Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter Seventy-Three

"Thanks for letting them do this," Edward breathed before walking into his parents house. "I think they are more excited than you are."

"That's not true," I disagreed before kissing his cheek. "I'm excited."

And I was.

It would have been inconsiderate and rude for me to be upset over his family wanting to throw me a birthday party. This family, whom I had known for two months, was treating me as if I was one of their own.

I was excited.

I was grateful.

I was loved.

We walked in and found everyone in the back living room, mid-dance party.

I spotted a karaoke machine in the corner of the room and immediately turned around only to run into Edward's chest.

"Not so fast," he said with raised eyebrows.

"I don't do karaoke," I admitted with an apologetic glare.

"That's fine. But we do." He laughed. "Come on. I know I made fun of your voice but there's no way you can sound worse than Emmett."

I groaned. "Drinks. I need drinks."

We slipped into the kitchen, still unnoticed, and Edward uncorked a bottle of champagne.

"You guys go all out," I mused and reached for a glass.

"I told you they love birthdays. And you, for that matter."

"Birthday girl in the hooouse!" Emmett yelled and pulled me into a hug.

"Yo."

"Hey. Real quick. I wanted to give you this," Emmett said and handed me an envelope that had 'S.W.A.K.' written on the back.

"'Sealed with a kiss'?" I laughed.

"Hell yeah."

I eyed him before opening the envelope.

Let's just say it was a good thing I hadn't taken a sip of my drink yet because holy shit.

"A check for fifteen thousand dollars?" I asked incredulously. "I, uh. What the hell?"

Edward cracked a smile and explained that he and Emmett had confronted Phil and talked him into giving back some of the money. The money that he hadn't yet spent.

"It was all my idea," Emmett said proudly. "That's why it's your birthday present from me."

"I have to ask...is Phil unharmed? All body parts are intact?"

"Yes," Edward and Emmett said simultaneously.

My eyes narrowed and I focused on the check. "Wow. Uh, thanks. Seriously. I don't know what else to say."

"Although now you'll be expected to give me a stellar Christmas present. You have some time to figure that out, though." Emmett winked. "Grab a drink and come join our dance party. We're taking requests. None of that emo shit though."

Emmett walked out of the kitchen with a bounce in his step.

I folded the check and handed it to Edward.

"So. Did you skip out on work to go threaten Phil? Look at you, all bad ass," I teased and couldn't help but feel a tightness in my chest.

He kept doing these things to prove how much he cared about me.

How was I supposed to show him how much I cared?

Edward looked a little too innocent and pulled the hem of my shirt so I was standing against him.

"Well?" He leaned down and kissed me. "You didn't seem too enthused about talking to Phil. And to be honest, Emmett called me up after you left with Alice and said he was staking out the garden center. He even had binoculars. I had to do something."

"I appreciate it. I do." Wrapping my arms around his waist, I sighed and yes. I blinked away the tears. You should know this about me by now.

"I know you appreciate it, baby." Edward whispered. "Now. Let's go see if your dance moves are better than your singing voice."

"Hey!" I pulled back and glared. "My dance moves are totally awesome."

A/N: Thanks for reading

Beginning of the chapter was dedicated to canon Bella. When someone throws you a party- you appreciate that shit.