter into the holy covenant of marriage, and with love and compassion each vowed to the other: "Today I love you completely , as I did yesterday and as I will tomorrow. I will be there for you when you need me most. I will hold you in my heart just as I hold you in my arms. I will share in your dreams, delight in your joys, and comfort you in your sorrows. I will be your confidant, your counsel, your friend, and your lover. When you are not within my sight, you will be within my thoughts. You are my life; you are my dreams; you are my joy; you are my love; you are my everything. At this moment you are all that I know and all that I see. As we grow old together and our love matures, may we hold on to the passion and affection for each other we feel today. Our commitment to each other seals this document.'"

Amber could barely contain herself. She kept brushing away tears as the Rabbi read their Ketubah. They'd picked this text because they felt it had truly represented them Amber signed first, then Kevin, then Renesmee sighed below Amber's name, then Embry signed below Kevin's name, and finally Rabbi Kowalski signed his name at the very bottom, completing the Ketubah. Once it was signed, they put it in the frame that Alice had gotten for them. It was a dark wood that complimented the blues and blacks and purples of the document's background that had meant to depict the Washington woods at night. Embry ran the Ketubah back to Kevin's house placing it somewhere safe so it would be there for the two of them to hang together once they returned from their honeymoon.

Afterwards, the bridal party including Kevin and Amber made the trip to the lodge near the mountains where their reception was being held. Guests that had arrived were enjoying drinks and finger foods while finding their tables or smoking outside. The sun was still out but it was starting to fade in favor of the moon. When Kevin and Amber finally arrived at the venue with the bridal party, everyone cheered and wished them good tides. They got announced as Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Amber Black before Kevin and Amber had their first dance. It was to Tchaikovsky Second Waltz just like they'd talked about. Then Amber had a father daughter dance while other guests joined them on the dance floor. Soon their dance was over and dinner was being served for everyone, so they all went to their seats. Kevin and Amber went to their head table with the bridal party. Renesmee lit one large tapper and Anna lit another so Amber and Kevin could light their unity candle that was before them on the table. After everyone had their dinner and desired drinks as well as a flute of champagne, the toasts began.

Alice started first. Her speech was rather brief, but welcoming. She expressed to Amber that she was happy to officially welcome Amber to their family and that she knew the two of them would be happy together. Alice handed it over to Embry after that, so he stood to ensure everyone in the lodge could hear him while he said his piece.

"First of all, it's about time this happened," Embry said and earned a light laugh from everyone. "As I'm sure you know, Kevin and I've been best friends as far back as either of us can remember. He's just a few months younger than me. Only for Kevin would I join not one but two wars. The first time was very different from the second obviously. I suppose I'm supposed to tell embarrassing stories and even some inappropriate ones."

"Chose the latter very carefully please," Kevin mostly mumbled to himself so only Embry would hear.

"Luckily for you Kevin, I had to think really hard for some embarrassing stories," Embry chuckled. "There was one time when we were kids where Kevin had convinced Natalie to kiss a frog. If I remember correctly, your Aunt Rosalie had told the kids a story of the princess and the frog and you told Natalie she should try it."

"I didn't 'tell' her to do anything," Kevin defended but he was trying not to laugh. "I merely suggested that dad's a chief's son so, theoretically-"

"You can cut the lawyer shit, Kevin. You told your sister to kiss a frog and you know it," Embry said and made everyone laugh. "Anyway, to punish Kevin for that, his dad made Kevin kiss a frog. Kevin said it was gross and his dad told him he'd never get a wife if he had that attitude. Obviously Kevin had the good sense to be nicer to Amber."

"You were culpable in the whole thing," Kevin said.

"That's your opinion," Embry teased. "All that was back when we were kids. Technically we were still kids when we joined the Great War. Sgt. Stanley caught us immediately – old bastard." Kevin chuckled a little and rubbed his face. "Remember when we told him we were 18?"

"Didn't believe us a second," Kevin chuckled.

"No shit he didn't," Embry laughed.

"He said he didn't ask how old we said we were, but how old we are," Kevin chuckled.

"No, Kevin, he said, 'I didn't ask you hold old you said you were, I asked you how old you are. As in how many years ago did you mother belch you out of her gaping cunt'," Embry started and Kevin finished the sentence with him as they laughed. Caevia and Renesmee still didn't find the story very funny, but it got a laugh out of a few. "If there was one thing that man could do, it was swear creatively."

"You made it worse by telling him he'd look lovely in pink," Kevin said.

"He fucking walked into it," Embry defended. At this point, this wasn't so much a toast as it was Kevin and Embry having a good laugh. "He's the one who said he preferred to put on lipstick before he was fucked or something like that."

"He was a hard ass, but he was a good guy," Kevin said as his laugh lowered.

"Sure, to you, but he loved you," Embry said. "Helps that you saved his life and everything."

"That tends to make people like you, yes," Kevin joked.

"Should I tell everyone about what a loaf of bread bought us one time?"

"Do it, and I'll tell everyone the Tater story," Kevin threatened but he was still smiling.

"No, please," someone in the room said. They looked in that direction and saw an older man with a few others that they felt like they'd seen before. "Please tell us all the Tater story. Those of us in the trenches heard it, but not everyone in the room was in those trenches now were they Tater?"

"It's not an embarrassing story about Kevin, though," Embry retorted.

"So?" Peta said.

"Quiet boy," Embry muttered to his little brother. "Fine," Embry sighed. "I was eating a sweet potato in line and so I got nicknamed Tater."

"No, no, no, that's not the whole story," the older man smiled. Embry and Kevin finally realized who it was.

"Lt. McCarthy?" Kevin smiled. "It's a pleasure to see you."

"You too, now stop stalling," Lt. McCarthy said and the room had a light laugh. Much to Embry's chagrin, Kevin took over the recounting of how Embry had obtained his nickname.

"When we were in basic training," Kevin said, "sometimes the Sergeant would give us sweet potatoes at breakfast, but once the alarm goes off, you drop everything you're doing and get into line in the square. Embry wasn't finished with his sweet potato so he went in line while still eating it. He was trying to finish it before he got caught but Sgt. Stanley caught him and said, 'Am I deaf or did the siren ending breakfast not go off?' Embry tells him he wasn't finished and Sgt. Stanley tells him, 'It isn't fair that you're finishing your breakfast and the others didn't, Tater.' Embry tells Sgt. Stanley, 'I don't like that name sir.' If you looked at him really closely, you could see every vain in that man's head burst when Embry said that. So Sgt. Stanley tells Embry, 'You know, Tater, given that you've had a little more breakfast than the others, perhaps you can you can do a little more' or something like that. Embry says 'I don't follow, sir,' and Sgt. Stanley tells him 'Don't worry, Tater, I'll be doing to following'. Then he dragged Embry away by his ear, got on his horse and forced Embry to run five laps around the base hitting him with a riding crop if he started getting slower than the horse." A few started laughing having never heard the story before. "And that is how Embry got the nickname Tater."

"I hate you so much right now," Embry said but he was smiling all the same, the laughter getting infectious. He was about to get his revenge anyway. "So anyway, about what a loaf of bread bought us that one time-"

"Okay, Embry, I think you've said your piece," Kevin interrupted.

"Oh come now, Kevin, now we need to know," Lt. McCarthy heckled.

"Is this about the prostitutes or something?" JJ blurted out and Kevin suddenly wished he could crawl into a hole.

"Oh, yeah," Amber said lightly. Kevin was just relieved she wasn't upset.

