~Thanks to SweetDulcinea for her mad beta skills. She makes our writing purdy.

~Readers, have Pauline and I told you lately how much we love you? Well, we do! Thanks for your kind words and constant support.

Disclaimer: SM owns…blah blah blah. We're just patiently waiting for the Oprah episode with Rob to air so we can drool. Pauline and I are still kicking ourselves in the ass for not just going for broke and cupping his junk when we had the chance. She thinks it would have been worth the jail time. I tend to agree. Well, there's always the next time he visits NY ;)

Enjoy!

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace

Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on

He tried hard to help me
You know, he put me at ease
And he loved me so naughty
Made me weak in the knees

Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I'm so hard to handle
I'm selfish and I'm sad

River ~ Sarah McLachlan

*Bella*

Christmas. It was my favorite time of year, ever since I could remember. The singing of Christmas carols, the snow, the festive lights displayed everywhere…I loved it all. However, there was another aspect of the Christmas season that I looked forward to the most - the presents. Yes, I won't deny it, I loved getting lots and lots of presents, and I still do. Unfortunately, over the past few years, my life had taken a drastic turn family wise, some wonderful, some dreadful, that I had lost sight of what fun Christmas could really be.

When I was a child, my parents had showered me with an abundance of presents on Christmas morning, leaving me feeling like I was the luckiest kid in the world whose parents were one of a kind. It was during this time of year, I had felt truly loved by my mother and father. Well I was certainly right about the one of a kind part because whose parents abandon their child when they need them the most? My parents had such high aspirations for me, so naturally when I informed them that I had accidentally gotten pregnant, they had told me that I destroyed not only my life, but theirs as well.

What will the family think, Bella? What am I supposed to tell my friends, Bella? Oh you are such a disappointment, Bella. Save your life while you can, Bella…get an abortion.

One can only imagine my pure disgust for them when they had suggested that I abort my baby, their future grandchild for Christ's sake. Nope, that didn't register with them. All Charlie and Renee were concerned about were themselves and how this would make them look. Their own daughter, their only child for that matter, had become a liability that they could no longer bother to invest in wholeheartedly. So, they did what any horrid, selfish, despicable people would do-they disowned me, leaving me to my own devices and not a pot to piss in.

I absolutely despised thinking of these awful people during such a happy time of year, but I couldn't help it. They were part of my most cherished childhood memories and I desperately wished I could turn them off like a light switch, but I simply couldn't. For the past four years, I had allowed myself one week to mourn the loss of my parents and to feel a tad sorry for myself that I didn't have any blood relatives to share the holidays with. It was the only time I would allow myself to shed the tears I had done a wonderful job in pushing back toward the deepest part of my mind where they were so hidden, they never threatened to escape. Even though what Renee and Charlie did to me was truly heinous, there was still a minute part of me that yearned to be reunited with them; If not for my sake, then for Elyse's sake. It deeply saddened me that my daughter would never become acquainted with Charlie's version of the Tickle Monster or ever have the pleasure of baking Renee's signature oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with her. The holiday season was the only time I permitted myself to actually miss my parents.

This week was happening now. I had felt the shift in my demeanor on Monday morning when I realized that Christmas Eve was on Friday. I had barely spoken to Edward that night, stating that I wasn't feeling very well and that I was going to bed early. I didn't wish to get into my seemingly dysfunctional life with him, petrified he would realize that I am not worth all the fuss and thus end our relationship. Edward was perfection and I was not…end of story.

To add to my already shitty start to the week was the fact that I hadn't finished my Christmas shopping for Elyse or even started on Katie and Edward. Time was running out…and so was my money. I was good at putting aside some funds for this reason, but as Elyse got older, the more aware of the gift giving season she was and the more presents she wanted Santa to deliver to her. Now I had to factor in two more people besides Rosalie and Alice to buy for and I was freaking out a little. Seriously, what the hell do you give someone that already has everything? I was wracking my brain as to what I could get Edward that would be meaningful, but I was coming up short. I was feeling like a colossal failure.

"Bella! Have you even listened to a word I've said?" a rather irritated Rose bellowed.

Currently, we were standing in an extremely crowded Apple Store in the mall. We had taken a half day from work so we could finish up our shopping. Rose wanted to get Emmett something spectacular for Christmas, something that he has not shut up about- her words, not mine. The IPad had just come out, and it was quickly becoming the new "it" toy to have for adults, so Rose was going to get her hot little hands on one for her man.

Apparently, every other person had the same idea as my best friend because we were standing on a ridiculously long line just to get a sales clerk to help us…well, her actually. Even in my wildest dreams would I dare spend seven hundred dollars on a piece of technology that wasn't a necessity in my life, but it didn't mean that I wasn't drooling over it and wishing that I could get one for myself. Man, this thing was fucking cool as shit, but once again, I had to keep my emotions in check because it was no use getting worked up over something that I would probably never own…unless the Apple store ever allowed some type of lay away plan.

