I know most of you are probably reading Midnight Sun right now, so this will be here when you're done. My copy won't be here until tonight, so I had to fill the time somehow. Apologies that it took me longer to get this one to you.

Thank you to Chicsarah for being the best beta and support ever.

Disclaimer: The author does not own any publicly recognizable characters herein. No copyright infringement is intended.

"How's the jewelry making coming along?" I asked into the phone, holding it against my ear and shoulder as I lifted bags out of my trunk.

I'd gone by a few stores for supplies for the cookout over the weekend, and now I was talking to Bella while I was getting things inside.

"Really great, actually. I've made some new pieces with the resin I ordered, and it's making my life a lot easier," she sighed.

Today was Friday, and she had actually been off of work today. Work had adjusted her schedule so that she was working ten hour days now and had Fridays off. At the rate she'd been going, she was basically already working ten hour days anyway. She was adjusting this week but had seemed to enjoy her extra day off today. Granted most of it was making jewelry apparently.

"That's great, love," I told her, trying not to sound too old and out of breath as I got stuff out of the trunk for tomorrow.

I looked down at the other items I'd purchased, deciding they'd be fine in the car for a little while. They were part of a surprise for Bella, one I was hoping she'd like.

"It is. I've got so many more pieces ready for tomorrow," she said.

"Does that mean you can come over then?" I asked, closing the trunk with my elbow, both hands full, and still awkwardly holding the phone between my shoulder and ear.

"I wish. But I really do need to go visit my parents tonight. I haven't seen them in two weeks," she said. For many people that wasn't very long, but Bella and her folks were incredibly close. And after what they'd been through, who could blame them?

"But you'll get me all weekend starting tomorrow afternoon," she'd reminded me.

She was right. She was coming over for the barbecue and bringing Alice. Alice was going to take Bella's car home and Bella was going to spend the night with me so that we could go to my birthday brunch at my parents' on Sunday.

"Trust me, it's all I can think about," I told her, setting the bags down.

"Me too," she sighed.

"My family is really looking forward to meeting you," I told her.

I'd called my mom last Sunday after I'd taken Bella home, telling her about my new girlfriend. I explained a little of how we met, leaving out the details Bella wasn't ready to share.

I'd talked to Dad and Emmett about her at lunch the next day, and then privately with Emmett. He was the only one who knew the true nature of how Bella and I had met, and I urged him to keep that under wraps for now.

He promised he would, and that he'd pass that on to Rosalie.

I'd also thought to let Bella know that Emmett and Rose knew. My grandma did, too, but only that Bella caught me buying flowers for her family. I didn't go into details about the tragedy, and she hadn't asked.

Bella said she wasn't worried, just that she appreciated the chance to meet them without the dark cloud around that usually came with new introductions.

"I hope they like me," she chuckled, and I could detect the nervousness behind it.

"They'll love you. You liking them is what I'm afraid of. They can be handful. But most of my coworkers will be there with their families, too. And you'll have Alice and me with you," I encouraged.

"True. Alice isn't the shy type at all. I can't say I'm not a little nervous, though," she said.

"You have no reason to be. Trust me," I told her. I was more nervous that my family would go back on their word and try to surprise me with a birthday celebration when I'd strictly asked for the night to be about our firm and employees.

"I trust you," she declared.

The next day was busy, and other than a quick good morning text wishing me a happy birthday, I hadn't heard from Bella. She was at the market all morning, and not hearing from her meant that she was busy.

It was nearing two now, though, so she'd probably be done soon.

I was in and out of my house helping my mom and her catering staff set up. They'd just arrived to set up tables and chairs for the food and guests.

My mom didn't do anything halfway, and this was one of her favorite events to plan because it was for us. Our law firm was a close group, and we really were a family. Mom loved to make it special for them.

While she made commands of where to put things and then went back to the kitchen to tend to the food, I was outside setting up and lighting citronella candles to keep the mosquitos away.

The pool was clean and filled with giant floats, beach balls, and pool noodles. I'd found floats shaped like a slice of pizza, a donut, and even an avocado. I'd grabbed that one for Bella.

I had white Christmas lights strung up around the yard for when it got dark later that evening, something that Emmett had helped me with the night before.

The yard looked awesome, and I was excited for everyone to get here.

"Edward honey, can you come give me a hand?" My mom asked, stepping out onto the porch. She was in a long summer dress, her hair piled on top of her head. She always looked like she belonged at the beach.

"Yeah, be right there," I told her.

In the kitchen, there were giant foil pans filled with so much food. Mom and her staff had made several kinds of grilled and roasted meats and vegetables, pastas and potato salads, bowls of fruit, cakes and desserts. It was more food than we'd probably need, but everyone loved Esme Cullen's cooking, and we had provided plenty of containers to pack to-go boxes.

