I owe nothing, but I would like to give thanks to Mrs. S Meyers for her wonderful characters that I get to play with in my little ol' story.

I would also like to thank the world's best beta Dollybigmomma for her never-ending help and support.

I'm sorry for not getting the chapter to you sooner, but I was caught up in a wonderful intriguing story and couldn't stop reading. If you haven't read it yet you should check out 'Awakening by jazsqr' It's not finished yet but well worth the wait.

Chapter 10

Give Thanks

Part 1

EPOV

It was now Thanksgiving and life had been relatively quiet for Elizabeth and myself. We had plans to join my family for dinner tonight at Alice and Jasper's new house. Alice had been going non-stop since they moved in three weeks ago. This would be my first visit since they finished the interior.

Elizabeth and I spent the morning just lounging around watching the Macy's Parade and having a simple breakfast of Pop-tarts and milk. Ever since her sleep over at Bella's she'd begged for Pop-tarts. However, she only ever ate one from the twin package though. When I asked her why, she gave me a sad look and said that the other one was Mae's and would always pack it away in a sandwich bag with a pink post-it note tucked in as well. I had a peek at the last one before she put it in her little backpack. It was an outline of a heart with two simply words 'Sidster Foebtr' in red crayon. After witnessing her unadulterated love for her best friend I started to think I needed to find a way to fix the situation with Bella Swan. I'd have to get some advice tonight from my aunt on the matter.

The parade was now over and I was dreading getting dressed for the formal dinner Alice had planned for us. I was used to dressing nice for holidays but Alice wanted everybody in his or her 'Very Sunday Best'. Because Alice was, well, Alice. All I had to do was get my baby and I dressed in the outfits she chose for us. Easier said than done.

I unzipped the garment bag that was hanging on my closet door to find a dark charcoal grey suit, white dress shirt with thin grey stripes, a light blue silk necktie, black dress shoes and silver cufflinks. Knowing Alice, I was sure it was all designer labels that I could care less about. I got myself dressed and then I check on Elizabeth to see how she was coming along. I had to stop myself from laughing when I heard my child huffing at how silly it was to have to wear fancy panties and tight shoes just to eat dinner. I totally agreed with her, it was a bit much for a family get-together, but just try and tell that to Alice.

"Daddy, why do I need to wear a slip? It's not like everybody is going to see it, it's just going to be under my dress."

"I know, baby, but I'm sure Ali has her reasons as to why you need it. Do you need me to help you get dressed?" She just nodded her head yes and handed me her clothes.

After fighting with the monstrosity that Alice called a slip and all the tiny buttons and buckles, I was finished with Elizabeth and she was an angel in her outfit. It was a light blue and black floral taffeta A-line dress with capped sleeves and a black velvet sash at the waist. White lace trimmed ankle socks, black patent leather shoes and a black bowed hair band completed the ensemble.

Before we headed out the door I bundled her up in her dark grey wool coat and hat. The last thing I needed was a sick child since the weather had taken a turn and we were hit by a record cold snap.

Elizabeth chattered away in the back seat as we headed over to Alice's and I was so lost in the driving zone I didn't hear her question.

"What, baby? Daddy was busy driving."

"Daddy, I said I need to see Santa soon so he can have time to bring me my present. Oh, Daddy, you weren't listening again, you need to listen better," she scolded me while wagging her finger at me.

"Sorry, baby, I'll try harder this time. Now, what are you going to ask for?"

"Well, I only want one thing and I can only tell Santa about it. Can we go see him soon, Daddy?" Ugh, mall Santa's. Maybe I could get Alice to take her when she took the twins.

"How about I see when Ali and the boys are going and you can go with them?"

"I guess, Daddy, but Ali always makes me try on shoes when we go to the mall," she pouted.

"Well, maybe Nana can take you instead?" I tried to make it sound like that was a better solution.

"Well, at least Nana lets me pick out my shoes," she huffed and folded her arms over her chest.

We pulled up to the house and I was still in awe of the beauty of it. They were able to recreate the feel of a Tuscan countryside villa in their Seattle suburban neighborhood. Alice's inspiration was their honeymoon to the Italian region of Tuscany. I was sure the inside was just as breathtaking as the exterior.

Alice was at the back passenger door before I even got the car in park. She scooped my child up and whisked her away without even a backwards glance at me. I just shook my head at her antics, because that was all you could do when it came to Alice.

As I walked into their foyer I was immediately transported to another place and time. She really was a gifted designer; her brand new home had the look and feel of a centuries old villa. The warm rich colors and the antique furnishings really added to the feel of an old world dwelling.

I followed the noise which led me to the hub of activity, the kitchen… ahhh, the aroma of herbs and spices and the happy singing of my aunt reminded me of my mother and how she would always have soft jazz playing in the background whenever she cooked. She used to say that it made the dish that much tastier, because she was happy and carefree as she poured all of her love into our meals and not just the special occasion meals.

