I had so much fun writing this chapter, because I got to reflect on an earlier chapter! This is a time jump, so we are moving forward a few months. We're getting close to the end here, folks!

Also, M rating applies to this chapter as well.


Nothing's wrong
But when you're not in my arms
I send voice notes, you send hearts
And get quiet
And I know that means you miss me

You're jealous, you shouldn't be
I want you obsessively
But I know how complicated it can get
When you're not in front of me
I know insecurities
Get in your head

But I'm not gonna interrupt
If you need to talk about it
Roll my eyes or get offended by
The way you doubt it
You know you're mine
You just forget sometimes
So promise me you won't
And you know I'll remind you
When you think I don't

Hey stupid, I love you

-Hey Stupid I Love You-JP Saxe


Summer faded away and Christmas neared. Throughout the fall, Edward and I grew closer to each other. He constantly made the time somehow to see me, and I grew more comfortable in my body around him.

Rose and Alice met up with me to help me find a gift for Edward. While we kept the same Christmas tradition of exchanging gifts between us, I knew this time I needed to get Edward a gift.

"He's one of the hardest people to shop for," I lamented as I walked aimlessly around a department store. I was more shopping for ideas since I preferred my tried and tested Amazon Prime options or Etsy.

"He is difficult," Alice agreed as she thumbed through the racks of clothing. I raised an eyebrow at her as she traced to the suit section. She was clearly shopping for Jasper as I let out a chuckle.

"What? I can multi-task! Have you seen the state of Jasper's suit collection?" Alice asked, as if she was personally attacked.

"You're a designer, Ali, can't you design something for him?" I asked her curiously as I looked at the watch section for a moment. She rolled her eyes at my suggestion as she let out an aggravated huff.

"I don't do menswear, Bella," Alice said.

"You know you could always buy lingerie I'm sure that would..." Rose started off, but I elbowed her before she could finish. My cheeks were flushing fire hydrant red as I shook my head vehemently.

"No, we're not going there," I muttered as I looked down at my phone to study Etsy for a moment. Edward was not into suits or watches, even though he treasured the replacement watch band I bought for him a year ago.

I zeroed in on a simple wood valet box that would keep his bedside more tidy and I could have it monogrammed. Edward was more sentimental and definitely favored practical over flashy stuff.

With a grin, I added the wooden valet box before finding a star constellation picture of the night we met. I turned my attention back to finding Alice and Rosalie still flipping through the racks.

"I got it," I said proudly. Rose raised an eyebrow as her eyes located my phone in my hand as she let out a chuckle.

"Amazon?" She guessed, which I promptly shook my head.

"Etsy, she's slightly boho remember?" Alice retorted as she walked briskly back over to us. We managed to locate a Starbucks close by as we walked around the smaller shops located outside of the mall.

"Mom is really going all out with her party this year," Alice remarked. Their family time was almost mysterious to me mainly because Charlie and I spent our time together differently. We spent many Saturdays on the diamond or going to a local grill.

"Right," I murmured as I gulped down a sip of coffee.

"Don't be nervous, Bella, I'm sure Edward will try his damndest to monopolize you all night," Rose said with a wink. I knew these big family celebrations along with galas were common place for them, especially Edward. However, I liked our weekend routines of slow mornings and conversations on the couch over coffee.

"Are you planning on seeing Charlie sometime?" Alice asked curiously. After I first reached out to Charlie, I began to have more regular conversations with him. We talked about once a week.

I bobbed my head as I stared at the top of my coffee cup. My throat suddenly felt dry as I fiddled my fingers against the edge of the cup. I spent some time with him on Thanksgiving. However, that wasn't what I was worried about. I found out that Renee's parents still lived on the reservation, and I was wrestling with meeting them.

"Bella, something's up," Rose said, shaking me out of my stupor.

"I found out Renee's parents still live on the reservation. I kinda want to meet them, but what if they want nothing to do with me?" I asked, twirling my hair nervously around my finger. Alice eyes softened as she reached across the table to give my hand a squeeze.

"Oh Bella, I couldn't imagine they wouldn't. Just try. If you want, we can be with you when you call them," Rose assured me. Charlie had their number, and had passed their number along to me.

"That would be great, thank you," I murmured.

"You can do it, Bella." Alice said with encouragement.

"Have you told Edward yet?" Rose asked curiously. I hesitated telling him because he was in pre season with onslaught of ESPN appearances when he wasn't playing or traveling. I didn't want to add more to his plate with my family issues.

"I'm guessing that's a no," Alice said, with her lips turned downward. I pursed my lips for a moment, disappointment in myself seeping into me. He was always open and there for me, and I still managed to hold back.

"He's got so much going on..." I muttered, and Rose easily interrupted me. Her lips formed into a firm line as she shook her head.

"He is never too busy for you." Rose said, with an eyebrow raise. She was right of course, he always made time for me. As we finished our coffees, we piled into Alice's car before she dropped Rosalie off.

Alice dropped me off at the apartment. As soon as I laid my purse and keys on the bar, Alice grabbed my hand with purpose as her eyes set on mine. "We'll call them now," Alice said, grasping my hand.

"Now?" I questioned. I was planning on calling them weeks from now closer to the holidays, and I wasn't positive what they were looking for from me. I chewed my lip as I stared at her blankly.

"If you don't do it now, you'll chicken out," Alice argued as she fished my phone out of my pocket.

"Dial, woman," she urged as she laid down on my bed beside me. I rolled my eyes as I found the number. After placing the phone on speaker, I heard a female answer.

