Ch. 10 The Wedding

"It's so hard to describe. It's not like love at first sight, really. It's more like . . . gravity moves. When you see her, suddenly it's not the earth holding you here anymore. She does. And nothing matters more than her. And you would do anything for her, be anything for her. . .. You become whatever she needs you to be, whether that's a protector, or a lover, or a friend, or a brother.

-Jacob Black, Eclipse

"You're sure you want to go?"

Emma nodded her head assuredly, "Bella has been nothing but good to me. I want to support her. Besides, Billy, Seth, and his mother are going too. I won't be alone."

Emily sighed and absent-mindedly fixed one of Emma's brunette curls. Her nimble fingers swiftly tucked it into the mass of smooth spirals and wisps of baby's breath at the back of Emma's head, "I just hope you'll be careful. It won't just be the Cullens there. I'm sure other vampire clans will attend."

"This is for the best, Emily. We need to demonstrate strength for both the treaty and the pack."

Emily chuckled, "Now you are starting to sound like Sam. He better watch out. Maybe you'll be taking over the chiefdom someday."

Emma laughed lightly, "Perhaps. How do I look?" A stray note of anxiety crept into her voice. Her appearance wasn't something she gave much thought to until large public events came up in her life. Even then, her blindness made her self-conscious as she had no idea if her outfit matched or her hair wasn't out of control among other concerns.

"Beautiful. Your dress matches your eyes and I hemmed it, so you won't trip on it in your heels."

Emma smiled and raised a hand to run lightly over her pinned curls, trailing down to her chiffon dress. The sales woman had told her it was a light and airy pale blue that would be unrestrictive and cool during warm summer evening. She imagined that it was blue like the spring sky and she wondered if her father would have liked it, "Perfect. Do you know if Amelia is ready to go?"

"I'll grab her and then I'll drop you both off at the ceremony."

A short time later, Emma took Emily's hand as she stepped out of the car onto the soft Washington soil, her heels sinking slightly in the damp earth.

"Oh Emma," Amelia breathed beside her, "It's stunning."

"Describe it for me." Amelia took her hand and they slowly started to walk towards the ceremony space. The crunch of Emily's tires echoed in her ears as she drove away.

"White flowers everywhere. Huge strands of it hanging above the seats and white petals all over the ground. Oh, and there is a huge archway covered in flowers! That must be where they'll say their vows."

"Wisteria, I bet," Emma said softly under her breath, "Mom's favorite flower." Her thoughts drifted to a time when she was a little girl and the world was full of vibrant colors. A time when she didn't need someone to describe her surroundings and she could simply open her eyes and see. See the freckled hands of her mother gently placing white blossoms into her tiny ones. See the flowing yellow sundress as her ocean-blue eyes trailed up its folds to meet matching orbs of gold-flecked indigo.

"Seth and Billy are just over there. We can sit next to them," Amelia said excitedly, not paying attention to the quietness that had crept over Emma. The last time Emma had smelled the sweet scent of wisteria blossoms she had placed a wreath entwined with them over her mother's casket. It was not a memory she had ever hoped to relive quite so vividly on such a happy occasion. What she wouldn't give to see her mother's soft smile and crinkled blue eyes.

"Emma and Amelia, you both look incredible," The warm velvet voice of Billy Black startled her out of her thoughts.

"Thanks Billy," She said, trying to shake off her lingering memories, "I know Amelia has been looking forward to showing off her new dress for a long time now."

Amelia gave a small twirl to show off her pale green lace dress and tan legs, "I can even wear it to homecoming!"

Billy grinned at the teenager's antics, "The boys won't be able to keep their eyes off you. Right, Seth?" He replied mischievously.

Seth, who had taken a position beside Billy's wheelchair, ran a hand through his hair, "Yes, of course. Very pretty, Amelia. The dress I mean," He said quickly.

Emma hid a small smile at the boy's nerves. Seemed as if Amelia was going to have two boys chasing after her. Not that Emma would allow either to date her little sister. At least, not for now, she amended silently. She was trying for Amelia's sake to not have a "stick up her ass" as Amelia had lovingly phrased it a few weeks ago.

Soft strains of Pachelbel's Canon filled the air and smoothly everyone took their seats. Emma allowed herself to be transported as a hush fell over the crowd. Her sensitive ears attuned to the soft footfalls and breathing as the bride and her father stepped in time to the music. As the cloying scent of wisteria filled her nose, she struggled to keep her thoughts focused on the ancient ceremony playing out before her. Breathe in. Breathe out. But as the music swelled, tears filled her eyes and memories of her mother's funeral service flooded her mind.

A leathery warm hand gripped hers. The sudden movement startled her, and she turned to her right.

"I've got you," Billy said gently. Emma felt a burst of affection for the older man and gave him a watery smile as tears trailed down her cheeks. With her free hand, she wiped away the tears and silently thanked Emily for using waterproof makeup. With a renewed sense of focus, she held onto Billy tightly and listened as Edward and Bella spoke their vows…

"…I do."

