Author's Note: I own NONE of this. No copyright infringement is intended. I just wanted to borrow the characters and play with them.
Thank you to all of the people who have faved and/or commented on my story! It means more to me than you can imagine!
Chapter Thirty-Five: Thanksgiving
BPOV
"I have one rule, Edward. You have to do everything I say. No questions. Do you understand?" I demanded.
Edward's eyes widened and he nodded minutely. I walked toward and gestured for him to stand up. He got up off the bed and I pointed to the center of his bedroom. "Take off your clothes, Edward." His shirt was already off and his jeans were unbuttoned. He slowly unzipped his fly and lowered his jeans down his long legs. Edward hooked his thumbs onto his boxers and slid them down as well. I sauntered around him, lightly rubbing my fingers along his skin. I could see goose bumps rise up where I touched. I scratched my fingernails along his spine and traced his tattoo. His breathing was ragged and his cock was getting harder. "You're beautiful, Edward."
"Thank you, Bella," he breathed, looking into my eyes. "You are the most beautiful creature in the world to me."
I smiled and ran my fingers along his jaw line. "Kneel down, Edward." He gracefully sank to the plush floor, onto his knees. I took the black silk tie I had in my hands and covered his eyes. He took a sharp inhale of breath. I tied the blindfold tightly around his face. "Do you trust me, Edward?" echoing his words from a month ago.
"With my life. With my soul. With everything, Bella," he replied.
"Good," I breathed into his ear, licking the shell. I ghosted my fingers through his hair, lightly tugging on the bronze strands. I moved my hands to his strong shoulders and I stood behind him. I ran my hands along his collarbones and down his back, kissing intermittently as I moved down his body. He was still kneeling. "What should I do with you?" I purred.
"Anything you want, Bella. I'm yours. Completely."
Oh, the possibilities.
I stood back up and roughly grabbed his hair, pulling his head back. He gasped and his dick twitched. I ran my tongue along the column of his neck, stopping to suck on my mark from Tuesday. "You're mine, Edward. I've marked you and you're mine."
"Always, Bella. I'll always be yours. Please," he begged.
"Please, what, Edward? What do you want?" I breathed as I released his hair. I bit down on his earlobe and moved my hands to his chest, toying with his nipples.
"You. Only you. Always you," he confessed. He raised his hands and covered mine, lacing our fingers together. He lifted my left hand and kissed the palm.
"You have me, Edward. Always," I cooed, unlinking our fingers. "Get up." He stood back up and I moved so I was in front of him. I placed my hands on his chest and gently pushed him backwards, toward the bed. He stopped when his legs hit the base of the bed. "Get on the bed and lay back, Edward." He sat down and moved back on the bed.
When he was situated in the center of the bed, I climbed onto the mattress and straddled his waist, not putting my body in contact with his. I slid my hand down my body and I circled my clit with my middle finger. I could feel how this was turning me on. I slipped the same finger into my dripping wet pussy and held back a moan. I removed my finger from my body, moving it to his lips. "Lick, Edward." His pink tongue tentatively licked what was in front of him. When he realized what it was, he pulled my finger between his lips and began sucking. I pulled my finger back, "Just a taste, Edward." He whimpered as I removed my finger from his lips. I moved my body so I was on his left side and I pressed feather-light kisses to his body. I started at his jaw and moved to his neck, down to his collarbones, each of his ribs, his nipples, his hips, down his thighs, his knees and ending on the tops of his feet. I moved to his right side and mirrored the action I did on his left. With each kiss, he moved on the bed, aching for more.
Not yet. Soon, baby.
After I kissed his body, I traced my fingers along each ridge of his muscles and crease in skin. I purposely avoided his cock, as to build the anticipation. When I reached his hips, they bucked. "So antsy, Edward. Do you want me to touch something?" I purred.
"You know what I want you to touch," he growled. "Please, Bella. You're torturing me."
"All in good time, Edward. You'll get your wish," I replied seductively. I slipped my hand between my legs and repeated my actions from before, offering Edward a taste. However, it was much shorter this time. He started to get up and I pushed my hand to his chest. "I didn't tell you to get up, Edward. Stay on the bed, or we stop. Are we clear?"
"Oh, God! Yes, Bella," he moaned. He sank back into the pillows and he continued to squirm. I leaned down and settled my body between his legs. I licked his tattoo, tracing each black line that was on his skin. With my other hand, I idly traced patterns on his other leg. He was whimpering and his hands moved to my head. I decided that he was 'tortured' enough and I kissed my way to his cock. With my hand, I ran my fingers from hipbone to hipbone. I eventually placed my hand on his cock, circling his shaft. He took a sharp intake of breath. "Fuck!"
Yes!
He was so hard, but so soft. His cock felt like a piece of steel covered in the softest velvet. I ran my hand over the tip, spreading the pre-cum that had accumulated at the head. He groaned and put his hand over mine. "Please, Bella," he pleaded, his voice sounding raspy and desperate for some form of release. I removed my hand and gave the tip of his dick a sensual lick. I wrapped my lips around his perfect cock and pushed it into my mouth. He tasted so good. His skin was so soft. I kept pushing his dick further into my mouth until it hit the back of my throat. I relaxed my jaw and eased him further.
Thank God for no gag reflex.
I slowly moved my lips and tongue back up his shaft and released his dick. I spread his legs further apart and pulled one of his balls into my mouth. It felt so different from his cock. With my hand, I was pumping his member, using the lubrication of my saliva. "Bella! Ungh!"