"Yes, JJ, that's exactly what this is about," Embry smiled. "What were their names, Kevin?"

"Really? You're asking me to remember their names? Did they even tell us?"

"I'm sure they must have," Embry said. "But they both spoke French. Frankly, you should have used that charm of yours and made them give back the bread. Anyway, that was years ago so calm down Kevin."

"Don't feel bad, kid, we all did it," Lt. McCarthy said reassuringly but it didn't really help. "Pvt. Jagger married one didn't he?" Lt. McCarthy glanced around until he saw Seth and Charlene at a table with their daughter and a few other guests and the two of them just waved. "I thought so."

"I guess I could go on, but I think I've embarrassed you enough, Kevin," Embry said and earned a small irritated groan from Kevin.

"Wait until you get married, Embry. Wait until you get married," Kevin said as a light threat and the two finally smiled at one another after Kevin removed his face from his hands.

"Is that a threat?" Embry teased.

"You bet your ass it is," Kevin said and everyone laughed at both their expenses.

"In all seriousness, Amber, Kevin's the best a friend anyone could ask for. He's as much like a brother to me as the ones I practically raised. It's a curse for being the oldest of 12 kids. I know you two will be very happy together and I've seen how happy you make him. I've had, what, about 100 years to see it?" Embry poked fun and they all smiled. "Welcome to the family Amber. And I'm sorry. So, so sorry."

They all had one last laugh before the toasts were handed over to the parents that were less so funny and more so sentimental. After dinner, Kevin and Amber walked to the table off to the side to cut the cake together. It was after dessert that Kevin and Amber were finally able to start saying hello to their guests. The rest of the bridal party also made the rounds to thank everyone that had arrived and thanked everyone that had brought a gift. Eventually Kevin and Amber met up with Lt. McCarthy and the two men hugged.

"I can't believe you're here," Kevin said after they'd hugged. "I'd told Alice I wanted to invite you, but I never imagined you'd be here."

"I wouldn't miss this for anything," Lt. McCarthy said. "I just wish my Uncle could have seen it."

"He passed away?" Kevin asked somberly.

"About eight years ago," Lt. McCarthy said. "My dad passed away about a year before that. I know they would have loved to come if they could. I must say, you certainly aged more gracefully than we did."

"I guess I'm just lucky," Kevin smiled and shrugged. "Amber, this is Lt. Alexander McCarthy. He's the Lieutenant who I'd gotten out of No Man's Land and he made it so I could go to Yale."

"Oh!" Amber smiled and took his hand to shake it. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard wonderful things of you. Thank you for everything you've done for him."

"For saving my life, it was the least I could do," Lt. McCarthy smiled. "It was well worth it too from what I hear. You're husband's earned the nickname Iron Thumb among his colleagues and clients."

"Yes, I know," Amber smiled. "Whether it's a compliment or an insult tends to depend on who you're talking to."

Lt. McCarthy laughed, "Indeed it does. Same could be said for everyone at the university. He won their hearts eventually, though. I know a few people that used to be clients of Kevin's when he still lived in Connecticut and I they were sore to see him leave. I know a few others that were relieved to be rid of the competition. Now you're Seattle's curse and blessing all in one."

"How kind of you to say," Kevin chuckled. "Thanks again for being here. I'm happy you could come. It's been too long."

"It really has been and it was a pleasure. I wish you both the best of luck," Lt. McCarthy smiled. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you to fraternize a few more guests while I get another brandy."

They said their good evenings to one another before McCarthy wandered off and Kevin and Amber spoke with their other guests thanking them for coming. They were finally able to meet up with Alphonse who was in especially high spirits given he was there by himself. Aside from his daughter and son-in-law of course. Kevin and Alphonse hugged one another a moment and Alphonse even gave Amber a quick hug as he congratulated them.

"I'm glad to see you could finally marry," Alphonse said genuinely. "You manage to steel Kevin away at every opportunity, Amber. It's a miracle he gets any work done."

Amber smiled, "I'm sorry to be an inconvenience," she joked.

"It's alright, dear," Alphonse smiled and patted her shoulder. "I hope this doesn't sound rude, but how much did this dress cost you? It's an antique isn't it?"

"As a matter of fact, it is," Amber smiled. "It was the dress my mother wore. And my grandmother before her and my great grandmother before her. We'd lost it during the war, but by some miracle Alice was able to find it and get it back for me."

"It looks well-kept," Alphonse said. "It certainly suits you two."

"Thank you for saying," Amber smiled. "Will you be staying longer? We're playing some games soon and we'll be doing the Hora."

"I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with that," Alphonse said.

"The Hora is a dance where Kevin and I sit in chairs and everyone lifts us up and dances around us while we hold a cloth."

"I'm a little hold for that but I'll participate passively," Alphonse smiled.

Shortly thereafter, having said their thank you-s to all their guests, they proceeded with the Mitzvahs to entertain the newly married couple and their guests. The bridal party had gotten together beforehand and decided what kind of game they should make Kevin and Amber play and they thought there was nothing better than a game showing off how well – or perhaps not well – they knew one another. Two chairs were put in the center of the room back to back and the guests surrounded the chairs while Kevin and Amber sat in them, their backs to each other. Kevin had one of his shoes and one of Amber's shoes in his hands as did Amber. Embry took over the big pile of questions on cards and spoke up so people could hear him.

"Now that everyone's here," Embry rose his voice, "the way this game works is I'm going to ask a question listed on the card and Kevin and Amber need to answer by raising the right shoes. So if Kevin does something, they would raise his shoe and if Amber does something, they need to raise her shoe. Now that we're clear on the rules, let's start with the first question." Embry took a second to read the first card and smiled a little. "We'll start off romantic. Who said I love you first?"

At the same time, Kevin and Amber both rose Kevin's shoes and everyone smiled.

"Don't worry, Kevin didn't wait long for an answer," Embry joked at the guests laughed. Kevin and Amber lowered the shoes preparing for the next question. "Who's the better cook?"

Kevin and Amber both rose her shoes unanimously and everyone giggled and clapped.

"Yeah, that's what I thought," Embry teased. "Who has the better singing voice?" They lifted Amber's shoes again. "Kevin can you even sing?"

"Better than you," Kevin joked and they both laughed.

"You're probably right about that one," Embry said. "Who is more likely to make the bedroom floor their personal laundry basket?" Kevin lifted Amber's shoe with confidence and Amber lifted Kevin's shoe with confidence and Embry laughed. "I'm sorry, Amber, but I think I have to take Kevin's side on this one. You spend enough years having to clean toilets if the slightest thing is out of place, you learn to be really fucking clean."

"We're lucky if that's all we had to do," Travis mumbled, remembering vividly disciplinary action taken on him when he forgot to pick up a sock one time.

"That's the army for you," Embry laughed. He looked at the next card and laughed again. "Who will want kids first?"

Amber and Kevin lifted both of their shoes at the same time and everyone smiled. Then Kevin pointed Amber's shoe right at Renesmee and, when everyone realized what he was doing, those who got the joke started laughing.

"You know it's true, mom. Admit it," Kevin said.

"It's not you two I'm worried about," Renesmee said and then looked right at Kyle. Evalina started laughing while Kyle grumbled.

"Okay, moving on from shaming Kyle," Embry joked before going to the next card. "Who is the pickier eater?"

Rather unanimously again, Amber lifted her own shoe and Kevin lifted Amber's shoe and, just to tease her, he lowered her shoe a little and poked her head.

