Chapter 28
Christmas
BPOV
I was extremely nervous, we were flying out today for NYC and I would be meeting his parents.
Nervous? No that doesn't even describe it, I felt like I was going to puke.
I knew I'd be spending the first day with his mom and sister, they were taking me shopping for a Christmas dress as well as a New Years dress.
We talked a little about his family while we flew and he filled me in on what to expect. He told me his parents loved to buy gifts and had bought me several, especially after they talked to Tyler. He had filled them in on me, according to Paul, they wanted an 'outsider' scoop, not Paul's biased opinion of me. I was thankful that Tyler would be flying in tomorrow and Felix was as well, since his family was there as well.
I was slightly panicking, I hadn't bought anything for his family, because I didn't know what to get them. Paul said he had it all covered, he'd went shopping and got things for everyone and then filled me in on everything. I of course knew what Tyler and Chris were getting, we bought that back in Forks.
I had bought Paul a nice ID bracelet with his name on it and love always on the back. I also bought him a few nice shirts and a little something special to unwrap when we went to bed.
We landed and he squeezed my hand "Ready? They'll be waiting past the gate and I know my mom has called out the limo for today and after we get settled in, you'll go shopping with her and Laurie, my sister." Paul smiled and kissed me. "As ready as I'll ever be." I smiled and squeezed his hand.
We walked out of the terminal and her a loud scream. I jumped and clung to Paul, he laughed and pulled me closer to him and whispered in my ear as this beautiful woman ran over to us "that would be mom".
She gave Paul a big hug and kissed his face and then stopped and held him at arms length, "You look wonderful dear." she smiled and kissed him again. Then she turned to me. "You must be Isabella." she smiled and hugged me, then whispered in my ear "I'm so glad he found someone to love." she hugged me again. Then grabbed both our hands and led us to the rest of the family. I met his dad, he was very sweet, not at all like I expected and his sister was really nice and beautiful, she was about 5'8, model figure, tan, flawless skin, long dark brown, wavy hair to her mid back and hazel eyes, she and Paul looked the most alike and were very close. She hugged me and said "Bella, I'm so glad that you made it, I've been waiting since forever when he said you were coming for Christmas, we're going to have so much fun shopping today, let's get your things so we can hurry and shop." she smiled and held my hand, pulling me away from Paul. Laurie was so nice, kind of reminding me of Alice, just not as hyper and taller of course, she was 28 and engaged to some oil tycoons son.
The men grabbed our bags, there were only 2, one for each of us and his mother and sister frowned at me, I told them Paul told me to only pack a few things, because he knew they were taking me shopping and I'd have a new wardrobe to take back with me. They laughed and said Paul knew them to well.
The ride to their Manhattan home was long, traffic was horrible, but not too bad, seeing as though we were not the one's actually driving, just watching out the windows of the limo.
We finally reached their building and Paul pulled me close, while the doorman gather our bags and carried them to the Penthouse.
We got in the private elevator and went up to the 35th floor, when his father opened the door, I gasped. The view was fantastic, there were floor to ceiling windows all along the back of the Penthouse. Paul grabbed our bags and headed towards his room "Bells, this way." he motioned me with his head, since his hands were full. We walked into his room and it was like being in a 5 star hotel suite. His entire room was modern, the comforter was a steel gray that faded into a light, almost white gray, his furniture was all black, his headboard was black leather, there was a sitting area in front of one of his floor to ceiling windows, his room had two, by the other one there was a chair and a guitar propped on it's stand and a mini fridge. I walked around in awe. He showed me the bathroom, which was the same black and gray theme, there was a Jacuzzi tub and a waterfall shower. He then showed me his closet, which was about the size of my room in Felix's house. He had an entire section cleared out for me, he told me he'd hang my clothes while I was out with his sister and mom this afternoon. "Paul, I can't believe this, it's beautiful." I smiled and he hugged me and pulled me up to kiss him. "Not as beautiful as you." he whispered in my ear, causing me to shiver.