"Mom, you've outdone yourself," I told her, leaning down to place a kiss on her cheek.

"So what time will your Bella be here?" My mom asked.

"Probably around five," I answered, smiling.

"Look at that smile. You're smitten," mom said.

"I am," I nodded, because why would I want to deny it? I was smitten, and I couldn't wait for her to get here. It had been a long week of work for both of us, and I was anxious to get my arms around her soon.

"But remember, she's a little younger than me. Please don't make a thing of it," I said hesitantly.

"Edward, I know. You've told me. But you've also told me that she's mature, has a great head on her shoulders, and works hard. And most importantly, she makes you happy. What more could a mother hope for?" She asked.

I nodded, reaching for a grilled mushroom from the platter of vegetables beside me.

"Now, help me get some of this into the oven to stay warm," she said, nodding to the pans of teriyaki chicken and salmon burgers.

It seemed like no time at all when people began to arrive. Dad and Grandma Cullen got there first. Grandma was in a sleeveless shirt and white slacks. She had on big jewelry and full makeup, and, as usual, looked elegant.

Dad was like me, in swim trunks and a t-shirt, his grey hair under a ball cap.

He helped grandma outside so she could sit and relax in a chair under the shaded umbrella while mom and her crew began bringing out the food.

Emmett and Rosalie came in at the same time as Jasper, and I saw Gianna and her husband and granddaughter parking on the road not long after.

The rest of our crew piled in slowly, but I was still waiting for the one person I most wanted to see.

I was talking to our law librarian Michael and his husband Tyler when I felt my phone buzz from the pocket of my swim trunks.

"Gentlemen, excuse me," I told them, stepping away to answer.

"Hey gorgeous," I said into the phone.

"Hey yourself. Alice and I are out here. Can we just come in? I didn't want to be rude," she said.

"Of course. We're in the backyard," I told her.

"K, see you in a sec," she said, and then the call ended.

My stomach flipped a bit in anticipation. What this girl was doing to me, I thought, just as she and Alice stepped out of the open back door and onto the patio.

She was in the same white dress she'd worn on our first official dinner date. Her hair was down and flowing behind her, and I could see her bathing suit straps over her shoulders.

She looked beautiful, and I needed to have her in my arms instantly.

I walked to her, wrapping my arm around her and kissing her on the head.

"Hi," she smiled up at me.

"Hi," I told her.

"Hi," Alice said behind her, rolling her eyes. She was just as tiny as Bella, her hair soft around her face.

I turned to give her a hug, welcoming them both in.

"You can set your stuff over there," I said, nodding to an empty table under the covered part of the porch. They went to set their bags down before walking over.

"Come, you can meet my friends and family," I said.

Bella and Alice walked with me over to the table where my parents were sitting with Grandma Cullen and Jasper.

"Hey guys, this is my girlfriend Bella. Bella, this is my mom, dad, grandma, and my coworker Jasper," I said, pointing to each as I made introductions.

Jasper had looked a little lost since he got here, having come alone. I didn't know if Bella saw it, but I noticed the way his eyes widened a bit when he saw Alice, his mouth turning up in a grin.

"It's nice to meet you all," Bella said. "This is my best friend, Alice," she introduced.

Alice smiled, looking at everyone before stopping when she saw Jasper glancing at her.

"Mrs. Cullen, these are for you," Bella said, and then handed my mom the basket she held in her hands.

"Oh, Bella, thank you! These are our favorite," mom said.

"My parents have a tree in their backyard. I picked them fresh last night," Bella explained.

"I can't wait to cook with these. They may just be a part of brunch tomorrow," my mom said, her eyes sparkling exactly like a chef who'd just been giving fresh, organic avocados.

"Where're mine?" I asked with a wink and a pout.

"I put a basket on your kitchen counter on the way in," she grinned, winking back.

Things got quiet then, before Jasper stood up and cleared his throat.

"Alice, it's nice to meet you. Want to walk with me to get a drink?" He asked.

"Yes, please," she said, turning to follow him over to the large ice bucket of sodas and beer.

Bella and I turned to each other and then she looked back at her friend, watching her walk beside our young attorney. Bella turned back to me and shrugged.

"Hey, you must be Bella!" We heard, and I glanced back to see a soaking wet Emmett walking towards us. Rosalie was with him. She'd been on a float relaxing while Emmett had been playing Marco Polo with some of the kids.

"That's me. I'm guessing you're Emmett?" Bella asked. He nodded and then looked surprises when, instead of shaking his hand, she went in for a hug.