"You like this, Edward?" I asked, licking the tip of his cock.
"You have absolutely no idea how much I'm loving this," he rasped. "More, please!"
"Hmmmm," I replied as I plunged his cock into my mouth. I scraped my teeth along the bottom of his shaft and I massaged his balls with my hands. I began to bob my head at a faster tempo and his hips moved with me. With my finger tips, I caressed the skin beneath his balls and his hips bucked. Using my arm, I restrained his lower body to the best of my ability. I moved my head faster and pumped with my free hand.
"Oh, God! Bella. Don't stop. That feels fucking amazing," he roared.
I removed my lips from his dick, "You have to be quiet, Edward. I don't want to have to gag you," I hummed. He groaned and put a pillow over his head. I put my mouth back on his cock and resumed my previous actions. I could feel him get harder and I knew he was close. I pumped my hand and moved my other hand to his balls, massaging them with some more force. I scraped my teeth and deep throated his cock. I heard Edward moan from behind his pillow and one of his hands shot to my head. He weaved his fingers through my hair and gently nudged me to move faster. I complied with his request and his body began squirming and moving. I looked up at him and he had removed his pillow and he was breathing erratically.
"Bella! Shit, I'm going…fuck!" he breathed. His hips swiveled and his dick twitched in my mouth. I felt the spray of cum slide down my throat. I kept pumping and nibbling along his cock until he was done with his release. I removed my hands and mouth from his cock and sat back up. I crawled up his body and untied the blindfold that covered his emerald green eyes. He blinked a few times and when he focused on me, he pounced.
He pinned me down onto the bed with his body. "You are the fucking hottest creature in the universe. You are in for the most Earth-shattering orgasm, ever," he said. His eyes gazed into mine and he leaned down, covering my lips with his. His tongue plunged into my mouth. "Fuck, I can taste myself on your tongue, Bella. You're fucking amazing," he growled into my mouth. I moaned and tugged on his hair. His hand roughly moved down my body, pulling my nightie up off my body. It was a black silk nightie that had a lot of lace and left little to imagination. He sat back on his haunches and pulled me up with him. Edward ripped the nightie from my overheated body and tossed it onto the floor. He wrapped his fingers around my neck and eased me back onto the bed. His other hand moved to my breast and he grabbed the mound of flesh, pinching the nipple. "You're so fucking perfect."
His hand moved down further on my body and he reached between my legs. His fingers reached my slick folds. "You're dripping. Holy shit." I moaned at his voice. It was pure, unadulterated sex and lust wrapped in a velvet cocoon. He removed his mouth from mine and kissed down my body. He reached the apex of my thighs and he stared for a moment. He ran his finger up and down my slit. My hips moved reflexively against his touch. He looked up at me and he spread my legs as far as they would go, baring my most private place to him. He attacked my clit with his teeth and I let out a yelp. He plunged two fingers into my core and began pumping his arm. My hips rolled at his ministrations. I moved one of my hands to his head and the other to his hair, gently yanking on his bronze locks. I looked down at him as he was between my legs. His eyes gazed into mine, through his lashes as he went down on me. He pulled my clit into his teeth and nibbled. I bucked my hips and groaned. He added a third finger and curled his fingers in my body. It was too much. The coil in my belly was close to springing.
"Edward," I moaned. "I'm so close. Make me cum, baby."
He pumped into me with ferocity and he hummed against my body, causing vibrations to move through my core. He bit down on my clit and that was my undoing. I pulled a pillow over my face and I screamed. He kept his lips and fingers on me as I rode out my orgasm. I removed the pillow and looked down at Edward. He moved up my body and pressed a kiss to my lips. I could taste myself on his lips and it was so hot. He pulled away, "Get on your hands and knees, Bella."
I quickly complied and he entered me from behind. As soon as he slid into my body, I came again. He rocked into my body and his hands moved to my breasts. I leaned down and reach down between my legs and felt our connection. I moved my hips with Edward's. He was grunting as he moved within me. "You are so amazing, Bella. I love you."
"I love you so much, Edward. Oh, God!" I cried. He grabbed my hair and pulled my head back. I moved so my back was flush with his chest. I turned my head and kissed his lips. His other hand moved to my sensitive nub and he rubbed it with his fingers.
"You are so tight, Bella. Shit, I'm going to come again. I need to feel you," he pleaded. His hand rubbed my clit and I raised my hands to my breasts. I rocked my hips against his and I could feel my muscles clench.
"Edward. Harder, please," I begged. He released my hair and braced himself against the headboard and rammed into me harder. I pinched my clit and I felt my pussy clamp down on his cock. I let out a silent scream and Edward slammed into me a few more times before he found his second release with a moan. He collapsed against me and rested his head on my back. His chest was covered with sweat and we both were breathing heavy.
"Holy shit-balls," he breathed against my skin, "That was fucking insane." He pressed a kiss to my back and moved up to my neck. He pulled out and I whimpered at the loss. I felt truly complete when Edward is in me. It was like he was created just for my body. He wrapped his strong arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest, spooning with me. "You are amazing, outstanding, perfect and wonderful, Bella. I love you with all of my heart, all of my soul and all of my body. I'm yours forever."
"Edward, you are truly the most wonderful man on this planet. I will always love you. For now and for forever," I replied. "God, we are so cheesy."
