Grown-Up Christmas List

No more lives torn apart, that wars would never start, and time would heal all hearts. Every man would have a friend, that right would always win, and love would never end- Michael Buble

Embry

Thanksgiving was really cool over at my mom's. I even helped Alex fix his car. That was probably the most awesome part. He drives a Lamborghini. I've never gotten a chance to work on such an expensive car. I'm remembering back to three weeks ago because Alex said something that I haven't been able to stop thinking about since. He told me I should open a garage. It's not like I haven't thought about it before then, but coming from someone outside the pack really makes me think I have what it takes to be a professional mechanic. Me, Jake, and Quil have seriously talked about starting one in the past, but then the vampire wars took place and it got set on the back burner. Maybe we will, maybe now's the right time. We're all settling into our families, Paul and Rach scheduled her C-section for the 3rd of January, Em and Sam's boy is due in April, me and Bri are getting married in May, Leah and Caiden are going strong, and Jake's asking Jula tomorrow. On top of this, the Cullen's moved to Seattle so besides light patrols there really isn't that much vampire activity happening. I think now would be a good time to at least bring it up. "JULA! ITS HERE!" Briar yells. Oh god their letters from Port Angeles Community College are here. Please let them be acceptance letters. Jula really got Briar excited about going back to school. They were both really good students before they stopped caring. Briar even got Jake the only A he ever got in English from when they were partners. Briar comes running down the hall sliding in her socks on tile floor of the kitchen. "Here" Jula says shoving Briar her letter as they both quickly open them. Both girls' faces light up as they read their letters. "I got in!" Briar yells. "Me too! And I got accepted into the Psych program." J shouts ecstatically. "I'm so proud of you baby. You too J" I say as I take an apple from the bowl on the table. "I gotta go. I'm pulling a double at the store. I love you and am so happy for you baby." I say standing up to kiss her before I make my way to work. With the wedding coming up soon I've been working at the store more. I usually take over at least two of Leah's shifts a week since she wants to spend time with Caiden. I don't mind because I want to give Briar an awesome wedding and start saving for our lives together. It sucks being away from Bri so much though. Some days I hardly see her between patrol, work, and her working at the daycare. Maybe if we get that garage going I'll be able to have a more regular schedule. Hardly anybody comes in the store so I have to find ways to entertain myself. I'm just putting the last can on the green bean pyramid I made when the bell rings signaling someone's here. I feel the tightness in my chest lessen and know its Briar. I also smell something good. "Nice baby, very creative. I brought you dinner, plus I missed you and wanted to be with you" Briar says smiling and admiring my pyramid. "Aww thank you baby. I'm starving and I was missing you too." I say wrapping her in a hug. I bring her around behind the counter and begin to eat the spaghetti from the Tupperware. "Are you working tomorrow? If not Jake wanted to know if we wanted to go ice skating. I think he's gunna ask her at the skating rink." She says watching me eat. "No. We can go" I mumble through a mouthful of food. She laughs and nods showing me she understood. After I finish I turn to her "Do you think we should start that garage?" I ask wanting to know what she thinks about the whole situation. "Is it something you really want to do?" She asks back. Yes I do. I love working on cars and doing something you like and making money off it is something not a lot of people get to say they do. The closest garage is all the way in Forks or Port Angeles so there is a need for one here. We would have a lot of customers. "Ya. Me, Jake, and Quil always talked about starting one in high school. We all know what we're doing and we all fix most of the cars around here anyways. We might as well just get a shop and make it official." I say shrugging. She starts to run her fingers through my short hair. "Well if this is something you really want to do and will make you happy, I'm all for it." She smiles. "Besides you look sexy all covered in grease." She says with a seductive smile as she tugs on my hair. I love it when she does that. "While we're talking about future plans, what are you thinking on your mom n Alex's offer?" she adds. "You tell me what you're thinking first." I counter back. I definitely don't want them building us a brand new house. That's going a little overboard. "Honestly I really appreciate the offer and having a brand new house customized just for us sounds amazing, but I don't think I could accept it. It's way too big of a gift. I was thinking maybe we should live in your old house. I think that's the middle road. We aren't refusing their gift, but we also aren't asking them to dish out any money since the house is already paid for. God even that's too big of a gift! Can we offer to pay them in installments for it or something?" Briar says sighing. I think she's right. I didn't want Alex spending a lot of money on me. I feel weird accepting things from him, guilty even. He doesn't have to buy me things, or do any of the stuff he's done for me since I've met him. "I agree with you on the no new house thing. I already thought about asking to pay her for the house. I want to buy it for you, not just be given it. I want to show you that I can take care of you and our babies, when we have them. I want to know every time I walk in the door that I worked hard to put a roof over my family's head." I say honestly. She smiles and hops up on the counter in front of me. "Baby you show me every day that you are more than capable of taking care of me. And down the road when we have kids, they'll know how hard you work to take care and provide for them." She says smiling and wrapping her arms around my neck to pull me into a kiss.

