Holiday Road

Chapter 19

Epilogue

Ten years later...

If someone had told Charlie Swan how many positive changes his wedding to Sue would bring about, he would have married her right away. It seemed everything in his life worked in his favor after that fateful trip. Life stayed the same for most of the couples and they all had a few kids each by now, but for some of them—there were big changes.

Seth and Jamie were still living in La Push and working as cops in Forks. They were happy leading quiet lives and raising their three children. Meanwhile, Leah was busy working as a nurse at Forks Hospital while Taylor worked for his father selling used cars. She frequently visited Bella and vice versa. She was elated she had such a cool sister.

Lauren and Jake now lived in their own house in Forks with their two kids. Lauren refused to live with her father-in-law. He was too overbearing and he annoyed the hell out of her. She took over her mother's hair salon in Forks, modernized it, and turned it into a popular salon and spa. Jake now ran a franchise of auto shops on the Olympic Peninsula together with Embry. Lauren, Bella, and Emily were still best friends. They were always chatting on Face Time and keeping up with each other's lives.

Embry and Emily lived on the Makah Reservation with their two sons, much to the delight of her father. He had no sons and welcomed Embry with open arms. He was grooming him to take over as chief of the tribe upon his passing. He also banned his daughter from making muffins after he chipped a tooth while biting into one. Embry ran the auto shop in Neah Bay, while Jake worked out of the one in Forks. They were making a killing in profits.

Quil now ran the tribal store with Claire. He had her work at the front of the store because she and her low cut shirts were good for sales. Many men remembered her from high school, which would have bothered a normal wolf, but not Quil. He just took it all in stride. Business meant profits, and profit was a good thing. The couple still lived in the large Ateara home with their four children, his mother, and his grandparents. Old Quil and Molly took frequent trips to Las Vegas, and they always returned to La Push with big smiles on their faces.

Jared owned and operated a successful contracting business. Right now, his company was busy rebuilding one of the schools in Forks. Kim and he were happy as clams, raising a family and enjoying a tranquil life on the reservation.

Paul and Rachel moved out of Billy and Allison's home and started a family. She was now teaching at a high school in Seattle, while Paul quit working for Jared and became an underwear model. He made more money doing that, and his agent kept a firm eye on him so he didn't wander. He would never wander from his imprint though... except when he played with his favorite Hok'wat girl with the outstanding tongue and an addiction to Cool Whip.

Speaking of agents, Sue Swan was a stellar one. In the beginning, she had no experience whatsoever at being one, but between speaking with other agents and after researching information on the Internet—she became an excellent one. It was necessary. She didn't want anyone but herself representing two of the high-profile models she represented. Of course, she also represented other men as well, but those two she needed to keep a firm eye on. In any case, she found that she enjoyed getting paid a twenty percent agent's fee to ogle sexy men. It was a much more satisfying career than nursing.

Things went from wild to downright loopy during their wedding trip. The morning after they said their vows, a woman in a suit approached Charlie and her while they were having lunch. She invited Charlie to a dinner banquet. Sue went with him, of course, and they were shocked out of their boots when it was announced that Charlie had won some sort of a romance novel cover model contest with a one year contract—provided he shaved his porn-stache circa 1970, and took up spray tanning.

It was explained to them that the woman in the suit, and some other judges, took one look at a naked Charlie in the hotel swimming pool laying out the much younger model, and decided that he would be the new face of romance—the older, but rugged American male. Sue didn't even give Charlie a chance to protest. She forced him to sign the million-dollar contract and became his agent. She wasn't surprised at his winning the contract. He was an extremely good-looking man who kept in shape for his real job as Chief of Police of Forks. Oh, when she thought about the 'V' on his abs and where it led to...

Sue and Allison also brought in extra income by producing a "Men of the Olympic Peninsula" calendar. Emily was the photographer. She ran her own photography business, which was doing very well. She was the official photographer for both the Makah and Quileute tribal schools and the Forks and Neah Bay School Districts.

Allison and Billy were both happy Sam had finally imprinted. They were especially delighted that Bella was the imprint. Billy admitted to Charlie one day that he was a bit jealous that Sam got her instead of Jake, but he could see why the spirits felt his stepson needed her more. Allison, of course, was tickled Sam's imprint was sassy, adventurous, and high-spirited enough to light a fire under her son.

And then there were Sam and Bella, for that we need to rewind the clock a bit to ten years ago...

The plane from Lake Tahoe descended in Seattle with a great thud caused, not by faulty landing gears, but by the horny alpha of the La Push wolf pack rattling the entire jet from the first class bathroom while succumbing to an orgasm. The couple in question knew they weren't supposed to be in there during landing, but Sam really wanted to climax while the plane was on it's descent. They managed to sneak out of the bathroom without detection at exactly 11:43 am and ten seconds due to the postscript from Alice Cullen.

