I don't own twilight but Ellie is my creation :)

Here's Chapter 14 I can't believe I'm on 14 already! Enjoy xx

Learning To Love Again

Chapter 14 Christmas Eve

Edwards Point of View

Christmas Eve and I've woken up alone. Bella and Ellie must have gone downstairs with the rest of the family preparing for tomorrow. I couldn't wait to see Ellie's face when she opened all her gifts. This will be the first Christmas she understands about Santa Claus and Rudolph so we'd gone a bit mad on toys and clothes. Bella loved shopping for her. She was one of the reasons our parents had to get the ferry here. She bought Ellie so much stuff that we would have had to charter a plane to bring it all so dad offered to drive the Land Rover over and Charlie said he'd bring Renee's car. It's lucky they did. At least now we have transport and we won't have to call taxis to go out... My train of thought was disrupted by a loud knock at the door.

''Edward, are you awake? I need to talk to you. It's about Rose.'' I had a word with Rose about how she spoke in front of Ellie and she couldn't have been more sorry. She thought Ellie was asleep when she was bitching because she was hidden in a blanket. She apologised to Bella and myself four or five times before we could convince her it was okay as long she didn't do it again. Ellie's become a bit weary of her but she'll be okay; she just needs time.

''One second Em.'' I threw some pants on and opened the door. ''What's up?''

''She's really sorry about yesterday, you know that right? She's been tossing and turning all night. When I asked her what was wrong, she started to cry.''

''I thought we'd sorted all that out. We're not worried about it.''

''That's what I told her. She's in the kitchen with Bella now. I hope she realises before tonight that there's no hard feelings.''

''Tonight will be fine. Have you called the restaurant to confirm the booking?'' He's going to be a pain in the ass all day.

''Yeah it's all ready. They've got everything set up. Where's the ring?''

''It's in the front pocket of that bag.'' I pointed to our carry on bag and he nodded.

''Shall we go eat something. I'm starving.''

''Late night with Bella was it?''

''Emmett, Ellie's been in the same room as us.'' Not that that stopped us. After the quickie yesterday, we made love in the bathroom again and in the shower but he doesn't need to know that.

''Suppose I'm going to have to get used to planning around a kid.''

''There's always a way Emmett.'' I grabbed a t-shirt off of the top of the bag before opening the door.

''You'll have to give me some tips. I have no idea how to be a dad.''

''You're going to be a great dad you don't have to worry about that. You're a great uncle; it's just the next step up from that.'' We walked down the second set of stairs and headed towards the kitchen.

''Thanks little brother, that means a lot.''

''Well we're always going to be around to help if you get stuck.''

''Well if Renee and Charlie are right, you'll have a new baby a few months after us so we'll be in it together. Did she do the test Alice got yet?''

''No not yet. She wants to wait until she's ready.''

''That's fair enough. I think Renee's right though.'' I hope she is and so does Bella. She just wanted to wait until she was ready. I think she's scared that it's going to be negative.

''Well we'll have to wait and see.'' We walked into the kitchen as all the girls were sitting around the table eating and talking.

''Dada.'' Ellie spoke between mouthfuls of food. Bella must have been cooking by the looks of it.

''Morning all.'' I went over and kissed Ellie before moving around the table to Bella. ''You okay?''

''Yeah I'm fine. Do you want something to eat?'' I kissed her gently before looking at Emmett.

''Please. I'd cook myself but I don't think Mom would trust me near the stove.'' Bella smiled and got up from her seat.

''He's right, he can't cook without causing a culinary catastrophe.'' Mom smiled before taking a sip of her tea.

''Sausage and egg roll okay?''

''That's fine with me baby.''

''And me please Bella.'' I walked round the table and sat with Rose. She looked shocked that I didn't take the empty seat next to Renee.

''Morning Rose, you feeling okay? How's my niece this morning?'' Emmett grinned at the fact I was making an effort and sat down next to Renee. Rose raised a suspicious eyebrow at me before answering.

''We're fine thanks Edward. Bella's fed us both well this morning. She cooks a mean breakfast.'' Bella was happily cooking at the stove until Charlie came in and put a fish down beside her. She turned her nose up at the smell and clamped her fingers around her nose.

