Chapter 14 | Birthday Cake

June 2013

BPOV

"Ugh, why do I have to wear this? We're only going to my parent's house."

"Can you just cooperate and enjoy?"

"I guess so. I just don't know why y'all are making a big deal about this. It's like any other day. Rose didn't even want this so that should tell you something."

"Edward Cullen! You're just mad because you have no control. Don't even start with that again. You only turn 26 once in your lifetime. Carpe diem!" I said while quickly looking over at him in the passenger seat. He had recently begun taking classes to become a supervisor and it wasn't always a walk in the park. I had blindfolded him when I came to pick him up and he put big up a big fight. I could see him fighting that crooked grin that was just on the tip of the surface. Since the end of April, Esme and I had been planning the ultimate surprise party with the help of our friends. Even though he and Rose were twins, she didn't want a party and we obliged her wishes. Surprisingly, no one had acted suspicious or spilled what was happening tonight. As he thought we were going to a dinner at his parent's, was actually a cover-up for the real party. 100 of our closest friends, family, church members, co-workers, and neighbors, would be celebrating him tonight. Carlisle and Esme had even managed to fly both sets of grandparents out here to surprise him. I sent a text to Esme as I pulled up to a red light.

Turning on the street now :) - B

We're all set to go! – Mama E

"You are so right my love. I'm sorry. Thank you for putting all of this together."

"It's okay! I just want you to enjoy tonight, forget about everything else and have fun." Buca Di Beppo was all ours tonight and they were happy to accommodate our requests. I saw Emmett waving me over as I drove to the open parking spot.

"We're here! Stay right there and don't take off that blindfold."

"Yes, ma'am!" laughed Edward. I got out and handed off the cake to Emmett. I then went to Edward's side and took him by the hand. I guided him to the door and went to the private room in the back.

"Wow, I've never heard my parent's house so quiet before." I hold back my laughter and just agreed with him.

"Oh, maybe they're in the backyard! That's why we can't hear them."

"Alright birthday boy… you ready?"

"Ready!" I count down from three and have my hand on the scarf as I countdown.

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"SURPRISE!" erupts through the room. I look towards Edward and we all laugh at his changing facial expressions.

"Wha…. how ….. I don't know what to say! Oh Bella, thank you so much." He gives me a kiss and a hug.

"You're welcome! I couldn't have done this without your mom and our friends and family. We have another surprise for you."

He nodded and motions for me to go on.

"I know you miss your grandparents and don't get to see them often. So, I planned on having them record a video for you to celebrate this day. But instead I thought, why don't they just come to us? Carlisle Sr, Ann, Peter and Norma – can you all come out please?"

They emerged from the kitchen area as we all clapped and took pictures. Both sets of grandparents engulfed their grandson into a group hug. Ann and Norma peppered him with kisses as the men smiled.

"Happy Birthday, grandson!" they all said in unison.

"Thank you. I love you all very much."

"We love you too!"

"Edward, my boy, I hope you had a great day," said Carlisle Sr. as he stepped up to shake his hand.

"I sure have and it has gotten even better," Edward replied while looking at me.

"When your Bella contacted us, we knew we couldn't miss this for the world," responded Peter.

"I'm blown away by all of this. And here I thought I was just going to a dinner at my parent's house." Everyone found a place to sit and I stood to speak.

EPOV

"Hi everyone!" said Bella. "I just want to thank each and every one of you for celebrating my guy tonight! This is a family style dinner, and all dishes will we passed around, so cozy up to the people you're sitting with." The entire room laughed. "Just a few things …. along the wall to my right, you'll see a clothesline with clips at the top. There's cards and pens and I ask that you write a little something for Edward. It can be a funny memory, advice or anything you want it to be. When you're done, stick it on the line. Second, there's a picture collage and space around it for you to sign your names. Third – LET'S EAT!"

