After my appointment, Emmett and I return to the hotel to finish packing so we can go home. We brought a lot but also accumulated so much more. I managed to put on a few pounds over the last three months, so Alice considered it her mission to buy me almost an entirely new wardrobe.
Emmett loads the cart with our bags as Edward comes into the suite.
"I'm no longer your doctor," he says with a grin. He wraps his arms around me, picking me up off the ground while swinging me around. Placing me back on my feet, he kisses me deeply. "I told Dr. Callahan that I've grown too close to you, and it wouldn't be right for me to continue to care for you as a physician. He understood but seemed to have known it was coming."
I crease my brow. "But it's not like he'll report anything, right?"
He shakes his head. "No, he just wished me luck and told me he'd love my help again someday. I had to break it to him that you're my last transplant."
"We're free." I grin.
"About fucking time," Emmett says with a smile. "I'm happy for you both."
I leave Edward's arms for Emmett's, hugging my big brother tightly. "Thank you for not being a dick anymore."
He chuckles. "I could have been worse, but you're welcome. I'm just glad you're happy and healthy. Now, let's get the fuck out of here."
And so we do.
Edward has a few things to finish up, so Emmett and I head out together. I feel amazing as we drive home, and I can't wait to see everyone. Since Emmett limited visits—to keep me from catching anything—it's been about a month since I saw anyone. I have no doubt everyone will be waiting for us, and I'm excited. But the first thing I need to do is see my cat.
When we arrived, I wasn't surprised to see the whole family on our front lawn, including Rose and Ben. There's a sign held up by Jared and Jacob reading, "Congratulations on your new heart," which I find sweet.
"So, you threw a surprise party for me?" I ask, and Emmett laughs.
"I didn't, but everyone else thought it was a good idea. Are you up for it?"
I nod. "Sure, as long as my cat is home too."
"Hamilton's home but probably hiding from all the people."
"He'll come out for me. I'm sure he's missed his momma."
"I'm sure he has," Emmett says, turning the Jeep off and unbuckling his seat belt. He quickly comes around and opens my door, helping me out.
I'm overrun by little Cullens. Seth, Jacob, and Jared hug me tightly, and I relish the feeling. These boys mean the world to me, and now I won't hurt them. They don't have to watch their aunt die, and I'm so happy.
"I love you all so much," I say, kissing Seth's cheek since he stands at my height. Then I lean down, kissing both Jacob and Jared. "You all have grown so much since I last saw you!"
It's insane what's happened in my absence. Jacob is getting close to Seth's height, and my little Jared isn't so little anymore. These kids had growth spurts in the last couple months. Even Ben seems taller when I hug him.
"What are these boys eating?" I ask with a laugh. "They've all grown!"
Rose nods. "It's just wrong, isn't it? Ben is three inches taller than he was in the fall."
"Seth is taller than me!" Alice says, embracing me tightly. "God, we've missed you, Bella."
I'm passed to Jasper next, and he swings me around. "You look good, kid."
I smile, nodding. "I feel good."
"We're so thankful you do," Carlisle says, hugging me next. "I've missed you, munchkin."
"I've missed you too."
"Don't let us run you ragged, but I couldn't help having a get-together for your homecoming," Esme says, wrapping her arms around me. "I'm so happy for you, Bella."
I nod. "I'm pretty happy myself. Thank you all for coming, but there's another thing I've missed. Is Hamilton inside?"
Jasper and Alice nod. "He was pretty happy to finally come home. He ran straight to your room."
While they fill the living room and kitchen, I go upstairs and find my cat. He's asleep on my bed but wakes up and happily purrs when I pet his little, fluffy head. I quickly scoop him up and give him kisses, which he tolerates as I give him all my love.
"I'm home now, Hammy," I say, kissing his cute little head again. "You're such a pretty boy, aren't you?"
He meows and nudges his head against my chin.
Fuck, I am so happy to be home.
Thanks to May, Nole, Brier, and for prereading and Sally and Fran for Beta'ing.
If you follow me on Facebook you know I'm taking a break from social media. I was going to break from the fandom but I got a review yesterday telling me I've abandoned you guys. I don't want it to feel like that to anyone. I'm taking a mental health break right now and dealing with some shit. I'll try to update, though. Thank you for sticking with me.
