Cinnamon and pumpkin wafted through the air, filling every nook and cranny of the house with its heavenly scent. The source was a tin muffin pan centered perfectly in the middle of the oven, slowly baking pumpkin pie muffins as the timer counted down from its half-hour starting point. Taking one last glance through the little window on the oven door to make sure the muffins were baking properly, I grabbed the two pumpkin-shaped mugs filled with hot chocolate and coffee from the counter and placed them on the serving tray, next to a plate of Halloween sugar cookies.

Mom was already sitting on the couch when I entered the living room, her arm snugly placed in the sling; per doctor's orders, she had about two weeks left before they could take the cast off of her wrist. I knew she was counting down the days until she could go back to work; even with Margaret and me helping out in the bakery, Mom was going stir-crazy not being able to do things herself. Not that I could blame her.

"Muffins will be done in a half-hour," I told her as I placed the tray on the coffee table, beaming at the boxes of fall and Halloween decor waiting to be opened and set up in cute arrangements. "That gives us enough time to finish decorating the living room before we start our movie marathon."

Mom had claimed one end of the couch after breakfast to flip through home decorating magazines Margaret had brought from Michigan, pointing out different layouts as I began to decorate the house for Halloween. Splashes of orange, black, purple, green, and white slowly filled every room; from glass jars filled with candy to faux pumpkins and glittery black cats, every nook, cranny, and surface was covered. Even the front porch was decked out in spider webs, pumpkins, and spooky lights.

"Are the lights around the fireplace the last thing to do?" Mom asked, looking around the room.

"I just have to secure the wires along the sides." I nodded. "Should I use staples or tape?"

"Use the staple gun. It'll hold them in place better."

Mom pointed to the silver staple gun that was on the mantle, stacking the magazines into a pile while I finished decorating the fireplace.

"Done!" I exclaimed about a minute later. "The house is officially decorated for Halloween!"

"Good job, Leaf! Now for the ultimate question... What movie do you want to watch first?" Mom gestured to the DVDs lying on the table as I handed her the mug with coffee in it.

"Hm... Hocus Pocus?"

"Sounds good to me."

I popped the DVD into the VCR/DVD player and sank onto the couch, sliding the plate of cookies in between Mom and I. Mom pressed "play" on the remote and we settled against the cushions as our movie marathon began.

"Have you heard from Dad lately?" I turned to Mom curiously, munching on a ghost cookie.

"No," Mom admitted honestly. "Why?"

"Just wondering... I guess a small part of me keeps wishing that he'll change his mind and come back, be an actual dad for once." I sighed. "I wonder if he would've accepted everything like you have... the vampires and werewolves, the magic, the imprinting."

"I understand where you're coming from, baby." Mom reached over and squeezed my hand. "And I can't say for certain that he would have, or that he'll come to his senses and be the dad you deserve. What I can say for certain is that he's missing out on an incredibly smart, funny, kind young woman who I am so proud of in every possible way. It's not your responsibility to maintain a relationship with your parent, nor is it your fault he can't and won't show you the love a good father should."

"Sometimes I get a little jealous being around my friends who have their dads still around... Bella, Chloe, Edward, Jacob... is that normal?" I glanced at Mom guiltily from the corner of my eye.

"Absolutely. And it's okay. You don't have to feel ashamed, Leaf. You're just like any normal teenager-slash-young adult who didn't have a supportive second parent in their lives,by their own choice."

Silence settled over the room as I thought over Mom's words. It felt nice to get all of that off my chest, but it was even better to hear Mom say she was proud of me. Tears welled in the corners of my eyes.

"Thanks, Mom."

"Anytime, kiddo." Mom took a sip of coffee. "Have you and Jacob figured out the rest of the wedding planning?"

"I think so... we just have to figure out where to have it. Billy and the tribal elders told Jacob we can use the land where they hold council meetings, around the bonfire. And the Cullens said we can use their backyard as well."

"There are a lot more trees to cover them... especially at this time of year," Mom said thoughtfully.

"That's what I was thinking."

The doorbell rang as I spoke, interrupting our conversation.

"I got it!" I stood up before Mom could even blink. Scampering around the couch, I jogged to the front door as Mom laughed.

"Special delivery for one Autumn Watson," a voice spoke as soon as I opened the door, immediately met by a plastic pumpkin bucket and a bouquet of faux orange and black roses.

"Aww, Jake! You shouldn't have!" I grinned as he moved the bouquet from in front of his face.

"How could I pass up an opportunity to spoil my fiancée with a gift basket in honor of her favorite holiday?" He teased, kissing my cheek. "I also made a basket for your mom, kind of as a 'get well soon' thing."

Jacob handed me the flowers and my basket before turning towards the porch swing to grab a similar basket with a card addressed to Mom tucked inside.

"Emily helped with both," he admitted with a sheepish grin as he stepped inside. "Mostly the arrangement, anyways."

"Mom, you have a surprise!" I called out as I led Jacob to the living room.

