It's Christmas time in Living Through It land. Many thanks to my beta extraordinaire, Saluki168. Have you read her Indie winning fic Lost & Found? I think you might enjoy it if you are enjoying my story. It's highly under-read and under-reviewed.
Thanks in advance to all of you making this story a favorite, reading and reviewing.
Chapter 14
The week leading up to Christmas was an absolute blur of activity, and it passed so quickly I was shocked to still be standing by the end of it.
I loathed combating the rest of the last minute shoppers – people were outright violent. I was appalled at the behavior that surrounded me. Children ran around screaming, anxious to get their hands on the latest and greatest in toys, acting out of impatience for the arrival of Christmas morning. Adult supervision was lacking as parents zoned out in the frenzy of activity that surrounded them. As I waited in line at the grocery store, I almost lost my cool on a stout little woman who bashed her cart into the back of my ankle and subsequently failed to apologize. I turned around and glared at her, narrowing my eyes, but managed to hold my tongue.
I knew everything I needed to purchase, so I went only to the necessary places to complete my shopping. I was proud to accomplish everything in a mere two outings. Well, everything except for the one gift I was completely stuck on. I wanted, as did Charlie, to find something to give to Edward. He had come to mean so much to both of us that we could hardly forget to put him on our list.
On the morning before Christmas Eve day, Charlie came up with a suggestion that I went with.
"Bella, Edward loves your cooking. Why don't you just make him some cookies?" he had suggested. It seemed a little on the generic side, but I was already planning on making a mess of cookies for the station so I decided why not? My dad was right. Edward wasn't shy with compliments on my culinary expressions so it seemed it would be something I could give him that he would appreciate. Not only was there that factor, but I was just done with fighting the last minute shoppers. I was over the mass amounts of consumerism the holiday brought with it.
In the end I bought Alice a couple's massage at a spa in San Francisco; without knowing Jasper I felt it was a gift they could both take advantage of without coming off as too creepy.
I had decided on a gift that both Billy and Charlie could take part in together, a weekend fishing excursion in Seattle with All Star Charters. I would put the two of them on a bus to Seattle where Jake would meet up with them on the other end. Jake had a friend that would accompany them and assist at the hotel. Since Jake was trained as a paramedic, I felt comfortable letting my dad go, although I couldn't deny there was some slight trepidation. I figured, in the end, I had to take advantage of Charlie's well being and make sure he wasn't imprisoned in our home. He would go in early February. Hopefully he wouldn't suffer anymore setbacks during that time, but I wasn't going to think about that. Of course, I planned to clear it with Dr. Cullen and ensure we had the name of one of his colleagues in Seattle should anything go wrong. But it wouldn't, it couldn't.
Charlie had a great week; Edward had been right, once the Bi-pap and wheelchair had arrived things had leveled out somewhat. Charlie still went between the walker and the chair, finding his own balance between using the two. We were only waiting on the hospital bed, which wasn't scheduled to arrive until after the New Year.
Edward planned to come over first thing in the morning on Christmas Eve and would stay for a couple of hours. In addition to the cookies I planned to bake the night before, I decided to make a brunch for the three of us. It wouldn't be huge, but I planned on a French Toast Strata, Greek Frittata, and a fruit salad. When I called Edward to tell him to bring his appetite along, I could hear his smile through the phone. Even the sun shining couldn't have made it a better day.
Fortunately, I didn't have a lot to wrap and finished it up within forty minutes or so; my real work would take place in the kitchen. As my dad sat in his chair watching the classic cartoon version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, I set to work organizing ingredients and establishing a plan of attack for my baking. I was making Blondies, Mexican wedding cookies, Pizzelles, poppy seed thumbprint cookies, and cranberry hazelnut biscotti. In addition to that I had to let the strata set overnight and prep the ingredients for the frittata. I would make it happen. I flipped on the stereo and Paul McCartney was crooning "Wonderful Christmastime." I adored the song, and it was perfect to set my evening of culinary tasks into order. I started with the biscotti since it would be twice baked. The anise-scented dough was so fragrant my mouth began to water. After forming the biscotti loaf and putting it in the oven, I checked on my dad, finding that he was once again dozing in his familiar position. I returned to the kitchen and made my way through the blondies, Mexican wedding cookies, poppy seed thumbprints, and finally ended with the Pizelles. I pulled out one of my most prized possessions – my grandmother's pizzelle iron. It resembled a waffle iron, though it was hand held and smaller in size. Each cookie was individually made, baked over the open flame of my gas stove top. It took about an hour in total to complete the batch of three dozen.
