I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.
None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …
Up next will be Christmas with Carlisle, Esme, Bella, Seth and Edward and New Year's Eve … which will be up in San Francisco. Not to mention … yeah … ;-) What do you think will happen next chapter? Will they still seal the deal?
Also, starting next week, I don't have a day off until November 16th. With that being said … ALL updates are suspended until I'm done with my production of Little Women. I'm sorry about the delay, but I'm going to pull three eighty-hour workweeks in a row. Leave at half-past six and getting home around ten. I'll barely have time to shower, let alone post updates.
So, things will get back to normal after November 16th. Thank you for your patience.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Edward
Bella was absolutely gorgeous. Her pale skin glowed under the twinkling lights at the hotel and looked otherworldly as we drove back to my home in the moonlight that spilled into the car. My hand dwarfed hers as I held it over the gear shift. I reveled in the softness of her skin and her trust in me. Lifting her hand, I pressed a sweet kiss to her pulse point at her wrist. She hummed, blinking over to me with a soft smile pulling at her lips.
Her eyes, they told such a tragic, harrowing story. I could see the pain she'd endured, but those ghosts were retreating. Would they ever completely go away? I'm not sure, but since the last time she'd been in Los Angeles, she'd grown by leaps and bounds. There was a serenity that surrounded her, especially while she was with me. Now, she was still hesitant to trust, but she trusted me.
She loved me.
I loved her.
More than anyone else in the fucking world.
"Are you okay, Edward?" Bella asked, squeezing my hand before pulling it into her lap.
"I'm more than okay, gorgeous," I responded, turning into my neighborhood. With a wave, I drove past the gate house and the security guard, to my beach front home. I parked my car in the driveway. I knew we'd take it to go to my parents' home for Christmas Eve. I opened the door for Bella, carrying the two ginormous swag bags from Aro and Summit Studios. I put the two bags near the tree.
Bella kicked off her shoes with a relieved sigh. The heels had done amazing things to Bella's legs, but for someone who didn't normally wear heels, I could only imagine the pain her feet were in. She picked up her shoes with a soft, goofy grin. "The party was fun, but the shoes were not."
"I think we need to soak in the hot tub outside," I suggested. Bella paled. "You have a bathing suit, right?"
"I packed one …" she said slowly, eyeing me dubiously.
"There's enough room for two and we can both wear our bathing suits," I said, pulling her into my arms and kissing her forehead. "You're in charge, gorgeous. You know that, right?"
"Yeah, I do," she nodded. "I'll … put on my bathing suit. Soaking in the hot tub sounds like heaven." She kissed my jaw, walking up the stairs with her shoes in her hand.
I blew out a breath, heading down to the deck. I removed the cover of the hot tub and turned it on, along with the twinkle lights and lights in the hot tub. I checked the temperature, smiling at its scalding heat and went back inside. In our room, I could hear Bella puttering in the bathroom. I didn't want to intrude on her privacy. I grabbed my swimming trunks and changed in the guest bathroom. I hung up my suit, but carried my dress shirt back into the bedroom to put into the hamper. Bella was wearing a robe and her face was scrubbed clean of the makeup she wore. "Feel better, love?"
"Immensely," she giggled, draping her curled hair over her shoulder. "I felt gorgeous, but I don't normally wear that much makeup."
I grinned at her, reaching out my hand. "With makeup, without makeup, you're absolutely gorgeous," I murmured. She ducked her head, blushing furiously. "The hot tub awaits." She placed her hand in mine, walking with me to the pool deck. I grabbed a couple of towels.
"Oh, wow … this is all so romantic," she breathed, looking around the hot tub. "The lights? The distant waves crashing against the beach? This is exactly what the doctor ordered." She shrugged out of the robe and revealed a beautiful plum one-piece bathing suit. It hugged her feminine curves, making my dick harden underneath my swim trunks. I chastised my over-eager cock and held out my hand, helping Bella into the hot tub. I joined her, sighing as the water bubbled all around us. "What do you think is in that swag bag that was given to us?" she asked.
"All sorts of expensive goodies," I snickered. "You're too far away, gorgeous. I don't bite." She rolled her eyes, gliding over to me and settled on the bench next to me. That wasn't good enough. I lifted her onto my lap, kissing her neck. "Holding you in my arms while we danced was amazing, but it wasn't enough time with you."
She looked at me, her eyes sparkling like the lights that surrounded us. "You're obsessed, Edward," she quipped. "I'm not going anywhere."
