End of Chapter 24

Just then Esme called out from the kitchen asking Jasper if he wanted to stay for dinner. He agreed, and Esme asked us to bring up the extra chairs from the basement. We turned off the game, and went to collect the chairs. I smiled as I walked past the Christmas tree that was set up in the living room, inhaling deeply as I passed. I loved Christmas, and I had so much that I was excited about. Then I thought of Bella, and how Charlie would still be in the hospital for Christmas Day. I had to make sure hers was as perfect as it could be, and I would need help.

Chapter 25: Christmas Time Is Here (BPOV)

I couldn't believe it when I woke to find that it was Christmas Eve. I was so happy that I had done my shopping online this year before Charlie went into the hospital, because I wouldn't have had the energy to do it now. All the gifts were in my closet at our house, minus the ones I had shipped directly to Renee and Phil. I was going to head over to my house this morning, before going to the hospital, to do my wrapping. So, after a quick breakfast with Edward, and threatening him to stay away from the house while I wrapped, I headed out the door.

I sang along with the Christmas music playing on a local station as I made the short drive from the Cullens. It was strange being back in the house, even though it had only been five days, the air hung stagnant, and everything felt strange and forgotten. The Christmas tree, which was my favorite thing about Christmas, stood in the shadows like a stranger instead of a symbol of hope. Just as I was starting to succumb to the loneliness, my phone chimed.

Can I come over yet? :) –E

I laughed. How did he always seem to know just what I needed? Edward seemed to be absolutely instinctual when it came to me, and I let out a long breath of relief in knowing that he was there. Edward and Christmas had come as a bit of a surprise to me. He was suddenly an eight year old again, full of the excitement and wonder of the season. It was refreshing and fed my tattered soul with light.

No. I will call you when it is safe. I love you! –B

I love you, too! HURRY! ;) –E

I made my way up the stairs, and pulled the boxes out of my closet, taking them downstairs to the kitchen. I brought in the bag full of wrapping paper, tape, and bows that Esme let me borrow, and set up shop on the kitchen table. I walked into the living room, and started riffling through Charlie's tape collection to find the last thing I needed to get started. I squealed when I found the Time-Life Christmas collection stuffed in the back of the drawer. I knew the order of every song on the tapes, and every intonation of the singers. This was the soundtrack of every Christmas of my life. Once again found myself singing along to the music, as I started pulling gifts from the various boxes they had shipped in.

I started with Edward's gift, because I knew he wouldn't be able to stay away for long. He was already bouncing off the walls. I had made Edward agree to a spending limit of $40 for Christmas, because I could see the glimmer in his eyes that he was capable of going crazy with the gift giving. He also had a trust fund at his fingertips to fuel his insanity.

I smiled and sang along with Nat King Cole as he sang "The Christmas Song" while I wrapped up the pocket size Moleskin that contained blank pages of staffs that Edward could carry with him for when the music spoke to him. I had also gotten him a book of Mark Twain quotations, as a fun reminder of our start. I did put them in a box much bigger than they were, though, and stuffed it with paper to hold the items still. If I had to guess, Edward was a shaker.

OK. You can come over now. –B

Leaving now! See you in 10. –E

I laughed at his enthusiasm. I continued to sing, and barely got started wrapping Alice's gift, when there was a quick knock on the door, and I heard it open.

"I'm in here," I called out.

Edward came bounding into the kitchen, and scooped me up in his arms, and swung me around laughing. I laughed and hit his arm telling him to put me down. He eyeballed the one wrapped gift on the table, and his eyes lit up as he reached out and gave it a shake. I laughed.

"I knew it," I muttered.

"Knew what?" He asked innocently.

"That you were a shaker," I retorted pointing to the box he had just jostled.

He blushed a bit and looked down at his feet. I grabbed his face with my hands and kissed him full on the mouth, and was rewarded with a smile, and a deeper, lingering kiss. He broke the kiss and cleared his throat a bit, then put some space between us.

"What can I do to help?" He asked enthusiastically, rubbing his hands together. "Put me to work, boss."

Edward helped me wrap the rest of my gifts as we worked companionably while singing along loudly with the Christmas carols in the background. I smiled at how easily we flowed about each other, and even how well our voices sounded singing together. We would exchange the occasional kiss, and Edward even pulled me into his arms to dance for a song or two. I smiled in the hope that this would only be the first of many Christmas Eve's together.

Once we had finished, Edward helped me load the wrapped gifts into bags, and we carried them out to his car for him to take back with him to his house. The Cullens were having the Hales over for a little Christmas Eve party later this evening, and I promised that I would be there after visiting hours. Edward walked back into the house, and helped me clean up all the scraps of paper and supplies. As I was tucking the scissors and tape back into the junk drawer in the kitchen, I turned to see Edward leaning up against the door jamb of the kitchen with his arms and legs crossed just smiling at me.

"What?" I asked looking down at myself to see if I had some random piece of tape or bow stuck to me.

"Come here," he said softly un-tucking his arms, and holding out his right hand to me.