"So, this is it. We haven't made any plans."

"No, not really, we can just wing it. Do you want to come to my apartment? No one will be home until late tomorrow night at the earliest."

"Sure, I don't have to be at work until Monday."

"Good, we can chat there."

The couple talked and discussed their future together. It wasn't an easy thing to do since it would involve one of them leaving their home and their job. By the time Sam left for La Push on Sunday night, they still hadn't made any firm plans. He took the limo offered to him by the Cullens and arrived in La Push at 2am. He immediately felt empty without his imprint in his arms.

Exactly five days after his arrival home, someone honked a horn outside. He rushed outside to check out what the commotion was and found the most beautiful woman in the world sitting inside of a black full sized Chevy Tahoe.

He went to open the door. She held out a clipboard for him. "Ah..." She held her hand up to stop him. "You have to sign here before you kiss me, accepting delivery."

"Delivery of what? Where's my truck?"

"Just sign on the dotted line, Sam."

"Fine." He kissed her passionately on the lips. "Can you explain all of this to me?"

"Of course. The Cullens could not find the parts to replace the doors or your dashboard since your truck was so old."

"It wasn't as old as the red clunker you used to drive."

"No, it wasn't, but it was from the eighties and apparently the parts were too difficult to find. So, they sent a letter to their attorney asking him to arrange for the purchase of a new vehicle for you. They specifically stated to him that I was to handle the purchase arrangements, so I did. What do you think? It's fully loaded with all the bells and whistles: four wheel drive, heated seats and mirrors, tinted windows, an upgraded after market sound system, remote start, anti-theft, On-star; plus it's the hybrid version so it uses less gas." She paused before adding, "I also purchased the extended maintenance package and extended warranty so all repairs including standard maintenance will be covered for a hundred and seventy-five thousand miles at any Cadillac dealership."

"Are you insane? I can't take this from them!"

"From whom? You purchased the vehicle with cash. I'm just the delivery person."

"What?"

"That's what I was told to say. I just work for Mr. Jenks."

Sam peered into the new vehicle. "The back is roomy," he noted.

"There's climate control, too."

"Maybe we should take it for a spin; test out its off-roading capabilities?"

"Why don't I just slip into the backseat and see what the ride is like?"

"You do that, Bella." He winked at her. "Take your clothes off."

They never actually made it off of the reservation. In fact, the vehicle didn't leave the spot where Bella had parked it for the entire weekend. The couple broke Sam's new SUV in right in front of his house. He decided his imprint had made the right choice in selecting the vehicle; the interior was very roomy indeed.

The following Monday, Sam put in his notice at the post office. Two weeks later, he packed up his new SUV and moved to Seattle to live with Bella, who was now living alone since her roommates had gone to live with their imprints a few days prior. It worked out perfectly for everyone. He found a part-time job, working as a security guard at the building where Bella worked, and started taking classes at the local community college in the fall. The couple worked hard to make ends meet while they established careers for themselves.

Bella still worked for her shady lawyer, but during the evening hours only. Oddly, Mr. Jenks insisted she drop her hours down to part-time and attend college full-time to finish her degree. He would maintain her salary as long as she agreed to do some work for some of his very private clients. When Bella mentioned to her father that she was going back to school, Charlie happily paid for her college tuition together with her mother Renee. Both of them were relieved she was finally furthering her education.

Bella didn't mention to her father that her new duties at work involved forgery of IDs and documents. Mr. Jenks claimed she was very talented at what she did, and encouraged her to attend law school after she finished up her bachelor's degree on his dime. Only Mr. Jenks knew the financier for her law degree was actually Jasper Whitlock, who wanted to see Bella reach her academic potential. Bella earned her law degree, and eventually became a partner at Jenks and Swan Legal Services. They were a full service law firm, which handled standard legal cases plus some very private matters for discerning clientele who paid incredibly well.

Sam was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher. He taught history at a private high school in Seattle after finally earning his teaching degree. He was still alpha of the wolf pack, only he seized full control of it from the tribal elders after the wedding in Lake Tahoe ten years ago. Now they had to consult with him regarding anything pack related.

Today was a momentous day for Sam and Bella. They were finally getting married. It had been ten years to the day since he'd imprinted on her. They were to share an anniversary with Charlie and Sue. It took the couple a while to get engaged, but they no longer had any excuses. Besides, they loved each other like crazy and wanted to start a family soon.

