Chapter 33: Proposing

After the wonderful morning, Rosalie insisted they should watch a Christmas movie. That turned out in a huge fight between everyone. Rosalie and Alice wanted to watch A Wonderful Life, while Emmett, and possibly Edward, though he didn't voice it, wanted to see Home Alone, Jasper surprised them by wanting to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Since everyone said their opinion, Esme voiced hers, wanting to watch A Christmas Carol then Bella quipped up about Frosty the Snowman.

"Enough!" Carlisle shouted over everyone's chatter. "I am the head of this…family – I can't even call you that right now." Everyone looked away, keeping their mouths shut. "I get to decide." No one contradicted him.

They ended up watching The Chipmunks. Edward was laughing harder than anyone when he heard his movie choice. Who thought Carlisle would like a kid movie? Maybe it was revenge for their childish behavior.

Once the movie started, Edward could barely concentrate. He was having a bad day as the little chipmunks were squeaking. A horrible day. His mind went back to a few hours ago when he thought his heart would break in two when he had heard Bella saying 'No way.'

Why, oh why, is Alice always right? Edward was envisioning Bella saying 'yes' in the back of his mind, a radiant smile on her face, but as always not every dream becomes reality. Reality is cruel.

He sighed and lowered further into the couch, glancing at Bella who was captivated by the movie. He watched her hand that was resting between them and grasped it in his, making her jump. Edward smirked, happy he could surprise her from time to time. She didn't turn to him, but moved a little closer. He put her hand on his lap and traced invisible shapes on it.

Edward thought back when he wrote the letter to Carlisle. That had been the hardest thing he had ever done. After crumbling paper after paper, he had taken a break and about an hour later, the letter was written. He'd told Carlisle things he had read in the old letters on the Internet, things about himself he was sure Carlisle didn't know, things he planned to do.

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Edward knocked on the door of Carlisle's study, feeling his heart in his throat.

"Come in, Edward," he called from inside.

Edward was a little surprised he knew it was him until he realized his beating heart was giving him away. Dang.

"Hel…ello," he stuttered, closing the door behind him.

Carlisle's head snapped up and he watched Edward surprised. "Are you alright?"

"I have…ummm…we need to talk," he told him, gulping. It felt like the letter was burning in his jeans pocket.

"Sit down. Are you sure you are well?" he asked concerned.

"Positive." Edward nodded, his voice shaking badly.

"I'm listening to you," Carlisle said, linking his fingers on top of the desk.

Edward fished for the piece of paper and put it on the desk in front of him, keeping his palm on it. Carlisle watched it curiously. "You're the only one I can ask this. I could just ask her, but she would appreciate this. I think." He shrugged.

"Edward?"

Edward bit his lip and swallowed. "You're sort of like Bella's father. I know this is the right way to do it so I'd like you to look over this." He pushed the letter toward Carlisle's hands.

"My decision won't stop you from doing what you want, I hope."

He looked away. "I'd appreciate to have your approval," he mumbled.

Carlisle smiled genuinely. "Before I read this, just so you know, Edward, I'm sure her father, bless him, would approve of you."

"You think?" Edward asked surprised and with some hope in his voice.

"I'm sure. You're a decent young man and everything a father would like for his daughter." Carlisle leaned back, opening the letter.

Was that true? Would her real father approve? Edward imagined himself again in that time, pacing in front of an office while her father read his letter. He'd be sweating probably, wishing her father found him worthy for his daughter. Carlisle had already given his blessing, well not in so many words, but still.

"This is impressive."

Edward's eyes shot to his golden ones. "What is it?" He frowned.

"You put a lot of thought in this. Do you have a ring?" He wondered, folding the letter and placing it on the desk.

"It's at the jeweler. I'm making it look better."

Carlisle smiled, nodding. "Do you really want to hear it from me?" he asked amused when Edward kept staring at him. He nodded. "You have my blessing, Edward."

Edward exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank you, Carlisle."

Carlisle rounded his desk and Edward got up, nearly falling. He chuckled and caught him in a hug. "Don't be so nervous. It's not like I will stay in between you two. When I see love, I know it comes from the depths of the heart and soul."

"It means a lot to me that you read the letter," Edward told him, taking a step back.

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Edward snapped back from the memory when he heard Bella laughing at what was on the television. Alvin was being Alvin. He grinned and decided to focus on the movie. She had told him to surprise her. That's what he'd do.

Alice had promised she would talk to Rose and work on the wedding preparations. He just had to get Bella to say 'yes' which turned out to be extremely difficult.