I brought myself out of my musings to answer my friend. "Why wait to get the one with 3G? I think he really wants it now. Just get him the WiFi one and call it a day, Rose."

If she ends up not getting that damn IPad for Emmett, I am going to wring her neck.

Rose looked at me, her face scrunched up in thought. "You're right. I'm going with my instincts and getting one for him now. That is if there's a fucking sales person around," she complained, darting her head from side to side in search for help.

"Edward would probably like one of these," I sighed, knowing there was no way in hell that I could get one for him.

"Yes, he would actually. I heard him and Emmett the other day talking about it when I went to their office for lunch. They were looking at it on the computer and I swear I thought I heard Edward squeal like a little school girl."

"Really?" I giggled, imagining my man getting so excited over anything. Remorse instantly flowed through my veins as I realized I wouldn't be able to buy him something that would make him so happy. I scowled instantly, my face contorting with anger.

"Hey, Sweetie, are you alright?" Rose asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.

Rose knew how hard this time of year was for me, as did Alice, and they always went out of their way to make me feel loved and comforted. She also was aware of how much I was fretting over Edward's gift and my lack of sufficient funds.

"I'm fine, just…frustrated I guess."

"Bella, you know if you really want to get Edward this as a Christmas gift, I would gladly…"

"Don't even dare finish that sentence, Blondie. You are not going to buy an IPad for Edward on your credit card and tell me to just pay you back next month when the bill comes in. I know what you are thinking, and you can just stop that right now," I snapped. Rose knew me all too well. She was always good at sensing at what I was thinking. Not to mention, my droopy face probably gave me away.

"I'm sorry," she relented quietly, "I was only trying to help ease your worries, Bel. I wasn't trying to make you feel worse. I love you, silly."

"I understand, Rose, really I do. But, I'm going to decline your offer. I'll think of something else to get Edward, and hopefully he'll like it. Look, I'll meet you in the toy store. I want to finish Elyse tonight and I can't be home too late."

At least, I hope he likes whatever I get him. God, I hate this!

By time I returned home, it was around seven o'clock. I had about forty-five minutes before I would stop in next door to Mrs. Cope and retrieve my daughter. It was a mad rush to gift wrap the rest of her gifts and stick them in the closet, out of Elyse's sight.

Reaching in my purse, I located my cell phone and found that I had three missed calls from Edward. I hadn't told him that I was taking a half day, so he was probably confused when he came to pick up Kate and discovered that Elyse and I were not there.

Thinking about Edward only fueled my negative thoughts from before about his gift. After a lot of thought, consideration, and guidance from Rosalie, I ended up buying Edward a bunch of little things that added up to like one big gift…at least it did in my head. One gift was extremely from the heart, as I knew Edward would really like it. I didn't spend anywhere near the amount I wish I could have spent, but so be it. My head advised me not to waste my time fretting over something that right now was out of my control, but my heart was breaking at the thought that I wouldn't make Edward smile with the gifts I had gotten him. Insecurity was rearing its ugly head.

Tears pricked my eyes as I moved toward the door to open it. Once I opened my door, my legs were assaulted by little arms squeezing tightly.

"Surpwise, Momma!"

"Hey, baby girl. What are you doing here?" I questioned my daughter, bending down so I could envelop her in a huge hug. Everything always seemed better when I held Elyse in my arms.

"Edverd took me and Kate to eat some chicken nuggets, Mommy. They were so yummy!"

"Hey there," I heard a deep melodious voice say softly. I looked up to find Edward peering around the door.

"Hi," I breathed. Unfortunately I sniffled a bit, alluding Edward to my mood, his eyes narrowed a bit as he took my features in.

"Bella!" a little voice bellowed.

I had to look away because I couldn't handle the way Edward's eyes were boring into mine, as though he knew why my heart was aching and what was causing my red stained eyes.

Turning my attention to Kate, I opened my arms as she threw herself into them, wrapping her small arms around my neck. She didn't let go as I started to stand up, so I attached her properly to my side.

"Hey, Cutie. How was the rest of your day today? Was Tyler giving you any more problems after I left this morning?" I asked. Tyler loved to bother Kate all the time, constantly sitting too close to her during story time, trying to take away the toys she was playing with. I had a sneaky suspicion that Tyler had a little boy crush on her.

Edward's eyes went wide, his forehead creasing with curiosity. He stepped through the door, as I made way for him to enter my condo.

"Who is this Tyler that is bothering my daughter and why haven't you told me about it?" Edward inquired, getting into papa bear mode. It was so adorable and endearing how he was instantly ready to battle for this little girl.

I think I just fell for him even more.