"Not sure why I bothered asking that one," Embry joked and went to the next card. "Who chose the honeymoon location?" Kevin and Amber lifted her shoes unanimously. "Well that was easy." Embry went to the next card. "Who controls the money?" Embry chuckled a little and Kevin lifted his shoe and Amber lifted Kevin's but also rose her shoe halfway and the room had a small laugh. "Who is more likely to burn the house down when cooking?"

Without a thought, Amber lifted Kevin's shoe and, hesitantly as though he were ashamed to admit it, Kevin slowly lifted his shoe and everyone laughed.

"Who is more likely to spend all their money at a Macy's sale?" Embry asked.

Kevin lifted Amber's shoe with confidence and, just as Kevin had done the previous question, Amber slowly lifted her own shoe knowing the truth of it.

"It depends what it is," Amber defended herself a little with a small giggle.

"Who would rather be outdoors?" Embry asked and the response was the two of them lifting Kevin's shoe with confidence. "Figures," Embry chuckled. Then he read the next question and rose a brow. "Amber? Do you know how to drive?"

"No," Amber said.

"Well, fuck that question then," Embry said, tossing aside a card that asked who was more trustworthy behind the wheel of a car. "Who is more of a Daredevil?"

Kevin and Amber lifted Kevin's shoes again with confidence.

Embry chuckled a little, "I think I know this one. Who is the most stubborn?"

Amber rose Kevin's shoe with confidence and, at first, Kevin rose Amber's, then his, then Amber's until he shrugged and lifted both shoes.

"It's one or the other, Kevin," Embry laughed.

"I say it's both," Kevin said.

"Your wife disagrees with you," Embry joked.

"If I'm holding up both shoes, it stands to reason we partially agree," Kevin said. "Next question."

Embry chuckled and went to the next card. "Shit, I'm a little scared to ask this one: Between the two of you, who is the most frivolous with money?"

Kevin lifted Amber's shoe while Amber lifted Kevin's shoe and the group laughed.

"We'll just let you two bicker about that later," Embry joked and moved to the last question. "We'll end on a romantic note. Which of you loves the other more?" Kevin rose his own shoe while Amber rose her own shoe and everyone laughed. They looked behind to each other to see who's shoe they hand and they laughed a little. Kevin laid his head back so he could kiss Amber's cheek and the group clapped or released an 'aw'.

After this was the Hora, but Embry reminded Kevin they would be playing their own game for everyone that Kevin wasn't aware of. The band played the appropriate music while the guests all lifted Kevin and Amber up in their chairs and danced around them while they held a white cloth. Despite the jubilance of the dance, Amber was relieved to be back on the ground when the dance was over and the two of them hugged and shared a kiss making the crowd clap for them again. That was when Embry pulled Kevin aside so they could play their own game. Guests that wanted to watch were welcome to, but Embry warned this would be a 'man's game'.

"What the hell does that mean?" Kevin asked as Embry led him to one of the tables in the corner.

"It's truth or drink," Embry said. "I thought you and I might get drunk as friends one more time before you left me for matrimony forever," he teased. Kevin smiled and let Embry lead him while his cousins, brothers, fathers and so on and so forth followed. Rosalie joined as did Hailey, JJ and several others to see what this was all about. Once Kevin and Embry were seated across from each other at a table he'd already had set up with a bottle of strong scotch and some apple juice with a big pile of cards.

"So it's a drinking game?" Kevin said.

"It's truth or dare, but if you don't want to answer the question, instead of a dare, you drink. I asked a bunch of our friends and family to write little questions of us to answer. The goal is not to get drunk by answering the questions."

"Alright," Kevin said. "I'll start then." Kevin grabbed the first card and laughed out loud when he read the question. "I see you told them to make sure the questions were raunchy."

"I didn't specify what they had to be but if they turned out that way, this should be a lot of fun," Embry said.

"Alright," Kevin said. "What's the most degrading thing you've ever done during sex?" After a moment of silence, Embry poured himself a shot and took back the scotch, scrunching his nose. "Losing already I see."

"It's a bad start," Embry said. "What about you, smart ass?"

"Sleeping with a prostitute," Kevin said. "That's probably the only thing I've ever done that I might consider degrading."

"For you or for her?" Embry asked.

"Both," Kevin said and they laughed as Embry reached for a question.

"Who's the most inappropriate person you've ever fantasized about?"

"Um," Kevin said actually having to think about that. "I think I had a crush on your mom for a while."

"Ew, why?" Embry asked and was met with a firm swat across his head from Embry Sr.

"Show your mother some respect," Embry Sr. said. Embry Jr. grumbled a little while Kevin took the next question.

"I'm already winning," Kevin poked fun before reading the question. "What's the most embarrassing thing you've done while drunk?" Embry immediately grabbed a drink. "Come on, Embry," Kevin poked.

"I'm not answering because I don't know the answer," Embry said. "Typically when I'm drunk, I don't remember what I was up to."

"Make something up then," Kevin said.

"That wouldn't be truth, Kevin, so that's cheating," Embry said and took back the shot and reached for another question.

"You're just making this boring now," Kevin said. "There's no fun in winning the game if you let me win."

"Oh yeah?" Embry taunted before reading the question. "What's the biggest lie you've ever told Amber?"

"I don't lie to her," Kevin said. At that, Embry grabbed the shot glass.

"Bull," Embry said as he filled the shot glass, "shit," he finished and forcefully put down the shot in front of Kevin. Kevin sighed and just took the drink while everyone laughed and then Kevin grabbed the next question. When he read the question, he nearly choked on the scotch from laughing and not being willing to ask the question.

"I don't know if I want to ask this," Kevin said.

"Then you have to take a shot," Embry said.

"What? You didn't say that was a rule," Kevin said.

"Well, it is," Embry said.

"Fine, your dignity, not mine," Kevin said and finally asked, "What was the last thing you masturbated to?"

"Son of a bitch," Embry said and everyone laughed at his expense. "That one pinup I have of Rita Hayworth."

"No shame in that," someone said. "It's Rita Hayworth."

"Exactly," Embry said a little relieved now and then grabbed the next question and smirked. Have you ever disliked any of the women I've dated?"

"You've never introduced me to any of the women you've dated," Kevin answered honestly.

"That is true," Embry chuckled and Kevin took a card.

"What did you think of me when you first met me?"

"'Mommy, I'm hungry?'" Embry answered with a shrug and most of the group laughed. "I've known you since I was six months old so I can't say for sure," Embry chuckled.

"I guess that's a reasonable assumption," Kevin laughed while Embry took another card.

"What's the number one thing you would never want your parents to know? I guess Aunt Nessie specifically."

"Shit," Kevin grumbled. "Well, it would have been the prostitute in Chateau but you fucked me on that one."

"I live to serve," Embry teased as Kevin grabbed another card with a little grumble.

"Damn it, I keep getting questions I don't want an answer to. What's the kinkiest thing you've ever done?"

"Probably that time I was fooling around with those cousins and keeping them in the dark about it," Embry said. "Kept that under the rug six months I think."

"Only reason you got away with that is because neither of them wanted to admit it happened," Kevin laughed while the others joined him.

"And that's the key, my friend," Embry said as he grabbed the next card. "This is weird. What's your magic number?" Kevin gave Embry a weird look.

"I don't know the answer to that, so I guess I'll drink," Kevin said as he made up a shot and took it back. Then he reached for the next question. "This should be interesting. What was the biggest age gap between you and a sexual partner?"

