Happy birthday, Nic! Sorry you didn't get to pre-read this one. I wanted it to be a surprise. This one's for you. I hope you have the best birthday ever! You deserve it. Thank you so much for your friendship. It means the world to me. Love you, girl!

I know y'all were expecting babies. I'm sorry to disappoint. We're taking a little time jump back to the Christmas before the wedding, when Hope was created.

A few miles outside Gatlinburg, Edward changes the playlist and "Blue Christmas" pours from the speakers in the Jeep. We've been on the road for more than eight hours, including a stop for lunch at a truck stop diner in Chattanooga.

"Elvis always makes me nostalgic for Tennessee," I say. "I did my fair share of partying in Memphis my first couple of years of college. I've gone to concerts and football games in Nashville and Knoxville. It's nice to be back."

"It's a nice state," he says.

"Oh, come on! Are you ever gonna tell me where we're goin'?"

"You'll see soon enough."

I pout but don't push. He's been grinning ear to ear since he told me to pack warm clothes, enough for five days. As far as Christmas surprises go, he's "go big or go home" this year. I only had a week to get ready, and despite my pleas, Momma, Tanya, and even Daddy have all kept mum. And I know they know. Momma and Tanya had a curious glint in their eyes when I brought it up, and Daddy cringed and left the room.

The sight of snow-covered mountains and a shift to Bing Crosby make my eyes water. "You remembered."

His hand covers mine, and he lifts it to his lips. "Merry Christmas, pretty girl."

"Merry Christmas." I squeeze his hand in thanks.

I thought nothing could top last year – being in his house together on Christmas morning and spending the day with both of our families – but there's something to be said for alone time, too. We attended Christmas Eve service last night and then opened gifts with his parents and Alec. This morning, we were at Momma and Daddy's doorstep at 6 AM. So were Tanya and Jake, and she was none too pleased about it.

"You're lucky I like you," she'd told Edward.

She was more tolerable after a hot breakfast, a cup of coffee, and a few presents. She even hugged Edward after me when we were ready to hit the road.

I've never been away from my family on Christmas before, but this feels right. Natural. Besides, this man beside me is my family now. Maybe not officially, but he is in every way that counts. Yes, our first holidays together last year were special, but there's no doubt in my mind that all the ones to come will be, too.

"This is why we brought the Jeep," I surmise.

"It's better equipped and lighter than my truck."

I see what he means when he doesn't stop in town and heads for mountain roads.

Snow.

It's everywhere: on the trees, the ground, swirling in the air around us as we drive higher and higher. He offers me a piece of gum when our ears start popping from the change in altitude.

"I can't believe this," I say. "It's so beautiful."

"Are you happy?"

There's laughter and joy in his voice, and he did all this for me. How could I not be?

"I'm very happy, and not just today. I've always been blessed with a good life. My family is in good health. Momma and Daddy have always been able to provide. I have good friends." I stop to stare at our hands clasped between us. "This is different. This… You and me? My life is much better waking up every day with you in it."

Even that sounds weak.

He parks in front of a two-story cabin nestled in the trees. There's a hot tub on the back deck facing the snow-covered mountains all around us.

"We'll get groceries tomorrow," he says with a smile. "We have plans for tonight."

"We do? Are you gonna tell me what they are?"

"Nope. It's a surprise." He cuts the engine, gets out, and comes around to open my door. "You may want to add a layer or two of clothin'."

"Well, that's unusual." I grin and let him help me find my footing in the deep snow. The crunch beneath my feet and the crisp air surrounding me make my smile grow even bigger. "Usually, you're tryin' to talk me out of my clothes."

"Oh, we'll get to that part later." He wraps his arms around me and squeezes. "Don't you worry about that." I close my eyes and take a minute to breathe him in. "Come on. Let's take a look inside." He holds up a set of keys and dangles them in front of my face.

I snatch them and move to the front door, and he opens the back of the Jeep to grab some of the luggage. "Do you need help?" I ask.

"No, I'm good. You go on in and check it out."

Everything inside reminds me of home: a big fireplace, huge couches, and woven throws. There's a full kitchen, complete with a washer and dryer. There are double doors leading out to the deck and hot tub, and the view beyond makes my breath catch.