"Hi, is this Iina?" I asked.

"Yes," Iina said with trepidation.

"My name is Bella Swan, and I'm your granddaughter, Renee's daughter," I said nervously as I clawed at my palms. There was a moment when she murmured something before I heard a male voice.

"Bella!" She said with excitement.

"Hi Iina, is Shilah with you?" I asked.

"Yes, this is Shilah. Bella, we waited for you to call," Shilah spoke.

"I know this may be sudden, but I wanted to see if I could come and meet you both," I said with as much courage as I could muster. I heard a deep intake of breath before Ilina''s quick response.

"Yes, Bella, we would love that. Just send us text on the day you would like to come," Iina spoke. I breathed a deep sigh of relief as Shilah continued, "we'll see you soon, Bella." He murmured.

Alice beamed at me as I ended the call.

"That wasn't so bad was it? Now I got a plane to catch, don't forget to catch yours tomorrow," she said with a smile as she raced to her room. She was of course way ahead of me on packing.

Alice already had her suitcases ready as she pulled her jacket sleeves down to her wrists. Usually, we never wore winter coats, but the Atlantic Northwest was a stark difference from sunny balmy Phoenix.

"Don't sweat on your way to the airport," I said with a chuckle.

"Hilarious, Bella, they'll think I'm losing my mind," Alice huffed.

"See you tomorrow, Alice. Have a safe flight," I said as she waved.

"Don't worry about your dress for the Christmas party I got it covered." Alice winked. I was planning on wearing one of my little black dresses, but clearly Alice had different ideas.

"Alice!" I exclaimed.

"Oh please, you'll be doing me a favor. It's from my latest collection," she said wistfully. Before I could turn around, the front door was already shut. I huffed as I stuffed as much as I could in my suitcase and carry on. I picked out my outfit for the next morning as I played with the hem of my lightweight sweater.

My phone thrummed as I received a Facetime notification from Edward.

"Hi!" I said brightly as his bright eyes met mine.

"Hi, B. I just wanted to see how you were. I miss you like crazy, I'm pretty sure I'm driving Emmett crazy," Edward said, studying my features. Being away from him was really tough, I savored the moments and days we were together. Even though he was gone often, he never stopped making me feel special no matter what time zone he was in.

"I'm sure you are. Take it easy on Emmett. I'm fine, Alice just left for the airport," I replied.

"That's good, yesterday was your last day of school before break, right?" He asked curiously.

"Yep! The kids were all excited and keyed up for break, and I can't say I feel differently," I chuckled. My kids were all ready for their two weeks of break, especially the seniors who wanted out of the building any moment they could.

"Leave your work laptop at home, okay?" He reminded me. He knew I was trying to have a clearer work life balance, which I failed epically at my first two years. I pursed my lips as my eyes traced to my work laptop.

"I will. Did you finish your interviews?" I asked him. He had a few interviews scattered throughout the week on ESPN and a few podcasts. Even in the off season, he was still somehow busy.

"Had my last one this morning," he replied with a smile.

"I want to hear all about your day," he said as i leaned back into my pillows.

"I went out with Rose and Alice for coffee, we talked about your mom's party," I said, with a nervous smile. He peered at me for a moment as his emerald eyes studied me for a moment.

"I can read you like a book, B. Don't be nervous about it, Bella. I'm positive everyone will love you, and I won't leave your side," he promised. He was a professional at this point with family gatherings and parties.

"It's just out of my comfort zone," I admitted. The thought of dressing fancy, wearing heels, and making small talk with people I never met before had me sick to my stomach. He nodded in understanding.

"I know, B. I did find this amazing new ice cream place, so we can go right afterward." This man knew my love of ice cream and pastries.

"Really?" I asked hope bubbling in my tone. He chuckled, flashing his teeth as a wide smile broke out on his face.

"Yes, babe. I combed the area for a good one today while I was between interviews," he replied. I raised an eyebrow at him, wondering how he made the time to search the area for an acceptable ice cream place.

"You were that bored?" I giggled. He sighed as he ran a hand through his short hair.

"I miss the hell out of you. According to my mom, I'm a pretty miserable person to be around when I'm not with you," he admitted. Blush heated my cheeks as I saw Edward's grin.

"God, I miss you, Swan. What else happened today?" He asked curiously. I sat up, knowing I should tell him about my grandparents. His eyebrows twitched as he studied me.

"Are you okay? Did something happen to you?" He asked worriedly and I shook my head.

"You know how I've been talking more to Charlie?" I asked, biting my lip. He nodded warily.

"Well, he gave me Renee's parents number. I found out they live on the reservation a while ago and I've been wrestling with it. I finally called them, and they seemed really nice and said I could visit them," I replied, meeting his gaze.

"Bella, that's great. I was worried about you, you seemed like you had a lot on your mind this past week," he said as he leaned back in his work chair.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I knew you had a ton going on..." I replied. Edward sighed as his emerald eyes evaluated me.

"Bella, I'm never too busy for you. This baseball stuff is great, but you are my top priority. You don't have to tell me everything, but please don't let the reason be because you're worried about burdening me," he said with such intensity I was glad there were pillows behind me.

"Thank you, I won't do it again. Edward, there's one more thing," I said, playing with my fingers. He waited as he nodded his head for me to continue.

"Would you like to come with me to meet them?" I asked.

A bright smile spread across his face as he nodded eagerly.

"I would love to, B," he answered. I let out a yawn as he sighed.

"You're tired, B. Get some sleep and come back to me tomorrow. I can't wait to see you," he murmured softly.