"Are you ready to start the torture?" he smiled. "If I have to, then yes." I smiled and kissed him back. "Paul, I'm hoping they're not going to go too extravagant, my dad gave me a limit on his card and I have a feeling shoes alone will wipe that away." I grimaced. He pulled me to the bed and sat me on his lap. "Bella, today is all about you. I know my mom and sister are going to take you to the hair and nail salon as well as all these fancy boutiques. Don't give them crap, O.K., they want to spoil you today, please for the Love Of God, let them! It's their favorite past time. They are so happy that I brought someone home finally, I think they'd sign away ½ the family fortune to you right now." he smiled. "Why? What? Haven't you brought anyone home before?" I asked confused. "Once, back in high school. We dated for 3 years and I thought she was the one, she was in 'our' circle and everything, but I went away for the summer with my parents and I come back to my best friend telling me she cheated on me, he'd seen her out at a party and she was making out with a guy, anyway, my heart was broke and I haven't dated anyone since the summer before my junior year in high school, until you. You brought me back to life. I'd went out with girls, but no one until you has made me feel this way. I love you Isabella!" he leaned down and kissed me, pulling me to the bed with him, our kiss quickly got heated, until a throat cleared and I jumped about 20 feet in the air. "Sorry." I mumbled and put my head down to hide my blush. "No need dear, you two are in love, never apologize for that." his mother smiled. "Now, one more quick peck and we're off!" she smiled and retreated out of the room. I stood up and Paul grabbed my waist, pulling me back. "I don't want to let you go." he smiled. "I won't see you until late tonight." he pouted. "What? What about dinner?" I asked. "Oh, you'll be eating out with my sister and mom, not sure where, but somewhere." We got up from the bed and made our way to the living room. 'I'll walk you ladies to the car." Paul smiled. We got in the car and he kissed me once more, saying he'd see me soon.
PPOV
Bella is going to be the death of me.
She turns me on like no other….
I know it'll be time for the 'talk' with my father, before I give Bella her Christmas gift.
My father and I went to the local sports bar, ordered wings and beer and he started. "Paul, are you sure she is the one?" my father was in business mode. "Yes, I am. She is wonderful, fantastic, she makes me feel alive, everyone loves her and wants her or to be her and she's so giving, she doesn't notice people noticing her. Dad, she is my everything, she completes me, really!" I smiled and I know it was my goofy smile.
"If you are sure and if you have her father's blessing, I'll have your mother wrap the ring up for Christmas." he smiled. "I do have his blessing and he's a very hard man to please, he a Police Chief, he's very strict with her, well he was, I should say and very, very protective. She's had her heart broken several times and I never, ever want to do that to her. She's even supportive of me playing Pro Football when I graduate, before I take my place in our company." I smiled. "She doesn't care where it would take her?" my dad asked. "Nope, I asked her." I smiled. "So, you think she'll be O.K. staying in New York? Did you tell her we own the New York Giants, Paul? And that you'll be playing for them?" my father asked. "I told her that's who I wanted to play for and she was happy, her best friend in marring Dmitri Voltri, and she'll be living here, so Bella will be excited." I know. "Does she have any idea?" my father asked. "No, this will be a total surprise." I smiled. "Well, I wish you the best of luck Paul. Have you told your brothers? I don't think Tyler will have a problem, he seems quite taken with her, just from the way he talks about her, he regards her just as highly as you, but Chris, I think he'll be the one to flip. He hates coming in second place, well in this case third, because she loves you, she's friends with Tyler and she just acknowledges Chris." my dad said.
"Very true dad, but no matter what they say, as long as she say's yes, that's all that matters." I smiled and my dad agreed. We finished our dinner and headed home, I went to shower and change into my pajama's and plopped on the couch for sports highlights. I must have dozed off, because I woke up to the beautiful sound of Bella's laugh. I walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead and welcomed her home. "Hey babe." she smiled. "Did you have fun?" I asked. "Well, I actually did. Your mom and sister are so much fun, we had a blast and of course they made me buy everything they touched." she laughed. 'Where are all your bags?" I asked. "They're being delivered shortly. They honestly bought out Saks!" she laughed again.
