28

1:57 p.m.

"We can leave at any time," I say, looking at Bella. She rolls her eyes.

"I know, you've been saying that all afternoon," she teases. "Relax, Edward. I'm sure it'll be fine."

She reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently. Her touch calms me, and I nod.

Right, let's do this.

We climb up the front steps of my parent's house, and I head straight in, knowing they are likely out back.

Inside, I can hear laughter and music. I lead Bella through the house until we near the kitchen. Mom and her sister are sipping drinks and light-heartedly arguing over food, while outside my dad and uncle catch up at the grill. One of my cousins, Marcus is out in the yard with his wife Diana, their six-month-old in his arms while their three-year-old runs around chasing my parent's golden retriever.

It's a small but familiar crowd.

"Hey, mom," I say, starting with her. She looks up from Aunt Ellie and lights up.

"Bella! You made it!" Mom says, brushing right past me to get to her. I roll my eyes as they hug. "Oh my dear, let me introduce you around. This is my sister, Ellie," Mom says, pointing at my aunt. "This is Bella, isn't she gorgeous?"

Bella is blushing, and she glances at me, but she's firmly in my mother's grasp.

But she's worth it to go to bat for.

I try to pry her away from my mom, but oblivious to my efforts, mom drags Bella outside to introduce her around.

I'm finally able to pull her aside right before the dog and my cousin's oldest barrel into her.

There is a lot of attention on us for another minute, but then Jasper arrives with my grandparents, and we're spared further scrutiny.

"I'm so sorry," I tell Bella, pulling her away from the crowd. She looks a little dazed.

"It's fine," she says slowly. "I mean, it was a lot, but it's fine. I like meeting new people," she insists. I let out a breath.

"I've never brought anyone home," I admit. "I'm sure my family is going into shock over it."

She snickers.

"Can I get you something to drink?" I ask her. She licks her lips.

"Whatever you're having," she agrees. I nod and head inside. I keep it light with two strawberry lemonades, and when I find Bella again, she's in the midst of a conversation with my grandma.

"Here you are," I say to Bella, offering her the drink. I turn to gran. "Gran, would you care for one?"

Gran lights up. "Edward, it's so good to see you. I'd love a drink, thank you."

I offer her mine after hugging her. I head back inside to get another drink, but then get caught up talking to Marcus.

I find my eyes wandering outside several times, trying to make sure Bella is still doing okay. She's got most of my family tripping over themselves to listen to her, so I figure she's laying on the charm with them that she did with me.

It's some pretty potent shit.

At some point in the late afternoon, I feel a hand land on my back. I'm trying to wash a few dishes to keep the kitchen clean, and I look up at my mom.

"Happy Birthday," I say again to her. She smiles, reaching up to touch her necklace. Mom absolutely lost it over the pendant.

"Thank you, Sweetheart," she says, rubbing my back. "But a true gift has been getting to meet that incredible young woman," mom says, pointing to where Bella is holding tiny six-month-old Makenna while she talks to Diana. "Edward, I want to hear it from you that you aren't going to do anything to try to sabotage this relationship," Mom says, getting my attention again. I look at her and frown.

"Why would I do that?"

Mom rolls her eyes. "Because you are just like your father. Ambition over everything, even your own happiness." Her eyes narrow. "I don't want you to fall down a lonely path."

"Dad didn't," I point out, noting my dad happily talking in the living room to my uncle and cousin.

"Dad didn't because he had me," mom says, making me look back at her. "The right woman will help bring you balance." Mom raises an eyebrow at me. "And she won't let you get away with shit."

I snort and mom grins.

"Honey, I don't know if Bella is the woman who can do all that for you," she says gently. "But I like her, so don't fuck it up, okay?"

I gape at my mom in surprise. She grins, pats my back once, then heads out of the kitchen again.

I look at Bella again as my grandma joins them in conversation. She's got my whole family entertained and delighted, just as easily as she charmed me.

Maybe mom is on to something.