"I miss you. My flight should get in around noon, I have an early flight," I replied.

"Send me your flight info, sweetheart. I love you," he said, as he began walking toward the hallway.

"I love you too, good night, Edward." I said, a smiling spreading across my lips. I hung up as I dashed to the kitchen to heat up the veggies I made last night before I dozed off in my bedroom.


I fell into a dreamless sleep as I awoke to the squawking of my alarm. I blearily raced to the shower. Luckily I had my hair appointment last week to refresh my highlights, which Alice insisted.

Once I finished, I swiped on a layer of eyeliner and mascara. My hair fell in waves down my back as I dressed in an oversized sweater along with a pair of skinny jeans. Before I dashed out the door, I threw on my booties. I remembered to wear my peacoat as I grabbed my luggage.

The drive to the airport was full of traffic, which I expected. However, the airport security line wasn't atrocious. Once I boarded the plane, I shot a text to Edward. He immediately answered, telling me he would come to pick me up.

I dozed on the almost three hour flight, only shaking myself awake as we began our descent into Sea Tac Airport. I texted Edward again before I walked off the plane towards baggage claim.

I heard my phone go off as I saw a picture of my backside.

"Got you. See you soon, gorgeous." Edward texted. I turned around to see Edward with a mega watt grin as my bags fell out of my hands onto the floor. Edward reached for me as he enveloped me in his arms. I heard him take an audible breath as he pulled away to look at my face.

"Hi, sweetheart. It's so good to see you," he murmured before he ducked his lips down to mine for a quick kiss. He had a ball cap on along with a heavy jacket and jeans. With his strong arms around me, I felt warm.

"Good to see you too," I said with a smile so big my cheeks hurt.

"Now he'll be less irritating," Alice said, interrupting as she walked closer. Edward rolled his eyes.

"We've got a party in less than four hours," she reminded.

"Alice, I've been away from this woman for three weeks, do you think I can have an hour with her?" Edward asked, irritation in his tone.

"One hour. Bring Bella to me at four, Esme, Rose, and I will be waiting for her," she reminded him.

"Annoying pixie," he muttered into my hair. Alice walked off, as he picked up my bag, lugging them over his shoulder.

"Edward," I admonished.

"Let me do this, please? Of all the ungentlemanly things I thought of doing to you these past three weeks, this may be my chance of being a gentleman," he whispered in my ear. This man was deadly.

"Edward, we're at your parents," I reminded him, blush creeping into my cheeks.

"It's a shame we only have an hour. Everyone is gone right now, and luckily we are in another wing," he chuckled in my ear as we reached the exit. Edward's suburban was parked close to the airport. He opened my door for me before he jumped in, reaching for my hand on the console.

We caught up in the twenty minute drive to Edward's parents home. He talked about his interviews, while I debriefed him on my week. He pulled into the driveway before he came around to help me out. He carried my bags as he opened the grande doors to the house.

The house was massive, equipped with a pool in the back and an expansive patio. The main hallway along with the large living room was decorated with Christmas trees and garland.

With Charlie, Christmases were mostly spent at an old diner where we had our carryout dinner. Charlie and I attempted to decorate a small plastic tree, and when I was little he sat me on his lap as we watched the clay-mation movie, Rudolph.

However, holidays were an extensive affair for the Cullens.

"It's beautiful," I marveled. His eyes never left my face as he nodded.

"Absolutely," he agreed.

"The house hasn't changed," I observed as he walked me up the winding staircase. Edward's room was at the end of the hall, where a king sized bed replaced his small childhood bed.

"Well this changed," I murmured, patting the bed.

"Well, having a twin bed isn't the most conducive for guests," he said as he sat my bags down toward the drawers.

"That makes sense," I nodded. However, the wall had pictures of Edward on the field along with newspaper clippings. As I scanned the photographs, I saw the photo that Esme took of all of us at the first game I watched at the stadium.

"That's new," I said, pointing to the photograph. Edward's arm was wrapped securely around my waist as his gaze directed at me.

"Esme knew," Edward grinned knowingly. I raised my eyebrows as Edward wrapped his arms around me.

"She knew I always had the biggest crush on you all through high school and she knew it was only a matter of time." He explained, laying down beside me, tracing hairs away from my forehead.

"Still have a crush on me, huh?" I asked, giggling.

"A little more than a crush now," he chuckled as he pressed his lips to mine. His lips leisurely moved with mine, but soon his lips grew more insistent as he moved to hover over me. His hands traced my curves as one hand laid behind my head as his fingers threaded into my hair.

His kisses moved to the v-neck collar of my sweater as I caught my breath.

"Edward," I moaned.

"I know, baby girl," he murmured breathlessly as his fingers traced the bare skin of my midriff before he looked at my eyes for permission. I nodded as his fingers made quick work of ridding me from my shirt.

Instead of wearing a typical bra, I opted to wear a bralette. He moaned as he saw the lace before he flicked the clasp open. His eyes studied me for a while before his lips began their descent on my breasts. I let out a moan as he drew a nipple into his mouth. As he released one with a pop, he moved his attention to the other breast.

His hands moved to the button of my jeans before he peeled them off of me.

"This will be quick, but I promise I'll take my time tonight," he assured me as I let out a soft cry. His hand quickly reached my underwear as he pushed them off my body. His fingers landed on my clit, as he groaned.

"God, you're so wet, B. I missed you too much. Do you have any idea how hard it was to be without you? How much I missed your moans, I missed the way my name falls off your lips," he whispered in my ear as my legs fell open for him as he stroked me.