"Oh, that's so sweet!" Mom exclaimed when Jacob handed her the basket. "Thank you, Jacob."

"You're welcome." He beamed before letting out an impressed whistle as he took in all the decorations. "The house looks amazing, by the way."

"That is all Autumn," Mom said proudly. "You should see the bakery. She has a real talent for this kind of thing."

"I'm going to get that." I turned for the kitchen as the timer beeped, my cheeks flushing at the compliments.

"Whatcha baking?" Jacob asked, following me into the kitchen.

"Pumpkin pie muffins. A new recipe I want Mom to add to the seasonal menu if it succeeds."

"I'm sure it will." Jacob flashed me a smile. "Oh, hey. Good news... Leah agreed to be the pack's Beta."

"She did? Oh yay, I was hoping she'd agree!" I squealed, setting the muffin pan on the counter. "I think it'd be really good for her to be second-in-command."

"I do too. Seth's a little sad that he's not second, but he understands why I asked Leah." Jacob smiled grimly as he shrugged.

"Hey, wanna be my guinea pig?" I placed a muffin on a small plate and slid it over to Jacob.

"Is that even a question?" Jacob playfully rolled his eyes before picking up the muffin and taking a small bite. His face lit up as he murmured in appreciation. "Damn, I got lucky in the soulmate department. These are insanely delicious, Leaf!"

"Yeah? You think so?" I beamed.

"You want a second opinion?" Jacob swiftly snatched another muffin from the pan and carried it into the living room. "Julie, try this muffin!"

"Okay." Mom took the muffin from his hand and took a bite, her reaction the same as Jacob's. "Autumn, these turned out so well! I think it's safe to say we have a new seasonal item on the menu."

"See? I told you!" Jacob said dramatically. I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Okay, okay... you were right. Can we get back to the movie now?" I gestured to the paused screen, trying to change the subject.

"Oh crap... I didn't mean to interrupt," Jacob said sheepishly. "I can go, let you get back to your mother-daughter bonding."

"It's okay, Jacob." Mom reassured him. "Why don't you stay and watch with us? I'm making a pot roast for dinner, you're more than welcome to stay. And your dad can come too, I know he's spending the day with Charlie."

"You had me at pot roast." Jacob chuckled. "And Dad would love to come over for dinner. Is it okay if I call him here?"

"Don't worry about it, I'll go call Charlie right now. I need a refill on beverage anyway." Mom motioned to her empty coffee mug. "You guys go ahead and start the movie. I'll be right back."

As soon as Mom disappeared into the kitchen, Jacob turned to me with humor in his eyes.

"Your mom has a crush on Charlie."

"Ha, Charlie has a crush on my mom!" I snickered, plopping back down on the couch. "Neither one of them will act on it though. I have no idea why... they're both divorced, both good looking, both with stable jobs."

"Do you think it has anything to do with you and Bella?" Jacob asked, sitting down next to me.

"I don't know..." I said thoughtfully. "I think maybe they're scared of getting hurt again. Especially at their age."

"That could be true. Well, dinner should be interesting." Jacob said bemusedly. "Do you think Edward and Bella will show up?"

"That, I have no idea." I sighed. "Bella's still a little annoyed with you for telling Charlie."

"It's been like a month!" He groaned. "I did it so she wouldn't have to say goodbye... Charlie means the world to her, even if it's weird for her to show."

"I know. We'll just have to wait and see..." I bit back a yawn. "Obviously, Leah and her family are invited too. I'm sure Chloe and the Marshalls will be over... Mom tends to go a bit overboard when it comes to pot roast."

"I'll let them know." Jacob smiled as he kissed my forehead.

I smiled back at him as Mom returned from the kitchen, the three of us happily enjoying the rest of the movie.

***********

"Make sure you wash those seeds off!"

Mom's voice floated down the hallway, causing me to share a knowing grin with Chloe; about two and a half hours into our Halloween movie marathon, the Marshalls and the Clearwaters had shown up for dinner, both groups of parents immediately taking over the kitchen and dining room areas. As it was tradition, Mom made everyone pick out a pumpkin from the back porch to carve a jack-o-lantern while the pot roast continued to cook in the crockpot.

"Like this?" Seth's voice responded.

Since there wasn't enough room for everyone in the dining room, Chloe and I had ventured into the living room with our pumpkins and a ton of newspaper. Jacob and Leah quickly joined us as Mom, Margaret, and Sue broke out the wine as soon as they arrived, and into giggles by glass number 3.

"Why are we washing the seeds off again?" Jacob asked from his spot on the floor.

"So we can toast them in the oven later... you never heard of roasted pumpkin seeds before?" I teased, flashing a smile his way.

"Heard of, yes. Actually did it, no." Jacob shook his head. "We weren't big on Halloween like you and your mom."

"You realize that's about to change, right?" Chloe laughed as she scooped out a spoonful of pumpkin seeds from her pumpkin. "You're marrying the queen of decorating for the holidays."