Yes, I was falling deeper in love with Edward with each passing day and frankly, that terrified the shit out of me. If anything were to change or go wrong, I didn't know how I would handle it. I was convinced that I couldn't live without him, but I wasn't ready to admit that wholeheartedly to myself or to him. It wasn't that I thought Edward wasn't invested in our relationship; rather I wasn't sure as to how deep it was. I was getting in too deep too quickly and I didn't want to scare him away, especially since I was feeling so downtrodden this week. Not wanting to burden him in any way, I chose to remain quiet about what was going on with me.

Edward was taking my concentrated look the wrong way, so I had to answer him quickly before he thought the worst of Tyler. "Tyler is a boy in her class who loves to bother Katie every chance he gets. It's nothing, Edward, really," I chuckled.

"Yeah, Daddy, it's nothing," Kate mimicked my words, nodding her head. "Well, it's just that I don't like it when he sits too close to me sometimes. He tries to put his arms around me and hug me."

"Well, you should push him away and not let any boy hug you, Katie-Pie. No boy should be hugging you…ever," Edward advised his daughter, speaking like some over protective father behaving as though his teenage daughter was going out on her first date.

"Oh, Edward, don't tell her that," I chided, hugging Kate close to me. "She cannot physically push kids away because I am trying to teach them to keep their hands to themselves."

"Right, Daddy. Bella says it's not nice to touch other kids and no hitting, right Bella?" Kate turned to me for reassurance.

Right, Sweetie," I nodded, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She was so cute. I treated her like my own daughter. I captured Edward's eyes with mine, while stating, "Besides, I think Tyler has a harmless little crush on this little girl right here. He likes her, Edward. It's sort of cute. They bicker like an old married couple," I laughed, the sound so foreign as I hadn't really had a reason to laugh lately.

"He likes me? Eww. Does he like me like you like my daddy?" Kate's tiny facial expression was one of shock, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open.

"Uh, definitely not how Bella likes me, Katie," Edward interjected, moving to pick up Elyse, since she was tugging on his khaki pants, desperately vying for his attention.

"Edverd, Tyler is mean to Katie, but I protect her and sit next to her at lunch," Elyse proudly stated, smiling at Katie. The bond our daughters had was so solid; I feared that if Edward and I didn't last that the kids would directly be affected.

Jesus, Bella, stop trying to end your relationship before it has a chance to grow. He is not James. He is not like the Aros. He doesn't judge you. It was easy to prepare myself for the worst rather than bask in the positive, no matter how much I reprimanded myself for thinking so pessimistically.

Edward gave Elyse a loving squeeze and nuzzled her neck with is nose, causing her to squeal with laughter. "I thank you, Elyse for always coming to Katie's rescue."

"No prowblem. Edverd, do you like my mommy?" she tilted her head awaiting Edward's response.

His beautiful, sparkling Emerald eyes bore into mine as he answered with conviction, "Yes, Elyse. I like your mommy very much. She is very special to me." His words melted my heart, and for a brief moment, I had forgotten why I was emotionally distraught. Edward had that affect on me. He had the ability to ease my worries and erase my bad mood. Looking away shyly, a small smile crept along my face.

"But you aren't going to push her like Tyler pushes Katie, right?"

"Of course not."

"Then why does he do that to my friend?"

"Because sometimes little boys bother little girls when they like them. That's the only way they know how to show it."

"Daddy? Is Tyler going to kiss me the way you kiss Bella since he likes me?" Katie innocently asked.

"No! He better not try to kiss you! And how do you know the way I kiss Bella?" Edward's voice was laced with nervousness. I had to admit I was feeling anxious as well. This was it. I could feel it in my bones. We were about to embark in a discussion with the girls about our relationship. Now was as good a time as ever, even though we wanted to wait until Christmas morning. What's a few days anyway?

"Come on, Daddy. I'm going to be five," Kate rolled her eyes. You really must like Bella because you kiss her and hug her like Shrek kisses Princess Fiona."

"Shrek? That ugly green ogre? Is that how you see your Daddy?" Edward laughed, trying to deflect where the conversation was going.

"Sorry, the kids watched Shrek Two this morning," I chuckled softly.

"No, silly Daddy. Your skin isn't even green. Shrek kisses Princess Fiona because he likes her a whole lot and wants to marry her. So they are boyfriend and girlfriend." Kate turned to me, her hand resting on my shoulder. "Bella, are you my daddy's girlfriend?"

Stealing a glance at Edward, his face was glowing, a bright toothy smile splashed across his face. He nodded, a silent signal telling me to proceed.

Meeting Kate's eyes with my own, I bit my lip in nervousness and nodded.

Kate's eyes went wide, practically bugging out of her head. She leaned in and gave me a big kiss on my cheek. "Yay!" she shouted, causing me to breathe a sigh of relief.

I looked over toward Elyse whose mouth turned upward into a huge grin. "Mommy, did you know that boyfriends and girlfriends hold hands?" she giggled, covering her mouth.