I hear him a few moments before warm arms wrap around my waist from behind. "I can't believe you did all this."

"Well, I had some help from the internet and FedEx, but yeah. The rest was me. You said you wanted a white Christmas."

"Thank you."

"You don't ever have to thank me, pretty girl. I get you all to myself for almost a week. That's a gift for me."

We stand for a while, wrapped up in each other, watching snowflakes dance beyond the window pane. When the sun starts to sink, he glances at his watch. "Time to add those layers. We've got somewhere to be."

I have to admit that this is much better than what I expected when he told me to pack long johns, wool socks, and lots of flannels. I like camping, but not in the cold. This is perfect.

The restaurant at Ober is open and expecting us when we arrive a half hour later. "Follow me, Mr. Cullen," the hostess says, walking to an area with a huge window overlooking the ski park.

"We'll be doing that tomorrow," Edward says, pointing out the window at the ski lift as it settles at the nearby stop.

"What else do you have planned?" I ask.

"Not tellin', but there may be some tubin' in your future."

"Snow tubin'? I've never done that."

"Neither have I, but how different can it be from the lake?"

I laugh. "A lot. There are trees."

"It'll be an adventure."

We have steak and steamed vegetables, a few glasses of wine, and share dessert. It's nice to have time to talk and unwind after rushing around for weeks in preparation for the holidays. Our cell phones stay quiet, and our fingers sit twisted together on the table between us.

After dinner, he leads me outside and pulls my gloves and knitted cap from the deep pockets of my coat. "You're going to need these," he says, stretching the hat over my head and pushing my hair back.

We get in line for the Aerial Tramway, waiting with other couples and snuggling for warmth the same way they are until it's time to board.

The snowy mountains shine on both sides of us until we reach downtown Gatlinburg. Instead of getting off like some of the others, we stay to make the return trip for the Jeep. We switch sides while we're waiting, and the view on the way back is just as gorgeous.

He's standing behind me, leaned in with his chin resting on my shoulder and his cheek touching mine. "Let's get married while we're here. There's no wait in Tennessee." His voice is light and teasing, and so are his fingertips beneath my sweater.

"I'm not gettin' married in flannel, Edward Cullen. I've already found and bought the most perfect dress."

"Settle down." He turns until his lips touch my cheek. "I'm just messin' with you. It was worth a shot."

Back at Ober, he steers me away from the parking lot and over to the ice-skating rink.

"Surely they're not open tonight?" I ask.

"They are if you've rented it for a special event." He opens the door and holds it, waving for me to step inside. I'm frozen in place, stunned at how much time and effort he put into this. "We only have an hour," he says.

A girl a few years younger than us is waiting behind a counter. She helps us find skates in our sizes and gives Edward a card with Nadine and a number on it. "I'll be back around nine. Call if you need me before then."

"Will do." Edward nods. "Thank you."

She blushes and turns her back to us to put her coat on before stepping outside. I don't really blame her. When he smiles and turns on the charm and manners, it's hard not to get a little flustered.

"I've never been ice skating, either," I tell him when we're alone.

"I have," he says, satisfied with himself. "I learned on a pond over Christmas break in Arkansas one year."

"That's good," I say. "At least one of us knows what to do."

He takes a lap around the rink as he explains how similar it is to roller blading, only not really when it comes to stopping, and then he stops in front of me and pulls me out onto the ice with him.

His hands are lifelines, and my grip on them is desperate. "You know what this reminds me of?" He skates backwards slowly, while I flail and almost take us down a couple of times.

"A baby giraffe?"

"No." He laughs and halts our movement. "It reminds me of the first time we danced. You were so nervous and uptight until you got the hang of it." He closes the distance between us. "Do you trust me?"

"You know I do."

"Close your eyes." I hesitate, holding his gaze for a moment before letting my eyes slip closed. "I won't let go, pretty girl. I promise." He squeezes my hands in reassurance before brushing his lips against mine. "Here we go." He starts us off slow at first, giving me instructions on when to turn and reminding me to keep my eyes closed. As the minutes pass, my footing improves and the fear of falling subsides. "See how much better it feels now that you've relaxed?"

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"Sure."

When I do, I can't see anything but big, black spots. It causes temporary panic, and I trip forward, pulling him down with me. He turns us and takes the brunt of the fall, and I end up on top of him, blinking and trying not to laugh.