I could feel myself on the edge as he continued to coax me.

"Let it go, B," he urged softly before I let out a cry as my release washed over me. He rubbed me through it, before he threw off his shirt. I missed him as well, I missed my own personal Greek god. He was so chiseled it was ridiculous.

He pushed himself inside of me as we both let out a deep gasp. I missed the connection we had when he was gone, and these moments could be far and in between. However being with him like this the distance didn't matter anymore.

His lips landed on my neck as he began a rhythm. His arms wrapped around me as he eagerly kissed my lips along with the column of my neck. He paid attention to my breasts before I felt his thrusts begin to grow uneven.

"God I'm so close, baby girl, are you?" He asked, his eyes hooded in desire.

"Not yet," I murmured, we had to be truthful with each other. He shook his head.

"That won't do, I want you to come for me, baby girl," he murmured as his fingers reached my special spot again. His thrusts grew deeper as he let out a groan as he came inside of me. However, he was relentless for making sure I was taken care of. I came moments later as he grinned into my neck. He pressed me close against him as he wrapped his arms around me.

"I love you, Bella," he murmured in my ear. The plane ride finally hit me as I closed my eyes.

"I'll set an alarm for ten minutes so you can sleep," he murmured in my ear. His arms remained steadfast around me as I dozed against his chest. I awoke when the alarm blaring as I searched for my clothes, which luckily were not crinkled.

"Do you really have to go?" Edward asked, a frown on his face.

"Do you want to face Alice's wrath?" I raised an eyebrow. He sighed as he watched me throw on my sweater. I heard a crisp knock on my door, alerting me that our time was up.

"Coming, Alice," I assured her.

"I'm not about to come in there," she said, backing away from the door.

"I'll see you later," I promised him, as he laid in bed. He threw on his shirt along with his jeans. He studied me for a minute before he nodded.

"See you soon, B," he murmured, pulling me in for a quick kiss. Alice disobeyed her decree as she opened the door. She breathed a sigh of relief, realizing we were both clothed.

"Thank Jesus," she murmured as she grabbed my hand and led me out.

"I'm not going to even ask," Alice rolled her eyes at me as she pulls me to her large bedroom. Although the walls hold pictures of Alice at almost every age, the furniture does not reflect a childhood room.

Instead, there's a queen bed along with elegant night tables on each side of the bed. In the corner, there's a leaning mirror, where Rosalie adjusts her dress. Her hair and make up are already finished, pristine as always. I wonder if she's able at this point to put on her make up in her sleep.

"Bella," she greets, embracing me for a moment.

"Rose, how was your flight?" I asked her as I pull away.

"Fine, Emmett fell asleep on my shoulder. His head is like a damn bowling ball," she says, rubbing her shoulder. I giggled, Rose stood at around five-feet and seven inches. However, next to Emmett's impressive six foot four stature, she looked tiny. She plopped beside me in the grande bathroom equipped with a salon style chair.

"You put on make up today," she smiled, noticing my touches of mascara and eyeliner.

"I usually do on school days so I don't look like a high schooler," I chuckled. Almost everyday when I didn't wear make up, a secretary or sometimes even a teacher would ask for my hall pass.

"You have really beautiful skin, so I'm not going to completely cover that up with a heavy duty concealer," she murmured thoughtfully as she grabbed one of her huge bags of make up.

"Your skin color is to die for, do you realize how much money I've spent on spray tanner to even get close to your color?" She asked as she took out a small bottle of concealer with a sponge.

"It's from my mom, my dad is super white," I admitted. My hair was a few shades from being black, which my mother had. My eyes on the other hand were the lightest shade of brown with specks of green. My father and I didn't look alike at all, which was tough growing up.

"And your eyes I've always been obsessed with. Those little flecks of green," she grinned.

"Thank you," I smiled at her as she brushed the sponge across my cheeks. In elementary and high school, I had many people of color in my class. However my father was clueless with how to deal with the obvious differences in experiences of us. He was white and a man.

He did sit me down and explain when I got my license what to do if I got pulled over. I initially brushed him off, promising I'd stay on the speed limit. However, he was insistent and said when I get pulled over.

I understood as soon as he explained to me that because of the color of my skin, I was more likely to get pulled over and have a rougher experience than a white girl my age. My dad was always respectful of my Navajo roots, but I always felt disconnected from them.

"Bella?" Alice called me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?" I asked, my cheeks reddening in embarrassment.

"I really think this olive dress is going to look amazing on you. A fit and flare is usually flattering on everyone, but I want you in something form fitting," Alice said, as she thumbed through a rack of dresses.

I nodded as I bit my lip. I clung to my oversized sweaters and fit and flare was my go to.

"What are you scared of?" Alice asked me, her green eyes meeting mine. I'd come very far with accepting my body, which wasn't a pin. However, I always sought to blend in, I and wearing figure hugging clothes made me, well, seen.

"I just feel like if I eat in that I'm going to pop a seam," I replied. She rolled her eyes.

"We know it's not that, Bella." Alice urged.

"Nice deflection though," Rose said with a sad smile.

"I have a big butt and my hips are what Shakira sings about and putting that on display..." I muttered.

"You mean being comfortable in your skin? Bella, you're gorgeous. I get the wanting to hide and disappear but you weren't made to. I know you're scared about people just seeing you like you're a collection of body parts, but I promise putting on form fitting clothes doesn't make them not see you," Rose assured me.