"I'm thinking we are Romano cheesy. I fucking love it. I love you," Edward laughed.
"I love you too, Cheese-boy," I giggled. I looked at the clock and groaned. "I do need to sleep. I need to be up in a matter of hours to help your mom with Thanksgiving."
"Sleep is good. You drained me, beautiful," he said, sleepily. I got up and went to grab my nightie. Edward caught my waist. "Where are you going?"
"Getting my nightgown," I said.
"No way. You're sleeping nekkid. I love you nekkid," he said with a crooked grin.
"Fine, dork. Can I at least blow out the candles?"
"I suppose," he grumbled, releasing me. I got up and blew out the candles that were lit around the room. Edward pulled down the covers of his bedding and settled between the sheets. I crawled in and curled up next to him, laying my head on his chest. I pressed a kiss above his heart and closed my eyes.
"I love you, Cheese-boy."
"I love you too, Romano-girl. Sleep tight."
xx LC xx
I woke up the next morning to the sun shining into Edward's bedroom. It bathed his bed with a warmth and light that made it feel like heaven. Waking up in Edward's arms was the closest thing to being heaven on Earth. I watched Edward as he slept, the sun's rays made it look like he was sparkling. His hair captured all different highlights of blonde, brown, bronze, copper, and red. His face was relaxed and his mouth was slightly open. A few small snores escaped his mouth and his lips twitched. I traced his cheekbones and his nose scrunched up a bit. I pressed a kiss to his jaw and I removed myself from his embrace. I went into my bag and pulled out a pair of sweats and a black long sleeved Henley. I also got a bra and some panties and scampered into the shower.
I turned on the shower and quickly washed my body and hair with the shampoo and body wash left in there. I really like the Philosophy stuff that Esme left in the bathrooms. I may have to get some on my own. After I finished my shower, I put on my red velour sweat bottoms and my shirt. I lightly applied some makeup and headed back into Edward's bedroom. He was still asleep on the bed. He was hugging my pillow, cuddling with it.
He's so adorkable.
I swiped some socks from my bag and slipped them on my feet. I rummaged through my bag and found my Nikes. I slipped them on my feet and I headed downstairs after I kissed Edward on the cheek. He mumbled that he loved me and burrowed deeper into the covers. I could hear some banging around in the kitchen, so I knew someone was up.
When I got to the kitchen, I found Carlisle looking lost. "Is everything okay, Carlisle?"
He jumped a bit and gave me a crooked smirk. He looked almost like Edward, only thirty years older and blonde. "Yeah. I think. Esme asked me to get out all of these pans and casserole dishes for today and I'm having a hard time locating them. She ran to the store for some last minute items and as you can see, the kitchen is truly NOT my domain," he said pointing to a piece of paper. I looked at the paper and began rooting around in the cabinets and pulling the appropriate dishes and plates. I placed them onto the island of the kitchen and gave Carlisle a smile. "Thank you, Bella. I would have been still looking for them if you hadn't helped me out."
"No big deal. You're set. Have you had breakfast?" I asked.
"I had some oatmeal. It's homemade. Esme left some on the stove if you want some. I think she's making a bigger breakfast for when everyone else wakes up," Carlisle said as he sipped his coffee.
"Oatmeal sounds perfect."
Carlisle reached in the cabinet over his shoulder and handed me a bowl. He went into the huge fridge and pulled out several bowls of fruit. I dished myself some oatmeal and sprinkled some apples and cinnamon on it. I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat down at the island, eating my breakfast.
"So, how's school going, Bella?" Carlisle asked.
"It's going well, for the most part. Both Edward and I are dealing with a psycho teacher's assistant in our music theory class, but other than that, I'm happy."
"Edward mentioned something about this teacher's assistant. He said that he lost some assignments and didn't record the grades in the grade book," Carlisle replied with a look of concern on his handsome face.
"That and some other things," I said with a grimace.
"What else happened?"
"James, the assistant, was fired from the university. He didn't take it well. At all. He trashed his office. He trashed Dr. Meyers' office; he's our music theory/aural harmony professor and ruined his saxophone. Anyhow, on Sunday, James managed to get back into Brandon Hall and he confronted me in one of the rehearsal spaces. He said that I got him fired because I was flirting with him," I replied sadly. "He also said some other things that I'd prefer not to repeat. However, suffice it to say, it reopened some pretty volatile emotional wounds that I received from a previous relationship."
"I'm so sorry, Bella. Are you okay now?" Carlisle asked as he placed a hand over mine.
"Yeah. I'm actually going to work with the campus counseling center to try and work through some of my issues. The previous relationship left me with an acute case of anxiety disorder and depression. I got the depression under control, but when placed in a situation similar to what happened on Sunday, I get severe and emotional panic attacks. I had to use my anti-anxiety meds for the first time in nearly six months on Sunday."
"What are you on, if you don't mind me asking?" Carlisle asked.
"Ativan. It knocks me out and I hate taking it. I feel like I'm in a fog for days afterward. It calms me down a little too well," I said with a sad chuckle.
"Did you take a full dose?" Carlisle asked.
"Yeah. I needed to. I was very much out of control. Almost to the point of hurting myself or someone else," I said fiddling with my breakfast.
"Like I said before, I'm sorry. If there's anything that you need, don't hesitate to call me, Bella. You're part of the family now and I want to make sure that you're okay," he said with a compassionate smile.
"Thanks. Now that you mention it, there is something I would like to ask," I said with a shy smile.
