A/N: I always love writing their Christmas chapters. More at the bottom!

P.S: I apologize for any spelling or grammar errors that may appear. I wrote a lot of this in the car.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.

Christmas Eve: Continued

I stepped into the house shaking the snow out of my hair. My face stung from the cold as the hot air from inside hit me. I flexed my fingers to try to get some feeling back into them. The purple mittens Alice had given me as an early Christmas gift were still wet from the snow as I pushed my damp hair out of my face. I wasn't looking where I was going, so I didn't notice the huge box that sat in the middle of the living room until I almost flipped over it. Jasper caught me before I fell face first onto the hardwood floor.

"Easy there, Darlin'." he said laughing. "You don't want to break any bones today do you?"

I shook my head laughing. "No, but you know how it is Jazz. I can't go a few days without cutting, bruising, or scratching myself on something."

He moved the box over by the tree as I sat on the couch and pulled off my mittens. The little ones were still out in the snow with Carlisle and Emmett. Bella was already in the kitchen pouring hot chocolate for us.

"Didn't I tell you kid? Was that not a snowball fight you would never forget?" Phil grinned as he sat next to me. It was true. It had been one memorable snowball fight. I couldn't remember a time when it had been as enjoyable as it had been today.

Bella brought a tray with steaming mugs on it. She set it on the table in front of us and called out for the others. I leaned back against the couch, letting my back sink into the cushions behind me. My lower back had started hurting just after breakfast, but I'd ignored it. I knew it was because it was that time. It was normal. This was one of those times where it hurt more than usual. I knew I'd be better soon, so I didn't bother mentioning it.

I took one of the mugs off the tray and took a sip, enjoying the warm feeling it left in my stomach. I joined the others in looking out the back window to watch the goings on in the snow outside. I smiled as I watched Carlisle showing little Ella how to make a snow angel. Every time I saw him with kids, it melted my heart, and this time was no different. He was so good with them, and it always made me imagine him with one of our own.

Mom must have known what I was thinking, because she looked over at me with a knowing smile from across the room. She was watching Emmett, who as usual was having fun with the boys building a miniature snow fort and throwing snowballs. Ella and little Charlie were more than happy to sit that out and much preferred making snow angels.

It wasn't long before they came in, the kids all with bright cheeks and red noses. I helped get them out of their wet clothes and took them all upstairs for a warm bath. Mom came with me. As I carefully rubbed shampoo into Ella's hair, Mom brought up the subject of babies.

"Carlisle is really good with kids sweetheart." I beamed.

"Oh Mom, he really is." I gushed. I couldn't help it.

"Have you two talked about having one soon? I know a lot of us keep asking, but you know it's because we're dying for it to happen." I laughed. "I know. Mom, I won't lie to you, I had a miniature break down of sorts back in October."

She looked slightly surprised by this. "Why? What happened?"

I told her about when I'd started crying uncontrollably that day, and how I'd told Carlisle I'd failed him.

"I just don't think I'll ever have a baby Mom. I mean I know we've only been married 4 months and he's so patient… I love him so much for that. He's so supportive and puts up with so much from me."

"Oh Baby, it takes time. I know how you feel. Why do you think we had Andy until last year? It took us forever and a day, but we got our little boy. I had a miscarriage once before you were born, and that almost killed me. Your father was so supportive, and well, 1 year later, you were brought into our lives. Things just need to happen when they happen. Don't stress about it as much, and don't try as hard. I know we all ask, but just relax."

I smiled over Ella's head and at Mom who had just finished dressing Charlie.

"Thanks Mom. I needed that."

"That's what Moms are for. I know you really want this. But keep in mind that stressing and obsessing over it could put a strain on your marriage. You two are still newly married. Enjoy each other before you get pregnant."

She was right of course. I would stop worrying about it as much. I didn't want to ruin our marriage over this. I loved Carlisle too much to do that to him.

Bella and I started on our traditional Christmas Eve ham after lunch. The kids were all down for naps, and everyone else was in the living room enjoying each other's company. The fire had been lit, and Christmas movies were on.

I was cutting cookie dough into Christmas shapes when Ness came into the kitchen with a screaming Teagan. "She won't fall asleep. Belle, please, work your magic. You can carry a tune better than I can… Could you—" I didn't even let her finish.

"I've got her. Relax." I took the screaming newborn from her and headed upstairs. She shot me a grateful smile and took over with the cookies. I fell into the rocking chair someone had left behind in what had once been the nursery a few seconds later. She was still screaming as I settled in. I swaddled her the way Rose had taught me when Jess had had her twins. I held her close to my chest and rocked her, rubbing soothing circles on her back. That seemed to help as I sang the Once Upon A Dream song from Sleeping Beauty.

It was quiet a few minutes later. Her eyes were barely open as I finished. I kept rocking her until her eyes slid shut and she went limp in my arms. I stood careful not to move her.

"You're so good at that you know." I jumped, somehow managing not to wake the baby.

It was Carlisle, standing in the doorway. I didn't even realize he'd come in. "How long have you been there?" I asked, managing to stay calm. He chuckled. "from about halfway through your beautiful singing until now." I had gotten so wrapped up in what I'd been doing, I'd pretty much shut out the rest of the world.

