Disclaimer: None of this mine, nor do I claim to be Stephenie Meyer. I just like to dabble in the playground that she created with Bella, Edward and her Twilight characters. No copyright infringement is intended.
Anyway, the next chapter will be the MAC Christmas Eve celebration at Bella's place with everyone and then those magical words from Grinchy, plus some citrusy actions. Leave me your thoughts!
Chapter Thirty-Five
Bella
Alice and I were wandering around Whole Foods, in search of ingredients for Christmas Eve dinner, which was being held at my house in a matter of two days. I was woefully unprepared, panicking at the prospect of my team and Emmett's team coming over. Alice wanted to make a traditional family recipe for some fish salad. We were following Alice's traditions and she was raised Catholic, like me. But, her mom was Italian and they served seven fishes on Christmas Eve.
"Do you know how to make squid?" Alice asked, reading from an email she'd gotten from her mom.
"Ewww, Alice. No," I groaned. "Squid tastes like rubber bands and eating it without all the breading … that's sacrilege," I shuddered. "Nope. Nope. Nope. I'm drawing a line at squid."
"But, that makes seven," she pouted, thrusting her phone in my face. "It goes in the fish salad."
I read the recipe, wrinkling my nose. "If we omit the calamari from the salad, we could replace it with linguine and clam sauce. I think I have a recipe from my grandmother on my dad's side, who was also Italian. It's really good … filled with a lot of butter and numminess. Served over linguine with some crusty bread? That sounds much better than mini octupuses. Octupi?"
"Okay," she said. "I admit, the squid are disgusting. It was tradition, but I avoided them like the plague."
"So, why were you pushing the squid?" I quipped, tossing in some lettuce, cucumbers and red onions into the cart. "What do you need for the fish salad? It's not just fish, right? I only looked at the recipe to see that, in fact, it had squid in it."
"Here," she said. "How about we divide and conquer? I know we need to wrap presents for our significant others. Edward is over at my place with Jasper and the rest of the guys, invading my gift bag stash. Where's your sister?"
"She's spending time with Edward's parents. They're hanging out at the Christkindlmarket," I chuckled. "Edward and I wanted to bring Katie there, but we never had the time. With his leave due to his car accident and trying to make up for all that lost time, along with my responsibilities at MAC, we haven't had a chance. Hell, it was a miracle to get the decorations up this year."
"Let me call Rose and David, see if they want to come over for some holiday cheer at your place, yeah?" Alice chirped. "We can wrap presents, eat some cookies, drink some nog and watch White Christmas."
"Call your sister, too," I grinned. "I'll get the veggies and stuff for the fish salad. If you could get the fish?"
"Sounds like a plan," Alice nodded, darting off to the meat department. I picked up the vegetables for the fish salad. I also picked up the ingredients for the clam sauce along with several bottles of wine, an expensive bottle of scotch for Carlisle and some items for Katie's Christmas stocking.
Alice met me at the registers. "I'm going to have to take out a second mortgage to pay for all this fish," she snickered, loading it onto the conveyor belt.
"But, it's going to taste so good," I smirked. "Tonight, we'll have fun and tomorrow, you're coming over to make this fish salad. Apparently, it needs to marinate or steep or whatever."
"I also need to figure out how to cook crab legs," Alice retorted, wrinkling her nose. "You'll help me, right?"
"And by help, you mean do, right?" I teased as she swiped her credit card for the fish.
"Damn straight, bitch," Alice grinned. "You've seen me cook."
"No, no, I haven't. I've seen you order a lot of takeout," I quipped.
"Exactly," she nodded. "I want to have the traditions, but I can't do them. I should be able to do it, but I can't. I've been so focused on my career. I want to be able to share those traditions before I get married to Jasper."
"When is that happening? You were over-the-moon when you got engaged a year ago," I asked.
"We were planning on this coming summer, but Jasper's sister is having a baby around the time we were looking to get married. She announced it at Thanksgiving," Alice explained as we walked out to her car. "So, it'll be the following summer. You're going to be one of MOH's right?"
"What the fuck is a MOH?" I asked.
"Maid of Honor," she replied. "Cynthia is going to be one because she's my sister. It's required. But, Bells, you're my best friend. You need to be my MOH."
"Just don't put me in some hideous bridesmaid dress. I stood up for my friend, Angela's, wedding. The dress she put me in was this atrocious hot pink monstrosity with corsets and thigh-high slits and way too many sequins. The bridesmaid dress wasn't Angela's idea. It was pushed on her by her mother. Anyway, don't put me in a hot pink dress that makes me look like a high-end stripper, mmmkay?"
"Done," Alice laughed. "I promise. I'm thinking a tasteful navy or an elegant black option. I won't put my bestie in tasteless, tacky taffeta or sequins."
"You're a true giver, Ali."
We drove to my brownstone. Alice double-parked while we quickly unloaded the groceries. Rose and David were walking toward us, carrying bags from a local Thai place, Binny's liquor and their presents they would wrap while hanging out. I let them inside and we dropped the groceries in the kitchen. David walked back out with Alice to protect her while she parked. I lived in a safe neighborhood, but better safe than sorry.
Rose and I dished out the Thai food, setting things up on the counter after I'd put the groceries away in the refrigerator. "Do you want some wine?" I asked.
