Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns everything in the Twiverse. No copyright infringement intended.

A/N: Please see the ending Author's Note. Thank you!

Chapter 49: Adjusting to Happiness

Bella's POV

This morning, I awoke without an alarm but didn't open my eyes. The sheets were cool and crisp beside me, but I could tell I was alone.

I rolled over in bed, squinting against the light through my window. The sun, I was told last night, planned to shine all morning before disappearing behind a thick band of clouds for the remainder of the afternoon.

And I didn't mind one bit.

I arched my back beneath the blankets, enjoying the stretch in my arms and legs. I rolled my feet and hands at the ankles and wrists before collapsing back on the bed.

My hand made contact with the pillow to my right and landed on top of a folded piece of paper. Unable and unwilling to stop the smile that cracked my face, I lifted the note to my face and inhaled deeply. His cool, sweet scent filled my nose and heart to capacity, and I wondered if it were possible to die of happiness.

Happiness. A word I had never before associated with my life. A feeling that seemed to elude me at every turn. A reality, I came to understand, that was entirely possible if you believed in magic.

And vampires with special gifts.

I blinked myself more awake and opened the letter, appreciating the elegant penmanship. Everything he did was more beautiful than necessary, and my heart fluttered afresh at the notion that he only ever did it for me.

Good morning, Love.

Based on the day's activities, the boys and I thought it best to have one last snack. I should be back before you awaken, but if not, I shan't be long.

Esme insists on you going to the main house for breakfast. Resisting her is futile, so we should make our way there by 10. This will give her ample time to spoil you before we need to go.

You are so beautiful, even in slumber. I could stand here and watch you forever, but the sooner I leave, the sooner I can return. Thus I must go.

But do look after my heart – I've left it with you.

~ E.

I ran my eyes over the note once more, savoring each word. Another fit of glee overtook me, and I pressed the page to my bare chest as if searing his love into my heart.

Happiness.

Contentment.

Satisfaction.

Was this really my life now?

I glanced at the clock and found it was still early. I didn't know what time Edward left this morning, but I chose to take advantage of this rare opportunity to have the bathroom to myself. He swore he didn't care about morning breath or that sticky white crud in my eye—proving beyond a shadow of a doubt just how biased he was—but I did. And as much as I longed to hug the sheets and get drunk off his scent, I could not resist the opportunity to beautify myself without his superhuman scenes around. Kissing the note before laying it on the side table, I threw off the covers and padded to the bathroom.

I loved being back in our cottage. Though I appreciated Esme's gift of our basement dwellings, after a few weeks of being there, it just didn't feel right. Even though we only used it as a bedroom, that was precisely the problem. Any time we headed downstairs, no matter how stealthily, Emmett never missed it.

"Heading off to bed, are we?" he'd crow, dodging the expected whack from his wife's right hand. I'd blush in spite of myself which would make him say something even worse, and whatever discretion we tried to employ was lost.

Emmett's foolery aside, we liked having our own space. When the Whitlocks and McCarty's protested the move—out of a touching desire to have the family under one roof—Carlisle reminded them that when they were newlyweds, they also took some time to be alone.

"Some longer than others," he'd said with a glance at Emmett.

We usually came home on weekends… and holidays… and for the occasional midweek treat Esme couldn't resist making me. But for the most part, we lived as a real couple.

A real married couple with all the relevant benefits and privileges.

I flicked the bathroom light on and studied my reflection in the wall-to-wall mirror. Even after six months of marriage, I could not believe this was real. Every morning, I half expected to wake up and find myself back in my old bed in Phoenix, realizing this was all a dream.

And Edward would see and know, because he knew me that well, and he'd take me in his arms, kiss the top of my head, and say, "Still here. And I'm never going anywhere."

I angled my head to one side and ran a hand down my throat, checking for hickeys. Edward was always careful not to leave any traces of his amorous attention, but we had to be sure.

Especially today. The last thing I wanted was all eyes on my neck.

