I'm back by popular demand! I was told by a few people that this story should be continued and I think that's what I'm doing! I love you all! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you did the first one!

"I'm sorry," he apologized, trying to read her blank face. He stepped a foot back, unsure of how she would react. "I shouldn't have done anything…"

"No," she finally said, shaking her head as a smile finally broke across her face. "It's uh, its fine. I was just surprised, that's all."

"Good," he nodded. "Good."

They then found themselves amidst an awkward silence. Neither of them knew whether to continue walking or part ways like they'd planned to.

"You know, I was thinking of having a small dinner tonight but I wouldn't want to eat alone. Would you care to join?"

"I would love to," she smiled.

"Good. How does 6 o clock sound?"

"Perfect."

"I'll see you at six then," she replied.

"I live in the Uptown neighborhood. It's the apartment building with the green awning. Can't miss it. Just tell the doorman who you're here for and he should let you in."

She gave him one last hug before they finally parted ways. Even as he walked away, he could feel the spark of the kiss on his lips. He felt like a teenager who had just received their first kiss, though he'd had his many, many years ago.

He hadn't felt so much in one single kiss in years and there had only been one person who'd had that kind of affect on him. Until now, he'd almost forgotten about the girl that was the center of his world for many years. He'd given everything for her.

But she ended up like the rest of the girls he'd come across when all was said and done.

But even so, he continued thinking about Bella as he entered the complex. He passed a fair amount of his neighbors, all with their families or significant other. That part of him that was consumed by loneliness had now been filled by one of the most radiant females he'd ever come across.

With a broad grin, he exited the elevator and began to walk to his door, only to find it was already open.

"That's strange," he muttered, approaching his apartment warily. He knew for a fact that he had closed it on his way out. "Is someone here?"

"Surprise!" Alice suddenly squeaked, popping out of the aparment and startling Edward. "We were beginning to wonder where you were."

"Alice, what are you doing here? I thought you said you couldn't make it?" he laughed breathlessly as she dragged him inside.

Much to his surprise, his apartment had been completely dressed in Christmas décor. Garland hung from the mantle and lined the bar. Christmas figurines were propped up on his coffee table and in the middle of it all, a large Christmas tree stood bright.

"You're all here," he grinned. "Even my overly pregnant sister in law."

Rosalie, with her hands propped up on her hips, smiled as Edward took her into a tight hug.

"You're glowing," he said happily, placing his hands on her stomach. "Emmett, glad to see you."

"You too man," Emmett grinned wildly as he took Edward into a hug.

He was then greeted by the rest of his family with open arms. He wanted to cry at the sight of them standing before the large Christmas tree that they'd put up.

"But how did you all manage to get here?" he asked as they all sat around the living room. "I thought the storm had cancelled all flights."

"We found a train," his mother beamed. "I guess god was on our side because it was the only one and it ran from Forks to Chicago. Kind of a miracle really."

"But Jasper had to work," he looked towards his sister and her husband.

"I cancelled," Jasper shrugged.

"Yeah. We couldn't bear the thought of spending Christmas without the family," Alice sighed.

"And you're pregnant, Rose," Edward breathed. "Extremely pregnant…"

"We talked to the doctor and somehow, he let us travel. He just said we have to take it easy," Rosalie explained, patting her stomach "He said that baby Cullen has a little bit of time."

"You've met someone!" Emmett suddenly boomed, shooting up from his chair. With excited eyes, he stared at Edward with a pointed finger. "He's had this look since he came inside! That's why he hasn't been here! He's been somewhere with some girl. He hasn't had that look since…"

"Fine!" he cut Emmett off. "I was at the park this morning and I did meet somebody. I am reluctant to tell you that she is coming over for dinner tonight because I didn't think that anybody would be at my apartment when I came home. She'll be here at 6:30."

"What's her name?" Esme gasped, clasping her hands together and leaning forward eagerly.

"Bella."

Alice squealed loudly and shot up from the sofa. She clapped loudly and began barking out orders to the family, telling them what to prepare and how to set up for the dinner that Edward had planned on being for only two. There was no stopping Alice once her mind was set on something and her mind was set on a wonderful dinner.

"Smell that wonderful store bought Turkey," Alice smiled, inhaling deeply as the preparations were nearly finished. "Emmett, Jasper and dad should be back from the store any minute. Edward, would you check on the mashed potatoes? I'm gonna go get ready."

"Sure," he muttered, rolling his eyes and walking into the kitchen. Rosalie and Esme were busy making sure the apartment looked presentable, which by Edward's standards it did. "Order me around in my own apartment…"

"We got the eggnog!" Jasper called as the rest of the men suddenly entered the apartment.

"And the bread!" Emmett added, walking into the kitchen. "Where are the girls?"

"Were right in here!" Esme called from the dining room. "Were just finishing up with the table."

"She's gonna be here in an hour!" Edward sighed, worried about how dinner would go. "I haven't had a chance to get ready myself!"

"Go get ready, brother," Emmett grinned, pulling Edward into a friendly headlock. "We got this covered."

"Are you sure?" Edward cocked an eye brow. "I mean, I don't want my kitchen-."

He was interrupted by the soft ringing of the doorbell as the entire family froze.

"She's early," Edward breathed as his heart began racing madly. "She's early!"

And just like that, the apartment became a madhouse. All over his family ran as they struggled to make everything perfect. They ran through the house, stirring the food, pouring the drinks and adjusting the table cloth. It was a madhouse.

"Bella," he said as he opened the door. But, it was not Bella. The young girl at his door was much shorter than Bella and much younger. "Hello, young lady. Can I help you?"

Her eyes. They were so familiar.

"My name is Taylor," she said in a high, ringing voice. She tucked her honey hair behind her ears and cleared her throat. "I'm 9 years old and I have a note."

She reached into the bag behind her back to pull out a slip of paper. Slowly, Edward took it from her small hands and read over it carefully.

Edward, I know this is sudden and also at a very bad time but this is Taylor and she is your daughter. She's 9 years old and very eager to meet you. Something has come up and I can't keep her. I need you to watch over her until I figure some stuff out. Please don't be angry at me since we haven't spoken in years.

Tanya.

He suddenly remembered why those eyes looked so familiar. Those green eyes were almost an exact copy of his own.

"Daughter?" he choked. "I have a daughter."

"Yes," she nodded. "You're my dad."

"Come in, come in," he placed his hands on her shoulders and lead her inside the apartment where his entire family stared at them expectantly.

"Edward, that's disgusting," Emmett scoffed. "You didn't tell us the girl you met today was a kid. I mean, good lord."

"No, Emmett," Edward snapped quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. This had been his most interesting Christmas so far. "This, uh, this is Taylor. She's 9 years old."

"I'm his daughter!" she said cheerfully, raising onto her toes.

Numerous shocked gasps suddenly filled the room as they news broke. Esme and Carlisle appeared the most taken back by the sudden appearance of this small girl. Esme had her hands cupped over her mouth in shock and eye brows raised high. His siblings appeared somewhat humored by the situation, excluding Alice who seemed ready to burst with excitement.

"Well this is interesting," a familiar voice suddenly said. Edward whirled around to find Bella standing in his open door, a surprised look on her face and a steaming dish in her hands.