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Chapter Seventy-Four

My dance moves were sorely lacking.

At least, that's what Emmett claimed.

Excuse me if not everyone can properly pull off The Worm.

Edward's eyes did the talking for him. He knew better than to make fun of my dancing and my singing.

He was a good man.

But he was also a show off with his dance moves; the sexy bastard with his rolled up sleeves, slightly flushed cheeks and beer bottle securely placed in one hand.

"Dance with me," he begged and pulled my arm.

"No way. I'm not taking you down with me," I teased, pretending to push him away. "Go. Be free."

"Not funny, Bella," he slurred and grabbed my waist. "C'mere."

Edward pulled me against him with one hand placed on the small of my back as he began moving his hips.

"See." I pouted. "You were doing so well and now you're dancing like a thirteen year old boy at a middle school dance."

"No way. These moves are hot," he said and turned me around. "Now. Booty dance me."

"But now I'm obligated to laugh because you just said 'booty dance'..."

"So?" Edward scoffed before taking a swig of his beer. "C'mon, baby."

"Your parents are in the room, as is Emma."

"Fine." His eyes held my gaze. "Later."

I swallowed and nodded.

After the dance party began to die down, Carlisle suggested we whip out the karaoke machine.

That's when I tried to slip away.

Edward was smart and blocked the exit.

"You know, you think this is super funny but I'll be the one laughing when everyone here goes deaf," I snipped, causing his laughter to echo over Jasper's rendition of 'Wanted Dead or Alive'.

Edward pointed at me and said, "You can sing that song by 3 Doors Down."

I thought for a moment. "Kryptonite?"

"That's the one," he said looking all too amused.

"If you're a 3 Doors Down fan then I'm afraid I will have to move out."

Edward raised his eyebrows. "Feisty."

"Since when did Jasper acquire a country accent?" I asked seriously.

"Nah." Edward snorted. "That's just when he sings. We have no idea why."

Esme walked over to us and smiled warmly before saying, "After this, we can do cake and presents if you'd like."

"Sure." I nodded. "I'm fine with whatever. I really appreciate you guys doing this."

"Nonsense. Any excuse to throw a party," she said, pulling me into a hug. "Although, the decorations are a bit over the top. We tried reining Emmett in but...you know how that goes."

I laughed rather loudly at her comment. There were at least a hundred balloons around the house, Pin the Tail on the Donkey in the dining room and, supposedly, a pinata out in the back.

A while later, everyone gathered around the dining room table with their slices of cake to watch as I opened presents.

Yes, it was awkward but they all seemed to enjoy it. Including Alice.

Emma ran over and handed me a silver box from Nordstrom.

"It's a scarf!" she said happily. "It's pink!"

Everyone laughed loudly before Emma started crying as she realized she had given away the surprise.

"Emma picked it out," Alice said as she stroked Emma's hair, assuring her it was fine.

I thanked them before opening the box to reveal a light and dark pink striped scarf. "It's lovely. Really. Thank you."

"You promise you like it?" Emma sniffled.

"Of course." I smiled and she ran over to give me a hug.

"I already gave you my present." Emmett winked.

"God. It wasn't a framed photo of himself, was it?" Rosalie groaned. "That was my present two years ago."

"It was a legitimate present." Emmett frowned as Esme handed me a small box.

"This is from Carlisle and me. We hope you like it."

I nodded and carefully tore the wrapping paper as to not receive any paper cuts.

That would be a tragedy.

As I opened the box, I stared down and felt the tears welling in my eyes.

"Oh, dear," Esme said in a soft tone. "It's a silly gift-"

"No," I cut her off. "No. It's great. I love it."

I pulled out the Minnie Mouse coffee mug and met Edward's warm eyes as he mouthed 'I love you'.

"Jeez, Bella. It's just a coffee mug. No need to get all weepy," Emmett joked but his eyes held the same warmness as Esme's did.

It was so much more than just a coffee mug.

It was an invitation into their family.

It was the promise of security.

It was a new start.

A/N: Sweet family is sweet. Thank you so very much for reading.

Make sure you check out Dirt Roads by winehoes (collab w/Livie79)