"What's that legal term you use?" Embry asked as he prepared a shot. "I plead the fifth?" Then he shot back the scotch and scrunched his nose. "Damn it, this is backfiring on me," he said as he grabbed a card. "Am I your swell friend, funny friend, smart friend, cute friend or ugly friend?"

"Depends on the context," Kevin said and they all laughed. "I guess my funny friend if I had to choose."

"Awe, that's sweet," Embry said as Kevin took the next card.

"Who would you be moved embarrassed to introduce me to and why?" Kevin asked.

"Probably Geraldine," Embry said.

"Who?" Kevin asked.

"Exactly," Embry said and everyone laughed while he took a card. "Oh, good. Where's the most scandalous place you've had sex?" Embry put down the card and waited patiently. As Kevin reached for the bottle, everyone groaned in disappointment.

"Come on, Kevin, you're blue balling us now," Nathan poked Kevin's head with his index finger. Embry grinned, confident he'd won this round. So Kevin sighed and put down the bottle.

"The roof of Notre Dame," Kevin said.

"Bullshit you did!" someone blurted out and Kevin could see Levi's face turning red, though from anger or embarrassment, Kevin wasn't really sure. He didn't want to know either.

"Swear on my Ketubah it's true," Kevin said.

"Damn it, I was sure I'd gotten you there," Embry grumbled as Kevin grabbed another card.

"No, truthfully Kevin, how in the shit did that happen?" Harold spoke up.

"I don't kiss and tell, Harold," Kevin said and looked at the card. "What's the most disgusting habit you have?"

"Fuck you," Embry chuckled and got a shot and took it back and then grabbed the next card. "What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you during sex? And unless it involves you falling off the fucking cathedral, I don't want to hear it."

"Be that way then," Kevin chuckled and took a shot. "I'm actually curious, what was your longest dry spell?" Kevin asked when he had the next card.

"Too long?" Embry answered and everyone laughed.

"Okay, I'll let you have that one," Kevin chuckled. Embry grabbed his card to read.

"If someone offered you 1 million dollars never to talk to me again, would you?"

"No," Kevin said, scrunching his brow and heightening his voice a little in response to the ridiculous question. "I'll find another way to make a million dollars and then we'll split it."

"Can I get that in writing?" Embry and everyone laughed while Kevin grabbed a card from the pile.

"How would you describe me to someone who's never met me?" Kevin asked.

"Charming for starters," Embry began. "Headstrong and stubborn but infectious. You make people want to be around you; I can honestly say that about you. Let's see. I'd be sure to mention you're a lawyer. That's a very loaded profession."

"In a good or bad way?" Kevin chuckled.

"Both," Embry said and they all laughed. "What – if any – amount of money would you be willing to have sex with a stranger for?" Embry asked the question on the next card.

"Nothing," Kevin answered.

"It wouldn't cost anything or there's nothing one could pay to make you agree?"

"Nothing anyone could pay to make me agree," Kevin clarified.

"Alright, fine, I'll let you have that one," Embry chuckled and then Kevin took his turn.

"What's the farthest you've.." Kevin started, sighed, and finally finished the question, "What's the farthest you've gone sexually with another man?"

"Who wrote that question?" Embry asked and looked around at everyone in the room. "You're just trying to mess around with us."

"You can always drink if you don't want to answer the question," Kevin joked.

"You know what, I will because I will not validate that question with an answer. Even a sarcastic one," Embry said and took a shot. Embry took another card. "What's the most illegal thing you've ever done?"

"In or out of war?"

"Out of war," Embry said.

"Cheating at gambling?" Kevin answered with uncertainty.

"How did you cheat at gambling?" Alphonse asked, only knowing of the horse races.

"I'll not reveal my trade secrets," Kevin said and grabbed a card and laughed. "Do you love me? If yes, say it, if no, take a shot."

"Sure I love you," Embry said. "Completely platonically of course," he chuckled and took a card. "What are some things I do to let you know I'm made without me actually saying anything?"

"You get really quiet and passive aggressive when you're mad," Kevin said with a smile. "You're not generally very hard to read" Then Kevin took another card. "Where's the most inappropriate place you've ever masturbated?"

"The trenches," Embry said and everyone laughed. "Seriously, who wrote these fucking questions? You're all perverts."

"You told us all to write questions that you might not want to answer to each other and that's what we all did God damn it," Travis said. The group laughed a little harder. Embry took another card and smiled. "What's your most outrageous fantasy?" Embry asked and put down the card. When Kevin didn't answer right away, Embry looked at Levi. "You may want to walk away, Levi."

"No need," Kevin said and just took a shot.

"You're blue balling us again, Kevin," Peta said.

"I took a shot. I don't have to answer," Kevin said and grabbed a card. "What's the longest you've gone without a shower? Outside of the war," Kevin specified.

"Yes, outside the war," Embry said and laughed. "I think four days?"

"Less than I thought," Kevin poked fun and everyone laughed while Embry took his car.

"What's something you've done drunk that you would never do sober," Embry asked.

"Singing the German national anthem through the streets with my father-in-law," Kevin answered and Levi finally had a good laugh as the rest of the group joined in.

Kevin took a card. "Oh, this might be interesting. Who's the most scandalous person you've ever had sex with?"

"Were any of them 'scandalous'?" Embry asked honestly.

"I don't know, you tell me," Kevin said.

"The cousins I guess," Embry said. "Only because it was at the same time. I tried hitting on your secretary once."

"Good enough," Kevin said and Embry took a card. He read the card and grumbled.

"Whoever wrote this is an asshole," Embry said but he was trying not to laugh. "Alright," he continued. "What would it take for us to have sex?"

"Who wrote that?" Kevin asked and looked at everyone that had written questions but no one took credit.

"I'll take a drink with you if you rather?" Embry said.

"Let's just fucking drink," Kevin said and they both took a shot. "For the record to whichever of you perverts asked that, it sure as shit wouldn't be a cheap peep show. I'll tell you that."

"What about 1 million dollars?" someone asked.

"No," Kevin said.

"Well, that was a little too quick. What the hell's wrong with me?"

"Nothing, I'm just not attracted to you!" Kevin yelled and everyone started laughing. "Please tell me we're almost done."

"We're getting there," Embry said so Kevin grabbed another card.

"Have I ever told you a secret that you've gone on to tell someone else?"

"Your first time being with a French prostitute during a toast in your wedding," Embry joked and they all laughed. "Amber already knew about it anyway, didn't she?"

"That's not the point," Kevin said through gritted teeth and an admitted smile.

Embry took another card. "This is a good question. If I ever killed someone, would you help me cover it up?"

"Sure," Kevin answered with a shrug. "Are you asking if I'd defend you in a court of law or are you asking me if I'd help you hide the body?"

"Both," Embry asked.

"I guess I'd do both. I'd definitely defend you in court."

"Free of charge?" Embry fished.

"You're a little too interested in this topic now," Kevin joked and got a laugh while he took another card. "If we were to have met now, would we still be best friends?"

"I don't know," Embry said. "If I met you now, I might think you're an entitled asshole."

Kevin chuckled, "Honestly?"

"It might be worse if we'd first met during the war. You were under a lot of stress obviously, but you were snappy at the time."

"Of course I was," Kevin said.

"I'm sure we'd still be best friends," Embry said. "I'd just need to get to know you again." Then Embry grabbed his card. "What's my greatest asset physically?"

"You have a very muscular physique," Kevin complimented with a shrug.

"I'll take that compliment," Embry chuckled while Kevin took the last card and then sighed. "What?"