After the movie was over, Emmett brought out the second part, but Edward didn't feel like hearing more squeaks. Besides, he was hungry and he had just realized he needed to call his parents and tell them 'Happy Christmas' like a good son that he was supposed to be.

"I'll be right back," he whispered to Bella.

She shot him a worried look. "Are you hungry?"

"A bit. I'll be fine." He kissed her cheek and got up. Edward didn't realize Emmett was sprawled on the floor and he stumbled over his legs, falling on top of him.

"Hey!" Emmett shouted. "Stop molesting me, your girl's over there!" He pointed behind him.

Edward got up, grumbling and kicked his side then hopped to the kitchen on one foot, cursing him and stroking his big toe.

"That's what you deserve if you hit a vampire!" Emmett shouted after Edward.

"Go to hell," Edward grumbled, not even realizing he allowed the words out of his mouth.

"Sorry to disappoint, I'm already there. Contrary to common belief it's quite nice."

Edward let out a frustrated sound and gripped the wooden ladle in his hand. He had to stay calm. Emmett was always getting to him. Edward focused on the food in front of him.

"No witty come back?" Emmett mocked from the other room.

Edward stomped out of the kitchen and went back to Emmett's side, hitting him with the ladle, which after two hits gave away and broke in half, resulting in a splinter in Edward's finger.

"Ow," he mumbled, letting the broken ladle drop on Emmett's head as he clutched his finger. He stomped back to the kitchen, trying to take out the offending splint.

"Let me help," Bella whispered from behind him, scaring him shitless.

Edward jumped and whirled around, clutching at his heart. She gave him a small smile, extending her hand. He put his in hers, but then he saw the needle in her other hand.

"No!" He whimpered, panicked. He hated needles.

"I'm just taking it out." Bella smiled.

"No! Get that away from me." He snatched his hand back, cradling it to his chest.

"You're acting like a little kid," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Bella, you can take it out without the needle!" Edward protested.

"No, I can't. You won't even feel it."

Edward shook his head, his hair falling in his eyes. "Please, no." He was aware everyone could hear his tantrum, but he had to keep the needle away.

"I'll stop if it hurts."

Before he could protest again, she grasped his hand, immobilized his middle finger and approached the needle. Edward squeezed his eyes, clenching his muscles.

"Relax, it would hurt otherwise," she whispered.

"Why don't you stick a needle in your finger and try to relax?" He shot back.

"It won't go in," she giggled.

"Argh!" He yelped when the needle prickled his skin. He didn't look, knowing he might get sick.

"Oh, it's a big one," she murmured.

"I know," Edward said through greeted teeth. At the same time, he heard Emmett from the other room. "That's what she said!"

Bella ignored him, and Edward was too wound up to mind him. "I'll have it out soon. Just relax."

"I can't freaking relax when you have that in me!"

"Here it comes…"

"OUCH!"

"It's out!" Bella exclaimed.

A tickle of blood oozed from where the needle had been and before he knew what happened, he saw a flash of Bella's hair then and felt something cold on his finger. A second later, she was straight, beaming, licking her lips. She had just licked him.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Emmett asked obnoxiously from the doorway. "You sounded like you were giving birth."

"It's only your fault!" Edward hissed.

Jasper had to intervene to calm the spirits, taking Emmett back with him once they were all calm and peaceful. Bella heated some food for Edward while he called his mom.

"Are you having a good Christmas?" she asked for the third time.

"Yes, Mom. I told you," he insisted. Why did she have to sense that something wasn't right?

"You haven't mentioned…anything."

"I…chickened out," he mumbled shooting Bella a grin when she cocked her eyebrow.

"You're not ready." She had thought that he was more than ready, but he didn't point that out. "I'm sure she'll love the ring."

"Mooom. How was your Christmas?" he asked, steering her away from the subject.

"The first quiet Christmas in seventeen years," she answered amused.

"Now I know why you used to send me to bed at six in the evening," he grumbled.

She laughed. "You have two presents from your friends."

"What? Who?" he asked, surprised.

"Jake dropped by earlier," she explained.

"Oh, crap! I forgot. I have to call him too."

She laughed again. "What would you do without me?"

"My room will be full post it notes," he joked.

Edward heard a rustle from the other side. "Sorry, Edward. I have to go help your father. He decided to prepare our lunch and I really don't want a trip to ER on Christmas."

"Do I have to send Carlisle over, just in case?" he asked amused.

She giggled. "That would be wise. Have a good day."

"Thanks, Mom. Bye."

Edward called Jake, and they talked for a few minutes before he finally focused on his food. Bella sat next to him despite his complaints.