"Did you find formals?" I asked. "She was with me, of course she found formals, jerk!" Laurie laughed.
Mom said her goodnights and went to her and dads room, Laurie and Bella went upstairs to change into pajama's and we were going to have ice cream and watch movies.
BPOV
I was exhausted. We shopped until we dropped!
I just wanted my sweats and one of Paul's t-shirts.
When we finally got home, that's the first thing I did, then we watched movies and ate ice cream.
When my packages arrived, Laurie grabbed my dresses so Paul couldn't see them and took them to her room. As the other packages came in, Paul's eyes grew large. There must have been 30 bags. "I think I'll need to buy you luggage for Christmas now." Paul laughed. I slapped his arm and snuggled in for the next movie. I must have fallen asleep, because I woke up the next morning to Paul staring at me and stroking my hair. "Morning beautiful." Paul leaned over and kissed me. "Do you want to go with me today to get Tyler and Chris from the airport?" he asked. "Would you mind if I stayed here, I need to get ready for the party tonight and Laurie is going to help." I smiled. "That's fine. I can't wait to see you in your formal tonight." he smile at me, "I can't wait to see you in your tux." I kissed his lips and that lead to an hour and a half wake up/ make out session.
He showered while I dozed off again. I awoke to water dripping on me and Paul hovering over me in only his towel. "Paul" I groaned. "We can't do this in your parents house." I frowned. "Bells, they're upstairs and besides, I know my dad is gone and I'm sure my mom is as well. Laurie is most defiantly asleep still and I don't have to leave to get the guys for 2 hours, please Bella…." Paul begged me.
I pulled him on top of me and let him ravage me for well over 45 minutes. Then he joined me in the shower for round 2 and when we were done with that, he had 45 minutes to get to the airport. I put on a pair of skinny jeans and a blue v-neck sweater Laurie bought for me yesterday and matching blue ballet flats, pulled my hair into a ponytail and joined Paul in the living room, where Laurie was just coming down as well. "Bella, want to go to lunch with my friends and I?" Laurie asked. "Um, yeah, that sounds like fun." I smiled. We all walked out together, Paul got into the awaiting Town Car and Laurie and I walked to a little café a few blocks away. She introduced me to her friends and a couple of them gave me dirty looks, Laurie later said it was because they had crushes on Paul and not to worry, he didn't like them, they were too stuck up and money hungry. We went back to the Penthouse and Laurie suggested we start getting ready, even though it was 4 hours before we had to leave. She brought up a bottle of champagne and 2 glasses and cheese and crackers for us to munch on while we drank and talked. I heard embarrassing stories about Paul and Tyler and a few about Chris. The boys arrived home, but Laurie had locked her door and wouldn't let them in until the party. Paul was whining outside the door, but Laurie told him to scram.
It was finally time to get ready. Laurie had my hair ½ pinned and ½ down, in large curls cascading down my back. She gave me light make up and then helped me with my dress. It was beautiful, mid thigh, midnight blue silk dress. It scooped really low in the back, with silver chains across the back and a pair of midnight blue heals. I could see Paul swallow hard when I walked out into the living room. "WHOA! Bella, you look HOT!" Tyler exclaimed. I giggled at Tyler and his broken filtered self, Paul wasn't happy with his brother's declaration to me, so he walked over and kissed me and growled into my ear 'mine'. I looked into Paul's eyes and could see the love and lust right now and knew we had to get out of there or else, it wouldn't be good.
"Ready?" Paul's dad yelled. We all got into the limo and it headed for his father's company party.
Paul excused himself for a little while, he had to mingle with some of his dads 'friends', so Tyler and I sat there and talked. Finally after an hour, Paul came back and asked if I wanted to dance. I quickly accepted and he led me to the dance floor. We danced through the next few songs, wrapped in our own little world.