The kitchen was drenched in scents of cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and anise; it finally felt like Christmastime. While the cookies cooled on a random assortment of racks I had collected over the years, I whipped together the French toast strata and chopped the peppers, spinach, and onion for the frittata. My last task was crumbling the brick of feta; I felt gratified as the semi-firm block easily broke apart, its silken texture filtering through my fingers into the storage container.
While the cookies finished cooling, I cleaned the kitchen thoroughly and set the table for three, readying it for the following morning. I smoothed the forest green, silver trimmed table cloth over it before setting out lacy snowflake place mats. I set three simple red tea light candles in the center of the table and stood back to admire my work. I could hear Charlie snoring away in the other room, so I decided to package up the cookies. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" played in the background as I divvied up the fruits of my labor.
I set an assorted one and a half dozen aside for myself and my dad and distributed the rest.
I easily filled a five pound tin for the station; a silver and gold rectangular tin that was striped on the sides and had a diamond pattern on the top. It was simple and masculine and filled to the brim with delectable sweets. I had decided to package Edward's cookies in a set of five angled nesting boxes. They were striped in vibrant reds, greens, white and silver, and stacked on top of each other beautifully. The thumbprints filled the anchor box, the biscotti sat inside the second largest box followed by the blondies, the Mexican wedding cookies, and finally the pizelles, my favorite. I'm sure he would panic at the sight of the packaging but once he saw what was inside, I was sure Edward would not be disappointed.
With my work done for the evening, I gently shook my dad awake and helped him down the hall and into bed.
I decided to draw myself a bath and soaked in the silky, ginger blossom scented water for about an hour before finally retreating into the warm haven of my bed. I prayed reverently as I slipped into sleep, my final thoughts giving way to dreams of angels.
I came awake naturally in the morning and it was a good thing; I hadn't set my alarm. I was not at all groggy and in fact felt more rested than I had in weeks. Mr. Sandman had been kind to me and, it appeared, to Charlie, who was still sleeping soundly in his bed. I glanced at the clock only after I had checked the monitor and was surprised to see it was only seven thirty in the morning. The wind whistled, the trees swayed in time, and their branches brushed against the siding of the house, the eerie scratching sound joining the strange symphony of notes making their way in from outside. As I pulled back my curtains further, I could see that it was drizzling so lightly the rain barely registered as mist in the air. I smiled at the serenity of the scene outside.
Before I could get lost in thought as I stared through the window, I turned and headed for the closet. I picked out a plum colored, gauzy sweater and a pair of dark, denim, low rise jeans. I retrieved a black tank from the drawer to wear under the sweater along with undergarments. Taking the armful of clothes with me, I made my way to the bathroom where I washed my face and proceeded to dress. My hair fell out of the elastic that had held it in a bun in slight waves and, since I was cooking, I pulled it back into a simple ponytail. I dabbed some CK One on each wrist and behind each ear; I only wore perfume on special occasions. After applying light make up and returning my PJ's to the bedroom, I quickly set to work in the kitchen, my home inside my home.
After the previous evening's baking extravaganza, the rest of the work for breakfast was a breeze. I chopped fruit like a madwoman, brewed the coffee, chilled the champagne for mimosas, and whipped the eggs for the frittata. I was prepped and ready before my dad stirred awake an hour later at eight thirty.
"Good morning," I said as entered his bedroom.
