I am so glad you all enjoyed the last chapters. I hope you are all safe, warm and inside with all this crazy weather all over the place. The songs for this chapter are "Tears At The Birthday Party" by Elvis Costello, "Bella's Birthday Cake" by Five For Fighting and "Every Heart" by Boa.

BPOV/SATURDAY 13TH

The past week had been a whirlwind of meetings with new clients and dinners. The same man as last week contracted us to do this week too. He was really impressed with our work and even though it was not a huge budget he made sure we were taken care of. It was clients like this I wanted not the big budgets even though they were nice.

Angela, Ben and I had sat down earlier in the week to figure out a menu for the Cullen's. We decided on Oysters Rockefeller for a starter. Filet mignon with crab stuffed shrimp, parmesan risotto and brocolini for the main course. A simple salad would compliment it. I started in on dessert but Angela told me to let her figure that out being I was not going to be there. She also said she would do all the ordering, I though that was weird but dropped it. I apologized over and over again for bailing on them but she told me that it was my birthday and it was my time to have some fun. They both told me after the wonderful weekend at the hotel they were fine with me not being there. I was glad to hear that because I had a feeling that the business was to grow and I would count on them more and more.

I was banished out of my kitchen so they could cook. Alice had made arrangements for them to handle it all so we could have a girl day.

"Bella you ready for our day of beauty?" I groaned at her and had thoughts of spa hell from the last time.

"It will be ok. Just go with the flow today please!" She pulled me out of my kitchen and to her car. I wondered again if she was sneaking Red Bull behind my back. Damn she was strong.

We pulled up in front of the spa. We went in and were greeted with champagne. Alice told me to enjoy myself and disappeared. I decided to go for the bikini wax again. I figure if love was to come into my life I was not going to be hairy doing it. The pain was worth it though and I enjoyed a deep massage after wards. The message therapist said that my muscles were so tense that she was going to do heated rock therapy on me first. Shit those rocks were hot but man did they feel good on my tired body. I laid there for hours it seemed like and then the massage started. It was pure heaven and I never wanted it to end but it did.

I came out of my little room and was joined by Alice. We then went to get our hair and make up done. Alice told the stylist what my dress looked liked. They decided to do something soft and simple. My hair was curled and moused to death. It was pulled into a small bun at the back of my head and the rest was around my shoulders. My make up was kept simple like my hair. I was turned around and the breath flew out of my body. Everyone said I was beautiful. I noticed Alice had her hair slicked back into a sort of bob. Her make up was bolder than mine but with her dress she would be breathtaking.

We went home and slowly got dressed. I put on a black lace panty and bra set. Alice never wore nylons but with my pale skin I always did. I put on black sheer nylons and then pulled the dress carefully over my head. I put on my black Jimmy Choos that Alice bought for me last year for my birthday. There was nothing special about them other than the name but they made the outfit. I met Alice coming out of her room putting on her last shoe.

"We look fierce!! Let's go celebrate your birthday!" I noticed an envelope in her hands with her purse. I quickly grabbed my black clutch and we headed out. No sooner did we get to the door and the phone range.

"Bella I am so glad to catch you! Ben hurt his hand and I need your help for just a little while." I told her I would be right there.

Disappointment took over my face but Alice said it was ok. We could postpone dinner for a little while and not to worry. She would join us and then we would leave from there. We carefully went across the lawn and saw that Angela had the van packed. I gave her the address that Esme had given me and told her we would follow.

None of us had been to the Cullen's house before. I knew that they had it built earlier on in their marriage but Esme had it totally redone a few years back. I noticed Angela pull into a long driveway. It was lined with white lights and they illuminated the gardens in front. The house was two stories and not huge but bigger than what I thought it would be. The double front door was simple but made the house stand out. On each side of the doors were spiraling trees. It was so austere but elegant. A waiter came out and helped Angela take out what we had brought. He showed her the side door to the kitchen and I went to join them. I was stopped though as he told me to go through the front door. What the hell was going on?

We knocked on the door and a woman answered. She let us in and took our coats. I saw Carlisle and Esme come down the sweeping spiral staircase.