Finally the night came to an end and we all headed back to Penthouse. I stepped out of my dress as soon as we were in our room and I heard the lock click. Paul crossed in front of me and greedily took my breasts into his mouth. We ended up making love, all night. When the knock at his bedroom door started, I was freaking out. Paul told me we had about ½ hour before we had to be to breakfast. I told him to shower by himself so I could call my parents. He stiffened and then asked "Do you think your mom and dad are going to be awake? There is a time difference you know? Wait, call them later, join me in the shower.
We finally made it down to breakfast. His entire family was already eating and smiling as we walked in, I immediately blushed and put my head down as we sat at the table. Paul was up fixing our plates, he refused to let me wait on myself in his home. Tyler was all excited, he wanted to open gifts, but couldn't until everyone was done, I noticed Paul looking nervous and eating really slow. "Paul, are you o.k.?" I leaned over and asked. He shook his head yes and finished eating, I tried to help his mom clean up, but she said Paul and Tyler could do it, when I tried to help them, they made Chris take me to the living room, he placed me in the loveseat and told me to 'stay' and then sat on the couch and turned on cartoons, he stopped on SpongeBob and I groaned, "Really Chris? Come on. There's got to be something better than this." I pouted. "What? iCarly I suppose?" he asked and I smiled and shook my head yes. He rolled his eyes and flicked to the other Nick channel and it was on. He looked at me and shook his head, but by the end he was laughing just as hard as I was. Finally Tyler and Paul emerged from the kitchen and his parents reentered the living room. "Let's get this party started." Chris smiled. Their mom had her camera out and their dad had the video camera set up on a tri pod and it actually moved on it's own to capture everyone, every so often, it was really cool. They had a typical family Christmas, just adding thousands of dollars of presents, instead of my families 2 or 3 presents, which were always good, we just didn't go overboard. Everyone got one present at a time, the first round was parents gifts, Laurie was bouncing in her seat, waiting for hers, Tyler got to go first, he was the youngest, he received a new Ducati motorcycle, he was so excited he was crying, next was Paul, he opened the small box and pulled out keys and gave his parents a puzzled look, "I already have the motorcycle and truck I like, I don't need another one." he smiled. "No son, those are the key to your new condo, it's close to the stadium and it's all paid for, it's your graduation/Christmas present, you and Bella can go check it out tomorrow, you pick out everything you want as well, it's a blank slate for you dear." his mother smiled, my mouth was still opened and I just shook my head and smiled "So I guess this means you were accepted to the NY Giants?" I asked, smiling. "Yeah, um. That is something I actually need to tell you Bella." Paul squirmed. "O.K.?" I answered. "Well, we kindofowntheNYGiantsandsoyeah…" he blurted out in one sentence. "Oh!" was all I could say and smiled, I think I might go into shock if I actually talked about it, I was so out of my element, I wanted to run upstairs and cry, but I put on my smiling face and we all turned to Chris, he opened his and his parents had signed over the house they all lived in at college, with the rule that his brothers stay until they graduated, Chris couldn't argue with that. He and Paul had this year to finish, Tyler like me had 1 more year, but I was hopefully going to finish by next Christmas, I was going to double up on classes this summer or so I hoped. Next was Laurie, she was so excited. She opened hers and it was a 6 month stay in Italy, they'd rented a villa for her and she was going to take classes at some famous culinary schools there, she wanted to open her own restaurant and with this she would be able to do so. Then, a present was placed in my lap, I looked at his parents confused, "Please, you didn't have to get me anything, really." I smiled and blushed. "Well, I am good friends with the dean at Dartmouth and he owes me some favors, so I called in several for this. I opened the present and Paul was smiling. It was a rigorous schedule for the next 6 months, but it'd allow me to graduate with Paul. I smiled and told them I couldn't accept this, "It's done and finalized dear, everything is taken care of, just keep up your grades and all the boys are there to help you, we know Paul will be sulking all the time if you're not with him and that won't be good for his concentration while on the field." his father smiled at me. I jumped up and hugged both of them "Thank you so much, it is too much, but great at the same time." I kissed them on the cheeks and hugged them once more and sat down, they looked at each other and smiled and gave a nod towards each other.