"My beautiful Bells, good morning. My growling stomach woke me up! It smells outrageously good out there."
"Good." He sounded so well I almost forgot that he wasn't. "Edward will be here in thirty minutes but if you can't wait to eat..." I trailed off.
"I can be a patient guy. I need to get dressed anyway. You look nice," he complimented, a level of speculation in his tone.
After helping him with his clothes I made my way back to the kitchen, while my
dad decided to use the wheelchair and positioned himself in front of the television.
I had just slid the strata in the oven and was heating the olive oil in the pan to sauté the vegetables for the frittata when Edward arrived right on time, naturally.
I did my best to casually walk to the door but inside I felt gleeful and giddy. He looked so irresistible I had to instantly remind my mind to stay out of the gutter. His navy sweater brought out flecks of blue in his brilliant green eyes, and the peek of skin revealed above his white undershirt looked soft and inviting.
"Am I at the right place?" he asked, probably to stop my gawking and referring back to the day we first met.
"I don't know but would you like to come in?" I played back.
"Well it smells like heaven in there, so I would be a fool to refuse."
My stomach growled and my heart lurched forward in my chest in complete unison. I had no idea what degree of crimson I was turning, but there was no denying the heat that had risen to my cheeks.
As he walked in he flung his free arm around me, in the other he held a bag. "Merry Christmas, Bella."
"You too, Edward. What's in the bag?" I asked, nosily trying to peek inside.
"Ah, ah," he started, wagging his finger at me. "Naughty little girls will never know," he outright flirted, his tone more playful than it had ever been.
"But I'm nice," I defended.
"We'll just see about that," he said, breaking into gentle laughter.
"Tease," I threw back, heading for the kitchen.
He padded behind me stopping once he had reached Charlie.
Brunch was ready within fifteen minutes and we all reunited around the breakfast table. I popped the bottle of champagne asking Edward, "Care to indulge?"
"Absolutely."
My dad ate an abundant amount of food; I couldn't believe it. Edward let little squeaks of contentment escape as he chewed his food, his eyebrows pinching together and his eyes closing as he appeared to really enjoy each and every bite.
After he had finished the meal and wiped his lips with the napkin he sat back in the chair.
"I have no words," he said. "No words," he repeated.
"That terrible, huh?" I asked, getting up to clear the table.
"No way," he said, getting up. "After that you are absolutely not doing the dishes. Please, let me."
"It's no big deal."
"It is to me; I'm insisting. I will not take no for an answer."
While I reluctantly let Edward tend to the dishes, I helped Charlie to the bathroom.
"Do you think you can help me with something?" he asked me.
"You already know I'll do anything for you."
He glided over to his nightstand and opened the top drawer. There was a card with one edge tucked into a red envelope.
"I managed the card but couldn't get it back into the envelope. It's for Edward."
In that tiny moment I was immediately struck and one word to describe my dad came to mind: cute. Cute was certainly an anomaly in my vocabulary, at least when it came to him. My dad had always been a man's man, tough and of very few words. Of course, he was affectionate and playful with me as a child, but still there was no memory in my archive I would apply the word cute to.
I did as he asked and tucked the card into the envelope and took it with me to the living room as he disappeared behind the bathroom door.
When I reached the living room, I glanced through the window and noticed Edward's car was not parked in its normal spot. In fact, it was nowhere to be seen.
"Oh my gosh, Edward, I think your car's been stolen," I called out in a rush of panic.
I made quick steps towards the kitchen. When I arrived there moments later he was perfectly at ease, a casual laugh escaping through his lips.
"Thanks for your concern but my car is fine, just having some routine maintenance done. My mom actually dropped me off this morning."
"What? And you didn't invite her in? She must think I'm totally inhospitable."
"Hardly. She had things to do; you can meet her when she picks me up." He hiccuped over the last word, quickly moving his fist in front of his mouth.
"Edward Cullen are you drunk?"
"No. Just highly buzzed. But don't blame me; you were the one with the heavy hand." His tone was completely surly.