"No, but starting in March, I will be …" I sighed, pressing a kiss to her neck, and growling lowly when I smelled her subtle but sexy perfume. "Don't forget that I'll be on location filming the adaptation of your novel. We'll have to survive with emails, phone calls and Skype."
She frowned, but understanding settled in her gaze. "You know what they say about long distance relationships?"
"What's that, love?" I asked.
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder," she murmured, pressing her soft lips to mine. I banded my arms around her waist and eagerly accepted her kiss. Her lips were pliant, yearning. Her fingers moved up to my hair, scratching my scalp. I groaned quietly. She slid her tongue along my lower lip, and I opened my mouth, allowing her entry. Swiping her tongue inside my mouth, she whimpered. Pulling back, she shifted on my lap, so her legs were on either side of my hips. She was panting. "Edward?"
"Yes, Bella?" I replied.
"I may not be ready to make love, but I want to try something," she whispered. Her fingers massaged my neck as she stared at me. "I had a conversation with Rose."
"What did she say, gorgeous?" I asked.
"Well, she asked me if I'd been with any other man besides …" she trailed off. "I haven't. In a lot of ways, I'm very inexperienced. Yes, I'd been fucked."
"Bella," I frowned. "You and I both know that's …"
"I refuse to say the other thing," she muttered. "But, it was never on my terms, and I don't know what's so great about it." She trailed her fingers to my cheeks. Her eyes were flashing with determination, love, and a touch of fear. "I want to feel you. I want you to show me … that sex is not bad. That it could be something pleasurable, something ... God, I don't even know what I'm saying."
"Oh, my love," I breathed, pulling her body closer to mine. "When you make love, it can be so incredibly beautiful. You share one body, one soul. It should never hurt. I want nothing more to show you how much I love you." I glided my fingers along her spine along her silken skin, and she shuddered. As she shuddered, her body came in contact with my growing cock. She whimpered, biting her lower lip. "Are you afraid that I'm not going to stop?"
"In my heart, I know if I said stop, you would. My brain is a whole other matter," she explained. "I feel you and I'm torn. I'm excited that you find me attractive, but scared that …"
"I won't hurt you, Bella," I reiterated. "And, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Your beauty is both inside and out." I settled my hands on her hips. She kept her eyes on mine and she relaxed her stance, pressing her core to my length. The heat of her body made me tremble in anticipation. "I love you, Bella."
"Kiss me, Edward," she pleaded.
I didn't need to be asked twice. I kissed her mouth tenderly, reverently. She sighed against my mouth, inching closer to me. Her hips rolled over my length. I bit back my groan as she gasped, pulling back. She pressed her forehead to mine. "It's okay, Bella."
"I feel butterflies and tingles," she panted.
"That means it feels good," I explained, kissing down her neck. "I want you to feel good." I gently guided her body back down. She moaned, rolling her hips again. She crashed her lips against mine, kissing me hungrily. Her movements were slow and a bit uncertain, but she was getting more comfortable with me, with what was pressed between her thighs. I wanted nothing more than feel all of her, but I truly meant it that she was in charge.
"Edward," she moaned. Her fingers tightened in my hair. "I feel …"
"I know, baby," I whispered. "Just feel everything."
"Can you touch me?" she asked, looking at me. She guided my hand to her breast. I brushed my lips against hers as I cupped her breast. I continued to kiss her while I massaged her breast and rolling my thumb along her pebbled nipple. I pulled back, staring into her eyes, and reached for the strap of her bathing suit. She stopped her rolling, biting her lip. With a minute nod, I slid the strap down, along with the other one. Bella slid her arms out and she was bare from the waist up.
"Do you know how beautiful you are?" I asked, circling my hands around her body, just below her breasts. My thumbs glided along the swell of breasts.
"I'm starting to believe it," she murmured, kissing my cheeks before settling onto my lips. I cupped both of her breasts. Her skin was warm and soft against my palms. Her movements were sinuous as she humped against my length.
I could feel my balls tightening, and I prayed that I wouldn't come before she did. Her movements became faster and not as smooth. She cried out with her head falling back. I banded one arm around her waist and rolling her nipple with my other hand. My lips found her neck as her movements became jerkier. She let out a gasp. Her fingers dug into my shoulders as she came. Her pale skin flushed pink, and her nipples were diamond points. Seeing her fall apart, shatter in my arms made my cock swell and I groaned against her skin while I exploded into my swim trunks.