"Bella we are so sorry for this. Angela called us in a panic. We did not mean to spoil your night out with Alice. Before we let you get to work we would like you to meet our guests. "Esme hugged me as did Carlisle.

Esme was in a simple black dress adorned with a diamond heart necklace. It was sparkled beautifully around her neck. Carlisle snaked his hand around her waist. He was dressed in a black suit and reminded me of the boys. We followed them into the living room just as the Oysters were being served.

I saw Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett and Edward all standing there. I knew who they were but where were the Japanese dignitaries?

"Surprise Bella and Happy Birthday!" I then realized that there was a banner behind them saying the exact thing! I just stood there with my mouth open not knowing what to say. I was not expecting this at all.

"HUH! What? You are not Japanese! Alice just what the hell did you do?!" I turned around and looked at my beautiful friend.

"Bella I did not do this. It was all them." She waved her hand at everyone. They all laughed at me and I realized that I had been duped but what a wonderful dupe at that.

I sat on the couch as they told me how they pulled it off. It was quite funny if you ask me. I finally saw what the room looked like. The living room was in colors of green, yellow and crème. It was very French but had touches of their family all over the place. A family portrait was over the fire place and I could tell there were mementos from all the trips they took. Carlisle popped open a bottle of champagne and we enjoyed the oysters. Rosalie abstained but said she looked forward to dinner. Esme showed me the rest of the house. In back what was a huge porch but Esme had it walled in to make a music room of sorts. There was a black grand piano at one end with family pictures on it. I gasped as I saw a string quartet tucked next to it. They did this all for me and I loved them for it.

"Bella dinner is ready." Esme's soft voice called behind me and I joined her. We all strolled into the dinning room. Again I could tell Esme put her touch on it but the table said Alice.

The table was round so we all could sit around and talk. Everything was in the colors of black and white. In the center was a low lying center piece of Blue Roses my favorite flower. Only Alice knew that well so did someone else but they did not need to know that. I saw Carlisle pull out Esme's chair for her. Emmett did the same as did Jasper. I went to pull out my chair and Edward did it for me. He pulled out his chair and sat next to me. I was not sure of my placement but I was not going to let that ruin my night.

The waiter brought out the salad and bread. It was not very complex as I wanted the main meal to stand out. I thought I was cooking for Japanese dignitaries. Emmett and Rosalie talked about how house hunting was going. They had looked at several but had not found the perfect one yet. The waiter brought out the main meal.

"Is Angela still here?" I wanted to thank her too for keeping this a surprise no wonder she wanted so much control.

"No our staff can handle it so we made her go back home. She said to enjoy your night and it was her pleasure." Esme replied as she started cutting her filet.

"This is wonderful Bella. Everything is just so delicious." Carlisle replied as he enjoyed the shrimp.

"I just thought that your guests would enjoy seafood I never knew I would be the one eating it with you!" They all laughed at me. I noticed Edward's laugh as it was like music to the ears.

The quartet played quietly in the background. It was nice to hear something that did not drown out the conversation. We talked about how business was going and how theirs was going. Everyone enjoyed the meal especially me. They asked me what was coming up in the next couple of months. I told them Alice and I were doing the Aids walk like we always did.

"You partake in the Aids walk? We always do that as a family! Funny we have not seen you there." Emmett placed her hand in his and kissed her knuckles.

"Wait a minute you were the blond in the daisy dukes last year?" Alice pointed her fork at her.

"Yes that was me and that won't be happening this year." We all laughed at her blush. I remember how Alice and I talked about the blond bombshell with the hotties. Alice told them that story and I blushed. Who would have thought we would be friends after that.

"Present time!!" Alice was bouncing up and down in her seat. We all laughed at her and then I got serious.

"This is no laughing matter. There is nothing more than Alice loving shopping and planning a party. She loves getting gifts more. Jasper be afraid be very afraid." I pointed my fork at him. They all laughed and I joined in but I was serious though.

"Alice I said no presents! I give up….this is a battle I have yet to win. You win!" She clapped in her seat. The waiter cleared the table and went back into the kitchen I saw Esme get up and follow them. Something was up but I did not know what it was.

