"Of course not," said Timber. "The whole reason we are so adamant about getting married in five weeks is so you're there. I don't care if you're in a wheelchair and I have to push you. I want you at my wedding."
Chad's eyes watered and he wrapped her in a hug. When he pulled away, Henry wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him with an air of pride.
"Your mother and father would be proud of the woman you've grown into," said Chad. "You're very much like your mother, except for your uncanny ability to be direct. That comes from your aunt. So does your charm."
"Timber what do you think of this dress?" asked Xianna coming over with an open bridal magazine. "For me obviously, but you're the bride so I need your approval."
Timber took a look at the floor-length chiffon dress that Xianna was pointing at and smiled.
"This is going to look amazing on you. You could even wear it more than once. This would look good on all of you, now that I'm thinking about it."
"Which dress are we looking at?" asked Gina coming over with the rest of the girls.
"This one," said Xianna pointing at the dress. "I love the lace capped sleeves and the broad v-neck. The lace would go nicely with the wedding dress."
"I like it. I like that the lace ties in with what I want on my gown. That's a must for me," said Timber. "I don't like satin. It just looks cheap to me. I don't know why."
"Oh, I like that one!" exclaimed Kendra, looking at the bridesmaid dress. "Modest yet sexy. Nice blend."
"How much is it?"
"Eighty dollars," said Grace.
"That's perfect," said Ashley. "My dad said he would buy my dress but it had to cost less than a hundred dollars. It also has to meet the approval of all of my brothers. I think this will. It's conservative enough."
"My mom is excited about Timber getting married too," said Gina. "My mom and dad got married when they were sixteen and had me when they were nineteen. They're still married."
"Who's your flower girl?" asked Chad.
"I don't know anyone young enough who would walk down the aisle," said Timber. "Henry's nieces won't walk in a straight line. They'd run everywhere." Then she was struck with an idea. "You know what, I have the perfect person. Hey, Em, do you want to dress up like a five-year-old and be my flower girl?"
"If I don't have to dress like a five-year-old, then yes!" exclaimed Emily, bouncing happily.
"Have you found a dress that you think you would like on you yet, Timber?" asked Xianna.
"No, I haven't had too much time to dress shop," confessed Timber. "I've been working on everything else we need after I finish my homework. I just finished planning the menu and making the seating arrangement cards. To be honest, I haven't even thought about it much. I just know what I want for the material. As far as shape, I have no clue."
"Isn't that the first thing brides usually pick out?" asked Henry.
"Not this bride," said Timber. "I don't know how to do all of this. I'm honestly very glad for Google, Amazon, and Aunt Grace's advice. Otherwise, the wedding would be a total disaster. Though, I guess looking for a dress this close to the wedding might be a bad idea. I'll find one, though."
"As long as you don't show up naked, it'll be fine," teased Xianna. "Though I'm one hundred percent sure that Henry wouldn't mind."
"I think we might have to go over the hill," said Grace choosing to ignore Xianna's statement. "Either Willits or Ukiah will have at least a couple of stores we can look through. Oh, your cake charms arrived today. So did your mason jar vases. They're in your room with the other things for the wedding. Your table linens and dinnerware should be the day after tomorrow. So we'll all make the trip next weekend for a wedding gown and bridal party dresses. You should get a general idea of what you want before then."
"I don't know what I want," said Timber. "I just don't want to look like a walking marshmallow."
"Timber, you couldn't look like a marshmallow even if you glued cotton balls to a ball gown," said Xianna.
"No, that would make me look like a cloud of cotton candy," said Timber.
"What about this?" said Xianna pointing at a strapless mermaid gown in lace. "I think you'd look great in this one."
"Oh, this is beautiful! I love it," said Timber. She took it and tried to show it to Henry. "What do you think?"
"I'm staying out of this," said Henry decisively as he looked away from the magazine. "I would rather have no idea what to expect when you walk down the aisle. I also don't want to be held responsible for bad judgment. I don't have any fashion sense when it comes to women's clothing."
"See?" giggled Xianna. "Henry wants you to show up naked."