As Bella calmed down, panting heavily in my arms, I ran my hands along her bare back. I pressed soft kisses to her shoulder, jaw, and cheeks. "I love you, Bella," I whispered. "So much." I kept repeating that over and over again, so she knew that I truly did love and adore her. "Are you okay?"
"I'm …" she trailed off. "Is it supposed be like that? Feel that good?"
"Oh, my love, this is just the beginning," I chuckled, helping her push the straps of swimsuit back up. She shimmied back into her swimsuit, blushing furiously. "You're beautiful when you come." Her flush deepened and she snuggled closer to me. "And, yes, Bella. It's supposed to be like that. When you share pleasure with someone you love? It's supposed to feel amazing."
I felt a timid smile against my neck, but she shivered. The weather in Los Angeles was undoubtedly not traditional Christmas weather. During the day, it was mid-seventies. At night, the temperatures, which had fallen to the upper forties, chilled the air. "Come on, Bella. Let's get inside and warm up. The water is hot, but the air is frigid. I don't want you to get sick."
She nodded, pulling back to look at me. "I love you, Edward." Her gaze no longer held the haunted look. If anything, she looked blissed out.
"You stay in here. I'll grab the towels," I replied, kissing her lips. I hopped out of the hot tub and darted to the chaise that held the towels and her robe. My teeth chattered, wrapping the towel around my waist, and walking to Bella. I easily lifted her out of the hot tub, enfolding her in the towels before putting the robe around her body. We stood on the cold deck with the sound of the waves crashing in the distance and the hot tub bubbling. Bella traced the ink on my body as her eyes held my gaze. "Bella … did I hurt you?"
"No," she breathed. "I just … I don't know … I can't really put what I'm feeling into words." She slid her arms around my waist. "I love you and thank you for showing me how beautiful love can be." She shivered again.
"Inside, Bella," I said, turning off the hot tub and leading her through the sliding door. We walked past the Christmas tree and up the stairs to our bedroom. "Why don't you warm up and I'll lock up the house? Okay?"
It took me about ten minutes to close up the hot tub and lock the house. I went upstairs, grabbing a pair of boxer briefs and sleep pants. I changed in the other bathroom, padding to my bedroom. Bella was in the bed, wearing my dress shirt I'd worn tonight. Her eyes were still calm, happy as she grinned at me. "Nice pajamas, Bella."
She raised an elegant shoulder with a coy grin. "It smelled like you," she answered simply. I grinned at her, crawling into bed, and laying down next to her. I flipped off the lights, sliding my arm around Bella's waist. She sighed contentedly, draping her arm around my middle. Within moments, she was asleep. A few moments, I joined her.
xx Blockbuster xx
Bella
I stretched my body, feeling delightfully relaxed and so very warm. I was laying on my side with Edward spooned behind me. I wriggled closer to him. I could feel his hardness against his behind and I wasn't afraid of him. I lifted his hand that was resting on my waist, pressing a kiss to his palm.
"Merry Christmas," he purred against my neck, his voice raspy with disuse.
"Merry Christmas," I smiled, turning in his arms. I brushed back his messy hair. His green eyes were unfocused and sleepy.
"How did you sleep, love?" he asked, pressing feather-light kisses to my forehead, cheeks, and nose.
"I slept hard," I chuckled, trailing my fingers along his muscled back. "I was relaxed. Happy."
"A good orgasm will do that to you," he quipped. His hands moved up my body and he growled when he felt my skin above my panties. "You are so soft. So warm. God, you're perfect for me, baby."
"I'm far from perfect," I argued as his hands traveled below my waist. I whimpered as his warm palms caressed my ass and I pressed into him.
"I beg to differ, love," he growled. "You are perfect. I love you."
"Even with all my scars?" I sighed.
"Scars and all," he pushed, kissing me deeply and I lost myself in his warmth, his strength. "Fuck, Bella. I can feel how hot you are against my thigh."
"I'm sorry," I mumbled.
"Don't apologize," he countered. "You're turned on, love." I was. I could feel how wet I was between my legs. Last night, I was also wet. But now? I felt soaked. My panties did little to hide my arousal. I was also rocking against Edward's thigh like I'd rocked against his hardness last night. "Do you trust me, Bella? I want to make you feel like you did last night."