"Maybe you need the afternoon off-" I started, but he cut me off.
"Absolutely not. But I think I'll wait a while before I do my standard run through with Charlie."
"Good idea. I trust your judgment."
As he dried his ever-gorgeous hands, I felt my eyes moving of their own accord, tracing the outline of his backside. His shoulder blades jutted out just below his wonderfully broad shoulders, which tapered down to his slender waist. His butt was somewhat obscured, but it was quite clear that what lay underneath his pants was exquisitely crafted. Obviously he hadn't been the only one affected by the champagne...
An hour later we had both sobered up and Charlie had rejoined us in the living room. We were so comfortable around each other that the conversation flowed effortlessly. Edward regaled us with stories of his friends and his time in New York; a city I had always wanted to visit but which had so far evaded me. His college experience sounded like the one I had been looking for, a perfect balance between revelry and study in a setting that had a world of experience to offer. I disclosed a few things about myself that I hadn't quite felt comfortable discussing in detail until that moment. He knew I had been married, of course, but I had avoided directly referring to Emmett in conversation. But, the real shocker came from Charlie.
"There's something I want to tell you both," he started. "I've decided to officially hand over the reigns to Sam. As of the New Year I will be retired."
The room was suddenly frozen in the dense quiet. When neither of us voiced a reaction, Charlie spoke again. "It's pretty much everything but official. I'm good with it. Really." His resolve didn't waiver, and I knew in my heart of hearts that he had come to the decision after careful consideration.
"You've earned it, dad," I congratulated.
"Thanks, Bells. So, how about those gifts," he said, abruptly shifting the conversation.
"Alright. Obviously Edward should have his, and I think you could open one."
"You think?" he shot back with skepticism.
"How about both of you open mine first?" Edward interrupted, heading to the tree. I hadn't even noticed the things he had added.
He handed Charlie a large rectangular bag and me a small, gold square box with a card on top. My heart stopped. It was so dainty, so pretty, too large to hold a piece of jewelry but too small to fit a paperback. I immediately wanted to know the contents, but paused.
"Wait, let me get yours. That way we all have something to open."
"Remember Bells, gifts first, cards last," my dad reminded.
"What's that?" Edward asked.
"Well, you see, we have a tradition in the Swan household, we open the cards only after we have opened the gifts. It's something that my dad taught me. His opinion is that cards should hold sentiment we have a hard time expressing verbally and, therefore, the card in itself has the greatest worth and should be saved for last. Something to relish after the gift."
"Wow, that's brilliant," Edward said, looking at my dad.
I placed his impressive tower of boxes in front of him.
"What in the world," he said, his eyes bulging.
"Don't worry, just open," I commanded gently.
Charlie and I both looked on as we waited for Edward to open his gift. He untied the bow holding the boxes together and, with one pull, the ribbon fell to the floor. He lifted the lid off the first box and at the sight of the contents the look on his face was one of relief and joy.
"Homemade cookies? I believe I've just been spoiled."
"There's a different variety in every box. Those that you're looking at right now are called pizzelles."
"They're beautiful, like snowflakes."
I looked down. "Dad, you go ahead, open yours," I said, avoiding Edward's gaze. I could feel his eyes on me but I was too shy to meet them.
Charlie began pulling the tissue paper out of the bag, depositing it on the floor below. He pulled out a contraption that I couldn't quite make sense of.
"Let me show you," Edward said, getting up. "This is for your chair; a fishing pole holder." He took the device from my dad and began attaching it to the chair. "It fits on like this," he said, moving aside so I could see what he was doing. "And then this lever here clamps down on the pole."
Charlie let out an uproarious belt of laughter. "That's ingenious. What an amazing gift! Thank you, Edward. Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome."
"It's your turn, Bella," Edward said.
"Actually, I would like my dad to open one of mine as well, you'll understand why in a minute."
I retrieved his wrapped fishing rod from beside the tree and stood it next to him.
He struggled a bit with the wrapping paper, so I helped him a bit and he finally made it to the prize inside.
