A/N - Wow! Fanfiction had a crazy day! I wasn't able to log in all day! Trust me, I tried a hundred times! But, apparently, no one else could, either! But, it looks like I'm back! haha! Thank you all for reading! Enjoy!

Chapter 6 - A Big Deal and A Delivery

We ate our breakfast, smiling at each other from across the table. "So, pretty girl, your birthday is eight days away."

I laughed. "Oh, yeah. Um, I don't suppose I could talk you into forgetting about it, huh?" I asked.

"What? Why? Of course not." Edward reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "Baby, what's wrong with celebrating?"

"I just hate the attention," I said, shrugging. "I don't know."

"Bella, is that all that's bothering you? You can tell me anything. You know that." He caressed the back of my hand with his thumb.

"I've just spent my whole life hating that I couldn't have both of my parents with me for my birthday. It never felt complete." I shook my head. "I don't know. It's stupid, I guess. Like, I would go to Angie's birthday parties and her dad would be putting together her new bike in the living room, while her mom served cake.

"I should probably let that go, huh?" I asked. "I mean I'm going to be nineteen. I'm not a little kid anymore."

Edward got up and walked over to me, taking my hand and leading me to the futon. He sat down and pulled me onto his lap. "No, you're not a little kid. You are a smart, funny, beautiful woman, now. A very sexy woman. But," he said, reaching up to softly stroke my cheek, "you have every right to feel the way you do. You missed out on that family dynamic. But, Bella, that was then. This is now."

I smiled at his face. In his eyes I could see how much he truly loved me and wanted to me to be happy. "And, Bella," he continued, "this is my very first time celebrating your birthday with you. You haven't seen a fun birthday until you've celebrated with me."

I laughed. "Aw. You're sweet. But, babe, my birthday is on a Monday, our crappy, long, school day."

"Bella, Bella, Bella. Are you doubting my ability to give you a fabulous birthday?"

"No."

He leaned in to kiss my lips. "Good. Plus we both only have two classes each on Monday. It's not going to be crappy. Well, I do have a three hour Math class that afternoon, but still. We'll meet for lunch, and then that night, after class, I'm going to take you out, okay? It'll be fun."

"Okay. Thank you, baby. I love you." I pressed a kiss to his sweet lips. "And I'm sorry for making a big deal about my birthday."

"You know that how you feel is a big deal to me. And at least you're not upset over your age." He winked.

"I'll be nineteen. What's to complain about?"

"Nothing. You're perfect, angel." He squeezed me close to his chest. "I love you so, so, so much, Bella. And, you have both of your parents in your life, now, too. Plus, you have the whole Cullen clan. They're all crazy about you."

I smiled before sucking on his earlobe. "I love them all. I love the idea of having a big family. It's amazing."

"You say that now, but if you don't want attention on your birthday, I may have to warn you, I've heard rumours that something may be in the works."

I laughed, sitting up to look at his face. "Rumours?"

"I was sworn to secrecy, Bella." He chuckled, looking so cute.

"You can't have secrets. We're engaged. It's like a rule, or something."

"I agree," he said, smiling. "But, there are exceptions to that rule."

"Really? What are they?"

"Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day and Christmas. Anything to do with those occasions can remain a secret."

"Fine. Keep your secrets." I said, teasingly. "I'll love you anyway." I kissed the end of his nose and he laughed.

He brushed his hand over his forehead. "Whew," he sighed. So cute.

I was glad that Edward and I had talked. I honestly did hate to bring up hard times I had during my childhood. I mean, I couldn't complain. My mom spoiled me, giving me all sorts of gifts, and buying me all the latest toys. I had more physical possessions than most kids did growing up.

But, what I truly valued was family, and that was what I missed as a child. I think that was why Edward meant so much to me. He was always there for me. No matter what. He wanted to build a family with me. He wanted to have that perfect storybook life that I always dreamed about.

And, right now, with Edward, my dad, step mom, my mom, Aro and all of the Cullens in my life, I truly felt like the luckiest girl on earth. People mattered to me: family, friends, neighbours. I cherished every single relationship that I had in my life.

Edward and I cleaned up our breakfast and fed the kitty. We were off to the mall, but first, we had cookies to drop off for our neighbours. I grabbed my purse and the cookies and we headed out the door.

Edward knocked on Jax and Kel's door. No answer. "What time is it?" I asked Edward.

"Uh, ten o'clock," he said, looking at watch. "Is that too early?"

I laughed. "You tell me, college guy."

"Bella, you know I'm not just your average college guy," he said before winking at me.

The door swung open and I burst out laughing as I covered my eyes. Kel was standing at the door in a pair of white briefs and nothing else. I peeked out at him from between my finger and noticed he was rubbing his eyes.

"Oh, hey guys. Sorry, Bella. Didn't know there would be a beautiful woman on my doorstep this early on a Sunday morning," Kel said, honestly looking apologetic.

I wasn't surprised, though. I'm pretty sure the last time Edward and I had come over here, Kel answered the door shirtless. Apparently, the guy didn't like to wear shirts, or maybe even pants. But, hey, he was in his own home, he was free to wear what he wanted.

"Don't worry about it," I said. "We come bearing cookies." I passed him the bag of chocolate chip cookies. "Those are yours. Is Jax here?"

"Thanks, cutie," he said, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "Ah, I have no idea where my little bro is. Rough night last night, if you know what I mean." He laughed. I nodded, but honestly had no idea what he meant.

"Jax went home to Shelby last week to see his girl, so he's been a little bummed since he got back."

Jax was a dating a girl a year younger than he was, making her a senior in high school back in Montana. I couldn't imagine having to leave Edward behind back home while I went to college.

"Aw. That's sad," I said. "Do you want to give him his oatmeal cookies?"

"Yeah, for sure," Kel said. He reached his hand out for the freezer bag.

"Don't give him those." We turned around and saw Jax walking up the stairs. His shoulder length black hair was pulled up in a messy bun, and he looked exhausted. "He'll eat them."

Edward laughed. "He sounds like my brother."

"Growing up with him, no wonder I'm so thin," Jax laughed. "Thanks, Bella." He kissed my cheek, taking the cookies. "Uh, I don't want to be rude, but I'm going to head back to bed. I'm sleeping on my feet."

I felt so bad for Jax. He didn't look like he was handling his separation from his girlfriend well, at all. He likely wasn't sleeping.

"Do you guys want to come by for dinner tonight?" he asked. "I'll make up for my lack of neighbourly behaviour."

"Aw, don't worry about it," I said, patting his arm. "Go sleep. We'll see you guys tonight."

"Thanks again for the cookies," he said, lifting the freezer bag, before heading to his room.

I understood first hand how hard it was to be away from people that you loved. But, being away from his girlfriend must be tough. I hoped that he would be feeling better by tonight for dinner. But, even if he wasn't, I was looking forward to spending time with our new neighbours and getting to know them better.