More time at home = more frequent updates. I'm going a bit stir-crazy, but glad I can update a bit more often. Seriously counting my blessings over here.

Chapter Sixteen

Brady – Tap Out – Saving Abel

Brady – Riot – 3 Days' Grace

Brady – Sparks Fly – Taylor Swift

BPOV

Edward and I had made plans to spend time together and with the family on Christmas Day. I didn't like to think about the first Christmas I had spent in Forks. Edward was gone, I was grieving, and Jake and I had not yet formed our friendship. I had been at my lowest, and all I really remember of the day was me desperately trying to show some sort of holiday spirit for Charlie's benefit; he didn't deserve my depression. He was also still unsure about me staying in Forks and was trying to find a reason to send me back to Renee. I was determined that wouldn't happen.

I still had a hard time believing the depths I had slogged through back then. My friendship with Jake had been a relief, and in many ways, Jason had saved me as well. Becoming his guardian had forced me get out of my own head and focus on his well-being rather than myself. My first Christmas with Jason had been in Forks with Charlie, and the contrast between the two Christmases was stark. For the first time since Edward had abandoned me, I looked forward to the holidays and was able to enjoy them.

This Christmas was going to be different. Jase's Grandma Dwyer had asked that I consider allowing him to spend Christmas with her and his Grandpa. He had other cousins who would be visiting, and it would be the perfect opportunity to get to know them better. Unfortunately, Jason was in his leg cast for another few weeks, and we had to cancel the trip. He was disappointed until Emmett suggested they could rebuild their Lego empire.

The Cullens had left for a long week of hunting, and I wasn't expected until the afternoon on Christmas Day. Our little family tradition was for me and Jase to open gifts together on Christmas Eve. I sipped on my hot chocolate while enjoying watching him tear through his gifts. I had always looked forward to this time as something special for just he and I. As usual, Grandma Sue and Grandpa Charlie were overly generous, as were his grandparents Dwyer.

I woke up very early Christmas morning and rummaged through the back of my bottom drawer for my rattiest pair of jeans and t-shirt. I thought this would be a great time to get in a few hours on the paint and tile in the kitchen before Jase woke up. Extra time to work on these home projects was rare, and I wanted to take advantage of the early morning. I slowly opened Jase's bedroom door. He was still sleeping soundly. I looked at his new Spiderman action figure tucked under his arm and smiled.

I jumped a bit at the sharp rap on my front door and frowned. Unexpected guests this early on Christmas Day couldn't be good. I shouldn't have been surprised to see Alice, Edward, Jasper and Emmett all dressed in their work clothes smiling at me. Alice rolled her eyes and brushed me aside when I complained at their insistence on finishing my kitchen for me. Edward just wrapped his arms around my waist, kissed my flushed cheek and gently whispered in my ear.

"You know there is no point in arguing, love."

I raised my eyebrow. "I thought we were going to be better about making decisions together, and here you all are working on my house without telling me."

Alice's voice rang from the kitchen, "It's a surprise Christmas gift, Bella! We won't open any presents without you and Jason, so it's actually more self-serving than altruistic." I hardly believed that.

"Alice can be annoying, but she's also right," Edward said. I looked up at him. "If this is what it takes to get you to our house sooner, you're not going to hear any apologies here." His smile was blinding.

Jase stumbled into the kitchen rubbing his eyes, still clinging to his Spiderman. He glanced at the whirling vampires wielding tools and supplies around him, yawned, and slowly plopped himself into a kitchen chair.

"I'm hungry. Do we have any waffles?"

Edward chuckled and dodged Emmett as he pulled a plate from the cabinet.

"You bet. Would you like milk or juice with that?"

As soon as we arrived at the Cullens' later that morning, Esme and Rosalie greeted us with hot cider and cinnamon rolls. Jase's eyes got wide, and he ran to the kitchen. No one would ever believe he had just eaten four waffles only a few hours earlier. Carlisle chuckled and gave me a warm hug.

