Fifty-Six

B

Edward wasn't kidding when he said everyone was coming. They start arriving the night before my actual birthday. First, my parents, and then Rose, Emmett, and Alice and Jasper with Jack Jack. They carpooled from Seattle to save on gas. While they are off getting settled in their rooms, Angela and Lauren arrive, towing Ben and a huge surprise.

"Seth!" I exclaim when his lanky body crawls out of Angela's compact sedan.

I officially met Ben's better half a couple weeks after he crashed eighties night. He's a really good guy despite the fact that he tried to force my friend into doing something he wasn't ready for. His heart was in the right place, and Ben assured me that all has been forgiven.

"Surprise, baby cakes," Seth greets and wraps me in a hug so he can whisper in my ear. "This was all his idea, and he's nervous as all get out."

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Edward staring in confusion. Ben drops his duffle and takes Seth's hand in his. With his head held high, he makes introductions, and I'm so friggin' proud of him.

"I haven't had a chance to introduce the two of you since eighties night." He clears his throat. "Seth, this is my boss and one of my best friends, Edward. Edward, this is Seth ... my boyfriend."

Without missing a beat, Edward smiles big and shakes Seth's hand. "It's wonderful to meet you. Officially. Thank you for coming out to help us celebrate my girl."

"Thanks for having me." Seth throws his arms around Edward's neck in an enthusiastic hug. "And thank you for deciding to call Ben for that favor. For giving him an excuse to finally start planting roots."

A horn honking breaks up the love fest, and I'm surprised to see Esme and Carlisle's smiling faces.

Edward literally invited everyone who's important to me. My heart swells at his thoughtfulness. He really is perfect.

After introductions are made, Dad leads the men out back to start a fire and warm the grill while the ladies and Seth pile into the kitchen.

We're having a surf and turf feast, and seeing as tomorrow is my big day, I'm relegated to a stool at the island. My only job is to relax and keep everyone company.

I deflect questions about how we've spent the past four days, not wanting to share with Mom or Esme just how much sex Edward and I have had around the cabin. Hell, just this morning, he held me down and ate a feast of pancakes with fruit and whipped cream off my body in the exact spot Esme is prepping baked potatoes.

No. I'm not about to admit that.

Not one to sit around and let people dote on me, I figure the least I can do is make some drinks.

Edward isn't happy to see me when I step out on the back deck. He drops the kindling he was carrying to the fire pit and stomps over. "Where is your jacket?" he demands. "You're supposed to be relaxing while we set everything up."

I rub my arms and shuffle from one bare foot to the other to stay warm. "I got bored, and no one will let me help in the kitchen, so I thought I'd make drinks for everyone. I'm just here to get orders."

He shakes his head. "You aren't bartending on your birthday."

"Fine. I saw some pitchers in a cupboard. I'll make some mixed drinks, and everyone can choose what they want." I bite my bottom lip to hide the fact that my teeth are chattering. "If it'll make you happy, I won't even pour them."

Edward chuckles and tells me to get my ass in the house. "You catching pneumonia will ruin the plans I have for you."

I stop at the door and turn. "Plans?"

"Inside." He growls.

And I find it so sexy. I mean, sure, we've spent most of our alone time at the cabin naked, but my body still craves him. Not wanting to push him too far in front of our guests, I blow him a kiss and leave Edward on the back deck.

I take my time gathering the pitchers from the kitchen, and the ladies agree that whatever I throw together will be fine.

"Nothing too strong, sweet girl," Mom warns with a knowing smile, and I get nervous thinking she knows about my surprise.

The box has been burning a hole in my pocket since I grabbed it the last time I went to the bathroom.

Esme pops up next to my mom. "I think it's so sweet that Edward wants us all to stay awake until midnight."

My paranoia doubles. He never said anything about it to me. I was planning on giving it to him on my official birthday, but I figured we'd be alone in our room. Apparently not. Looks like I'm doing this in front of all our friends and family.

I make a double batch of rum runners and a pitcher of Bloody Marys and set them in the dining room before grabbing various beers. I make sure to have plenty of Edward's favorite.

Rose catches me trying to set the table and tsks, dragging me back to the stool at the island.

It doesn't take long for the food to be done, and the next couple hours pass in a blur.

As the minutes tick closer to twelve, drinks flow and a very tired Jackson is taken to bed but not before giving everyone a kiss, hug, or high five. He's such a little love bug.

Edward, having just stoked the fire, scoots in next to me on the swinging bench we're sharing. He smells like dark liquor and smoke, but I still move closer, inhaling deeply.

"A little birdy told me you technically weren't born until eleven-oh-seven AM." He hums.

"Yup."

He presses a kiss in my hair. "I'm going to wait to give you your present until it's your actual birthday."

My head snaps up. "What present? This ... this whole week has been more than enough. Tell me you can return it."

"I could. But I'm not going to."

"Edward ..."

"You deserve the world, Bella. When are you going to get that I want to give it to you?"

Not wanting to start an argument, seeing as it's minutes away from midnight, I give a heavy sigh and burrow into his side.

Alice and Jasper return from putting the baby down, and she's carrying a small cheesecake with a single lit candle.

My eyes fill with tears as I'm surrounded by friends and loved ones, singing the happy birthday song and smiling down at me.

"Make a wish, baby," Edward whispers when it grows quiet.

I take a deep breath and reach in my pocket. "I only have one wish, and that's to spend the rest of my life with you by my side." I slide off the bench, get down on one knee before him and open the ring box. "Marry me, Edward."

There's a collective gasp all around us, but my eyes don't leave his. Even when his smile drops and is replaced by a disappointed frown.

"Edward?" I stutter, nearly falling on my ass when he jumps up and stomps into the house without a word.

It's silent for a beat. I doubt anyone can hear my heart shattering into a million and one pieces.

Rejection washes over me, and I close the small box, clutching it in my shaking hands.

I sniffle and try to stand, ignoring everyone who just witnessed this epic fail of a proposal.

Tears blur my vision. My heart is pounding so loud in my ears. I don't notice Edward has returned until he's down on his knees in front of me.

"You ruined my surprise," he chokes out. "I wanted to wait until the afternoon, but you beat me."

"What?" I sob in confusion.

He grabs my left hand and presses something into my palm. "We've always been on the same page, baby. You said it yourself, we're on the same book, on the same shelf."

I look down, and the diamonds sparkle in the firelight.

"I guess we both had the same idea." Edward chuckles. "Marry me, Bella."