Next, was Tyler's gifts. He handed me mine first, I opened it and it was a beautiful pair of hoop diamond earrings, "Tyler. I can't…" he cut me off. "Bella, you will take all that is given to you today and keep your mouth shut, do you understand me?" he smiled. I nodded and hugged him. He got both of his brothers 'alcohol of the month' accounts, he got Laurie a $1000.00 gift card for some spa she liked, she squealed, it was too funny and for their parents, the boys were not allowed to give them expensive gifts, the parents refused it, so Tyler and Chris went in together to get them a 'Couple Massage' class, so they could learn the art of 'touch' is what the brochure said. Paul and I got them a night out to dinner and a Broadway show. Laurie got them each new 'casual' watches.
Chris was next, he got Laurie another gift card for another boutique, Paul he got some rare autographed picture of a football player, in a Giants uniform and he got me a necklace that matched Tyler's earrings he'd given me.
Next was Laurie, she got all her brothers season tickets to the NY Yankees and for me she got a matching tennis bracelet to the things her brothers bought.
We opened a few more gifts, from his parents and relatives, we all got clothes and his grandmother had knitted all of us mittens, scarves and hats, they were beautiful and soft, I loved it, I think that was my favorite gift, knowing how much it came from the heart, I couldn't wait to meet his grandparents tonight at his parents party at the house.
Next, were Paul's gifts. He of course bought all the sports stuff for his brothers in Forks, they were so happy and for Laurie he got her a day of beauty with Ken Pave', some famous hair stylist to the stars, she'd get a complete makeover from him. She was very excited.
Next, was my gift from Paul, it was a huge box, I looked puzzled and he placed it in front of me, I opened it and there was another box, this went on for 3 more boxes, until I reached one wrapped in the most beautiful wrap I'd ever seen, I pulled it our and unwrapped it, Paul was kneeling in front of me when I opened it and I gasped, "Bella, you are my world, you brought me back to life and made me feel like I mean something again, I love you , will you marry me?" he smiled and took the ring out of the box, it was in the same fashion as the other diamonds I had received today, I looked at everyone and they were all smiling, Laurie bouncing again, I knew her and Alice would be quick friends. I looked at the ring, Paul slipped it on and was still looking at me, "So?" he asked, seeming nervous and then I realized I hadn't answered, I launched myself at him and we landed in a sea of wrapping paper, me kissing him, well attacking him really and everyone chiming in "I guess that's a yes!" and laughing. I couldn't stop kissing him. I suddenly felt really shitty about what I'd gotten him for Christmas, but he said he loved it and me saying 'yes' was the best gift ever. "Now, you can call your parents." he smiled and kissed me again.
I called Alice that afternoon and when she told Esme, I swear I could picture the windows in her house shattering. "Bella, we'll be close to each other and we can shop and have fun and WOW!" she started laughing, I told her all about Paul's family and how she'd love his sister, I couldn't wait for them to meet.
She asked all kinds of questions about the wedding and his mom had voiced getting married this summer, after graduation, since Paul would be starting football practice, that way we could take a honeymoon before he actually got tied down with games and such. I'd let her know that I'd have to talk to my parents and she said we could all talk on New Year's, they were flying my parents in. Now I was nervous.
Laurie dragged me into her room and got me ready for their big party tonight, she said her father would announce our engagement tonight as well, that's why I had to have an extra special dress for tonight.
It was quite beautiful, it was a red floor length gown, strapless and fitted through the hips where it flared a little and gathered at the sides, it was breathtaking to see myself once Laurie finished my makeup and hair, which she left down to cascade over my shoulders, in soft curls. She took a few pictures and sent them to Alice on my phone and Alice sent back a picture of her w/ a cheesy smile and 2 thumbs up, saying Esme approved too, she also sent the picture to my parents, my mom called crying, saying she couldn't wait until New Years, to meet his family.
Laurie went down first, her fiancé was there, he was nice, but was a snobbier person than I liked, she told me once I got to know him I'd like him, I still had my doubts.
