world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 32

The waves of the Pacific Ocean crash rhythmically against the shores of La Push beach, the familiar smell of saltwater filling the noses of those gathered around. Chatter and laughter fill the air alongside the sound of drums and flutes as they celebrate the New Year. It was a jovial affair. One filled with smiles and chatter all around, people dancing around to the music that played.

Lucia danced hand in hand with Paul, who moved in a fast-paced rhythm that left her breathless but happy nonetheless. The flames of the fire cast shadows across her face, the flames dancing in the cool breeze. Her laughter rings out, a sound of pure joy that lights up his heart like the flames of the bonfire. He can't help but join her, smiling and whispering sweet nothings in her ear that leave her flushing brightly adding to the natural tint that came along with her exertion.

It was a beautiful night that went on without any mishaps or chaos unfolding. The community celebrated the oncoming year together, enjoying each other's company as they always did. Lucia could say she felt included in it all, and with Paul's, she was able to do so. It was wonderful to be involved with the Quileutes, to be involved with Paul's world. And she was glad her children would have such a large family to fall back on when they needed it.

Eyeing her soft smile, Paul was struck by how beautiful she looked in the firelight. He pulled her closer, savouring the warmth of her slender body against his. As the music reached its crescendo, he lifted her from the ground and spun until the beach and sea melted into a blur of colour. When her feet touched down, Lucia's green eyes were shining. A laugh escaped him as she regained her footing, pouting up at him which he swiftly kissed away, leaving her with a bashful smile.

Both of them are breathless, cheeks flushed pink from exertion. Lucia giggles, still riding the high of the fast-paced dance, her heart racing not just from the dance but from being close to him. Paul takes her hand, their fingers entwined, leading her through the crowd of dancing people. The vibrant atmosphere buzzes around them, but all Lucia can focus on is the warmth of his grip and the way he looks at her with playful affection. It sets her nerves alight and all she can do is smile back at him.

They arrive at the drinks table and he pours her a glass of lemonade. He turns to her, placing the cool glass in her hand. "This should cool you down."

"Thank you." She takes a sip, the cool liquid flooding her mouth. The coolness of the lemonade contrasts with the warmth of her cheeks from dancing, providing a soothing sensation that spreads through her body. Despite it being wintertime, the dancing warmed her up considerably. She wasn't going to remove her jacket, however. She didn't want to get sick with Emily and Sam's wedding around the corner.

Taking a glance at Paul, she notices how his mind seems far away, glancing at the crowd in front of them. "You look too thoughtful over there. What's got your mind so occupied? You're supposed to let loose."

Paul chuckled, the sound almost inaudible with the chatter and the vibrant music. Wrapping an arm more securely around her waist, he dipped his head so his mouth was near her ear in return. "Well, for one, I think this year is going to be better than the last."

"Oh, yeah? Why's that?" Lucia asked once she pulled back, raising an eyebrow.

"I get to marry you for starters," Paul answered sincerely, meeting her dancing eyes without hesitation. Leaning in so his lips were a breath away from hers, he added in a smoother tone, "And I get to kiss my fiancée as the new year begins. A little good luck charm, don't you think?"

Lucia laughed, the beautiful ringing in his ear causing a smile to light up his face. She was captivating with the fire light dancing on her features and a smile that could light up a room. Paul gently squeezed her waist, a loving smile coming forth to rest on his lips. "You have quite the effect on me."

As her laughter died down, Lucia's smile lingered as she gazed up at him. "I know."

"All right, lovebirds!" Jared called from the crowd, drawing the attention of a few others. The pack were huddled around each other, eyeing the newly engaged couple with knowing smiles, having witnessed the entire interaction. They approach the couple, their attempt at embarrassing having failed.

Lucia rolls her eyes, adjusting somewhat in Paul's arms before taking another sip of her drink. She barely reacts to their teasing attempts anymore, having experienced it on more than one occasion. "You're one to talk, Jared. I remember seeing you and Kim pressed up against each other not too long ago."

Jared grins broadly at that, looking at his blushing imprint, who seems keen on avoiding his eyes. He laughs softly, pressing a kiss to her temple. "No shame here."

"Come on you lot." Emily nods towards the people gathering and the music that has quietened. "The countdown's about to start."

Lucia took their drinks and placed them on the table before she grabbed Paul's hand and they made their way towards the crowd, moving to find an area that held a semblance of privacy. She turned to Paul with a beaming smile as the crowd began to count down from thirty. He gently grasped her face in his hands, a smile that mimicked her own, his thumbs caressing her freckled cheeks. Even after all this time, she still took his breath away with her beauty.

"Twenty-three! Twenty-two!"

Lucia reached up to cover Paul's hands with her own, sliding her fingers between his. Her touch was warm and familiar yet still sent a thrill through him. Lost in each other's gazes, the noises of celebration around them faded into the background. At this moment, there was only Lucia -- the woman he loved above all else.

"Ten! Nine! Eight!"

Paul leaned forward until their foreheads touched, whispering her name like a prayer. Lucia's eyes fluttered closed, lips parting in anticipation. Their combined, shuddering breaths mingled in the tiny space between them. Heart pounding in his ears, Paul held onto his thinly veiled restraint, the urge to kiss her growing with each passing second.

"Two! One!"

As their lips met, it felt like coming home. Paul tasted of sunshine and salt from the sea, familiar and beloved. His kiss was sure yet worshipful as if she were something precious.

Lucia sighed softly into his mouth, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. In turn, Paul hummed low in his throat, the sound stirring warmth low in her belly. He cradled her face oh so gently between his big hands yet still conveyed such unrestrained desire as if he were a starving man and she his only sustenance.

When his tongue traced the seam of her lips in silent request, Lucia parted them willingly. She tasted darkness and fire on his tongue and felt its fiery caress send a shiver through her entire being.

Reluctantly they broke from the kiss, both flushed and breathing heavily. As their eyes fluttered open, Paul gazed down at Lucia with such profound tenderness it made her heart swell.

"Happy New Year, my love," he whispered, brushing his thumb tenderly along her swollen lower lip.

Lucia smiled, cupping his cheek lovingly in return. "Happy New Year, Paul," she echoed, voice as soft as a caress.

Neither made to move further, content to linger embraced in the other's arms as cheers and celebrations continued around them. Paul leaned his forehead against hers, eyes drifting closed as he breathed her in.

After a moment, Lucia tilted her chin up to lightly brush her lips against his once more, pouring all her joy and promise of the future into the chaste kiss. Paul responded with equal sweetness. When at last they parted, Lucia smiled serenely as Paul pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. Enveloped in his embrace under a shower of fireworks, she felt the year ahead unfurl with bright promise -- as long as Paul stood by her side.