Author's Note: I didn't specifically write this as "the timeline," but if you're trying to figure out where each story fits in my Emily Owens Universe, this is a pretty good resource.
The first party is completely Will's fault. Trying to keep Emily off balance and flustered, he invites the whole hospital to her tiny apartment on her birthday. Shockingly, the whole thing goes over without a hitch, and afterwards Emily finds herself held in high admiration within the halls of Denver Memorial, the awkwardness of her first few weeks all but forgotten. After all, hardly anyone is magnanimous enough to invite even maintenance and the records office personnel to a party with free beer and pizza.
The second year, people at work begin asking Emily two full weeks before her birthday whether or not she's having another party. Emily tries to explain that she's really not a birthday person and there won't be a party this year, but no one seems to be listening. After all, the year before, invitations hadn't gone out until the day of the party. They think she's just holding out on them to save money on food.
Finally, Emily realizes she's committed whether she likes it or not. It's either throw a birthday party or risk losing her likability status at work. Besides, Tyra promises to help and Micah needs the distraction of something fun. After two days of planning and preparation, Emily at least feels ready this year when she goes home from work to an apartment full of people. The night is deemed even more successful than the year before, although Cassandra and Will never show. Emily wonders if anyone at all went to the smaller invitation-only party she heard they were throwing.
By the third year, Emily and Micah are a well established couple. Emily's apartment is beginning to feel a little small for the event, so Micah helps her rent out a local venue. As an additional surprise, he hires one of her favorite Denver music groups for the evening. "I'm not a birthday person!" exclaims Emily, when the band comes in and asks where to set up. "Who says any of this is for you?" asks Micah with a twinkle in his eye. "Gotta keep up your reputation, don't we?"
When it comes time for the fourth party, Micah and Emily are engaged and have just bought a house with enough room for everyone, provided the weather holds and the overflow can go out into the backyard. "This is the best birthday party you've had yet" says their last tipsy guest on the way out the door. Emily looks at Micah in dismay. "I know." He says, recognizing the "I'm not a birthday person!" look in her eyes. Instead Emily says, "You know, you're not a birthday person either, so how come I am the only one who has to have a party?"
The next year, Dr. and Dr. Barnes send out invitations weeks in advance to what they call the "5th Annual Hospital Party". Instead of Emily's birthday, they pick the day exactly in between Micah's birthday and Emily's birthday. Even Gina Bandari and her husband attend this year, although the renowned doctor is decidedly confused. "I still don't understand why you keep calling it 'the 5th annual party'." she says. "I know I have never been to one of these before."
At the end of year six's celebration, Micah and Emily collapse on the couch, exhausted and survey the mess. "We're going to have to do this every year for the rest of our lives, aren't we?" asks Emily ruefully.
Micah chuckles and puts an arm around her shoulders. "Probably," He replies.
"We might want to think about making some changes for next year though since there will be a new baby in the house." Says Emily, looking into Micah's eyes with a shy smile.
"Are you serious?" exclaims Micah, grinning broadly.
Emily nods her head.
"Happy non-birthday, Dr. Barnes" she says as he pulls her closer for a kiss.
"Happy non-birthday, Dr. Barnes" he says back before kissing her again.