CHRISTMASTIDE

7. This Gift


"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...five golden rings on a chain. Clever, Edward."

Edward rolled his eyes, taking a seat next to Bella on the bench in front of his bed. She held up the necklace, her eyebrow rising skeptically. "Read the inscriptions, babe."

"Is this like I'm Frodo and-"

"Bella. For once, please shut up and just read the inscriptions."

Bella's mouth closed as she gazed at Edward, who appeared to be pleading with her with his eyes. He was nervous, his leg bobbing rapidly against hers. For some reason, he was terribly nervous. Finally, she nodded, licking her lips as she picked up the first ring, peering at the inside. "Love."

She picked up the next ring. "Desire," and the next, "Loyalty, friendship, and devotion," she read quietly as the rings dropped, hanging from the chain on the tips of her fingers. She blinked, her breath catching as she looked up only to find him gazing at her.

He reached over, gently holding up the chain with the tips of his fingers. "That's my eternal promise to you, because you never listen when I actually tell you these things," he said softly. "Love, desire, loyalty, friendship, and devotion. Always and forever."

Bella let out a deep breath, shaking her head. "Edward..."

"Even when we argue and act like we hate each other, I'm still going to give you all of that. All of me. I promise," he shrugged in an attempt to appear indifferent. "You don't have to wear it, it was just one of the presents-"

Bella leaned over, kissing him softly. She gasped at the heat that radiated through her at his touch, at the butterflies that were set loose in her stomach, the shivers that ran down her spine. This was happiness. Pure, unadulterated happiness

"Thank you," she whispered, her fingers running down his face.

Edward licked his lips, rubbing her knee lovingly. "You really don't have to wear it. It's corny, actually-"

She grabbed the sides of his face, kissing him firmly. "Make love to me," she breathed against his lips.

He blinked, staring at her. "Wait, what?"

She was already pulling up his sweater, trying to push him against the mattress. "I don't get you," she gasped as he grinned against her skin. "I just don't understand you."

Edward pushed up, his mouth pressing against hers as he stood, bringing her with him. He grabbed her hips, lifting her up, and she immediately wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hands clutched at his neck as he made his way to what had become her side of the bed.

"I love you, Bella," he whispered against her cheek. He blinked rapidly, trying to gather the courage to ask the next question, the one that had been nagging at him for months. "Do you love me?"

Bella was silent for a long moment, her grip loosening on his neck, but tightening around the chain. "I...I feel happier now that you're in my life." she murmured.

And it was true. She had known it for a while, But, now, she was convinced, more than ever, as she kissed him again, her thumb trailing over his jaw. "You're special to me."

Edward nodded, swallowing his disappointment. "Okay," he said, kissing her softly as he lowered them both to the bed.


I couldn't ask for more than having you near
'Cause I love you girl
I always will