"Well it's nice to meet you too. This is my wife Rose," Emmett said.

"Oh man, you were right. She's way too pretty for him," Bella said to me, tipping her head to Emmett.

The entire table behind us erupted into laughter, Rose and Emmett included, before Rose leaned in and hugged Bella.

"All the Cullen men marry up," we heard from behind us, and turned to look at Grandma Cullen. "Don't look at me like that. It's true. Your grandpa landed me. Your dad somehow landed Esme. Now look at you two," she said, using her hand to point to Emmett and me. "Those girls are way too gorgeous for you two," she laughed.

"Gee, thanks mom," my dad said from beside her, my mom too busy laughing to comfort her husband.

"Don't I know it, Grandma," Emmett said, reaching his arm around his wife and pulling her close.

"Trust me, I'm also aware," I said quietly, more to Bella than anyone else. She looked up at me with eyes that often left me breathless, and not for the first time, I sent a silent thank you to whoever our families talked to up there that brought this girl into my life.

"You know what makes you more attractive? Beer. Go get me one," Grandma said to us.

"I've got this one," I said. "Want anything? There's beer, wine, soda, water, sweet tea, lemonade..." I asked Bella.

"Tea would be nice, thank you," Bella said.

"Come have a sit down with us," Grandma told Bella, nodding to the empty chair beside her at the table.

"Go ahead, I'll be right back," I told her. She nodded and moved to sit beside my grandma while I hurried to get them their drinks.

I noticed Alice and Jasper sitting at one of the other tables with Michael, Tyler, and Jasper's paralegal, Bree and her boyfriend. I couldn't remember his name. Aside from Jasper, she was the newest and youngest employee at the firm. I didn't know her all that well, but I was happy she'd decided to attend.

Alice and Jasper appeared deep in conversation, almost like they were old friends and hadn't just met each other ten minutes ago.

I shrugged, because who was I to turn my nose up at a fast connection to someone else? I felt like I'd known Bella for years rather than the month it had been since we met.

I grabbed my grandma a beer and popped the top, then poured a glass of tea for Bella.

"Edward, the food is ready. It's all set out now," my mom told me; I hadn't even noticed her walk up behind me.

"Okay, maybe get Dad to announce it and let everyone know," I said. It was my house but it was his barbecue, after all. Mom nodded and turned to go back to my dad, but stopped first and leaned in.

"Oh, and Edward?" She said quietly.

"Yeah, mom?" I asked.

"She's wonderful," mom grinned.

A few hours later, after everyone was stuffed from several trips to the food tables, Bella and I were sitting with my parents and grandma around the table we'd been occupying all afternoon.

It was still light outside, but the air had made its subtle shift from afternoon to evening. The sun wasn't as oppressive, but the humidity hung around us heavy.

Mom's crew was beginning to clean up the food after everyone had made as many to-go plates as they wanted. Mom being the perfect planner she is, there was impressively little leftover.

"I had them pack you a couple of plates of leftovers in case you want more later," mom told me when she'd come back from helping.

"Thank you. Please sit and relax. You've been running around all day," I encouraged her. Mom was the kind of person who never relaxed until everyone else was happy, fed, and enjoying themselves.

"I am, I am," she said, easing into a chair beside my dad.

"Mrs. Cullen, everything was so delicious. Edward said you were a good cook, but he didn't say just how good," Bella said, nudging me with her arm that was resting under mine as we held hands from our seats beside each other.

"Thank you, sweetheart. It's what I love to do," mom told her.

"What do you like to do, Bella? Edward said you're a nurse. Closest I ever got to being a nurse was shagging a doctor," Grandma said bluntly. I coughed around my beer, mom's eyes went wide, dad put his head in his hand, and Bella burst into laughter.

"Grandma, Bella worked really hard to become a nurse. Please don't belittle her profession," I chided.

"Relax, I'm just messing around. I know she's a hard worker. I could tell when you talked about her the first time. Besides, I already said you Cullen men marry up," Grandma said.

"We aren't married," I said, hoping Bella wouldn't be too put off by all this conversation and lack of filter Grandma had.

"Yet," Grandma said with a wink.

"Edward, it's fine. Besides, the closest I'll ever get to breaking the law is shagging a lawyer," she winked, and this time it was my dad who coughed around his beer, my mom who burst into laughter, and me with my head in my hand. My grandma just reached out to give Bella a high five.

By nine that evening, all of the food and tables were cleaned up and everyone had left the party aside from Jasper, Alice and Bella. The four of us were sitting on the outdoor couch, talking around the fire pit I had lit.

The girls had been in the pool earlier and were now relaxing in their drying bathing suits.