Jake

Today is the day and for real this time. I was going to ask her on Christmas, but I just can't wait any longer. I decided we are going to go ice skating in Port Angeles. They have a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the rink and there are strands of lights everywhere. Christmas is her favorite time of year. I know this because she has told me a hundred times. She started decorating our apartment the first day of December. She's kinda gone Christmas crazy. I'm a relatively good ice skater. Me, Em and Quil used to skate on this pond on the border line when we were kids. When I told her we were all going ice-skating on Thursday her eyes lit up. I also learned something new about her. When Jula and Briar were little they used to take ice skating classes, they even competed a few times. I wonder if I'm going to melt the ice when I get on my knee. I'm staring at her from the bed as she finishes swiping some lip gloss on. "I think this is going to be one of my favorite dates we've ever been on!" She says excitedly. That might be an understatement I think as I swipe my hand over the ring box in my jeans. "Come on let's go. I wanna ice-skate!" She says excitedly tugging at my hand. I laugh as we enter the living room. I see Embry checking out Briar as she bends down to zip her boots. When she stands I notice you can see the top of her bra in her sweater. I don't know what it is with these girls, but both of them show just enough bra to get you hot, but not enough for people to be offended by. It drives me crazy when I can see J's bra, but the rest is hiding behind her shirt. It's like a preview at a movie you see enough to get you interested but then you realize you have to wait to see the rest. Lucky for me though I get to, the rest of the guys that see the preview will never make it to that movie. It's definitely her way of teasing me I know it. We all grab our coats, even though me and Em's are only for show. In fact, we tore out all the extra insulation so all that's left is the outer shell of material. This way there's no questions, and we don't roast in the process. We pile into Em's truck which is the most appropriate vehicle for winter weather we have and begin the trip to Port Angeles. "Look there's our school! I can't wait to start on the 7th" Briar says pointing out the window. Frosty the Snowman plays on the radio for the hundredth time since December 1st, which was when J insisted that we listen to Christmas music from now until the 26th whenever we go somewhere. Em turns the corner and the rink comes into view. "Oh my god! Look at it! It's gorgeous. Look at all the lights, oooo and the tree. That is definitely in the top ten list of best Christmas trees ever!" J exclaims. Em laughs and slaps me on the back whispering that this was a good choice. I think Briar knows I'm going to pop the question, but thankfully has remained quiet about her suspicions. Jula and Embry both already have their skates on and are walking over to the ice while Briar and I are lacing ours up. "Listen, I know you're gunna ask her tonight. This is has her very favorite Christmas song on it. Ask the staff to play it and give them the signal to start it when you're ready to ask." She says handing me a flash drive. This is really going to be absolutely perfect now. "Thanks!" I say smiling as I make my way over to talk to the woman behind the desk. "Hey I have a really big favor to ask." I say smiling unsure whether she will help me or not. "What can I help you with?" She says warmly. "I'm proposing to my girlfriend tonight out on the ice. Would you be able to play this? It's her favorite Christmas song and I'd really like to ask her when it's playing." I explain. "Oh honey, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard! Of course I will. You just give me a signal and I'll start it ok?" she says warmly. I thank her and make my way out to the ice.

Jula

I love everything about this time of year, the cold, the lights, the music, the electricity in the air, and the way people seem to have a change of heart even if it is only for a few days. I step onto the fresh sheet of ice taking a deep breath of icy air. It feels so good to be on skates again. I used to love it when I was younger. I smile realizing I still remember how to do all the spins and small jumps. It's just like riding a bike. Once you know how, you never forget no matter how much time has gone by. I see Embry and Briar skating hand in hand. Where's Jake? Oh there he is, he must have had trouble fitting those big paws; I mean feet of his in his skates. I skate over to the entrance and stop, spraying some snow on him from the blades on the skates. There aren't very many people out here for it being a Saturday night. That's all right with me though, more room for me and Jake to skate around on. We've been skating for a while when people start to take a break. I don't wanna take a break yet though. I notice it's just me and Jake out on the ice. This is so nice, just us two out here, skating around hand in hand. They have Christmas music playing on the speakers which makes me smile even more. It's the typical repeats of the familiar crowd pleasing classics. Then I'm surprised to hear my favorite song come on. Grown-Up Christmas List hardly ever is on the radio. Jake pulls my hand and stops us in front of the huge tree. I don't mind stopping at all I love this tree. I could look at it for hours. The shiny bulbs, the glittery lights and the big gleaming star on top, I'm mesmerized. "God I could look at this forever" I say turning to Jake. "I know what you mean" He says staring at me the whole time. He shoves his hand in his pocket fishing something out that I can't see. Then it happens. He drops to his knee and takes my hand and I gasp. This is what I've been waiting for. "Jula I love you so much. When I met you I didn't believe in love anymore. I was angry and alone. You showed me love is real. You made me see that true love is worth waiting for; its worth all the pain you ever experienced in the past because you know it led you to the person that is right for you in every way. It leads you to the perfect person. You are my perfect person baby. Jula Nowak will you make me the happiest man on Earth and marry me?" He says staring at me nervously. Jake just asked me to marry him! Everything he said was so true. All that shit I went through, stripping, Brad, it all led me exactly where I was supposed to be, with Jacob. He's my perfect person. I should probably answer him. "Yes!" I say wiping away the tears I didn't realize I cried away. He envelops me in the biggest hug as we kiss. I hear everyone clapping and congratulating us. He slides the most gorgeous ring I've ever seen onto my finger. "This one represents everything we've went through together. This represents the present; because you are the greatest gift I've ever received. And the last one represents the promise of a future together." He says kissing my ring after each explanation. Everyone starts skating around us and Em and Bri skate over. "I call dibs on maid of honor" Briar says copying what I said to her when she got engaged. I laugh and show her the ring. "Damn girl I don't know what has more ice on it the rink or your finger!" she says laughing. We look at each other and simultaneously say it's my finger which drives us into a fit of giggles. This day could not have been more perfect!