"You really don't have to stay here," he insisted between bites.

"Where would I go? I know the movie and besides, you're far more interesting."

"I'm sure. It's fascinating to watch me eat," he grumbled.

"I'm only returning the favor if I can say that," Bella answered, smiling. He looked at her confused. "You watched me feed, I'm watching you feed."

Edward snorted. "You feeding is far more interesting than me eating this." He pointed to the steak. "I'd love to see you…hunt."

"After you're changed."

"Why?" He fought the urge to pout.

"Because I could turn on you. I don't want to hurt you anymore."

He sighed and focused on cutting the steak.

In the late afternoon, Bella wanted to take a walk outside and he seized up the opportunity. He bundled up since it was snowing and the degrees were dangerously low – no need to get sick.

He took her hand and they left the house, but not before he caught Alice's wink. He swallowed thickly and led the way through the trees. They didn't talk, but he didn't mind. It wasn't uncomfortable – actually, it was wonderful.

Bella stopped walking and lay down. "Sit with me."

He thought about it for a second then complied. Damn with the cold I'll get!

"You're really quiet," she whispered, putting her head on his shoulder. "It's only my fault."

"Don't say that," he insisted. "I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm so freaking nervous. I don't know how to do it…"

"Just do it," she said softly, taking his hand. It was almost warm and that meant one thing – he should have worn gloves.

"I can't just do it, Bella. I planned the perfect way to ask you and…I simply can't do it how I wanted."

"I don't need anything grand. I should have answered you the first time you asked me on my birthday."

"Now, I have the ring. Then I wasn't even sure what I was doing," he admitted.

She giggled, squeezing his hand. "When you say planning, what do you mean?"

"Uhh… I sort of…asked Carlisle first…through a letter," Edward mumbled, embarrassed.

"You what?" she asked shocked. "That's something a man would have done…" She trailed off. Her hand went to her mouth as she watched him with wide eyes. "Oh, Edward! You shouldn't have!"

"Already did." He grinned, shrugging. "Hardest thing I've done in my life."

"I'm sure." She kissed his cheek.

He watched her amber eyes for a few minutes then tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear. "I love you so much, Bella."

"I love you, as well." She smiled and leaned in his hand, closing her eyes. He gathered all his courage and stuck his hand in his jeans pocket for the ring as he leaned to kiss her. It was a small kiss, filled with all his love for her. When he leaned back, taking a gulp of the cold air combined with her sweet scent, he was ready.

Edward took her hand that was resting on her lap and opened her palm, putting the velvet box there. He was going to say a string of cliché things and he couldn't give a fuck.

"Bella, firstly, you know how much I love you and that I'll do anything for you. I'll literally give my life for you, and I will in a few months. I can't wait to start forever with you." He took another breath, his mouth going dry. "Will you marry me? I promise to love you for the rest of eternity."

Her breath hitched although she didn't need to breathe. "Yes," Bella answered softly but surely.

Edward tried to open the velvet box and managed to knock it into the snow, making her laugh. He picked it up and finally opened it. Her eyes widened and became shiny.

"Oh."

"You like it?" he asked, nervously.

"Is it a rhetorical question?" Bella murmured, never taking her eyes off the ring. "What stone is…this?" she whispered, touching the topaz stone.

He felt his face turning red, and averted his eyes. "It's…topaz," he mumbled, wishing she didn't hear it. "I know it's stupid," he added.

"It's very thoughtful. I might have hurt you if there was a big diamond," she teased.

Edward beamed, glad he knew her so well. "Can I…" He gestured to her left hand. "You know…put it on?"

She smiled and offered her left hand. It was that moment when he realized what he was doing. Edward had just asked Bella to marry him and she said yes. She was going to be his wife.

He picked the ring between shaky fingers and slipped it on her ring finger. Then he took her face in his hands and smashed his lips to hers, kissing her as daringly as possible. Edward wished she'd open her mouth. The moment was broken by a small annoying pixie jumping on top of them, squealing.

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The next morning, they decided to visit his parents. Edward could finally introduce her as his fiancée.

When he turned onto his street, Bella made a face and put her hand over her nose, shooting him a smile. He had guests. Great.

"Oh, come on!" He protested. "How bad can they smell?"

"You will know soon enough," she answered, dropping her hand from her face.

"I thought we wouldn't be here when…you know?"

"Oh right. Too bad. We can visit in case you really want to know how they smell. I told you with what you should compare it – wet dog smell." She made another face.

