Ch. 10 Merry Christmas Love

Christmas was only a day away. Though the Cullen's had chosen not to put up decorations this year due to the tragedy that had befallen them, it was clear the holiday season was near. The wind blew at just the right speed to smell the pine trees that circled the Cullen house and the snow covered all inches of the forest include the Cullen's front porch.

Bella held Edward's hand as they stood in front of the Cullen's doorway.

"Are you ready," she asked him.

Edward wiped his free hand on his jeans wiping away at some imaginary sweat.

"Didn't think I'd be this nervous," he replied back to her.

"After coming back from the dead, I think you're allowed," she said with smile. "It's okay Edward, I'm right here, I'm not going anywhere," she said holding his hand a little tighter.

Bella opened the door and the two of them made their way downstairs to the living room where the family waited. All they knew was that Bella had an announcement to make. Though Alice had seen her brothers return in a vision, she didn't quite believe it. She just thought maybe her mind was playing tricks on her.

Bella was the first to go down the stairs with Edward trailing behind as he held onto her hand. There the two of them stood in front of their family.

"Oh my god, Edward," Alice said being the first to rush into her brothers' arms. "Thank God you're okay."

Esme walked up to Bella and gave her a tight squeeze, "Thank you Bella, thank you for bringing my son back to us."

When the two women let go of them, Edward's father and brothers came and shook hands. Only Carlisle left his hand on Edward's shoulder, not ready to quite let go. Rosalie came and stood in front of Bella. The tension between them still there but not as much as it had been before.

"Emmett told me everything that happened. What you did," Rosalie began not quite knowing where to go next, "You sacrificed your own humanity to bring my brother back home. Thank you for that Bella. It's the best Christmas present you could have given to all of us."

Bella nodded, "You're welcome, Rosalie."

Rosalie took one step forward and hugged Bella quickly, stepped back and nodded and then moved towards one of the corners in the room.

"So," said Carlisle, "How are we gonna fix this? Edward all ready has a grave site and we burnt his first body."

Edward winced at those two events. It had not been easy to see his brothers set his former self on fire much less watch his own funeral. And seeing a second gravesite of his had been a little too much.

Bella raised her hand, "Actually I think I might've come up with something." Everyone focused their attention on Bella and she continued, "Protective custody," was all she said. "People fake their deaths all the time to protect themselves or the people they love in a dangerous situation. Who's to say Edward can't do the same?"

"I like it," said Emmett.

Carlisle nodded, "So do I. I've got some friends left who work in Protective Custody they'd be able to help."

"Good," replied Bella.

Carlisle looked to Bella, "You should go see Charlie. He's been calling since you left. He's pretty worried."

Bella nodded.

"Not yet," Edward said, "There's just one loose end that needs to be tied up."

Before Bella could say anything, Edward raced upstairs. He was grateful that his family had left his room the way it was. He found exactly what he was looking for and returned in an instant. There he stood in front of Bella as he opened an ancient maroon box.

"Bella Swan, will you marry me?"

Bella didn't know what to say. Even now as an immortal, she was still Bella and she hated when the attention was put on her.

"Edward, I…"

"Love, you sacrificed your human life to save me, don't tell me you're afraid of an eternal commitment."

Bella had to laugh as did everyone else in the room. When he put it that way she knew Edward was right but the thought of marriage terrified her.

"How about when I'm older," Bella teased, "Say in a hundred years."

Edward shook his head, "No deal. I'll be over two hundred by then. Bella I love you. Not even death could keep us apart. Marry me, please."

"I love you too Edward," she replied, "Forever."

Edward slipped the ring on Bella's finger. "Forever," he replied back.

END!