"Hey Elyse, now that my daddy and your mommy are boyfriend and girlfriend, they can get married!" Katie shouted with as much glee as her voice could carry.

Elyse took in a big breath. "Oh boy! We can be sisters!" she cheered, clapping her hands wildly. I was at a loss for words, my tongue caught in my mouth, not able to move.

Before I could answer, Edward jumped right in. "Alright, hold on Katie. No one is getting married."

Even though I had the same thoughts as Edward, I still couldn't help the clenching of my heart when those words fell from his mouth- No one's getting married. My smile faltered a little, still trying to hold it in place. His words stung me a little. I would spend the rest of my life with this man in a heartbeat, but I guess he felt differently. I was probably thinking irrationally as my mood swings were starting to make me dizzy.

Placing Katie back down on her feet, I asked the girls if they wanted me to put on a DVD in Elyse's room. Elyse practically leaped out of Edward's arms to lead the way to her room.

Once I had the girls settled on her bed watching The Princess and the Frog, I walked back to the living room where Edward was leaning against the couch waiting for me. The moment Edward opened his arms, inviting me toward him; I practically ran and crushed my body against his. Wrapping my arms around his torso, I sought comfort in his tight embrace. I nuzzled my face against his neck, peppering tiny kisses there. His warm flesh was so tempting against my lips that I had to peek my tongue out and sneak a delicious taste of him.

My lips curved into a devious smile when Edward moaned, the vibrations along his throat causing a tingly sensation to stir between my thighs. "Baby, I've missed you. That feels so good, you have no idea."

"Oh, I think I have an idea," I purred seductively while cupping him between his legs. He was growing harder with each passing second, which spurred me on, wanting to bring him more pleasure. I began rubbing up and down with just enough pressure so he could feel what I was doing to him through his pants.

Edward responded by grabbing my ass and squeezing roughly, a low growl reverberating throughout his chest. Lifting my head so I could reach up to capture his lips with mine, Edward was one step ahead of me, his face a whisper away from mine. Our lips brushed against the other tentatively at first but it quickly turned into a heated make-out session as his tongue searched hungrily for mine.

His hands climbed up my body, his fingers tangling themselves in my hair. Our soft moans of appreciation and our heavy breathing were filling the sexually charged air. I leaned into him even further, my body melting into his as though we were morphing into one. I wanted him so badly, and I desperately wished that he would throw me over his shoulder and have his way with me on the couch, or in my bed, or even on the damn carpet for all I cared, but our girls were here and it was so easy to lose that focus when Edward was nibbling at my neck. Sadly, I unhinged myself from this beautiful man. I missed his warmth already.

"The girls are right in there, Edward, and the door is open," I panted, pointing in the direction of my daughter's room.

Edward took my hand, caressing it softly with is lips. "Ugh, I know. Soon, Gorgeous, I will have you again. Jesus, the things I want to do to you."

"Edward, please don't say things like that to me. You're driving me crazy and it's not helping my…situation," I sighed tilting my head towards my girly bits, which were protesting the distance I had created between them and Edward's cock. "So, how was your day?" I asked sweetly. We really needed a diversion away from the current topic of conversation.

"Well, it was pretty good. We scored a new account today. We're going to be the main designers and builders of a new office building downtown. And Emmett spoke to Paul, who is overseeing operations in our Chicago office. He found out that Trump wants to have me design a hotel layout for a new one he would like to build by the Magnificent Mile.

"As in Donald Trump? Wow, sounds like you had a fantastic day."

"Eh, it could have been even better if my girlfriend would have asked me to pick up her daughter instead of the neighbor doing that. Bella, why didn't you call me? I had no idea that you were going shopping and leaving early. I got worried when I didn't see you or Elyse at the daycare when I went to get Katie," Edward sadly admitted with a big old weepy puppy dog expression laced across his face.

Guilt instantly surged through my body. Why hadn't I just called him? I was so stupid. "God, I am so sorry. I just didn't think. I had always relied on Mrs. Cope when I needed emergency babysitting. Rose and I needed to get some last minute shopping done and Elyse couldn't be there with me. Wait, why didn't Mrs. Cope tell me that she wasn't with Elyse? I was just about to go knock on her door when you came."

"She was going to inform you, but I told her that I would call you instead and save her the trouble. Little did I know that you wouldn't answer the phone for me." He let go of my hand and rubbed my arms soothingly, which sent little electric vibrations down to the tips of my toes. His forehead creased and his lips were turned into a small frown. "Sweetheart, is there something troubling you? You haven't quite been yourself this week. I wish that you would open up and tell me what's wrong. I can see the pain behind your beautiful brown eyes."

The traitorous tears pricked my eyes, threatening to spill over. I looked away, my eyes downcast to avert his intense stare. "I'm sorry," I whispered, unable to verbalize my thoughts. "It's been a shit week, Edward, and I really don't feel like talking about it. I'm fine, though. Really, I am," I tried to assure him. Even I wasn't convinced.