"I do."

Thunderous applause. Emma stood and clapped loudly for the happy couple. She forced her mind to remember this moment for the rest of her life. She wanted her memories of wisteria and Canon in D to be both ones of sorrow and joy. The beginning of a new life and the ending of an old one.

Emma held onto Amelia's arm with more force than she'd like. The forest floor was not exactly ideal for a blind woman in heels and she prayed she wouldn't fall onto her face before they found the happy couple. Thankfully, Edward and Bella hadn't strayed too far from the ceremony space and the mob surrounding them had lessened.

"Congrats guys," Seth piped up as we neared. He exchanged hugs with both Bella and Edward. I audibly heard his mother suck in a breath and tense beside Billy.

"Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me." Edward replied, "Thank you, as well. For letting Seth come. For supporting Bella today." He said pointedly to Billy and Sue.

"You're welcome," Billy said matter-of-factly.

Bella turned to Emma, "I'm so glad you came. I wasn't sure after, well, you know." She said sheepishly.

Emma smiled in return, "I think I can say that that's firmly behind us now and I harbor nothing but good wishes for you and your new family. Congratulation to you both."

"Yeah congrats!" Amelia chirped.

Bella enveloped her into a hug, "Thank you, Emma." She said softly. As she pulled away, Edward grasped Emma's hand warmly, "We really do appreciate it. Please, enjoy yourselves tonight."

"Of course," Emma responded.

Their small entourage left the couple and made their way to the reception space. Over the next few hours, the typical wedding rituals were performed. The comedic and touching toasts to the bride and groom. The wedding cake cutting and the removing of the bride's garter. And of course, Bella and Edward's first dance. She listened to Amelia's hushed squeals about the romantic way Edward held Bella and how she leaned into his embrace. She bit her lip from chuckling at the teenager's lovesick ramblings and tried to enjoy the soft strains of the guitar.

As the music faded and then transitioned into popular hits, the guests made their way to the floor and Amelia leapt up. She tugged on Emma's arm, "Come on Em, we gotta dance!"

Emma sighed, "Amelia, I can't dance without a partner and besides, I don't really like to dance…"

"It'll be fun, "Amelia whined, "and I don't really know anyone here! I neeeeeed you." She wheedled.

"Fine. But you need to keep me from killing anyone, okay? Or falling over." She added.

"Sweet!"

The music's pounding beat filled her ears and they moved onto the dance floor. She felt the catchy rhythm take hold and she could help but bob along. Soon enough, her body began to sway and her arms moved fluidly in front of her, "That's it Emma!" Amelia yelled over the music.

She laughed and continued her little dance by herself. She knew she probably looked stupid, but right now, everyone was happy, and she was surprisingly starting to have a good time.

The music transitioned to something softer and she felt a cold hand grasp hers, "Would you like a partner?"

"Don't you have a wife to be seducing, Mr. Cullen?" Emma teased. She placed her hands on his shoulder and he placed his other hand respectfully on her waist. Edward gently led her across the floor in a sweeping waltz.

"She is with a friend at the moment," He said thoughtfully, "and I could hear your thoughts earlier. About your mother. About your vision." He said quietly, "I thought you might want a brief reprieve."

Her bright mood faded slightly, "Ah, that."

"Weddings are not without their melancholy moments, but I meant what I said earlier, and you should enjoy yourself tonight, Emma."

"I'd like to, and I think I am trying," She assured him, "It's just been stressful lately."

"If I may be bold," Edward said, "I believe the answer to your solution is to find a way to let go of your emotions."

"That's easier said than done."

"Of course," Edward amended, "but I should like to be a friendly face and welcoming ear should you ever need one."

Emma gasped in shock, "Why Mr. Cullen, are you asking to be my friend?"

Edward smiled slightly, "I believe I would call it a relationship in which mutual respect and admiration are exchanged, but I suppose it is a kind of friendship."

She gave him a brilliant smile, "Then I accept."

They danced for a moment more when a snarl ripped from Edward's lips, "Stay here Emma." He growled before disappearing.

"Wait, Edward!" Her hands reached for tuxedo jacket and only grabbed air. She cursed under her breath.

Dismayed and worried, Emma pushed her way out of the crowd to try and find the groom. No luck. Something was clearly wrong, and she was able to hear snippets of raised voices over the music. Her heightened hearing led her off the dance floor and to the edge of the forest where several people had gathered.

"…C'mon Jake. Let's go." Seth's voice rang out clearly in the warm night. She stepped lightly onto the ground and away from the party.

"I'll kill you. I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!" A distinctly male voice hissed. Emma positioned herself behind and off to the side of the people in front of her. She had no idea what was occurring, but the tension in the night air was palpable. Her instincts warned her not to get any closer. It was times like these that she wished desperately her vision would return.