"I'm sorry."

His hand comes up to push my hair behind my ear. "If you wanted me on my back, all you had to do was ask."

The wicked grin on his face earns a light smack on the chest. "Thank you for this."

"You're welcome." He leans up and kisses me in earnest this time, deep and slow. His hands settle on my butt, and he pushes his hips up from the ice so I can feel how much he wants me, then groans in frustration. "If we keep this up, we're gonna end up with frostbitten nethers."

I giggle, resting my head against his chest long enough to hear and feel the pounding of his heart, strong and wild against its cage. "That wouldn't do at all."

He gets up first and helps me to my feet again. This time, he skates beside me, slow and even since I'm no Michelle Kwan. His steady conversation and firm grip on my hand help me relax enough to stop looking down. By the time our hour is up, I'm able to stop on my own and step onto the rubber mat without any assistance.

"Not bad for your first time," he says.

"Even the part where I crashed and took you with me?"

"I kinda liked that part."

"Did I hurt you?"

He laughs but sobers quickly with a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Come to think of it, I am a little sore." He rubs his shoulder. "I'm sure some time in that hot tub back at the cabin might make it all better. Maybe a massage…"

"I hate to break it to you, but I thought we were goin' campin'. A bathing suit was the last thing on my mind."

"It's the last thing on mine, too."

I regret double knotting the strings on my skates. My hands are a shaking a mess after a suggestion like that, and all I can think about is getting him back to the hot tub so I can strip him down. And rub him. Everywhere.

"You're blushin'," he says, sporting a victory grin.

Nadine appears at the entrance, eyeing her watch and clearing her throat in an effort to hurry us. Edward thanks her on the way out as we pass her, causing the poor girl to drop her phone when he smiles and dips his head in a polite nod. Bless her. It's a good thing she has a sturdy phone case.

He guides me over to the parking lot with his arm settled across my back and his hand on my hip. The short ride back to the cabin is filled with heavy looks and light knee squeezes when he isn't busy shifting gears. I get out on my own, though, after he parks at our temporary home away from home. No sense wasting valuable time on silly things like chivalry.

"Wait," he says, catching my hand before I can disappear into the bedroom. He pulls a wrapped box out of his gigantic duffle and hands the present to me.

"What is this?" I ask.

"Just… take it with you to the bedroom. There should be extra towels in the bathroom." He pushes open the door leading onto the deck. "I'll get things ready out here."

The spa is already going strong. I can hear it from where I'm standing, which is odd because I know it wasn't on when we left. "Okay."

The gift isn't fancy, just a fuzzy white robe thick enough to withstand some of the chill waiting for me outside. I pull my boots off and shed every stitch of clothing as quickly as I can. The robe is warm, soft, and identical to another one draped across a chair on the deck when I walk outside.

Edward is already in the water with his chest glistening and an arm extended to help me in. He stares while I loosen the tie at my waist, letting his eyes lower when the robe slides off my shoulders. It's nice seeing him off kilter, considering the mess he made of me back at the skating rink. When I can't stand the cold anymore, I reach out for his hand and let him help me into the spa.

There's wine and two goblets on a nearby table.

The water is hot and rolling full-force.

"How can the water be this warm? We haven't been back long."

"There are apps that can remotely control this thing." He shakes his head. "Can you believe that?"

"Not really." My hands move to his torso, turning him until he's facing away from me and then moving up to his shoulders.

His body relaxes slowly under my touch, eyes closing and head dropping forward. When I rub lower, circling my thumbs in the center of his back, I lean forward to lightly kiss the skin below his hairline. He moans as my nipples graze his shoulder blades and my teeth move to his ear.

"Stop," he says, gripping my knees on either side of him. "Come here."

Quicker than I can blink, he's pulled me onto his lap, facing him. Water sex isn't our favorite. Edward is a big fan of natural lubrication, but he doesn't let it prevent him from driving me insane. His teeth scrape over my neck while one hand rests on my hip, guiding me back and forth over the length of his cock. The other hand is busy torturing my nipple with sweet twists and pulls.

He's heaven and torture all at once.

"See, I planned a long night of sittin' out here, snow gazin' and cuddlin'. Maybe a little wine. I even found glasses this time," he says with a grin. "But all I want to do is take you inside and kiss you head to toe."

