Once Edward leaves, I take a shower and decide to head over to the house. I also want to stop at the bakery and ask about full-time employment. This new heart has given me a new life, and I'm thankful for it daily.

I feel alive again, and it's the best, most indescribable feeling.

"I'll be back, Hammy," I say, scratching under his chin before grabbing my keys and wallet.

I head out to the Jeep and make the drive to the house. I really need to give Emmett back his car, and while I have savings from Mom and Dad's life insurance, it doesn't feel smart to buy a new car unless I have a full-time job. I hope Sue can bring me in more. I'm ready for complete independence again.

When I pull into the drive, it's not long before Emmett comes out to greet me. He opens my door, holding his hand out to help me.

"I didn't expect to see you today," he says. "Figured you'd still be cuddled up in that damn love shack."

"It's a cabin," I protest with a laugh.

"Same difference. Come on in."

I follow him up the steps and into the house, which I realize no longer feels like home. It'll always be home but not like it was before. I don't live here anymore. I can't believe I didn't realize Edward had me move in without actually asking me.

I'm nervous as we settle into the living room, and I bite my lip.

Emmett laughs, sitting forward. "I know when you need to tell me something, Bells. So, did he propose without asking me first?"

I shake my head. "What? No. I don't think we're quite there yet. But, uh … he did ask me something else."

"Let me guess. You're moving out."

I cock my head. "How did you know?"

He laughs. "You took your damn cat! I knew the second you left, you were gone, and I'll be honest, it shook me up at first. But then I realized this is how it's supposed to be. You're not a fragile baby bird anymore. It's time for you to fly out of the nest. I'm honestly happy for you, Bella. I trust Edward to take care of you."

Tears fill my eyes as I spring forward and wrap my arms around his neck. "I was so afraid you'd be upset."

He smiles, wiping my tears. "I'm proud of how far you've come. It's actually a relief that you're with Edward. He knows how to take care of you better than even I can. If it were anyone else, I probably would be a little more nervous, but he's a good man. You chose well, Bells."

"Thank you." I sniffle. "I know you're not home much anymore, but it's still a big change."

He nods. "It is, but it's time. And you're right. I spend most of my nights with Rose now. This will always be your home though. You can come back anytime, and if you ever knock, I'll be pissed."

I laugh softly and nod. "I guess I should finish packing then, huh?"

He stands with me, putting his arm over my shoulder. "I'll help."

We spend the next few hours packing up my room entirely. It's only seven boxes, which all fit in the Jeep. We find things from our childhood and tell stories about them, like my doll. I've had it since I was six and stopped playing with it around nine when Mom and Dad died. I kept it and still can't part with it.

Then there are also the photo albums. We look at each picture in awe. Emmett has always been an excellent big brother. From helping me blow out candles to fixing my toys, he was always there for me. He was a teen when I came along, but he embraced the big brother part instead of shying away from it. It didn't matter that he was over a decade older than me. He loved having a little sister, and I adored having a big brother.

"Thank you for raising me," I say as we tape up the last box.

"You're my world, Bells. Raising you was an honor."

I truly am blessed.

Thanks to May, Nole, Brier, and for prereading and Sally and Fran for Beta'ing.