''Dad! Get that out of here now! It sticks! Wrap it and freeze it.'' I looked at Charlie who was grinning at his daughter as he pulled some foil out of the cupboard. ''Seriously Dad. I can't serve breakfast with that smell lingering in here.''

''How have you caught a fish already Charlie?'' He looked at me and walked towards the table. Bella took the food off the stove and walked into the pantry shaking her head.

''Well me and your Dad got up at five to do a little pre Christmas fishing and I caught that baby about half hour ago.'' I saw Renee get up from the table and I turned my head slightly towards her. She wrapped up the fish and put it in the freezer before walking to the pantry. Bella came back a few seconds later and went back to what she had been doing before Charlie had come in. What was that all about? ''Your Dad caught one too but he gave his away as a gift to another guy down at the lake. Your father is a good man.''

''He is Charlie, I agree with you there.'' Bella placed a plate of food in front of Emmett and then brought mine over. She fussed over Ellie for a while and then went back to clean the side. She didn't look happy.

''Momma, can I have some juice please?''

''Sure baby. I'll get it for you now.''

''You sit Bella, I'll get it. You've already made the whole family breakfast.'' Mom got up and walked to the fridge before Bella could argue. I got up with my empty plate and walked towards her. She wrapped her arms around me before I could put my it down and buried her face in my shirt.

''You okay?''

''Yeah, I just missed you that's all.'' Emmett walked over and freed the plate from my hand.

''Thanks for breakfast Bella. It was good as always.''

''You're welcome Emmett.'' She looked up at me and smiled slightly.

''What do you want to do today?'' I kissed the tip of her nose before making my way to her lips.

''Dada, can we go swimming again?'' Bella laughed lightly into my chest and nodded her head.

''I guess we can do that baby.'' Ellie smiled at me and started to tell her Nee and her Nana all about the pool.

''You mind if me and Rose join you? I haven't been swimming in so long. Alice and Jasper have gone skiing. There's not much pregnant women can do, she's a pain in the...''

''Emmett Cullen if you say one more word, I'll batter you.''

''That'd be cool Emmett.'' Bella answered before I could which made me smile. This would make Rose feel better.

''Yeah we can get all the old blow up balls and stuff out and the volley ball net.'' Emmett started to bounce around the kitchen. Rose rolled her eyes and got up from her seat.

''Myself and Renee are going to pop to the store for some last minute things. Do you want us to pick you anything up?''

''Pickled onions.'' we all turned to look at Rose in shock.

''What? I'm pregnant. I want some damn pickled onions.'' Bella broke away from me and scooped Ellie into her arms. She kissed her and brought her over to me.

''Esme, don't forget the fresh melon. We need it for the starters tomorrow.''

''I have that on my list Bella, don't worry. Shall I grab some lunch whilst were out and we'll all eat by the pool? Saves us cooking again?''

''That'd be good Mom. You'll have enough to do tomorrow. We can order pizza tonight too, my treat.''

''Mmmmm, pizza Momma. I like pizza.''

''I know you do baby.''

''It's nice to know you're keeping up the Christmas Eve pizza tradition son. Your dad will love that.''

''Dad will love what?''

''That Edward's keeping up the old tradition of Pizza on Christmas Eve.''

''I do love that. I''ll call the pizzeria and pre-order what we want for dinner time. How did the fish test go Charlie?'' Fish test?

''Fail.''

''Just like you thought then.''

''Sure was. I told you.'' Everyone in the room looked at Charlie and my Dad like they'd lost the plot. ''What is everyone looking at? Don't you have stuff to do?''

''Yeah come on, let's go. I want to get in the pool. The heaters been on right?''

''Yes Emmett, the heaters been on. I left it on yesterday. I don't want Ellie and Bella getting into a cold pool.''

''It's nice and warm Emmy.''

''Shall we go get you ready then Miss Ellie. We can meet Rose and Emmett down there once we've changed.''

''Okay momma, let's go.'' Bella looked at me, waiting for me to follow.

''I'll be up in a second baby. I'm just going to grab a drink.''

''Okay, will you bring some sodas and some juice down to the pool?''

''Yeah of course. I'll take them down before I come upstairs.'' She blew me a kiss and Ellie copied. Once she left the room, I looked at Charlie.

