A/N: Well, what do you all think so far? I've been having so much fun with this story! As always, thank you all for the feedback! It means a lot and helps me improve.

September – Hermione's bday

Life with Charlie had made the year fly by. Every day there was a letter to open and each month was a visit to look forward to. It was still hard being separated, but I had so much love for that man, that it was worth it to have him around even part time.

I was ecstatic when he wrote to me that he took off a couple days around my birthday. I was never one to celebrate much and Harry and Ron never remembered it, but it was nice that Charlie remembered the date and made sure he would spend the day with me.

As I was getting used to, I took the days off work that he would be home. It was a lovely day outside and I was smiling on my way home from work. I always tried to get an early shift the day before his arrival so I'd have time to make sure the house was ready. He was arriving on my birthday, but he had been completely silent about what he had planned.

So it was to my complete shock that I arrived home the day before his scheduled arrival to find Charlie with Harry, Ginny, Fleur, Bill, Fred, George, Katie and Angelina all ready to shout, "Surprise!"

My hands few to my mouth and I had to fight back tears. I hadn't had a birthday celebration since I was about five and to see so many people I cared about here to celebrate me was a bit of a shock.

There was a table of gourmet looking food and several bottles of wine and champagne at the ready. I noticed a whole table of muggle board games and another table of gifts too. The whole place was decorated and festive and I was completely taken aback.

"How did you manage this? I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow?"

Charlie simply smiled and wrapped his arms around me. "It's your birthday. You deserve to be celebrated. And while I want you all to myself tomorrow, I thought it would be great for those that know about us to get together and celebrate."

"That was incredibly sweet of you. No one has ever done anything like this for me."

He grinned. "You never had me before, love. I am so thankful for you and your birth is something that deserves to recognized and celebrated."

He seemed like he was about to go on, but a loud throat clearing caught our attention. "Are you two going to be at it all night, or can we have a proper party?"

It was George who spoke and I knew he was saying it in good fun, but I couldn't help but blush. I hadn't seen Charlie in over five weeks and the last visit he had been injured (not that I could tell anyone here that since he insisted that he's completely fine hence there's no need to worry anyone). I had to admit I was a little bit desperate to get him alone, but he went through all this trouble and it wouldn't be wasted.

The evening was spent with a lot of laughter and maybe a little too much to drink. We played games, ate until we could burst, and I was showered with gifts and love from my friends. I was beyond touched and my heart was feeling the warmth.

We ended the night with the gorgeous cake that Charlie had picked out. It was covered in beautiful frosted roses and inside was the richest chocolate caramel cake I had ever tasted. We enjoyed the sweet treat on my magically expanded couch while we all watched a movie. Since we started it so late, it was no surprise that we all fell asleep.

When morning came, we woke slowly and our friends returned to their homes with lots of well wishes for my birthday.

While I enjoyed the party, I was glad when the last of them left. It gave me plenty of time to thank Charlie properly.

The day was spent relaxing with Charlie pampering me at every turn. We spent most of the day cuddled up, but as it got closer to dinner, he drew me a wonderful bubble bath. While I was soaking, he cooked an amazing meal and presented me with yet another gift.

"Char, you've given me enough already. This has been the best birthday ever."

"You deserve it all. Please, just open it."

I did as he asked and it took my breath away. Nestled inside the little box was a beautiful white gold, heart shaped pendant. In the center was a round black stone. There were six little diamonds sitting in a row that the chain slipped through and attached the heart and stone.

"It's beautiful."

I ran my finger over the delicate jewelry.

"You haven't seen the best part."

Charlie took out his wand and waved it to turn off the lights. Casting a quick lumos, he pointed it at the back of the small stone. The light shone through it and projected the words "I love you" written in just about every language.

Tears sprung to my eyes and Charlie pulled me in close. "Now, no matter where you are, you know I love you."

"I love you too, Char. So, so much."