"What is it, Bella?"
"I'm due for my Depo-Provera shot soon. I'm on it for medical reasons. I have PCOS and I need the support with the hormones. I'd rather not go to the on-campus clinic," I began.
"Say no more. I'll pick up a dose from the pharmacy this weekend and I'll give it to you before you leave. How severe is your PCOS?"
"Not very. Just enough to screw up my cycle and make my periods extremely painful," I said as I rolled my eyes.
"Do you have to take any other medications for the PCOS?" Carlisle asked, clearly in doctor-mode.
"No. The birth control handles the symptoms. If it ever doesn't, I'll need to go on metformin, I think?" I replied, scrunching my nose.
"Right. Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Carlisle replied.
Carlisle finished his coffee and poured himself another cup. He then topped off my cup with a gentle smile. He turned his attention to the paper sitting on the island and we finished our breakfast in silence.
The silence was short-lived. Alice came bursting through the kitchen doors like a hurricane. She was rambling so fast about something. I only heard a handful words like 'Macys,' 'turkey,' 'parade,' and 'New York.' I was assuming that she was talking about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She was bouncing on her toes and looking at me expectantly. I was calmly eating my oatmeal and trying to ignore her.
"Bella! Did you hear me?" Alice asked impatiently.
"I heard something. I wasn't sure if it was English," I said as I swallowed a bite of oatmeal.
"I asked if you wanted to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It happens every Turkey Day in New York," she responded, more slowly.
"I know what the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is, Alice. Jeez. I live in Seattle, not a hole in the ground," I grumbled. "Can I finish my breakfast first?"
"Fine. I'll be in the family room," she huffed and she scampered off.
"Is she always like this, Carlisle?" I asked with a giggle.
"Yes. All of the time. It's only gotten worse as she's gotten older," he chuckled. "Esme says we're going to get a better place in heaven. I am going to have to agree. Alice definitely tries my patience, but I love her very much."
"I love her too. She's unique, that's for sure," I laughed.
"That she is."
I finished my breakfast and washed my bowl. I took my coffee and headed into the family room. Alice was sitting in the center of the couch, trembling with anticipation. Her eyes were wide with excitement as she watched the parade on the flat screen television. I settled next to her and watched the parade. Rosalie joined us about fifteen minutes after started watching. About an hour after that, Esme came back from the store and we could hear her in the kitchen.
I got up and wandered into the kitchen. "Do you need some help, Esme?"
"Could you take out the stuffing from the pantry and other things for the stuffing out of the fridge?" she replied warmly.
I walked over to the pantry and grabbed the bags of bread stuffing and put them onto the island. I also pulled out the apples, celery, onions, and sausages out the fridge. I ran back to the pantry and grabbed the chicken stock for the stuffing as well. Esme took out a large fry pan and turned it on. She was unwrapping the sausages. "Esme, I'll do that," I said as I walked to the stove and finished unwrapping the little breakfast sausages. Esme walked to the family room and I heard her bark a few orders to Alice. Alice whined and groaned. Esme came back and took out a cutting board and a large knife. Alice skulked into the kitchen with the saddest expression on her face. She plopped down onto a stool and began cutting the celery for the stuffing. Rose came in after Alice and she sat down by Alice and started working on the onions.
Esme went into the fridge and pulled out the huge turkey. She removed the covering and placed it into the roasting pan after washing and preparing it. She stuck a few lemons in the body cavity. She also rubbed the entire body with butter, over and under the skin. She put some salt, pepper and a light coating of onion powder and garlic powder and put it into the preheated oven.
I had finished frying the sausages and the boys decided to come downstairs. I had placed the sausages into a bowl before I had to cut them. Emmett came into the kitchen and grabbed a handful of meat. I smacked him and made him put back most of it. I let him have one. I also let the other guys each have one sausage. Edward tried the puppy dog look to get another one. I quirked a brow and shook my head no. He pouted and stuck his tongue out at me, mumbling that he should get special privileges.
I don't think so, buddy. Just because you made me feel amazing last night does mean you get an extra sausage. You're packing one in your pants. *Snorts*
After the sausages were cool enough, I handed them to Rose and Alice to cut up. I began working on my broccoli casserole. I put the ingredients into a bowl and mixed them all together. I sprayed a casserole dish with some non-stick cooking spray and put the casserole into the dish.
Esme had begun boiling water for the potatoes. She had a pot for the sweet potatoes and a pot for the regular potatoes. I took a head of garlic and drizzled it with olive oil and put it in some aluminum foil. I put it in with turkey for twenty minutes to roast the garlic. Esme watched the potatoes until they were cooked. She called Carlisle when they were done to drain the water. Carlisle drained the sweet potato pot and Edward grabbed the regular potato pot. After he dumped the potatoes into the bowl I had set aside, I pulled him back his shirt. He looked at me like I was crazy. I handed him a potato masher, along with butter, milk and the roasted garlic. He sputtered and moaned and complained.
"The Jets are on, baby! I've got watch for my fantasy football league," he whined.
"That's why there's the internet, Edward. Use your muscles for good and not evil," I chuckled.
"Emmett gets to watch the game," he whined.
"Emmett is going to mash the sweet potatoes," I said, pushing him into a chair with his potatoes. "Love you, baby."
"Meanie," he grumbled and he started mashing the potatoes, begrudgingly.
