Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. The following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event. This story is for entertainment only and is completely made up from my head.

A/N

Happy Holidays!

A HUGE thank you to my incredible betas EdwardsFirstKiss, Driving Edward, Midnight Cougar and the pre-readers from my FB street team Bbmassey88, Karen Cullen Grey, Destapan, Tammy, Sassy98200 and Pimm Cullen.

As always, thank you for your comments and reviews.

This chapter is a DPOV.

Song: Christmas lights (Coldplay)

Chapter 14

BELLA

I was already on my third glass of wine; I had brought a case for the week. I had sent Edward a text of the half empty bottle, but there was no response. I didn't expect one, but I was surprised that I hadn't heard from him all week.

Edward and Tanya had left that Monday going to his parents' house for the holidays. Of course he wouldn't respond. He was with his family. I felt silly texting him after a while and blamed it on the alcohol, but I knew better.

We had been away from each other for a week, and I found myself missing him. The thought of him with her and his family didn't seem to settle with me. I liked Tanya; over the last few weeks we had spent more time together. It was just...Tanya for Edward...I now couldn't see it. She was smart and beautiful. Barely had a flaw that I saw, yet it was the way she would speak to him. Also, she did everything she could to convince Edward to side with her on design choices.

I knew what Edward liked, and the things he was agreeing on...well, he was settling. I understood the need to compromise, but she rarely compromised. When I tried to convince her on his behalf, she made it perfectly clear that she would have the final say.

It was Edward's home!

Then I realized, again, that I had no opinion in the matter. If Edward wanted her to design his home to her liking, who was I to argue.

I looked at my phone, and nothing.

I tossed back my head and swallowed up the last drop.

"Haven't you had enough of that poison, Bella?" Mom asked, snubbing her nose up at me.

Nope, I thought, but said. "It's Christmas, Mom."

"I'm sure baby Jesus wanted you to get drunk in honor of his birthday."

I gawked then chuckled.

"You find that funny, do you?"

I stood to grab another bottle, in celebration of baby Jesus's birthday, but my mom grabbed hold of it first.

She took it over to the sink and poured it out. "You will not disrespect me in my house."

"Are you fuc—?" Shit, she turned glaring at me. "Mom, I'm an adult! I can drink responsibly."

"Can you, Bella? We have a house full of guests, yet all you have done is drink and look at your phone. Please don't tell me you are working?"

I sat back down. "I'm checking in with a client."

Her eyes narrowed. "It's Christmas Eve. Doesn't that client know that you are with your family?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's an important client." I walked to the refrigerator and grabbed one of my dad's beers. He was allowed to have beer.

My mother scowled at me as I sat back down.

"Still, you should set boundaries. What would they expect when you have children?"

I sighed. My husband.

Jake must have said something, more like hinted at children.

"That's not happening for a while, Mom."

She crossed her arms. "Tell that to your husband. He's been telling everyone you two are planning to have children in the near future."

I shook my head and took a long sip of beer.

My mom pulled out the chair across from me and sat down. "Don't you think it's time, Bella? You aren't getting any younger."

I was about to say something snarky when my phone alerted me of a text. I looked down and instantly smiled seeing his name.

HELP -EC

Tanya thought it would be funny to play hide my phone -EC

I texted back.

My mother is scolding me for having mine on. She poured out my wine! -BB

He responded immediately.

Give me your address, I'll send an emergency case ASAP! -EC

I texted my address and sent a lol emoji.

When I looked up, my mom had a weird expression on her face. One I'd seen before when I was in trouble for one thing or other.

"Is that your client? she asked.

"Matter of fact, it is."

She shook her head laughing to herself. "You truly are my daughter." she said, under her breath.

I set my phone on the table. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Bella, nothing is as important on Christmas Eve than spending time with your family. Yet, here you are spending time with your client. Who is it?" she asked, with a knowing look.

Normally, I would care that she assumed work came first, but I didn't at that moment. "His name is Edward Cullen."