I walked down a few minutes later, Paul was at the bottom of the stair and I heard his breath catch and saw him smile. Tyler piped in "Damn Bella, you look hotter today than yesterday, too bad Paul found you first." he winked at me and grinned. "Wait until Felix gets here and see's you." he smiled again and Paul glared at him, I kissed his cheek and whispered 'mine' in he ear, like he did to me, he got a huge grin and kissed my ring and said 'forever'.
The party was in full swing, everyone was there, Felix and Dmitri showed up, I took a picture of Dmitri and sent it to Alice, telling her I was keeping him on a short leash for her, she sent back a picture of herself and Edward, at their families party, they both looked 3 sheets to the wind. We had a blast that night, Paul's dad got up and announced our engagement and that prompted every female in the room to swarm me and pull on my left hand, then I heard this snarky voice, coming from this beautiful woman, she was almost a beautiful as Rose, but her face was too fake as were her boobs, "So, you're the gold digger who got to my Paul, huh? You're so plain, I clearly thought he had better taste than you!" she snarled at me, Laurie pushed in between us and glared at her "Kate, you need to go, I don't know why you bothered coming here." Laurie said and grabbed my arm "Let's find Paul, he's going to be pissed. I don't know how she managed to get an invite." Laurie mumbled more to herself than me. We found Paul and I was on the verge of crying, everything that woman had said, Paul was pissed and pulled me to find this woman, "Kate, I think you owe Bella an apology!" he spat. "Ha! I think not, I didn't say anything that wasn't true." she smiled and it was gross, she was all fake. "Just come back to me Paul and we can live happily ever after, I will be the perfect trophy wife." she smiled. "I'm not looking for just a trophy wife, Kate! I want someone who's beautiful on the inside and out. I want someone with a brain who I can talk about serious issues with, not one who's consumed by her appearance more than anything else. I want someone I can be proud to have on my arm and that is Bella! She is beautiful and real! She knows what love is and gives it unconditionally and doesn't try and change me or mold me into someone I don't want to be! She supports all my decisions and I know she's not going to go off and fuck someone else as soon as I leave on a trip!" he yelled at her and pulled us away to a corner to calm down.
"Who is she Paul?" I asked.
"That right there is my ex I told you about! She's a bitch, please don't let anything she said bother you.' he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. "After what you said, nothing can bother me. I love you!" I kissed his lips, which led to hot make out kisses in the corner of his parents party.
The party soon ended and everyone went their separate ways, Paul couldn't get me upstairs fast enough.
He enjoyed his last Christmas present very much. I had on a red lace strapless bra with matching panties and thigh high red fishnets, I thought he would come undone right there. We had a great night.
The week passed by quickly and before I knew it, we were picking up my parents from the airport.
We arrived back at the Penthouse and introduced everyone. My parents went to freshen up before dinner and Paul and I showered, together of course, so when we finally got downstairs, everyone was waiting, my dad frowning, obviously knowing what had happened up there. We left for dinner and when we got there, all the men headed for the bar, while the women sat at the table and talked for a while, of course everything was wedding, my mom loved the idea of a summer wedding, his parents either wanted at their summer home in The Hampton's or Central Park. I told them I'd discuss it with Paul and let them know. Dinner was great, the men mostly chatted amongst themselves and the women amongst themselves as well. Paul was always touching me or kissing me, we couldn't get enough of each other.
When we arrived home, I told him about where our parents wanted the wedding and he liked Central Park the best, as did I, knowing my family and friends would be more comfortable there. So our date was set, June 28th. A huge wedding in 5 months, his mom was on the phone the next morning as we left to go back to school and my parents left for Forks. His mom informed me that my mom and I would be flying in a few times a month to get he wedding together, my first project was to get dress ideas and colors, it was going to be a late afternoon wedding and there would be tents set up everywhere. I was going to have 2 showers, one in Forks with my family and friends and the other in NY with his family and their friends, it was 'proper', according to social guidelines.
Oh, what a fun few months!!!
A/N:
I hope you liked this chapter…
It took a while to write, b/c I had so much to say…
Please, read and review…
Thanks for reading…
** I own nothing **