"I can either sit in your lap for a minute never breaking eye contact or take a shot," Kevin said.

"If you say no, I'll take a shot with you," Embry said.

"Christ, fine, I'll try," Kevin said and walked around and sat on Embry's lap while someone tracked the clock. They looked into one another's eyes. "This is awkward."

"Just get through a minute," Embry said.

"That's what you said," Kevin said and Embry was trying not to laugh. "Are we almost done?"

"God, I hope so," Embry said and they all laughed. Finally the minute was over and Kevin got off Embry's lap. "I'm sorry, Kevin, this was a terrible idea."

"Yes, it was, but I had fun," Kevin said. Then he gave Embry a hug and pat on the back. "Just because I'm finally married doesn't mean I'll never see you."

"You make sure of that," Embry smiled back and returned the reassuring pat on the back.

After the drinking game, Kevin realized Amber had been swooped away and had to find out from Renesmee that Alice had taken her to the bridal suite in the venue and was getting her into something more comfortable so they'd be able to get in the car to the hotel so they could take their train tomorrow. A few minutes later, Alice brought Amber back downstairs in a lavender sundress and a light coat to protect against the night air still in her white pumps. Kevin was quick to go to her and take her hand so they could finally leave. With her bouquet in hand, once they reached the exit, Amber stopped Kevin and announced she'd finally toss the bouquet. The single ladies among the guests came forward, even ones that weren't interested. Alice grabbed a chair for Amber and she got on so she'd have a decent range. She looked behind her back in an attempt to aim in the correct direction and once she was sure, she threw the bouquet over her head into the crowd.

There were plenty that wanted to catch the bouquet but it wound up landing in Natalie's arms. After being briefly stunned with the bouquet landing on her, she tossed it again but it was caught by Scarlet. Once Scarlet had the bouquet everyone clapped for her while Kevin and Amber finally left in a car that Embry had pulled around, a 'just married' sign on the back and everything, and they drove away while their guests waved goodbye to them. They waved back until they were out of the venue's view and on their way to a hotel right by the train station. Their train would leave at 10 the next morning and it would take them to California so they could get on a boat that would take them to Salvador, Brazil. They were in for one hell of a trip. Once Kevin was on the road, Amber scooted closer to him so she could wrap her arms around his arm and rest her head on his shoulder. Keeping his eyes on the road, Kevin leaned his head down and kissed her head.

"So, Mrs. Amber Black, did you have a good time these past two days?" Kevin asked and he felt Amber smile.

"I had a very good time," she answered. "I'm almost can't believe we're finally married."

"We are," Kevin said. "We have the Ketubah and the marriage license to prove it. We'll have all the pictures to prove it too once those develop."

"Alice said she'd have a wedding book for us and some hung on our walls by the time we get back," Amber said.

"Our walls," Kevin said, smiling to himself. Keeping his left hand on the wheel, Kevin put his right hand on Amber's knee. Kevin glanced down at Amber and saw that her eyes were closed. "I see the past two days tuckered you out."

"Mhm," she mumbled as she nodded against his shoulder.

Since she was effectively napping on his shoulder, Kevin let her be but kept his hand on her knee while he drove. Soon they arrived at the little hotel near the train station. Kevin booked them a room for the night with the request to wake them at 8 so they could get ready and a bellboy helped get their luggage to their room. Amber meandered along beside Kevin but she was half asleep the entire time. Kevin gave the Bellboy a tip after the boy put the luggage down off to the corner while Amber went right to the bed and plopped atop it. Once they were alone, Kevin looked at the bed and saw Amber was already fast asleep and chuckled under his breath. He got out of his uniform that he still wore and got it folded atop his suitcase before coming to the bed. Kevin carefully lifted Amber in his arms and tossed the covers aside before putting Amber back down on the bed. He removed her white pumps and put them on the floor under the suitcases and pulled the covers over her. Then he got on the other side under the covers and pulled her to his side. He kissed Amber's head and fell asleep shortly after her with her in his arms. The following morning brought a call on the loud rotary phone. Kevin opened his eyes begrudgingly and saw the clock showing it was eight. Kevin picked up the receiver to answer the phone.

"Hello?"

"Good morning, Mr. Black. This is your courtesy call to wake you at 8 per your request. Will you require an additional five to ten minutes and a call back?"

"No, this is fine," Kevin said. "Thank you for the morning call."

"You're welcome Mr. Black and you have a wonderful morning," the young man said before ending the call. Kevin put down the receiver and Amber grumbled while her face rested on Kevin's chest. Once her eyes were open, she glanced around and realized it was morning.

"Oh," Amber mumbled. "I slept through our wedding night?"

"Don't worry, I did too," Kevin smiled and turned to his side so he could give her a kiss. Once their lips touched, Amber lifted her arms to wrap around Kevin's neck and he leaned down a little more. When they parted, she still looked a little sleepy. "How about we get a shower and I'll order room service for some breakfast?"

"The shower sounds like heaven," Amber smiled and kissed Kevin again. "I'm sorry I fell asleep when we got here."

"It was a really long two days," Kevin smiled. "We needed our sleep."

"Well, I've had my sleep," Amber said and got up so she could push Kevin onto his back and she could straddle his hips. It was then that she realized she was still in her dress that Alice had changed her into for the ride to the train station. "Can you pull the zipper of the dress down for me? I had something I wanted you to see."

"Alright," Kevin smiled and sat up so he could reach behind her and pull down the zipper. Once down, Amber took hold of the hem of her dress and lifted it over her head and put it down on the other side of the bed. What she had on under the dress was rather modest for the most part. It was an ivory slip that was already hiked up her thighs so he could see a pair of matching ivory panties beneath the slip. It was sleeveless with spaghetti straps and it was a lacy material that was partially see-through. Her hair was a little messy but there was still the remnants of her full curls from yesterday. "Was this what you wanted to show me?" Kevin finally asked after admiring her.

"Alice picked it out," Amber said. "I was hoping you would think it sexy." Kevin smiled and ran his hands over her thighs. Then he kept moving his hands up, taking it with him. Amber smiled with a deep blush and lifted her arms above her head so Kevin could take it off over her head and tossed it off to the side. She'd not worn a bra of any kind under the slip and was only in white silk panties now that the slip was gone. Kevin ran his hands over her body savoring the feel of her soft skin under his hands and he enjoyed her trembling from his touch.

"That's better," Kevin finally said and Amber licked her lips. Kevin lifted his hands up so he could hold her breasts in his hands. It had been a long time once again. Since returning from Naples, they'd barely had a moment alone. Certainly never long enough to make love. The wait was more than worth it, though. He quickly glanced at the clock again to make sure of the time. "We have two hours before we need to be on that train," Kevin finally said.

"Do you think we have time?" Amber asked. Kevin sat back up and wrapped his arms around her and she wrapped her arms around his neck licking her lips almost nervously.

"That depends," Kevin said looking in her eyes. "Will one orgasm be sufficient?"

"For the time being," Amber played along. They smiled at one another while Kevin turned so Amber was on her back and Kevin was on top of her.

Kevin was, naturally, joking about what he'd said. Kevin laid down to press his lips to hers and just held her close, kissing her tenderly until he depended the kiss by pressing his tongue against her lips to gain entry. Amber moaned when she opened her mouth for him and she lifted her knees so she was cradling his body as he kissed her. Kevin savored every part of her mouth from dueling her tongue, licking across her teeth and tickling the top of her mouth to make her sigh with a coupling of pleasure and humor. Amber trailed her long nails over his back to arouse his from the scratch of nails against skin and the sensation made Kevin groan. He even trembled under of touch and it gave her a sense of pride. They parted their lips when they simply couldn't breathe anymore and then Kevin kissed her chin.

