EPOV
"Blah, blah, blah...stunnning piece of real estate...blah, blah...is going to make an enormous profit in auction...blah, blah...it must have taken you months to get it to this standard, Mister Cullen." It took a moment or five for me to realize that I was being addressed.
"Oh! Er, yes, sorry. My team have been working tirelessly throughout the summer and fall. They deserve a break now this project's complete." The head of the company that I needed to convince to buy Clandestine Manor, Jay Jenkins, was smirking at me across the round table. We'd been converged around it for almost five hours now, negotiating a sale price and then a couple of other things we needed to sort out before we went home. My family... As my right hand man, Ben, brought Jenkins into another conversation that was sure to get heated I wondered what Bella and the kids were doing now. It was just after noon on Christmas Eve, so Mom, Dad, Ali and Rose and their kids and Em and Jazz would be there as well as my father-in-law Charlie. God, he's going to be so pissed off. I already knew my kids were. Well, they're more upset than anything according to Bella, and judging from the call I got from Sam...well, I'm gonna have some serious grovelling to do. I'm hoping my big surprise is going to go some way in helping them forgive me but I'm not counting on it. In fact if they make me grovel for a good while it'll make me feel better in the long run. I've been a total jerk to all them since I took over this business just before we found out that Bella was pregnant with Kenzers. I missed Sam's birthday this year. I promised to take him to a Cubs game and he'd been ecstatic, telling everybody that he had the coolest Dad ever because I was taking him to a Cubs game. Then I'd had to fly across country when part of a building my team was working on collapsed and some of them were injured. It'd been a two week trip, promising to make a big cake with him as soon as I got back because it was one of his favourite things to do. He'd grudgingly forgiven me then but it didn't last. Not that it was his fault. One afternoon whilst Sam was at a late baseball practice Lizzie and Jakehad been running around the house, Kenzers was collicy and Bella was out for a well-earned afternoon of pampering with Ali and Rose. I made a rash decision to use the ingredients for the cake with Lizzie and Jake. I had foreseen Sam's reaction of course, but what I hadn't expected was to be kicked out of the bedroom I shared with Bella for two nights until Sam forgave me again. Bella had been firm in that and I was glad. Never did I want to upset my kids, and it killed me to be avoided by Sam and then chided repeatedly by Bella. I never wanted that to happen again.
"So, we're good for now, right? I have a call to make." Jenkins looked up at me as I cut him off halfway through saying something I hadn't heard to Ben. The other nine men at the table also turned to stare at me.
Ben shifted in his seat, looking between an angry Jenkins and my resolute expression. "Sir, with all due respect, we haven't-"
"Ben. This is Christmas Eve. I have four kids and a wife at home that I need to speak to. It is imperative that I do. I'm sorry gentleman, but it you'll excuse me." Ignoring the murmurs from Jenkins' team and patting Ben's shoulder as I passed him I hurried from the stuffy room, pulling my cell out of my pocket as soon as I got into my room down the hall. I sank onto the large bed that I'd spent a grand total of four hours in last night before getting up, showering and trying to call Bella again. The oddly-calm notes of her voice had plagued my dreams even after she hung up and sleep hadn't come easy even before that. I'd spent the entire day yesterday trying to complete work early so that there might be the slightest chance I could leave early. There was nothing worse than missing a family holiday especially one I knew was so important to Bella. Bella, my love, my life. I'd always adored her love for this holiday in particular. I remembered waking last year to the smell of fresh gingerbread and my children's laughter mixing with my wife's giggles. It was beautiiful and I'd stretched out in a bed saturated with Bella's scent, revelling in it and thanking God for my luck. This year I'd be waking up alone in a bed that smelled of laundry detergent to the sound of room-service trolleys being wheeled up and down the coridoor.
"Hello, Cullen madhouse."
I smiled, "oh, hey Rosie."
"Edward? Mom! It's Edward!" She yelled away from the phone. I could hear Mom's voice speaking in the background but it was muffled. "Hi Eddie. How's New Hampshire treating you?"
"Um, it's ok." One of my hands reached up to tug at my hair. "I'd rather be back there with you guys though. What's all that noise?"
"Er, Eddie, incase you'd forgotten it's Christmas so everyone's at your place. The kids are running riot. What'cha expect?" I sighed heavily. How could I forget? Hearing my family having fun made me miss home even more and I tugged my hair again even hearder in frustration. Yet another reminder of my family and the habits Dad had given me.
