"Chloe?" I called out as I opened the front door, peeking into the hallway. "Margaret?"

The faint sound of the Little Mermaid soundtrack playing wafted through the air, followed by sounds of thuds and echoed "Ow!" Following the noises, I headed for the rec room in the basement where the sight of Chloe hanging multiple shades of purple and green streamers from the ceiling met me.

"Good morning, sunshine!" I grinned, scaring Chloe who nearly toppled over the step stool she was standing on. She threw an unopened package of streamers in my direction.

"You almost gave me a heart attack, Leaf!"

"Sorry. I rang the doorbell, but nobody answered." I pointed towards the staircase over my shoulder as I walked over to her. "Where are your parents?"

"Mom's at the bakery with your mom and Dad took Casey with him to the airport to pick up my grandma." Chloe wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. "Did the guys come with you?"

"No," I said just as the doorbell rang, "but I have a good feeling that's them."

"It's about time," Chloe sighed. "My arms are just a little too short for these dang streamers."

"Anyone home?" Jacob's voice carried through the house.

"Basement!" I hollered, leaning over the banister to peek at the door at the top of the stairs.

A few seconds later, Jacob appeared. Behind him stood Seth and Quil, both grinning as they followed Jacob into the basement. Seth immediately headed to Chloe, reaching for her hand to help her off the step stool.

"Tell us what you need to be done, boss." Jacob said to Chloe as he looked around the room.

"These streamers need to be hung like this across the ceiling," Chloe pointed to her handiwork. "Jake, you can probably do that since you're the tallest."

"On it." Jacob gave Chloe a salute before giving me a quick kiss on the forehead.

"You two," Chloe nodded to Seth and Quil, "can finish the balloons. There needs to be at least three to a table. The weighted sand thingys are on the gift table, next to Jacob."

"What do you need me to do?" I asked as the boys got to work.

"Help me blow these tiny pools up? Mom says to put ice in them and then any cold food."

"Like your mom's macaroni salad?"

"It wouldn't be a birthday without it!"

Grinning, we quickly set to work on blowing the six pools up like balloons while the boys finished the decorations. By the time Chloe's parents returned home, the basement had been transformed into a beautiful underwater paradise.

An old fishing net Sue gave to Chloe hung on one of the walls, clothespins revealing photos of Casey over the last year. A small rectangular table placed under the net was wrapped in a lilac tablecloth, topped with a white fishing net and a "Happy Birthday" banner attached to the front; white starfish were placed accordingly, leaving room for gifts.

Another small round table was set up for the dessert Mom made in a similar style a few feet away, with the addition of different shades of green and purple tablecloths layered on top of each other to look like the scales of a mermaid's tail. In the middle of that table sat a brown treasure chest, overflowing with gold coins, strands of fake pearls, seashells, and a small blue and purple stuffed animal octopus sitting on top. Beside the chest stood a silver antiqued picture frame with a photo of Chloe and Casey I had taken the night before, dressed in matching mermaid patterned pajamas with their hair in a braid.

Jacob and Seth had put the two longest rectangular tables Jameson left out for the food against the bigger wall closest to the staircase, its tablecloth a mint green decorated with balloons on both ends. Chloe and I set the mini pools on one end, double-checking the ice Sam had brought and rearranging the bowls of various items in a more convenient manner.

In the corner opposing the food table, Chloe had a purple and green backdrop pinned safely to the wall, the design a sponge painting technique Chloe used herself to create before she came to Forks. White twinkling lights dangled gracefully against the material almost like a waterfall as the floor was lined with giant gold seashells, dark purple and green coral reefs made out of paper mache, and transparent balloons meant to represent bubbles. Chloe and her mom decided Casey would have a smash cake photo shoot to commemorate the special day; really, it was their way of getting Casey to remain interested enough for an updated photo to be taken, a tip Margaret had been given by a nurse who helped deliver Casey.

"This looks incredible!" Margaret exclaimed as she trudged down the stairs with a platter of clam-shaped cookies. "You guys did a good job!"

"It was all Chloe," I grinned. "We just helped make it possible."

"Oh, stop it," Chloe blushed, ducking her head to hide her embarrassment. "I just wanted to do something special for Casey, even if she won't remember it."

"It's totally fine, sweetie," Margaret reassured her. "You're allowed to celebrate her birthday as fancy or as simple as you'd like. You're the parent, after all."

"Well, her birthdays will be this elaborate as long as she'll let me make them." Chloe laughed. "And all of this didn't cost a lot of money to do."

"Decorations usually are the easiest to make, especially if you go to the dollar store." I nodded. "There's where Mom got all of my party decorations... and most of my room decor."

"Your mother is a smart woman," Margaret laughed as the doorbell rang. "Sounds like our guests are arriving! I'll be right back."

"Hey, does Mom need any help?" I asked Jacob, who was carrying a cake box over to the dessert table.

"Seth's bringing down the last of the boxes," Jacob replied, carefully removing the sheet cake from the cardboard. "I think he has Casey's small cake for the pictures."

"Awesome. I think that's everything..." Chloe glanced around the room. "Oh! Her high chair!"