Esme came back with two small packages and set them in front of me. They were wrapped in silver with blue bows. Alice handed me an envelope and smiled at me.

"Open mine first please!" Alice looked at me with a smile on her face.

I carefully opened the envelope as to not to get a paper cut. I got enough of those at work and lemon juice was not pretty on them. I took out the card and saw a piece of paper fall out. I looked at the paper and saw the set of pans I have wanted since starting school. The company made one set a year and that made them very hard to find. These pots and pans were the best. I opened the card and saw it signed by Alice in her curvy writing, mom and dad and Mr. Xavier. I looked up at her and pulled her into a hug.

"Alice how did you get these! The waiting list is years long!"

"Mom and dad found out that you wanted them. Mr. Xavier has connections and whalla!! You now have the pots and pans of your dreams!" She kissed me on my cheek. I was lucky to have them in my life.

"Who would have thought she would get excited over pots and pans? Rose that gives me an idea for Christmas!" Emmett looked at Rose with a smirk.

"Forget it Em, the only way I would get that excited if they were encrusted in diamonds and pearls." she kissed him on his pouty lips. We all held back our laughter at that remark.

I picked up the package and carefully opened the wrapping. I saw a long black box with a name on it I did not recognize. Someone was taking pictures. I hope I did not look a mess. I opened it up and saw the most beautiful bracelet. It was gold and had small hearts dangling from it. Alice helped me put it on. I could not stop staring at it. She scooted over the next present to me and I took it in my hands. I slowly took the wrapping off and noticed it was a small box.

In that small box was a necklace with a heart. In the heart were three birthstones that I recognized. I don't know how they did it. I could carry my parents with me forever near my heart. How could I ever thank them?

"Bella are you ok?" Esme was kneeling next to me and was holding me. She handed me a Kleenex and carefully wiped my tears. She carefully put the necklace on me.

"I am ok. Can I have a moment please?" I got up and walked into the music room. I felt the bracelet dangling on my wrist and I felt the stones it the necklace. Esme was right about them always being here for me. They may not physically be here but in spirit they were leading me all the way.

"Bella are you ok?" I heard his voice behind me.

I turned around and saw him standing there. He had pain in his eyes. I hope the rest were upset as I never meant to make them feel that way. I was so grateful for everything they had done tonight. I just nodded at him. He smiled at me with his eyes twinkling at me. I realized what a gentlemen he had been all night. Something was different about him and it was nice to see. We walked back into the dinning room. Everyone looked at me and the silence was deafening.

"I am ok. Everything you all did for me tonight was memorable. I know the bracelet and necklace were too much but thank you for them. I will cherish them forever." I saw more camera flashes. Edward pulled out my chair at me and then sat down. Esme nodded at the waiter and I was happy for the chocolate fondant that was coming out. I saw a soft glow out of the corner of my eye and thought crap.

The singing started as soon as the cake came out. I could hear Alice and her beautiful voice join the rest of them. The cake was set before me and I blew the candles out. One of the candles tipped over and almost set the table on fire. Emmett was quick on his feet and put it out with Rosalie's glass of water. After all this I almost set their house ablaze. I felt a blush come over my cheeks and everyone started laughing.

"It is never a dull moment with you around Bella." Emmett smiled at me when he said it. He loved to get after me for my klutziness but deep down inside he was a protector of all things he loved.

Angela had done an outstanding job. It was a simple round cake with a blue ribbon around the bottom of it. The writing was in a beautiful scroll work. Esme handed me a cake knife and I cut each one of us a piece. I then noticed it was just like it was growing up. A white and chocolate marbled cake with peanut butter in between the layers sat before me. How did they know? Alice must have told them about it cause she was the only one that knew about it.

We all were enjoying the cake. Emmett kept smacking his lips. Rosalie said she had been craving chocolate and this fit her craving to the tee. Carlisle stood up with a champagne flute in his hand. He cleared his throat and we all put our forks down.