Edward sighed and shook his head. "Okay, I'm not going to press you for information. But please know that I am here for you because I want to be. I care for you so much, Bella. You can always count on me. Now, how was the shopping did you get everything done or do you need me to pick up Elyse tomorrow?"

"No, I'm finished. I have presents for everyone, including you," I winked, the tense atmosphere slowly dissipating. I didn't want Edward to be upset with me anymore, I felt badly enough that I wasn't completely confiding in him.

Edward flashed a breathtaking smirk in my direction. "You got something for little old me? Why thank you. So, what is it?"

"I'm not telling you!" I chided, swatting him on the chest playfully. "I do hope you like it. I'm a little nervous."

"There's no reason to be, Baby. I'm going to love anything you ever give me because it's from you. Hell, if you just sneezed in a napkin and handed it to me to throw it away, I'd probably keep it," he chuckled deeply.

"Ew, Edward. That's gross and kind of creepy."

He tilted his head back and laughed a good hearty laugh. It was such a melodious sound. He even laughs perfectly.

"Yeah, I know it is. But you get my point, right?"

*EPOV*

"Oh my gosh, she's going to love this," Rosalie gushed, gazing at what I had bought Bella for Christmas.

"Really? You're not just saying that to appease me and ease my worries?" I asked, nervous that Bella wouldn't like my present. I searched long and hard until I had found the perfect gift that would truly express how I felt about her. "I mean you don't think she will think it's too much?"

"Too much? Are you mad? What woman doesn't like jewelry, Edward? Yes, this is Bella we are talking about, but don't let her independent spirit fool you. She likes to be pampered just as much as the next person. If anything she was more petrified of finding a gift for you."

I really valued Rose's opinion. Not only was she Emmett's girlfriend, but she was Bella's best friend. If anyone knew Bella the most, it was her, which is why I had stolen her away from my brother when I went into his office at lunchtime. It was Christmas Eve and I had planned on giving Bella the necklace tonight.

"Why is she so apprehensive about giving me a present? She had mentioned that the other day and for the life of me, I cannot figure it out," I sighed, running my hands through my hair, a nervous habit of mine when I was feeling stressed.

Rosalie set the box down on my desk and moved over to the leather couch by the window. "Bella is scared that you will leave her one day, Edward. She's waiting for you to realize that she's not good enough for you."

"That's absurd," I muttered, plopping in my desk chair. Resting my elbows on my desk, I dropped my head to my hands. "I don't know how else to make her understand that I am not like him." I resisted the urge to shudder as I did not want to be compared to that fucker, James, or his awful parents.

"You know that and I know that. Shit, everyone knows that but the most important person, happens to be my stubborn best friend. She's trying, Edward. Just give her some time to open up and let you in."

"Rosalie, I am not going anywhere," I stated truthfully. "Can I ask you something? You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to, but what's going on with Bella? For the past week she has been some shell of herself. I can clearly see that she is troubled by something and that it's eating away at her, but when I broach the subject with her; she shies away, informing me that she's fine. If she tells me she's fine one more damn time, I'm going to scream."

Rosalie suddenly found her hands extremely interesting as she hesitated before she spoke. "If I tell you something, will you promise not to breathe a word of it, especially not to Bella? She'll have my ass if she ever knew what I'm about to tell you. However, I believe that you won't harm Bella in any way, and well…I really like you. You're so good for her, which is why I am willing to betray her trust a little. So, do I have your word?"

"Absolutely. I'm falling in love with her, Rose. I would do anything to help her."

"Jesus, you are so incredibly sweet. What, did you like end up with all the Cullen charm because I think it skipped over Emmett," she laughed. She sat at the edge of the couch, getting ready to divulge what she knew about my Bella. "Alright, I'll tell you the short version. In a nutshell, every year since her parents cut her out of their lives, Bella sort of mourns them during the Christmas season. It's actually her favorite time of year, but it's also the time of year she misses them the most. She really wishes things could be different between them, but those despicable people really messed her up. She wants more than anything for Elyse to know her grandparents, but she never sees that happening and it saddens her. Bella holds everything inside because she feels she doesn't want to burden anyone with her problems. She's always been like that, Edward. It's as though she felt like she had no choice. She doesn't allow herself to be her age once in a while. Yes she had a child at a relatively young age, but it's like she punishes herself and refuses to make a mistake once in a while. Sometimes I feel that she's twenty-three going on fifty-three."

My heart positively ached for Bella and I longed to go to her and wrap her securely in my arms and shield her from any harm. Bella was so selfless and so loving, it pained me to think that she felt she couldn't make any slip ups, that she had to be perfect. Upon hearing Rose's words, I had realized right then and there just how deep her insecurities ran. I clenched my fists, wanting to avenge Bella by beating the crap out of her parents and the Aros. I knew violence wasn't the answer, but damn if it didn't feel good thinking of how I would destroy them.