''Okay Charlie. What the hell was the fish thing all about?'' He smiled at me and started to laugh.

''It was a test. You might have noticed that Renee came to Bella's rescue when I left the fish out. That's because she knows exactly how Bella felt. When she was pregnant, she couldn't stand the smell and the look of fish, it turned her stomach and Bella's reaction just confirmed what we all think. She clamped her nose and practically ran from the room. You don't need no test, that's your proof. I'd put money on it. She's fine with fish usually. She guts it and cooks it.'' I stood in shock at Charlie's statement. I couldn't believe he'd done that. I shook my head as I walked to the fridge. He's got a good brain in his head I'll give him that. I took as many cans as I could carry and walked towards the door.

''Congratulations Dad.'' If he's right then I'm going to be ecstatic. I'd love a baby with Bella.

I walked to the pool room and put the cans in the fridge. Emmett walked in just as I turned to leave. His trunks were already on.

''Eager big brother?''

''Yep. Rose is changed. She's just gone to help Bella with...''

''Dada look! I got my costume on gain.'' Rose walked into the room hand in hand with Ellie. They both looked happy enough; after yesterday I thought Ellie would be weary.

''Wow, you look very pretty. Your float is over there. Ask Aunty Rose to help you put it on. I'm just going to go and get changed. Is Bella still upstairs Rose?''

''Yeah, she's just getting changed.''

''I won't be a minute. Make sure she puts her float on before she goes near the water.''

''I will Edward. I'll do it now.''

''Dada give me a kiss for you go.'' I leant down and kissed Ellie's pouted lips. She smiled happily after and pulled Rose's hand towards her float.

''I won't be long.''

''We'll be fine. Don't worry, take your time.'' Christmas music started playing from the speakers as I left the room. This is going to be a nice day, swimming on Christmas Eve; who'd have thought it! I jogged up the stairs to the bedroom. I might get some alone time with my girl. I pushed the door open slowly and looked around. Bella was nowhere to be seen. The bathroom door was shut though. I guess she's getting changed in there.

''Baby, you okay?''

''Yeah I'm okay. I'll be out in a couple of minutes.'' I stripped down and pulled my swimmers on and shoved a dressing gown over my shoulders. If we're going to be down there all day, I want something dry to put on. I should take Ellie's down to the house. It maybe warm but I don't want her getting sick, not at Christmas. I sat on the edge of the bed and waited.

What is she doing in there? It didn't take her this long yesterday. I started to tap my feet on the floor when the door opened. I turned to look at Bella. There was tears running down her cheeks. I got up quickly and walked over to her.

''Baby? What's wrong, what happened?'' She held pulled her hand up from her side and opened it. There were two pregnancy tests staring up at me, both say the same thing. 'Pregnant 2-3 weeks'. I read them over and over to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.

''Merry Christmas Edward.'' Tears started to roll down my cheeks. I never actually thought I'd love someone enough again to have a baby with them but I do. I really do. I love Bella more than life itself. I'd die for her if I had to. I pulled her hand up closer to me and read them again.

''We're having a baby?''

''Yeah, we're having a baby.'' She put the tests down on the dresser and threw her arms around my neck. I leaned in and kissed her softly as she wiped the tears from her face before moving on to mine. I was such a sap but I didn't really care. We're having a baby.

''What made you do the tests? I didn't think you would.''

''Well, I didn't think that I'd be pregnant so soon because I've been taking birth control. As much as I wanted to be, I didn't think it would be possible.'' She looked at the floor for a second so I tilted her head back up. ''It wasn't until Charlie brought that damn fish into the kitchen and my stomach turned that I thought it could actually be true. I had to get out of there before I threw up. Just thinking about it .. ugh.'' She shook the thought out of her head and smiled. I ran the back of my hand down her cheek and let out a small laugh.

''It's not funny Edward. Can we change the subject? I can't think about it any more.''

''I'm not laughing at you baby, I'm laughing at Charlie.''

''Charlie? Why?''

''He did it on purpose. Your mother had the same response to fish when she was pregnant with you so he thought he'd test you to see how you reacted and he got the outcome he wanted.''

''When did he tell you that?''

''After you left the kitchen this morning.''

