Everyone smiled. "You did an excellent job, Alice," my father commended her.

"Thank you," she said sweetly, and her beautiful smile returned.

I looked around, but all I saw were pale faces. "Um, where's Jacob?"

My mother's smile faltered. "He's outside waiting in his car. He said he'd rather wait out there than in here. More comfortable, you know."

"For us, as well," Rosalie said. "I can barely handle the stench you pick up from just being around him. If he was in here, I'd…"

A hostile look from my father silenced her. "He's growing impatient, Nessie. I suggest you leave soon," my father said in a warm tone.

"Okay," I said. I sighed. "Are you sure you guys don't want to come? It'd mean a lot to…" I tried to think of someone that would appreciate their presence there, and failed.

"Charlie," Alice cut in.

My mother laughed. "Charlie hates parties like this. He doesn't want to go, and us being there wouldn't make it any better. He hasn't been over in a while. I think it would disturb him to see us more than delight him."

I frowned. "Fine. I'll go by myself."

"You have Jacob," my father offered.

"I'd rather have you, Daddy," I said, using my best little-girl voice.

He chuckled. "If only that was true. Now go on, Nessie. Have fun."

I scowled and went off towards the door, mumbling goodbyes to my family. My spirits brightened impressively when I saw Jacob sitting in his Rabbit. His face lit up, and I ran over to the car. I climbed into the passenger seat and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. We started driving, and my worries disappeared.

"You excited?" he asked after a few minutes.

"Oh yeah, this is my first werewolf wedding. Should be exciting."

He laughed. "Hope so. Sorry about ditching you during the ceremony. Gotta be up there with the rest of the wedding party. You know, I'm one of Paul's best men," he said, sounding very proud of himself.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, along with the rest of the pack."

He pushed me playfully from the driver's seat. "Oh, shut up. You're just jealous that you're not one of the bridesmaids."

I chuckled. "Oh, trust me, I wasn't expecting that. I don't think Rachel likes me very much," I said. After a short pause, I added, "I don't think she thinks I'm good enough for you."

Jacob looked at me for a few seconds. I wanted to tell him to watch the road, but something about his gaze stopped me. "Don't ever say that, Nessie," he said. "I'm the one who's not good enough for you."

I snorted. "Right.