"A glass of that malbec," Rose said. "I need to get drunk tonight. Ever since Edward took that leave after his accident, I've been going nonstop."
"Sorry," I frowned.
"Oh, stop it. I've been loving it," she snickered as I gave her a glass of the red wine. "I got a kick-ass promotion out of the deal. Chief Operating Officer of Masen Advertising Corporation … along with an insane pay bump. Anyway, tonight, I don't want to be COO. I want to be a drunk woman, spending time with her girlfriends. No work, no drama, no Emmett …"
"What's up with Emmett?" I asked.
"Nothing," she sighed.
"Bullshit," I snorted.
She took a drink of her wine and picked up a fried wonton. "Emmett is struggling with my promotion. He's proud of me, but he hates that he's not getting paid more. It's misogynistic, but he was raised by a very traditional family where the man is the breadwinner. When I was in charge of HR, we got paid the same. He got a little more thanks to bonuses from clients, but the same. Now, I get paid a lot more. It's been a bone of contention and we've been fighting a lot."
"I'm sorry, Rose," I said. "I hope it doesn't cause a huge rift …"
"We're going to talk about it during the break between Christmas and New Year's," Rose said. "We're flying down to the Bahamas and reconnecting as a couple. I love Emmett. He's everything to me. I refuse to lose him over this."
"He'd be an idiot if he walked away," I said.
"I know that. He knows that," Rose sighed. "We'll be fine. A week with sun, sand, and sex and we'll be all good."
"And time to talk," I smiled.
"After the sex," Rose smirked as Alice and David came into the brownstone.
We ate dinner, polishing off the bottle of malbec. Opening another bottle of wine, we sat down in the living room, wrapping presents and putting them underneath the tree. After I'd come back in with Sam from his last walk of the night, I pulled out a notebook with my to-do list for Christmas Eve. I checked off wrapping presents and grocery shopping.
"So, what can we bring for this Christmas Eve celebration?" David asked, sipping his wine. "Shaw makes an amazing, well, everything. My sexy other half can cook like no other."
"We're having a seafood meal with Alice's fish salad and linguine and clam sauce," I replied.
"I think we can work with that," David beamed. "That sounds delicious." He rubbed Sam's ears. "What time should we be over?"
"Around three," I answered. "It gives me enough time to get things ready, but enough time for us to hang out. Alice, is Cynthia and the girls coming?"
"Yep, along with her new boyfriend, Garrett," Alice beamed.
"The guy from New Years?" Rose asked.
"They really hit it off and once Cynthia's husband was kicked to the curb, officially, Garrett stepped up in a big way. They're friends, lovers and so much more. He's everything that my sister deserved with Neil," Alice breathed.
Edward walked in the door, holding a huge bin of wrapped presents. "Should we call you Santa?" Rose quipped.
"Your guys are lazy and forced me to bring all of their wrapped gifts to put under our tree," Edward snorted. "I can also see that all of you were just as productive us, but your gifts look so much better."
"Thanks to David," Rose said, holding up her wine glass.
"I worked at a department store in the gift wrapping station at the holidays during college," David said. "I used my mad skills." He stood up and stretched. "Shall we go, Rose? You're my ride."
"Actually, you're mine," Rose giggled, her words slurring. "I'm too drunk. I'll give you money for a cab."
"Come on, boss-lady," David snickered, offering her his arm. She drunkenly took it, leaving the brownstone after giving Edward and me a hug.
"Are you okay, Alice?" Edward asked.
"Yeah. I'm good," Alice smiled. "I've got to be back here early to help make dinner for Christmas Eve. Bells, don't forget to look up how to make crab legs."
"I'll add it to my to-do list," I laughed. "Let me sleep in a little bit, okay? I'm usually up at dawn thanks to Kit Kat."
"Will she be back tomorrow?" Alice asked.
"After dance class," Edward replied. "Text Bella when you get home, okay? You may think you're sober … but …"
"I will," Alice smiled, kissing my cheek. "See you tomorrow, Bells. Love you."
"Love you, too," I grinned.
"Bye, Edward," she said, hugging him.
"Let me walk you to your car, Alice," he said. "I can take Sam out for another walk."
"First David, and now, you? What aren't you telling me about this neighborhood?" Alice asked, arching a brow.
"Alice, just humor him. He's the same way with me, too," I said. "I can't walk Sam after dark."
"You did tonight," Alice argued.
"No, I took him out to the backyard. There's a difference. There's a fence," I snickered.
Edward kissed me, offering an arm to Alice. She waved as they left and I picked up the mess from the evening. When everything was cleaned up, I made a quick list of things that needed to get done the following day. Ten minutes later, Edward and Sam came back. He slid his arms around my waist. "It's good to be home," he whispered, kissing my neck.
"Did you have fun with the boys?" I asked.
"For the most part. Emmett said that he's struggling with Rose's promotion," Edward sighed.
"Rose mentioned it to us, as well," I mumbled, turning in his arms. "Something about how he was raised …"
"We all talked to him, frankly, about it's not about who makes the most money. It's about how you feel about each other. Jasper put it into perspective. He asked, point blank, if he loved Rose," Edward said, running his hands up and down my back. "Emmett said yes. He just needs to get over … well, he needs to get over it. He can't imagine a life without Rosalie."