"Happy Thanksgiving everybody!" I was met with a round of welcoming hugs and kisses from my aunt and cousin.

"Where's my girl?' Esme asked.

"You'd have to ask Ali, she ran away with her before I could get the car parked."

"Mary Alice!" was all Esme needed to say.

"I'm sorry, I just had a surprise for her and I couldn't wait any longer," Alice batted her eyes and tried to feign innocence.

After Alice's faux repentance, I made my way out to the great room and joined the men folk in watching a football game.

"Hey, Eddie, 'bout time you got here."

"Emmett, how many times do you have to be told not to call me that?" He just smiled and shrugged his massive shoulders.

I turned and greeted the rest of the room. "Uncle Carlisle, Peter, Jazz, and Miss Hale, it's a pleasure to see you. I was unaware you would be joining us today."

"Alice was kind enough to extend an invitation after she found out I was spending my holiday alone."

"Well, we can't have that now, can we? I take it you've already met everyone?"

She nodded just as Alice came in and announced that dinner was served, and so we all made our way to the massive table that was formally set for ten. I got Elizabeth set in her booster seat on my right and took my seat between her and Jazz who was at the head of the table. Emmett was across from me, with Miss Hale to his left. Then Peter and Char sat with one twin in her lap, and Alice was at the end of the table. Esme was seated to Alice's left holding the other twin and Carlisle was in between Esme and Elizabeth.

Before we blessed the food we went around the table and said what we were thankful for. The adults all seemed to be grateful for family, friends and good health.

I turned to Elizabeth and asked her what she was grateful for.

"I'm thankful for Daddy, my Nana and Pawpaw, Ali, Jazzy, Brandon, Hayden, Char and Pops, Uncle Em, my teacher, Miss Hale, Felix, Miss Bella, Miss Alice and most of all, my Mae."

My heart ached when she said the last person and it only confirmed that I needed to fix the situation with Bella. "That was very nice, sweetie, but who is Miss Alice?"

"Oh, Daddy, she's the cutest little puppy in the whole wide world and Mae and I got to put bows in her hair and she has pink boots and a pink jacket just like Mae's."

I looked over and noticed Alice with a smug smile on her face as Elizabeth told us all about her namesake.

When Elizabeth was finished, we held hands and bowed our heads while Carlisle said the blessing.

"Our Father in Heaven, we give thanks for the pleasure of gathering together for this occasion. We give thanks for this food prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, the freedom to enjoy it and all other blessings. As we partake of this food, we pray for health and strength to carry on and try to live as you would have us. This we ask in the name of Christ, Amen."

"Amen," was echoed around the table.

"As always, thank you for that wonderful blessing, Carlisle. Even though this is my table, you would honor me my carving this magnificent turkey that was so beautifully prepared for us," Jasper, always the consummate southern gentleman, asked as he handed over the carving knife and fork to his father-in-law.

Dinner was wonderful as always, the conversation was lively and varied, and before we knew it, the meal was coming to an end. As was the custom in the family, those who cooked got a pass in the clean up. After a quick game of rock, paper, scissors we assigned the kitchen duties. I was on clearing and trash, Jazz got the job of leftover allocations, which meant he got to find the storage containers and fridge space. Emmett, the lucky duck, got to hand wash all the dishes because they couldn't go through the dishwasher. Alice was afraid they might get chipped or be left with spots. Carlisle and Peter teamed up to dry and put away. After I finished my job, I went and sought out my aunt for some much needed advice.

"Aunt Esme, can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure, Teddy, pull up a chair. What can I help you with?"

So I told her everything that had been going on in my life for the past two months, including my shocking conversation with Bella. She didn't interrupt; she just soaked it all up like a sponge. Once I was done spilling my story, she looked at me sternly, making me swallow hard.

"Edward, are you telling me that you just walked out on them? You left without hearing the whole story? And based on this incomplete knowledge, you made a decision that not only affects you, but a child that may possibly be yours as well? Was that what you were taught by your mother, Edward? Did you learn this tactic in twelve years of medical school, to act without having examined all the facts?" All I could do was shake my head no.

"Teddy, I know your head is telling you that this just doesn't add up. But what does your heart tell you when you look at those two little girls?" She was right; I knew there had to be a logical explanation as to why Esme Swan looked like she could be my Elizabeth's twin.

'I guess I screwed up, huh?"

She just smiled. "Well, young man, what are you going to do about it now?"

"I guess I need to meet with Mama Swan and hear her out."

"That sounds like a good place to start."

A/N:

Well, all I can say is it's about time Edward removed his head from his… well, you know where he's had it lately.

I'm in the process of creating a blog so I can post extras for you to enjoy.

I also want a banner for my story. Any volunteers?

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

tickledpink