When I walked back to the kitchen, Esme enveloped me into a tight hug. "You the absolute best, Bella. I've tried for YEARS to get Edward and Carlisle to help me on Thanksgiving. However, their asses were always glued to the couch watching football while I slaved in the kitchen with Alice. You've done what I couldn't do, ever. I love you!"
I brushed my finger nails on my shoulder and gave her a satisfied smirk, "All in a day's work." I checked on the turkey and the stuffing. Alice and Rose had put it into a casserole dish and we had placed it with the turkey when we took out the garlic. Esme smiled at me and grabbed my left hand, squeezing my fingers. As she squeezed, she felt my ring. Her eyes bugged out of her head and she held my hand up to face, looking at the sapphire ring on my finger.
"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen!" she bellowed.
"What did I do?" he asked.
"Stop mashing and come here this instant," she squealed. Esme bounced on her toes and pulled me into another hug.
Edward walked up to his mom and me and quirked a brow. "What?"
"Do you have something to tell me, Edward?" she pressed, poking him in the stomach. She picked up my hand and waved it in his face.
"Oh, crap. I forgot to mention that to you," Edward said, rubbing his hand on his neck.
"So, when's the wedding?" Esme squealed.
"It's not an engagement ring, Mom. It's a promise ring. I asked Bella earlier this week. It's a promise that I will propose and she will be my 'forever,'" Edward explained.
"Oh. That's just as exciting! I am so happy for both of you," she said, pulling both Edward and I into a tight, motherly hug. "The ring is gorgeous, Edward. Is it a sapphire?"
"Yeah. It's Bella's birthstone. It's also the month that we met," he said, caressing my cheek.
"Yay! Okay, Edward, back to your mashing. I love you, my sweet boy," Esme said, kissing him on the cheek and ruffling his hair. Edward huffed and went back to his potatoes. He had managed to get most of them on the table and not in the bowl. Esme gave me another hug and a kiss on the cheek and skipped back to the kitchen.
I walked into the family room and stood in front of Emmett, effectively blocking his view of the football game.
"Isabelly, move. You're blocking my view."
"That's the point, Emmett. Your turn," I giggled.
"My turn, what?"
"Your turn to mash," I stated simply.
"Edward's already mashing. He's got it under control," Emmet replied, trying to move me.
"You're mashing the sweet potatoes, Em. Move it, buster," I said, holding my ground.
"But, the JETS! They're playing the SEAHAWKS! I gotta watch the game," he whined. I shook my head no and grabbed his ear. His face turned into a grimace and he got up to lessen the pain in his ear. I dragged him into the kitchen and put him next to Edward, who had mashed potatoes on his nose. I grabbed the sweet potatoes from Esme and gave Emmett his own bowl, butter and casserole dish. I stuck my finger into Edward's potatoes and was happy with the texture. The flavor was a bit off; the garlic was fine but there wasn't enough salt. I added some salt, pepper and a bit more butter. Esme went into the family room and dragged Carlisle and Jasper into setting the huge dining room table. Rosalie and Alice helped them. Esme and I worked together on the green bean casserole and the croissants. We put the green bean casserole into the convection oven and the croissants in the warming oven next to the stove.
"Bella, you need to be here for Thanksgiving from now on. This has been so smooth. Thank you so much," Esme gushed.
"It's not a problem. I enjoy cooking a lot," I said with a grin. I pulled the spiced peaches out of the fridge and put them into one of the serving bowls. I put the bowl on the table that was in the process of being set by Carlisle, Jasper, Alice and Rose. Alice was insistent that Carlisle and Jasper not touch the plates. This china set was going to be hers after she got married and she wanted it intact.
I walked back to the kitchen and looked around. Edward was putting his potatoes into the casserole dish I gave him. In addition to the potatoes on his nose, he now had some on his cheek and smeared on his shirt. Emmett was also a hot mess, too. He had potatoes in his hair and spattered all over the table.
"You two are too much," I laughed. I held up my phone and snapped a picture.
"You didn't take a picture of that, did you Isabelly?" Emmett asked, panicked.
"I believe that I did. You both have more potatoes on your bodies than in the bowl," I chuckled. Esme walked up behind me and she began giggling. She was holding up a fancy camera and she snapped a few pictures, barely containing her laughter.
"That's our Christmas card," she snorted. I nodded.
I snickered and picked up the casserole dish that Edward was working on and covered it with aluminum foil, marking what it was. I placed it on the counter on the island. Emmett finished up, giving me the stink eye in the process, and I covered the sweet potatoes and did the same as I did to the mashed potatoes. "I'm going to change before we eat. I'll be back down in a little bit. Will you be okay, Esme?"
"I'm perfectly fine. I'll head up when you get down," she said with a warm smile.
I turned and headed to Edward's room. I felt his presence behind me and I quickly turned. He closed the door and his eyes were feral. He still had the potatoes on his nose. I looked at him and began laughing hysterically. He looked so sexy but I couldn't take him seriously with the food spread on his face. "What are you laughing at, Swan?"
I grabbed his hand and pulled him into the bathroom. I stopped him in front of the mirror and he looked at himself. "Fuck me. Is this what my mom and you were laughing at? And taking pictures of?" he asked as he washed his face. I was still laughing too hard to give him an answer. I just nodded.
Edward turned around and looked me in the eyes. I tried to calm myself down, but I just couldn't. Edward quirked a brow and he hefted me over his shoulder. "Edward! Put me down! I have to change and then go finish dinner!" I squealed.