"If we can get over our drama, this should be a walk in the park," I snickered. "Now, I wouldn't mind getting under you." I gave him a sly grin.
"I like how you think, angel," he purred, scooping me up and carrying me upstairs despite my protestations. His ribcage was still healing, but my arguing stopped once his mouth took purchase on my left tit, swirling around my nipple. "You were saying?"
"Less talking, more sucking," I commanded, pushing his head toward my breasts.
"Yes, ma'am," he growled.
xx FFADS xx
The next day, Alice, Edward, Katie and I got everything ready for Christmas Eve. By the time Alice left, I was exhausted, but felt like we were in a good place for the following day. After dinner, we watched a few holiday movies and tried to stop Katie from wheedling to open a present. I nipped that in the bud by telling her that if she kept it up, her birthday party would be canceled.
She stopped after that, glowering at me like I kicked her puppy. She tried to convince Edward, but he backed me up, giving her a stern look. We went to bed shortly after that, eager to celebrate Christmas Eve with our friends who'd become our family.
Katie woke us up early the next morning. "It snowed!" she squealed, bouncing onto the bed. "Isn't that exciting?!"
"It's great," Edward said, tugging her between us. "Now, it's too early. We need more sleep, Little One."
"But, Edward," she whined.
"But, Kit Kat," I mimicked. "Baby girl, I love you, but we need some more sleep. Now, you can snuggle with us or you can go downstairs to watch television. A couple more hours. It's barely seven."
"Okay, okay," she said, burrowing closer to me and draping Edward's arm around her body. I kissed her forehead and within a breath, we were all back asleep and stayed that way until a little after ten in the morning. Edward took Katie downstairs to make breakfast, while I took a shower and got ready for the day. Unfortunately, my last pair of contact lenses tore and I was stuck wearing my glasses.
Downstairs, I grinned at Edward and Katie, who were eating breakfast. Edward kissed my lips. "I'm going to shower, angel," he whispered. "There's pancakes for you and some coffee. Love you, Bella."
"Love you, Grinch," I said, snuggling into his arms. He kissed me again, jogging up the stairs to take his shower. "So, Kit Kat, what do you want to wear today?"
"Can I match you?" she asked, smiling widely. "Nana got me a pretty red dress."
"You could wear it tomorrow," I suggested.
"No, Nana said it was for Christmas Eve," she nodded. "Tomorrow, I'm going to wear the green dress you got me for mass."
"Okay, kiddo," I said. "But, we may have to adjust the shoe situation. Your little ballet flats won't work in the frozen tundra. There's a lot of snow on the ground. Now, go upstairs and get ready. I'll do your hair when you're done."
"Kay," she nodded. She hugged me, skipping up the stairs and taking her own shower.
Sipping my coffee, I looked out the window, wrinkling my nose in distaste. I hated driving in the rain, but at least I could do it. The snow? Not even a chance. At least, not since …
Don't think about it. It's Christmas! Positive thoughts, right?
We weren't driving anywhere today.
"Angel, I can see you panicking," Edward said, gently turning me to look at him. He was in a pair of black pair of jeans, with a light-weight red sweater and grey sport coat.
"I'm sorry. You were the one in the car accident and you're okay with driving," I grumbled.
"Bella, you were traumatized twice. You were traumatized when your parents were killed by some asshole who decided to get behind the wheel drunk. Then, again when there was a deluge and a truck driver was too busy checking his cell phone for a text to pay attention on the road," Edward explained. "It's going to take time to get over it."
"Right," I whispered. "It just hits me out of nowhere. It makes me feel so weak."
"You're not weak," Edward breathed.
"But, how can you be okay?" I asked.
"I'm not, Bella. Every day is a struggle," he explained. "Before, I would have shut down and returned to the Grinchy asshole that everyone hated. Now, I have a support system. I'm on medications and I have a family, loved ones who will help me if I ask for it. The difference to where I am now and where I was a year ago is you. With your patience and sharp tongue, you gave me the swift kick in the ass that I needed."
"We have had some moments where I've given you a verbal tongue lashing for your assholery," I quipped, gently elbowing him. "I'll be fine. I'm sorry for bringing down Christmas Eve."
He tenderly kissed me and we started getting ready the influx of guests we'd invited over. Edward took Sam out for a walk. Katie came down, dressed in her red dress and pair of leggings. She was holding my curling iron. I sat her down in the kitchen. I styled her hair into loopy curls, tying it back into a half ponytail with a red ribbon.
Alice and Jasper came over first, with Cynthia, Garrett and the twins following close after. Alice wanted to make sure that the fish salad was okay and Cynthia wanted to give Alice shit that she couldn't get the recipe right. Cynthia was shocked that it tasted amazing, but it was a combined effort to make it so good.
By half past three, my tiny brownstone was filled with our work family, laughter, Christmas carols and way too much food. We also had some new faces. David and his boyfriend, Shaw and Quil and Embry joined us this year. Emmett had invited his team to join us, but plans had been made by his senior partner and I was still acting as his graphic designer since James' abrupt removal from MAC.
"Shaw, these little puffs are delicious," Cynthia sang.