"Bella all of us want to wish you a happy birthday. I hope the memories from tonight last a life time. You are not only a business women but a talented, lovely girl that we all have learned to love." With that he raised his glass and everyone else joined him. Rose blushed as she raised her water glass. I lifted my glass back at them. I was lucky to have them in my life.

Carlisle took Esme's hand and they went into the music room. Emmett and Rosalie followed as did Alice and Jasper. I heard the music start and a beautiful song came out. The string quartet was playing it beautifully. I was getting out of my seat again when I heard his voice again.

"Bella would you dance with me?" I looked at him as he took my hand. We walked to the music room and joined everyone else.

I saw Carlisle and Esme looking into each other's eyes. It was so private that I looked away. Emmett never let Rosalie go. He kept touching her stomach with a smile on his lips. Alice had her shoes off and was standing on Jasper's toes. They never looked at anything else but each other.

I felt Edward's hand wrap around my waist. His other hand took my hand and we danced. I stepped on his toes a few times and blushed. He just took it all in with a smile on his face. The quartet played song after song. I did not notice that we were the only ones left dancing. He put his hand on my cheek rubbing small circles with his thumb. He put his forehead on mine and looked at me.

"Bella we need to talk. There is something I need to tell you." He paused and looked into my eyes.

"Bella it is getting late. We need to go." my head whipped around and saw Alice standing there.

I broke apart from him and gave him an awkward smile as I walked off. He was just looking at me with the look of pain in his eyes. I don't know what his intentions were but I knew what I wanted. I wanted to get to know internet guy better. Edward had been a complete gentleman tonight. I have never seen this side of him before and it was nice not to see the asshole. We got our coats on and I thanked them for everything. Edward just looked at me and walked away. What the hell did I do now? It was the damn Jekyll and Hyde persona all over again.

Alice drove us home. I was so tired but elated that they did this for me. We both headed to our rooms. I said good night and told her I would get her back one day. She stuck her tongue out at me and then giggled. I went to my room and got out of my dress. I put on my Yellow Submarine t-shirt and crawled into bed. I have not felt this great since the night I won the Food TV competition. I flipped open my lap top and hoped that he would be on. I needed someone to talk to.

Edward: I didn't expect to see you on tonight. How was the birthday?

Bella: I can't sleep as I am on a cake high right now.  My birthday was wonderful!! I was not expecting to have a surprise dinner party thrown for me. When the hostess called me she told me it was for some clients of theirs. Little did I know I helped make my own birthday dinner.

Edward: I can tell you are hyper. I am glad you had such a good time. If you don't mind me asking did you get anything special?

Bella: My best friend, her parents and another family friend got me pots and pans. I have never been so excited about cookware. The others got me a bracelet and it is just beautiful. It is gold and has hearts all around it that dangle. The other present I was not expecting was a necklace. It had a heart on it with my parents and mine birthstones on it. I have not taken either of them off.

Edward: Wow you have some generous friends. They must really think highly of you.

Bella: I am very lucky. With all that has happened I was surprised to have some new friends. Now I consider them family.

Edward: I am glad you had a great birthday. I want to know the real reason you got on late tonight. It certainly was not to tell me how great your birthday was. Spill it….

Bella: LOL you so know me. Something happened tonight that I was not expecting. One of the people I have come to known has me confused. He is a total ass to me and then can be kind. He held my chair out for me tonight. He asked me to dance and it was so nice but…….

Edward: But what….you can't leave me hanging like that. I think we know each better to at least tell each other the truth. Don't you agree?

Bella: I agree on that. I am just going to spill it and if it is not taken well then I can deal with that.

Edward: So tell me…

Bella: IAMFALLINGFORYOU…………

There I said it. I was not sure if he logged off or not cause there was nothing. I checked my instant messenger and it said he was still online. Great I scared a man I was falling for. What have I done? I am never this bold and I took a chance.

Bella: Are you there?

Edward: Yes I am here. I am trying to take in what you said.

Bella: I am sorry I should have never brought it up. We have not even met. Just ignore what I said. I need some sleep. Goodnight.

With that I logged off with tears stinging my eyes. I made a decision that night never to bring it up again if he ever talked to me again that is.