After dinner, everyone decides to go out back to the deck and sit around the fire. Emmett makes me sit close so I stay warm, and Edward takes the seat beside me. We talk about how wonderful the day was, and Emmett brings up how we went to see our parents.

Carlisle and Esme were close to them too, so we all tell stories about them. Most of mine revolve around how Mom taught me to bake and what we'd make for Christmas—which I replicated this year. It almost feels like they're here with us, and I smile at all the memories we have.

Eventually, I go inside to get a drink, and Edward follows, saying he needs one too. Once we're alone, we go into the living room—away from everyone's eyes—and take a minute to kiss.

"I love the books you got me," I say, relishing the feeling of being in his arms, if only for a few minutes.

He smirks. "Well, I got you something else, but it's a little more intimate. You'll have to open it at my house when we get the chance."

"Oh," I say, laughing. "I can't wait to see it."

"Oh, I can't wait either." He chuckles. "I wish we'd had more time together in the past few weeks, but I know it's been a roller coaster for you. How are you doing, by the way?"

I shrug. "Still disappointed, but I'm not thinking about that today. Today, everyone was happy, and I was part of that happiness. That's all I care about right now."

"I really enjoyed the stories about your parents. They seemed like wonderful people, beautiful, and I'm sorry I'll never get the chance to meet them."

I nod, sighing. "Me too. I think they'd have liked you. It felt good visiting them today. I've only been one other time since I got home, and I need to go more often. Emmett stops by every two weeks to leave flowers, but maybe, I can start bringing them."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea." He leans down, kissing me softly once more. "Is your brother working on New Year's Eve?"

I grin. "He is actually. I'll be all alone that night unless I can spend it with you."

"I'd love nothing more."

He takes the opportunity to lean down for one last kiss, and I let myself fall into his bliss. The world drifts away while our lips move together, and I hold his face in my hand.

Then everything crashes down as Emmett's voice booms through the house. "What the hell?"

We turn our heads, finding him standing in the doorway with a confused and angry expression.

Ah fuck.

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