"Thank you," Shaw replied, blushing furiously as he sipped his scotch. "When David told me that we were having seafood, following a family tradition, I knew I had to make these crab puffs. I also found an excellent recipe for calamari."
"That doesn't taste like rubber bands," Alice snickered. "And this dipping sauce is delicious."
"Do we have to eat all this fish?" Addy grumbled. "I don't like fish."
"I've got something for you kids," I smiled. "You have a choice, chicken nuggets with mac and cheese or cheese burgers with fries."
"Oooh, nuggets with mac and cheese," Kamryn said. Addy nodded in agreement.
"I'll try a little bit of the fish, but wouldn't mind some chicken nuggets," Katie said from Edward's lap.
"It's not breaded fish," Edward murmured.
"I know. I saw Bella and Aunt Alice make it," Katie smiled. "I want to try."
Shaw helped me in the kitchen, helping me set up a buffet on the kitchen counter. There simply wasn't enough room on the dining room table for all the people plus the food. Fish salad, several bowls of crusty bread, lobster bisque and linguine and clam sauce was put onto the counter, along with roasted broccoli and several various side dishes. Cynthia helped with making the chicken nuggets and mac and cheese for the girls.
When dinner was done, Edward dragged Jasper and Emmett into the kitchen to do the dishes. Quil and Embry helped clear the table while David made coffee and Shaw brought trays of cookies that I'd made into the living room. I turned on the television and watched one of the many holiday movies while the guys did the dishes.
The dishes were washed, dried and put away. We had a white elephant gift exchange and shared stories about our family traditions. Cynthia and Alice had the most rigid traditions, with the seven fishes on Christmas Eve and attending midnight mass. Katie begged to go midnight mass, but we both knew that she'd be crashing in an hour. Hell, Addy and Kamryn were curled up on some pillows in front of the fireplace, snoring deeply.
"Our parents are pissed at us because we're here and not with them," Cynthia snorted. "I love my parents but ever since I divorced Neil, they've been overly pushy. I'm going to hell."
"At least, you'll be in good company," Alice and Rose snorted. The clinked their coffee cups together.
"Why would you go to hell?" Jasper asked. "You're the epitome of a perfect daughter, mother."
"I got divorced," Cynthia answered. "And had premarital S-E-X and I use birth control. All big no-nos."
"Little ears," I quipped, nudging Katie, but she was already fading fast. My sister moved to snuggle closer to me, draping her arms around my waist. Edward put his arms around both of us, a soft look in his eyes. He leaned over, kissing me so gently. I thought I'd cry at the love I'd felt from him.
What is going on with him?
"Well, we're going to go," David said. "We have to make a stop at Shaw's sister's house before we head home." I started to move, but David waved his hand. "You've got a cherub in your lap and Edward doesn't look like he's letting go." He gave me a kiss on the cheek. "You want some sugar, boss man?"
"Of course," Edward snickered. David kissed Edward's cheek before they shook hands. "It was so lovely to meet you, Shaw."
"Thank you for sharing your traditions with us," Shaw grinned, threading his fingers with David's. They left, heading out into the cold.
"We're also going to go," Cynthia said, gently rousing the twins. "Celebrating Christmas before we go to my parents' place tomorrow with all the judgment."
"Ugh, can we just stay home, Jasper?" Alice grumbled.
"No, Alice. We have to go visit your family after we FaceTime with mine," Jasper deadpanned. "Come on, Ali." He whispered into her ear and Alice grinned slyly. They got up, giving hugs, kisses and leaving with Cynthia, Garrett and the twins. Rose, Emmett, Quil and Embry were the only people left behind. We talked for an hour before Quil and Embry decided to share a cab with Emmett and Rose, who were too overserved to drive.
When the house was empty, Edward carried Katie up to her room. We changed her into pajamas and I went to walk to the bedroom. "Come with me, angel," he murmured. We walked downstairs, sitting down on the couch.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, curling up next to him. "You've been awfully touchy-feely. Not that I mind. I like when you're touchy-feely."
"Let's just say that I had epiphany," he smiled, reaching into his pocket. "Bella, you know everything about me and then some. You're my best friend and I want a future with you. Every step in our lives, I want to take with you. A year ago, I knew that I was in love with you, but I couldn't say the words."
"I knew you loved me. Even if you couldn't say it, you always showed it. You showed it to me and to Katie," I breathed, caressing his jaw. "Every day, you show it. Even when we were separated, you still went that extra mile."
"And I always will," he whispered. "Bella, I love you so much. You are truly an angel, my angel. You've brought me back into the land of the living. You helped me realize that I'm not just a piece of garbage, easily thrown away. I'm worthy of love. I'm worthy everything and I want everything with you." He moved off the couch, kneeling in front of me and taking my hand in his. "Isabella Marie Swan, will you marry me?" he whispered, opening up a beautiful ornate box. Nestled on the white satin pillow was an elegant diamond ring.
"Edward …" I breathed, blinking away tears. "Yes! Definitely yes!" I threw my arms around his neck and we fell back onto a pillow. He laughed, kissing my face before capturing my lips. He rolled to the side, sliding the ring onto my finger. "This is beautiful, Edward."
"Katie helped pick it out," he said, running his finger over my ring. "We're really getting married?"