"Thanks, Rose, for trusting me with this information. I will do everything in my power to make Bella feel secure with herself and with our relationship," I stated, rising to my feet so I could give Rose a hug. She seemed to have sensed what my intentions were because she met me halfway on the carpet, giving me a gentle embrace.

"I know you will, which is why I told you in the first place. Bella is completely falling for you. It's safe to say that she fell for you the moment she met you. I better get back to Emmett before he thinks we've run off together," Rose chuckled, heading for the door. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"They're here! They're here!" Kate shouted, darting for the door the moment the doorbell rang.

I smiled at my daughter's enthusiasm. For the past three hours, she had been pacing the floor, waiting for Elyse and Bella's arrival. The four of us were planning to spend a quiet Christmas Eve together and then spend Christmas Day with the family at my parent's house.

I was a little disappointed when Bella turned down the idea of her and Elyse possibly staying the night because I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep with her nestled against me in my bed and then wake up with her on Christmas morning. However, she did bring up a valid point when she mentioned how she wanted Elyse to wake up in her own bed and check under her own tree to see if Santa had come.

"Merry Christmas!" Bella and Elyse chimed in unison.

"Edverd, look at my dress. When I do this, it turns!" Elyse said excitedly as she proceeded to twirl from side to side, the bottom of her green and red plaid dress rising and spinning.

"Oh, how pretty, Elyse. I love your dress."

"Fank you." She batted her eyelashes in my direction, smiling shyly. She was just like her mother…so freaking adorable.

Bella laughed, which was the sweetest sound ever. I loved when Bella smiled and laugh. She was such a breathtaking creature. "Miss Thing over here has been wearing this dress all week at home. She couldn't wait to show it to you"

"Daddy, can we open our presents? I wanna give Bella my present to her and I have a present for you. Please, Daddy…pretty please?" my daughter begged, jumping up and down and clasping her hands together like she was praying.

"Hold on a sec, Katie-Pie. Let Bella and Elyse get settled and then we can, okay? So, in the meantime, why don't you and Elyse watch Frosty the Snowman? It's already set up on the DVD player. Just press play."

"Oh man…okay," she answered dejectedly. She took Elyse by the hand and led her to her playroom.

After taking Bella's bags of presents from her and setting them under the tree, I wrapped my arms around her, breathing her luscious scent in. I peppered her with soft kisses on her neck before capturing her lips with mine.

"Edward, your place looks so beautiful," she mused, stepping away from our embrace and glancing around the living room at all my decorations. She turned her attention over to my tree and walking toward it. "God, I love when the tree is lit and has presents all neatly placed underneath it. What's sad that in the blink of an eye, it's all gone, leaving nothing but a droopy tree," Bella said softly, brushing her fingers along the pine needles.

Walking up behind her, I pressed my body against her back, snaking my arms around her waist. "Hey, if you want Christmas every day, then you got it," I chuckled.

"Edward, be reasonable," she dryly stated, looking back at me and rolling her eyes.

Our night was going just the way I had envisioned. It was as though we were a little happy family unit enjoying each other's company. I had gone all out and set the dining room table up, so we could enjoy our meal there. The girls ate their standard meal of mac n' cheese, while Bella and I feasted on steak and lobster. Bella, of course, wanted to help me prepare dinner, but I was determined to dote on her. She worked so hard as it was; she deserved some much needed pampering. After dinner, I had to send her to Katie's play room with the girls, so she wouldn't help me clean up. The woman was maddening, but god, did I love her. Yeah, screw the falling part because I was already there. Bella was perfect, plain and simple. No other woman could ever compare to my angel.

When I went to get my girls so we could open up presents, I found Elyse and Kate situated on Bella's lap, watching the computer screen with rapt attention.

"Hey, what are you ladies up to?"

"We're tracking Santa, Daddy! Look, right now, he's in Canada. See his sleigh?" Kate beamed, pointing to the computer screen.

Moving toward where they were sitting, I peered over their heads to get a closer look. "Oh, yeah I see. That's pretty neat."

"My mommy set it up for us. She's the best!" Elyse shouted, planting a kiss on Bella's cheek.

"Yes, she most certainly is," I concurred, placing a kiss on the top of Bella's head.

"How about we open up some presents?" I asked, instantly knowing what the outcome to my request would be.

"Yeah!" the girls squealed excitedly, jumping off Bella's lap and whizzing by me. They couldn't get to the living room fast enough.

Bella got up from the chair, and flashed me a gorgeous smile. I held my hand out to her and she readily accepted it. When we got to the living room, Katie was sorting out the gifts already. Elyse was sitting on her knees next to her, trying to sneak a peek over Katie's shoulder.