"I trust you," I whispered. He gently rolled us, so I was on my back. His hand lay flat between my breasts. He looked at me, easing one of the buttons open. He kept his gaze on me as unbuttoned the entire shirt, revealing a swath of pale skin and the smallest hint of my panties. His fingertips glided over the exposed skin. I, unconsciously, arched to his hand. He gave me a crooked grin, slipping his hand underneath my shirt and cupped my breast. My eyes fluttered shut as he palmed my breast. "Your hands … they're so strong and they feel so good."
He leaned down, kissing my neck, and moving to capture my earlobe. I whimpered, gripping his shoulders as he rolled my nipple and turning me on even more. "Do you want more?" he asked.
"Yes," I nodded. "Please, Edward."
His lips found mine and he pressed his palm on my lower belly, just under my navel. His fingers traced the elastic waist band of my panties. With each pass, he inched closer to my core. He pulled back, watching me as his hand slipped into my underwear and inching down to center. "If you want me to stop, tell me."
Swallowing, I kissed him. "Keep going, Edward. I want this. I want you."
He smiled at me crookedly, spreading my folds and making me gasp out in need. His fingers massaged between my legs, and I moaned. "Fuck, Bella. You're so wet," he whispered, brushing his lips over mine. His movements were focused on my clit. Each pass of his fingers lit me up like a lightning bolt. His hand was cramped between my legs and my panties. We continued to kiss as I pushed my underwear down my legs. "Bella …"
"I trust you. I trust you to not hurt me," I murmured. "I love you." The shirt had fallen open, and I was, for all intents and purposes, naked in his bed. He saw all of me.
He stopped touching me and stared into my eyes. "You are, by far, the most beautiful woman I've seen," he whispered, pressing his forehead to mine. "Thank you, for trusting me."
"Thank you for showing me that love shouldn't hurt and that it can be so beautiful," I whispered back. "Show me …"
His mouth devoured mine as his hand took purchase between my legs. He circled my clit and teased my entrance. His fingers slid inside of me, making me moan against his lips. I reached between us and found his hardness. I wrapped my hand around his length, earning me a growl. "Bella," he mumbled.
"You're making me feel good. I want to return the favor," I purred, stroking him.
"This is about you, love," he argued, sucking on my lower lip. His thumb teased my clit as he curled his fingers inside me. "Let me love you." He draped one of my legs over his, opening me further. I was completely vulnerable and lost in the sensations of his hand between my thighs.
I rolled my body, needing him and desperate for the sensations for last night. I moaned when he added a second finger inside me. I gripped the shirt, wanting to touch, to feel, but was so completely lost in what he was doing to me. "Edward," I panted.
"I know, baby. I can feel you clenching around my fingers. Let go. Feel it all," he commanded against my ear. I slapped my hand down onto the bed as the zing of electricity traveled deep within my belly and spread throughout my body. I arched off the bed. Edward slowed his fingers inside me and as I came back to myself, he slipped them out of me. I felt so empty, but my body twitched with residual twinges of my orgasm. "I love you," he murmured. "I love you so much, my Bella."
I curled up, snuggling closer to him. I reached between us again, only to be stopped. "What?" I asked. "I want to make you feel as good as you made me."
"Trust me, love. I felt amazing," he chuckled. "I've got my boxers filled with evidence of how good I felt." He pressed his lips to mine. "Shower with me?"
He'd seen all of me, and he wasn't disgusted. I nodded and squealed when he picked me up off the bed, carrying me to the bathroom. He started the shower. I slipped out of the shirt, and he slid his pants down. He had a third tattoo on his hip. It was the triquetra. The symbol that had been on the front of the Book of Shadows on that television show. "Are you secretly a witch?" I asked, looking at his tattoo.
Edward snickered, pulling me into the shower and into his arms. "No, I'm not a witch. Though, that freezing power that Piper had was pretty cool," he teased, kissing my nose. "I'm proud of my heritage and part of that heritage is Celtic. This Celtic knot represents that part of my history, my family's history."
"Got it," I smiled as the water pelted onto us, soaking our skin and hair. Our shower was playful, and I felt lighter than I'd felt in my entire life. No fear of pain or repercussions for acting inappropriately. I felt loved, protected, and cherished.
After our shared shower, we got dressed. We also loaded up the car with the presents and drove the short distance to Edward's parent's place. Gathering the presents, we entered a gorgeous beach-front mansion. It was easily three times the size of Edward's home. My son was outside, tossing a ball with Bear and Carlisle. He grinned brightly when he saw me and Edward, jogging to the car. He hugged me tightly. "It's so good to see you, Mom."
