THANK YOU Hadley Hemingway sooooo much for taking care of this fic for us!

EPOV

Christmas was spectacular this year. It's the first one in a long time that me and Em spent it surrounded by people who made us a part of their family. And I don't mean just Bella, I mean Alice, Jasper and Rose, too.

We got together on Christmas Eve and exchanged gifts after an amazing ham dinner fixed by Alice and Bella. While getting presents ain't something I'm particularly used to, it was nice. It was also nice to have people other than Em on my shopping list this year.

Speaking of Em, we went overboard. I know we did, but he deserved it, and we deserved to be able to do it. Bella ain't ever had a kid to buy for like that, and she went wild. He got the newest system he'd been wanting and all the games to play on it. Not to mention new clothes—name brands—and shoes and even a new cell phone.

That boy was spoilt.

But it was worth every cent to see his face that morning, all bleary-eyed, opening his gifts from "Santa" sitting by the tree. After that was done, Bella insisted we settle in with blankets on the sofa while she cooked french toast. Then we all gathered 'round the coffee table and shared a relaxed breakfast together before putting on Miracle on 34th Street.

I sigh just thinking 'bout it. The whole holiday was one that me nor Em'll ever forget. Now it's New Year's Eve, and we're ramping up for a big party tonight. It's taking place at Alice and Jasper's house 'cause they got more room, but we all invited our friends.

In mine and Em's case, Mom and Pop plan on coming. This'll be their second visit since the dinner, but we felt Christmas was too personal to share, so we opted for New Year's. Charlie did make it for a few days after Christmas, but he's already went home. Gotta arrest the drunks and all that for this holiday. Apparently it's a big one for a cop.

Bella's at the main house helping Alice decorate and sent me back home to grab something she forgot. As I'm walking down the hall, I hear voices coming from Em's room. I guess him and Rose are playing in there or something. I slow my steps and stop outside the door. It's cracked just a tiny bit, allowing their voices to drift my way.

"You know we won't get to tonight, Rose," Emmett says to her. "All the grown-ups will be around."

She huffs. "I know, but surely you can figure something out. It's New Year's Eve."

I stick my head closer trying to see them through the crack.

Emmett shakes his head. "Nah, there's no way. Jasper's already givin' me the stink eye."

She crosses her arms. "What? Are you afraid of him? Alice and Bella don't seem to care, so why would he?"

He reaches over and pulls her hands down in his. "He's just tryin' to look out for ya. But I think we should do it now, just in case we don't get the chance tonight."

She looks up and gives him a small nod. "Okay, but I want it to be perfect." She sighs. "Midnight would be so romantic."

He swallows hard and reaches up, cupping her cheek. "Anythin' with you's gonna be romantic." His cheeks tinge pink, then he leans closer and touches her lips tentatively.

My legs are already moving. Pushing the door open, I enter the room. Both of 'em are so engrossed in each other's lips that they don't even notice me 'til I done grabbed Emmett's ear and am tugging him away from her.

"What in the heck do ya think you're doin'?" I yell at him, then turn to Rose. "I think you best be gettin' on home."

She scrambles up and takes off out the door. I still have Em by his ear. "Boy, what the hell was that?"

He jerks away from me. "I was just tryin' to kiss my girlfriend. I can't believe you sent Rose home like that. You was a jerk."

"Since when is she your girlfriend? You're too young for a girlfriend. And y'all are lucky sendin' her home and you gettin' a sore ear is all that happened."

"I'm not too young, and I've liked her since the first time we met in Georgia. She's my girl just like Bella is yours. Age don't matter. I don't know what your problem is. I know you had girlfriends in school." His face is red, and I don't think I've seen him look this mad at me since the time I grounded him from going to his friend's birthday party two years ago.

I want to grab him up and shake him, but instead I start talking. "First of all, it don't matter what I did or didn't do. Second, you and Rose been lyin' to us and hidin' all this. And age does matter. You're too young to understand."

He stands as tall as he can. "We wouldn't have to hide, but I knew you'd act crazy. Bella and Alice know." Then he takes a deep breath. "I love you, but I'm gonna be with Rose. I'm gonna marry that girl someday; I just know it. I don't care what you or anyone else says."

Then he walks out of his room. I want to go after him and talk some sense into him, but I know I'm too mad right now. I'll deal with him later. Maybe Jasper can help me since Em said he's giving him the stink eye.

With those thoughts I grab what Bella asked for and head back to Jasper and Alice's house. During the walk, I think about what Em said 'bout Bella and Alice knowing. By the time I get to the door, I'm even more pissed off.

Bella must hear me come in because she comes out drying her hands on a towel. "Hey, stranger. What took ya so long?"

The smile falls from her face once she sees the look on mine. "What's wrong?"

I motion over to the empty den so I can speak to her privately. I turn around and cross my arms over my chest. "Did you know Em and Rose are together?"

Her brow furrows. "Well, yeah. They're hangin' out while we all get ready."

"No, I mean together like boyfriend and girlfriend."

She actually smiles at me.

"So you did know?"