He chuckled and parked behind Jake's car. "Yeah, dogs stink when they're wet." Edward nodded.

"How do you know that? You have a cat," she said confused.

Edward glanced at her. "Ben has a dog." He shuddered. "When he comes inside after being in the rain…" He made a gagging sound. "Yeah, I understand you."

Bella laughed and got out of the car. He met her on her side and took her hand. "Ready?"

"Yeah. Let's do this."

Edward entered without knocking since it is his house. He could hear Jake's loud and obnoxious voice over his dad's as they talked about something. He looked at Bella and rolled his eyes.

"I'm home!" He shouted and earned a slap from Bella. "What?" He feigned innocence.

"You know what. They already know you're home," she whispered.

Elizabeth appeared from the kitchen and hugged him tightly. "I thought you weren't coming back until after New Year." She kissed her son's cheeks then turned to Bella. She took her hands and regarded her for a moment then hugged her tightly. Bella shot him a smile over his mom's shoulder.

Edward went into the living room and saw his dad with Jake on the couch watching a game of basketball. He was sure it was a rerun.

"I see how it is. You're adopting him," Edward grumbled, plopping on the armchair.

"I won't hold my breath. I don't know which one of you is worse," his mom said from the doorway.

Edward caught Jake's eye and chuckled. "I'm good," he said grinning, looking over at his mom.

"Sure you are. When you want to be, you're the ideal child."

His dad caught his eye and raised an eyebrow. Edward nodded, feeling his face and neck going red. He beamed, proud of his son.

Bella helped his mom bring hot cocoa to the living room then sat on Edward's lap since his mom strategically occupied the other armchair and his dad stretched on the couch, not that Bella would have sat next to Jacob.

All subjects they talked about ended up in discussing Bella's ring or if they had set a date.

Last night, after they had gone back to the house, Edward told Bella about his plan. She was happy Alice and Rose had agreed to help with the wedding, but the couple got to decide what they wanted to wear, who to invite and where to go on the honeymoon. Edward was going to take over the last part, although he hadn't even thought about it before. In his mind, there was a little wedding in Forks and then they were leaving somewhere far away so he could change. There was no honeymoon in the equation, and he had voiced his thoughts the previous night. Bella agreed with him that they wouldn't need one. Everyone else insisted they should have one for at least one weekend somewhere. It was customary to have a honeymoon.

"I can help you with the dress," Elizabeth said conversantly.

"Hello! I'm your son… standing right here," Edward pointed out.

She waved him off. "You talk to your father about your tux." Then she refocused on Bella. "Whenever you're ready, come to me," she told her.

"Thank you. It means a lot," Bella murmured.

"Did you set a date?" Jake asked, his eyes were a little narrowed. He wasn't really asking about the wedding.

"Probably in June, after my birthday." Edward shrugged.

"I see." He looked away, his leg bouncing.

"Would you bring more hot cocoa, honey?" His mom broke the tension.

Edward immediately got up, leaving Bella in his place and went to grab the pot with hot cocoa from the counter. Before he could leave the kitchen, he saw Jake had followed.

"Look, I don't even know what to tell you," he started.

"Then don't say anything."

"I can tell you that I'm happy," he went on. "Because, I really am. You're my best friend and I can see that you're happy. Just…" Here it goes. "…are you definitely sure you want this?"

"Jacob," he hissed. "We've been over this a thousand times. I'll do anything just to be beside Bella. Forever."

Jake dropped his eyes. "At least, promise me one thing."

"What?" Edward snapped, losing his patience.

"Don't do it here. Some of us aren't as understanding as Leah or me."

"Meaning Sam and Paul?" he asked.

"Yeah, Jared too." He nodded.

"We aren't going to do that here. Don't worry. We're just getting married in Forks," Edward explained.

They went back to the living room and Edward found Ginger snuggled on Bella's lap, purring as she stroked his little head, which shot up when Edward approached. He put the pot on the table and his mom promptly took it, filling the cups. Ginger leaped in his extended palms. Edward hugged him close to his shoulder, and perched on the arm of the armchair.

"He missed you," his dad said. "I found him sleeping in your bed. Yesterday he mewled for about an hour, looking at your bed."

"You can take him with us," Bella whispered, putting her hand on his knee.

Edward looked down in the blue eyes of the cat and nodded. "Yeah, I will." For a wild second, he thought Ginger grinned. It must have been his imagination.

The cat jumped off his lap and ran up the stairs. Edward looked after him confused. A few minutes later, he came back with his toy mouse in his mouth. It was his way of 'packing' for an overnight sleep. They all laughed at the silly kitten.