She laughed harder. "Edward. Well, I think you need to tell Mr. Cullen, that you are spending Christmas with your family and your husband."

That rubbed me the wrong way. I sat up and said, "He knows where I am and who I'm with."

She glared at me. "You are playing a dangerous game, young lady."

"Maybe you need to enlighten me on this so-called game, Mother."

"Sue told me about the car."

Of course she told my mother. "What does that have to do with—?"

"She mentioned that you were upset with Jake."

What the hell?

He told his mother about our argument!

I was about to have it out with my husband, but my mom grabbed hold of my arm. "I don't know who this Cullen man is, but Jacob is a good man. You need to know your place. Jacob is the head of your household and if he wants to help his parents out, so be it."

Was she fucking kidding?

Of course not, I knew she was dead serious.

"Jacob was out of line discussing our business with his parents. You are out of line discussing anything about my marriage. One you know nothing about!"

"I know that you are stalling when it comes to having kids. Is there a reason? Maybe if you spent more time at home versus chatting up your clients, you would be open to having kids. You don't know how blessed you are. Your husband shouldn't have to ask to have a baby, Bella. Anyway, kids are good for a marriage."

I stood. "What century are you living in? Kids don't make a marriage work!"

"So there is something wrong," she said smugly.

My cell vibrated on the table and we both looked over at it. I crossed my arms and looked back to my mother. "For your information my marriage is fine! Yes, I was upset that Jake bought his parents a car, with my money. However, I've gotten over that. What I'm concerned with now, is that you think so little of me that I would jeopardize my marriage for 'work', and that kids are an easy fix."

"It was for me," she said pointedly.

I slumped down into my chair in shock. "What are you saying?"

"Your dad and I were having normal hiccups at first, but our parents said kids help and it did." She got up and checked on the ham.

Did I hear her correctly?

"You had me to fix your marriage?"

"Don't be silly."

"That's what you just said!"

We both turned to the door as Rosalie walked in with the baby. "Anything I can help with?"

"No, dear." My mother cooed as she stepped over to kiss Dede. "We have everything settled. Bella and I were just talking about how having a baby changes marriage."

"Fuck ya it does, and I have two!" Rosalie looked at me.

"Rose!"

"Oh, sorry Mrs. S., Bella, I hear you're about to join the club."

"My husband would like to start sooner rather than later, and apparently, with or without me."

"Sooner for sure. When you're older, it's tougher to keep up."

"Umm...I disagree. I have plenty of friends who waited later in their lives to have kids, and they are keeping up just fine."

"They say that, Bella," my mom chimed in.

"No, they mean it, mother. A few couldn't have kids, so they adopted later in life. Oh, and they have perfectly happy kids. Can you believe that?" I purposely said sarcastically.

Her eyes went wide before she gave us a tight-lipped smile. My mother would never start a disagreement in front of guests. No one could know that the Swans weren't perfect parents. I took a long sip of beer as I picked up my phone.

Edward had sent a picture of him sitting in what appeared to be a bench in a garden.

I smiled and sent back:

Already?! Can I join you? -BB

He responded instantly.

I'll be here when you're ready. -EC

Edward was always one to throw hidden meanings in everything. He just didn't know that I was a step closer.

I looked up into my mother's judging eyes before excusing myself.

-C-

Everyone else was in the family room watching the game. I sat on the armrest where my husband was sitting and leaned in. "You told your mom that I was upset about the money for the car?"

He tensed up and looked up at me. "I was upset."

"We will discuss this later," I stated clipped.

I wanted him to know that it was not okay. I didn't care if it was Christmas. He had stepped over the line, again.

He wrapped his arm around my waist. "Don't be mad, baby. I wasn't thinking. Why doesn't Santa make it up to you later?"

I raised a brow. "It seems to me that naughty boys don't get rewarded by Santa. So expect coal in your stocking, and an ice-cold shower in your future."

