I watched with a heart full of joy as Bella effortlessly interacted with her baby, clearly a natural at motherhood. As night fell, Emmett and the rest of the Cullens, except for Edward and Rosalie, had gone hunting. Jacob was sprawled out on the couch, snoring softly. Bella cradled Renesmee on her hip and made her way toward me. We hadn't had much of a chance to interact since her return but now seemed like the perfect moment.

"Hey you," Bella said warmly, drawing my attention away from the magazine I was engrossed in. "I heard about everything you did for me—and for Renesmee," she continued, her face reflecting deep gratitude.

"She needs her mother, Bella," I replied softly, my expression tender. "Seeing you on that table, lifeless—it broke me. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you, or of your daughter growing up without you," A thin smile appeared on my lips as my eyes shifted to Renesmee, who, to be honest, looked exhausted.

"How can I ever repay you?" Bella asked as if she owed me something.

I quickly shook my head. "Bella, you've given me so much," I began, my tone full of gratitude. "Your friendship, the Cullens. Emmett," I added, a smile playing on my lips as I said his name, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have met him. "I did what I did out of love. The things you've given me are payment enough," My voice softened as I gazed into her crimson eyes. My mind flashed back to Victoria whose eyes were only filled with hate and a lust for blood. But Bella's eyes held only compassion and care.

Bella's expression softened, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "I'm glad you're part of this family," she said warmly. Renesmee let out a small coo, drawing our attention. I smiled at her, feeling a surge of affection.

"I wouldn't trade any of this for the world," I replied, my voice tender. "Maybe Jake's snoring," I suggested, giving her a pointed look. We both erupted into soft laughter. "Happy belated birthday, by the way," I added, offering her a small smile. She nodded, her own smile wide, and wandered back over to Edward at the window. Together, they stared out, waiting for the others to return.

I made my way into the kitchen, feeling a bit peckish, and decided to grab a light snack. Since I had been staying here for the past few weeks, the fridge was also stocked with food for me and Jacob.

As I finished eating, I heard Alice's voice, signalling that she and the rest of the group were back. With her return, I knew she would soon be revealing Bella's surprise. I walked back into the living room and saw Alice, Bella, and Edward heading out through the balcony they had just used to come in.

"Speaking of birthdays," Esme's motherly voice resonated through the room, capturing everyone's attention. "I believe it will soon be yours, Charlotte," she remarked, her eyes meeting mine.

"Yeah," I said with a soft chuckle, "I'll be turning eighteen. My Grams and I usually spend the day baking my cake, shopping, and going for food," I reminisced, thinking of the past birthdays we had shared.

"We can throw you an awesome party," Emmett declared, his voice booming as he approached with a wide grin. "Or I could take you out?" He raised an eyebrow, offering me an alternative.

"I'm not sure," I admitted honestly, considering it was still two months away. "We have time to figure it out," I said with a chuckle, and he nodded in agreement before leaning down to place a gentle kiss on my lips.

"We need to discuss something," Carlisle's voice reached my ears, drawing my attention to him. Jacob and Rosalie had taken Renesmee elsewhere. "Once people believe Bella is dead, we can't risk anyone seeing her. We'll need to relocate," Carlisle said, and my heart sank instantly, mirrored by the look on my face. "We were wondering if you would like to join us," he added with a soft smile. My heart, once heavy, now leapt with joy and excitement.

"You want me to come with you?" I asked, my voice tinged with surprise at their invitation.

"You are a part of this family," Esme said warmly, her words making my heart swell even more. "You're a part of our lives," she continued, her tone matter-of-fact.

"You're a part of me," Emmett said warmly, gently taking my hands in his and guiding me to face him.

"You big softie," I teased, a smile spreading across my face. I slipped my hands from his and wrapped them around his neck, pulling him in. Our lips met again, and passion filled the space between us.

"Yes," I murmured between our kisses. "Of course I will." I chuckled against his lips, feeling his wide smile at my answer. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around me, lifting me effortlessly into the air and spinning us around. I laughed at his playfulness, the joy between us palpable.

I could see the joy radiating from his eyes, the warmth of his smile lighting up his entire face. In that moment, he was genuinely, undeniably happy, and it made my heart swell with love.

...................

My hand felt small within his large grasp as he guided me through the forest. I instantly knew where he was taking me: to the meadow I had created. Along the way, he was smiling like a goof, which made me smile too. He was over the moon with my decision to join them.

"You do know it's nearly midnight?" I questioned with a soft chuckle as he continued to pull me along.

"Midnight? Perfect time for you then," Emmett replied with a playful grin, indicating to witches gathering at the witching hour.

"I do my best work during the day, thank you," I retorted with a grin. But before he could reply with his own playful comment, we arrived at the meadow. Even under the moonlight, it was a stunning sight, though not as bright and colourful as during the day.

We wove through a sea of vibrant flowers, each with its own unique colour and fragrance until we reached the heart of the meadow. There, spread out on the soft grass, were blankets and pillows arranged in a cosy. A plush duvet lay elegantly over the top, hinting at a comfortable evening ahead. My expression softened as I took in the sight, noticing several tall candles positioned around the area, their wicks waiting to be lit.

"Did you plan this?" I asked, my eyebrows knitting together as I turned to face him.

"I might have had a little help," Emmett replied sheepishly. Before I could say another word, he moved in a blur, and within moments, all the candles around us were lit, casting a warm glow over the meadow. He held a single rose in his hand, extending it toward me with a gentle smile.

"Aw, Emmett," I said sweetly, touched by his effort. I stepped closer, taking the rose from his hand and bringing it to my nose to inhale its sweet scent. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble," I said, my eyes shifting to the pillows and blankets.

"I wanted to," he murmured softly, gripping my waist and pulling me close. My hands rested against the solid expanse of his chest, careful not to crush the rose. "How else should I treat my girl?" he asked, his voice low and deep, a boyish grin spreading across his face. His words made my knees go weak, and my cheeks blush.

"By being exactly who you are," I whispered, my voice smooth, as I looked deeply into his golden eyes, which always drew me in. "You've given me so much in such a short time, and I want to thank you for that," I said softly, my eyes never leaving his as he absorbed my heartfelt words.

"You're the one who's given me so much," Emmett responded, his voice smooth in the open air, making my expression soften. "After things didn't work out with Rosalie, I thought I'd be alone for the rest of my life... But then," he paused, searching my face as if admiring my beauty. "You came into my life all shy and adorable, and I just had to get to know you. And I did. Now, we get to spend the rest of your life together." He smiled softly at me, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes, despite his best efforts to hide it. The corners of his mouth lifted, but the slight furrow in his brow betrayed the depth of his feelings. His gaze lingered on mine, filled with unspoken emotions that tugged at my heart.

"What a life it will be with you by my side," I whispered softly, leaning up to brush my lips over his before pressing them gently against his. Emmett deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth with a lingering intensity. I moaned softly against his lips, lost in the sensation.

Emmett and I sank onto the blankets, our kiss unbroken as I settled myself over him. The rose slipped from my grasp and fell to the ground as my hands eagerly tangled in his hair. I was picking up right where we had left off, our connection deepening.

****************