''Cheeky git! Promise me if he brings any more fish into this house, you'll make sure it stays away from me. I can't take that again.''

''I promise I'll keep the nasty things away from you.''

''Thank you, do you mind if we keep this to ourselves for now? It's so early. Something might go wrong. I just want to keep it our secret for as long as possible. I don't want to excite Ellie yet, just incase.''

''Nothing's going to go wrong Bella but I agree, we shouldn't tell anyone yet. It's Emmett and Rose's big night. We should enjoy this together for a bit. I think everyone knows anyway but we don't have to admit anything.''

''Thank you.''

''You don't have to thank me. You're carrying my baby. You are officially going to be spoilt rotten for the next nine months.''

''That's good to know. Where should we keep the tests? I want to keep them, is that weird?''

''No not at all. There's a draw in the cupboard under the sink. I'll put them in there for safe keeping.'' I went to grab them but Bella stopped me. ''What's wrong?''

''Edward I pee'd on them.''

''Oh yeah, they're all yours baby.''

''I thought you might say that.'' She picked them up carefully and took them into the bathroom. ''We should go see our other baby at the pool now. This is going to be her last Christmas on her own. We need to make it really special.'' Bella came out of the bathroom looking exceptionally pleased with herself. ''This time next year, we'll have two.'' I grinned at her enthusiasm and took her hand.

''Promise me something?''

''Anything Edward.''

''Be extra careful around the pool today. I'll stay close but I might not be able to catch you if you slip. I couldn't bear it if something bad happened.''

''I'll be careful baby, I promise.'' Bella was extra careful as we descended the stairs. I held on to her tightly just incase. She's going to hate me by the time this pregnancy was over. I wanted to wrap her in cotton wool and it's only day one.

''There you are. We wondered what kept you so long.'' Rose smiled at us from the pool.

''Sorry, I started tidying up our room. It looked like a tip!'' Well that was a better explanation than I could have come up with. Nicely done Bella.

''Momma, are you coming in?''

''I'll watch you for a bit baby. I'll come in soon. Where's Emmett?''

''He popped up to the kitchen to get me some crisps and he said something about bringing down some more soda and snacks.''

''Oh cool, you've got him well trained.'' Rose winked at Bella before turning her attention back to Ellie. I stayed close to my girl until she was happily settled on a lounger at the edge of the pool. I pulled another once close to hers and sat down. The pool room door banged open a few minutes later and Emmett walked through with a massive cooking pot in his hands.

''Emmett, what's with the pot?''

''I couldn't carry everything so I dumped it all in here. I've got chocolate, crisps, soda and candy.''

''Just make sure you put the pot back tonight. You know how possessive Mom is about her kitchen stuff.''

''Remind me to do it. I'll only forget if you don't.''

''Will do.'' I looked over at Bella; she looks so radiant, her whole persona is oozing happiness. She let out a small yawn and snuggled further into her seat. I took her hand in mine and gently kissed it before placing it on my chest.

''Dive bomb!'' Emmett took a long run up and did a bomb into the deep end of the pool. He sent water flying everywhere. Ellie started to bob up and down in her float as the waves made it down to the shallow end. Rose held on to her tightly and smiled at her whilst spinning her around giggles escaped Ellie's lips as Emmett approached her under the water.

''Don't Emmy! Get off my feet's.''

''Em, do you really think that's wise? Your girlfriend is pregnant. She might slip now all that waters been splashed on the floor.''

''Stop worrying Edward. I'm here to look after her.'' Yeah well it's not her I'm worried about, not really. Bella's more likely to fall than Rose and when she goes, she goes with a bump.

''Are you not going in to swim with Ellie? I'm not going anywhere. I just don't fancy it yet. I've been up since five preparing stuff for tomorrow so I can spend as much time with my two favourite people as possible.''

''You shouldn't have got up so early. Mom and Renee are here to help and Rose and Alice.''

''He's right Bella. You are doing a lot. It's not just down to you.'' Wow Rose just agreed with me! ''I'll do you a deal. I'll take fish duty. I'm sure I can make a few starters without mucking them up. I'm having melon as I'm not allowed raw fish.'' So she heard the fish story this morning.

''Wait, you're not allowed to eat raw fish?''

