Disclaimer:
I don't own Twilight.
Author Notes:
Hey everyone, thank you so much for your reviews on the last chapter. Again, I'm sorry this chapter has taken two weeks to get posted. Work is crazy right now, and I was sick for over a week, so not doing much writing. I'm coming into a pretty hectic time at work, so updates may take a couple weeks for a bit. Please hang in there and bear with me. The story will never be abandoned, but real life has to come first.
Thanks to Dooba for everything in the world. Thanks also with all my heart to Divine Inspiration, PiedPiperOSIB, Drotuno and Shannon for their comments and support every step of the way.
I believe there is still time to donate to the fandom4LLS fundraiser and receive a compilation of stories from dozens of amazing writers. As I've mentioned before, I've contributed a future take of this story in Charlie POV, to honor my dad who died of lymphoma in 1997. Check out www . fandom4lls . com for details.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
"Rise and shine!" Alice cried, bouncing into Bella's room at dawn on Black Friday.
Bella groaned.
"Alice, it's too early," Edward admonished her, "We were up late talking. Bella needs more sleep."
"Sure you were up late talking," Alice laughed, "I tried not to see, but I did have a vision of something—ah, there it is, what did the poor headboard ever do to you, Edward?"
Bella blushed.
"Thanks, alice," Bella grumbled, "Did you have to say that out loud? You could have just thought it at Edward, you know."
"I wanted you to share the teasing," Alice sang, "The stores open at seven so get up and get ready. We'll be leaving as soon as you've had breakfast."
Alice skipped out of the room, laughing.
"Ugh. Why did I agree to this anyway?" Bella complained, pushing the covers back.
Edward tried to cover her up again.
"You can sleep longer if you want, love," he said, "Don't let my sister pressure you into anything."
"Oh, it's ok," Bella replied, "I'm awake now, and I did promise to go shopping today. At least Esme and Rose are going, too. They can help me keep the mad shopper in line."
"I heard that," Alice called.
Bella giggled and got out of bed.
By the time she had showered, dressed and made her way downstairs, Esme had prepared a big breakfast.
"I wanted you to have lots of energy for the day," Esme explained, "So, here are scrambled eggs, biscuits and bacon. Here's some orange juice as well and your coffee of course."
"Thanks, mom," Bella murmured.
"When do you intend to call Renée and tell her about the engagement?" Edward asked.
"It's too early to call her now, even though she is three hours ahead of us," Bella answered, "So, unless I'm too exhausted, I guess I'll call her when we get home today. I want you to be with me."
"I want to be there as well," Edward said, "You think she won't be thrilled do you not?"
"Yeah, I think she'll scream," Bella sighed, "Oh well, I can't worry about that now. I'm going to miss you today."
"I'll miss you very much," Edward kissed her softly, "Are you finished? I'll take your plate. Alice is about to combust if you all don't get on your way soon."
Emmett came into the kitchen just then.
"Hey there, Bellarina," he began.
The wicked tone in his voice gave Bella a warning of teasing to come.
"Morning Teddy," she said sweetly, hoping to divert him.
"Hmmm, you know, I was wondering if you need to do a little headboard shopping while you're out today," Emmett said, "I never knew Eddie had it in him to be breaking headboards. Looks like Rosie and I won't be the only ones replacing furniture in this house."
"That's enough, Emmett," Edward growled, "Do not tease my fiancée."
"Come on, bro, she's family that makes her fair game. Besides, I'm teasing you even more. Congratulations. What on earth did you do to cause you to damage the poor headboard?"
"None of your business," Edward replied, scowling.
"Leave him alone," Bella said, pretending to punch Emmett's arm, "Don't bug him while we are all out today, or I'll tell Rose or Esme to handle it later."
"I'm not scared," Emmett guffawed, "The chance to tease Edward about sex is just too good."
"Emmett, leave your brother alone," Esme said, "I want you boys to start getting out the Christmas decorations today and making room in the living room for the tree. If that doesn't keep you busy enough, I'll find more for you to do. Untangling the Christmas lights should take you a while as it is, and you can start on the lights for the exterior of the house. Ready, Bella, dear?"
Bella kissed Edward goodbye and the women left for their day in the craziness of black Friday shopping.
Emmett turned to Edward.
"So, Edward, my most chaste and virginal brother," he began, a wicked gleam in his eyes, "Tell me how the headboard on Bella's bed got broken."