He tossed me onto his bed and straddled my waist. I tried to buck him off but he was too heavy. "Edward! Seriously! Get off me, chunk!"
"Chunk? Ooooh, you're going to pay for that, Swan," he said with an evil grin. He wiggled his fingers and began attacking my sides.
"Edward!" I screeched. I was laughing so hard, I was crying. I was wiggling and squirming trying to get away from his fingers. He wouldn't relent. He was laughing as he was attacking me. I reached my own hands up to try to reach his sides and couldn't do it. He pinned my hands with his own. We were nose to nose, breathing heavily.
"Chunk, huh? Are you calling me fat, Bella?" he said, smoothly.
"No. You're just heavier than me," I replied, looking into his playful eyes.
"Bella, a Chihuahua is heavier than you. You're like what 90 pounds?" he teased.
"Ah, no. Add about fifteen to that, Edward," I snorted. "You're like 300 pounds?"
"Shut it, Swan. More like 175, of pure muscle," he said with a smug expression.
"Well, get your 175-pound ass off my bladder or we're going to have some issues," I snorted. Edward narrowed his eyes and scrambled off my body. I darted to the bathroom and took care of my bladder problem. After I washed my hands, I walked back out into his bedroom and went to my bag. I pulled out the dress I brought for Thanksgiving. It was a deep purple sweater dress. I also brought my black leggings and my black boots to wear with it. I pulled off my shirt and I felt Edward's bare chest against my bare back. He ghosted his hands over my body, stopping at my breasts, circling them before pulling them out of the cups of my bra. "Edward, I don't have the time. As much as I want you, spud."
His hands stopped their sensual assault on my nipples and breasts, "Spud?"
"Spud, slang for potato," I giggled. Edward's hands moved from my body and I felt his warmth move away.
"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" he asked.
"Nope, spudmuffin," I chortled. I adjusted my bra and pulled my dress over my body. I slipped off my pants and put on my leggings and boots on top. Edward was sitting forlornly on the bed, his face turned into a frown. "Chin up, Boise. We only tease the ones we love."
"Meanie," he said, narrowing his eyes.
"Edward, I'm joking. Seriously. You have to admit it was funny," I said, pulling his chin up to look me in the eyes.
"Yeah, it was. As are your puns. I love you, beautiful. I'm so thankful for you."
"I love you too, Edward. I'm eternally grateful for you and for everything you've done," I said, running my fingers through his thick, soft hair. I leaned down and gave him a sweet, loving kiss on his full lips. His arms circled my waist, pulling me to his body. I braced myself against his strong chest. His tongue traced my bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth. He reluctantly pulled away, giving me three soft kisses before releasing me. I kissed him one time on his nose and turned to leave his room. I walked downstairs and saw that Esme had taken out the turkey. She had moved it from the roasting pan and placed it on a huge cutting board on the island. The roasting pan was on the stove. All of the casseroles were in the oven for their final preparation. I also noticed that Esme had changed during my time upstairs with Edward.
The oven beeped and Esme asked me to put the green bean casserole on the dining room table. I also put the croissants into a bread basket and placed that on the table. Esme and I worked together to finish putting the meal on the table. Within a half hour of the turkey being removed from the oven, it was carved and placed into a serving platter, all the casseroles were on the table and everyone was seated in their places.
Carlisle sat at the head of the table, with Esme at his right. Edward sat at the other head of the table and I was to his left, next to Emmett. Rosalie was in between Esme and Emmett. Jasper and Alice were sitting opposite them on the table.
"Before we eat this wonderful meal in front of us, it's a family tradition to say what you're thankful for this year. I'll start. I'm thankful for my wonderful family, my beautiful wife, and their friends and loved ones. You've truly made this holiday special," Carlisle said as he raised his wine glass.
"I'm thankful, also for our wonderful family. Edward, you are so talented and bright. You make the world such a special place. I love you, my sweet boy. Alice, you are full of life and happy. Everyone who meets you walks away with a smile on their face. I love you, Pixie. I am also thankful for the newest members of our family, while not officially. Jasper, you are so laid back. Only you could tame our girl. Bella, you are truly a blessing. You've made my boy so happy. I love both of you. Emmett and Rosalie, I don't know you both yet, but I can tell that you are both honorable and loving. Thank you for being here," Esme said, sipping her wine.
"I'm thankful for our family and new friends. I'm also grateful for Jasper. I love you so much, baby. You make me so happy. I'm finally thankful for being healthy and happy," Alice chirped, drinking her water.
"I'm grateful for you, too, darlin. You've made incredibly happy as well. I'm definitely thankful for everything that has been bestowed upon me. I'm thankful for such wonderful friends and family. I love you all," Jasper drawled.
"Um, I'll go next," Emmett said uncomfortably. "I'm thankful for my Rosie. You're amazing, baby. So strong. I'm thankful for my Isabelly. You're also incredibly strong. I'm thankful for Edward who takes such good care of my sister. I love you like a brother, man. Okay, I'm done being sappy."
We all laughed as Emmett chugged his wine.
"I'm grateful for my roommates. You both are so sweet and kind. You've made a rough beginning of the year go by very smoothly. You've also been very accepting of my issues. I'm thankful for Emmett who has been very patient with me. For the first time, I feel safe. I feel loved. I'm so grateful for that. Thank you, Emmett," Rose said with a smile
"I love you, Rosie. I think I have since I first laid eyes on you," Emmett said, with tears in his eyes.