''Nope. No fish, no peanuts, no alcohol, no soft cheese ... the list is endless.'' Bella sighed and shook her head. I squeezed her hand gently to reassure her. She can handle this. She doesn't drink much anyway and the other stuff will be easy to cut out. We just have to be careful.

''Okay, I'm going in.'' I moved towards the pool and sat on the edge twisting back to check on Bella before lowering myself in. She smiled and nodded towards the pool before closing her eyes.

''Dada, come to me.'' Ellie started to paddle her way across to me so Rose gave her a helpful push. She grabbed my forearms when she got near enough and gave me a big smile. That smile will have all the boys in town drooling when she's older. Maybe I should put her in a convent now. I wonder if Bella would allow that... no, probably not. I'll have to lock her in a tower. I'll get one built into the cottage.

''Earth to Edward! Look alive little brother.'' I shock my head out of my daze just in time to see a beach ball heading towards me. Ellie squealed out of the way as I hit it back towards Emmett. ''Where the hell we're you? I was talking to you for like five minutes before you answered.''

''Sorry, I was just thinking about stuff.''

''Obviously. Do you wanna play ball, do ya?'' Emmett started to jump about making waves splash off the side of the pool.

''Emmy! Shh! Momma's sleeping.'' I turned to look at Bella and my heart swelled. She had snuggled down into her robe and had lowered the lounger to make herself more comfortable. I didn't think love like this was possible but every time I looked at Bella, my heart grew. I guess I'm officially a sap and now it's going to grow even bigger with another baby coming into the picture. Two kids, we might need an extension on the cottage at this rate. I turned back and started to spin Ellie around, her laugh filled the room and for the next few hours, we played, sang along to Christmas songs and ganged up on Emmett. He really is going to be a great dad weather he thinks so or not. Rose left us in the pool when Carlisle and Charlie came down to join the party. They started a game of cards which Bella joined when she woke up. It looks like she's whipping ass too. ''Dada, I'm cold.''

''Do you want to get out baby?'' Ellie nodded so I pulled her into my arms.

''You're all wrinkly baby.''

''It's the waters fault!''

''I know. Lets go see what momma is doing.''

''Momma is whipping some Grampa but at poker.'' Ellie started to shiver so I pulled her close rubbing her dry with one towel before wrapping her in another. Bella opened her gown and put her cards face down.

''Give me my baby. I'll teach her the art of poker and how to get money out of Grampa Charlie without even trying.'' Bella finished her sentence with a wink in Charlie's direction; this must be payback. I laid Ellie on Bella's chest and she snuggled into her using her boobs as a pillow. They're my boobs! Okay, I'm not jealous of my child. I'm not jealous of my child. I turned walked into the changing room to change into some dry shorts as I walked back out, my Dad's phone started to ring.

''Dr Cullen speaking.'' That means it's someone he doesn't know; this can't be good. ''Alice and Jasper' are they okay?'' What the... ''Yes. I'll be there as soon as possible. Thank you for calling.''

''Dad? What the hell is going on?''

''Alice and Jasper have had a car crash. We need to go now. Can you all get ready please and someone call your mother. We need to go.''

''Tell me what and where are we going? I brought lunch back.'' Mom and Renee walked into the room catching the back end of the conversation. ''Carlisle? What is going on?''

''Alice and Jasper have been in a car accident. They couldn't give me any more information over the phone. We need to go.'' Mom dropped the food on the table and looked at me. Her chin wobbling and her eyes full of tears.

''Mom, you go with Dad. We'll get cleaned up and we'll meet you there as soon as we can.'' Emmett grabbed Rose's hand as Bella stood. She gave Charlie a sleeping Ellie and walked towards me with tear filled eyes. I rubbed a thumb over her cheek to clear the tears that had fallen and pulled her into my arms.

''We shouldn't take Ellie to hospital on Christmas Eve Edward. It'll upset her.''

''We'll stay with her Bells. You go with Edward, Emmett and Rose. She'll be fine, just drive safe okay. I love you. Call us soon so as you know anything.''

''Okay Dad, thank you. I love you too.'' Renee squeezed my Mom's hand and walked over to Charlie and kissed his head gently.

''Edward, get everyone together and we'll meet you there.''