Edward glowered at his brother for a moment, and then suddenly, his lips turned up into an equally teasing smile.
"Hmmm, wouldn't you like to know?" he asked, "At least the only furniture to have broken in Bella's room is her headboard. How many beds have you and Rose broken in the last year?"
Jasper laughed.
"Good one, Edward, good comeback."
"Boys, don't hassle your brother," Carlisle said, coming into the room, "The important thing is that if something happened between Edward and Bella last night, Bella is obviously well and unhurt by whatever it is. I'm proud of you, son."
Carlisle gave Edward a half hug.
"I'd say she was doing well," Emmett grinned, "She was sure smiling."
"Not to mention the bliss oozing off the two of you today," Jasper added.
Emmett put on a mock sad expression and pretended to wipe his eyes.
"I'm so proud," he cried, "Our little Emo Eddie is all grown up, emo no longer, possibly even virginal no longer."
"You know that isn't true," Edward replied with dignity, "Bella and I are waiting for—certain things, 'till we are married. Anything else that may or may not have happened between us is our own business."
"We're just happy, bro," Jasper said, "It could have been bad, whatever happened, but you and Bella are both so full of joy today, it makes us all happy. You know, it's actually not a drag to be around you. It's kinda fun, sort of."
Edward launched himself at his brother, laughing.
"Outside if you're going to attack each other," Carlisle yelled.
The three boys laughed, slapped each other on the back and settled down.
"Come on, let's get started on those Christmas lights," Emmett suggested.
They raced each other up the stairs to the attic. Carlisle smiled and shook his head at their antics.
Bella enjoyed the drive to Seattle with the other women. They did not tease her about her night with Edward, but they did want to discuss wedding plans.
"So, did you and Edward pick a date?" Esme asked.
"We decided we'd choose the date this weekend," Bella answered.
"Oh, Bella, that's the most important thing," Alice cried, "We have to start planning. I need to know how much time I have. No wonder I haven't been able to see the wedding yet."
"We just wanted to enjoy being engaged for a little while before going into mad wedding planning mode," Bella explained, "And, um, Alice, I love you to pieces, but though I do want your help planning the wedding, I don't want you to take over and plan it all yourself without our input."
Alice took Bella's hand and squeezed it gently.
"I'm sorry, Bella," she said earnestly, "My gift tends to make me think I know what to do before anyone else can think about it. I just care so much and I want everything to be perfect. I promise, you will have all the input you want, and I won't go over the top or do anything you wouldn't like."
"But she might pressure you to consider something she thinks you should want," Rose teased.
"Well, of course," Alice agreed, "I am who I am, after all."
"You said you won't do anything I don't want, but you need to consider Edward in this, too," Bella said.
"Don't worry about Edward," Esme said, "As long as he can marry you, he won't care about the wedding itself."
"I think he will care up to a point," Rose disagreed, "He'll want it to be classy and slightly old-fashioned, I think."
"I think you're right," Bella replied, "In general, I want it to be a mix of him and me, a little old-fashioned like Edward, a little contemporary like me."
"That's exactly what I was thinking as well," Alice said, "See, I know you, and I know my brother."
"Well, good, we're all on the same page," Bella said, "Alice, Rosalie, I'd like you both to be bridesmaids."
Alice squealed so loudly that Bella wondered if dogs for 100 miles around would start barking.
"Thank you, Bella!" Alice hugged her.
"I'm truly honored," Rose said softly, "I thought, well, I thought I'd play for you, since Edward will be busy being the groom and getting married. He's always played for the rest of us at our weddings, and I wanted to do this for him, and you of course."
"We could play a recording of you playing for you to walk down the aisle," Alice thought aloud, "And then you could sit down and play for the rest."
"I like that idea," Bella said, "You're going to be my sister, Rose, and I'd like to have you be one of my attendants."
"What about any of your human friends?" Rose asked, "Angela, maybe?"
"I did think about Angela," Bella answered, "But I ended up deciding that I would like my new sisters to be the ones to stand with me. Someday, not really too far away now, I'll be cutting ties with my human friends. This wedding means so much more than the typical human wedding; it means eternity, forever. I want the people who are in the wedding to be those who can truly understand what the day means."
"If I wasn't driving right now, I'd be hugging you," Rose said, her voice sounding choked, "Thank you, Bella, I will be proud to serve as one of your attendants for your wedding."
Alice clapped her hands and bounced.
"Yay, it will be so beautiful."