"We're really getting married," I grinned. "I love you, Edward. So much!"
"I love you, too," he said, kissing me deeply. He pulled back, looking at me. "Before we get lost in celebration, I want to talk to you about one more thing."
"Katie?" I asked.
"Yeah," he nodded, sitting up and reaching into a drawer in the table. "I had Jenks …" He handed me papers. "Adoption papers, officially making Katie our child. I know that you are uncomfortable with thinking of Katie as your daughter …"
"She wants this," I said, looking at the papers. "I'm her legal guardian, but officially adopting her would mean so much to her. She'd have a set of parents. It'll take some time for her to accept me as her mom, but I think this is the best thing for her, for us. When are you thinking about presenting these to her?"
"On Katie's birthday?" he suggested.
"Hmmmm, not then," I countered. "Remember what happened last year? Her birthday is a bit of a trigger."
"You're right," he said.
"New Year's Eve … we'll celebrate together as a family, staring the new year with a new start," I smiled. "Now, I want to get lost in celebrating our engagement, Grinchy." I stood up, offering him my left hand, which held the sparkling ring. "Make love to me, Edward."
He took my hand, kissing my ring before he led me upstairs. We reverently removed each other's clothes and kisses were shared. Edward's fingers danced along my skin, teasing and taunting me. I was lost in him, needing feel him inside me. He must have felt the same way because he lifted my leg, spreading me for him. He rolled his hips, slipping his length into me. Our lovemaking was so much more intense, knowing that there was no uncertainty and promises of forever.
Coming together, with quiet proclamations of love, we separated and stared into each other's eyes as our breathing calmed.
The emotion in his stare was nothing but love. His arms around us earlier in the day was his realization that we were now a family. His family. After years of yearning of a family of his own, Edward finally got his wish.
"Merry Christmas, Edward," I breathed, kissing his lips tenderly.
"The best Christmas ever," he grinned. "I love you, Mrs. Cullen." His grin widened as he pulled me closer. "Bella Cullen … has a nice ring to it."
"It does … so does Katie Cullen," I offered. "We can put Dwyer as a middle name, so she doesn't lose that."
"Perfect," he said, kissing me. "So perfect …"
xx FFADS xx
The next morning, Katie opened her presents from Santa. She was over the moon for her presents and when we told her about our engagement, she about had a heart attack. "Why didn't do you it with me?" she asked, pouting adorably. "I wanted to be there."
I blushed, looking at Edward. Our night started out innocently enough, but we'd celebrated for rest of the night. "Kit Kat, you'll understand when you get engaged, but we wanted it to be for just us. Obviously, you're going to be a huge part of the wedding. You're my maid of honor."
"What's that?"
"You get to help me out on the wedding day, wear a gorgeous dress and stand next to me when Edward and I get married," I explained. "You get to help me choose a wedding gown."
"Can I choose the colors for the wedding?" Katie asked.
"You can choose the colors for your wedding," I quipped. "Besides, we haven't picked a date, yet. We just got engaged."
"Okay, okay," Katie smiled, hugging me. "I'm happy that you finally did it, Edward. Now, we'll be a real family."
"We've been a real family for a while, Little One," Edward snickered. "But, I'm so happy that Bella said yes. I'm so happy that you both love me."
"Always, Edward," Katie chirped, kissing his cheek.
We got ready for church after that, driving to our parish. Katie was ushered away by Deacon Andy while Edward and I sat as close as we could for the service. After the sermon and before the congregation took communion, Katie's kindergarten class sang four Christmas carols. Katie skipped back to us, sitting on Edward's lap for the rest of the mass. When the service was over, Deacon Andy made his way over to us. He gushed over my ring, congratulating Edward and me with a hug. We left after that, driving back to the brownstone. We all changed into more comfortable clothes and ate some lunch before driving over to Carlisle and Esme's.
Parking in the driveway, I balanced the overnight bag we'd packed just in case we wanted to spend the night. Katie ran inside, holding Sam's leash and hugging Esme. I kissed her cheek. "Merry Christmas, Esme," I said.
"You, too," Esme grinned. "How was church?"
"It was good. You should come with us sometime. I really love the parish we belong to," I smiled. "It really has a sense of community." I gestured to the bag. "Where can I put this?"
"Carlisle, can you come take the bag?" Esme snickered. "You're a guest, Bella."
Carlisle came into the kitchen, kissing my cheek. "Sorry, love. I was helping Edward with the pile of presents. It's so nice to see you, Bella."
"Thank you, Carlisle. Merry Christmas," I handed him the bag and he carried it upstairs. Esme tugged on my hand, tears welling in her eyes. "Esme?"
"When did this happen?" she asked. Her thumb ran across my engagement ring. "Oh, Bella!" She hugged me, crying happily. I returned her embrace and saw Edward. He arched a brow. I wriggled my ring and he beamed. She must have heard him, pulling back. Her squeal rivaled Katie's as she tugged him into her arms. She managed to hug both of us, trembling with excitement. "Edward! I'm so happy. Completely over-the-moon happy! You two are so perfect for each other." She kissed every inch of Edward's face and he laughed, accepting her affections.
I watched them, a soft smile on my face. A year ago, Edward would have balked at any source of affection, afraid that someone would physically hurt him. Now, he accepted it readily. He reveled in it and gave it back to his mother freely.