''Okay Dad, you go. We'll be right behind you.'' I took Bella's hand and led her back to our room. I was so glad Ellie slept through that. I didn't want to taint her Christmas with what could be waiting at the hospital. God please let them be okay. How did this happen? We changed quickly and met Em and Rose in the foyer. ''It'll be okay baby, I know it.'' I kissed Bella's head and followed Emmett to the car. The drive to the hospital was a sombre affair; we didn't say much. I just held Bella and Em consoled Rose by holding her hand across the centre console as he drove. When we finally pulled into the hospital, Rose approached the front desk.

''Hi. We're looking for Jasper Cullen and Alice Hale. Could you please direct us to them.'' The nurse looked at Rose. Rose is pretty, pretty intimidating.

''Yes sure. Are you related?''

''Yes, I'm his sister in law.''

''Okay, let me just find out for you.'' Rose started drumming her nails on the desk as the woman typed into her computer. Bella squeezed my hand and gently placed her hand on her belly. ''Ahh yes. They're on the third floor, room 317.''

''Thank you.'' We walked towards the elevator and held our breath as it rose floor by floor. When it eventually pinged, we walked out and were met with another reception desk. Rose walked straight past it and stormed towards the first few doors. As we rounded the first corner, we spotted my Mom and Dad. They stood as we approached, worry etched on their faces. Please, please let them be okay. This is too much. The first tears left my eyes and Bella embraced me immediately.

''They're going to be okay baby.'' I nodded and wiped the tears from my face.

''What's going on Dad?'' Emmett moved forward and wrapped him in a bear hug.

''They're going to be okay. Both of them have broken at least one bone but the doctors are happy to let them leave after they've been checked over and bandaged up. That stupid idiot that phoned will have a law suit on their ass when I've finished. There was no need for all that panic.'' I breathed a sigh of relief and let the news sink in.

''Where the hell is the little bitch! She's just pissed of a pregnant woman and needs telling.''

''Calm down Rose. It's not good for the baby.'' Emmett raised an eyebrow in warning and pulled Rose towards him. She relaxed into him but I can tell by the look on her face that this is far from over.

'' I know but she fucked up Christmas Eve.''

''Nothing is fucked up. We'll just have to make tonight extra special for the walking wounded.'' I grimaced as Emmett's words sank in. He's cancelling the proposal again; this isn't good.

''Oh you finally decided to show up then.'' Alice's sing song voice echoed down the hallway and we all rushed towards her. She looks pretty banged up. Her leg was in a pink cast, typical Alice. She couldn't have gone for a neutral colour.

''Pink Alice, really?'' Bella's first words echoed my thoughts and we all laughed breaking the tension. Dad checked Alice over as she was wheeled into her room and we all sat down waiting for an explanation.

''Well Shorty, are you going to tell us what happened and where the hell is Jasper?'' Alice raised an eyebrow at Em before launching into her story.

''Well, we were driving home from the slopes and we hit a patch of ice. The car left the road and hit a tree and as for Jazzy, he's downstairs getting a cast put on his arm.'' She spat her words out in seconds leaving us all speechless. That's it? Thank god. I was expecting something much, much worse. ''Where is my niece?''

''She's at home with Charlie. I didn't want to bring her in. It would have just upset her.'' Alice pouted at Bella who stuck her tongue out in response. ''You'll see her when we get home. I'm sure she'll want to sign your cast.''

''I was thinking I could get some crystals embedded into it.'' We all groaned and Alice's laugh filled the room. The door opened a few seconds later and Jasper walked through with his arm in a blue cast. These two must have been separated at birth or just made for each other. Made for each other that must be it.

''Why did you guys all come down? I told that nurse to call one of you to pick us up?'' Rose stood up and pointed a finger in Jasper's face.

''Where is the little bitch? We thought you were both in intensive care! The way she spoke to Carlisle made it sound like you were on death's door or something and here you are with pink and blue casts on. Pink and blue damn casts...'' Tears started streaming down Rose's face as everything sunk in so I spoke to break the tension.

''Rose. If you want a pink cast so much, I'm sure we can persuade the nurses to put one on you just so you're not left out.''