"Alice," Bella began, "Let's talk about the things we need to discuss without Edward, like the dress. I want something, something that can represent Edward and his time, something I might have worn, if we'd met during his human life."
"That is so sweet," Esme said, "That will mean so much to him, I know."
"I have some ideas about that," Alice said, "I know we have to focus on Christmas shopping today, but next weekend we can start dress shopping."
"And if we can't find it in a shop," Rose added, "We can have a designer create it for us."
"And we need to discuss your dresses," Bella continued, "Finding something that will suit both of you might be hard."
"Maybe you can find a style that would work for Rose and Alice and then they can pick different colors," Esme offered, "Or a color that works for both in different styles. People often do that kind of thing now, since few bridesmaids dresses look good on everyone in the wedding party."
"Let's devote next Saturday to starting the dress hunt," Alice said, "And in the meantime, you and Edward can start making plans, so we'll have more details when we start looking."
They all agreed it was a good suggestion.
"We're here," Rose said, pulling into an underground parking garage in downtown Seattle, "Where shall we start this madness?"
"Before we rush off to the shops," Esme said, preventing Rose from opening her door, "Carlisle and I have something for you, Bella."
"For me? What?"
Esme reached for Bella's hand, placing a small plastic card into it and closing Bella's fingers around it.
"This is a credit card," Esme explained, "Carlisle and I got this ready for you, when we knew you and Edward were destined to be together. We decided to give it to you when you two became engaged. Everyone in our family has one, and you are now part of this family. You have been, since the first time you visited, but we felt you wouldn't accept this before now."
"Esme—I—I can't," Bella stammered, "I can't accept this."
Alice started to reply, but Esme shook her head, silently telling Alice to keep quiet.
"You can, and you will," Esme said sternly, "Look, dear, I know how you are, and I understand your feelings about this. You're thinking you didn't earn this, and you have no right to this, isn't that correct?"
"Right," Bella's voice was shaky, "I can't take your money, or spend it by using a credit card. I can't do that."
Esme took Bella's hands in hers.
"Everyone in our family has one of these," Esme tried to explain, "Technically, Carlisle is the only one who works, earning a salary. Between Edward's and Alice's gifts, however, not to mention our very long lifetimes, we have more money than all of us together could spend in our combined human life spans. We continue to earn more everyday. Do you believe that since the rest of us have not earned this money, that we should not be able to spend it?"
"No, of course not. But—"
"Do you believe that Carlisle should make us all ask him for money to shop?"
"No, of course not, but—"
"There is no but about this. You are our daughter now, and you have as much right to your own share in the family income as any of the rest of us," Esme continued, "Sometime soon, I'll have Jasper sit down and explain our family finances to you. There is also Edward's own money, invested from what was left by his parents. He can explain all that to you. This just represents part of your share of the family's resources. We will not take no for an answer."
"But I bring nothing to the table," Bella protested, "I add nothing, give nothing into the family, the way you all do."
"What utter crap?" Rosalie snapped, "You bring so much to the family. Take Emmett just as one example. He came from a large family and had a little sister he adored. He can barely remember her, but he has fond feelings for that memory. You have given that part of him back, the part that can really be a big, overly protective, annoying fiercely loyal big brother."
"And Jazzy, Bella, you don't realize the confidence he has now, because of you," Alice added.
"For me," Esme said, "You represent the child I lost. You need me in ways my other children never have. True, one day that will change, but still, for now, you are my human daughter, and you make me feel needed in ways I haven't for so long. And for Carlisle, it's much the same, as well as the change you've brought in Edward. There is nothing Carlisle wouldn't do for you, just because of how happy Edward is since you came into our lives."
"For Rose and me," Alice said, "We have another sister, one who balances us out, keeps our brother from being gloomy, keeps us on our toes and gives us open wholehearted love without asking for anything in return."
"Not to mention giving Alice a new shopping partner," Rose laughed.
"So, you see," Esme finished, "You give things to each of us that nobody else could bring to the family. This credit card is just a way we give something to you to share in what the family has. I don't want to hear anymore arguments about it."
"Thank you," Bella replied, "I promise I won't be reckless with it."
"I know that," Esme smiled.
"Can we please start shopping now?" Alice begged.
Bella slipped the credit card into her purse. She picked up her cane and got out of the car.
"Hey, Esme?" she asked, "What's the credit limit on this card, anyway?"
"No limit of course," Esme answered.
"Holy crow," Bella breathed.
