Huge hugs go out to you all. Today you'll be seeing Sycamore twice in your inbox! This is Update 1 of 2 for today. Be on the lookout for the next update later today!

Chapter 14: Filthy Animals

December 14, Tuesday

Forks, Washington

Alice

"Your apartment looks like Santa's workshop."

I grin at Emmett's complaint. I know he's mostly teasing. He loves Christmas, maybe not as much as Jasper and me, but it's in him too. "And yours doesn't?"

I watch as he shrugs and moves his gaze onto the next set of decorations Jasper and I have on display.

"Didn't do too much this year. Hopped a plane here before I could get too out of control," he smiles, the dimple in his cheek making an appearance even though his smile doesn't reach his eyes the way it normally does.

I gaze at the beautiful Nutcracker he gave me three years ago. Emmett has always embodied the spirit of Christmas. He loves giving gifts, loves blessing the people around him with things that he knows mean a lot to them.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I look at him, trying to read his body language. We've known each other for years, and I know that sometimes, despite how much he loves someone, he has a hard time talking about things weighing on him.

"I was thinking about getting completely wasted at the bar tonight and then crying on your shoulder later if that's okay with you."

"These tiny shoulders can take it," I joke. "But Jasper might cut you off before you can get crying-drunk."

"Fair," he laughs, eventually shaking his head at thoughts of his own he doesn't share out loud just yet. "I'll be okay. Thanks, Alice."

I reach out to him, patting his shoulder lightly. "I'm glad you're here, Em. It's good to have you home."

He wanders over to the window. "And what better way to welcome me back to Forks than getting me so fucked up I can't remember why I came home in the first place, am I right?" Emmett holds his bottle above his head, and air toasts my own glass from across the room. "Cheers."

I offer up my glass, toasting back. "It'll be a good night," I tell him. "You'll see."

"Pretty sure Edward's coming in tonight, too. I can't remember the last time he and I had the chance to see each other for longer than a quick lunch when he comes to New York."

"I'm excited to meet him," I say, sipping my wine. "After all these years hearing about him from you. It'll be nice to finally put a face to the stories."

"He's a great guy," Emmett adds. "He'll fit in easily with the rest of the insanity here."

I grin. "Speaking of insanity. I told you Bella is coming in tonight, right?"

"Yeah, Jasper mentioned it the other day. Fuck, we're going to burn this bar to the ground. I hope they're ready for us," he laughs, and even though I shake my head as I picture tonight's impending debauchery, I think it will be good for him, for all of us, to let loose a little.

I look up when Jasper steps into the room, wearing another one of the Christmas sweaters I found him. This one features Kevin McAlister's face in all its panicked glory as he realizes he's been left alone, the wool fabric itchy and annoying but totally worth the hives that may decorate Jasper's body later. Emmett lets out a loud groan with a twinge of laughter at the sight of it.

Jasper grins at his brother. "Are you filthy animals ready?"

Emmett knocks back the rest of his beer before nodding, stuffing his phone into his pocket after sending off one final text with a matching set of furrowed brows to go with it. "Yeah," he says, moving to the kitchen. He tosses the bottle in the recycling before joining us again. "Let's do it."

There is nothing like being home for the holidays.

See you later today!