Minutes later, the girls were tearing through their gifts like little tornadoes. Bella had been extremely generous toward Katie, getting her some items off her list that I or Tanya were unable to find. Elyse's cute face lit up when she opened the doll house that Katie and I had gotten her. I knew that Bella was upset that she was unable to get that from "Santa" for Elyse because of her limited funds. I wanted to alleviate some of that pressure off Bella and I was praying that she wouldn't get mad at me for buying it. I couldn't tell because she was smiling and helping the girls free their Barbie dolls from the boxes.

Once our daughters were settled by the tree playing with their toys, I grabbed my gifts for Bella from behind the tree and set them on the couch in front of her.

"Wait! Let me get mine for you." She darted to the tree, retrieving a big cube shaped box from a shopping bag. "Merry Christmas, Edward," she said, offering me the box. "You open yours first.

I carefully unwrapped the box, admiring the way Bella put the package together with such care. There were a bunch of little things inside, such as some movies I had wanted, one documentary I had only mentioned in passing that I had wished I had owned, an iTunes gift card, and a leather iPod holder. The last gift was on the bottom, taking up the length and width of the box. That was beautifully wrapped in shiny silver paper and had a red bow on top with a small card attached to it reading:

Dear Edward,

I was wracking my brain as to what to get you. I wanted to get you something from the heart and when I saw this, I knew you had to have it as it represents one of your greatest passions. I hope you use this when something inspires you.

With Love,

Bella XOXO

Tearing the paper away, I sat there awestruck because I was holding a thick leather bound sketch book with gold leaf trimming outlining each page. On the cover was an inscription written in gold: Drawings and Musings by Edward Anthony Cullen

She had definitely gotten me something from the heart. Sketching and architectural design brought me such happiness and for Bella to recognize that and embrace that for me, well…there were no words. No one, not even my parents, had ever gotten me anything art related as a present. I loved Bella even more for thinking outside the box for me.

"Bella, I love it. Thank you, Baby. I-I'm speechless," I admitted, running my fingers over the inscription.

"Really? Because they had a brown book and I wasn't sure if you wanted black or brown, so I just went with my gut, which was telling me black," Bella rambled nervously, taking her lower lip between her teeth.

"Aw, Baby, come here." I patted my leg, moving my gifts to the floor and making room for my Bella to sit on my lap. I cupped her beautiful face, pulling hers toward mine so I could thank her properly. Well, that would come later, but for now, since the girls were in the room, a kiss was proper enough.

"This is the most thoughtful and most wonderful present anyone's ever gotten me, Bella. I absolutely love it and I cannot wait to use it. Thank you again." I brushed my lips across hers before giving Bella her gift.

"Here, now it's your turn," I smiled, placing a very thin box in her hand.

*Bella*

Words cannot even express how relieved I was that Edward loved his gift. The other presents were mere fillers, but I had hoped that the sketch book conveyed how I felt about him. I was well aware of how much art was a part of Edward's life. He may not talk about it all the time, but it makes a subtle presence everywhere he is. I notice the way he admires certain buildings when we pass them. I have seen the mountain of papers that have his sketch work on them in his office. Seeing how much he loved his sketch book, I felt as though I could breathe again.

I took the box from Edward, opening it as fast as I could. I loved getting presents; I was like a little kid sometimes.

My eyes grew wide when I realized I was staring at two plane tickets to California. There was a brochure behind it that was for Disneyland. Looking at Edward in amazement, I struggled to find the right words, "Wh-what is this? Are you taking me and Elyse to Disneyland?" I asked incredulously.

"Yes, I am. Katie is with Tanya in June for two weeks and last year, for her birthday, she took Kate to Disneyland and they had a blast. I thought it would be a nice idea to take you and Elyse along to make Katie's fifth birthday even more special by going with them." Edward smirked knowing that I would have something to say.

"But this is too much, Edward. I know it's her birthday and all, but paying for plane tickets and then the park…ugh and probably the hotel room, right?"

Edward nodded, smiling away, loving that I was getting flustered about his spending money on me once again.

"Baby, this is my gift to you and Elyse, so please don't turn it down. It would really hurt if you did that." His face fell and I immediately felt awful for whining. I was complaining over my boyfriend spending too much money on me. Everyone should be so lucky.

"Okay, we'll go. Thank you, Edward. It's too much, but I don't know when I would ever had the opportunity to take Elyse. This should be fun." Smiling at him, I leaned in to brush my lips across his cheek. Shifting my legs off his lap so I could put the plane tickets away, Edward grabbed my waist and pulled me back.

"Where do you think you're going? I'm not finished yet. The tickets were a joint present for you and Elyse. Here is your real gift," he said, placing a thin rectangular box on my lap.