"Come with me and tell us all about how you proposed," Esme sang, tugging us into the living room.
"Proposal?" Carlisle asked, grinning at us with Katie in his lap.
"Yeah, Edward asked Bella to marry him. She said yes," Katie chirped. "I'm going to be the maid of honor."
"Tell me everything," Esme pleaded.
Edward and I told Esme and Carlisle about his beautiful proposal. Edward further explained how he asked for Katie's blessing, taking her with him to find the perfect ring for me. Katie piped in for that part of the story, prattling about the adventures she'd had with Edward while searching for my ring.
"Have you started planning? Other than the maid of honor?" Esme giggled, smiling at Katie.
"We're just enjoying the moment," Edward answered.
"As soon as we start planning, you'll be the first to know," I whispered, my voice hitching. It should be a happy moment, but right now? I was missing the fuck out of my own mother.
"Bella, why don't you come with me? I need your opinion on the spaghetti sauce," Esme said, taking my hand and guiding me into the kitchen. I was barely inside before I choked out a sob. Esme took me into her arms as I cried. I was so eager and elated that Edward and I were engaged. I just wanted my mom to know it. "Oh, Bella …"
"I miss her so much, Esme," I cried. "I wanted her to know. I wished she could have met him, Esme. She would have loved him …" I pulled back, wiping my face. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost it. How did you know?"
"Because I know what it's like to have big moments in your life and not being able to share it with your mother," Esme said, guiding me to sit down. "My mom was around when Carlisle and I got engaged, but she passed away suddenly before the wedding. She had a massive stroke. She was dead before she hit the floor. It was a month away from my wedding to the man of my dreams. I was close to calling off the wedding, but Carlisle's mother, who was an overbearing shrew …"
"Sounds lovely," I laughed, wiping my tears away.
"I was not blessed in the mother-in-law department, but she stepped up when I needed her. She came with me for my final fitting for my wedding dress and held me as I cried. She paid for the dress, even though she didn't approve my marriage to her son, but because she wanted to honor my mother. My mom gushed about how she loved my dress and that it would be her present to me," Esme explained. "Regardless of how she felt about me, she understood my sadness, my grief. She hated that I was alone. My father was largely absent, parenting by checkbook. He was going walk me down the aisle and pay for the wedding. He barely batted an eye when my mother died, huffing that he'd have to take a couple of days off for the wake and funeral."
"I'm sorry, Esme," I whispered.
"Bella, the fact of the matter is that your mom may not be here physically, but she's in your heart," Esme smiled, reaching over and taking my face in her hands. "She'll be with you on your wedding day. I will be with you, every step of the way. I may not be your mother, biologically, but I love you like a daughter. I will buy your wedding dress for you, paying it forward."
I threw my arms around her neck and cried. Esme just held me. What should have been the happiest day of my life was left in the shadow of the obvious absence of my parents' death, but Esme was there.
Edward came in. Esme loosened her arms around me, caressing my cheeks. "I'm happy you're going to be a part of our family," she whispered. "Now, it looks like my son is about to love up on you." She kissed my forehead, getting up and hugging her son as she left the kitchen.
"Come with me, angel," he said, gently tugging on my hand and guiding me up to the room we stayed whenever we spent the night. He lay down and pulled me next to him. I snuggled next to him, crying softly. He didn't say anything. He just held me as I cried, missing my family. I also reveled in the comfort he was giving to me freely, allowing me to grieve, but to come to grips with the reality that my mom and the man who I loved like my own father would not be at our wedding. "I'm sorry, Bella. I wish I could go back in time to help your parents. I would have loved to meet them."
"They would have adored you," I sniffled, idly playing with a string on his sweater. "I'm sorry about ruining Christmas."
"Bella, you couldn't have ruined Christmas if you tried," he murmured.
"I'm just torn," I said. "I'm overjoyed that we're getting married. I can't wait until I'm your wife. I'll be so happy to have your last name, creating a family with you. But, knowing that my mom and dad aren't there? It shatters me." I looked up at him, staring into his lovely green eyes that were filled with so much love and tenderness that my heart lurched. "How did I get so lucky to get you?"
"I'm the lucky one," he smiled. "What can I do?"
"Would you be pissed if I ask you if we could have a small wedding" I asked.
"No, never," he breathed. "My wedding to Tanya was an ostentatious, awful affair. I think something small will be perfect for both us. What about a destination wedding?"
"Some tropical climate with our closest friends and family?"
"Wearing nothing but some strategically placed fig leaves," Edward snickered. I poked his stomach. "I'm kidding, angel."
"I think a destination wedding will be amazing," I smiled. "Something different and that's just us, but kid-friendly. I want a small wedding, but not miniscule."
"Our MAC family," he smiled. "My parents, your family from Forks …"
"I don't have a family in Forks," I frowned.
"Beverly, Linda, Mark?" Edward said. "Angela?" He pulled me closer. "They love you, angel."
"You have an amazing memory," I chuckled. "Well, at least we have one thing figured out. A small, destination wedding …"
"With Katie as your maid of honor," he replied.
