A New Year’s Eve To Remember

“Alice, is this all really necessary?” I asked.

My sister-in-law finished dressing up Renesmee, who was wearing a dark red dress that was accented by her long, golden curls. My daughter looked into the bathroom mirror and smiled at her reflection.

“How’s my little angel doing?” Jacob said as he entered the bathroom.

“She’s doing fine thanks to her aunt,” Alice replied. “She’s going to be the star of the party.”

“Don’t I look pretty, Jakey?” Renesmee giggled as Jacob scooped her up into his arms.

“You sure do.” Jacob cooed and gently poked her nose.

“Do you guys want to help me make the cupcakes?” I suggested. Renesmee nodded her head with a smile and Jacob shrugged.

“I’ll do whatever Nessie wants to do.” Jacob said.  “Besides, you need the help. When the gang comes over, you’ll be cleaned out of fridge and home.”

“Speaking of which, Rosalie will be nothing but pleasant with you and your friends.” Alice spoke up.

“Why is that?” Renesmee asked curiously. We all knew Rosalie couldn’t stand the werewolves, let alone the fact that they would be coming to our New Year’s Eve party.

“If my visions are correct she and Emmett broke the bed last night, if you get my drift.” Alice whispered.  

“Well then we’re off to make cupcakes,” Jacob declared. By the look on his face, I could tell he was trying to delete the mental picture of Rosalie and Emmett making love out of his mind.

“I have to go fix Jasper up anyways. I’m getting tired of his cowboy outfits.” Alice rolled her eyes and danced out of the bathroom.

“Then I think it’s time to make our cupcakes.” I chirped.

Renesmee wiggled out of Jacob’s arm, landing gracefully on the ground. She grabbed my hand gently and looked up at me with her beautiful chocolate brown eyes.

“Let’s go, Mommy.” She said.

As we walked down the stairs, Edward snuck up behind me and placed his hands over my eyes.

“Daddy, stop trying to trick Mommy.” Renesmee scolded.

I laughed and spun around, landing in Edward’s arms. He placed a soft, gentle kiss on my lips as Jacob scooped up Renesmee.

“We’ll be waiting for you in the kitchen,” Jacob muttered.

“What’s wrong with Jake?” I asked, trying to turn around, but Edward pressed his lips hungrily against my jaw line as he turned me back around.

“He’s just a little bitter, but don’t worry. He’ll be able to do this with Renesmee in about seven years,” Edward replied.

“So you’re okay with Jacob dating our daughter when she’s older?” I questioned.

“Not quite fully, but if she wants him then I won’t object. I only want for her to be happy,” He replied.

“Yes, and she would be very happy right now if her mother was in the kitchen helping her make cupcakes.” I pointed out.

“She can wait,” Edward murmured.

He hungrily pressed his lips against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he pulled me toward his room, but I gained my senses back before he pulled me in.

“I have to go help our little girl; I’m afraid that Jacob might put too much baking soda in the batter.” I sighed.

“Fine, go down to the kitchen, but we’re going to finish this tonight at our little cottage in the woods.” He whispered.

With a wink, he slipped past me and down the stairs. I walked down the stairs slowly and joined Renesmee and Jacob in the kitchen. Surprisingly, Jacob had managed to gather up everything needed to make cupcakes and he had just put the cupcakes into the oven.

“I made cupcakes with Nessie a few weeks back,” Jacob replied as if he could read my mind. “So I know what we need.”

“Then what kind of frosting should we put on it?” I asked.

I picked up the containers of chocolate and vanilla icing for her to choose. She quickly pointed to the chocolate container with a smile on her face.

“I love chocolate! Jakey gave me a whole bunch when I went with him and his friends down to La Push!” Renesmee cried happily.

“He did, did he?” I muttered, glaring up at Jacob.

“Well Quil had a couple of pieces with them and she wanted to try some. We just couldn’t let her down when she wanted more. She even gave us those puppy dog eyes,” Jacob defended.

“I’m sorry, Mommy.” Renesmee sniffled, on the brink of tears. I picked her up into my arms and kissed the top of her head.