"Oh, Emmett. I love you, too," Rosalie replied, a stray tear falling down her beautiful face. Emmett gently wiped the tear away with his thumb and kissed her sweetly. I could hear several other sniffles and Alice and Esme were also crying. Edward wiped my cheeks and I realized I was crying as well.
I took a deep breath and smiled. "I am incredibly thankful for having such wonderful roommates, friends and siblings. Rose, you've been so supportive of me this year, as we have similar stories. Alice, you are the sister I never had and I'm so grateful that I have you in my life. Even if you do drive me nuts when you attack me with your weird hair implements. Jasper, you have such a calming way about you. I'm grateful for your demeanor and your laid-back attitude. Carlisle and Esme, you two show each other so much love and respect. I'm in awe of both of you. I hope I can find what you have. Emmett, you're a big oaf with a minor flatulence problem, but I love you so much. You protect me, make me laugh and drive me crazy. I can't imagine not having a better brother. Finally, Edward, I'm so grateful for you. You have made me feel things that I never thought possible. You are funny, intelligent, handsome and incredibly talented. You have shown me what love truly is and what it can be. We've only known each other for a short while, but you are my soul mate, my love, my forever. I love you, baby," I said as I raised my glass.
Edward looked at me and he had tears in his emerald green eyes. He blinked a few times and he caressed my cheek. "I love you, too, il mio cantante. Save the best for last, right? I am so grateful and thankful for all of my friends, family and happiness in my life. Mom, Dad, I am grateful for both of you for giving me the love and support that I needed when I was younger. I am grateful for your encouragement to in my strive to do better. I am grateful for your support of my love of music. I am grateful for your unending love and respect of each other. I never understood the depth of your feelings to each other until I met my 'forever.' Rose and Emmett, I am grateful for your friendship and your antics. Emmett, you have more than a minor issue with flatulence, but I love you too, like a brother. Soon, we will be. Rose, I'm thankful for the time you gave me in Toronto and your patience in my sad attempt to dance. Jasper, you are a saint to put up with my sister, but I love you, bro. Alice, you drive me crazy with your feelings and premonitions but you make life interesting. Finally, Bella, I'm thankful for the greatest gift that anyone could ever give me. You've healed the hole in my heart. The hole that was made when my mom died. You complete me, as cheesy as that sounds. You are my present, my future, my life, my 'forever.' I can safely say that we will have what Carlisle and Esme have ten years from now, fifty years from now, until we die. I love you with all of my heart, body and soul. Thank you."
I could feel the tears streaming down my face. I smiled at Edward. He also had some tear trailing down his handsome features. I lightly rubbed the tears away with my thumbs and leaned in to kiss him. Our lips brushed and my lips tingled. The feeling traveled all throughout my body, causing my heart to swell. We pulled away and linked hands under the table.
We began digging into our dinner. All of the food was delicious. The turkey was succulent and perfectly cooked. All of the casseroles and sides were delicious. I took a finger and dipped it in my potatoes and flicked it onto Edward's nose. He looked at me and did the same. "Careful, Boise. I don't want to ruin my dress," I giggled. He stuck out his tongue and wiped the potatoes off his face. All too soon, our plates were cleaned and we were sitting at the dining room table, stuffed and sated.
"I ate too much food," Emmett groaned. "It all was so good. My compliments to the chefs."
"Yes, this was absolutely delicious. Thank you, Esme and Bella," Carlisle said as he patted his full belly.
"Rose and I helped!" Alice griped.
"You cut onions and celery, dear. That does not count as cooking," Esme chided. "Bella and I worked our butts off and therefore, we are NOT doing the dishes. I'm going to take my wine and enjoy the fire in the living room. Bella, come join me. I want to discuss some things with you regarding your apartment," Esme said as she held out a hand for me. I picked up my wine glass and followed her into the living room, where there was a fire blazing in the fireplace.
She sunk down onto the plush couch and curled her legs underneath her body. I sat and mirrored her posture. I sipped my wine and stared into the fire.
"So, Bella, I wanted to chat with you. About Edward. About the apartment. About anything that you want," Esme said with a warm smile.
"Okay," I said as I put my wine on the table.
"I'm so happy for both of you. I was secretly hoping your ring was an engagement ring, but I know it will come soon enough. However, I have to ask. Is Edward treating you alright? I want to make sure my son is being respectful and gentlemanly toward you."
"Oh my goodness, he treats me like a princess. If anything, he's too protective and attentive. However, I love that about him. He makes me feel like the only one in the world; the only person who matters. I'm so lucky, Esme. Edward is wonderful."
"Good. That means we raised him right. Well, Elizabeth gave him the foundation and we continued on the same path," Esme smiled.
"Can you tell me more about Elizabeth?" I asked.
"Well, Elizabeth and I were best friends. That's how I met Carlisle was through her. We were inseparable. We met in our sophomore year in high school in Chicago. Carlisle was a freshman in college. Anyhow, we were as close as sisters. When Carlisle and I started dating, I knew that eventually we would be. We both went to college together, as roommates. She went to school to be a musician and gave private lessons. Elizabeth was so beautiful. She looked almost exactly Edward. However, the female version of him. She was kind and loving and selfless. She was my maid of honor at our wedding and she also sang. She had such a beautiful voice. Like an angel. She met Edward Sr. at our wedding. He was a date of one of my cousins. They hit it off and they got married six months after us.