"Merry Christmas, Bella." His slight English accent made the greeting sound even more warm and sincere.

"Thank you, Carlisle." Edward took my hand and grinned as he led me to the front room. A huge 16-foot tree filled the panoramic window and very nearly touched the top of the vaulted ceiling. Every inch of the branches was glowing with tiny white lights and sparkling antique glass ornaments. Professionally wrapped gifts in matching designer paper were stacked under and around the tree. The entire room was tastefully decorated in festive décor. Edward led me to a couch and handed me a hot mug of coffee.

Everyone gathered around, and as soon as Jason joined us from the kitchen, Alice put on a green elf hat, much to Jase's amusement, and started doling out the gifts.

I was surprised to realize that the Cullens' Christmas morning was much like everyone else's, except for one major difference: the gifts were outrageously expensive. New cars, diamond jewelry, exclusive vacation packages, and real estate were exchanged like sweaters and socks were in normal families. I was almost embarrassed to give the scarves and sweaters I had purchased for them, but they each sincerely thanked me, and assured me that my gifts were more than enough. Jase, of course, was spoiled with more Lego sets, courtesy of Emmett and Rosalie, and many other games and toys from everyone else. Except for Carlisle and Esme. They gave him bonds that would go directly into his college savings account. To my horror, the amount was much more than I was comfortable with but was assured that it wasn't any more than any of the other gifts.

Alice, of course, had given me several more designer clothing sets, and gifts from the others, thankfully, were low-key. After the wrappings were cleared away, and everyone had meandered off to pursue their own interests, Edward took my hand again.

"Bella, I have yet to give you your gift, but I would like to do it privately. Would you come with me to my room?"

I nodded my head, and stood, but was nervous to see what he had come up with. As I sat on his leather sofa, he zipped off to his closet and returned with a flat, velvet-covered jewelry box. I was immediately anxious.

"Edward, please tell me you didn't spend a ton of money on me. You and your siblings just finished my kitchen this morning, which, believe me, I deeply appreciate, and is gift enough. Really, you don't have to do this."

Edward had a solemn look on his face. "You are worth so much more than a quick kitchen reno, Bella, but if it makes you feel better, I didn't spend anything." That velvet box looked expensive to me.

I must have looked unsure. The smile left Edward's eyes as he opened the box and uncovered a gorgeous diamond heart charm attached to a delicate platinum chain.

I looked at Edward's anxious eyes and swallowed. "Bella, please don't be difficult. If you don't like it, that's one thing, but please don't refuse based on monetary value."

I stared at the sparkling heart and tears started welling. "It's beautiful, Edward, but how can I accept it? I bought you a sweater for Pete's sake, and you're gifting me with a priceless diamond bracelet! How can I compete with that? How can I feel equal to you if I can't reciprocate on the same level?"

"Bella, I meant what I said before. I didn't buy this bracelet. It was my mother's, and I want to give it to you – the woman I love. I want you to wear it, and every time you see it, are reminded of me. It's meant to make you feel loved, not disparate." His eyes were so sincere and pleading I simply nodded my head as the tears fell. I watched him clasp the bracelet and kiss my wrist. He gathered me into his arms and kissed the top of my head as well. We stood that way for a few minutes, then he pulled away and looked into my wet face.

"Bella, you and I, I feel, have come a long way in our relationship in the way of respect and communication, do you agree?" I nodded my head.

Edward continued, "We have talked about the importance of communicating about our problems and working toward solutions together. So, it is now that I am bringing up a concern that I think we need to discuss." We both sat down again, and he held both of my hands.

"Bella, you have expressed a deep desire to be a part of this family, and believe me, we all want that, too." He swallowed, "In any way you choose. As far as we all are concerned, you and Jason are already Cullens, and we love you as members of our family." I nodded my head. I loved them as family, too.

"Bella, I know you're uncomfortable with wealth, but here's the thing: we Cullens are wealthy. We give expensive gifts, because we enjoy it and have the means to do so. We try not to be flashy outside of the family, but amongst ourselves, there are no limits, and we would do this whether you were one of us or not." I already knew that, so I nodded my head again.