I walked forward smiling at the handsome boy in front of me. I took placed my hand in his, and he pulled me gently into a warm embrace. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and we stood there just holding each other as the sound of Judy Garland singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" rang out in the room. We just stood there, tightly holding each other. I could feel the same thankfulness that I felt in having him at my side in his hold on me.

"I love you, Bella," he whispered into my neck.

"I love you too, Edward," I said pulling him tighter to me.

He picked his head up from the perch on my shoulder, and I met his gaze. A soft smile came over his face, and I could feel my face mirroring his. He bent forward capturing my lips in a soft hold. He broke that kiss to place slow, wet kisses on my lips. I slid my hands from his waist, and up over his shoulders, sliding my fingers up the back of his scalp and tangling them in his hair as I deepened the kiss.

Edward moaned then, and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer. We stood there kissing for what could have been ten minutes, or ten hours. Time ceased to exist for me when I was wrapped up in Edward. I could feel a deeper ache for him that someday we would explore, but for now, on this special day, I would be content with the passion that was in our kiss.

I loved kissing Edward. It was never frantic, and it never got old. It was slow, and it was like he was memorizing the feel of me, just as I was memorizing him. His hands would stroke the length of my back, pulling me tighter at times. Finally, we trailed off to gentle nips on each others lips, both of us smiling too widely to do more than that.

"I should be going," I said reluctantly.

"The sooner you go, the fast you are back to me," Edward said.

I gathered up my bag, turned everything off, and locked the door behind us. Edward held my hand as we walked out to our cars, and opened the door of my truck for me. He kissed me one more time, before shooing me into the cab, and closing the door. He walked over to his car, as I got the truck started. He gave me a wave from inside his car, and I blew him a kiss and mouthed my love for him. He smiled and returned the sentiment, and then we were both on our way.

I had picked up a little potted pine tree from the local nursery for Charlie's hospital room earlier this week, and had hung some of our favorite ornaments from it. I was hoping that it would add some cheer to his room, and remind me that today was our celebration. The last two days had found Charlie and I locked in our stubbornness. He wanted to me to enjoy my Christmas Day, and said we would do our celebrating Christmas Eve, so I could spend all day at the Cullen's for Christmas Day. I refused, saying that I wasn't NOT coming to see him on Christmas. We had still not resolved the issue.

When I got to the hospital, I was just about to walk into Charlie's room, until I heard the sound of a female voice coming through the crack in the door that was mostly closed. I peeked through the crack to see Sue sitting on the edge of Charlie's bed. They were both smiling, and Charlie was tucking a piece of Sue's hair behind her ear.

"I'm so glad you stopped by," I heard Charlie say.

"I'm sorry it took so long," Sue said looking down at her hands. Charlie lifted up her chin and smiled at her.

"I know this is hard for you, and I would be a fool to make you any promises while I am laying here in this bed. I have never been a selfish man. Even my job is about putting the needs of our community above my own, but damn it, Sue, I want you. I want anything you can give me. I know you have been through so much with Harry, but Dr. Cullen says he got it all, and even if he didn't, and five years from now, it comes back, I will fight again. Some things are worth fighting for. Some things are worth the pain. I didn't used to understand that, but in my own life, I look at Bella and the woman she is becoming, and I wouldn't give up one day of my broken heart, because she makes it all worth it. I want to be worth it to you."

"Oh, Charlie," Sue said flinging herself into my dad's arms. I watched as they held each other close, and my dad stroked and kissed her hair. When she tilted her head up, and they began kissing, I turned away, and went to wander through the gift shop to give them some privacy and time.

A half an hour later, I came into the room carry a new magazine and some snacks tucked into my bag. Sue was gone by now, and I assume back to work. I remember her mentioning that since her kids are older, she doesn't mind taking some of the holiday shifts.

"Merry Christmas, kid!" My dad said happily, and I tried not to blush at the reminder of my earlier eavesdropping.

"Merry Christmas, old man," Charlie snorted at this. "How are you feeling today?"

"Good. Much better now that I'm looking at your beautiful face. C'mere," he said opening his arms to me. I set my things down and hurried over to the bed, and into his waiting arms. "Did you get all of your wrapping done? I know you like to wait until Christmas Eve."

"I did, with Edward's help," I giggled. "He's a shaker, dad, and shameless about it to boot."

"I knew I liked that kid," Charlie said with a smile.

"I brought the George C. Scott "A Christmas Carol", "Christmas Vacation", and "It's a Wonderful Life". I also brought some of the cookies I made with Esme, Rosalie, and Alice, but only if the doctor OK's them."

He let out a huff at that just as the door clicked open.

"Well, speak of the devil," Charlie said with a smile, not letting me out of his embrace.

"Good afternoon, Charlie. Bella. Merry Christmas!" Carlisle said with a smile going over Charlie's chart.

"Merry Christmas!" We returned in unison.

"So what were you saying about me before I walked in?" Carlisle said with a smirk. Edward's smirk. I smiled.