“I’m not mad at you, sweetie.” I sighed. “I’m mad at your big-headed Jacob.”

She pressed her hand against my neck, showing me an image. She sat in Jacob’s lap as the gang sat around a large bonfire, stuffing themselves and laughing with each other. Renesmee spotted Quil with a large leftover chocolate bar and got up form Jacob’s lap, walking over to Quil. She held out her hand and he placed a piece in her hand. She pretty much went into a chocolate frenzy after that first bite. The gang, especially Jacob, couldn’t resist her puppy dog eyes and they cringed at the cry she gave out when they refused her.

“There’s my little super model!” Rosalie cried happily as she entered the kitchen, her nose scrunched up from the smell Jacob was giving out. Renesmee pulled her hand away and I set her down.

“Hi, Aunt Rose.” Renesmee said politely as Rosalie pulled her into her arms.

“After the party, how about we go shopping at that store you like?” Rosalie suggested.

“Sorry, Blondie, but I promised her I’d take her down to La Push.” Jacob spoke up. “She’s been dying to play with Seth and I don’t think the party will be enough time for her.”

Rosalie glared at Jacob, but we all knew Renesmee liked to play with Seth almost as much as she liked hanging out with Jacob. Seth never minded playing with Renesmee, which helped him score major points in her book.

“And Jake promised me we could attack Paul when he got here!” Renesmee added cheerfully.

“Where do kids get ideas these days?” He laughed nervously.

Just as I was about to scold Jacob, I heard a loud rumble coming from outside and the door soon burst open. We peered into the living room and saw the pack stroll in, surveying the house.

“So this is where they live.” Quil muttered.

“I have to admit, I was expecting a few coffins here and there; maybe even a cage where you keep Nessie at whenever she’s not useful.” Paul sighed. I glared at him and he stepped back lightly, raising his hands up in defense.

“Mommy, can you put me down please?” Renesmee asked. She held my hand and showed me of a time where she bite Paul’s leg. She wanted to do it again.

“Sure thing,” I said and placed her on the ground.

She gave Paul a dirty look and walked up to the boy that was twice her size. In the blink of an eye, she sunk her teeth into Paul’s leg. A few cuss words escape his mouth as Seth began to tickle Renesmee, which caused her to let go in a fit of giggles.

“Here ya go, Bella.” Seth said happily.

He handed a smiling Renesmee to me, but she quickly squirmed out of my arms. I laughed as Emmett and Jasper walked in, Alice riding on Jasper’s back.

“Hi, guys! Glad you could make it!” Alice chirped as she slid off of Jasper’s back. Both of my brother-in-laws couldn’t help but smirk when they saw Paul’s leg bleeding slightly.

“What happened to you?” Jasper asked Paul.

“Nessie bit me,” Paul replied bitterly.

“About time something fun happened.” Emmett chuckled and high-fived Renesmee.

“So where’s the food?” Embry asked excitedly.

“Before you clean my home of all the food, I have a few rules.” I explained as I stood in front of the pack. They looked into the kitchen then back at me with a nod.

“Okay, you have to leave at least one of everything for Renesmee.” I continued. “She eats human food to.”

“Deal!” The group cried and they were in the kitchen in a matter of seconds.

“Hey, Bella, do you still need help with decorating the house?” Emmett asked as he and Jasper stood in front of me.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me,” I sighed.

“Anytime, sis.” Emmett chuckled.

“So where do we start?” Jasper said.

“Well everything’s in the closet so you’ll have to get those-” I stopped when Edward walked in carrying the decorations.

“One step ahead of you, love.” Edward chuckled and gave me a peck on the cheek.

“So where does the stuff go?” Emmett questioned as he pulled out a streamer.

“The streamers go all around the living room and you can hang the big banner over the front door.” I instructed.

In an instant, my husband and brothers were speeding around the house as they set up the decorations. I spotted Rosalie and Alice beside Renesmee as they waited for the pack to finish eating in the kitchen. Jacob sat on the ground and Renesmee balanced herself on his shoulders.

“Jake, help me!” Seth cried as he crawled out of the kitchen with a cupcake in his hands.

“Get back here, squirt!” Jared growled and pulled Seth back in by his legs.