"But Bella, I've got to be honest and tell you that your reluctance to accept gifts, regardless of cost, given sincerely and from the heart, comes off as being ungrateful." His words shocked me. Ungrateful? Was I? I guess my behavior and attitude could be construed that way. Sure, I was very uncomfortable receiving gifts I considered to be over-the-top, but that was only because I knew I couldn't reciprocate.

Edward gathered me closer. "Bella, love, I hope you understand that gift-giving isn't just about the person receiving the gift. It's also about the joy of giving. Your reluctance and outright refusal to receive hurts those who are lovingly trying to give to you." Thinking about how my attitude was affecting the person giving the gift hadn't occurred to me.

Oh, my gosh. He was totally right. I was being rude, selfish, and ungrateful. This family was all about giving, and honestly, the amount of money involved really wasn't the issue. My cheeks began to heat, and it wasn't just from embarrassment. I also felt ashamed.

"Wow. I had never thought of it that way before. Edward, you are right, and I sincerely apologize. Yes, I still feel uncomfortable with expensive gifts, but I understand that is just how this family works. I promise I will work harder to be grateful."

"I'm glad, and a bit relieved." He smiled wide. "I actually have another gift for you."

"Another one?"

"Yes, and don't worry, I didn't spend any money on this gift either." He put his hand under the couch and pulled out a wrapped, flat square package. He presented it to me with a flourish. I pulled off the ribbons and a plain jewel case with a new CD sparkled at me.

"You recorded music on this?"

Edward smiled. "I did. In fact, I wrote you a new song, and Alice helped me record it."

"A new song? Is it like the lullaby you wrote for me before?"

Edward took the CD and put it into his fancy stereo system. We sat there, entwined, listening to the soft piano melody. He played with my hair and I continued to cry as the lovely strains, soft, lively, and hopeful, swirled around the room.

"Edward, that was beautiful, and absolutely the perfect gift. What made you decide to write another song for me?"

"The lullaby will forever be yours, Bella, but it represented our relationship as it was before. Now that we are together again, stronger and more committed than ever, I wanted something that represents us as we are now."

I listened to the song several more times, and after Jase fell asleep at home later that night, listened to it again as Edward held me. I thought about what he had said about being grateful as I was drifting to sleep and vowed that I would never let anything as mundane as a material gift, no matter the cost, come between us again.

Too soon Christmas break was over, school started again, and we were back playing our respective roles. Not being able to be with Edward in the way I wanted was a hardship, but if I was to be a true member of the Cullen family, I needed to accept and learn to play my part. Edward was a full-time Buffalo State student by day, and with me at my home or at his family home in the evenings. He took me to Buffalo so we could spend some time together. His condo was, of course, professionally decorated, and looked nothing like a typical student dwelling.

Edward continued to keep vigilant tabs on the thoughts of everyone around us to be sure we weren't arousing suspicion.

We had only been back from the holidays for a week when an unusual winter weather pattern brought four straight days of bright sunshine. The Cullens decided to take advantage with another hunting trip. Edward was reluctant, but I convinced him to go. I felt that we owed his family for the derailed Africa trip over Thanksgiving.

The morning after they left, a sharp rap shook my front door. I looked through the peephole and was shocked to see a very large, very angry Quileute peering through the hole on the other side.

"Brady! What the heck-?"

"Bella." He was curt, radiating anger, and he instantly pissed me off as he shouldered his way past me and into my living room.

"He was here. I can smell him in your house."

"Who are you talking about?"

"The bloodsucker! He's been in your house, Bella."

I couldn't believe Brady was standing in my living room. My cell phone started to vibrate in my pocket. Jake's number flashed on the screen, and I immediately opened it.

"Jake?"

"Bella, is Brady there?"

"Yes. He just got here. What's going on?"