A wolf growled menacingly. A warning, Emma thought. That meant the pack was here, but why? She was confused as to what was going on and felt her anxiety increase. She moved closer to the group of people. She couldn't tell how many wolves were out there nor how many people were before her. Her concern clouded her senses.

"Seth, what is going on? Are you alright?" Emma called out.

"Emma stay back!" Edward said sharply, "Seth, get out of the way," He hissed.

She realized quickly that an altercation had occurred between Edward, Seth, and this mysterious man. Wolf? She questioned. Distantly, she wondered who the fourth person was.

"Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon." Seth pleaded.

Emma tensed as she felt the anger radiating off the man, but as she heard him grunt and move towards the forest's edge, it dissipated. She let go the breath she had been involuntarily holding and unclenched her fists. The pads of her fingers ran lightly over the small crescents embedded in her palm left behind by her manicured nails.

"We're okay Emma. I'm just gonna take him back home. Don't worry about us." Seth yelled back. The trees rustled with their movement as they disappeared into the forest and then all was quiet.

To her right, she heard Bella's whispered I'm sorry and Edward's softly murmured reassurances.

"What was that?" Emma turned to face the couple.

"Jacob. Billy's son. He's back." Edward said harshly. His tone softened, "I'm sorry, Emma. I shouldn't take out my anger on you. None of this has anything to do with you. Please, just go back and enjoy the party."

Her lips pursed at Edward's unintentionally condescending tone. She was rather tired of everyone telling her things were none of her business and she should just go on and live her life. More importantly, Emma felt less than convinced that this had nothing to do with her. The pack was part of her life now and if Jacob was back, this was huge. She had heard enough about him from Billy and Paul's mother that she knew that this was going to change everything.

Determined to find some answers, she mentally stored away the incident and returned to the party, leaving behind Edward and Bella at the forest's edge. She would figure things out tomorrow. For now, she'd let Amelia enjoy the rest of the evening.

Emma found an empty table away from the increasingly drunk crowd and nursed a glass of white wine, her thoughts mulling over the man named Jacob and his return.

Jacob's POV

Rage. Utter rage. The wolf, the beast inside, howled and practically clawed its way out of Jacob's skin. Its hot-blooded anger coursed through his veins and sweat beaded on his forehead. Pain lanced through his skull as his inner nature raked its claws and tried to force the change. Kill kill kill, it chanted in his brain.

Jacob shook his head to clear his mind, to take his eyes off the cold-blooded leech before him. Gangly arms wrapped around his shaking body, "C'mon, Jake. Let's go." Seth said reassuringly.

His focus was slipping through his grasp, "I'll kill you," Jake said lowly, "I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!" He hissed, his eyes intent on the inhuman thing that had stolen away the only bright thing in his life. How dare he even consider placing Bella's life in danger for a night of pleasure. His stomach turned at the thought of Bella sleeping with the leech and finding her broken body the next morning.

Stop, Jacob. Stand down. That's an order. Sam growled from behind him.

"Seth, what is going on? Are you alright?" A feminine voice called out.

For a moment, the world tilted.

The rage that had gripped him so tightly seconds ago faded into the background of his mind. Time was meaningless.

Looking past Edward, Jacob focused on a petite woman in a flowing blue dress. He could see the rise and fall of her chest, the soft parting of her rose-colored lips, the high color on her strong cheekbones. Eyes the color of the Pacific stared into the forest beyond him and he began to drown. He felt his breath catch and an inexplicable pull gripped him deep in his belly. All at once, he wanted to run to her side. To stare into those stormy depths. To take her small hand in his and kneel before her. To laugh. To cry.

The wolf had found her. At last.

No, he snarled, ripping his mind away from such a fantasy. No, he refused to believe what had just occurred.

That all-encompassing rage returned with full force and time resumed its normal pace.

"Emma stay back! Seth, get out of the way," The leech commanded. His hand outstretched barring the woman from stepping closer.

Emma, his thoughts whispered.

Fuck everything, he hissed internally. She was nothing to him. He channeled his rage once more to block out his traitorous thoughts and ignore the woman in blue.

Seth's strong arms tugged him towards the forest, "Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon."

Jacob locked eyes with the leech. He wanted him to burn.

Sam's wolf form emerged from behind him and shoved Jacob back into the woods, blocking his view of the vampire. Jacob growled darkly frustrated at being separated from his prey and his skin rippled in anticipation for the change. But Sam's raging brown eyes glaring into his own kept his anger in check and he allowed himself to be dragged back to La Push.

His last glimpse of the glittering party was not the blushing bride, but the woman draped in the color of the sky.

A/N: So excited for more Emma/Jake meet finally and for their adventures to come!

To address something that has come up in a couple reviews, yes I do make mistakes in writing what Emma can and cannot discern with her visual impairment. Sometimes it is difficult to catch them, particularly because I am not blind myself. I will endeavor in the future to correct my descriptions to fit her perception, but I appreciate it when people point it out. I have an image of what I want to describe in my head and translating that to paper without providing actual details sometimes trips me up.