Seeing nothing, I remembered all the ways Edward had loved me last night. We both knew today would be big, difficult in a way, but I hadn't been prepared for the emotions that hit me.

It started after dinner when I was sitting on the kitchen counter. Though every night I insisted on being allowed to clean the kitchen, as my days of needing one were numbered, every night Edward insisted between Charlie and Renee, I'd washed enough dishes for both our lifetimes. I always protested, not wanting to feel like a kept woman. But every time he rolled up his sleeves to reveal his smooth, toned arms, my objections disappeared. The Women's Movement certainly had its perks.

I sat on the counter and glanced at the wall calendar. "Tomorrow's the day."

"Yes." He set the plate in the drying rack. "How do you feel about that?"

"Nervous. Nauseous." I met his eyes as he turned to face me. "Is that wrong?"

He'd dried his hands without my notice, so they were nothing but kind as they reached for mine. "Nothing you feel is wrong. This is a huge step."

"I know, and I know this has to happen, how important this is. But…"

"What?"

I swallowed hard, avoiding his eyes. "What if I trip when I reach for my diploma?"

"You won't." He smiled my favorite smile, stealing my breath. "You're a Cullen now, remember?"

"But you and Alice will walk before me," I insisted. "So you won't be there to catch me if I fall."

His eyes darkened as his protective instincts flared to life. "I will always catch you if you fall. Besides, I took care of that."

"How?"

"I put industrial-strength grip pads on the bottom of those death traps you call shoes."

"Are they clear?"

His hand flew to his mouth. "You're as bad as she is!"

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. "I resent that." I slid my foot along his leg as I wrapped it around his hips. "Even though I don't hear you complaining."

Edward gripped the back of my thigh and pulled me toward the counter's edge, his nose skimming my jawline. "Not a bit."

"Edward?"

He inhaled. "Yes, love?"

"You never answered my question about the pads on my shoes."

He lifted his head. "Definitely as bad as Alice. And yes, they're clear."

"Thank you." I kissed him softly, my fears somewhat abated. "So you think it will be all right?"

He nodded, tucking an errant curl behind my ear. "Though I know you could walk across ice in sky-high heels without falling, so you're not really worried about your shoes."

"For someone who can't read my mind, you always seem to know what's on it."

"You're my favorite subject, and I'm an overachiever." He kissed my nose. "And as your husband, it is my duty to know when something bothers you." He lifted my chin, smoldering eyes holding mine. "Will you tell me?"

I forced my eyes shut. "Stop dazzling me."

"Stop hiding from me."

His gentle pleading caressed my soul, and after a moment, I opened my eyes. "I know this won't be the only time I'll graduate from high school. But…" I expected him to interrupt, but he didn't. "…this is the only time Charlie will see me."

"Ah."

"And it's not that I'm not grateful for what you and Rose did because I am. So deeply grateful. But it's strange to know I'm going to outlive him… when he doesn't know."

Edward gathered me in his arms, pressing my head against his chest. I didn't realize I was crying until I tasted tears on my tongue. "Why didn't you tell me I was PMS-ing?" I mumbled into his shirt. "I know you can tell."

He chuckled into my hair. "You don't like it when I point that out."

I wiped my face with my sleeve. "Am I being irrational?"

"Bella, nothing you feel is irrational. You are the only one of us, the only person I know who has ever chosen this life with her eyes open. None of us had the chance to mourned our humanity while we lived or knew we were having our last meal, last night's sleep, or last conversation with a loved one."

"Which makes your situations harder."

"Not harder," he insisted. "Different. You are walking an unprecedented path into immortality, so give yourself the freedom to feel whatever comes. No matter what it is, I'll be right here."

I sniffled and blinked, feeling slightly less foolish.

"Besides," he said, "I think Charlie's latter years will be the best of his life."

I pulled back. "I see you're not done teasing him."

"I can't help it," he grinned. "He's such an easy target."