She did have a point, my whole goal in high school was to be invisible, and for people to just see me as an athlete on the field like they saw Edward and Emmett. However, because I'm a woman, I was sexualized instead. My muscles were too bulky for a girl, my butt looked "amazing" in my pinstripes. I ached for people to see my awesome block behind the plate or my clutch RBI.

Now that I was out of sports, I struggled with how to describe myself or more importantly how to view my body.

"I still have an athletic body when I'm out of sports," I sighed.

"Just because you left the diamond doesn't mean you're not an athlete," Alice reminded me. I pursed my lips as I nodded. Rosalie finished my make up before beginning to put my hair into an elaborate updo. She curled the strands before teasing the top of my hair and wrapping the curls around.

Alice selected a deep emerald colored dress with a plunging neckline. I didn't have much in the boob department, so I wasn't worried about cleavage. The deep V continued to my back.

Once I put the dress on, I didn't feel like I had to suck in. The fabric was breathable, as the sleeves came down to my wrists.

"Bella, you look gorgeous," Rosalie said, clapping her hands. Alice finished with dressing herself moments later as she unveiled a deep purple dress with a lace top.

"You both look amazing," I murmured.

"You girls do," Esme said, her soft voice echoing after mine. Esme was smiling widely as she embraced Alice quickly before hugging both Rose and me.

"I'm so glad you all made it. Bella, you have no idea how happy you've made our son," Esme grinned at me.

"He was absolutely miserable without you this week," Alice piped up.

"I'm so glad he finally wised up," she winked at me. I chuckled as I shook my head.

"Now I believe there are four very eager men waiting for us," Esme said, her eyes shining. My stomach did flip flops as I realized he'd be there waiting for me. Alice tugged on my hand insistently as she led me to the banister. I walked down with Alice and Rose as my eyes fell on his.

His emerald green eyes drank me in as a signature mega watt smile met mine.

"Hi gorgeous," he murmured as he held his hand out. My shaky hand took his. Parties, especially high profile parties made me nervous. However, once I had his hand in mine some of the anxiety waned.

"How many people are out there?" I asked, whispering to him. His hand rested on my low back as his lips reached my ear.

"Maybe a hundred," he replied. My foot skirted on the afghan rug as he quickly steadied me.

"Edward..." I murmured.

"B, you're absolutely perfect. They're all going to love you," he said, in attempt to calm me.

"I tend to stick my foot in my mouth when I'm nervous," I whispered.

"You do not, you're far too hard on yourself," he said his lips skimming my ear. I rolled my eyes at him while shaking my head. Guests were scattered around the room as soft violins played in the background.

"I forgot how...grand this are," I murmured.

"Esme loves her parties," Edward said with a shrug. A couple greeted us as the man shook Edward's hand enthusiastically.

"Edward, it's so good to see you. I saw your segment on ESPN today, you excited for the upcoming season?" A man in his late fifties inquired. The woman beside him looked a few years younger than him with deep chestnut colored hair and a emerald dress.

"Thank you, Eleazar, I am. How are you? I heard you got a new practice. Eleazar, this is my girlfriend, Bella," he said, which responded with flushed cheeks from me. Eleazar turned his gaze to me.

"I'm great, yes I did decide to go into a private practice. Much more freedom that way. I do miss working with your father. Edward, I'm so glad you're no longer a bachelor. Bella, it is lovely to meet you," Eleazar said with a smile as he shook my hand.

"This is my wife, Carmen," he introduced her. She shined a bright smile as she shook my hand.

"Bella, I'm so glad to meet you. Esme has been gushing about you," she said with a soft smile.

"That's very kind of her. She's an incredible woman," I said, managing to pry my fingers off of my dress. She let out a brillant smile as she nodded in agreement.

"She is, she told me you're a school counselor. Very noble," Carmen said, Edward looked down at me with such adoration and pride I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Thank you, I love working with my kids," I replied. Although I always referred to the kids I worked with as young adults when I worked with them. More times than not, I was sucked into paperwork and meetings and had less time actually counseling.

"You're also a softball coach," she added. I raised my eyebrow as I figured Esme had told her.

"Bella was an incredible softball player in college," Edward chimed in. Blush flooded my cheeks as I fought the urge to shake my head in disapproval. I also fought the urge to whisper "suck up" to him.

"I wouldn't say incredible. I did play at ASU," I replied. Carmen smiled softly as she peered at me.

"Truly a shame too many girls leave sports," Carmen commented. She was right, too many girls left sports right after puberty. I blamed girls told they'd be too manly if they played sports or had muscles.

"I agree, many girls leave sports when they're teenagers," I replied.

She quirked an eyebrow at me.

"Why is that?"

"Girls are told sports are for boys, and they'd be too manly if they played sports or had muscles," I replied.

"That's a great assessment. And you coach girls in this age group?" She nodded, seemingly impressed.

"I do. My girls are in high school so anywhere from fifteen to eighteen years old," I answered. I adored talking about the incredible girls I coached. Each of the girls took up a huge place in my heart.

"Title one school?" She asked curiously, twirling her glass in her hand for a moment.

"Yes," I replied.

"You do incredible work, Bella. It is a pleasure to meet you tonight," Carmen smiled softly as she moved closer to her husband's side.

"Edward, you picked a great woman," Eleazar agreed. At his words, blush heated my cheeks as I turned my eyes downcast. Edward squeezed me closer to his side as he grinned.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"Merry Christmas," I said as they began to walk to the bar.

"What were you worried about again?" Edward asked teasingly in my ear. I rolled my eyes as I peered up at him.