Soon, the servers came out. They took our drink order, brought salads and bread baskets as we talked, took pictures and laughed. It took everything within me to hold back all of the emotion I was feeling. I didn't think Bella could amaze me any more than she already had, but even I was wrong. She organized this event, kept it a well-hidden secret, flew my grandparents out, and didn't it all with help from friends and family.

"You seem deep in thought." Bella commented as she rested her hand on mine.

"Just thinking about how I don't deserve you. This is just getting started and it's been the best birthday ever."

"Psh, I have those same thoughts, too. I'm glad to hear that. I have another surprise later on tonight."

Oh is that so?

"I love you so much, baby."

"Love you too, E."

I'm sure I gained weight with the amount of food I ate. Every plate that was brought out tasted so good. The night went on, stories were told, tears were shed, and the presents were open. Even though my sister didn't want a party, they included Rose as everyone sang happy birthday. The party was winding down and I was excited to see what else my girl had planned.

"Edwarddddd!" shouted Delaney. She jumped in my arms and I twirled her around.

"Hey, sweet girl. I'm glad you came."

"I missed you, friend."

"I missed you too."

Marcus, Amanda, and Laney had spent a few weeks in Beaumont with Charlie and Renee and they had just gotten back yesterday.

"Here, I drew you a picture!"

"I'm going to hang it up on my fridge." It was of Bella, Marcus, Amanda, Delaney, and I when we went to the zoo back at the end of May. She gave me another hug and headed straight for the cake. It doesn't get any sweeter than that.

"All set to go?" asked Bella.

"Lead the way!" She whipped out the scarf and I groaned out loud.

"Am I hearing some complaining, Mr. Cullen?"

"No, no way. I'm all yours!" I quickly replied. She laughed and blinded me once again. The car ride was peaceful and I was getting nervous as the time passed by. The car stopped after a short drive and she was guiding me to another location.

"Thank you Cassie for doing this for me! I owe you one!"

Who is that?

"Nonsense, you've done so much for me. Enjoy, Edward!"

"Oh, um, thanks." Bella and Cassie giggled as I was being led around. I heard a door open and the sound of a chair being moved over to where I was. The scarf came off and I looked around to see a dance studio.

"Are you going to be teaching me how to dance? Where's the teacher?" I was secretly hoping that this was the case since it was something we wanted to do as a date night.

"No teaching and no teacher. Unless you want to consider me one. You know how we were in The Woodlands and I said I wanted to get back into dancing?

"Yes, I remember."

"Well … ever since we got back, I've been coming here to get some refreshers and have even taught a few classes. I want to dance for you."

I was floored! "Wait! This isn't like some strip tease of something? I wouldn't want you to do that." I questioned with I'm sure a look of confusion on my face.

"No hon. You should know me better than that. Will I be dancing around you? Yes. But I won't be stripping."

"Oh okay, that's good." I smiled and took a seat.

"Relax and I'll be right back." She scurried off into another room and I tried to do what she asked.

A few moments later, there was a spotlight on me and the room had a softly light glow. The opening cords of Birthday Cake on as Bella stepped out into the room. She looked absolutely beautiful! Her hair was taken down and flowed freely down her back. The blue cut-off top she wore showed her toned stomach and her shorts didn't to anything to hide those gorgeous legs.

"Come and put your name on it
Put your name on it
Come and put your name on it
Your name
Bet you wanna put your name on it
Put your name on it
Come and put your name on it
Ba-ba-baby"

She gracefully twirled, dance, did gymnastics moves as she worked that room and around me.

"It's not even my birthday
But he want to lick the icing off
I know you want it in the worst way
Can't wait to blow my candles out"

I couldn't hide the way my body reacted as she came to the end of the song.

"He want that cake, cake,
Cake, cake, cake, cake, cake
Cake, cake, cake, cake, cake
Cake, cake, cake

Ooh baby, I like it
You so excited
Don't try to hide it

I know you wanna bite this
Its so enticin'
Nothin' else like this"

Her little wink almost took me out at the end. I kissed her silly and caressed her arms.

"Bella, you little tease. That was incredible."

"Haha, well thank you baby. Happy Birthday!"