His mouth dropped, and he turned angry. I didn't care, and he knew I was serious. There was no way in hell he would be touching me anytime soon.

"Bella, was Rose with you?" Emmett asked.

He looked over at Jacob with some pity ass look. He was close enough to hear us, but I didn't care.

"She was feeding Dede."

He nodded his head. "How's work going? I heard you landed the Cullen project?"

"It's busy and yes I did. Do you know the Cullens?"

"I know Jessica."

I laughed. "She is hilarious. A little spit fire."

"Who is?" Rose asked walking over.

"Jessica Stanley," Emmett answered.

"You know Jessica, Bella?"

"I met her at Edward's."

Jake stiffened.

"How do you know her, Rosalie?" I asked.

"She works for Senator Eric Yorkie as his staff counsel."

"I didn't know that! I would never have guessed."

"Right?" Emmett grabbed Dede out of Rosalie's arms and laid the sleepy baby over his chest.

They did make having kids look easy. But I knew it wasn't.

-C-

Rose and Emmett were high school sweethearts. Emmett was recruited to play football in college, where he met Jake, and then he became a professional football player until he blew out his knee for good. He currently worked in construction. Rosalie was a sophomore when Emmett left for college and after graduation she decided, at first, to follow Emmett. When he injured his knee the first time, she had to become his caregiver until he was able to play again.

That took a toll on her and became a strain in their relationship, the other strain was when Rosalie cheated on him.

It happened while he was a baller. You would think the other way around, however Emmett was as faithful as one could be, even in his sports star lifestyle. He was away when Rosalie found herself falling for her professor. She didn't enjoy waiting around anymore or going on the road. She decided to go to college and went on to obtain her master's degree. It was her economics professor who made her question who she was and what she wanted out of life. He had convinced her that she deserved better than Emmett.

For a short period, Rosalie questioned her relationship with Emmett.

One night, I invited her out for a girl's night. She got drunk, confessed the affair to me, and the next morning begged me not to tell Emmett. I was surprised by her honesty; the alcohol was mostly out of her system when she admitted that she couldn't afford to be without Emmett.

She had grown up with hardship, and if she started over, she would be starting from scratch. A professor's salary didn't compare to her husband's. Emmett's lawyers had drawn up an ironclad pre-nup and infidelity would leave her with nothing. Rosalie had decided that she would rather work on her marriage versus start again from the bottom.

That day changed my view of Rosalie McCarty.

-C-

"Jessica's office is in the same building as mine."

Rosalie worked in the county clerk's office.

"I would never have guessed. I was thinking more like a tattoo parlor or a biker bar, even in the designer clothes." I chuckled.

"That's the Cullen part of her. So, you've met Edward. Isn't he hot?"

Rosalie smiled.

"You're hot, dear?" my mom asked, coming out of the kitchen.

"No, Mrs. S., Rosalie was just gushing over Edward Cullen."

"Oh, really."

I didn't have to look at my mom to know she was eyeing me.

"The man is gorgeous! Bella works for him," Rosalie added.

"She doesn't work for him," Jake snapped.

"He's a client. I'm redecorating his office and penthouse," I corrected.

"Sounds swanky, Bells." My dad beamed proudly.

He was always supportive.

"I've seen his mother in the paper," Sue added.

"The Cullens are usually in the Seattle society pages or on Page 6. When we were in New York, I saw them a few times in the paper." Rosalie added.

"It's a small world," Mom said.

I ignored my mother's comment. "If you see Jessica, tell her hello for me, Rosalie."

"I will. We always have lunch together."

"Ohh..."

I wasn't sure why that made me uncomfortable. She had seen me in Edward's apartment alone with him, but he had told her it was for business.

"There's some art show she asked us to go to. Are you going?" Rosalie asked.

"I'm not sure; which one?"

She thought for a moment. "Her ex is hosting it, I believe..."

"Leah? Then I might."