"That was one couple I met. The night is still young for me to embarrass myself," I reminded him. He sighed as he shook his head.

"Can I get you a drink?" Edward asked.

"Glass of red wine," I answered. He grinned as he squeezed my hand.

"Be back soon," he murmured in my ear, placing a kiss which made chilly bumps erupt on my body. My eyes scanned the room as people continued to mingle. Alice was with her mother, setting up the dining room.

Rose met my gaze from across the room as she mouthed 'you okay?' I smiled halfway before bobbing my head.

"You must be Bella," a high pitched female voice said from behind me. I turned around a little too quickly as I scanned the tall blonde in front of me. She was lovely, impeccably dressed in a fire red sequin dress.

"Yes, and you are," I started, forcing a tentative smile across my lips.

"Irina, I'm Eleazar's daughter," she said, her icy blue eyes analyzing me.

"I met them a few minutes ago, they were lovely," I said, watching her face carefully. Irina's pale eyes reflected against the chandelier light as she looked me over. I fiddled with the seam of my dress.

She adjusted her stance as she crossed her arms around her chest. Her teeth captured her lip.

"They are. You're Edward's girlfriend, right?" She gazed at me with a pensive expression on her face. She studied me as if she were looking for a flaw.

"Yes," I said, smiling hesitantly. She huffed as she shook her head.

"I never thought I'd see the day he'd settle down, especially after Tanya," she said, a half smile creeping on her lips. I stiffened slightly, forcing my lips to remain upwards.

"I'm lucky to have him," I forced a smile on my face, averting her baiting words.

"You are. Tanya was stupid to let him go," she raised an eyebrow.

"I'm glad she did let him go," I said, returning an eyebrow raise. She chuckled as she took a sip of champagne.

"I bet you are. Treat him right, God knows Tanya kicks herself for not," Irina said, her eyes meeting mine.

"Irina, it was lovely to meet you if you don't mind I think Edward got lost at the bar," I chuckled, easily maneuvering away from her and the petty drama she oozed. I had enough teenage drama in my job, I didn't ask for any on my personal time.

My smile faded once I was out of Irina's line of vision. As I avoided people chatting, I mentally cursed Alice for putting me in death traps. Even though I was closer in height to Edward and didn't look like an elf beside him anymore, they were creating blisters on my feet.

I considered pitching them across the room.

"Bella," one of my favorite voices spoke. My shoulders relaxed as my fingers left the heel of my shoe.

"Hi," I turned around and met his gaze. He held a glass of wine and a beer for himself. I chuckled at his choice of a beer can at such a formal event, but it was Edward after all.

"Are you okay?" He asked, handing me my glass. I bobbed my head up and down nearly wanting to kiss the wine glass.

"Yeah, I ran into Irina," I replied with a sigh.

"Was she rude to you?" He asked, his eyebrows knitting together in worry.

"No, it just wasn't the most pleasant encounter," I shrugged.

"Bella..." he urged.

"I'm an adult Edward, I can handle hearing about your exes," I said, reaching out for his hand. His lips relaxed as his fingers wound through mine. His posture became less rigid as he and I walked through the maze of people.

He brought us out to the balcony, the chill of the night waking me up. He down at me as he hesitated.

"I'm really sorry about Irina," he muttered. I shrugged.

"Edward, I already told you it was fine," I reminded him, touching his arm comfortingly. His lips pursed for a moment as he sighed. I didn't own the market on having a past, and his didn't scare me.

Tanya and him ended amicably, although I'm sure she second guessed her decision to leave often. Edward was the kind of man you waited years for, and I did. Of course he didn't see himself as anything except ordinary.

"Just get me an milkshake at the end of the night and we're even," I said with a coy smile on my face. He chuckled, shaking his head.

"That's a fair trade?" He asked, a half smile dawning on his lips.

"Yes," I promised him.

"Now c'mon, stop wallowing and let's go have that ham Esme worked so hard on," I said, grabbing his hand. After dinner, the party began to ease down. The guests slowly began to leave at around nine, since it was Cullen tradition to watch a Christmas movie.

"I don't know if I'm gonna make it to midnight," I murmured to Edward as I began to unzip my dress. He came up behind me, already clad in jeans and a long sleeve shirt. He pressed a kiss on my neck which made me shiver.

"Good thing my strategy is whisking you away to Shake Shack to get you a milkshake before the movie," he replied cheekily as his fingers took hold of the zipper.

"If we had more time..." he started, his green hungry eyes scanning me. I giggled as I swatted his hand away before I shimmied the rest of the way out of my dress before my fingers caught hold of my jeans and sweater.

"We don't have time," I reminded him, my finger brushing his nose playfully.

"I owe you," he muttered.

"I'll collect soon enough," I assured him as we raced downstairs to the chilly Washington air. As he sped away, he held his hand in mine. Once we picked out our shakes, we sat parked in the dimly lit parking lot.

"You doing okay? I know tonight was a lot," Edward asked breaking the comfortable silence. My fingers played with the end of my straw. I relished these moments I had alone with him and he worked the best he could to make them happen.

With Edward, in every situation he's in he never wears a mask; he's always refreshingly himself. Admittedly, big crowds and parties are not my scene, but they were tolerable with him.

"I'm not a social butterfly and I'm still getting my feet wet," I shrugged. I wondered sometimes if I was enough for him, I wasn't meant for the spotlight. I wasn't shiny like the other girls in the room tonight.

"You were amazing tonight, B," he murmured, his fingers lacing through mine. I took a deep breath as a cautious smile spread across my lips.

"Out with it," he urged, sensing my discomfort.