"Well, Madeleine doesn't deserve it, so if you must rib my father, kindly leave her out of it." His cheeks twitched in defiance, and I rolled my eyes. "I honestly don't understand why he lets you get away with it."

Edward's eyes wandered, alight with mischief.

"And you still won't tell me why?"

"A man's gotta have his secrets, Bella. Can't let the little woman in on everything."

"Little woman?" I cinched both legs around his waist and pulled him toward me. "I'll show you what this 'little woman' is made of…"

"A penny for your thoughts."

I jumped as Edward appeared behind my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I'd gotten so lost in my thoughts I hadn't heard him coming. Either that or he snuck up on me. "I've got to get you a bell."

He wrapped his arms around my waist. "A cowbell?"

I laughed, sliding a hand up his neck into his hair. "I like Christopher Walken as much as the next girl, but no, no cowbell."

He rocked us side to side, turning his face to kiss the inside of my wrist. "What were you thinking about just now?"

I closed my eyes, reveling in the feel of him. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I have ways of finding out." His lips left my arm and began their descent from my jawline to my throat.

I shivered, fighting to keep my voice even. "What makes you think I'll give in?"

"I can be very persuasive." He nibbled the delicate skin beneath my ear. "And I have a distinct advantage."

I bit my lip to keep from moaning. "And what's that?"

In the mirror I watched his hands slide over my bare stomach turning at the wrist to cup my breasts. "You want me to know."

I leaned my head back against his chest as his fingers explored mine, breathing in his scent. "You know what I really want?" I murmured.

He bent his ear to my mouth. "Tell me."

"Edward…" I flicked his earlobe with the tip of my tongue, and he squeezed my breasts in response. "I want you to take a shower. You smell like pine and elk."

His head lifted, eyes wide with surprise. "Vixen."

"Don't pout, love." I wiggled out of his loosening embrace and sashayed toward the frosted glass door. "I never said you had to shower alone."

"A fine distinction."

"But I would appreciate you burning those clothes." I made a show of wrinkling my nose. "Not even extra-strength Downy could stifle that stench."

Edward paused in his disrobing and lifted his t-shirt to his face. Watching him wonder how I smelled something he didn't cracked my façade, and I fell into a giggling fit.

His sharp eyes darted to mine in the mirror, and I clamped a hand over my mouth. Tossing the shirt onto the floor, he arched an eyebrow. "You'll pay for that, Mrs. Cullen."

—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—

Though Esme had learned not to make enough food for the entire state of Washington, she still insisted upon every meal being five-star quality. By the time I finished my coffee and dish of seasonal fruit, I barely had room for the main course.

Not that I ever ate less than half of it.

"Esme, I swear." I speared another forkful of her bacon mushroom crepes. "If you keep cooking like this, I might delay my change another six months."

Various gasps of dissension were punctuated by Rosalie's "You'd better not" as Esme's hand flew to her chest. "Why ever would you say something like that?"

"It was supposed to be a compliment." I chewed and swallowed as quickly as my jaws would allow. "About how good the food is."

"Oh." She looked down, somewhat mollified. "Well, thank you."

"There will be no more delays," Edward came to stand at my side, the finality in his tone making my heart sing. "I have waited for you long enough."

"About time you saw reason," Jasper added from the living room. "If you hadn't agreed to change her, there was…"

"Bella, are you excited about the graduation party tonight?" Alice chirped with a stern look at her husband.

"Hold on." Edward turned to Alice. "What was he going to say?"

"Don't you know?" Rosalie inspected her perfect curls for the fourth time since my arrival. "Or has all that sex affected your gift?"

"I can't see the future, Rose." He side-stepped her comment though I could tell it pleased him. "You have my gift confused with the sprite's."

"No." She frowned at her reflection, though I could not imagine why. "But you should have heard his thoughts as he was speaking. Am I right?"