"This was a lot more fun that I was expecting," Alice said.

"You weren't expecting it to be fun?" I asked.

"Well when Bella said it was all families, I expected a bunch of couples and kids," she shrugged.

"She didn't know there'd be a single dork in the mix," Jasper said, his blonde curls moving with his head as he turned to look at Alice.

"He's definitely an added bonus," Alice said, and even Bella's eyes got wider when she noticed how close they were sitting to each other. They were gravitating towards each other like they'd been waiting their entire lives to meet.

"But, I'm kind of beat, and Jasper offered to drive me home so that you can leave your car here, Bella," Alice explained.

"Oh, okay, that's cool. Be safe and have a good night," Bella told her friend, standing up to hug her.

"It was nice to meet you, Jasper," she said, leaning in to hug him, too.

"You too, ma'am," he said.

They left and Bella told me she'd be right back and to stay where I was.

She came back a few minutes later with a gift bag that looked stuffed to the brim with tissue paper.

"Happy birthday," she said, setting the bag in my lap and sitting down beside me.

"You didn't need to get me anything," I told her.

"I wanted to. Life's too short not to accept gifts. Hush and open it," she said.

"Yes ma'am," I told her, properly chided.

After pulling out what seemed like endless pieces of tissue paper, my hands found cloth.

I opened it to reveal a t-shirt that was bright pink and covered in tropical flowers.

"Since you love flowers so much," Bella said with a smirk.

"It's perfect," I laughed.

"There's one more thing," she nodded, and I reached back into the bag and found something hard and heavy.

I pulled it out and unfolded more tissue paper that had been carefully wrapped around it, revealing a solid sphere of resin encasing a perfectly bloomed yellow rose, the edges of the petals turning into a bright, burning orange.

"Roses are the June birth month flower, and yellow roses are what you had placed on my families' graves the night I met you," she explained. "It seemed fitting to give you one that would never wilt or die," she told me.

The sphere was heavy, about the size of a baseball, with one flattened side. In the soft porch light, it almost looked like a ball of fire.

"You can use it as a paper weight or something," she shrugged, seemingly a bit self-conscious.

"It's beautiful. I love it, Bella. Thank you," I told her, setting it carefully back in the bag before reaching over and pulling her to me.

"I have a surprise for you, too," I told her, and she sat back looking confused.

"It's in the garage. Come with me," I said, setting my gift bag on the couch beside me before standing and reaching for her hand.

Bella walked with me as I led her through the house and to the garage.

"Edward, what are you up to?" She asked as I opened the door from the house into my garage, turning on the light and stepping down into the warm room.

"It's over here," I said, leading her to the other side of my car, where against the wall there set several bags of soil, individual vegetable plants, and flowers, all fresh from the nursery earlier that day.

"What in the world?" She asked, confused.

"You said you wanted a garden, but you don't have the backyard for one. So I thought maybe you could plant one here in my yard. There's some good spots that get optimal sun and shade, and I can help you tend to it during the week," I explained, seeing her eyes change from confusion to happiness.

"Are you serious? Edward, this is the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me," she said, jumping into my arms and wrapping hers tightly around my neck.

"I'm glad you like it," I chuckled, and she leaned back.

"You're not supposed to give me presents on your own birthday," she said sternly.

"This just insures that you'll be spending more time over here with me. I fail to see how that's anything other than a gift for me," I told her, leaning in to kiss her.

"Thank you. I love it. I love yo—ur thoughtfulness," she said, and I wondered if she wanted to say the same words I'd held on the tip of my tongue since I realized them last week in the cemetery.

"I'm happy you're happy. We can start on it tomorrow after brunch," I confirmed, and took her hand to lead her back through the house.

"Care to join me in the pool?" I asked as we got back to the porch, winking as I pulled my t-shirt off and tossed it on the couch.

We spent the rest of the evening in the pool, only the glow of the moon and the twinkling lights above us keeping us from complete dark.

We swam, kissed, touched, and had our own two person pool party until late in the evening, before we locked ourselves in the house for the night.

Bella joined me in the shower and let me have her against the cold tile wall, both of us whimpering when I pushed into her.

"Yes, oh fuck, yes," she'd moaned when we both let go together, her legs shaking as I stilled inside of her.

Clean and exhausted, we climbed into bed and I pulled her against me, falling asleep with the girl of my dreams in my arms.

I couldn't remember the last time I'd enjoyed a birthday so much, and I only hoped I'd spend all of the rest of them with her by my side.

How's Midnight Sun? Is it everything we've been waiting for? All I want to do today is binge season two of Umbrella Academy (Klaus 3) until my copy gets here. But alas, work calls. See you all soon!