''Edward Antony Masen Cullen, do not mess with me right now. I'm seriously looking to kill someone and that someone could be you!'' Bella was shaking with laughter against my chest trying to be inconspicuous but it didn't work. ''And you Bella Swan, just wait until your hormones kick in and then we'll see who's laughing.'' Bella suddenly jumped off my lap and headed towards the door. I followed her out wondering where the hell she was going still in fits of laughter.

''Bella where are you going?''

''I need to pee really bad.''

''Oh.''

"Yeah, being pregnant and a laughing fit means bad bladder I guess.'' I smiled and followed her down to the rest room. When we got back to Alice's room, we were met with odd stares. Bella just shock her head and sat back down joining in with the conversation she'd missed. I looked at Dad and just mouthed 'women' and I shrugged. He laughed quietly behind his hand before getting up to fuss over Alice again. The next couple of hours passed with light conversation and laughs. Alice and Jasper were eventually discharged so we made our way back to the house, being careful on the now snow covered the roads. I need to see my baby.

When we made it back to the house, I jumped out of the car to help Bella. I didn't need another trip back to the hospital. She had other plans though and was out of her door before I reached her.

''Bella, stop and wait for me please.'' She turned and rolled her eyes so I shot her a 'don't mess with the soon to be daddy' look and it seemed to work. I took her hand in mine and led her towards the stairs. She lost her footing a couple of times and gave me a wary look so I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her cheek. ''You know you're clumsy enough without snow. Maybe I should wrap you in cotton wall for the next few months.''

''I'm fine see. I made it to the door without any major incidences happening.'' As she spoke, her legs went from underneath her. I stopped her fall just before she hit the floor but lost my own feet in the process so I ended up on the floor with Bella on top of me.

''Are you okay baby? Shit.'' Bella tried to speak but couldn't control her giggles. She laid her body back on to mine as Rose and Emmett reached the top of the stairs.

''What the hell happened? Are you okay Bella?'' Em reached a hand down to pull Bella off me holding on to her until she was upright and stable.

''I'm fine. Edward broke my fall.'' She turned to me and smiled her 'whoops you were right' smile. ''Come on baby, let's go find Ellie." She held out her hand but I ignored it and used the banister. I don't want her going down again. ''Sorry.''

''Are you sure you're okay? Maybe I should get Dad to check you over.''

''I'm fine. Stop worrying. You took all of the impact, I just came along for the ride.'' We walked in the front door, stripping out of our coats and shoes. Em walked in with us but was soon on his way back out the door.

''I need to go and help Dad with Alice. Rose? Look after Humpty Dumpty.''

''Ha ha big brother. Couldn't you have thought of something more original?'' Stupid ass. ''I only went down to save my woman.''

''Excuse me?'' Bella raised an eyebrow at me waiting for some sort of explanation. Oh shit, I'm in trouble now. I walked towards her and took her into my arms.

''I love you.''

''Pussy whipped!''

''Emmett, go annoy someone else before I use my hormones as an excuse to kick your ass. You would have done the same for me wouldn't you?'' We're getting ganged up on by pregnant women already. The next seven or eight months will be interesting.

''Of course Rosie, you know I would.''

''Then leave your pussy whipped little brother alone!''

''Hey! Just because I love her more than my own life doesn't mean I'm pussy whipped.'' Bella looked up at me with her big brown eyes and smiled.

''Baby will you go get me a soda.''

''Yeah sure. Do you want anything else? I can make you a sandwich if you want.'' Rose started laughing behind me and Emmett moved forward to high five Bella: I just got played.

''Bella, that wasn't very fair.'' I pouted at her.

''You are pussy whipped baby and don't forget it.'' I huffed and turned towards the kitchen. ''And Edward? I wouldn't have it any other way.'' I shook my head and carried on walking away. I love that woman even when she is playing me. I made it into the kitchen with a smile playing on my lips and grabbed a couple of sodas.

''Dada, where are you?''

''In the kitchen baby.''

''Okay I coming.''

''Be careful.''

''I will... Grampy Charlie watched Toy Story with me.'' Poor Charlie. I've seen that movie a million times since it came out.

''Did he?''

''Yeah and Ali has a pink cast on her leg and Jaz has blue one. Can I have a pink one?'' God no.