They stared at each other, these two people I loved so much, and the corner of Edward's mouth lifted. "Touché, Mrs. McCarty." She turned back to the mirror, an answering smile on her face.

"But that doesn't answer my question," Edward said as Carlisle came out of his office. "What is he hiding?"

"Oh, for pity's sake!" Alice rolled her eyes. "It's not like it matters now."

"If he was about to say what I think he was about to say," Edward said. "I think it matters a lot."

"You'd think with all the sex he's having, he wouldn't be so cranky."

"Shut up, Emmett."

"I'm just sayin! Sex releases endorphins which make you happier, and if Bella isn't…"

"Leave me out of this." I reached for my cranberry juice. "I just wanted breakfast."

Carlisle kissed his bride's cheek, his eyebrows raised. She waved her hand at their children, and he nodded. Their silent exchanges always tickled me.

"Fine!" Jasper threw down the controller. "If you hadn't agreed to change Bella, there was a plan in place."

"What sort of plan?" Edward growled.

"I was going to do it myself."

I spit out my red juice all over Esme's white tablecloth. "What?"

"Edward could not live without you," Jasper continued. "He barely survived your break up. So we figured that…"

"Who's we?" Edward asked in a voice so low I barely heard it.

"All of us." Emmett stepped forward. "We couldn't watch you go through that again, Bro. That night after she dumped you… Jasper almost lost his shit."

"Emmett…" Esme said.

"Sorry, but it's true. Once you got back together, we formed the plan."

"Then Bella said she wasn't sure about changing," Alice said. "And that threw everything off."

Edward turned to her. "That's what you meant about not being able to see her future. You couldn't see if Jasper biting her would work."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Alice glanced at me. "But we had to do something. You were both falling apart, and we couldn't let that stand."

"Besides," Rosalie had fixed her hair into a system of elaborate French twists, finally earning her approval. "There's no way he would have gone through with it."

"I have the control to do it," Jasper said.

"Of course you do, and you would have held up your end, but Edward wouldn't have let you." She walked over to Emmett, slipping her arm through his. "Not when he's strong enough to do it himself."

I appreciated Rosalie's kind words, but I was waiting for Edward's reaction to it all. I reached behind me for his hand, and he linked our fingers, sighing loudly.

"I should be angry that you plotted something so serious without me." He looked at each of his siblings. "But you loved me enough to risk my wrath in order to give me what I needed. And for that, I thank you."

An intense but warm silence fell as the magnitude of his words sank in. Alice looked as if she might cry, and Esme fared no better. I smiled at my immortal family, content beyond all measure. If I needed to learn anything after my change, it was how to adjust to so much happiness.

"All right." Rosalie clapped her hands. "We're supposed to cry after the graduation not before. Alice, go change because you wouldn't dare wear that beneath a yellow robe. Bella, let's find you something dry in your old closet."

I nodded to Rosalie and dabbed at my mouth with the provided napkin. As I came to my feet, Edward's finger glided down my neck, stopping at my pulse point. "A kiss marks the spot."

I tilted my neck to one side as the room conspicuously cleared. "Right there?"

He rested his thumb against my pulse, closing his eyes as if entranced. "Exactly there."

His husky tone made me shiver. "But you won't tell me when?"

"I think we'll know when." Kind eyes smiled at me, soothing my rising nerves. "The moment will come, and we'll seize it together."

"You promise it will be…"

"Before September 13th?" He kissed my forehead. "Yes."

I sighed, expelling most of my worries. "Can you also promise I'll get through this graduation without Renee embarrassing me?"

Edward laughed and led me toward the stairs. "There are some things even vampires can't do."

—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—o—

To her credit, Renee only did three cringe-worthy things.

She waited for me in the Forks High parking lot, insisting on seeing me before I went in. Taking my hands and glancing at Edward, she said, "I wanted to see if you look different. You know, now that you're sexually active."

I thought my husband was going to pass out.

Then as we filed into the auditorium, she managed to overpower the graduation march with, "Edward, hold Bella's hand so she doesn't fall."