Chloe headed for the storage closet under the staircase, dragging out the spare high chair and shifting it closer to one of the folded tables the guys set up. Attached to the tray was a purple and green tutu and a banner that read "Casey."

"There. Perfect!" Chloe smiled to herself.

"You really did a good job, Peaches." I threw my arm around her and gave her a squeeze. "I'm proud of you."

"Thanks," Chloe said sheepishly. "Oh, I forgot to tell you... I sent an invitation to Reed's parents a few weeks ago, while we were in town for your grandma's funeral. They never responded, but they might show up. It was the least I could do, under the circumstances."

"It's okay, I understand it. Are you sure that was a good idea though?" I dropped my voice. "I mean, you haven't talked to them yet about everything. Are you worried something will happen during the party?"

"A little," she admitted, "but if that happens, then maybe it needs to. They're Casey's grandparents, regardless of the circumstances. If they don't want a relationship with her or with us, it's their loss. But they can't say I didn't try."

"Makes sense. Well, I'm here for you if anything escalates. And the pack will be here too," I nodded towards the stairs as Sam and Jacob helped Billy into the basement. "Plus, the Cullens. They all adore you just like I do."

"I know... we're just one big family. For that, I'm grateful and not just for me. Casey has a family to take care of her, other than my parents and me. She's going to be one lucky, spoiled little girl."

"Yeah, she is." We grinned at each other. "Let's go say hi to people."

"I'll catch up with you in a minute," Chloe waves me off. "My grandparents are here."

"Go, go!" I gently pushed her towards her mom and grandparents, their faces lighting up as Chloe approached.

Time slowly faded as the party unfolded, fits of laughter sprinkled throughout conversations and food being devoured. The atmosphere held no trace of tension as the wolf pack and the Cullens cooed over Casey, who happily smashed a piece of cake onto the tray of her high chair, chocolate smeared across her face and into her hair. As Mom attempted to help Chloe clean up the sweet mess, the doorbell rang and Margaret excused herself from the party.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted from its bouncy joy to an awkward confusion as the room slowly went silent; the creak in the stairs drawing everyone's attention away from conversation. Chloe glanced up from checking on Casey, her body growing still. Concerned, I followed her gaze and froze at the sight of Mr. and Mrs. Conners standing behind Margaret.

"Tristan, Delaney. I'm so glad you could make it." Chloe smiled as she walked over to them, embracing the couple. "Please help yourself to some food, we have a lot left over."

"Thank you, dear. This is for Casey," Delaney Conners handed a pink glittery bag to Chloe with a small smile. "I wasn't sure what to get her, so I got a few things."

"Thank you. We were just about to open presents." Chloe motioned to me and the Conners nodded in acknowledgment, their eyes growing sadder by the second as they looked me over.

"Hello, Tristan and Delaney. I'm so sorry for your loss," I said solemnly.

"We appreciate the condolences," Tristan spoke sadly, "and we wanted to apologize to both of you girls. We didn't raise Reed to behave the way he did... it kills us knowing the torture he put you through."

"Well, we did get one good thing out of the situation." Chloe squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Would you like to see your granddaughter?"

"Please." Delaney smiled, tears beginning to build in her eyes.

"I'll get the presents. Take your time." I said to Chloe, who nodded before taking the Conners over to Casey.

I let out a sigh of relief as I met Jacob's eyes from across the room. Even with the distance between us, I could see him asking me if everything was okay. I gave him a small smile and a short nod; he nodded back before glancing toward Sam and Carlisle. A silent understanding shifted through the room and the atmosphere grew more lively than before as the uneasiness faded away with each loud giggle bursting from the 1-year-old princess being celebrated by those who cherished her the most.

* * * * *

"Tell me what's on your mind."

Jacob's murmur floated around the bubble of serenity that surrounded us as the early morning glow peeked through the cracks of the window blinds. His fingertips lightly traced circles on my exposed back just above the sheet he had pulled over my body while I laid next to him, my head on his bare chest.

"I'm just enjoying this moment," I mumbled back, listening to his heartbeat settle back into a slower, steady beat.

"Yeah... me, too." I felt Jacob shift, glancing at the clock on the nightstand beside the bed before sighing.

"Billy's going to be up soon," I said for him, leaving a light kiss on his skin before I rolled out of bed.

"I can't wait until we can get our own place." Jacob smiled at me, moving his arms to the back of his head as he leaned against the pile of pillows. His eyes watched me as I grabbed a pair of jeans and tugged them over my thighs.

"And why's that?" I teased, shooting him a smirk.

"So, there's no rush to get you out of bed." He responded with a wink. I shook my head, giggling at what he was implying.

"Is that all you can think of?" I asked, reaching for one of his shirts to steal.

"You are all I think about," Jacob rose from the bed and crossed the space between us, tugging the hem of the shirt down to kiss me. "Now, you in my t-shirt... that's another story."

"Stop, Jake." I laughed, playfully shoving him away. "We don't have time to be fooling around. Besides, we're supposed to be meeting Sam and Emily at their place for breakfast soon."

