I wake up early the day of Jared's party and finish up his cupcakes. He requested carrot cake ones, and that's why he's probably my favorite—kidding, mostly. I love making these, and they remind me of my first appointment with Edward.

"Hey, I'm heading out to get Rose and Ben. How are you feeling? I heard you coughing."

Today's not one of the best days, but I'm okay. I'm ready to celebrate my nephew's birthday. "I'm fine," I tell him as I hold out an extra cupcake. "For the road."

He smirks, taking it and biting into it. "For now," he mumbles. "Mm, delicious, Bells. When's Edward going to be here?"

"In about an hour. I've got another batch still in the oven, so it'll be perfect timing. I want to get there early to help Alice and Esme set up."

He nods, finishing the cupcake. "Just don't over do it. You look tired today."

I roll my eyes, but I know he's right. I didn't sleep great last night, and there are dark circles under my eyes showing it. "I'm fine, but I won't push it. Drive safe."

"Will do. Love you, Bells."

"Love you too, Em."

Once he leaves, I pull the last of the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool for ten minutes before finishing my work. It takes me the entire hour to finish everything and have them all boxed up.

Edward gets here, and I let him in, showing him what we need to load into his truck.

"Did you make enough?" He chuckles, looking over the six boxes, which each contain a dozen. There's one box that's just plain vanilla for those who don't like carrot cake.

"All of Jared's classmates are coming, plus some of their moms, and all the family, so honestly, I just hope I have enough. How are you, handsome?"

I step into his arms, letting his warm embrace wash over me before our lips touch and move together. When we part, I'm dizzy but in a good way.

"I'm always good when I'm with you," he says, brushing a thumb under my eye. "Trouble sleeping?"

I shrug. "A little, but I'm all right."

He kisses me once more before I step out of his arms and grab the boxes, filling a larger cardboard box with them. He helps, making quick work of it before lifting it up and carrying it outside as I follow.

He puts the box in his backseat, and then helps me into the truck before getting into the driver's seat, but then bends over and kisses me before starting it up. "You look beautiful, by the way."

I smile. "Thank you. You dress up nice yourself. I mean, I love the lumberjack look, but—"

He cocks his brow. "Lumberjack? That's what you think I look like?"

"You basically only wear flannel." I laugh. "You have to see that."

He rolls his eyes, smirking. "All right, maybe a little. But you like it when I dress up too?"

I grin and lean over to kiss him. "You look incredibly handsome both ways."

He seems satisfied and pulls out of the driveway, heading toward Carlisle and Esme's house. Thankfully, no guests are here yet when we arrive, so we jump in to help Alice and Esme finish setting up.

Soon enough, kids and their parents start to arrive. I mostly hang out in the kitchen with Esme to finish preparing food while Edward sticks close by and sits at the island. I can tell he feels a little uneasy, but no one has an issue with our relationship. In fact, Alice is thrilled about it and even tells him she had a sneaking suspicion.

"I mean, she looks at you like you hung the moon," she says with a laugh as she loads up a tray of snacks to take downstairs.

Carlisle and Esme put in what's basically a movie theater down there with a huge flat screen for the boys to play games on. And of course, for Carlisle to watch the Seahawks play.

I'm blushing a little as she goes on. He's almost grinning, and I love the sight.

While everyone finding out at Christmas wasn't the best, I'm glad they know. I can be honest now and don't have to pretend like I don't love him around my family.

Things just feel right.

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