Henry turned bright red and Timber laughed right as the doorbell rang. Timber stopped laughing and looked at Grace, who seemed confused.
"I'm not expectin' anyone else," she said, but she got up and answered it.
The person who let herself in was the last person in the world she wanted to see at her engagement party and it made Timber's blood boil. Diana pushed past Grace wearing a low-cut red top that showed far more cleavage than was necessary, and a tight black mini skirt that barely covered her underwear. Timber thought she looked more like a stripper or a street corner prostitute than a high school student.
"Well Timber, not many people showed up at your little party." Diana sneered gleefully. "Balloons and paper streamers? Really Timber? You're not five anymore." Then she spotted Henry who had stepped away from Timber when Grace got up to open the door. She threw her chest out and flung her blonde hair over her shoulder. "Mr. Santelli, I didn't know you would be here."
"Get out of my house, Diana," said Timber with a tone of warning.
"But you're having a party and you didn't invite me," said Diana as she came closer. "It was very rude of you."
"What's rude is you showing up when you weren't invited," snapped Xianna. "You're not even wanted here."
"No one throws a party without inviting me," said Diana. "Though this is honestly the most pathetic party I've ever seen. Paper plates? And what are these? Pickle jars? Where's the DJ and the caterer? This is sad. You people don't know how to live properly. And ew!" she added looking at Grace's immaculately set table. "What are you eating? This looks like something a pig would eat!"
She walked up to Henry and the room fell still, watching the scene unfold. Henry had frozen wide-eyed and pale-faced as she approached. No one was watching Henry, however. Everyone was staring at Timber. Her hair was starting to turn silver and her eyes were blue. It was clear how badly she was trying not to reveal her real form as she was forced to watch Diana advance. She knew why Henry was frozen. If he pushed her away too hard, he could send her through the wall. He was trying to avoid accidentally injuring or even killing her. It didn't help that her body was on fire again as she went through another rapid power expansion. She could feel her muscles growing harder and it was preventing her from moving.
"Come on Mr. Santelli, you don't want to hang around these people, do you? Let me show you how to have some real fun."
"Get away from him," growled Timber threateningly.
"Please. Do you think a man like this would be interested in a whale like you? I'm what men want. I know what it takes to please them."
"You don't even know what kind of man I am," said Henry sternly.
"All men are the same," said Diana. "Let me give you what you want. Besides, I know the prom was all a show. You don't want her. You want me."
Diana reached out and rested her hands on his shoulders and then she pressed herself against him. Henry's fists were curling but he could do nothing to push her away in his anger without seriously hurting her. Her lips were inches away from his when Timber's body became mobile again. She grabbed Diana by her hair and threw her away from Henry as hard as she could. Diana's body flew three feet and she slammed into the stair rails, snapping two of them. She crumpled to the floor with a loud thud. Timber placed herself directly in front of Henry and glared at Diana with such a p
owerful rage that it made her friends cower slightly. They had seen what Timber was capable of when she as in a temper. The last time they saw her that angry, she destroyed Xianna's father's arm. Chad and Grace had both braced themselves to grab Timber.
"Stay the hell away from him you vile, twisted piece of trash!" she yelled. Her anger had twisted her tongue to resemble her aunts' thick accent and her eyes remained blue.
"You little - ," cried Diana getting to her feet with great effort. "What the hell is your problem you crazy bitch?"
"That's very attractive language," Timber said sarcastically. "And I don't know why you're calling me crazy. I'm not the one pitching a hissy fit because I can't sleep with a man. Quit being so damn ugly."
"I wanted him first," said Diana hotly. "No one rejects me! I take what I deserve. People love me. That doesn't make me a whore."
"Your legs spread faster than head lice, Honey. And to clarify things for you, you're not popular, your vagina is."
The room had stopped to watch the exchange and Timber's friends burst out into fits of laughter. Even Henry, who was careful to be respectful and polite in front of Timber's aunt and uncle, choked down a laugh. Diana huffed but could not think of a clever way to respond.