"You're too sweet. Hey it worked. She's out for the count. Is everything going okay down there?"

I set the baby down in her bassinet. "Emmett has started a game of Poker with your Dad and Phil." Carlisle looked deeply amused.

"And who's winning?" I asked. I left the door ajar as we headed downstairs.

"Do you even have to ask? Emmett of course." I laughed and we went out to watch the remainder of Emmett's game.

Dinner was earlier than we usually had Christmas Eve dinner before. Emmett had suggested we go sledding tomorrow before opening gifts. We'd leave just after sunrise, or when the sky changed from dark to light, and come back in time for breakfast. He and Edward worked out all the details, and we were all pretty thrilled to be going. Mom and Sue opted out, wanting to stay back with the kids.

We had a great time, eating and reliving Christmas memories that I'd almost forgotten about. The kids hung their stocking, and Carlisle read them a Christmas story before they all went to bed. Again, my heart had practically melted into mush. Our time would come, until then, like Mom said, we would enjoy each other until our first baby came.

In bed that night, I told Carlisle that from now on, I wouldn't worry and stress over a baby. I apologized for what I'd put us both through and promised that I'd get better at not freaking out every month. As always, he reassured me that it was fine, and he was more than happy to wait for as long as it took.

He held me close that night, my head rested on his chest. I loved this man more than words could ever tell. I was the luckiest in the world. With that lost thought on my mind, I soon fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, we were all up and outdoors by six. More snow had fallen the night before, much to Emmett's delight. As promised, they had the sleds ready for us to use. The sleds were made to accommodate up to four people. It worked out perfectly since Mom and Sue didn't come with us.

We went sledding in the hills some ways behind the house. We raced against one another and engaged in numerous snowball fights. Bella and I made snow angels and watched our husbands pelting Emmett and Jake with snowballs a few feet away. Jasper was nearby helping Ellie build a snowman with Alice.

"They're so happy." I said watching Ellie stick twigs into the sides of the snowman. Bella nodded. This year it was all about the firsts they would have with her. Their first Halloween had gone well, and Thanksgiving had been all about educating her on what it was all about.

She was in love with Christmas and had been the first one up this morning. She was eager to play in the snow before going home to unwrap all her gifts with her parents. She had made everyone a handmade gift, making sure she'd forgotten no one.

She asked me to help her wrap them, minus mine of course. She was a very creative, and hands-on child for her age. As always, like Alice and Jasper, I was amazed by how well she could speak for her age. It wasn't unheard of, but the only other one I'd seen with such impressive vocabulary for her age, or rather, those few days that Bella had had on video, was Renesmee.

"They grow up so fast." I said standing and looking down at what I thought was a pretty good snow angel. Bella smiled, and pulled a small camera out of her jacket pocket and snapped a photo of it. "You always were better at those than I was." she said with a small smile.

"Now look at you, you're better than I am." I said grinning.

"I still think you're better than I am. Now let's round up our husbands and head home before one of them causes someone to get hurt.

I laughed throwing my head back, unable to help it. "Do you realize who you're talking about? We should be the ones worried about Jacob and Emmett over there hurting them."

She snorted. "Right. Come on."

As we walked closer to their snowball fight, Emmett threw one a little too hard, missing Edward and coming straight for me. It was a pretty sizable one, and I felt it's full impact as it hit me square in the face, making me fall hard on my back, knocking the wind out of me. Bella whirled around, looking alarmed.

"Emmett, be careful with those!" she scolded him like a child as she helped me sit up. Carlisle rushed over with a sheepish looking Emmett and an annoyed Edward. "Love are you alright? Are you hurt?"

I sat still for a few seconds, feeling no pain. Just the cold of the snow through my clothes.

"I'm fine, just cold. That was one big snowball. I think I'd better get home before that happens again." I said laughing lightly.

Dad and Phil, who were distracted with Seth, Quil and the others looked up as Carlisle helped me stand. I told them I was okay, and that I was hungry and I really wanted some of Bella's hot chocolate. They all agreed.

We were home not ten minutes later. Mom and Sue had the kids in the living room watching The Polar Express, dressed in their Christmas pajamas. Bella went straight to making hot chocolate and I went upstairs to change into warm clothes and was downstairs a few minutes later making waffles and french toast for everyone. Carlisle stood next to me at the stove, making eggs and bacon. Mom watched us from the table, grinning like a fool. By that, I knew she approved of what she was seeing. I was certain she'd approve of his cooking. I did. I didn't cook once during our honeymoon, he had.

It was by far the best food I'd tasted in my entire existence. There was something about a vampire who didn't eat that cooked. They always managed to make their food taste so good. We finished cooking, and called everyone to the table.

They dug in, and as I'd predicted, they loved it. Mom praised Carlisle on how well his bacon had come out, and how crunchy it was. I beamed proudly up at him before eating a forkful of eggs.

It wasn't long before we were all situated in the living room ready to open gifts. Bella and I handed everyone their gifts and then we sat down to open them. The kids shredded the paper, eager to see what Santa had brought them.

