There's a small party for me once I'm released from the hospital after a week and two days. It's at our house, and Esme and Alice went all out for it, getting my favorite wings and other terrible fried foods catered. I think Edward's own heart stops when he sees the food, but he doesn't say anything. To be fair, there's also a vegetable tray and other healthy foods.

"I can't believe you agreed to this, Em," I say, surrounded by my nephews on the couch.

They wanted me to play Call of Duty with them, but considering how bad I am, all they're basically doing is laughing at me.

"Well, Esme and Alice weren't taking no for an answer," he says as the doorbell rings and he goes to get it.

"Other button, Bella," Edward says, pressing what's apparently the trigger button for me on the controller.

"Oh, that's better." I laugh. I still can't hit anything, but at least, I can finally use the gun. "You three could have helped me."

"Nah, it's better this way." Seth laughs.

And then he kills me.

"You little!" I yell as I watch Rosalie and her little boy walk in. Emmett's grinning, and I think I look even happier. "Ben! Do you know how to play this?"

He nods quietly, and Rosalie kind of nudges him forward. "I'm not bad."

"Good. Take this from me and school my nephews, please."

He does as I ask, greeting the boys and taking my seat when I get up to hug his mom. She has her beautiful blonde hair down and looks good in a sweater and jeans.

"Is this my doing?" I ask with a smirk.

She rolls her eyes with a smile playing on her lips. "It's not exactly a date since he invited my kid too."

"No, it's a date," Emmett says. "Thanks for playing wingman, by the way, Bells."

"She totally guilted me into it," she teases him.

The party is a blast for everyone, and while I'm exhausted, I try not to let it show so it can keep going. Ben gets along great with the boys, and it's clear how much chemistry Rosalie and Emmett have, so I pat myself on the back a little since I completed my mission. Even Edward and I get a few moments alone here and there, and I get to kiss him for the first time in over a week.

"I missed that," I whisper as we stand in the doorway of the bathroom, away from prying eyes.

"I missed you," he says, kissing me once more after looking around. "God, I'm so glad you're feeling better. You really know how to terrify me, don't you?"

I smile sheepishly. "I'm sorry. Hopefully, I won't do it again, but it's not exactly in my control. I'm just so happy to be free."

"I am too. Let's head back out before anyone notices we're gone. I want you to rest for a week or two, but then I can't wait to have you back in my bed."

I sigh dreamily. "Too bad it has to wait."

I'm tired of my life being on pause, but at least, I made it back home this time. There were a few days there I wasn't so sure I would, so I just want to live. I want to tell Edward how I feel about him, but I'm still scared of hurting him. If he doesn't know, maybe it won't hurt as much if he does lose me.

Unlikely.

Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.

I'm stuck in the ER waiting for rabies shots because a cat attacked me last night and I'm bored, so I figured I'd update again. Thanks for reading!