"Well, she'll be the maid of honor in name only. Alice will probably be my maid of honor because she can sign paperwork," I explained. "I don't think a six-year-old can be a legit witness." I burrowed closer to him. "For now, the details will come together. I just want to relish this, us and being engaged."
"I really love that idea," he murmured. He gently cupped my chin, kissing my lips and curling me closer. "Now, let's just relax up here for a few moments."
I nodded, sliding my arm around his belly. I eventually drifted asleep, napping until there was a quiet knock on the door. I moved closer, listening to Edward as he spoke quietly to Esme.
"Dinner's almost ready," she whispered.
"We'll be down in a little bit," he replied. "Love you, Mom. Thank you for helping Bella."
"I'll help her every step the way," Esme cooed. "Love you more."
The door closed and Edward held me closer. "Wake up, angel," he murmured against my forehead.
"I'm up," I mumbled. "I heard Esme." I sighed, moving closer to him. "Thank you so much for being here for me."
"I'll always be here for you, angel. I'm with you forever," he smiled, wiping a stray tear that had slipped down my cheek. "From the smell of it, we're having something meaty for Christmas dinner. After the seven fish feast from yesterday, I'm in the mood for a side of beef."
I snorted, sitting up and stretching my arms above my head. I had a bit of headache from crying, but I did feel better. Edward got up. He took my hand and dragged me out of bed. He gently kissed me, leading me downstairs. Everyone was settled at the table. Katie hopped up, pulling me to sit next to her. From her expression, I think she knew that I'd a moment where the sadness overwhelmed me. She tended to be pretty clingy if she knew that I was sad.
Over dinner, we talked about everything but our engagement. The main topic was Katie's birthday. It was not a lavish extravaganza like the year previous. It was a smaller affair at Wisconsin Dells with Kamryn and Addy. Cynthia and Garrett were coming up with us. We'd gotten a ginormous suite for all of us, planning on going over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Katie was a bit bummed that the trip couldn't happen on her birthday, but everything was booked when we'd started planning.
Once we finished our meal, I helped Carlisle do the dishes because I'd been worthless when I'd arrived at the house. Edward and Katie took Sam out for a walk. Esme hung out in the kitchen, sipping coffee and asked about Christmas Eve. When Edward and Katie came back, we opened presents. Katie got the most, which was expected. What was unexpected was the gift from Esme and Carlisle. It was a beautiful pendant with the Cullen Crest. "Oh, it's beautiful," I whispered.
"We knew that Edward was going to propose. We weren't certain when it would happen, but regardless we were going to give this to you. When Edward joined our family, he got one," Carlisle said.
"It was a leather wrist band," Edward chuckled. "It was too big for my lanky wrist."
"You grew into it, wearing it until it fell apart," Esme smiled. "Turn over the pendant, Bella."
I flipped it over, seeing something engraved on it. Marriage will make you family; love has made you my daughter. I ran my fingers over the elegant script. I smiled gently as the words spun in my head. Edward took the pendant, clasping it around my neck. "Thank you, Esme," I whispered. I got up hugging her, kissing her cheek. "Thank you, Carlisle. I'm honored to be a part of your family." I hugged him, too. "I love you both so much."
"We love you, too, sweetheart," Carlisle grinned. "What's not to love?"
"It's really pretty, Bella," Katie said, clambering into my lap, playing with the new pendant.
"Not as pretty as you, Kit Kat," I grinned, kissing her temple. "This has been an amazing Christmas, yeah?"
"The best," Edward said, pulling both me and Katie closer to him. "Thank you for everything. Do you want to stay here or go home?"
"Stay here," Katie answered. "Nana promised to make chocolate chip pancakes."
"Who are we to deny you your chocolate chip pancakes?" I quipped. "We'll stay. That's why we packed a bag, Kit Kat."
"Yay!" Katie squealed, hugging me.
We stayed up, talking until Katie grew heavy in my arms. Carlisle easily scooped her up. Edward took her from his arms, carrying her into his old room. Hugs were given and we went to bed. Despite the emotions from earlier in the day, I felt at ease, loved and happy.
Before I drifted asleep, I whispered, "I cannot wait to be your wife, Edward."
"I can't wait to be your husband, angel. To be more than just 'Edward' to Katie, too," he whispered back. "I adore you, Mrs. Cullen."
I giggled, kissing him. "Not yet, Grinch."
"Soon, I hope," he grinned. "Very, very soon."
xx FFADS xx
"Bella? Are you busy?" Edward asked from the living room.
"Give me a minute," I said, turning to wash my hands. It was New Year's Eve and we were spending the holiday at home. We'd made the decision to do so prior, but Katie getting the flu necessitated our staying home. She was feeling a lot better, but not a hundred percent. She was upstairs napping while I was making some comfort food. I slid my engagement ring back onto my finger, padding to the living room. "What's up, Grinch?"
"Houses," he said. "I've found a few that fit our needs."
"How's your condo? Did it sell yet?" I asked.
"Sold and the papers are signed," he quipped. "An older woman bought it for her daughter who was moving from Arizona after a contentious divorce. Her ex raked her over the coals and shattered her completely. So, I cut them a deal, selling the condo with all the furniture. I think she moved in at the beginning of December."
"You didn't want your furniture?"