"Did you two plan this?" he asked.
"No," we said at the same time.
"Jinx," Edward said.
"Ha, ha. I don't drink coke."
"Neither do I," he said with a wink.
His smile warmed me; I wanted more. So much more.
"This is just awesome. You've done well, Bella. Now, open yours and then we can read our cards."
I took the golden box in my hand as I sat back down on the couch. I slid the accompanying elastic ribbon off of the box and removed the lid. Nestled inside were eight of the most gorgeous chocolates I had ever laid eyes on. They were dark, rounded mounds of shiny chocolate, topped with what looked like rock sugar. It caught the dim light of the room, sparkling above the smooth as satin surface of the chocolates.
"They're handmade, special ordered. Salted Caramel Truffles." Edward sounded timid but he had no reason to be concerned, salt and sweet were a perfect combination in my book.
"They look exquisite, would it be rude of me to try one right away?"
"Actually I think I would get some satisfaction out of seeing that." Had the heat spiked in the room or was it just me?
Charlie cleared his throat to remind us of his presence just as I took a chocolate out and brought it to my lips. It was absolutely decadent; the sweetness of the caramel meshing with the bittersweet dark chocolate and the hint of salt was as amazing as it had sounded.
"I have no words," I said, mimicking him as I finished swirling the truffle in my mouth.
Now Edward was the one looking down. Why did we both have to be like school kids around each other?
"Alright then. Time to open the cards," Charlie ordered. When the Chief of Police ordered you to do something, you listened.
I was excited to open Edward's card and curious at what Charlie had written to Edward. But cards were personal and I wouldn't ever expect Edward to read his out loud. We each opened our cards in silence. I pulled mine out of the envelope. It was beautiful. A black and white photograph of a solitary snow covered pine tree standing in an open meadow. A light weight paper slipped out as soon as I opened the card. It was a gift certificate for an in home massage from Traveling Kneads, a local practice. Putting it aside, I read the words inside the card.
Bella,
I wish you a wonderful Christmas. I saw this card and immediately thought of you. You are like the tree in so many ways: strong, beautiful, solitary and bearing the weight of your circumstance with such dignity. It seems that those who know you at the core are few and chosen with great care. I have felt so honored to have the chance to get to know you too. I want you to know that you may be a solitary soul but you will never be alone.
With love,
Edward
I read the words three times over. I wanted to lose myself in them, read between the lines, find some sort of indication that he felt the way I did. The confirmation I was seeking wasn't there, but his constant reassurance that I was not alone was a gift in and of itself. My concentration was broken by Edward's voice.
"Charlie, you have got to be kidding me."
"No, I'm completely serious. Look at my face." Charlie pointed to his lips which were set in a straight line before sticking out his tongue and crossing his eyes. We all broke out in a great chorus of laughter.
"This is really too much."
"Not really. I'm your employer and that's your Christmas bonus."
"You're far too generous."
"Kid, you've changed my life. You've made this miserable disease something to be thankful for. I know that sounds crazy, but everything happens for a reason. You deserve it. Now, not another word on that."
"Did you know about this?" he asked, turning to me.
"Um, no. I'm completely in the dark here."
Edward held a check up and I could read it from where I sat. It was written for five-hundred dollars. Charlie was right, he deserved it.
"Merry Christmas, Edward." It was the only suitable response.
Before I knew it, the afternoon had turned to evening and Edward was still around as night fell. He had gone through his normal round of checks with Charlie and sampled one of every cookie I had made.
The house had become a bit stuffy despite the winter season, so I opened up a couple of windows in the kitchen. When I peeked outside I couldn't help but notice how clear it was; I could actually see the stars.
"Dad, Edward, you have to come see this," I called out, heading for the front door.
I grabbed a throw off of the couch and wrapped it around my dad instinctively. "It's a starry night; I just thought we could go check it out."
They both nodded their head in agreement, Edward holding open the door for Charlie and me to pass through.