The others burst into laughter at the look of horror on Bella's face.
When the women arrived home, after a long but jovial day of shopping, the outside Christmas lights had been put up. The guys had even strung lights on trees along the winding driveway. The effect was lovely, and everyone tried to describe it all to Bella. She couldn't really grasp the concept, since being born blind she'd never actually seen light, but she smiled and enjoyed the commotion anyway.
"I missed you today," Edward told her, as they settled in the living room.
"I missed you, too," she answered.
Edward sat on the couch and pulled Bella down onto his lap.
"Did you have fun?" he asked, nuzzling her neck.
"Oh yes! You'd think it would have been a madhouse out there, but though there were crowds, everyone seemed to be in the Christmas spirit. It was cool and brisk outside, so when the stores became nearly claustrophobic, we could just step outside to get some air. We did tons of shopping, and I feel like I'm shopped out for the next century, but it really was a blast."
"Judging by the thoughts of the others," Edward remarked, "Everyone enjoyed themselves as much as you seem to have done."
Esme brought Bella a cup of hot chocolate.
"It's quite cold out this evening," she explained, "And we've been on the go since dawn. I thought you might enjoy a hot drink."
"Thanks," Bella said.
She took the cup between both hands, reveling in the warmth. The chocolate smelled delicious. She took a small sip and sighed with pleasure.
"So, Bellarina, what did you get me for Christmas?" Emmett asked.
"What makes you think I got you anything?" Bella replied, bringing the cup to her face to try to hide her smile.
"Ah, come on," Emmett wheedled, "I know you wouldn't have forgotten me."
Bella just grinned and sipped her chocolate.
"She got you a lump of coal for being such a bad boy," Jasper said.
"Ah, Jas, did you have to give it away?" Bella cried, "It is supposed to be a surprise."
"Oops," Jasper said, unrepentant.
"Seriously, Teddy, whatever I got you, if I got you something, that is for me to know and you to find out on Christmas morning."
"I'll remember that, little sister," Emmett said, "Just wait."
When she'd finished her chocolate, Bella began to fidget. She'd been touching her new ring all day, marveling at its beauty, and the meaning behind it, but now she was touching it in an almost feverish show of nerves. She knew she needed to get the call to her mother over with, and she was not looking forward to it.
Edward noticed her anxiety growing and guessed what it meant.
"Would you like to call your mother now?" Edward asked, taking Bella's empty cup and placing it on the end table.
"Yes, I think I'd better call her," Bella answered, "I don't want her to hear it from anyone else, and putting it off won't make her answer any any easier to hear."
"Perhaps it won't be as bad as you fear?"
"Oh, it will be bad," Bella sighed, "But I'm prepared for that. Imagine how it would have been if Charlie didn't know the truth, and we had to tell him."
"You have a point."
As Bella reached in her purse to get her iPhone, the rest of the family came to join them. They each stopped to touch her shoulder or give her a quick hug, trying to let her know they were there to support her. Edward took her hand as she told the voice command on the phone to call Renée.
"Bella, hi honey," Renee cried exuberantly when she answered.
"Hi Mom. How was your Thanksgiving?"
"Oh it was wonderful," Renée said, "Phil and I had dinner with friends. We're just relaxing today. I told you we're going on a cruise for Christmas, didn't I? Oh, yes, I'm sure I told you that. Of course we'll be back in time for your visit, so don't worry about getting here and finding us gone or anything."
Renée said everything in a rush, as if she might lose the power of speech if she didn't talk fast enough. Bella smiled indulgently as she listened to her mother go on and on about the little happenings in her life.
"Hey, Mom, I've got something to tell you," Bella said, breaking in to the flow.
"Oh, of course, what is it? Did you have a nice thanksgiving?"
"Yes, we had a wonderful day," Bella answered, "Charlie had dinner with us here too, and we all ate way too much food as usual."
"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Renée drew breath, ready to rush into another long description of her life.
"Mom, I have important news for you," Bella said firmly, "Hold onto your thoughts for a minute and listen, ok?"
Renée apologized, promising to listen.
Bella smiled again. She and her mother had reversed roles for so long, but today, she just wanted her mother to be a mother. She wanted her to squeal with excitement and to gush about wedding dresses and honeymoons. She didn't expect Renée to react that way. Bella drew a deep breath and blurted it out.
"Mom, Edward asked me to marry him, and I said yes. I'm engaged."