"Goddammit. I just wanna be back there, you know? It's Christmas. What are the kids doing? And Bella?"
"Um, Eddie, I've gotta go. Richard just spit up on Em and you know how he is."
Something about her tone was off and I frowned, "I thought he got better with that."
"Yeah, sometimes...anyway, gotta go. Lillian, get back here with that bag! Bye Eddie, see you soon!" And then she cut me off. Tossing my phone over my shoulder I leaned my elbows on my knees and my head in my hands.
"Not soon enough, Rosie, not soon enough."
Knock, knock. "Edward? Er, Mister Cullen?" Ben rapped on the door twice more before I took a deep breath, composed myself and called out for him to come in. he had his own key card, as usual.
"What's up Ben?" I sighed unhappily, resigned to the fact that it was probably Jenkins being an ass and requesting that I come back.
"Jenkins and his men have gone back to their rooms to conference. They, um, didn't seem happy after you left so I suggested that we meet again tomorrow at the prearranged time."
"Ok." I sighed and my hand found my hair again.
"I'm sorry about all this, Edward. I know you want to be at home with your family." Ben pulled a chair away from the table in the corner and set it down opposite me. He coughed and I raised my head to look at him quizzically. "Look, I've been looking at some numbers...making a few calls..." his blank expression gave way to a grin.
"What are you talking about, Ben? Cut to the chase, please."
"You can go home, Edward. Mike and Eric are flying out with their wives as we speak. If you want to book yourself a flight you can be home by midnight tonight." In all the years I'd been working I'd never once hugged an employee. I broke that rule in spectacular fashion within seconds.
APOV
OhmyGod! OhmyGod! OhmyGod! OhmyGod! OhmyGod! We're going to New Hampshire! It's amazing that Bella is basically putting Christmas on hold 'til we find Edward. Luckily Em has access to hit itinerary so we know where he's staying and after a few sham calls to the hotel we got his room number too. So far this morning we've booked our flights for late tonight, booked hotel rooms on the same floor as good ol' Eduardo and gotten the kids so excited you'd think they'd eaten all the sugar in Washington State. They've all been great though.
Sam being the oldest at ten has taken on 'kid keeper' duty – as Em dubbed it. My Landon is the second oldest at eight, then Bella and Edward's Lizzie at seven years old. Next is six year old Lillian, then my Jackson who's five followed by four year old Mia and Jake -born only a week apart- with eleven month old MacKenzie and eight week old Richard bringing up the rear. Nine children, six of them being mostly minded by a ten year old. I have to say though he's doing a fabulous job. MacKenzie and Richard stayed in the playroom with Jazz whilst he checked the others who were playing games and chatting together about how exciting it all way. According to my Jazz, Sam should be being paid for his child minding skills.
Mom, Rose and I have been packing things up for the kids since we got up and so far I've been told off a few -or a lot- of times. Apparently the girls don't need seven dresses just in case and the boys only need a couple of shirts because they're only gonna be inside the hotel once we get there before flying back with Edward. Hopefully that'll be Boxing day. Among my duties for ok'ing the clothes being packed was the fact that I had to organize outfits for everyone tonight as it's Lizzie and Lillian's nativity play at the community hall. At seven pm tonight we'll converge on the hall, watch the play and cheer like the Cullens, McCartys and Whitlocks we are. Then, with Lizzie and Lily still in costume -as per their request and my approval as I did make them after all- we'll make a mad dash to the airport. Edward's gonna love it. I can't just tell. It's a feeling I've got and I'm almost never wrong.
"Alice!" Oh, and Bella's job? To organise all of us doing our jobs. We all agreed that she was already worrying herself to death about the twins -cue squeal- so she didn't need to be running around all day too. We ganged up and made her stay with Jazz and the kids whilst we sorted everything out. It hadn't been easy to persuade her until the kids stepped in with their pouts. Lets say she gave in pretty quickly when we lined them all up infront of her.
"Yeah?" I wandered into the playroom and giggled at the sight. Em was standing in the middle of the room with a grumbling, pouting Bella cradled in his arms, MacKenzie sitting on one of his shoulders with Dad holding her up and Richard in Bella's arms. "Camera moment!" I squealed, fishing it out of my pocket and snapping a shot. "Bella," I whined, "smile!"
"If you don't I'll tickle you Babybel..." Em warned, digging his fingers in slightly. She smile brightly at once. Thank you God for making her ticklish. I snapped another photo and grinned.
"Thanks Em."
He chuckled and winked at me, "no problem, Pixie."