We all stopped at the bottom of the ramp, when I heard my dad sniffle next to me.
"Are you okay?" I asked, kneeling at his side.
He immediately sucked it up and answered me. "Yeah, I just had a thought of my mom. When your grandfather passed away she took me out on a night like this. She told me that if I ever wanted to talk to my dad all I had to do was look up at the sky and he would be watching. She told me that the stars were the light reflected from the spirits of those that had passed before us. I was a grown man, twenty, but I believed what she told me because she believed what she told me. The stars are magnificent, aren't they?"
"Yes, they are," Edward answered. I was glad for it because I was at a loss. My dad was showing a sentimental side I had not ever seen, and it pulled and tugged my heart in so many directions I had to fight to keep it together.
We stood out there for quite a long time and probably would have watched the stars all night, but Edward's mom arrived after a bit.
She pulled up along the curb and hopped out. She was radiant; shoulder length hair the color of butterscotch, bright green eyes, and a milk and honey complexion were just the start of her stunning good looks.
"Mom, so glad you're here."
"I'm so sorry I was late, I actually ended up in Seattle today, long story but all's well that ends well."
"I would like you to meet Charlie and Bella Swan. This is my mom, Esme."
"I've heard a world of wonderful things about both of you. I'm sorry we haven't had the opportunity to meet sooner; I have this habit of signing up for more things than I have time for." She shook Charlie's hand then mine. She was even more beautiful up close, and now that I had seen her I could spot the features Edward took from her, the eyes, the lips, the exquisite complexion.
"Well, I just knew you would be a catch after meeting the men in your life," Charlie complimented.
"Oh, stop. You're making me blush now," she demurred. "Bella, you're going to have to share some of your recipes with me. I'm afraid I don't cook as often as I would like to, but Edward here just raves about your cooking."
"Mom-" he started but she stopped him.
"You hush, it's not like she doesn't know," she said, elbowing him gently.
"Alright, I should go get my things," he diverted.
"Would you like to come in for some coffee, tea?" I asked.
"I would adore that but to be honest I'm completely exhausted, and I know Carlisle is waiting for us to get home. He's actually doing the cooking tonight, and I still have to pick up some sort of dessert on our way home."
"Actually, mom, I think, thanks to Bella here, I have that handled. Why don't we just be on our way."
We all retreated inside and Edward collected his things, handing his bag to Esme and saying goodbye.
"Thank you, Charlie. Not just for the gift but for all the wisdom you imparted tonight."
"You have a great Christmas, you hear. Please pass my best along to your father."
"I will," he answered before turning to me.
He opened his arms and I didn't hesitate wrapping my own around his waist. I could feel his intake of breath as he pressed his nose against the top of my head. I closed my eyes and snuggled into his chest. "Thanks for the chocolates, the massage, and especially the card," I said, hoping he could hear my muffled voice.
He positioned his warm lips against my ear sending a small chill up my spine. "I meant every word. Every. One." The way his soft breath tickled the outer part of my ear was exhilarating. I was sure if our parents weren't standing right there I might have pulled his face to mine, but it was not to be. Not that night but I hoped someday, maybe. That small exchange alone could fuel a thousand daydreams.
He pulled away and the air around me was immediately and noticeably cooler. I felt like I was fifteen not twenty-six but it had been such a long time since I had had a true crush on anyone. Maybe a crush aroused the same feelings in the soul and heart no matter what age you were.
"Goodnight Charlie, Bella," Esme said. "I'm so happy we've finally met. It's wonderful to have faces to go with the names. Have a blessed Christmas."
"I promise to put together some of my recipes for you, maybe we can even have dinner sometime?"
"That would be lovely," she answered.
"Merry Christmas."
They left and I heard the word "cookies" from Edward as he shut the front door behind him. The night had been one I would not soon forget.