"Stop being so protective over a man who will never be happy with your fat, ugly ass," said Diana.
Timber made a furious movement towards her, but Henry grabbed her and wrapped his arms securely around her waist from behind. He leaned over and kissed Timber's cheek, and then rested his chin on her head. Diana gaped at them, open-mouthed and red-faced.
"I suggest you leave Diana," said Henry calmly as he held Timber. "Otherwise, my fiancé will tear you apart."
"Your... What? What is this, a sick joke? Look at her! She's the ugliest thing on the planet!"
"Timber is the most beautiful woman ever to walk this earth and you will not disrespect my fiancé in front of me."
"You and your jealous ass need to leave," said Kendra. All of Timber's friends got up and stood around Henry and Timber.
"I'm not jealous and I'm not going anywhere," argued Diana stubbornly. "I just have to say that Mr. Santelli made a move on me and he'll be taken away from you. You don't deserve him. What do you have that I don't?"
"Intelligence, and a caring heart," said Xianna.
"She doesn't walk around like everyone should bow down to her," said Ashley.
"And her real boobs are bigger than your plastic ones," said Kendra.
Diana turned a brighter shade red. She stepped towards Timber aggressively with her fists curled. Henry waited until she was within arm's reach, and he let go of Timber. Timber slapped Diana as hard as she could across the face. The crack of skin against skin echoed throughout the silent room. Diana hit the floor, looking stunned for a moment. Then her expression changed and she glared at Timber looking livid as she held the side of her face with her hand. Timber's palm had broken her skin. Tears filled her eyes from the pain as she stumbled to her feet.
"Timber," said Henry, "Turn."
Timber obeyed readily and Diana let out a piercing scream as Timber became a timber wolf. She growled menacingly, making sure that Diana saw all of her teeth. She backed her to the door where she stood frozen in panic for a moment, then opened the door and ran away as fast as she could in four-inch high heels. Timber regained her usual form and burst out laughing at the same time as her friends.
"I've wanted to do that for years," she said with satisfaction.
"I've never seen you so angry at her," said Emily with a relieved giggle.
"No one touches my man but me," said Timber.
Henry walked up to her, dipped her backward so her shoulders were parallel to the floor and kissed her deeply. The room broke out in cheers and Timber smiled at Henry as his lips left hers.
"I'm very glad that you're capable of standing your ground," said Henry.
"We've always taken a backseat when it comes to the girls and bullies," said Chad. "If it got out of hand we would step in but we've taught the girls to stand up for themselves. Thankfully, neither of them have had many problems except for Diana."
"The last person to try to pick a fight with Emily was sent to the nurse's office with a black eye," said Timber. "It takes a lot to push her to that point, though. This girl harassed her every day for three years before Emily hit her."
"Timber generally tries to walk away, too," said Emily. "I guess Diana trying to kiss Henry was your snapping point."
A sudden knock on the door made Timber jump. Thinking it was Diana again, Timber growled, stomped to the door angrily and threw it open.
"I swear Diana, I'm going to -" Then she stopped and surprise replaced anger. She curtsied low and stood up again. "Lord Frost! Oh! Won't you please come in?"
"Thank you."
Lord Frost strode into the living room in long velvet robes of black and silver and smiled as he looked around with interest.
"Lord Frost!" Henry bowed low, and following Henry's lead, so did everyone else. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"I was passing through the area and I thought I would very much enjoy some of that tea Timber had served when I was here last," said Lord Frost in his usual polite manner. "I did not expect to interrupt such a lovely party. I could leave if I am of any inconvenience."
"Please stay," said Grace. "I'll make you a glass of tea."
"Thank you, my dear woman." Grace poured a glass of sweet iced tea and handed it to Lord Frost. "I will not stay long as I can see I have interrupted your festivities."
"Umm... Timber?" said Emily with uncertainty. "Who's this?"
"Oh, this is Lord Frost," said Timber. "He's one of the Highers in charge of Haven. Lord Frost, this is my cousin Emily, my Uncle Chad, my friends Xianna, Kendra, Ashley, and Gina, and my Aunt Grace."