"Did you behave yourself?" I asked, kissing his cheek.
"I did. I helped Esme with the cookies, and we also got ready for Christmas Eve, doing a lot of prep work," he explained. "Then, I went for a swim in the pool. It was cold outside, but the pool was so warm!"
"We keep it heated," said Carlisle. "It's nice to see you again, Bella. Your son was an absolute delight."
"Thank you. I like to think I raised him well," I snickered, poking his side. "And Bear?"
"He slept with me," Seth smiled. "Did you know that Bear snored?"
"Random," Edward sang. He ruffled Seth's hair. "I bet he was trying to drown out your snores, bud."
"I do not snore," Seth argued.
"Yes, you do," Edward and I both countered.
Seth scowled at both of us.
"Have you eaten breakfast?" Carlisle asked, snickering quietly.
Edward and I shared a look. We'd had coffee and had enjoyed some of the chocolates in the swag bag from Aro, but we hadn't eaten breakfast. We were far more interested in exploring the newfound intimacy growing between us. Edward had showed me what love was supposed to feel like. We could barely keep our hands off each other. Our touches were innocent, but needy. "We'd love some breakfast. You know I can't cook. Neither can you, old man."
"Whatever," Carlisle snorted, grabbing the presents, and walking into the house.
Inside, Edward and Carlisle put the presents underneath the ginormous tree. The house smelled like gingerbread, coffee, and bacon. Despite its massive size, it felt homey and warm. I walked to the fireplace, inspecting the photos on the mantel. Edward's family was absolutely gorgeous. Even in Edward's awkward, teenaged gawky years, he was beautiful. "Have you spoken with your sister?" I asked, seeing a photo of them at Edward's college graduation.
"A few short conversations," he replied. "Alice was always my biggest supporter, but her reaction to you and her decision to not figure out who sent those emails …"
"Emails?" I asked, confused by that statement. I'd faintly remembered him saying something about emails, but my orgasm-addled brain couldn't pull up the information.
"I'm pretty sure I mentioned them, but Paul sent some bullshit emails smearing your character. However, at the time, we didn't know it was Paul. Alice refused to figure it out because she didn't trust you," Edward sighed, shaking his head.
"Right," I frowned. "I'd forgotten about those."
"Well, regardless, her reaction has irrevocably changed our relationship," Edward shrugged. "Do I still love my sister? Yes and I always will. But, can I trust her? Not anymore." He pulled me into his lap. "She's in Tuscany, spending Christmas in Italy."
"I'm sorry that …" I whispered.
"It's not your fault, Bella. It was hers. It was always hers," he murmured, kissing the corner of my mouth. "Come on. I'm hungry and my mom made cinnamon buns. I don't usually indulge this much, but it's Christmas."
We ate breakfast and we sat outside on the pool deck. Edward and I talked about the party that Aro held with Summit. Seth was shocked at the celebrities we mingled with. Edward pulled up Summit's website on his phone, showing him the pictures. He drooled over Chris Hemsworth and Amelia Henderson, asking so many questions.
Around two, Alice called, and she seemed a little lost. But, she was happy to talk to her parents and brother. Before the call was ended, my son stepped forward. His jaw was set, and he glowered at her. "I mean no disrespect, Ms. Cullen, but the way you treated my mom wasn't right."
"Seth Charles Swan, you better stop," I hissed. I pulled him back. "I'm sorry, Alice."
"You should not apologize because he's right," Alice said, shrugging. "Seth, the way I acted toward your mother was abhorrent. Because of my choices, I've irrevocably changed my relationship with my brother, your mother, and my family. I let my prejudice of your mom cloud my judgment and I will forever be sorry for how I behaved. I made the problem worse. I wish I could go back in time, but I can't. I hope, in time, that we'll be friends."
"I doubt that," Seth mumbled under his breath. "Because of you, my sperm donor tried to take me away from my mother, the one person who loves me unconditionally!"
"Seth," I snapped.
"Bella, he has every right to be pissed, as do you," she sighed. "Merry Christmas and I hope you get everything you ever wished for. Mom, Dad, I love you. I'll be home after the first of the year. Edward, when I get back, can we meet?"
"I'll be in San Francisco and then will begin rehearsals for the movie," Edward shrugged indifferently. "Sorry."