Emmett's guffaws were unmistakable. "Good one, Mrs. D!"

Thankfully she was too busy sobbing to speak as my post-graduation plans were announced, handing Phil damp tissues as she dabbed at her face. Charlie sat on her other side, tall and proud as I smiled at him from stage. He looked every bit as happy as I imagined on the morning of his abduction, and I swallowed a few tears at the reminder of how far he'd come.

Charlie recovered from his captivity without any trauma or residual effects. He refused my offer to stay at the house to keep an eye on him, though I think that had more to do with his embarrassment after Edward's ambush than anything else. Without saying as much, I knew Madeleine would take care of him in my absence, and I relished the thought.

What I did not relish, however, was the onslaught of questions when I returned to school that Monday. Apparently one of Charlie's nosier neighbors noticed Madeleine's car in Charlie's driveway after business hours, and put two and two together. She called her best friend and gossip Barbara Thompson, and by the time I arrived at school Monday morning, the entire town was abuzz about the Chief and the Muffin Lady.

If discussing my love life was uncomfortable, thinking about Charlie's was downright nauseating.

"How long have they been dating?" Jessica asked. "Does she stay over a lot?"

"Do you get free muffins?" Ben asked. "If so, can I get an apple strudel in your next order?"

"The real question is," Mike Newton wiggled his eyebrows, "does Charlie get free muffins?"

Edward lightly jabbed him in the arm for that one. He rubbed the tender spot for the rest of the day and didn't mention Charlie or muffins ever again.

Oddly enough, the only person who didn't ask about it was Lauren. After her display in the hallway on our first day back after New Year's, I expected all kinds of grief from her. But she kept her distance, giving me strange looks whenever I caught her eye.

"What's up with her?" I'd asked Edward later than night. "She seems weirder than usual."

"It's probably nothing," he shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about it."

People named Cullen didn't use words like "probably," especially the one who could read minds. Which meant he knew something but didn't think it was his place to tell me. I kissed his cheek, touched by his behavior toward someone who'd never spared him a kind thought. "I love you."

"Good," he replied. "Because you're stuck with me forever."

"Earth to Bella!" Alice whispered. Although she should have been in front of Edward, she'd somehow come to stand on my other side. "It's almost time for the tribute."

I brought myself out of my trace and focused on Jessica who was standing at the podium.

"This year, I was fortunate enough to be named Class Valedictorian." There was some applause from the crowd that quickly simmered as Jessica held up her hand. "But I know, as we all do, that someone else deserved this honor and would have earned it given the chance. So instead of a boring speech no one will remember, the entire graduating class and I prepared this instead."

Jessica nodded to the faculty who stood by the windows, and they closed the curtains. Edward kissed my cheek and walked to the piano in front of the stage while we reached beneath our seats and pulled out white battery-operated taper candles. As the projector came to life, he began to play softly.

"This is for you, Brittany," Jessica said. "The brightest of us all."

Alice reached for my hand with her free one as the slide show tribute to Brittany Young began. There were photos from her time at Forks High and candids from her childhood. Students and staff alike shared favorite anecdotes and memories, and when Angela appeared on screen reminiscing about our weekend at her house, I could not hold back my tears.

I bit my bottom lip to stifle the sound and heard the shift in Edward's playing. No one else noticed the few bars of my lullaby, but I did.

"Thank you," I whispered.

When I cleared my eyes, the screen bore the image of the entire Forks High body standing on the football field spelling out Brittany's initials, crying out "We love you, Brittany!" The final screen shot was her graduation photo, taken two days before she died, her smile as optimistic as ever.

As a rich, respectful applause filled the room, the curtains opened once more. Jessica dabbed at her eyes and looked over the crowd. "Brittany's legacy will live on in each of us, and for that, we are grateful. But we wanted to do something more permanent, make a definitive mark in her name, and we believe we have done just that. Mrs. Young, would you come forward, please?"