I was happy with I'd received, and even happier to know that everyone loved the gifts I'd gotten them. Carlisle had gotten me the matching gloves that went with the scarf, three new books that I'd wanted since they'd come out, a couple of gift cards to places he knew I loved, and a silver necklace with a heart hanging from it. It had tiny amethysts and diamonds surrounding the edges. It was beautiful. I put it on after everyone looked at it.

"It's cute, and it suits you." Mom said smiling. "Thanks Mom." Carlisle helped me put it on before we resumed opening gifts. I opened the last gift in my pile, smiling seeing that it was from Ellie. I carefully unwrapped the little box, and pulled it open to reveal a beautiful paper flower, a hand made bracelet, and a picture of her and i at the opening of the hospital. She had cotton candy all over her face, and I was laughing at something someone had said. For some unexplainable reason, I felt tears sting my eyes. Ellie, seeing I'd opened her gift, set her gifts aside and ran over and put her little arms around me.

"Do you like it?" she looked extremely worried and a little sad. Alice who always had a camera, started taking pictures, and Jasper video. I kissed her cheek, sniffling. "Of course I love it. Ellie, this is very beautiful. Thank you." She smiled widely up at me, her eyes twinkling. "You're welcome auntie Belle." she said hugging me tighter before she jumped off my lap and back to her parents.

It wasn't long before we had the living room cleaned up, and the kids were off playing with their toys, and Emmett and Rose had another Christmas movie on. I went upstairs and showered before I got started on lunch. Carlisle waited for me when I walked out. I was brushing my hair. I went over and sat beside him, and he handed me another box, this one wrapped in green paper with a gold ribbon tied around it.

"What is this?" I asked setting my brush aside.

"You'll see." He said smiling. I pulled the ribbon away, careful not to undo the cute bow. I removed the green paper, revealing a white cardboard box. I had a feeling it was jewelry. My suspicions were proven right when I opened the box revealing a beautiful silver bangle, resting on green tissue paper. I gently pulled it out and examined it. It was beautiful. It had something engraved on it. I turned it toward the light and I gasped. It had the family's crest carefully engraved into it. It was beautifully done.

"Carlisle, this is so beautiful. I love it!" He took my left hand and carefully slipped it on. I moved my hand to get a look at it at different angles. It was gorgeous, simple, but absolutely gorgeous.

It was then as he pulled his hand away, that I noticed that his ring, which had been absent from his hand since before the wedding was now on his ring finger above his wedding band.

"I'm glad you like it." he said holding my hand in his. "It's beautiful." I assured him leaning against him, my hair falling over his arm. "Not that you aren't officially part of the family, you have been since August." I chuckled.

"This just makes it more official." He said. Emmett ran in grinning. "Yeah, it makes you one of us, one of the coven." Then that will be solidified when you get turned."

I laughed at Emmett as my phone started ringing from the bedside table. I grabbed it and saw Lane's name and picture on my screen. I answered, wondering if something was wrong. I hoped nothing was.

"Hi Lane, merry Christmas!"

"Hi Belle. Merry Christmas to you as well. Are you busy right now? I know you have your family over, but I really want to give you your Christmas gift today. Can you drop by?" Carlisle was playing with the ends of my hair as she talked. I rested my head on his shoulder. "I'm sure I can sneak out of the house…" I trailed off as Emmett started laughing silently, leaning on the door frame.

"Great. See you then."

I told her I'd be there in half an hour and we hung up.

I dried my hair, and put on my shoes before I went downstairs. Carlisle handed me the keys to the Mercedes on my way out. I told them I'd be back, and that I was just going to pick up my gift from Lane's.

Bella assured me that she'd handle the preparations for dinner and told me to take my time.

Carlisle followed me out to the garage, his arm around my shoulders.

"Be careful out there. If you need anything, you call me."

"Always." I said pulling him into my arms. He held me close, my face pressed against his chest. I inhaled his scent and I felt like everything was perfect. In that moment, all in my world was flawless, just the way it should be.

"Hurry home Love. I'll miss you." he said after letting me go. I slid into the car, my hand resting on the edge of the door.

"I'll try my best. I have another present for you. I'll show you tonight." I winked and he bent and kissed me long and slow. I knew that would pique his interest.

"Should I just drive you there? To make it go faster?" He traced my lower lip with his finger and I bit the inside of my cheek.

"No, you're going to be patient, and wait for me to return. I promise you won't be disappointed." I reached up and pulled him in for one last kiss before I left.

"I love you Carlisle. Keep Emmett out of trouble while I'm gone."

"I will. Hurry back love." He closed the door for me and I turned the key in the ignition. He stood there, as I pulled out of the garage. I knew he would stay there until he no longer heard the car. I drove down the twisting driveway and was soon on the highway back into the middle of town.

A/N: Short, I know. But things are about to happen. Thank you all so much for reading. :)

As we are 4 chapters away from the end, I want you, the readers to let me know what you think the fourth story should be titled. Send them in with your reviews. :)

Until next time,

RosenEmmettForever-