''No baby you can't. That's for when you hurt yourself.''

''Oh okay. That's not very fair though, they'd look cool.'' Definitely too much time with Miss Alice, my daughter is turning into her mini me.

''Well I don't want you hurt and I'm sure Santa doesn't either.'' I lent down to pick her up from the floor as she made her way towards me her face was set in concentration mode as she thought over what I said.

''No I don't want to be hurt for Santa... Can we watch a Santa movie?... yeah the one where he falls off the roof! And the reindeer that farts!''

''You mean the Santa Claus, yes we can watch that. Shall we go find mommy?''

''Yeah.''

''Here, hold this for her then and we'll go find her.'' Ellie took Bella's soda and we walked through to the den talking animatedly about what movie we should watch first.

''Momma, we're going to watch a Santa movie!''

''Are we baby?''

''Yeah daddy said we could didn't ya?'' Ellie turned to look at me and used her cute face in full force.

''Yes I did. All we have to do now is wait for pizza and we can have pop corn after.''

''Yay I like popt corn.'' Ellie threw her arms out shaking Bella's soda all over the place, this may end up messy if were not careful.

''Ellie be careful you're going to make Momma's soda explode... two hands.''

''Sorry Dada.'' I put her on the floor so she could take Bella her soda, ''Be careful Momma, it might splode.'' Bella nodded trying not to laugh at Ellie's serious expression.

''Thank you Miss Ellie. I'll it down for a little while so it doesn't fizz up all over me.''

''Dada, come sit here. I want you and Momma.'' Ellie patted the sofa besides Bella and climbed into her lap. ''Dada come on. Stop standing there like a lemon head.''

''Excuse me?'' I raised an eyebrow in Ellie's direction and she shielded her face behind Bella's hair. ''Don't start being cheeky. I'm sure Santa will still have coal in his sack for cheeky little girls.'' Ellie started to cry: great now I'm going to look like a complete bastard.

''Don't say that to her, it's Christmas. She's obviously been spending too much time with Emmett. She didn't mean it in a horrible way.'' Bella's face was red in anger as she tried to calm Ellie down. ''It's okay baby. Daddy's just had a long day. He needs a nap. Santa will still come, but you shouldn't speak like that to people, it's not nice. I know Emmy does but you shouldn't, okay?''

''Okay Momma. I sorry.''

''It's okay baby. Get daddy to put the movie one and we'll snuggle.''

''I didn't mean to be bad.''

''I know it's okay... Edward, movie.'' Bella nodded towards the TV set; I'm in deep shit. The rest of the family just sat around quietly as the situation unfolded. Rose looked smug sat across from Bella and Emmett looks guilty as hell. I put the movie in and pressed play taking in the room as I did. Ellie is still snuggled into Bella. Em and Rose are sat on one sofa with the parents on the other and Alice and Jazz must be in their room. I wonder how long it'll be until I'm forgiven. My girl just handed my ass to me in front of my family. I should be pissed but I'm not, she's right. Maybe that's why Rose is so smug. I sat next to Bella ready to kiss some ass to be forgiven.

''Ellie, I'm sorry I told you off. It was just a bad thing to say. I shouldn't have been so mean, okay.''

''Okay. Momma said you need a nap. I stand. I get grumpy when I'm sleepy.'' My Mom started to laugh from the other sofa; my daughter was too smart for her own good.

''Well I'm sorry and momma is right, it's been a long day.'' Bella turned and gave me a small smile before turning her attention to back to movie.

''Charlie and I are going to go and get the pizza's from the restaurant. Does anyone need anything?'' My Dad stood up and walked towards the door with Charlie in toe. Everyone said no and told him to drive carefully before settling in to watch the movie. Halfway through the first in the trilogy, Alice and Jasper joined us and Dad and Charlie came back with the Cullen tradition pizza. We ate, laughed and really got into the Christmas spirit. Soon enough it was time to take Ellie to bed. She said her good night's and left her carrots and milk for Santa after Bella promising her that he'd still find her even though we weren't at home. Bella tucked her in and produced the night before Christmas from her bag. We snuggled into Ellie's bed and began the story that I got read as a boy in this very house.

''It was the night before Christmas and through house nothing was stirring, not even a mouse.''