"Okay," she muttered. "My love to you all." With a swipe of her fingers, the screen went black.
"I'm sorry if I upset you all," Seth mumbled. "I just … she was a part of the reason why my sperm donor tried to get custody of me. He found out about the movie because of that guy and …" He huffed out a breath, walking outside. Bear followed him with a low bark.
"I apologize," I frowned. "He's …"
"Sweetheart, he has every reason to be upset," Esme said soothingly. "What happened to you and with my daughter had unknowingly snowballed."
"I'm going to check on him. I am sorry for how he spoke to Alice," I said hastily. Even if he was right … "Excuse me." I walked out of the family room and onto the patio. My son was on the beach, throwing a ball with Bear. From the tension in his back and the aggressive way he threw the ball, he was obviously pissed off. Bear got the ball, and he ran past Seth, to me. "Hey, buddy," I said, scrubbing behind Bear's ears. He dropped the ball to my feet. It was covered in sand and slobber. I picked it up, throwing it away weakly. "Sit with me, Seth."
"Are you going to rip me a new one?" he asked grumpily. "I'm screwing things up left and right. First with Edward's mom and now with Alice."
"Do I agree with how you spoke to Alice? No. As much as I do not like her, she's still an adult and you need to respect her as an adult," I said. "Also, your job is not to protect me, Seth. My job is to protect you. It's my right as a mother, as a parent."
"Mom, I couldn't protect you from him. I could help you then, but I need to help now," Seth choked out. "I have to make sure you're safe. I have to!"
I wrapped my arms around my son's body as he snuggled close to me. Hearing his shattered confession made me hate Jacob even more. He'd seen so much that had obviously tore at my son. "Thank you for trying to protect me, but let me take care of you. And, please, be respectful for the rest of the trip."
"I'm sorry, Mom," Seth whispered. "I really am. I just … I couldn't …"
"Yes, you can, and you will," I said, wielding my rarely used parental bitch brow.
"Can we stay here? For a little while?" Seth asked. "I need to calm down."
"Okay, Seth. But, as soon as we get home, you have to have an appointment with your counselor to discuss these outbursts you're having. I understand why you're upset, but that doesn't mean that I condone your behavior," I said sternly. "I love you so much and I hate that you feel the need to protect me."
"I couldn't do it when I was little. I hated what he did to you, and I was powerless to do anything about it. I heard you cry after he hurt you. You never cry," Seth murmured. He slid his arms around my waist and put his head on my shoulder.
My eyes fluttered shut and tears gathered behind my eyes. "No more talk of your sperm donor. It's Christmas. It's time for us to spend time with family."
"I love you, Mom," Seth said into the wind.
We stayed outside for a few more minutes until I started to shiver. It was chilly on the beach with the wind whipping off the Pacific Ocean. I called for Bear when I stood up. He ran back toward us, his tongue lolling off to the side of his mouth. He was completely covered in water and sand. "Shit," I groaned. "Bear is covered in sand."
"He looked like that last night. Carlisle showed me where the outdoor shower was. I can hose him off," Seth explained. "I'll meet you inside. You're cold, Mom. Go back inside. I'll be fine."
I kissed his cheek and walked up the steps to the patio. Seth guided to Bear to the shower. I heard my son laughing as he told Bear to sit down. Ducking inside, I slipped off my shoes and sighed happily at the warmth of the house. Esme was in the kitchen, checking on the turkey in the oven. "Is everything okay?" she asked, pouring me a cup of coffee.
"It will be. I'm truly sorry for how my son acted toward Alice," I said, ambling to the island. With a grateful sigh, I wrapped my fingers around the mug.
"She deserved it. Her prejudicial behavior has … well, let's just say her choices have very real consequences," Esme said. "I do not condone her behavior and I think she finally realized that she can't make snap judgments about people. I'm sorry for all the grief she caused you. Seth was right in that she had a hand in what Seth's biological father did in trying to get custody of him. If she had dug deeper into who was sending those emails, all of this could have been avoided."
"Like I told my son, it's Christmas. Jacob has no place here today," I stated firmly. "I want to spend time with you and Carlisle, enjoying the holiday with your family."