"I was telling dad that I brought some of the cookies we made last night, but he couldn't have any unless you said it was OK," I answered.

"I think that would be alright, but only two, cookies, not dozen," he said pointing his pen at Charlie, who laughed.

"So, Carlisle, is Bella's gift all set?" He said winking at me. He did this every year. Trying to goad me into asking for details. Unlike my handsome boyfriend, I loved surprises. I didn't want one clue about my present.

"It is, and will be waiting at the house for her when she gets back tonight," he said giving me a warm smile.

"No clues!" I fake yelled, covering my ears. They both laughed.

"So what Swan traditions are we partaking in today," Carlisle asked.

"Well, we usually do a movie marathon at night, but since you guys are kicking me out by eight, we are starting now," I said leaning over and pulling the movies and travel DVD player out of my bag.

"I'm jealous!" Carlisle said looking at what I brought. "I may need to 'check in' with my patient more than I thought today."

"You are welcome anytime, doc, and I hear there are even cookies," Charlie said trying to look into my bag for the baked goods.

"Might be the only ones I get," Carlisle mumbled.

"I hid some for you," I said giving him a wink.

"I love this girl of yours, Charlie," Carlisle said patting my shoulder.

"She's the best, isn't she?" Charlie said, his face glowing with pride. "I don't know how I got so lucky."

"Well, I will leave the two of you to your movies and celebrating. I'll check in before I head home." Carlisle came over and shook Charlie's hand exchanging Christmas wishes once more, before he left the room.

Charlie and I spent the rest of the day and evening watching our favorite Christmas movies while snuggled together in his bed. He had laughed when I produced our Santa hats out of my bag insisting that we wear them while watching. We took a small break in between movies to exchange gifts.

I handed Charlie his gift first. His eyes went wide as he unwrapped and opened the thin box in his hands.

"Bella!" He said awed and reverent. "How did you swing this, kid? This is too much."

"I know some people," I said with a grin as my dad pulled out the four tickets to opening day for the Mariners. When I had asked Phil if he knew how I went about ordering the tickets, he did one better and called in a favor to a friend who was playing for the Mariners now, and he got us four first base side seats.

"Thanks, baby," Charlie said hugging me. "You will go, right?"

"You better be taking me!" I said in mock indignation, and we both laughed.

"Go over to the outside pocket of my bag," he said pointing across the room.

I walked over, and unzipped the long pocket on the outside of his bag. I reached in and pulled out a wrapped box.

"I thought you said my gift was at the Cullens," I noted the conversation from earlier. "When did you do this?"

"Before we left for the hospital, and your OTHER gift is at the Cullens. Now come here and open it," he said patting the bed.

I hopped up next to him and unwrapped the box, and lifted the lid. I gasped when I saw what was inside. Sitting nestled in a navy blue velvet-lined box was a cameo necklace. It was two white swans facing each other in white water. It had a pale blue background.

"Oh, dad," I whispered. "It's beautiful."

"It was your grandmother Swan's," he explained taking it out of the box and putting it on me. "Your grandfather gave it to her as a wedding gift. I've always wanted to give it to you, and now is the time. I am so thankful to have you as my daughter, Bella. Every day you make me more and more proud as a father. I love you so much."

"I love you too, dad," I said with tears streaming down my face. He pulled me in to a tight hug, and we lay there a while, and in the quiet of that hospital room, I felt like we were having the best Christmas we had ever had together.

A little while later, I ran out to grab myself some dinner at the café, and brought it back to the room. We were just finishing up "A Christmas Carol" as eight o'clock rolled around.

"I don't want to go," I said hugging Charlie tight.

"I don't want you to go either," he said. "But rules are rules."

"Please, can I come to see you for a little bit tomorrow?" I begged. "Just for an hour or something."

"OK, kid," he relented. "One hour. Bring cookies."

"OK," I laughed and kissed him.

"Drive safe."

"I will."

"And Bells?"

"Yeah, dad."

"Merry Christmas, baby."

"Merry Christmas," I said wrapping myself up in one last hug. Charlie held me tight and kissed my hair, before patting me on my back and sending me on my way.

The drive back to the Cullens had my mind swirling with hope that Charlie would soon be back home with me. He seemed so good today, and we had a fantastic day together. I smiled as I thought about him, and my hand subconsciously wrapped around the necklace that now hung about my throat. I pulled into my spot outside of the Cullen house, and I could hear the laughter and Christmas music from inside. I grabbed my bag, and headed up the steps to the front door. I reached for the door knob, just to have the door wrenched open, and an absolutely glowing Edward standing inside the threshold.

"Merry Christmas, Bella," he said stepping aside, and gesturing behind him. My eyes flew open, at what I saw.

"Mom!" I cried out.

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A/N: I suck. I completely suck. Real life has torn me away from not only writing, but home as well this past week. The week before, I am sorry, but I was distracted by some of the fun contests going on this summer. Check my profile for my entries. Forgive me? I love you all for your continued support of this story. Each review leaves me humbled, and I still cannot believe that you all are sticking with me on this one. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!

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