Both exhausted, we maneuvered through the bedtime routine before nine o'clock that night and I was in my own bed by nine-forty. Sugar plum fairies were the furthest thing from my mind. I thought about stars and my grandmother and Charlie. I thought about Edward and the inevitable effects of crushes. I listened to the odd quiet of the windless night and inhaled the lingering scent of cinnamon that had permeated the house. I felt happier than I had in a long time. I feel asleep in the comfortable cocoon of my surroundings.
Christmas morning we had a light breakfast and took our time starting the day. We opened gifts; Charlie was thrilled that he would get to try out his new gear on the trip to Seattle and had to call Billy to tell him right away. Of course, Jacob had told Billy and they both excitedly discussed their surprise trip. I was touched by the gifts that I had received from Charlie; Edward had no doubt helped him carry it off. There was a book of poems by Pablo Neruda, Twenty Love Poems and Songs of Despair; it was a special edition with the poems in both Spanish and English. Then there was a generous gift certificate for Sur La Table in Seattle. The most touching gift was not purchased but handed down, it had been my grandmothers, passed down from her own grandmother to her mother, a ladies pocket watch. To possess something that had been in the family for generations stirred my very soul. I could almost feel the history through its weight in the palm of my hand. It was silver with ornate engravings and a mother of pearl face. A single, tiny diamond anchored the delicate hands to the opalescent surface. With Edward's help, Charlie had had it calibrated. As long as I continued to wind it daily, it would keep the time. It was the most adult gift I had ever been given and I would not neglect it.
Other than the moving, thoughtful gifts, the day was very uneventful. Since I was only making dinner for two, preparation was a breeze and I even had the kitchen entirely clean and in order before I put the Cornish hens in to roast. While the hens cooked and the potatoes boiled, the night took an exciting and unexpected turn. The phone rang and I saw on the Caller ID that it was Alice. I hurriedly picked it up.
"Merry Christmas, love!" I exclaimed through the receiver.
"Merry indeed! How's my favorite girl in the world?"
"Pretty freaking merry."
"Me too. I really want to catch up, B but I have something to tell you." Her voice was on the edge of squealing and I knew exactly what she was going to say, but I let her say it first.
"Jasper proposed!" The excitement in her voice was clear.
"And?" I asked, in need of the entire story.
"I said no."
"What?" I asked, impossibly in shock.
"I told him there was no way in the world I could accept before the two of you met. He knows confirmation is imminent."
"Alice Brandon you get your ass off of this phone and accept. This is ridiculous. I approve. Now go, be engaged. Say yes!"
"No. He understands, he gets it. I need you to meet him, it's important. I can't take the next step without that. It's decided."
"Well, if you're going to be insane and insist on going about it this way then when exactly can I expect a visit, hmm?"
"The soonest I can get away is February. Jazz and I are both extremely busy so the time will fly."
"That seems like ages from now..."
"I know, but it will be here before you know it. I know you think it's crazy but you love my brand of crazy."
"Yeah, I do. I love you. I can't wait to meet him, Alice. If you can get away sooner, let me know."
"I will, sweetie, promise. Can I holler a Happy Christmas at Charlie?"
"Yep. I'll give him the phone."
"Big love, Bella."
"You too. Here's Charlie."
I handed him the phone and he mostly listened.
I got dinner on the table as they talked, the call coming to a close just before we sat down. We discussed Alice's pending engagement over our simple, yet elegant Christmas dinner. It was everything I dreamed it would be. A comfortable evening filled with spirit and joy. My dad ate heartily again and at the end of the night we curled up in our established spots in the living room and watched Meet Me in St. Louis. I had always watched that as a little girl with my grandmother; although I had very little time with her that was one thing I would never forget about our short time together. After she passed, my dad continued the tradition with me. Although he would never admit it, I kind of thought he had a crush on Judy Garland.
Life felt good again. Whether it was the tradition and nostalgia the holidays brought with them or just the ability to live in and enjoy the moment, I didn't know. Things were just where I wanted them to be. Well, almost.
Did that give you warm fuzzies? Did it make you want to scream? I really have no clue what you're thinking unless you leave me a review!
xoxo
Jules