She comes over and takes my arms, uncrossing them. "Of course, baby. I don't know how you didn't see it. He's been crazy about that girl since the first time he saw her. I think it's sweet."

"It ain't sweet. They're too young and"—I blow out a breath—"they were kissin' in his room."

She giggles. "Oh, baby. It's fine. Weren't you kissin' girls by their age? As long as it's just kissin', it's okay. They like each other. Yeah, they're young, but it's not like they're gonna run off tomorrow and get married. Just relax. Let 'em have fun. We'll watch 'em a little closer and make sure they never spend any time alone together behind closed doors. Okay?"

She's right. I know it. I smile at her. "Alright, but they definitely ain't gonna be allowed to be home alone."

"That's fair. Now, tell me, how many girls had you kissed by Emmett's age?"

I know she's trying to lighten the mood. She's always good at making me feel better about anything. I hug her close. "It don't matter how many girls I kissed. All that matters is that you're the last girl I'll ever kiss."

"Charmer." I give her a kiss to remind her just how charming I can be, then we head back out to help Alice and Jasper finish things up.

~~~~~SMOKE~~~~~

The party's in full swing, and the drinks are flowing. Everybody seems to be having a good time. Well, everybody 'cept Em and Rose that is.

Rose is up on the deck, sitting in a chair in the corner. Every time I catch her eye, she blushes and turns away.

Emmett's standing in the yard, stuck in a conversation with Mom. It's obvious he'd rather be anywhere else right now. His eyes are constantly drifting toward Rose.

I kinda feel bad now.

But not bad enough to tell him. I just don't want 'em getting into things they can't get out of. I think Bella has a little more faith than me. I know what teenage boys want—I was one, and they're way too young for any of that crap.

It all starts with kissing.

I let my eyes scan the crowd. Alice is up on the karaoke stage that's been set up, performing a number, and Jasper and Bella are standing front row acting like a fangirls. It's fun to see them so light and happy and expanding their family.

I let my mind wander to those days for me and Bella. I know it'll happen, just when is the question. I'm just starting my education, and she's making a new album. We've got plenty of time to worry 'bout those things. Things I'm sure are in our future.

Marriage and babies.

An idea strikes me. I know I'm a shit singer, and all that before was embarrassing as all get out, but I love my girl, and I'd love nothing more than to show her. I head to the kitchen and find a notepad and write what I need down. Then I go back out to release Em from Mom's grasp.

Even though he's still pouting, I can tell it's relief he feels when I step into their convo. "Hey, Mom. How you and Pop been doin'?" My words have a double meaning. Yeah, I wanna know that they're doing well, but I also wanna know that they're still clean.

She smiles, and it's because she didn't expect an approach from me, which makes me feel a little bad that I have ulterior motives. "Hey, son. Thank you for invitin' us to ya party. And we're doin' good, real good."

"Well, that's good to hear. I'm happy y'all could make it up." Charlie keeps tabs on 'em for me and so far it's all been good reports. I put my hand on Em's shoulder. "Hey, bro. Can ya step over here for a minute?" I look back to Mom. "Sorry, I need to borrow him for a few. We'll talk again before ya leave, I'm sure."

I guide Em away from Mom, over to a quieter spot. "Listen, I know you're still mad at me, but you'll see one day that I'm trying to help and be a good big brother. In the meantime, I needa favor."

He looks down and kicks at a pebble. "You embarrassed me, Edward." He meets my eyes. "You coulda waited until she left and had a talk with me like normal parents do."

I consider what he's saying and nod in agreement. "I'm sorry, I guess I could've, but I was just so shocked."

"Yeah, I get that, and I'm sorry, too. I should've came to ya before now 'bout it," he says.

I reach over and hook my arm 'round his neck. "My baby bro is growin' up." Then I headlock him and give him a noogie.

He fights me off and all the earlier tension is gone. "Look, I need ya to set this up for me. I got a surprise I wanna do for Bella." I hold the note out for him to take. "Will ya get the karaoke guy to play this for me?"

He looks at the paper and then back to me with wide eyes. "You're gonna sing?"

"Yep, I figure Bella should hear it live and in person this time," I answer.

He starts cackling. Then it grows to a full-out, bent over belly laugh. "It ain't that funny." I thump him on his ear to get him to pay attention again. "Just lemme know when I'm up. Okay?"

"You got it, bro." He turns and disappears into the crowd, still chuckling to himself.

I head over to Rose and sit next to her. "Hey."

She looks at me with wide eyes. "Hey, Mr. Cullen."

Ah, shit. "Rose, please still call me Edward. Look, I'm sorry 'bout earlier. I wasn't thinkin' and I'm sorry for embarrassin' you."

She gives me a small smile. "Okay. Thanks, Edward." I give her my most charming smile and head back in. I see my mom has joined my pop now, so I go over and talk to them for a bit. They fill me in on their jobs and minor town gossip. Things are still tense, but I think we're all trying to be better. I'm just not pinning any hopes on 'em yet.

Just then Em comes running up. "Edward, it's time."

"Already?"

The little shit gives me a big grin. "Yep." Something tells me he may have asked 'em to pull me up there quicker than normal. I almost wish now I'd had a few more drinks in me.