"Not really. I walked into a store and gave the designer the square footage, telling them that I wanted stuff for my place. I didn't want to deal with picking fabrics and coordinating designs. So, everything that was picked was done by a sales associate at a high-end furniture boutique. My mom chose my sheets for the bed. The only thing that I picked out was the condo itself. I just wanted a fresh start after my divorce to Tanya," he explained.
"I thought you put everything into storage," I snickered.
"There were a few things that I have in storage, but nothing huge," he smiled, handing me his laptop. "I found four options in this neighborhood. They're all much bigger than this place."
"And cost an arm and a leg," I grumbled. "Edward, these are million dollar homes … if not more! We can't afford this!"
"Bella, we can," he argued. "Baby, I'm not a starving artist. I get paid quite well as the CEO for MAC. We can afford this. We can afford a lot more than this, but I know you're into ostentatious displays of wealth."
"I want to go into this as equals, Edward," I pouted, looking through the pictures. "This one is near Alice's place. Not super close, but …"
"Do you like it?" he asked, moving me so I was on his lap with his computer on my lap. "Five bedrooms, living room, family, dining room, an office, recently remodeled and two parking spaces. Two … you can get your car back."
"Don't hold your breath," I quipped. "I like being chauffeured around." I clicked through the pictures. "This isn't bad. It's a bit modern, but we could homey it up a bit."
"I'll call the agent and set up an appointment," he said, sliding his arms around my waist and sending a quick email to the selling agent. "Done!"
"You're excited about this," I snickered, putting his closed laptop on the cocktail table.
"I'm excited to finally start living and loving my life," he answered. "With you as my wife and Katie …" His eyes grew misty. "What do you think she's going to say?"
"I think she's going to be happy, but sad. Kind of like how I was on Christmas. I was over-the-moon to be engaged, but heartbroken because my mom wasn't there to share in that excitement," I answered. "Your mom is amazing. Don't get me wrong."
"But, it's not the same," he replied sympathetically.
"Right," I nodded. I kissed his lips, snuggling back into his arms.
We watched some television, grateful to stay inside because it was snowing. Again. Katie ambled down the stairs with Sam at her heels. I checked her temperature. It was low-grade, indicating she was still under the weather. She snuggled against me, straddling my waist and trying to burrow into my body. She'd done that with my mother and now was doing it with me. "Kit Kat? You feeling okay?" I asked.
"Yeah," she croaked.
I blinked up to Edward and he nodded.
"Kit Kat, there's something we want to talk to you about," I murmured. "We were going to wait until midnight but with you being sick … we don't think you're going to make it to midnight."
"Probably," she laughed, coughing deeply.
"Do I need to call Dr. Volturi?" I asked. "I'm calling him …"
"Angel," Edward said, rubbing my back.
"Sorry," I grumbled, looking back at him sheepishly. "Anyway, a lot has changed, Kit Kat. Edward and I are getting married."
"I know," she smiled. "I'm excited."
"Do you remember that conversation we had when we picked out Bella's ring?" Edward asked. "If we have a baby, will the baby be your brother or sister?"
"Oh," she frowned.
"Katie, we did a lot of thinking and we met with a lawyer friend of ours," I said. "I'm your legal guardian. I'm your sister, but legal guardian. I know I'm not Mom, but I want to adopt you. Be more than just a legal guardian." Katie's brows were furrowed.
"Katie, you know that Nana Esme and Papa Carlisle are my adoptive parents, right?" Edward said. "My parents, my real parents died when I was a little younger than you."
"I know," she replied, staring at Edward. "What would it mean? That I'm adopted?"
"We'd be your parents," Edward murmured. "Little One, I adore you like you were my own flesh and blood. I want to be your dad. I won't replace your real father. He's someone special, and amazing, and yours."
"I love you like Mom does … did," I whispered to my sister, who'd become so much more. "I love you more than words can say, Kit Kat. I'm not Mom, but I love you like a mom. You can still call me Bella …"
"No, I want a mommy and a daddy," she sniffled. "I miss them, but I don't miss them as much when I have both of you."
Edward got up and pulled out a frame. He sat down, holding it up for Katie to see. "These are copies of adoption papers, Katie. Look here …" He pointed to a spot on the glass. "What does that say?"
"Katherine Dwyer Cullen," she whispered. "I get to keep my last name?"
"We'd legally move it to be a middle name," I explained.
"I love this," she gushed, taking the frame the Edward. I know it looked like gobbledy-gook to her, but her eyes were trained on her new name. "When?"
"After we're married," I answered.
"Well, get married. Right now!" she giggled.
"Weddings take time to plan, Little One," Edward retorted wryly. "I take it you're happy about this? The adoption? The wedding?"
"I get a mommy and a daddy," she beamed. "I'm very happy." She threw her arms around my neck, squealing exuberantly. She bounced over to Edward, kissing him on the cheek. He smiled eagerly, picking her up and held her close to his body. Pulling back, Katie arched a brow. "Can we talk about a little brother or sister?"
"Little One," Edward snickered as I gasped her name.
"What?" she quipped, grinning at both of us.
A/N: So, this was the final chapter of Falling for a Dark Soul. We still have the epilogue, which will be a few glimpses into their future. Where will they have their destination wedding? Will they give Katie a little brother or sister? What about MAC and everything else?
Leave me your thoughts!
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