"Will you get bored of me?" I asked, closing my eyes for a moment because I knew how silly my question sounded. However, Edward gingerly took my chin in his hands.

"Absolutely not, why do you feel that way?" He asked, worry crossing his features.

"I'm not Hollywood, Edward. I'm small town and I definitely don't have myself together all the time. I mean my hair decided to go crazy within the first fifteen minutes," I said with a chuckle. His fingers played with the edges of my hair.

"You know you're seeing everyone's highlight reel, right? They may look that way for a few hours but they don't look like that the rest of the time. Bella, you keep me grounded. You call me out on my shit, and you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, I couldn't take my eyes off of you the whole night," Edward replied, his tone soothing.

"Edward..." I said, beginning to chastise him.

"No, B, you need to hear how much I love you more often because God knows I do. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes," he murmured. I knew how much he loved me, his actions screamed it.

He took me out to get a milkshake so I could decompress.

"I love you, Edward. Thank you for loving me," I murmured, kissing his cheek.

"Of course, sweet girl. Now I imagine we have about ten minutes before we get a tongue wagging from Alice and Esme," he said with a laugh as he put the car in drive. I spent the remainder of the drive sipping down my milkshake.

Once we entered through the main door, I saw the Cullens beginning to transition to the living room. However, Alice and Jasper were missing. I helped Esme bring in the popcorn before I sat behind the monstrous Christmas tree. With Charlie, we always had a small fake tree which suited us perfectly. However, the Cullens always chose a huge Frazier fir.

I admired the white lights twinkling with the reflection of the white ribbon accenting the tree. Golden globe ornaments were scattered around the tree. I heard a snap go off and turned around to a busted Edward with his camera out.

"I'm sorry, you just looked like an angel under there," he muttered bashfully. I rolled my eyes as I stood up to meet him.

"That's corny as heck," I laughed.

"C'mon B, my cheesiness is all I bring to this relationship," he winked as he sat on the couch. He pulled me into his lap as he kissed my cheek. Esme of course was beaming with pride watching us both.

"It's good to see you both together you know Alice and I had a bet going which Christmas we would finally see you two together," Emmett grinned. Rosalie smacked the back of his head lightly.

"Hey I won!" He muttered. Alice came bustling in with Jasper trailing behind her. Her screams were almost deafening as she touted around her left hand which held a ginormous emerald cut diamond. I bounded up from my place on the couch as I hugged Alice.

Edward fist bumped Jasper along with Carlisle.

"It happened!" Alice cried, tears streaming down her face.

"It's huge!" Rose said in awe as she studied the diamond.

"Gorgeous of course," Rose assured her. Esme embraced all of us. "This calls for champagne! Luckily I have some ready," Esme said excitedly, winking at Jasper and Carlisle. Jasper looked enthused as he looked down at Alice. He lifted her up his arms for a moment before he let her down on the ground.

"Congrats," I whispered to her.

"Oh this has to go down in history as one of the best Christmas Eve's ever! Besides the time we watched all three of them in a school play together," Esme said handing out flutes of champagne. I rejoined Edward on the couch, easily falling back into his arms.

"Champagne makes me sleepy," I warned him in his ears. He shook his head with a grin as he pressed his lips to my cheek.

"I have excellent skills in carrying you," he reminded me. Carlisle navigated Netflix with ease as he found It's A Wonderful Life. Periodically, I felt Edward's lips trace across my cheekbones as his hands traced circles in my back. I only got around two sips of champagne in before I set down my glass.

Esme was snuggled up to Carlisle on the armoire while the rest of us were spaced along the L-shaped couch. Alice looked down often at her rock while Jasper looked adoringly down at her.

I felt my eyelids grow heavy as I leaned back against Edward, who carefully wrapped a quilt around me. Sometime later, I felt more ruckus around the room as people began to leave.

"It was so good to have Bella with us this Christmas. People absolutely loved her at the party, and she's an amazing addition to our family, Edward," Esme spoke as the lights flickered on.

"Thanks, Mom," he murmured as he situated me in his arms.

"You really love her, don't you?" She asked, a smile evident in her voice.

"I do," Edward's voice rang out clear and true and without hesitation.

"Merry Christmas, baby boy," Esme said, before she traced a hand to my hair to tame a wayward strand.

"Merry Christmas," he murmured before he started walking us up the stairs. He carried me with such care I barely felt myself jolted on the steps. He held me close to him as he opened the bedroom door. I heard him open a drawer before gingerly taking off my jeans and dressing me in a pair of pajama bottoms before sliding off my sweater. He found a pajama top and laced my arms through it.

With care, he placed me under the covers before turning off the light. I moaned as I turned toward him, in response he wrapped his arms around my waist before kissing my forehead.

"Merry Christmas, sweetheart," he murmured before I drifted off again.


As my eyes flutter open, I notice the sun streaming in through the blinds along with blinding white snow on the ground. My lips turn upwards as I feel a light kiss on my forehead. Edward's body is pressed behind me as I flip myself over so I can lay on his chest.

"Good morning, sweetheart," he murmurs, tracing lazy circles on my bare thigh. I can't deny the sparks I feel from his light touch alone as I give him a wide grin. My eyes trail to the white snow on the ground outside.

"Came down like crazy last night, I forgot what snow looked like," he commented. We both lived in Arizona for most of our lives and snow was an anomaly especially in Phoenix. I twist myself out of the blankets to get a better look.

"I think I did, too. I thought white Christmases were only in movies," I admitted, gazing in wonder at the snow beneath. He chuckles as he pulls back into his arms, his eyes studying mine for a moment.