"I thought you said she works for the Senator?" Billy, Jake's dad asked.

"The Cullens are art people. Her aunt—I guess Edward's mother—is a collector. She mentioned they are into trading."

That was new. I didn't realize that.

"Trade, babe? More like 'trade'." He emphasized with finger quotes.

Rosalie glared at him. "Emmett, they buy and sell art. But Bella, you should come. I'll send you the details if she hasn't already."

I nodded, and then my dad began to yell at the television, which started the rest of the family joining in.

I sat there staring at the screen still amazed at how small the world was.

-C-

Christmas Eve, the adults sat around the dinner table stuffed like turkeys, while Hanna sniffed around the Christmas tree. We told her she could open the presents that we had given to both her and her sister before Santa arrived in the morning with his gifts.

As we gathered around to watch, the doorbell rang with a late delivery.

"I didn't know they delivered this late in the evening," Dad said, as he carried the large package to the living room. "It looks like Santa had one last delivery."

"Santa uses a sleigh, Pop-Pop," Hannah scolded my dad.

He chuckled as he set the package against the wall and lifted her up. "Sometimes even Santa needs help, Angel." He blew a kiss on her cheek.

She giggled and squirmed out of his arms. They had always been close. Dad said she reminded him of me at her age. I was flattered. I wasn't that smart at eight.

-C-

The next morning, Hanna woke us all up, and slowly we headed down to the living room to sit around the tree.

We all watched as Hanna opened her presents. Rosalie did the honors for Dede showing her everything she received and the baby cooed in excitement it seemed.

After Hannah tore through everything, the adults started handing out each other's gifts. Mom and Dad gave Jake and me a new set of pots and pans. We gave them a weekend holiday at a cabin where they could go fishing and whatever else they did. I told Jake the car should have been the gift for his parents; however, we gave them another gift. Department store gift cards to use on whatever they needed. His mom thanked him for the gesture. She was barely speaking to me, but managed a "thanks," after she hugged her son.

I wasn't hurt. It had taken me thirty minutes to stand in line, but I was glad they liked them.

I picked up a scarf and earring set from Alice's for Rosalie, and for Emmett, court-side tickets to the basketball game. His favorite team was in town, and I thought it would be a great gift for him and a few friends of his choosing. He loved it.

Jake gave me a bottle of one of my favorite perfumes, and I gave him a certificate for golf lessons. He mentioned several times that he needed to take up golfing to network with people for work.

All in all the day started well enough. There were no arguments or disappointed faces.

"Hey, Bells. Don't forget the one against the wall," my dad stated.

I looked over at the large package that had been delivered the night before.

I had forgotten about it and assumed it was for someone else.

To my amazement, I read the shipping label, and the package was addressed to me. It looked like a last minute, next day delivery from all the stickers on the box. That had to have cost a fortune. Then I thought of Alice. She had given me the dress for the New Year's Eve party as my Christmas gift, but maybe it was an addition. I glanced again at the shipping label. It was an international manifest. The label wasn't a FedEx or UPS shipper; it was a courier of some sort.

I lifted the package, and the weight surprised me. It was heavy. Deceiving from the wrapping.

"Who is it from?" Rosalie asked.

"I'm not sure."

"Opening it helps," she said sarcastically.

I grabbed the flap from the top that said this side up. Peeled away the fragile tape and Rosalie came over to help me balance it while I lifted the frame that was now wrapped around my fingers.

We wiggled the frame out of the box and when I saw the painting, I almost dropped it.

It couldn't be, I thought.

I was speechless.

"Who is it from?" Dad asked.

I grabbed the envelope out of Rosalie's hand. There was only one person who would give it as a gift. I didn't have to second-guess who.

The card said from one fellow art lover to another.

No signature, but I knew the handwriting.

"That's funky." Emmett walked by looking at the painting. "Pretty colors; right baby?" He pointed to the picture with Dede in his arms.