This time, the wedding was being held in Las Vegas with everyone in attendance. Sam was waiting patiently at the altar along with the guests. Of course, it didn't escape his notice that four people in the wedding party, plus the bride, was missing. The wives of four of the guests all looked nonplussed.

The double doors of the chapel abruptly slammed open. Paul carried the bride to the altar and set her down. "We made it." Jared and Quil followed.

Sam shook his head as Bella giggled. His fiancée was such a lush. He examined her face closely. "Cool Whip?" he questioned, pointing to the smidgen of white at the corner of her lip.

"Yep." She simply grinned back at him as did her three cohorts. Never in a million years did he imagine his imprint would become buddies with Jared, Paul, and Quil of all people.

He chuckled and wiped it off for her with his finger.

"Um, where's the minister?" Jared asked.

"I don't know, I thought you were grabbing your grandpa, Quil?"

"No, you nodded to me and said you were grabbing him."

"Oh, shit. He must still be in the Jello pit. Who knew he enjoyed wrestling so much?" Jared looked up at Sam. "Um, I'll be right back. I'm gonna go and pick up Old Quil."

"Oh, good God! Every time we come to Vegas, this crap happens!" Molly Swan Ateara commented.

"What happens, Grandma?" Quil asked.

"Never you mind. I'm going with Jared."

Twenty minutes later, Jared returned with Molly and a voluptuous woman in a silk robe. He was wheeling a sticky, Jello-covered, sleeping Old Quil who he'd tied to a dolly with what looked like a few boa-feathered scarves. He stood the dolly up against a wall so the old man could snooze.

"Okay, Old Quil is down for the count. Luckily, I realized it immediately and thought ahead. This is Miss Cherry Pie, she'll be officiating at your wedding today."

"Oh my Lord." Sue crossed herself.

"I thought your name was Bambi?" Bella questioned suspiciously.

"Ma'am, are you a licensed minister and is Cherry Pie your real name?" Charlie asked. "I'm going to have to ask to see some identification."

"No problem. I can understand why you're suspicious. Cherry Pye is my real name. It is Pye spelled with a 'y.' My stage name is Bambi Dazzletush, but I'm thinking of changing it." She pulled out a driver's license from her bosom to prove her identity.

"Charlie, I believe her. She looks like a Cherry Pye. I love eating cherry pie. I like the song, too," Billy babbled, star struck by the vivacious stripper who was in his midst.

"I think you look more like a Kitty than a Bambi," Allison commented. "Billy, for god's sake, close your mouth and stop drooling!"

"Really? I think she looks more like a Roxie," Renee argued. "Phil, stop trying to impress the minister. You look ridiculous doing push ups in the middle of the chapel."

"I told her earlier at the club that she looked more like a Desiree," Bella added.

"I can understand the Dazzletush though. She must do a lot of squats to get her tush looking like that," Emily stated.

"Oh definitely. I think she uses the Stairmaster too. You know, I think you should use the name Anastasia—it sounds exotic and mysterious," Lauren piped in.

"Okay, can we discuss names later?" Charlie interrupted. "How are you qualified to officiate this wedding?"

"I'm an ordained minister with the Ministry of Abundant Charisma. Here's my card, I hold services on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons."

"Charisma. Yes, you have a lot of charisma," Billy told her.

"I really need to get that bra. It has a ton of storage capacity," Emily noted.

"I can tell you where I got it. There are built-in pockets on the inside."

"That would be outstanding. I'll be sure to take that information from you," Embry stated, nodding his head, completely mesmerized by her breasts.

"Mr. Uley, has the minister arrived yet?" the hotel manager asked. "Unfortunately, we'll need the chapel for the next..." He changed his tune when he saw the stripper cum minister. "Oh, good, Cherry... I mean... Minister Pye is here. You're in good hands."

"Okay, that works for me. Let's get the show on the road," Charlie declared.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man... uh... what's your name?"

"Samuel Levi Uley."

"Samuel Levi Uley... and this woman... Bella, what's your full name?"

"Oh, it's Isabella Marie Swan. I used to hate my name as a kid, but as I've grown older, I've found that it's grown on me. Isabella has a European ring to it. There's more of a rhythm to it than just plain Bella."

"Bella, I'm trying to marry you here. Can you wait to converse with Cherry until after we say 'I do?'" Sam interrupted.

"Sure, but I do, you know?"

"I know, baby. I do, too."

"Alright, let me start over. Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man—Samuel Levi Uley, and this woman—Isabella Marie Swan in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

"I object," Paul interrupted then broke out into a smile when everyone turned to him with appalled faces. "I've always wanted to do that. Carry on!"

Everyone rolled his or her eyes at him except for Bella who giggled.