"I know, I know. It was worth a shot." Jacob kissed my forehead before quickly changing into shorts and his tennis shoes. "Ready whenever you are."

"Show-off." I stuck my tongue out at Jacob, grabbing the travel kit out of my purse before heading towards the bathroom.

Running a brush through my hair as quickly as the tangles allowed me to without too much pain, I swiftly put it in a loose braid so it was off my neck. Taking the time to brush my teeth, I studied my reflection in the mirror. Compared to what I looked like when we moved to Washington - heck, even six months ago - I was happier and my face showed it. Eyes bright, a constant smile, the dimple in my left cheek more prominent every day... everything about me greatly improved with my surroundings.

I couldn't be more grateful for the way things had turned out.

Emerging from the bathroom, I met the sly, knowing smile of Billy, who was in his usual spot at the table. The daily newspaper was folded out carefully in front of him on the table, the coffee maker on the counter whirling as it brewed a fresh pot.

"Good morning, Autumn."

"Morning, Billy." I answered sheepishly, grabbing a bottle of apple juice from the fridge.

"Hey, Dad. Have you heard from Charlie yet?" Jacob shouted from his bedroom.

"No, son. But he should be calling soon." Billy raised an eyebrow as Jacob appeared in the kitchen. "Why?"

"Just wondering if he heard from Bella & Edward." Jacob threw a quick glance in my direction. "I had a question for Edward."

"Well, I'll let you know if Charlie says anything to me."

"Thanks. We should get going." Jacob said to me, pouring coffee into a travel mug.

"Right behind you." I followed Jacob out of the kitchen, swatting his arm as he chuckled at my embarrassment. "What's so funny, Black?"

"You're cute when you're flustered." He kissed the top of my head as he held the car door open.

"Shut up."

By the time we arrived at Sam and Emily's place, the rest of the pack was already crowding the kitchen. The smell of bacon and sausage wafted out the screen door, causing my stomach to rumble loudly in eagerness.

"Someone get the girl some food! She's starving!" Embry called out jokingly, throwing a muffin at Jacob as we entered the room. Without blinking, Jacob caught the muffin in one hand, smirking as he handed it to me.

"Nice try, bro."

"Ah, Autumn, I'm so glad you're here!" Emily said, relief flooding her face as she embraced me briefly. "Leah's not here yet, and these boys are driving me crazy!"

"I can imagine." I laughed as the guys pretended to pout at us.

"Okay, settle down," Sam commanded as he strolled into the kitchen, his gaze sharp. "We have a few things to discuss as a pack. Leah will be filled in later, she's helping Sue out today."

"I have a question," I spoke up, turning to face Sam. "I know this may be a sensitive subject, but Bella and Edward are due back from their honeymoon any day now... I think we can all assume there's a possibility she's not coming back human? Even though they're married, isn't that technically a violation of the treaty?"

"Yes and no," Sam replied, nodding his head slowly. "That's actually one of the things we need to discuss... thank you for bringing that up."

Sam turned to face the pack, who were all watching their leader warily.

"With the amended treaty in place, since Bella and Edward have gotten married and Bella has given her consent to be turned, we will honor that decision."

"It makes sense," Seth shrugged. "They love each other and made a promise to spend the rest of their lives together... kinda hard for Bella to do that if she's human."

"And more fragile than Edward," I added, sharing a smile with Seth.

"The Cullens have been great friends to us as of late, and by extension of their hospitality and by Autumn," Sam nodded to me, "they're to be considered family from now on. The elders have agreed with me on this; we can coexist peacefully, but we are still enemies with any vampires outside of the Cullens."

"Hear, hear." Jared echoed, pumping his fist in a little cheer.

"Any questions?" Sam asked, rolling his eyes at Jared. The pack shook their heads in response, leading Sam to move on to the next topic of discussion.

As Sam began to talk about planning a surprise birthday party for Sue, my phone began to buzz in my jeans pocket. Quietly excusing myself from the pack, I stepped out onto the porch and a wave of confusion washed over me as I saw Bella's name flash at me.

"Bella? Are you okay?"

"Autumn, I don't have a lot of time," Bella said urgently, her voice low. "Rosalie will call you in a minute... we're coming home early. Rose is going to explain everything, but I need you at the Cullens' when we get back."

The hint of exasperation in Bella's voice was enough to stop me from asking a lot of questions; I knew whatever it was had to be important.

"Okay, I'll be there."

"I have to go. I'll see you later."

With a click, she was gone; no more than a second later, Rosalie's name appeared.

"Rose, what's going on?" I cut to the chase as soon as I answered the call.

Rosalie began explaining her phone call with Bella just moments before, her voice growing more urgent as she talked. When the realization of her words hit me, my eyes widened in shock and I turned away from the open door so the pack couldn't see my face.

After I agreed to meet her right away, we hung up and I slowly headed back inside, everyone turning to face me as the room went silent. I cleared my throat, swallowing back the panic building inside me as I prepared to spread the lie Rosalie told me to say.

"Bella and Edward are on their way home... Bella's sick."