"I know I'd said only one," Kevin said and started kissing her jaw, "but I would wager we can sneak in one more." Amber giggled.

"But Kevin, what if we don't make our train?" Amber said, though it was a false concern. She was surprised she even remembered anything about a train when she was focusing on Kevin's lips kissing down her body. Kevin licked her nipple and made her whimper.

"We'll make our train," Kevin promised. "Even if I have to stop the train with my bare hands to stop them, we'll make our train."

"I don't think they'll appreciate you forcefully stopping the train, dear," Amber teased.

"They're appreciate what I tell them to, darling," Kevin joked along with her and took her nipple into his mouth and made Amber moan.

She suddenly lost any remaining concern for their train and focused instead on Kevin's masterful tongue. He licked circles around her nipple, nipping and sucking the sensitive spot and then did the same to the other. He eventually moved on from her breasts and kissed along her midriff down to her panties. He kissed her thighs tenderly to make her tremble and kissed her right against the panties before pulling them off and tossing them aside so he could plant his tongue against her clitoris. Amber nearly cried, moaning his name and running her fingers into his hair while her other hand went up to her breast to pinch her nipple. She squirmed under his tongue both overwhelmed by the pleasure he gave yet wanting more all at once. While Kevin licked and nipped at her, Amber ran her toes over his back in ballerina points to tantalize him. Amber whimpered his name again and threw her head back against the pillow. She felt her insides twisting and shivers go up and down her body. She was getting light headed the closer she came to a release and she felt as though she were floating on a cloud.

"Kevin," she whimpered again when she was so close but he'd slowed to prolong the sensation, "please."

"Please what, Amber? Tell me what you want," Kevin pushed the thought into her head while he continued to tease her with his tongue.

"I'm so close," Amber whimpered.

"And what do you want me to do about that?" Kevin asked, circling around her clitoris to pleasure her but not bringing her over the edge. He was teasing her and would continue to do so until Amber was blunt.

"Make me climax," Amber finally whimpered. "Please," she begged again. He fulfilled her request and started applying pressure directly on her clitoris and circling the bundle of nerves with his tongue.

Amber cried and moaned as Kevin brought her closer and closer until she felt her insides snap and her body quake with her orgasm. He kept his tongue moving as he helped her down from the high he'd given her until she was breathless. Then he kissed his way back up her body, trailing the tip of his tongue along her skin as he went up to pleasure her. He rubbed his hand over his mouth so he was clean and kissed her neck once he was atop her again. Kevin pulled off his remaining clothes and finally slipped inside her and stilled with the sensation of her hot and tight around him. He groaned and kept kissing her neck while Amber sighed from feeling him inside her again. She'd missed him since they'd left Naples. She clutched onto him when a thought crossed her mind.

"We can do this whenever we want now," Amber whispered as a revelation and Kevin smiled, lifting his head from her neck so he could look into her eyes.

"There's another thing we can do now," Kevin said.

"What's that?" Amber asked.

"When I finish, I'm staying in," Kevin said. "It's the one thing I've never done."

"I suggest you change that," Amber encouraged with a seductive smile. Kevin smiled back and leaned down to give Amber a tender kiss.

Kevin was still momentarily while they kissed, but he eventually started moving at a gentle pace. Kevin and Amber continued to kiss as he moved. Amber held onto him around his neck with her knees up to cradle his hips while he thrust. With a sigh, Amber let her head fall back on the pillow taking her lips away from his and instead she started kissing his neck and ears. With one arm above her head on the pillow for support, Kevin reached his free hand down her body to her hip and on her thigh. The gentle touch made her tremble along with the pleasure of Kevin's movements remaining rhythmic and gentle.

Kevin started kissing Amber's neck and ears just as she was doing to him. But soon he was bending his back enough so he could give her breasts attention while he continued to move at the same pace, savoring just being inside her. Amber moaned his name as he licked her nipples and gripped her thigh a little tighter. Amber ran her hands over his back and through his hair while he brought her closer and closer to a second climax, but the pace Kevin was going was making the ascent maddeningly slow. After Kevin had given both nipples his attention, Amber took a hold of Kevin's face and pulled him up so she could kiss him. Then she put her hands on his chest pushing him onto his back so she was on top of him and could take over the movements. She kept her hands planted on Kevin's chest for support while she bounced her hips up and down at a faster pace than before. Kevin kept his hands on Amber's hips to help move her along and stilling her from time to time so he could grind her hips against his.

"Kevin," Amber moaned his name while Kevin had her hips grinding against him. "Faster," was all she could verbalize otherwise.

Kevin smiled at her and let go of her hips only to sit up and take her into his arms. He pulled her down so she was laying on top of him. Then he put his hands back on her hips so he could move her hips up and down on him coupled with his own movements. It was faster and harder just as she'd asked and she was holding him against her chest enjoying the feel of him. Soon he was going faster once again and Amber pressed a hand against the wall trying to keep herself still against Kevin's thrusts. Amber continued to moan and whimper Kevin's name as he moved. When he felt her getting closer, Kevin reached a hand between them, number stopping or slowing his movements, and rubbed his thumb over her clitoris to ease her along. She whimpered all the more from the sensation and matched Kevin's thrusts with her own to further the pleasure until she reached her peak and felt as though her body imploded. With Kevin's free arm, he wrapped it around her and held her tighter while she climaxed as he continued to move his hips and rub her clitoris. She shook and trembled, holding tightly onto Kevin tightly as she started to come down from her high.

Once her orgasm had eased, Kevin turned so he was on top of her. He returned to his previous pace as moving a little more slowly since she was still tender. She sighed and held her arms above her head as she enjoyed the aftermath of her orgasm. When Kevin eventually increased his pace, Amber wrapped her arms around Kevin's neck again and started licking his ear. The sensation made everything in Kevin's body tremble and he moved even faster. Kevin clutched the pillow and Amber's hip. Amber kept licking Kevin's ear until she felt him shiver and tense up. Amber moaned his name again and finally felt Kevin clutch onto her hip like a grip as he thrust into her with greater force and suddenly went very still with his mouth on her shoulder tasting her skin. He groaned into her skin while he reached his climax. He made additional slight thrusts before he stopped completely and just held her. They enjoyed the glow of the aftermath as Kevin lifted his head from Amber's shoulder so they could share a kiss that lasted several minutes before he rested his head against her chest and held her close.

"I love you," Kevin said to her.

"I love you too," Amber answered and kissed his head. She glanced at the clock and noticed it was very nearly 9:15. "We should probably get ourselves ready."

Kevin glanced at the clock and muttered, "Shit." Then he finally lifted himself up from the bed. "We don't have much time to spare. We'll take a shower together."

"I'm just fine with that," Amber smiled and went to the shower with Kevin. Sadly, they did not make love in the shower as they were short on time, but they were able to get cleaned up, dressed and barely managed to make their train. Once they were in the train and settled in their private car, Kevin made up for their having to rush that morning.