"I remember Grace and Chad. I met them a couple of times just after you were brought here. It is a true pleasure to meet you all," said Lord Frost with a sincere smile and a nod of his head. "I am highly flattered to be in the company of such beautiful young women."
Timber's friends looked a little uneasy at being addressed in such a way from a strange man.
"Relax guys, he's over a thousand years old," said Timber when she saw her friend's uncomfortable faces. "He doesn't mean anything gross by it."
"Forgive me if I caused you unease," said Lord Frost. "I was merely being polite. I see the outside world has changed greatly since I was younger. People do not seem as neighborly with each other as they used to be."
"There are some men who don't pay compliments anymore unless they want something from the woman," said Henry, becoming formal in his manners again. "It's quite disturbing."
"How unfortunate," said Lord Frost. "Women are beautiful creatures who deserve to be treasured and treated with the highest respect. Grace I would like to thank you for your excellent tea. Might I inquire as to the reason for such a beautiful celebration?"
"This is Henry and Timber's engagement party," said Chad.
"That is truly a fine thing to celebrate," said Lord Frost. He seemed to have noticed that Timber's friends were unsure what to make of him and he smiled kindly at them. "There is no need to be worried, dear ladies. I assure you that I mean no ill will towards you."
"Are you really a thousand years old?" Emily blurted out.
"Emily Joy Frunden!" cried Grace.
"It is quite alright," said Lord Frost. "Curiosity is not a sin but something to be encouraged. To answer your question, I am one thousand, two hundred and fifty three to be exact."
"Lord Frost, would you care for some snacks?" asked Timber. "We have plenty."
"I would be delighted," said Lord Frost.
Timber moved to the dining room and fixed Lord Frost a small plate of everything. She handed it to him with a small bow.
"Thank you. If I may ask, how long have you ladies known Timber?" he added, turning his attention to Timber's friends.
"Since we were ten," said Xianna. "We all had the same teach
er in fourth grade."
"Timber joined in halfway through the year," said Gina. "She was shy and afraid of everyone. We started sharing our food with her and including her and eventually, she started talking to us."
"We've all been best friends ever since," said Ashley.
"There are no greater gifts on this earth than love and friendship," said Lord Frost. "I must say that these snacks are quite delicious. I have been all over the world and there is no more comforting food than that from the South. I am enjoying these dishes enormously. If I may, Grace, I would like to tell Henry and Timber the story of the night they fell in love."
"What?" said Gina. "They met before? Timber, why didn't you say anything?"
"I don't remember."
"Timber was only four the night she met Henry but she had seen him before a few months prior to their meeting. She fell in love with him then but it was a different kind of love than now. You see, once a female wolf finds her mate, it creates a lifelong bond. Timber's and Henry's relationship started during her last Christmas in Heiligdom. It started with a marshmallow. Every week for the next few months, Timber would sneak away from her mother, and go into the kitchen in the castle. She would steal a marshmallow and leave one on his classroom desk while he was in recess."
"Did you know all this?" Timber asked Grace.
"Yes," said Grace. "After you moved in I gave you a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and it made you cry. You said it reminded you of a pair of hazel eyes. I contacted Lord Frost and he told your uncle and me about Henry and your unbreakable bond. When you brought him home the first night, I knew exactly who he was and why both of you looked like you had stars in your eyes."
"That explains why you weren't upset about me being in love with her even though I'm six years older and I'm her teacher," said Henry.
"If Timber had developed an interest in any other teacher, we would have stopped it immediately," said Chad. "We already knew the two of you could never be separated once you had been reunited."
"Henry had told me about dreams of a large silver wolf with ice blue eyes shortly after Timber left Heiligdom," said Lord Frost. "Henry would have never been able to settle until he found Timber. Luckily, his heart brought him here." Lord Frost finished his plate and rose to throw it away but Grace took it from him. "Thank you very much for your hospitality. That will get me through the remainder of my journey. Please forgive me, I must be going. Timber, Henry, might I have a private word before I depart?"
The Timber Effect Page 32