"Crap. I am so sorry, Bella. Earlier this week we were out on patrol, and thoughts about the conversation you and I had about the Cullens slipped through my mind. I guess Brady caught wind and he took off before I knew what was going on. I just literally found out that he drove off two days ago, and I figured he left to find you." I could practically hear him rolling his eyes over the line. "He's not answering his phone. Let me talk to him."

Shaking his head, Brady flopped on my couch and crossed his arms. "No. I'm not leaving you, Bella, and I refuse to talk to him. He can't make me go back."

"Jake, I'll get back to you." Closing my phone, I gingerly sat in a side chair. I knew that the situation was precarious. Brady's temper was causing him to vibrate slightly, and an angry shifter could be unpredictable.

"Brady, you've got to understand. I appreciate your concern, but it's not what you think. The Cullens and I are friends. They would never hurt me."

"I don't buy that, Bella. I've seen how that leech hurt you before. I won't just sit back and watch him hurt you, or worse, again."

I sucked in a deep breath. Time to come clean. "Ok, Brady, you've got to know that Edward and I are together now, and our relationship isn't like it was before. I know without a doubt that he won't leave me again."

I wasn't sure what his reaction would be, but I knew with Brady, blunt honesty was always best. He glared at me.

"Ok, I'm not going to pretend that the thought of him touching you doesn't freak me out and piss me off, but it doesn't matter. Whether here, or back home, it's my duty to protect the tribe, and that means you as well. I don't care what lies he has told you or what he has done to make you believe he isn't dangerous, because I don't buy it. Jake may not care what happens to you, but I do. You don't get it, Bella. You don't get what they are. They put on a great façade, but the bottom line is that their kind is death. It's what they do! Nothing good will come of your association with them, and I refuse to sit back and allow the woman I love to fall victim to that."

I knew there was no reasoning with him in this state. It was getting late and I had an early morning. Edward and his family wouldn't be back for a few days, and nothing was going to get resolved tonight. I couldn't forcibly remove Brady even if I tried anyway.

"I know I can't make you go home, but you can't stay here."

"That's fine. I brought some camping equipment with me." Brady stood. "I'll be near." He stalked out the front door, and I watched as he parked his truck up the street and hauled out a tent. I rolled my eyes. No doubt he would be staying amongst the trees behind my house.

I knew the Cullens were out of range, but I left a brief message for Edward, and hoped that he wouldn't flip when he finally listened to it. I checked in on Jase, and when I was satisfied Brady's outburst didn't wake him, went to shower and get some rest. I had a feeling I was going to need it.

I woke the next morning to find Brady shirtless and sipping coffee in the kitchen. It would have been easy for anyone not familiar with the circumstances to mistake Brady's intent in being there; we made a very domestic scene. As it was, he was an unwelcome guest and I needed to figure out how to convince him to return to Forks.

"Sleep well last night?" I didn't mean it sarcastically. I was genuinely interested.

"I had a pinecone in my back all night. If I hadn't driven here two days straight and been so exhausted, it could have been a problem. But, yeah, I guess it was okay."

"Good. Look, I told Jake I would get back to him today, and I need to know what to tell him. Why won't you speak to him directly?"

"First, he isn't going to listen to, much less agree with my argument. Second, I can't stop from doing what he commands if he goes all alpha on me."

"What happens if you phase?"

"Same thing. Distance doesn't matter. Three inches or three thousand miles, he can still go alpha through the pack mind collective." He looked down at me. "But I think my chances of protecting you in my human form are good. Like I said, it doesn't matter. I'm not going back any time soon."

"So, what? You're just going to hang out behind my house until when?"

"Until I know and am satisfied with what's going on with the bloodsucker. Or until they leave – I don't know. I haven't got everything figured out yet." Wow.

I knew Brady was well over a foot taller than me, but I did have a few advantages: age, experience, and one hell of an authoritarian voice. "Well, I'll tell you right now, Brady. I will not appreciate you provoking a fight with my family, got me? I may not be able to make you leave Rochester, or dictate where you go, but when you're around me or the ones I care about, you will behave yourself. Understand?"