"They're not uncommon in Washington," he said, kissing underneath my ear as I shiver. His lips don't leave my skin as they slide to my throat. I bite back the moan that threatens to come out as I shake my head.

"Edward, we're out your parents," I remind him.

"Feels like deja vu we had this conversation yesterday," he reminded me. He did have a point, he insisted we were on different wings from his family since the house was incredibly large.

"But..." I murmur, all coherent thoughts leaving me as his hands grip my waist softly before trailing to my thighs. I feel moisture pool where I want him the most as I rub my legs together.

"B, it's still early and I promised you I would make it up to you," he murmured softly. My thoughts trailed to last night when he promised he would go slower after we had a quickie in the same bedroom. My resolve was breaking by the second as I just let my thoughts go.

"Okay," I murmur in forfeit as his hands trail to skim my cotton tee shirt before ducking underneath to trace the skin there. His hands, strong and sure, graze the underside of my bra as his eyes look to me in question.

After all this time he still asks permission every single time, which makes my heart ache and flutter at the same time. Quickly, my shirt is discarded somewhere in the room as his lips meet in tandem with mine.

I don't even care about morning breath as I'm sure mine is especially terrible. His lips leave mine as they begin their descent down my bare chest. His emerald eyes darken with lust as they take sight of my breasts.

"Do you have any idea how gorgeous you are?" He asks, his breaths heating my skin. I roll my eyes at him as he presses a line of kisses on my breasts, giving them lavish attention with his tongue as I grow wetter by the second.

His hands trail to my stomach before his lips kiss underneath my belly button which makes me giggle. His hands loosen the tie on my shorts before tugging them off completely before I'm left in a satin pair of underwear.

His eyes meet mine before his fingers dip underneath the top of my underwear to skim them off of me. I reach for his shirt, which he quickly discards along with his pants leaving him in a pair of boxers.

As my breathing resorts to pants, his lips skim the skin on the insides of my thighs as I let out a moan of appreciation. He smiles at me before his lips meet my clit. I nearly catapult off the bed as his tongue swirls.

His hands interlace through mine as I bite back the scream as I feel myself growing closer by the moment to exploding. He kisses me there with abandon before he slows down which makes me groan in protest. When I'm nearly at my peak, his lips leave me for a moment to press a kiss on my thighs.

"Edward," I beg, embarrassed how wanton I sound. He however hardly seems to notice as his lips turn upwards in a grin.

"Trust me, sweetheart, you're about to see stars," he murmurs before his lips find my clit again as he swirls slowly at first before picking up speed.

"God, Edward, I'm close," I mutter, closing my eyes. However, as my eyes close he stops for a moment.

"Eyes on me, B," he urges before my eyes come open again as one last flick of his tongue and I'm gone. He doesn't stop until the aftershocks wear off, and my breathing slows down. He kissed the curve of my breast before he sheaved himself in me in one thrust.

I groaned into his neck as he began his pace too slow. I lifted my hips to his, urging him to go faster.

"I love you," he murmured into my neck as he pounded faster into me. I never realized that sex could bring pleasure when in the past I only associated it with pain. However, with Edward sex signaled the closeness we shared.

As my eyes met his, I felt totally safe with him allowing myself to feel completely. As he increased his tempo, I gripped onto his shoulders as I kissed every availiable area of skin I could, from his chest to his neck.

"You feel incredible," he said, grinning impishly. He reached between us to finger my clit as my stomach began to flutter. He went faster, which signaled he was close as his breathing became more labored.

"Bella!" He said as he came apart, pumping slower in me. Seconds later, I felt my own release crash as I wrapped my arms around me. He grinned as he enveloped me into his warm arms as I laid my cheek against his chest.

"Can you believe last year we were just friends?" I asked him, drawing circles on his chest. He kissed my hair as he nodded his head. Last Christmas, I remembered how Edward's gaze drifted to me during the dinner and the pit of my stomach erupting in somersaults.

"In my mind you were never just a friend," he said, squeezing me in his arms.

"I remember you looking at me across the table and the look in your eyes was..." I murmured in amazement as he gazed down at me for a moment.

"I loved you then, Bella, as you sat at the table, fitting in with my family so perfectly. I couldn't shake the feeling that you belonged there, with me in my arms," he said, his sage green eyes meeting mine with the same intensity.

"I'm sorry I took so long to catch up," I said, touching his cheek. He took my fingers that were on my cheek and kissed them as he shook his head.

"No, sweetheart, I had to earn you and I plan on continuing to earn you as long as you let me," he said, interlacing our fingers as we sat in silence on Christmas morning. I lay my head on his chest as we looked out the window at the crisp snow below us.

"Bella! Edward!" Alice's voice boomed from downstairs as Edward and I exchanged a look before we gathered our clothes to meet a zealous Alice downstairs.

"You think she's excited about snow?" I asked him as I threw on a pair of jeans and a blouse. An impish grin spread across his face as he threw on a collared shirt and a pair of dark wash jeans.

"Christmas and snow is a lethal combination for her, she may just combust of happiness," Edward chuckled as we walked hand in hand down the bannister to a very exuberant Alice while Emmett let out a wolfish whistle. My gaze peered over to Edward as we shared a smile, and my heart knew in that moment I was exactly where I was supposed to be.


I love Christmas and this chapter was happier than the last few :) Keep in mind next chapter is another pivotal moment where Bella meets her grandparents and visits Charlie. Leave me your thoughts below!