"Can I get down now?" Bella moaned, rocking Richard in her arms and giggling when he blew a bubble at her. Em carefully set her on her feet and leaned in to pull a face at his son. "Thank you."
"Bella, dear, would you like to help me with dinner? I thought we could eat a little early because of the nativity and whatnot." Mom hovered in the doorway with a smile and MacKenzie let out a loud, excited wail, making her beam. "Would you like to help too, MacKenzie?" She bent down to pick her up as MacKenzie crawled to her.
"That'd be great, Esme, thank you." Bella handed Richard to Em before leaving with Mom and MacKenzie, already discussing what they could cook for dinner. Whatever it was with the two of them cooking it was sure to be delicious. Mom had always been the best in my eyes...but since Bella arrived lets say I had a new secret favourite.
"Hey Em, where's Jazz? I thought he was looking after the kids?" Em ruffled my hair, tugged me into his side and cradled Richard in his other arm as he led me out of the room and into the next where I crumbled into hysterical giggles.
My Jazz was laying on the floor, each of the children holding skipping ropes as they pinned him to the ground. Jake stood at his feet, hands on hips and wide grin on his face. "Hey Aunt Ali! We're holdin' Uncle Jazz on the floor!" He cried joyfully, big eyes sparkling.
"Looks...fun..." I managed to get out. Jazz tipped his head and his blond hair fell into his eyes. As he cursed and tried to shake his curls out of the way our little girl laughed and hopped up to help him.
"I got it, Papa." She gently brushed his hair out of the way, kissed his cheek sweetly and plopped down on his stomach.
"Ungh, thanks little lady." She giggled and everyone else laughed.
"All right, hows about we make a nice big snowman before dinner? Nana and Babybel are gonna start so we don't have much time!"
"Yeah!" All seven kids flew out of the room after Em had handed me Richard and led them in the direction of the garden. Jazz huffed before rolling onto his stomach and then pushing himself up to his feet.
"Hello darlin'." Ah, swooning imminent...he took my hands and planted a soft kiss on my lips before wrapping his arm around my shoulders to lead me and Richard downstairs.
When we got there Rose and Em were putting the kids in their coats, boots, gloves, mittens and hats before ushering them out the back door to make their legendary traditional snowman. Every year since Em joined us we'd had a big competition to make the biggest snowman on the street. At some point or other we'd all pointed out that it wasn't a competition if the rest of the street didn't know about it but he wouldn't listen and continued anyway. Besides, it didn't do any harm and and kids -including the big ones if you know what I mean- loved it. I walked through to the kitchen whilst Jazz went outside. "Hey Alice." Bella greeted me with a smile. She was chopping some kind of vegetable by the looks of things. I have no idea what it was other than that; I'm not a good cook at all. Edward definitely got Mom's cooking skills, I got Dad's numbers with numbers and figures and Rose got our Uncle Aro's skills with engines. It helps with her job as a mechanic, I guess.
"Hey Bella, Mom." Just then Richard began to cry and tug at my shirt. I knew right away what he was after and asked Mom to grab me a bottle for little Richie.
"Oh, of course! Did Rose leave his bag in the living room?"
"Think so." She wiped her hands off on a dish cloth and left the room hurriedly. I lifted Richard to rest against my shoulder.
"Da! Ba, ba, ba, da!" MacKenzie babbled. Across the large, beautiful kitchen, Bella sniffled and I saw her wipe her face on her sleeve.
"Bella," I called quietly, "you ok?"
"Yeah." She laughed but even I could tell there was no humour in it. "Damn onions." Looking around I spotted the whole onion still beside Bella and a lump lodged itself in my throat.
"How many times has she said that? Or, tried to, anyway."
"Quite a few. She first tried yesterday but now she keeps doing it. I'm just really glad that she's gonna see him later, you know? She'll sleep on the place but I'll wake her up to see Edward. He'll want to see her and she misses him." When we get to Edward I'm gonna slap him silly for hurting his family like this. Doesn't he see what he's done?
"Yeah, she does." MacKenzie stretched her arms out to me and smiled a gummy grin.
"Sorry baby," I smiled regretfully, "I have no free hands." I loved holding my little niece and playing with her lovely fire engine red curls, looking into those beautiful, unique eyes.
"I have! Hold on right there, little one." Mom bustled back in with Richard's bottle, sticking it in the microwave before scooping up MacKenzie who squealed and cheered delightedly. Thankfully it brought a smile back to Bella's face too.