There was a moment of silence, and then Renee burst into peals of laughter.
"Mom?"
"Oh, Bella, that's hilarious," Renée said, still laughing, "What do you mean by trying to pull such a joke on me? You can't fool me with this one. I raised you better than that. Of course you're not engaged. You really had me going there for a minute though, sweety."
"I'm not joking," Bella said calmly, "I am engaged. Edward asked me yesterday, and I said yes. You should see the beautiful ring he gave me. Mom, I'm so happy!"
Renée stopped laughing. She realized that Bella didn't sound like she was joking.
"Bella? Are you seriously telling me that you are engaged?"
"Yes."
"That is ridiculous!" Renée snapped, "You are only 18, and you have no business getting engaged at such an age. Ridiculous."
"Mom," Bella tried to interrupt.
"What is it? Are you pregnant or something? You have options, you know. We can do something about it if you are pregnant—"
"Mom!" Bella yelled into the phone.
"Charlie must be livid," Renée babbled on, "You are absolutely not getting married, and that's final."
She stopped speaking, drawing a deep breath, confident she had put a stop to any idea Bella had about getting married.
"Are you listening now?" Bella asked quietly, "Mom, I'm not pregnant, and I am getting married to Edward, the sooner the better."
"I don't understand this," Renée wailed, "You have years to tie yourself down, Bella. You're acting like some trailer trash hick down in the south or something, like Loretta Lynn getting married at 14. Smart, educated girls don't get married at 18. You just can't do this to me."
Esme moved to sit next to Bella as Renée's tirade continued. Alice and Rose had hissed at the trailer trash comment. Carlisle bowed his head in grief for Bella, and Emmett and Jasper exchanged furious glances. Emmett clenched his fists, and Jasper squeezed the arm of the chair near him so hard it cracked in his grasp. They were all outraged on Bella's behalf. How could her own mother talk that way to her?
"Thank God she has Esme to be a real mother type," Carlisle thought. Edward nodded at Carlisle, agreeing.
Bella bit her lip and swallowed hard. She'd known her mother would react this way, but still, she'd hoped for something different. Renée's words cut deep into her heart. She wanted to cry, but she was determined that her mother would not know how badly she was hurt.
Edward held Bella tighter against him, trying to lend support, wanting her to know how much he loved her. He kissed her hair and whispered his love to her, as she pulled herself together.
On Bella's other side, Esme took her hand and squeezed.
Bella took a deep breath.
"I'm really sorry you feel this way, Mom," Bella said, "I am going to marry Edward. I didn't call to ask your approval. I just wanted you to hear it from me. But there's nothing you can say to talk me out of it."
"What did your father say about this?" Renée asked, "There's no way Charlie would agree to his daughter getting married so young."
"Actually, he's ok with it. He understands."
"Well, I don't understand, so why don't you try to explain it to me? Explain why it is that my daughter feels the need to get married at 18."
Bella bit her lip. She couldn't explain, but even if she could, she was sure her mother would not be able to accept the concept of eternal mates and forever love.
"Look, Mom," she began, but Renée cut her off.
"Wait, you're engaged, but that doesn't mean you've set a wedding date. Good. Be engaged all you want, just don't get married for a few years. Better yet, you and Edward go to different colleges. Play the field, date other people, fool around, live some. I know that by the time you've been through your first year of college, this marriage nonsense will be out of your head. You're just in love for the first time, and it's romantic and exciting. But if you're not careful, you'll find yourself in the same situation as me, married with a baby and not even 20 years old."
"Are you sorry you had me?" Bella asked, fighting back the quaver in her voice.
"Of course I'm not sorry," Renée said, "You are the very best thing that ever happened to me, Bella. But you know that getting married at your age is foolish and doomed to fail, just like me and your dad. I want you to experience life, get a career, do all that growing, even being a little wild, before you settle down with some man."
"I'm not you," Bella reminded her, "I'm not going to make your mistakes. You can't relive your life through me. I have to do things my way, follow my own path, my own dreams. Every path, and every dream I have all lead to Edward. There will never be any changing of hearts for either of us."
Renée sighed.
"Oh, Bella, you are so naïve. Of course you think that now, but it just isn't true. You don't meet the love of your life at 18."
"It doesn't matter, as I said," Bella interrupted, "Edward and I are engaged, and we will be getting married, soon."