His lips travel south, and he shifts me higher to catch my nipple between his teeth. "Do it. We have all week to look at stars and drink wine…"

Laughing, he stands, lifting me with him and causing our naked bodies to slide against each other in the cold. Always the gentleman, he helps me out first before following. The robes are small defense against the temperature and snow, so we hurry inside.

"Oh, my goodness. It's freezin'." My teeth chatter, causing Edward to chuckle.

Even though he's less than impressed with the small gas fireplace in the bedroom, he turns it on for me. As much as I love snow and the idea of snow, this southern girl just isn't built for the extreme cold. I use the robe to dry as much of my skin as possible and then toss it across the room onto a chair.

I shiver, waiting for him to turn around, but when he does, the look he gives me sparks a heat that spreads all over. He loses his robe as he approaches. We're a tangled mess of limbs and lips when my back hits the bed and his weight settles over me.

Edward makes good on his word. Once his kisses have me worked up and squirming, he moves his attention to the skin on my neck and down. When he reaches the softness beneath my navel, he takes a break to rest his chin there on my belly. He stares for a long moment, studying me in the glow of the fire light. I stare back, amazed at how lucky I am.

"I love you," he says. "More than anything."

My heart swells at the emotion in his voice, and I have to blink back a few tears before I answer. "I love you, too."

He nods, holding my gaze as he slowly lowers his lips on the skin of my hips. I have to close my eyes and grip the sheets when he pushes my legs back until my knees are bent and my feet are flat on the bed. To be cruel, he runs his tongue along the back of my thigh with feather-soft strokes. I can't hold still, so I pull him closer by tugging his hair. The feel of his mouth when he finally caves and spreads me with two fingers is enough to cause real tears of relief.

"Dammit, girl," he mumbles. I can't answer, because I'm busy pulling his hair with one hand and mine with other.

He tugs me down the bed, maneuvers my legs over his shoulders, and pulls my hips up to give him easier access. Then he takes his time, using his teeth, tongue, and fingers to work me into a frenzy. He doesn't back off until I'm spent and panting.

Satisfied, he sits up on his knees and nudges between my numb legs. I'm not much help since I'm technically still recovering. I watch as he looks down between us to line up and push inside. His eyes close for a second, but he forces them back open at the same moment his patience runs out.

He's fast and unyielding, moving his hips and dropping a hand to rub his thumb over my clit. The leftover sensitivity and the angle are too much. My legs come up, hugging his waist, and he tries to fight it but ends up coming with me. "Fuck, Bella." His eyes clench shut and few last shudders shake his frame.

He drops down heavily on top of me and kisses me despite the salty taste of my sweat and his. Then he rolls us until I'm cradled at his side with my head on his chest. We watch the tiny fire and catch our breath while the snow continues to fall outside and collect on the windowsill.

"I have a feeling I'm going to say this every year," I say, running my fingers over the hair on his chest. "But this has been the best Christmas ever."

A/N – Thanks to M for pre-reading and to Iris for taking the time to beta this even though she's been buried with TwiFic Fandom Awards responsibilities.

Speaking of… Down Home has been nominated for favorite Snuggle Fic and for several other categories as well. Thank you to those of you who nominated this story, The Give Away Girl, Rest My Soul, and even Tofurkey. I was in Kroger when I found out how many nominations you guys submitted. I cried. In the middle of a grocery store. Lol. Thank you. First round voting is this week. Second round will be 2 weeks later. Head over to twificfandomawards dot blogspot dot com to vote for your favorites. There are so many amazing fics there to choose from! I'm humbled to be included. Thank you.

Now, about those babies. They're coming. I promise. I'm one of the judges for the Mistletoe Contest, and the Christmas pictures the contest has been tweeting lit a fire, so to speak, and made me want to write ALL THE CHRISTMAS THINGS. I wanted to write something as a gift for Nic, and that's how this outtake came to be. Y'all know I love to write about the holidays. If you do too, please check out the contest page. It's listed as one of my favorite authors. Write for us! Spread some holiday cheer.

Don't forget to wish Nicffwhisperer a happy birthday when you see her around the fandom today!

Thanks for reading.

Take care, y'all.

MSC