With her sister Bonnie at her side, Mrs. Young walked up the stairs to the stage. She had gone to stay with her parents in Minneapolis after the New Year but promised to return to receive Brittany's honorary diploma.

Jessica hugged the sniffling woman when she reached the podium, and I gripped Alice's hand even tighter.

"Mrs. Young, on behalf of the entire town of Forks, we would like to give you Brittany's diploma." Jessica paused and smiled. "And to present you with this commemorative plaque in honor of the first annual Brittany Young Scholarship for Excellence in the Arts!"

Mrs. Young's hands flew her mouth as the senior class cheered and whooped behind her.

"Each year, a scholarship of at least $2,500 will be awarded to a student who not only displays incredible artistic talent but embodies the kindness and compassion that defined your amazing daughter." Mrs. Young's tears flowed freely, but her eyes were smiling. "This year, the scholarship goes to our resident Scorsese, Ben Cheney!"

The room erupted as a stunned Ben made his way forward, then turned back to climb through the bleachers to the back row. He swept up Angela in a swirling hug to the catcalls and whistles from the senior boys before running back to the front.

"Although his documentary film Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Mice did not win the Chairman's Prize at this year's Rising Sun Film Festival in Seattle," Jessica continued when he reached her, "it did earn an honorable mention and helped secure his spot at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts."

Ben fist-pumped the air, and I spotted Mr. and Mrs. Cheney in the crowd, their faces alight with pride.

"But it was more than his cinematic creativity that made him our unanimous choice," Jessica smiled. "Ben spearheaded the effort to honor Brittany, from the slideshow tribute to coordinating the senior class rock climbing trip to Seattle. His humor and optimism helped us get through the worst of times, and as he begins the next chapter in his personal saga, we wanted to send him off with the best of our wishes. So congratulations, Ben. Don't forget us when you win your first Oscar!"

Ben folded his hands and bowed to Jessica as she handed him the envelope. Mrs. Young was the first to hug him, and he let her do so as long as needed. Principal Greene extended his hand in congratulations, but Ben called out "Up top!" and got a high-five instead.

Jessica looked to Mrs. Young in invitation, and with a glance at her sister, she stepped in front of the podium. With a trembling hand, she adjusted the microphone, and the room fell silent as we awaited her words.

"Of all the places we've lived," Mrs. Young began, "Forks was Brittany's favorite. She loved being so close to the Olympic Forest, the natural beauty of First Beach, and not having to worry about sunburn. Ever." We shared at laugh at Forks' expense. "But though she never said as much, I know the real reason she loved Forks so much. I believe it was because of all of you.

"Losing Brittany was... the words to describe it don't exist. My family's love and support helped, as did the prayers of my church. But the cards, letters, and flowers I received from the good people of Forks, just about every other day since that November day, are what kept me going. Even while I was away, Bonnie told me my leaves were raked, the icy steps salted, and my gutters cleaned. To say nothing of all this…"

She looked back at the graduates, and as I was in the front row, our eyes met. Her wistful smile made my heart ache, but I gave her my best in return. By then, Edward had rejoined us on the platform, and he pulled me closer as Mrs. Young cleared her throat.

"My heart is so full today, and thanks to you, it is full of joy. Congratulations to this year's graduating class. Wherever you go, whatever you do, the world will be a better place because of it. And thank you for cherishing Brittany almost as much as I do. I trust you with her legacy."

Jessica hugged Mrs. Young, and she was hard-pressed to step down we gave her a two-minute ovation. Bonnie escorted her off the stage and Principal Greene asked the crowd to remain standing while he distributed the diplomas.

We sped through this part of the ceremony, eager to leave after such an emotional tribute. When Rachel Zimmer crossed the stage at last, Principal Greene kept his remarks mercifully brief before saying those precious words announcing our emancipation from high school.

The crowd went wild with applause—Emmett easily the loudest—and yellow caps flew into the air. Edward shielded me from the onslaught as he ushered me off the stage and toward our waiting family.