The previous night after Amber and Kevin retreated, the guests had started leaving receiving gratitude from the family for their attendance and well wishes. Gifts were taken from the venue to Kevin's house so he and Amber could go through them once they returned. Natalie left as soon as she was able to, stating that she was tired. The whole family had planned to stay in Seattle for the night so they could relax from the wedding, but Natalie insisted she wanted to return home and left on her own. Nesia tried to convince Natalie to stay with everyone, but JJ got her to leave their mother alone. She'd been alright throughout the ceremony and party, but her mood had soured considerably since the bouquet landed in her lap and JJ agreed it was best that Natalie go home so she could be alone.

When Natalie got home, the house felt so empty but not just in the literal sense. She'd smiled through the whole wedding, genuinely happy for Kevin and Amber. She'd never seen her big brother so happy and when she'd watched the two of them standing at the altar exchanging their vows, she was just as happy. During the reception was when things started becoming hard for her. She was sitting at the same table as JJ and all her children. Amber and Kevin had been so sweet as to ensure there was something special for her to eat and JJ requested the same thing to be supportive. Just like his father used to do. Then she'd hear JJ speaking and she'd glance at him and every time, it was like seeing Jae. But it wasn't. She'd gotten good about not letting that bother her. It wasn't JJ's fault. If anything, looking just like his father had made JJ a very handsome man. She'd gotten herself together and was fine again until the bouquet landed in her lap.

At first she was just irritated because she'd not even been trying to catch the bouquet. It had quite literally landed in her lap. She'd overheard someone say 'maybe she will find happiness' after she'd caught it and, for some reason, that was what ruined the night for her. Tossing it to the side toward Scarlet had done little to alleviate the feeling. Now, walking into the house for the first time in a few days since the wedding proceedings had started, it hurt to come home. First she'd walked up the steps to the porch of the house and just as she'd put her hand on the door handle she heard the tweet of a bird. She looked to her left where there was an ever present nest of twigs and mud and anything that Nesia had given to Blu for his little house. Blu hopped out of his little nest as if to greet her and Natalie just stared at the bird with sad, empty eyes. The bird stopped singing his little song and tilted his head. Then he'd flown away suddenly, so Natalie stepped into the house.

She'd stepped into the house millions of times, but this time, she stared right at the floor: right where she and Jae had made love right after their wedding. She remembered it so vividly now. It wasn't the night JJ was conceived she was rather sure, but it was their first night together as husband and wife. It had been euphoric and the euphoria had continued since then; until he died. Until the army brought home his ashes and his medals telling her that her husband died a hero. Her eyes burned as she started at the floor and tears started to fall. She looked around and was suddenly seeing him everywhere. She saw him sitting on the couch playing with their children, she saw him cleaning the dishes in their kitchen after she'd made him a hot meal after work, everywhere in the house she looked, she saw him.

Natalie went up the stairs and straight to her bedroom and was met with her little memorial on her large dresser. She saw one of Jae's pictures and the bright smile. That was the only reason looking at JJ didn't hurt as much as it used to. JJ didn't have his father's smile. He might if he had his father's naturally cheerful disposition, but he so rarely smiled since Jae's death. But looking at Jae's picture and seeing his smile was always enough to draw a tear from her eye. Seeing the flag in its special frame right above those pictures always made it worse. Natalie practically forced off her bridesmaid's dress and tossed it to the side so she was just in her slip. Then she got under the covers determined not to read one of Jae's letters. But soon she caved in and reached into her drawer grabbing one at random. As she started reading, she heard a tap at her window that startled her. She dropped the letter and turned to look at the window. Blu was there with a tiny flower on the window sill. It was a single light pink Clarkia flower.

Natalie got out of bed and walked to the window, opening it with a breeze coming in. Blu tweeted several times, hopping from side to side and then grabbing the stem of the little flower again and offering it to her again. Rather gingerly, Natalie reached her hand up and accepted the little flower. After it landed in her hand, the little bird hopped into her hand and even sat down. Natalie could only stare at the little bird. She started trembling and backed away from the window slowly until her butt hit the edge of the bed and she was forced to sit. She started crying again as she stared at the little bird. That made the little bird stand up in her hand and flap his little wings as if telling her not to cry. Then he jumped from her hand and the movement startled Natalie. She was startled all the more when she felt hands on her shoulders. She turned to look, but there was no one there. Instead, she was no longer in her room. She was in a teepee and she realized then she was dreaming. She must be dreaming. It had been so long since she'd had these dreams and she'd started to like it that way.

"Jae?" Natalie called out his name in vain but was unsure what else to do. She hesitated before finally stepping out into the cold of the morning.

It was the village, just like in all her other dreams yet there seemed to be nothing amiss. In fact things seemed peaceful. She spotted an older woman that she swore looked extremely familiar and she was surrounded by several young women and one young boy who couldn't be older than ten. It finally dawned on her why the older woman looked so familiar when an old man walked up behind her and kissed her cheek. It was Zurra likely reaching her forties by now and the older man was Taha Aki. He had to be. She and Taha Aki said something to one another and Zurra smiled cheerfully. The young boy said something that garnered Zurra's attention and she grabbed his chin affectionately to say something before placing kiss on his nose, releasing him and returning to whatever she and the other young women were doing. Taha Aki remained with them until they heard movement. Or Natalie heard movement. She looked towards the cluster of trees before anyone else did.

"Father!" a voice came that caught Taha Aki's attention. "Father!" the voice came again and finally a man, a young man that Natalie swore she'd seen with Suerro before, came out of the trees. She realized it must be one of the wolves of the pack.

"Taha Aka, what's wrong?" Taha Aki asked his son seeing the panic in the man's eyes.

"It's a cold one! Another one is approaching!"

"What do you mean 'approaching'? Did you not kill it?"

"I tore it's head from her shoulders but she screamed even when her head was away from her body! We need to-" Taha Aka was interrupted by a woman's scream and he looked towards the woods.

"Everyone flee! Zurra, take the children and run!" Taha Aki yelled and returned his view forward when a woman stepped out of the woods.

She wore a deep burgundy dress and was pale of skin with deep black hair. Taha Aka pushed his father back and held his stance. The woman screamed at Taha Aka and he roared at her just as he changed back to a wolf. He lunged for her while all the villagers hurried to get away and he managed to keep the woman at bay while Taha Aki got Zurra and the young women and boy away. Then there was a dog's whine when the woman got the better of Taha Aka. He fought against her as best he could but she was too strong and slammed his head against a rock. She was momentarily distracted from the smell of the blood that fell from Taha Aka's head but she soon returned to her rage and attacked the other villagers that hadn't gotten away in time. Taha Aki and Zurra rushed to Taha Aka's side when they saw he'd been hurt and the young women that had been with Zurra grabbed the little boy and took him away trying to get him to one of the boats to get away.

Taha Aka was dead by the time Zurra and Taha Aki reached him and Zurra shed tears for the man. More perhaps than Natalie would expect. Taha Aki stared at his son's body and the sorrow in his eyes was painful for Natalie to see. She remembered, according to the legends, Taha Aki had already lost his other son to the vampire's mate rendering Taha Aki without his eldest sons. She saw regret and sadness and rage in Taha Aki's eyes as he lifted his head to look at the woman. He yelled to get her attention and changed to an old grey wolf trying to fight the woman. Natalie watched, unable to do anything. She even attempted to shift out of desperation, but she realized she couldn't do it. No one even knew she was there.