"I'm looking forward to it." Jacob winked at me just as the doorbell rang.

"I got it!" I hollered so Mom could hear me, scrambling to my feet.

Wiping my hands on my jeans, I pulled the door open, a little startled to see Edward, Bella, and Renesmee standing on the porch. Coming up the path behind them was Charlie and Billy, back from their fishing trip; the atmosphere shifted just slightly as the four looked at one another, an undertone of tension radiating from their bodies.

"Hi, guys!" I said brightly, pretending there wasn't any tension. "Come on in. Dinner's almost done... everyone's carving a pumpkin to pass the time."

"Are there any left?" Bella asked curiously, glancing at Edward.

"Yeah, pumpkins are out on the back porch," I said as I closed the door behind them. Edward nodded and led Bella and Renesmee through the house, greeting Mom and the others as they entered the dining room.

"Your mom's in the kitchen?" Charlie cleared his throat as he took off his jacket.

"Yup, she's with Sue and the Marshalls."

"Okay. Oh, almost forgot!" Charlie smiled before turning towards Billy who handed him the flowers in his lap. "This is for you and your mom... I know how she likes fresh flowers for the table."

He held out one of the two bouquets - a sea of oranges and yellows in a beautiful fall arrangement. I beamed as I took the flowers from him.

"Thank you, Charlie. I'm going to go put these in water for the table."

"And I know my son already brought flowers for you," Billy spoke up as Charlie headed to the kitchen with the other bouquet. "But I figured these would be perfect for your bathroom or wherever you'd want to put them."

Billy pulled a bouquet of sunflowers out of the bag slung over the side of his wheelchair. Chloe let out a whistle of appreciation as she shook her head from across the living room.

"What's up with all the flowers today?"

"Well, we know things have been a little hectic lately," Jacob answered her as he got up from the floor to stand next to his dad, "especially for Autumn. So, we wanted to do something to show that she's appreciated and loved. And so is her mom."

"You guys are going to make me cry." I placed a hand against my heart as tears swelled in the corners of my eyes. "This really means a lot to me."

"As for Charlie bringing flowers over for Julie, well..." Jacob shared a grin with his dad.

"I'm not saying a word." Billy chuckled as he wheeled himself towards the back of the house.

"What?" Chloe's eyes widened curiously.

"Charlie's got a thing for Mom." I giggled. "And Mom has a thing for Charlie."

"No way!" Chloe squealed. "We have to get them together. Come on, Autumn. You know your mom, she won't do anything without a little help."

"Do what?" Bella reappeared in the doorway, her eyebrow raised.

"My mom, your dad." I told her. "They totally like each other."

"Thank god I'm not the only one who thinks so!" Bella laughed. "Edward owes me $20 now."

"So, what's the game plan?" Leah asked. "How do we get the two of them to realize they have feelings for each other?"

"This dinner party might have to downsize..." I said thoughtfully. "I have a plan, but we need the other parents on board."

"We're on it." Chloe and Leah spoke at the same time, grinning before they scampered down the hall. I turned to Bella.

"Are you okay with this? Like 100%? We could end up sisters."

"Leaf, I already consider you a sister." Bella rolled her eyes. "Let's go make our parents happy."

"Alright, here's what I'm thinking..." I told my plan to Jacob and Bella in a low voice. Nodding in agreement, they filled in Edward, Seth, and the girls before we set to work.

Margaret and Sue kept Mom busy in the kitchen away from the window that overlooked the backyard while Jacob and Edward put together my idea. Billy and Jameson led Charlie to the living room where they watched the football game before dinner, their yells muffled by the walls from the outside.

About twenty minutes later, I stared at the backyard in awe as Jacob wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"It looks perfect," I whispered.

The guys had replicated Jacob's midnight dinner-for-two date, complete with Mom's flowers in the middle of the table and white twinkling lights strung up through the gazebo; I made sure the setting was toned down so that the atmosphere felt casual, yet still romantic enough for Mom and Charlie to realize it was a date.

On my cue, Margaret and Sue brought Mom outside, a blindfold tied around her eyes so she couldn't peek. Helping her into one of the chairs, Margaret held back a knowing giggle as Jacob steered a blindfolded Charlie to the other chair while Seth and Chloe grabbed food from the kitchen. Shooting everyone back into the house, Bella and I took our places behind our respective parents. Silently counting to three, we removed the blindfolds and stood to one side of the table as they blinked against the sudden light.

"What... what is all this?" Mom gasped, taking in the scene before her.

"Dinner is served!" I grinned. "Bon appétit!"

"Enjoy your meal!" Bella exclaimed as I grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the house.

"I think our daughters just set us up." I heard Charlie say as we reached the back porch, amusement evident in his tone.

Bella and I nearly collapsed into each other as we rushed into the kitchen, spying on our parents through the blinds. Charlie must have said something funny because Mom laughed before clinking her wine glass to his beer bottle. I high-fived Bella in victory before we joined the others in the dining room, all of us trying not to steal obvious glances at the backyard.