Bella felt calm. She'd been hurt and angry, but those feelings were pushed away for now. The Cullens surrounded her with love and acceptance, and that had given her confidence and surety. She knew her mother would always feel the way she did, and Bella decided just to accept it and not try to argue about it. It wasn't worth it, considering the short amount of time she had left to be a part of Renée's life.
"Look, Mom, I love you, and I want you to accept this. But even if you don't, I'm not going to change my mind. I would like you to be at my wedding, but the choice is up to you."
"You never did tell me when this wedding is supposed to happen," Renée replied.
Bella scrambled in her mind. They hadn't set a date yet, but she didn't want to admit that to her mother. She latched onto the first date that came into her mind.
"Spring Break," she blurted, "March 20, to be exact, the first day of spring and the first day of spring break this year."
Everyone in the room looked shocked. Alice beamed, trying not to squeal with excitement. Edward smiled. He'd marry Bella the next day if he could get her to agree.
"Spring Break! This year! While you are still in high school!" Renée shrieked, "And what is everybody in that nothing little town of yours going to say or assume when you get married before even graduating from high school? They will assume you are pregnant. Are you crazy?"
"I don't give a damn what any of them think or assume," Bella said, "After high school, I won't see any of them again, so their opinions don't matter. The decision has been made between Edward and me, and we are the only ones who count in this."
"I can't even begin to grasp all this," Renée moaned, "Bella, I can't deal with you right now. I need to take some time and think. I am not happy about this young lady, but I'll have more to say to you when I see you at New Year. I need to go."
"Ok, I love you, Mom," Bella said, "No matter what you think of me, or what happens in the future, always know that I love you."
Renée hung up without another word, and Bella tapped her phone to end the call.
"I'm so sorry you had to deal with that, sweetheart," Esme said, pulling Bella into her arms.
"I understand her," Bella sighed, "Really, I've listened to her warnings about marrying young all my life. If it wasn't for Edward, I'd feel the same way, so I get it. But it still hurts."
"Of course it hurts," Esme agreed.
"She'll be plotting for our visit," Bella said, "Prepare yourself, Edward, she'll try to change your mind, too, and she will hassle us during our entire stay."
"She can try all she wants," Edward said, "I won't be changing my mind."
"I know. I just wanted you to be prepared for the attack when it comes."
"We're all sorry you had to go through that," Carlisle said, "You are a very strong young woman. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to go through this, when you can't tell your mother the truth. Just know that we are all here for you."
The others agreed.
"You should perhaps warn Charlie," Edward suggested, "I have a feeling Renée will be descending upon him, metaphorically, and taking him to task for allowing you to get involved with me."
"You are probably right," Bella exclaimed, "Let me call him real quick."
Bella called Charlie and explained what had happened between her and Renée.
"Thanks for the warning, kid," Charlie chuckled, "We knew she'd react badly to the news."
"I'm afraid she will call and yell at you," Bella said.
"Oh, I'm sure she will. Don't worry, Bells, I can deal with her. In fact, when she gets to be too much, let me know and I'll take care of it."
"Do you know how glad I am that you are my dad?" Bella asked, "And so glad you know the truth about everything."
"Same goes for me," Charlie answered gruffly, "Don't worry about your mom for now. Just enjoy being engaged. Is Alice driving you crazy yet?"
"Not yet, but I'm sure she's using all her restraint to keep from tackling me after I blurted out about getting married during Spring Break!"
Bella laughed, and the others, including Charlie joined in.
"No kidding," Emmett called loud enough for Charlie to hear, "Jasper's just about nailing her to the seat to keep her from flying clear through the roof!"
"Seriously, Spring Break for a wedding?" Charlie asked.
"I just blurted out the first date that popped into my head," Bella admitted, "But you know, I kinda like it the more I think about it."
"And the complete joy in the idea that is coming off Edward practically makes me feel high," Jasper laughed.
"Wait, how would you know what it's like to feel high?" Emmett questioned.
"Well, I've been around plenty of humans when they are—"
"Boys," Esme said, and they shut up.
"It must be a crazy household for Carlisle and Esme," Charlie commented, "Don't know how they handle all of you. Anyway, Bells, let me deal with your mom. Just relax and enjoy being engaged and planning the wedding. Don't let the outside world get to you this weekend."
"Thanks, Dad."
As soon as Bella put her phone back in her purse, Alice broke from Jasper's grasp and flung herself across the room.
"Spring Break, huh? March 20, oh Bella, that's a perfect date! It gives us time to plan—not that I couldn't plan something lovely in a month if necessary of course. But this will be perfect. Let me see."