Renee hugged me first, her grip surprisingly strong. "Oh, honey. I'm so glad you're alive!"

I should have known Mrs. Young's speech would affected her this way, and I let her blubber all over me as Phil looked on. When Renee came up for air, she wiped her face. "Well, if something happens to you now, at least you won't die a virgin."

Rosalie clamped a hand over Emmett's mouth just as Charlie turned three shades of red. His eyes darted from my face to Edward's, and if it were possible to die of embarrassment, I would have expired on the spot.

But Esme stepped forward and offered to introduce Renee to Mrs. Young just as Jasper infused us all with a sense of calm. My mother-in-law winked at me as she ushered my mother away, and I thanked God that I'd never have to face my mom without supernatural assistance.

Charlie stepped forward, clasping his hands in front of him. "I think your mother needs medication."

My mortification gave way to laughter, and I threw my arms around him. "I love you, Dad."

"Me too, kiddo." He patted my back twice. "And I'm going to speak to Phil about having her evaluated."

I was then passed from Carlisle to Jasper to Emmett who poorly disguised his lingering amusement at my mother's comment. "Can she stay with us for a while?" he guffawed. "She's a riot!"

"The last thing Bella needs is two people around who speak without thinking," Rosalie said. "Congratulations, Bella. You survived."

I glanced at Edward where he stood with my dad, sharing a private joke. "Thanks to you, among others."

"I may have given a nudge or two, but your love for Edward brought you through." Her eyes were soft but serious. "Don't let anyone take that from you."

Rosalie's high regard always surprised me, and I couldn't respond.

"And don't let Emmett give you shit either."

"Do I have your permission to whack him upside the head?"

"With the hardest thing you can find."

Emmett feigned hurt as he looked at me, and I laughed as Alice approached. "Bella, this is my favorite high school graduation so far, and it's all thanks to you!"

"You mean because our shoes are similar?"

"No, but that's a definite plus." She looked at our feet. "I knew gold would look great with these gowns!"

"Yet you chose the green ones."

She waved me off. "This is the first time we've graduated with something new and exciting to look forward to. Our little clan is gaining a permanent new member, finally completing the set. You've made our family whole, Bella, and now everything is perfect!"

Her eyes shone with joyful tears, and I threw my arms around her. "I love you too, Alice. All of you, so much."

She held me as the emotions of the day overtook me. Jasper must have gotten involved because the brimming tears never fell. But like Mrs. Young, my heart was so full of joy I thought it would burst.

"Alice is great," Edward said as he appeared at my side, "but I hope I'm still your favorite."

Alice released me, and Edward took her place in my arms. "I may not share your burgeoning shoe fetish," he continued, "but I hope my other attributes might keep me in the lead."

"Don't you worry, Mr. Cullen." I kissed him softly. "You have always been my favorite, and you always will be."

Emmett clapped Edward on the back. "And as far as your attributes go, I think…" He glanced at Rosalie. "I think you're as fine a gentleman as ever lived."

She kissed his cheek. "Good boy."

He wiggled his eyebrows. "Do I get a reward?"

"Don't push your luck."

Alice glanced at her watch as Jasper slipped his arm around her shoulders. "If we want to beat this crowd out of the parking lot," she said, "we need to leave now."

"I need to say goodbye to Renee." I spotted her a few rows away talking to Mrs. Newton, the latter looking as if she wanted to escape. When I heard the words "swingers aren't all bad," I shook my head. "On second thought, I'll see her at the party. Let's go!"

Okay, so… I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is I'm breaking my word about this being the last chapter. Graduation took waaaay longer than I expected. And as I neared the end, I felt the next section would be rushed if I added it now.

But the good news is there is one more chapter left! I don't know how long it will be or if an epilogue will be necessary when it's done, but I promise you one more chapter…

… and a surprise in the next Author's Note, so stay tuned! xoxo