I wanted to cover it up. It was too intimate. Too revealing. However, no one seemed phased by the painting. Jake wanted to know what we were supposed to do with it. His mom said to sell it online and maybe make some extra money.

My total disgust at that comment wasn't well hidden.

Everyone seemed oblivious; however, my mom walked closer to take a better look at the painting. Tilting her head, she examined it, and then a scowl appeared. Quickly, I placed it back inside the box, blowing it off as a gift from one of my vendors. I was always receiving samples to use for my clients' designs. There was nothing to be suspicious about.

Yet, I felt like I had just been exposed.

I was still in shock. No, stunned. All the while thinking the painting couldn't be an original. I was sure it was a copy.

A very good copy.

However, to choose such a piece was bold. Brazen. Edward had to know how I would feel about it. Even though we both knew that I couldn't accept it. He would never know how much I loved it.

-EDWARD-

"There you are?"

I looked up at my mother. She was draped in one of her furs as if she were attending a gala. The silk nightgown underneath could have worked, but it was my mother. She would never wear shit like that. "Hi, Mom."

"Isn't it a little early to be in your hiding place?" She smiled, sitting down next to me. "I remember when I caught you smoking a cigarette here."

"Yeah. That day I heard new words fall out of your mouth."

She nudged me. "I couldn't help it. I was angry. Not at you. At your grandfather for pressuring you."

"You had a right to be upset at me."

"Yes, I did. But I blamed him. He had always placed too much pressure on you, honey."

"It made me tough."

"It caused you too much pain."

Growing up with my grandfather hadn't been easy. I admired the man. Looked up to him. However, his interference throughout my adolescent years wasn't welcomed by my parents. He pushed me until I was about to break. Then pushed harder.

"Still, here I am, the man I am today," I joked flatly.

"What's bothering you?"

"I needed some air."

She wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "Air or space?"

"A little of both."

"Edward, did I make a mistake inviting the Denalis?"

I looked into my mother's eyes, but wouldn't worry her by saying she did; I lied. "No, it's fine."

She squeezed me harder. "Oh, Edward. Are things changing between you and Tanya?"

I smiled to myself. "Changing, but not in the way you may hope."

"Ah, I thought so. You two seemed tense. Is it the separation? Edward, it has to be hard—"

"Is Dad your soulmate?"

Her head flew back surprised. I didn't know why that came out.

She gave me a gentle smile. "Your dad is definitely my soulmate. There is no other person for me."

She placed her cheek gently against my cheek. "Have you found yours?" She sounded hopeful.

"I'm not sure, Mom"

She turned my head to face hers. "Honey, you will know. Trust your instincts."

The sparkle in her eyes told me she was thinking about Tanya. When I sighed, the smile disappeared.

"Edward, you will know when the right person for you comes along. Sometimes we can overthink love. It could be staring you in the face and you still won't see it."

She examined my face, and I gave her the grin she was looking for. "Merry Christmas, Mom."

She wrapped both arms around me. "Merry Christmas, Son."

-C-

I watched as everyone opened their gifts. I sat back drinking the screwdriver Mom had made me, and nodded and smiled when expected.

Tanya was thrilled with the handbag I had given to her. Angela did a great job picking it out. Mom loved the painting I had made for her. It was a portrait of a picture I had found of her and Dad when they were younger. They were at the beach lying on a blanket looking out into the distance while holding hands. I knew she would love it. She gushed all over it and me. Dad gave me the thumbs up—pleased that Mom was happy. He was always happy when she was.

My thoughts drifted back to Bella. Wondering how her Christmas was going and if she was thinking about me. My question was soon answered when I smiled looking down at her name across my cell.

"Excuse me; I need to take this call."

"Oh, Edward, it's Christmas," my mother scolded.

"Eddie, do you have to?" Tanya's eyes narrowed. She looked over to our mothers. "I swear he has been working too hard."

"Son, you need a day of rest," Kiril stated disapprovingly.