"Marriage is a union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained. Through marriage, Samuel and Isabella make a commitment together to face their disappointments, embrace their dreams, realize their hopes, and accept each other's failures. Samuel and Isabella will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together, through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other. We are here today, before God, because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes, to witness the joining in marriage of Samuel and Isabella. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds. Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?"

"I do," Charlie stated.

Cherry eyed him curiously. "Say, weren't you on the cover of 'The Smoldering Slave Master' and a few other romance novels?"

"That would be me, ma'am."

"Oh my God, I'm in the midst of a celebrity. You wouldn't mind coming back to the club with me later, would you? The girls would love to meet you."

"Sure, not a problem."

"Charlie!" Sue warned from the side.

"This is our daughter's wedding!" Renee added.

He looked up to see his wife and ex-wife glaring at him. "I'll have to bring my wife and my ex-wife along, they get kind of testy if they aren't able to constantly nag me."

"Oh, that'll be fun. The more the merrier! We can have a wedding reception for Bella!" Cherry chirped. "Let me get back to the ceremony now."

"Good idea."

"This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility, and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life, happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally within the emotional safety of a loving relationship, the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives. By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Samuel and Isabella from all present here we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together, to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness. This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love for if it finds you worthy, love shall direct you. Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last."

Cherry paused and dropped her robe, wiping sweat from her brow. "Phew, it's hot in here." She was wearing thigh high latex boots, a red latex thong, and a red latex bra top with tassels hanging from the tips of her nipples.

"Really, you should be comfortable. It's no inconvenience to us." A wide-eyed Billy nodded his head, and all of the men agreed.

"Well, no wonder you're hot. You're wearing all that latex. Rubber can't possibly be comfortable, especially in this desert heat. Honestly, dear, you really should consider performing in natural fibers like cotton," Renee advised. "Um, you have a twenty in the side of your thong that you've forgotten about. You should secure that."

"Thank you. Alright, let's keep going." She turned to Sam. "Do you Samuel Levi Uley take Isabella Marie Swan to be your wife, to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Sam replied.

"Do you Isabella Marie Swan take Samuel Levi Uley to be your husband—to live together after God's ordinance—in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"What token of your love do you offer?"

Embry started patting his suit jacket and searching desperately. "Damn it, I forgot the rings!"

"Embry, can't you do one thing..."

"Just kidding." He grinned at his brother and handed the rings to Cherry.

"May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home, which they establish together, be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings worn on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts."

Cherry instructed them to place the rings on each other's fingers and repeat after her. "I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed," they both vowed to each other.

"May you always share with each other the gifts of love and be one in heart and in mind. May you always create a home together that puts in your hearts, love, generosity, and kindness. In as much as Samuel and Isabella have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith, and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring, they are now joined. You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend. What therefore God has joined together let no man put asunder. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Nevada and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife. May your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride."

Sam drew Bella into his arms and kissed her passionately to a roaring applause.

"It is my pleasure to announce for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Uley."

"How was the ceremony," Cherry asked. "Did I do good?"

"Absolutely, you're a woman of many talents. It was kind of long winded though," Bella told her. "I didn't expect to have to stand there listening to a full sermon."

"Damn, you talk a lot!" Charlie complained. "When I married Susie it took less than a minute to get us hitched."

"Oh, it was a traditional ceremony. When the bride and groom don't specify the kind of wedding they want. I just do a traditional one."

"Oh, I'll remember that; not that there will be a next time."

"You could always renew your vows."

"Good idea."

Charlie and Phil both gave her hundred dollar tips for officiating the wedding on such short notice.

"Just slip it in this strap here," she told them, snapping the elastic to her thong. "It's nice and snug." Now the rest of the men, with the exception of Sam and Old Quil, were all standing in line to tip the minister with various denominations of paper bills. Billy had cash fisted in each hand and one in between his teeth.

"What a crazy wedding," Sam whispered.

"I think it was just our speed." Bella kissed him on the lips.

He sniffed her blood a bit. "You didn't drink."

"No, I just had some Cool Whip. Alcohol isn't good for the baby."

He arched an eyebrow. "Baby?"

"Baby," she confirmed, giving him the best gift in the world. "I love you, Sam."

"I love you more."

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do."

"Not as much as I do!" a third voice chimed in.

"We know, Vicky. We love you, too!" Bella and Sam both replied before turning to each other and chuckling. Yes, their lives were crazy, but it was filled with love, and they were happy—oh so happy.

And they lived happily ever after... for the most part... life isn't perfect after all... especially when there are hell raising kids involved... but that's a story for another day.

Thank you for reading Holiday Road. I'd love to hear your final thoughts on the story. XOXO mama4dukes