Taha Aki was fighting as best he could, but the woman clearly had the upper hand. Then Zurra looked down at Taha Aka and remembered how the creature had been momentarily distracted by the blood. She looked back at the fight realizing that Taha Aki was losing the fight. Out of desperation, she grabbed her husband's knife that had fallen to the ground when he changed and then stabbed herself in the stomach to draw blood. Natalie saw the blood oozing from the wound and heard the vampire hiss and stare at her. She stared at Zurra for but a moment and then was ready to just ignore her but Taha Aki regained himself. He bit onto the vampire's head and ripped it from her shoulders, tossing the head into a fire that had been going. Then he got the remainder of her body into the fire producing a sickeningly sweet purple hued smoke from the fire. It was then that Taha Aki looked at Zurra and finally realized that she was hurt. He changed back and ran to her only now fully realizing the scope of what was wrong and in that moment she saw true pain from the man. He whispered her name over and over, begging her not to leave him and screaming for someone to get the medicine man.

All the while, Zurra appeared to become less and less lucid as the seconds passed and she lost more blood. Then Natalie realized Zurra was smiling as blood fell from her mouth. Natalie looked in the trees where Zurra's eyes went and finally saw the man she'd seen in her previous dreams. Suerro. Beside him was the blonde that Natalie remembered had changed him. He looked heartbroken and even inched forward as though he would enter the clearing to comfort Zurra. Zurra looked up at Taha Aki and smiled lovingly at him.

"I love you," she said, but Taha Aki shook his head.

"Zurra, please," he cried. "Please don't leave me."

"It's okay, Taha Aki," she said as she smiled tenderly at him. "If this means you will live, then it was worth it."

"No, Zurra," Taha Aki said and leaned his head down.

"Taha Aki," Zurra barely managed, starting to lose consciousness. "Please tell me you love me. One last time, say you love me."

"I love you," Taha Aki said through the tears that nearly made him unable to speak. The affirmation of his love brought a final smile to Zurra's lips before she looked into the trees again where she'd seen Suerro.

"Big brother," she whimpered and reached out as though she might take his hand. Natalie saw Suerro come just a little further appearing as though he might cry were he able.

Taha Aki finally looked into the trees and saw Suerro. When he did, he looked as though he'd seen a ghost and the man appeared to lose all color in his face. Zurra coughed a little and Taha Aki looked at her again and brought his hand to her face. She smiled at him again before she closed her eyes at last. She released her last breath and Taha Aki cried, resting his forehead against hers. He rocked her back and forth begging her to come back as the young women and boy ran to him. Natalie looked up and kept looking at Suerro. He really did appear as though he'd cry if he could. Then, suddenly, Taha Aki lifted his head and looked up at Suerro. He seemed to realize or assume that Suerro must have brought the vampire there in the first place. Suerro looked back at Taha Aki and the sorrow left his eyes and was replaced with rage. He practically roared at Taha Aki before running in the opposite direction. Taha Aki changed to a wolf and followed after him Natalie did the same and kept running after Taha Aki until he was flung back against a tree. Natalie stepped aside and saw that Suerro had stopped before tossing Taha Aki against the tree.

"You did this!" Suerro screamed. Taha Aki whimpered, appearing as though he potentially agreed, but he still tried getting onto his feet.

"Suerro," the woman said with a thick accent but when she touched Suerro's arm, he elbowed her away from him forcing her to step away.

"It should have been you," Suerro muttered. "She was supposed to kill you." Taha Aki looked up at Suerro but he was still whimpering.

Suerro seemed as though he wanted to say more but he didn't. He turned his back on Taha Aki and walked away with the blonde woman by his side. Natalie looked at Taha Aki and heard the wolf continue to whimper with no means of being consoled. Natalie heard a bird's tweet and saw a blue bird fly by. She looked her eyes for but a moment before it was suddenly blisteringly cold. There was empty space surrounding her with snow everywhere. She saw Suerro in the distance standing above a wolf, Taha Aki, and she saw the blood that was beginning to seep into the snow. She also saw that Suerro was holding a tooth. Taha Aki's tooth.

"Why are you showing me this?" Natalie finally uttered. She looked around hoping that she might find the blue bird or Jae, but she couldn't find him. "Please," Natalie continued. "Why are you showing me this?"

"You both need to heal," came an unfamiliar voice. Natalie turned suddenly and saw a raven standing in the snow. She started backing away in terror. The bird continued to approach her however. "

"It's alright, Natalie, he won't hurt you," came Jae's voice from behind her. Natalie turned to look at Jae. She nearly screamed however when she saw him. He was in his combat uniform and the wounds that had killed him, a bullet wound through his chest and through his throat, and blood staining his clothes.

"Jae," Natalie cried. "Why?"

"I can't make you happy anymore, Natalie," Jae said. "I will always love you but I can't be with you anymore. I can't rest until you're happy. I won't rest until you're happy. He can make you happy."

"Jae, stop," Natalie said.

"He's your imprint, Natalie," Jae said. "It's as Bayok said: he will need healing. But he can heal you too where I can't."

"I don't want anyone else, Jae," Natalie whimpered. She went to Jae and fell into his arms so she could cry. She felt Jae's arms wrap around her and he started to rock her back and forth. The atmosphere around her changed and it was no longer freezing. She lifted her head and turned to look around, realizing she was at the bar she worked at once again.

Jae was gone and she heard her name called being announced that she was up to sing next. She knew what was coming next and she didn't want to come out. She refused to go out. She was started when she heard her own voice and turned to see herself at the large microphone on stage in a tunic-like dress singing a song about a young boy named Billy McCoy. The song was far more upbeat than her real mood. The light shined on her so she couldn't see anything off the stage. She turned as though she could escape and left the stage. When she was on the bar floor, she saw Suerro at the bar being served by Ariel of all people. Then he turned his attention in Natalie's direction and their eyes locked. His eyes seemed to soften instantly and even become kind but Natalie still backed away. She turned and left the bar through the back door. When she was outside she looked up at the sky and saw the full moon shining brightly and illuminating the landscape almost as well as the sun.

"Natalie," she heard someone say her name. She recognized the voice. It was Suerro's. She wasn't sure how he would know her name, but he apparently did.

"Just leave me alone," Natalie whimpered. "Just please, leave me alone. You're all haunting me."

"Natalie," Suerro repeated her name. She still wouldn't look at him and shook her head. She closed her eyes as tears stained her cheeks.

"I don't want anyone else," Natalie cried. "Just please leave me alone."

"Natalie," Suerro repeated again.

"I said leave me alone!" Natalie screamed. Suddenly, she felt her head hit against her wood floor. She opened her eyes and realized she'd fallen off the bed. She pushed herself up and saw the letter she'd been reading. She grabbed it and put the letter back into her nightstand. Then she heard a bird tweeting. It was the blue bird that was always on her porch. "I said leave me alone," Natalie said and went to her window. She opened the window and the bird hopped from sill to fly away as she screamed, "I told you leave me alone!" she screamed.

The bird was already gone as Natalie started crying and fell to her knees right by the window. She thought about what she'd seen in the dream and all the dreams prior. She couldn't pretend Nathan was wrong about what he'd said; about Jae somehow trying to lead her to her imprint. It was undeniable. She didn't care though. She didn't want him. She turned to look at all of Jae's pictures and went to her nightstand. She grabbed the photo of him that was taken before he'd left. His infectious, bright smile gleaming even through the picture. She traced a finger over his face and felt fresh tears fill her eyes. The vision of him injured in her dream had nearly brought Natalie to her knees.

"Jae," she whimpered his name and held his picture close to her. Then she laid down on the floor curled into a ball while she continued to clutch the picture. She didn't fall asleep, though. She feared that if she did fall asleep, she'd have the dream again. "He will never be you, Jae," Natalie whimpered. "He will never be you."