By the time our loud and cheerful family had crowded round the table and eaten the delicious spag bol Mom and Bella made it was nearly time to go to the nativity. Lillian, Lizzie and I had an impromptu practice whilst I was getting them into their costumes; Lizzie as Mary and Lillian as the angel Gabriel. They looked delightful already but just to make them look even better I loosely curled Lillian's hair with some curlers and brushed Lizzie's hair 'til it was straight as a whip, wrapping the blue bandana round her head once it was perfect. "Aunt Ali, I won't mess up my lines, will I? I don't wanna ruin in." Lizzie confided as we walked down the stairs hand in hand.
I beamed down at her, "of course not! You're a brilliant Mary, you know all your lines and you can recite them perfectly just like Lily is a brilliant angel." My nieces beamed up at me, emerald green and sky blue eyes meeting my forest green ones.
"Oh Lily, you look like a princess!" Em boomed as we entered the living room. She giggled before running to her dad and throwing her arms around him.
"Oh Daddy you silly nut, I'm not a princess, I'm and angel!" He grinned and planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek. She wiped it off with disgust but smiled all the same.
"Sorry angel." I looked down at Lizzie's forlorn expreesion, knowing she was sad her own Daddy wasn't here to comment. "Hey Lizzie, you look b-e-a-u-tiful too. Prettiest Mary I ever did see." Em opened his arms to Lizzie too and they both hugged him tight. Bella teared up and mouthed 'thank you' to Em, who just winked before tucking one under each arm as he stood, making them shriek with laughter. "All righty then, we ready to go?"
"I think so." Dad glanced around at us all and smiled, "come on then everyone. Let's get to this nativity!" We ushered all the kids out and into cars. Bella's SUB had enough room for her four, Lily and Mom, Dad got in the car with Rose, Em and Richard and I got in Jazz's car with him and our three hooligans.
"Mom, can I be in the natiwity play next year?" Mia asked as we cruised slowly down the road, the snow making up for the lack of speed bumps.
I smiled wide and turned to face her in my seat, "of course you can, baby! You can audition with Lily and Lizzie, and Landon and Jackson can too!"
"Oh, will you JJ? You too, Donny?" Jazz snickered at the nicknames our little lady had given our boys; they groaned. Loudly.
"Mom!" Landon whispered harshaly.
"Oh pwease Donny! It'll be fun! You can be Joseph and I can be Mawy!" He groaned again, slumping back into his seat.
"It's not 'til next year, Mimi. I'll think about it." She squealed and clapped her hands happily, bouncing on her car seat so Jackson's shook too beside her.
"She gets that from you, darlin'." Jazz told me quietly with a smirk.
"Yes sir'e. Although she definitely gets her persuasive skills from both of us." He nodded with a great big grin.
"With my baby blue eyes..."
"And my puppy dog pout..."
"She gets anything she wants!" Her brothers snickered in unison when Mia cried out, "who? Who gets what she wants?"
"No one, little lady. No one." Jazz assured her in his charming Southern drawl, the first thing that attracted me to him.
"Hello, and welcome to the Forks Miniature Players Nativity! We'll have a few moments to get everything ready and then we'll begin." Christine, the lady running the Miniature Players, introduced the play a few minutes later and we sat and watched as twenty or so children performed a wonderful addaptation of the traditional nativity scenes. As we all knew they would be the girls were great, and we cheered for Lily when she floated in in her little white dress on a wheelchair decorated as a cloud and for Lizzie when she made her entrance with her Joseph – a seven year old boy called Mike who held her hand and gazed at her with a little too much adoration to be acted. Looks like Lizzie's got herself an admirer, I thought with glee. And how funny that Edward put up with a much older Mike's unwelcome advances on Bella back in high school. The children were all great and had us in stitches and shedding tears as they recited their lines with child-like vigor. It was heart-rending and I couldn't wait for my three to join in next year. Around fifteen minutes into the performance the curtains closed and Christine walked back onto the stage. "Ok folks, we're just going to take a short break before we conclude the performance. There are refreshments at the back of the hall, please feel free to help yourselfes. And your children are...already out. Here they are!" The children suddenly all ran out and down the stairs either side of the stage, Lizzie and Lily skipping hand in hand towards us. Just as I was about to cheer out how great they'd been, there was a familiar voice crying out behind me.
"Oh God, please tell me I haven't missed it." What the...I spun round at the same time as everyone else and we all stared at the latecomer in silence and shock. Well, almost all of us.
"Dada!"