"About a year after they got married, Elizabeth discovered that she was pregnant. Edward was not a planned pregnancy. I was a little miffed at that. Carlisle and I were trying since we had gotten married but I could never carry a baby to term. I could get pregnant, but I was in a car accident that irreparably damaged my uterus. I was so jealous of my best friend, my husband's sister. However, when baby Edward was born, all those feelings dissipated. As soon as I held my nephew, I was in love. In love with the squirming, bronze haired, green eyed angel. Elizabeth and Edward Sr. named Carlisle and I as Edward's god parents. Edward's middle name, Anthony, was my father's name. At any rate, we were as close as any family could be. Elizabeth and Edward Sr. and little Edward were a constant fixture at our house until Carlisle moved out here to New York. He was offered a fellowship in oncology and we moved here. It pained us to be away from Edward and Elizabeth, but this a good move.
"Every couple of months, Elizabeth would send a video showing us something fantastic that Edward did on the piano or some new piece of music they composed together. When Edward was nine, Elizabeth got very sick. She was having some severe cramping and she thought that she was having a bad period. She went to the doctor and they discovered a huge tumor on her ovary. They removed it and it was diagnosed as stage IV ovarian cancer. They gave her only a few months to live. Carlisle and I moved back out to Chicago to be closer to Elizabeth and to help Edward Sr. care for little Edward. Carlisle also arranged to work in the hospital where Elizabeth was being treated. He even examined her results, as he was now a nationally recognized oncologist. He came up with the same findings. Carlisle was despondent. He couldn't use his brain or his connections to fix his sister.
"Just before Edward's birthday, Elizabeth passed away in her sleep. Little Edward was the one to find her. He went in to bring her breakfast and he couldn't wake her up. I was in the house that day and I could barely calm him down. It broke my heart to see my nephew so lost and in pain. Edward Sr. fell apart as well. Elizabeth was his life. He was fiercely protective of her, similar to how Edward is protective of you. It killed him when the cancer finally claimed her life. He tried to keep it together for little Edward, but he couldn't. He began drinking heavily. We stayed in Chicago for a while. I would randomly check in on them and would find Edward Sr. passed out on the floor and Edward up in his room. There was a point in time where Edward had not eaten in nearly a week because he couldn't cook and there was no food in the house. I immediately brought Edward back with me and spoke with Carlisle, telling him what I saw. Carlisle was fuming. He went over to Edward Sr.'s home and tore into him. Edward Sr. said that he couldn't take care of his son. Just looking at him reminded him too much of his dead wife. Edward had gone to his lawyer that day and had papers drawn up, terminating his parental rights. He told him that he wanted Carlisle and I to raise him. Edward Sr. did set up a trust fund for Edward for his education. After Edward Sr. terminated his parental rights, we stayed in Chicago for another year and we adopted Alice close to the end of that year. Carlisle was called in as a consult to see if she had a rare form of bone cancer. She didn't. She was just small. We ended up taking both children back to our home here in New York to distance them from the horrendous memories they had in Chicago.
"Alice easily acclimated to her surroundings. Her bubbly personality and over zealousness made her easy to like. Edward had a difficult time. He was withdrawn and quiet. He spent his time playing his piano and crying when he wasn't in school. He really missed his mom. He resented his father for abandoning him. We eventually took him to a child psychologist and as a family we worked together. By the time Edward was in a freshman in high school, he was more like the happy, carefree boy that I remembered from when Elizabeth was alive. There was still sadness in his eyes, but he put on a good front. The only time the sadness disappeared was when he was performing his music, either on the piano, singing or playing the guitar. It was at those moments he felt connected to Elizabeth."
"Does Edward hear from his dad?" I asked.
"Not very often. He'll send a card on his birthday. Edward usually just throws it away. He doesn't like celebrating his birthday because it was so close to Elizabeth's death. However, you need to know, Bella, that since you've come into his life, my Edward, the carefree, loving, happy boy is back. His eyes sparkle; there's no sadness. You have truly healed him. You've brought true happiness to my nephew, my son. Thank you so much. It means more to me, more to Carlisle than you can ever imagine."
"Esme, I haven't done anything. I just love him," I replied, tears threatening to fall down my cheeks.
"That's all he needs."
"Esme, do you still have those videos of Edward and his mom?" I asked.
"Yeah, I have them saved on my computer and on video tapes. Why?" she asked.
"I want to make Edward a DVD of all those memories for Christmas. I have some editing software on my computer and I know a company in Seattle that can put videotapes onto DVD."
"Oh, Bella. He'll love it. I'll send you the videos to your email that I can. I'll box up the cassettes and give them to you before you leave. You are such a blessing. Edward is truly lucky to have you."
"I'm lucky to have him. I've been wracking my brain with what to get him. Compiling all these memories into one spot will be perfect. I'll give it to him when he comes out to visit me after Christmas."
I knew I had to do this for Edward. Before me, his mother was his singer. Or rather, he was her singer. I needed to somehow commemorate her. This DVD project would be perfect. Esme hopped up and ran off. I'm assuming to begin boxing up the videos. I sat and brought my knees to my chest and smiled.
A/N:
The Cullen's Thanksgiving Meal
Stuffing with apples and sausage
Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Turkey with gravy
Spiced Peaches
Croissants
Salad
Bella's Brownies
Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
NOW I'm hungry. This is what my family does for Thanksgiving. It's insane but oh, so good!PM me if you want any of the recipes. I'd love to share :)