Damn it, she hung up.

"Leave him alone," Grandfather chimed in. "It's not a holiday for everyone, you know. Leave the boy be. Go, take care of business," he boasted proudly.

I wanted to correct him, stating it was personal, but I looked over to Tanya's scrunched up face.

"This will only take a minute." I rushed out, hearing a bunch of dissatisfied murmurings.

I dialed her back. "Bella."

"Edward."

Hearing her soft voice made everything right at that moment. I leaned against the side bricks of the house. "I'm sorry I missed your call. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you."

There was an awkward silence. I wondered if she had received my package. The courier guaranteed it would be there.

"Edward...the painting..."

I breathed out a sigh of relief. She did receive it.

"I can't accept it."

I knew she would say that. I had thought of telling her it was a replica, but I had a feeling she knew.

"I'm afraid to ask if it is an actual E. Thor Carlson. Because if it is...you're nuts! And you know I can't..."

"It is; and you can. It's your gift Bella."

"Shit! Edward that's crazy! Are you...fuck! I don't know how much an original piece costs but it's too much," Sse whispered.

That it was; however, when I had laid my eyes on the painting, I knew right then that Bella had to have it. It took some persuasion, but I convinced the owners to sell. It was worth every dollar, and I wished I could have seen her face when she opened it.

"Do you like it?"

She chuckled. "Like it? Edward, it's...damn it! I've been a bit speechless ever since I opened it."

"I've felt the same way since the first time I saw you."

"Edward...see...you can't say those things."

"It's true. The moment I saw that painting it reminded me of you."

"Lovers by E. Thor Carlson, isn't subtle."

"It's all in the perception."

She huffed out, and I knew she was smiling.

"You are very lucky no one in my family appreciates art the way I do. Except my mother has been examining the painting every chance she gets. I'm just waiting for her to see the two nude forms hidden in the picture." She paused. "Actually, that would be perfect with the way this holiday has gone."

I wasn't going to express my pleasure that her holiday wasn't great. I had hoped that she would be miserable.

"Would it make you feel any better to know that mine hasn't been a stellar occasion either? I've had to use my hiding place several times today already."

She laughed. A genuine true laugh. It was refreshing to hear and caused me to smile.

"I don't want you to think, well, you know. If I accept this painting, then there will be hope for more."

"Isabella, I will never lose hope when it comes to you."

I heard her inhale.

She remained quiet as we listened to each other's breaths as they slowed down.

"I miss you," I admitted. "It may be selfish of me, but I need you to know. I miss you, greatly."

I heard her start to say something, then she told someone she would be right there.

"I'm sorry, I need to go."

We stayed on the phone for a moment longer.

"I really have to go, Edward."

"Merry Christmas, Bella."

"Merry Christmas. Thank you for the painting. I truly love it." She giggled. "As wrong as that might be, I love it, Edward."

Hearing and knowing that I had made her that happy, made that Christmas one of the best so far. I vowed then, it would be the last Christmas without her.

***CHAOS****

There's A LOT going on. Can't wait to read your take on this. Side note: The guest reviewer with the comment, BELLA. RUN! No, I cannot respond to you, or any of the guest reviewers, however I do appreciate all points of views.

I posted the painting, Lovers by E. Thor Carlson, up on the FB page.

I wish everyone a very happy holiday! The team and I will be back in the new year.

Be on the look out for Going Down Edward's POV one shot/Babies at the Border Compilation in December.

Sneak peek ch 15

Edward took both of my hands in his. "Bella...ever since you came into my life I've felt...these feelings that I've never felt before. I've tried to stay away from you, but you see that's impossible. You...you make me crazy and neurotic and unable to imagine my future without you."

My breath hitched. "Edward..."

He stepped closer to me looking at our hands. "Isabella, I'm in lo—"

The door suddenly opened, and we released our hands.

The familiar beauty looked between the two of us with surprise and then a grim expression.