I eyed him suspiciously as I tore the red wrapping off, finding a baby blue box wrapped with a silky white bow. My heart just about jumped through my chest as I knew where that signature color was from. This meant he had spent entirely too much money on me, but I tried not to dwell on that as I lifted the top of the box.

I gasped, my fingers dancing along the thin silver, or possibly white gold, chain as I gazed at the key that was attached to it. It was one of those old fashioned keys with a heart as the top. Nestled along the perimeter of the heart were tiny diamonds. It was stunning and the most expensive piece of jewelry I had ever owned. James had never bothered to buy me an engagement ring, and my wedding band was far less extravagant than this.

Tears began to fill my eyes, blurring my vision. "Oh, Edward. This is so breathtaking. I absolutely love this. Thank you," I whispered shakily, still entranced by the necklace's beauty. I couldn't tear my eyes away from it.

"There's a card, too," Edward said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted you to open the gift first before you read what I had written."

Opening the small white card, I was met with Edward's artistic handwriting:

My Bella,

Now you have the key to my heart. All you have to do is turn it and let me in.

Yours Always,

Edward

The tears flowed freely down my cheeks. I couldn't wipe them away quickly enough. How had I become so lucky? Was it possible that I was being blessed by some angel in the form of Edward? He said I had the key to his heart and that I just had to let him in. The wall that I had placed around my heart was already chipping away the moment I first met Edward all those months ago. Now, tonight, it was almost non-existent. There was still some foundation there, but every minute spent with Edward feeling so safe and cared for made my hear swell with love.

"I-I don't know what to say," I stammered, my hands whisking the tears from my face.

Edward removed the necklace from its confines and clasped it around my neck. He kissed the back of my neck twice before turning me around to face him again. I fingered the key, twirling it around. I never wanted to remove this from me…ever.

"You don't have to say anything, Baby. I'm so ecstatic that you like the necklace. I wanted you to wear my heart because it's yours…forever. I love you, Bella. I don't expect for you to tell me you love me, too. I'm patient and I will wait until the time is right for you to really open up and let me in, but I wanted to let you know how I felt because I have every intention of 'wooing' you until the day that I die."

My heart skipped a beat, trying to crack my chest open upon hearing those beautiful words fall from his mouth. He loved me. Shaking my head and chuckling out of nervousness, I convinced myself that I must be dreaming. This wasn't real; it was too good to be true.

"I can't believe this is happening. This can't be real." I looked up to see Edward, the love glistening in his eyes. My lips curved into a warm smile.

"I know what you mean, Baby. Last Christmas, I was alone with Katie, thinking of you and where you were, wishing I could have seen you. And now, here you are sitting on my lap with my arms wrapped around you. You're like my little Christmas miracle." He kissed my nose then nuzzled his with mine.

He was so sweet and he was mine. I felt like I was getting something right for the first time in my life.

Before I would plant a big sloppy kiss on my man, I wanted to steal a glimpse at what the girls were doing. Edward rested his chin on my shoulder as we watched our little girls lying on their sides facing each other. They must have fallen asleep playing with their dolls while we were exchanging our gifts. It was the cutest sight watching their little chests move with each sleeping breath they took, arms curling their dolls protectively.

Turning my head to the side, I placed a chaste kiss on Edward's soft lips.

"I guess we should go now," I sighed.

"Okay. I know we have to get ready for Santa. Ugh, I still have to wrap a few things for her," Edward whispered in my ear, taking my lobe in his mouth, his tongue swirling around it.

"Mmm, Edward, please. If you keep doing that, I won't have the will power to leave. I haven't even thanked you properly for making this the best Christmas ever as it is.

"Well, that can be arranged," Edward started, wiggling his eyebrows. "There's always the third floor of my parent's house, or my old bedroom. Believe me, I will get a taste of you tomorrow during the party. Everyone will be too busy with Elyse and Katie to notice.

"Sounds like a plan," I agreed a little too animatedly.

Edward inwardly chucked, his body vibrating with laughter, "Merry Christmas, Baby."

Don't get angry at Bella for not saying "I love you" back at Edward. She will in her own time when she feels she is emotionally ready to tell him. He's not all that worried about it…yet ;)

If you would like to hear the song we quoted at the beginning of the chapter click on the following link. www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=nx_FuwvgzaE

If you would like to see a picture of the necklace Edward gave Bella for Christmas click on this link. i195(dot)photobucket(dot)com/albums/z55/PaulineAH/BellasNecklace(dot)jpg

Thank you for those of you who have alerted our little story and who have added it to their favorites. Reviews make us very giddy, so please try to leave us some love.

Make sure you PM us for a teaser if you don't go onto Twilighted.

Fic Recs:

Silence by Padme-And-Anakin-4-Ever: I am gobbling this story up, it's that good.

Torn by bella c'ella luna: It's the ultimate love triangle between Emmett, Bella, and Edward. It's only 4 chaps in, but it's yummy.