She trailed off, looking to the future.
"Yes, it will be lovely to have it that day."
"Alice, we haven't decided on that date for sure, remember," Bella cautioned her.
"But you will," Alice trilled, "And yes, I know, no planning without your input, nothing over the top extravagant, a mix of contemporary and old-fashioned. I can hardly wait to get started!"
"Do you mind if we get started tomorrow?" Bella asked teasingly, "I'm wiped out from the day and Renée. Let's just relax."
"Yes, let's relax," Esme agreed, "We usually watch some Christmas movies tonight. Would you enjoy that, Bella, or would you prefer to go up to your room and rest?"
"Which movies?"
"Well, Emmett will want to watch A Christmas Story," Rose began.
"You'll shoot your eye out!" Emmett and Bella shouted together.
Emmett bounced over to Bella and gave her a gentle—for him—fist bump.
"Oh, Lord, not two of them," Carlisle mumbled.
"And Esme wants It's a Wonderful Life," Alice continued, "Edward wants Meet Me in St. Louis."
"I love all those movies," Bella said, "Let's watch them. If I fall asleep, just throw an afghan over me or something. I want to stay here with everyone."
"Yes, love, just relax and enjoy the evening. There's time for everything else tomorrow."
They all settled down to watch the movies. Everyone laughed through the first one, quoting favorite lines, shouting out the famous shoot your eye out, every time it came up. They all sang the "fa ra ra ra ra" at the end, laughing as they did.
"You know, Rosie," Emmett said, when the leg lamp appeared, "That leg has nothing on yours. You could model for your very own leg lamp. Maybe I could take a picture of your legs and have someone make me one."
"Shut up, Emmett," the whole family yelled, and rose gave him a slap on his head.
"I love you, you big goof," Rose added.
Bella started to drift in and out during It's a Wonderful Life. She fought sleep, because she loved the movie, and she wanted to bask in the comfort of being with the family along with the thrill of being engaged to Edward. She sat up a little, still wrapped in Edward arms.
"I've always loved this movie," Jasper commented, "You're like George Bailey, Carlisle. You try to do good always, and you see the good in everything and everyone, whenever possible. This movie always gives me hope, sort of makes me think of how much better my life is because of this family."
Bella dozed off as the last movie began.
"This one isn't really about Christmas," Alice said, "Why do you like it so much, Edward?"
"Judy Garland was fantastic," he answered, "A very sad woman, to be sure, but she could sing like none other in her day. I think the concert of hers I attended is one of the best performances I have ever seen."
Bella woke up again, in time to hear Judy begin to sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. As she lay contentedly against Edward, he started humming the song, softly so as not to miss hearing the actress singing.
"I love that song," Bella murmured, drifting off to sleep again.
"And I love you, pretty girl," Edward whispered into her hair.
From across the room, Esme watched them. She would make this the best Christmas ever, because at last, her family was complete. She cuddled against Carlisle with a smile of contentment on her lips.
End Notes:
If you haven't seen any of the three Christmas movies I mentioned, check them all out. I still get teary at the end of Wonderful Life, laugh my head off every year at Christmas Story and marvel at Judy Garland's voice in St. Louis.
Recs
I am so excited to announce this rec!
When the Dust Settles, by She is Divine
This story is a collaboration between Divine Inspiration and Shelikesthesound. I have the honor to be a prereader for it, and I absolutely adore the story. It has characters like none other I've read, twists that turn typical canon elements on their heads, and is one of the most fun, sweetest, funniest I've ever read. Please check it out. Summary and link below.
Summary: Where do you go and what do you do when war takes away everything that matters to you? Army Sergeant Edward Cullen has to find out and learns new, important lessons about family, friendship, and love along the way. AH.
http:/ www . fanfiction . net/s/7386023/1/
Impending Doom, by PhoenixRN
Bella has been abused all her life by her mother and the men in Renée's life. Eventually, as an adult, she breaks away and moves to Forks to live with her father, a man she doesn't know at all. She has a severe anxiety disorder due to the abuse. Edward and his much younger sister have suffered a terrible tragedy. Can these two broken souls help each other heal?
This is a fantastic story with characters you will ache for and cheer for. The sequel is under way and nearly finished. The author is a wonderful person who I am truly enjoying getting to know. Give this a chance and send her some love.
http:/ www . fanfiction . net/s/7089683/1/Impending_Doom