Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [20]
We revolved steadily.
It would have been a shame to miss seeing you like this, though. Thats worth the trip right there. You look unbelievable, Bella. So beautiful.
Alice invested a lot of time in me today. The dark helps, too.
Its not so dark for me, you know.
Right. Werewolf senses. It was easy to forget all the things he could do, he seemed so human. Especially right now.
You cut your hair, I noted.
Yeah. Easier, you know. Thought Id better take advantage of the hands.
It looks good, I lied.
He snorted. Right. I did it myself, with rusty kitchen shears. He grinned widely for a moment, and then his smile faded. His expression turned serious. Are you happy, Bella?
Yes.
Okay. I felt his shoulders shrug. Thats the main thing, I guess.
How are you, Jacob? Really?
Im fine, Bella, really. You dont need to worry about me anymore. You can stop bugging Seth.
Im not just bugging him because of you. I like Seth.
Hes a good kid. Better company than some. I tell you, if I could get rid of the voices in my head, being a wolf would be about perfect.
I laughed at the way it sounded. Yeah, I cant get mine to shut up, either.
In your case, that would mean youre insane. Of course, I already knew that you were insane, he teased.
Thanks.
Insanity is probably easier than sharing a pack mind. Crazy peoples voices dont send babysitters to watch them.
Huh?
Sams out there. And some of the others. Just in case, you know.
In case of what?
In case I cant keep it together, something like that. In case I decide to trash the party. He flashed a quick smile at what was probably an appealing thought to him. But Im not here to ruin your wedding, Bella. Im here to He trailed off.
To make it perfect.
Thats a tall order.
Good thing youre so tall.
He groaned at my bad joke and then sighed. Im just here to be your friend. Your best friend, one last time.
Sam should give you more credit.
Well, maybe Im being oversensitive. Maybe theyd be here anyway, to keep an eye on Seth. There are a lot of vampires here. Seth doesnt take that as seriously as he should.
Seth knows that hes not in any danger. He understands the Cullens better than Sam does.
Sure, sure, Jacob said, making peace before it could turn into a fight.
It was strange to have him being the diplomat.
Sorry about those voices, I said. Wish I could make it better. In so many ways.
Its not that bad. Im just whining a little.
Youre happy?
Close enough. But enough about me. Youre the star today. He chuckled. I bet youre just loving that. Center of attention.
Yeah. Cant get enough attention.
He laughed and then stared over my head. With pursed lips, he studied the shimmering glow of the reception party, the graceful whirl of the dancers, the fluttering petals falling from the garlands; I looked with him. It all seemed very distant from this black, quiet space. Almost like watching the white flurries swirling inside a snow globe.
Ill give them this much, he said. They know how to throw a party.
Alice is an unstoppable force of nature.
He sighed. Songs over. Do you think I get another one? Or is that asking too much?
I tightened my hand around his. You can have as many dances as you want.
He laughed. That would be interesting. I think Id better stick with two, though. Dont want to start talk.
We turned in another circle.
Youd think Id be used to telling you goodbye by now, he murmured.
I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but I couldnt force it down.
Jacob looked at me and frowned. He wiped his fingers across my cheek, catching the tears there.
Youre not supposed to be the one crying, Bella.
Everyone cries at weddings, I said thickly.
This is what you want, right?
Right.
Then smile.
I tried. He laughed at my grimace.