The next months of Emmett's first year were relatively uneventful. With the exception of his growing feelings toward Rosalie and the strengthening of their bond, nothing happened.
The family's bond grew just as strong as Rosalie's and Emmett's. They sat around the radio like an ordinary family. Carlisle usually reading a book with Esme either sitting at his side or draped across the couch with her head against his knee. Edward and Emmett listened to the sport games, joking about how they should gather some nomads and have a game.
Rosalie usually sat back, smiling at her two brothers as they punched and jabbed each other, rolling across the floor.
Sometimes their sparing was taken outside, which presented a danger to the forest as well as anything inhabiting it.
The two crashed through the trees, rolling and grunting and laughing like monkeys. Rosalie and Esme just watched from the house shaking their heads silently.
As time passed and his strength diminished to what it would be forever, Emmett became more at ease. He no longer had to fear his unbridled strength or his overwhelming thirst. It was becoming easier to go into town with Esme or Rosalie and not want to lunge at every human passing. It seemed as if all of the pieces were falling into place. All but one.
He and Rosalie were exceptionally close and everyone noticed. Their chemistry was electrifying and filled the air in the house with sparks. Every time they were near each other either Emmett's hands were in some way on her or the other way around. But it just didn't feel like enough. For some reason he craved something more.
The family sat in the living room, a comedy show playing softly on the radio. Esme was drawing in her new sketch book beside Carlisle on the couch. Carlisle had his nose in his latest book, 'The Human Mind' by Karl Menninger. Rosalie and Emmett were playing a game of chess on the floor. Rosalie was laying gracefully on her stomach, while Emmett sprawled himself out on the wood like a giant bear skin. Rosalie was excited as she finally had a partner, as Carlisle was too busy, Esme didn't like chess all too much and Edward was a cheater. She smiled as Emmett moved his knight, brushing his hand across her wrist with a smirk.
Edward rolled his eyes from the arm chair, trying to drown out his sibling's thoughts. He was beginning to dread this behavior as he foresaw another proposal coming. This would be the second engagement he'd have to sit through and a possible elaborate wedding he'd have to be a part of. Not to mention he'd have to endure listening to raunchy thoughts from Emmett. Not as if it'd be different from their normal day to day; he still thought the most obscene things when Rosalie was near, but it would just be doubled after a engagement. In the direction Emmett's thoughts were recently traveling, he wouldn't have to wait too long. He let out a groan, his eyes rolling dramatically as Esme smiled up at him.
Just as Edward predicted, Emmett was planning a proposal and wanted his assistance. Edward tried to plead with him, but Emmett promised a great bribe in exchange for his involvement.
"It better be something really great!" Edward said folding his arms as they walked along the lake.
"It will, just say what you want and I'll get it". Emmett smiled charismatically as Edward rolled his eyes.
"Well technically you should be asking me or Carlisle if you can marry Rose". He laughed heartily as Emmett joined in. "Because of course she's my 'sister' and Carlisle is her 'father'."
"And technically I'm her brother as well". Emmett said punching Edward's arm as he made a face.
"That is wrong on so many levels." Edward chuckled as Emmett shoved his hands into his pockets. "I do hope you guys take the honey moon somewhere far away".
Emmett punched him again as he laughed. "Why brother? You don't want the play by play ringing out in your ears"? He smirked as Edward covered his ears quickly.
"Yes. Please spare me the gory details." He said shaking his head as he stared over the lake's surface.
"Has Carlisle and Esme ever.. You know"? Emmett said as Edward looked at him with an eyebrow raised.
"How would I know"!? He squeaked in the most abashedly way. "Go ask them"!
"I'm just saying. You've been with them the longest. I'm just wondering if our kind actually does that kind of thing". Emmett said with a shrug as Edward gagged dramatically.
"So"? Edward said shaking his head roughly. "It's not as if I'm sticking my head in Carlisle's study saying 'So hey Carlisle have you and Esme consummated your union yet"?
Emmett laughed loudly, his head thrown back. "You're so blunt! I didn't mean it like that".
"Well I've left them on their own for periods of time. What they do then is their own business." Edward breathed deeply. "Carlilse and Esme are a very private couple, so even if they have they're not thinking about it so I would know".
"Well anyway". Emmett said looking over his shoulder sharply. "You in"? He muttered extending his hand as Edward sighed.
"I guess if I don't have a choice. You don't have to give me a gift just please take the honey moon else where". He smirked as Emmett nodded sharply.
"Can do". Emmett said as the two shook hands quickly before returning to the house.
The big night was prepared for Christmas Eve. Edward was to distract Rosalie all day and eventually bring her into town. Emmett and Esme had snuck off earlier in the week to pick out the most ridiculous, non Emmett outfit they could find.
When the day finally came and Edward walked up to Rosalie that morning, she had no idea what'd she'd be in for.