"Our family," Esme said with a warm smile. "From the look on my son's face, you're not going anywhere. You and Seth are a part of our family and always will be." She moved from behind the counter, wringing her hands. "I know that we got off to a rocky start. I opened my mouth and inserted my foot with my unthinking comment about … well, about your son's birth father. I will always be sorry for being nothing thinking before I spoke. I can truly see how much Edward loves you and Seth. I also mean it when I think you will be a part of our family. You are everything I've ever wanted and hoped for my youngest child. You're beautiful, smart, and so very strong." She stepped closer and held her arms open. I realized what she wanted to do, and I hugged her. It wasn't until I was in her arms that I missed so much in being abandoned by my selfish mother. I closed my eyes, relishing in Esme's embrace. "Welcome to the family, Bella."
"Thank you," I whispered.
She squeezed me tightly, leading me back to the family room. Seth came back in with a clean Bear, sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace. While we sat down, Edward shared what he could about the adaptation of my novel. When he was done talking, I showed them pictures of my new home.
A few hours later, we ate dinner. Esme's turkey was delicious – so much better than the turkey I'd served on Thanksgiving. But, it was my first time making turkey. Thanksgiving in Forks was usually from the Lodge or the diner. When I was on the road, I was lucky to have any sort of food in my belly. A huge Thanksgiving meal was not usually on the menu.
After some cookies, coffee and opening one present each from under the tree, we talked about plans for the following day. Carlisle and Esme wanted to go to church, asking if Seth and I wanted to go. We all made the decision to join them, even though I'd never really belonged to a church. I'd stayed in church shelters, but didn't attend services.
With the presents we'd opened; Seth got a neon Avengers sign from Carlisle and Esme. Edward gave his parents matching pajamas, which was a long-standing inside joke. Esme held up a red shirt, along with a green pair of pants, with a scowl at her son. Edward just grinned brightly while his father put on the shirt with a laugh. I got a skin care regimen from Esme. She had clear, smooth skin at fifty. I'd happily take her suggestions with skin care. Edward got a pair of headphones from me. He said his old pair had bit the dust from long-term use. Bear got a new collar and leash with his name engraved on it.
After opening the presents, we drove back to Edward's place with my son and Bear in tow. Seth hugged both Edward and I before heading to bed.
Edward took my hand, sitting us down in front of the Christmas tree after taking Bear out to do his business. "I wanted to give you your present from me without an audience." He trailed his finger along the flower pendant he'd given me at the end of our first date. The pendant that I looked at for a moment, but quickly dismissed as an extravagance. He saw my longing for it and purchased it on a whim, giving it to me after he'd left with a sweet note inside the box. I wore as often as I could, usually on a daily basis. I'd put it on after showering this morning since I couldn't wear it with my dress at the Summit party. "I bought you this pendant because you never received flowers from someone who loved you. I think I loved you then, gorgeous."
"Even with all my crazy?" I snickered, giving him a wry grin.
"Don't say that," Edward chided, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Bella, you've lived a difficult life. If I had my way, you'd never experience the pain you endured ever again. Despite all that happened to you, you're still warm, loving and affectionate." He cupped my cheek and kissed me sweetly. While he kissed me, a box was placed into my hands. "I love you, Bella. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Edward," I murmured, picking up the box. It was small. I tore into it and found a deep mahogany box. "Edward … what did you do?"
"Spoiling you," he smirked.
I gave him a scowl before cracking open the box. Inside, resting on a satin pillow, was another pendant. This one was an infinity symbol with two large diamonds inside the holes of the symbol. "Edward," I breathed. "It's beautiful."
"Do you know what infinity means?" he asked, taking it out and putting it around my neck. It was slightly longer than my flower pendant, which meant I could wear both at the same time. I nodded, blushing deeply. "It's how much I love you and love Seth. That love will never change, Bella. I've lived my life, jaded and bitter at not finding my soul mate. I've found my soul mate, in you. My love for you is infinite. I'll love you until the last star in the sky fades away."
"I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm so grateful," I cried, turning in his arms. He held me, rocking me in the soft light of the Christmas tree. "It makes what I got you seem so … trivial."
"You gave me your gift last night and this morning, love," he purred. "You trusted me with your heart and your body. I couldn't ask for anything more beautiful, more exquisite." He pressed his lips to mine. "Come on, Bella. I want to hold you."
A/N: I had every intention of finishing up Christmas and getting to the actual casting of the film, but I didn't want to make this too long. Pictures from this chapter (not that there are many) are on my blog and tumblr. Links for both of those are on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.
Up next will be the rest of Christmas, New Year's (back in San Francisco) and casting the movie.
Leave me your thoughts about the chapter. Thank you, as always, for reading!