Briar

Today is Christmas Eve! There's no church or anything around here since the tribe doesn't have any religious affiliations, but most still celebrate Christmas. It looks like it's going to be just me and Embry this year, not that I mind in the least. J and Jake have gone over to Billy's house to tell everyone about the engagement. Rach and Paul and her twin sister and her husband will all be there too. They have a tradition that they go and visit Jake's mom at the cemetery today every year. Jake said it's so she doesn't spend Christmas alone. It was her favorite holiday, just like J's. Em's mom and Alex are in California visiting his sister. We are having a second Christmas with them on the 28th. The Clearwaters' and Caiden are all doing a charity project that Harry was involved with. Quil's with Claire's family. I don't know what Sam and Em are up to. Jared is over at Kim's parent's house since neither of us really wants to be with my mom and dad. Neither of them have called, even though I know Jared has told them about the wedding and me getting into school, not that I'd ever talk to my dad again anyway after what he said. It does make me a little sad knowing he won't be at my wedding to walk me down the aisle. However it does make me smile that Opa is going to do it. What a lucky guy he got to walk my mom and now me. Embry's phone rings and I toss it to him. "Hey Em." He says happily. "I figured since I moved out… Well I didn't want to im…. Ok Em we'll be over. Love you too" He says laughing. We're going over to Em and Sam's and hurry she's already upset plus the pregnancy hormones she might beat me if we don't get there soon." He says rushing around changing into jeans and a t shirt. I change out of my grungy clothes and get their presents that we got them. We were going to just give them at the pack holiday dinner on the 26th, but we can today. Embry and I got them a picture frame with a picture of Sam, Emily and Embry in it from a past Christmas. I figured Em would love it. Embry and I decided not to buy anything for each other since we are strapped for cash with the wedding. Emily is standing in the doorway with a wooden spoon waiting for us. "What is wrong with you? You think just because you move out of this house you can just not show up for Christmas? What are you thinking?" A very angry Emily says while hitting Embry with the spoon. "Babe don't hurt him too bad, he's taking my shift tomorrow." Sam laughs from inside. "Hey Briar hon, I'm sorry your idiot fiancé almost made you miss Christmas Eve dinner." She says wrapping me in a hug. "Em I said I was sorry. I figured you guys would want to spend your first Christmas as a married couple alone." Em said nervously trying not to get hit with a spoon again. "You shut your mouth Embry Call! You are our family and you have family duties. One of which is to be present at holidays! You're our starter kid." Emily says angrily then starts to cry at the end, probably from the hormones. "You broke my wife bro." Sam says with a laugh which earns him a glare from Emily. "Soon you'll have the real thing" I say beaming at Emily's baby bump. She instantly perks up and brings me into the kitchen to set up for dinner. "I can't believe he almost didn't come. You know this will be his third Christmas with us? Ya his mom kicked him out right after Thanksgiving two years ago. He was so hurt and scared. I mean who wouldn't be? You explode into a wolf and you're thrown out on the street. It was his first holiday away from home and me and Sam's first Christmas together too so it was all new for everybody. Now we have traditions and I can't believe he almost missed them. Please when you guys get married and have babies, will you still come for Christmas Eve? I know Embry's not my real son, hell he was already a grown man when he came here, but I still want to look after him ya know?" Emily says starting to cry again. "Aw Em don't cry. I know he loves you so much. Of course we'll still come when we have kids!" I say hugging her and trying to cheer her up. I set the table and Sam and Em come in for dinner. Embry wraps Emily in a hug and whispers something that makes her hug him tighter. After dinner everyone gets in their pajamas and plays a round of Jenga per tradition. Then after that we all sit in the living room drinking hot chocolate eating popcorn and Christmas cookies while watching A Christmas Story followed by Christmas Vacation also per tradition. The traditions are simple, but I love that they do this together. I can't wait to do it again next year!