“Those mutts get so violent. They’re such a bad influence for Nessie.” Rosalie scoffed as she saw Renesmee giggling.

“They’re just having a little fun, Rose.” Alice laughed as she ruffled Renesmee’s hair.

“We’re finished!” Emmett declared as he stood beside me. Edward and Jasper appeared soon after him.

“That was fast. Then again, you’re all vampires.” I smirked.

“Don’t get too cocky; you’re one too.” Jasper chuckled.

“Renesmee, would you like daddy to give you a present?” Edward asked and turned to Renesmee. She nodded and slid off of Jacob’s shoulders. She walked up to Edward and held her hands out in an expectant manner.

“Yes, please.” She said and batted her eyelashes.

“Here you go,” Edward said and placed something in her hands. She looked at it and smiled as she turned to me, holding up a diamond necklace.

“Could you help me put this on, Mommy?” Renesmee asked.

I nodded and placed it delicately around her neck as the gang strolled out of the kitchen.

“Lucky for you, we managed to save Nessie a cupcake, two slices of pizza, and some punch.” Quil spoke up.

“And Paul’s leg stopped bleeding so I don’t think you’re carpet will be that bloody tonight.” Embry added.

“That saves Esme from all the cleaning,” Edward said, smiling that crooked smile I always loved.

“So how long is it until we hit midnight?” Seth asked.

“In less than a half hour,” Jasper replied quickly.

“Why don’t we watch a show until then?” Jacob suggested. “How does Buffy the Vampire Slayer sound?”

“Ha ha, very funny Jake.” I muttered.

“I’m only kidding, Bells.” Jacob chuckled.

“That was a bad joke, Jacob.” Renesmee chirped. “I’ve heard better from Uncle Emmett.”

Jacob went wide eyed as the other Quileute boys broke out laughing. Emmett grinned and bent down beside Renesmee as she played with her curls.

“Nessie, did I ever tell you that you’re my favorite niece?” Emmett said happily.

“I’m your only niece,” Renesmee pointed out.

“I know, but between you and me…” Emmett whispered into her ear. “I like you better than Uncle Jasper.”

Jasper glared at Emmett and kicked him, which caused Emmett to slam into Paul.

“For crying out loud, can’t you people stop fighting for five minutes?!” Edward growled.

“I know too many weird people.” Renesmee sighed. “I need a counselor.”

“You’re only one year old, why would you need counseling?” Sam pointed out.  

“I’ve grown up around vampires and werewolves; most of the kids around here don’t even have a dog.” Renesmee said matter-of-factly. “Not to mention I’m half-human and half-vampire.”

“That only makes you special,” Carlisle spoke up.

“Then is it okay if I call Jacob ordinary?” Renesmee asked.

“You can call him anything you want,” Edward replied with a smile.

“Sit, doggy.” Renesmee instructed as Jacob stood up. Jacob and the Quileute boys stared at Renesmee as if she was crazy, but my family simply broke out into snickers and laughs.

“Isn’t she precious?” Rosalie cooed as she hugged Renesmee.

“Awfully annoying too,” Jared muttered.

“Sometimes we think she inherited a little bit of her personality from Alice,” Edward chuckled.

“Hey, only five more minutes until the new year!" Emmett declared as he looked at the clock plastered onto the wall. Jasper switched the TV on and a New Year's Eve TV Special came on with a clock centered in the middle of the screen.

"What are you're new year resolutions?" Seth asked.

"I want to try and not be such an overprotective older brother." Jacob sighed.

"Nessie made you say that, didn't she?" Jasper chuckled.

"Part of it, yes." Jacob admitted.

"One minute left," Esme chirped.

Everyone gathered around the TV as we counted down together.

"Five...four...three...two...one!"

Hands flew up into the air and cheers were shouted; even Renesmee was cheering as Jacob placed her on his shoulders.

As everyone cheered around me, I couldn't help but take in the moment. Everyone seemed at peace, even Rosalie. It was times like these that really made me appreciate my life. There weren't many moments like these, and I'd learned to appreciate the ones I get. This was definitely a New Years' Eve to remember.