I excuse myself from my parents and head up front. As I walk up there, I see Bella giving me a curious look.

I pick up the microphone, and suddenly it seems like everyone is looking at me. My heart starts pounding, and I know I'm sweating. Then my eyes find Bella. She has the biggest smile I think I've ever seen on her face. She comes as close to the stage as possible.

The music cues up. With a deep breath, I start singing.

When I get to the chorus I really let go, not caring that I can't carry a tune or sound like cats dying. All I care about is the look on Bella's face.

And Bella, you're all that I want

When you're lyin' here in my arms

I'm findin' it hard to believe

We're in heaven

And love is all that I need

And I found it there in your heart

It isn't too hard to see

We're in heaven

Oh - once in your life you find someone

Who will turn your world around

Bring you up when you're feelin' down

Yeah - nothin' could change what you mean to me

Oh there's lots that I could say

But just hold me now

Cause our love will light the way

And Bella, you're all that I want

When you're lyin' here in my arms

I'm findin' it hard to believe

We're in heaven

Once the song is finished, I put the mike down and hop off the makeshift stage. Bella rushes up and all but tackles me.

"That was so good, baby. I loved it. Thank you! Thank you!" She's giving me kisses everywhere her lips can reach.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and look to see Jasper and Alice standing there.

Jasper speaks first. "Well, that was really something, Edward." He's fighting back laughter.

Alice pipes up. "Even better in person." They quickly walk off, the sounds of their laughter trailing behind them.

Bella glances at them, then back at me. "Screw 'em. I thought it was great." She leans her mouth closer to my ear. "You are so gettin' lucky when we get home."

"Can we go now?" She laughs, but I'm serious … or my dick is serious anyway.

She grabs my hand, and we mingle a bit. I introduce her to the couple of the people I invited from the bar. She introduces me to people she knows. It's actually a lot of fun.

We end up back next to my parents. "Edward, that was so sweet," my mom gushes.

"Thanks."

"Sorry to say, you got your singin' voice, or lack of, from me," my pop jokes.

"Oh, my goodness. Your pop sounds like he's torturing wild dogs when he tries to sing." We all laugh at this, but it makes me realize I don't remember ever hearing either of my parents sing. I feel bad for the things I missed out on because they chose drugs.

Bella, noticing my mind is drifting and always knowing what I need, squeezes my hand. I look at her and lean over to kiss her forehead. No matter what, life brought me her and Emmett so I know I'm a blessed man.

Em comes up, and we all chat. My parents invite us down, and we tell them we should be able to come visit soon. After all, we owe Charlie a visit, and I know Em's dying to get back on his boat.

It's getting close to midnight when Em leaves. I turn to follow him with my eyes, but my mom touches my arm turning my attention back to her. "Edward, I know you still don't trust us, but we are tryin'."

"I know, Ma."

My pop speaks up. "We know we have a lot to do to earn your trust back, but we're hopin' this new year can also be a new beginnin'. We don't expect nothin', but we will prove ourselves to you and Emmett."

"I hope so. I really do." The whole time Bella just watches and holds my hand, offering me support.

"We're gonna head out now. This is the first time in a long time we've been together on New Year's, and we want to spend some alone time together. We'll talk soon?"

"Yeah, sure." I give them both hugs, and they hug Bella. They head off to find Em and tell him goodbye.

"Well, that was good, right?" Bella always tries to be positive.

I smile. "Yeah, baby, it's good." We head off to rejoin the party. Within another half hour, people are starting to pair off, and champagne is being handed out. Any kids still awake get sparkling cider. The countdown is only minutes away. I make sure I keep my girl close. No way am I missing those lips when the clock strikes twelve.

Within minutes, we all gather 'round with champagne glasses in hand.

Time to ring in a New Year.

This has been the best year of my life, and I have Bella to thank for that. Yeah, me and Em were doing all right, but she brought something to our lives that we'd been missing for a while.

A sense of family.

We are a family. Me, her, and Em are a solid unit, and I know it'll stay that way forever. Along with any future kiddos we might add. We'll always be one big happy unit. With that in mind, I grab my girl closer as the countdown starts.

10, 9.

My eyes search around for Emmett. I spot him up on the deck.

8, 7.

I catch his eye and tilt my head in Rose's direction, encouraging him.

6, 5.

His eyes go wide, asking me if I'm serious. I am, and with a simple nod I let him know.

4, 3.

His face lights up brighter than the sun, and he makes a beeline in her direction. As soon as he reaches her, my eyes focus back on my girl.

2, 1.

Fireworks blast off and illuminate her beautiful face. I lean down and allow my lips connect to hers. Everything else fades into the background. There's no one else, just us and it's perfect.

Life is perfect.

Thank you all so much for taking this journey with us!

We've had a blast writing these characters. I never thought I could love an Emmett so much. We will write the sequel in its entirety before we start posting. Hopefully we'll get it to you all before too long. Trust us… we have big plans for these guys.

We hope you all enjoy your summer and thanks for everything!