Brady's eyes narrowed a fraction, but he nodded his head. "Yeah, I got it."

"Good. Besides, you're in for a long haul. The Cullens aren't even in town; they're hunting in northern Canada and won't be back for a few days."

"All the better. Hey, mind if I use your shower?"

This was going to be all kinds of awkward.

Jase appeared a few minutes later to eat his breakfast, and I tried to explain to him that for the time being, we had a sort-of guest that he would be seeing around the house.

Brady came back into the kitchen freshly showered and in clean clothes. Soon he and Jase were chitchatting like old friends. Jase made the comment that Brady was almost as big as his Uncle Emmett. Brady shot me a look but thankfully didn't say anything.

Soon after, Jase was ready for preschool, and as we were putting our coats on, Brady grabbed his as well.

"Brady, I have to work today. I don't have the time, or frankly, the inclination to show you around town. You aren't a student, and can't follow me around the school, so what are your plans?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll find my way around soon enough." He pulled truck keys out of his coat pocket. He shot me a smile and winked. "I'm going to look for a job. I'm going to need one if I am staying indefinitely."

I couldn't deny that his tenacity impressed and unsettled me. This guy was something else. I locked the front door and herded Jase into the car. I couldn't let Brady's drama derail my routine.

My day was typical. I made it through classes, meetings, and ignoring Jeffrey's stares. I had completely forgotten about Brady's unexpected appearance the night before and our conversation that morning until I walked out into the teacher parking lot after school. Most of the students peeled out of the lot almost as soon as the final bell rang, but there were a few students still loitering, and soccer exercises were going on in the gym.

I headed towards my car and noticed Brady leaning against the side of his truck, arms folded, waiting for me. I gripped my bag and sighed. He watched me walk toward him and smiled.

"Miss Swan. Have a good day?"

"Typical day. Find a job?"

"I did one better. Not only did I find a job at a mechanic shop, but I also found an apartment."

That was unexpected. I had somehow thought he was intending to camp out behind my house for the long haul. It was a relief not having to worry about an inevitable showdown between he and Edward. My vampire would never allow Brady to take up residence literally feet from my back door.

"So, that settles it. You are here to stay." I'll admit, I had my doubts up until then.

"For now. I still need to hammer out beef with the bloodsu—"

At that moment a group of girls in soccer uniforms walked out of the gym door and were making their way to the lot. Brady's huge form immediately caught the group's attention. There were stares and giggles, but Brady, caught mid-sentence, had his eyes fixed on Mandy. She smiled as she passed, and Brady instantly kicked off the truck's side and caught up to her in only a few strides. He had an awe-struck look of complete adoration, and literally couldn't look away from her. The rest of the girls broke off in giggling groups, intermittently glancing behind them. No doubt this after-school scene would be the talk of the lunchroom tomorrow.

I got in my car and smiled as I motored out of the lot. Mandy might as well be the only girl on earth as far as Brady was concerned. He hadn't noticed I left, and I suspected he no longer cared.

As promised, I called Jake back that evening and explained that Brady would no longer be a problem, for me at least, so he could try calling him directly. Chances were good that Brady would answer, because his reasons for staying in Rochester would be different than when he had arrived the day before.

The four days passed without incident. I only heard from Brady once, and that was the next evening after his imprinting. He knocked on my door after dinner, and I saw a very subdued, smitten Brady leaning against my doorframe. He all but staggered into my living room and plopped down on my couch. He looked over to me and grinned.

"Oh, Bella. I had no idea. Absolutely no idea."

I couldn't help but chuckle. The boy had it bad.

"Seriously. I thought that there couldn't possibly be anything more intense than what I felt for you, but I was so, so wrong."

"So, I take it everything is working out well with Mandy?"

He actually giggled. "Yeah. She's incredible. We spent the rest of the first day talking, and by evening, we were making out like, well, teenagers. I told her I was going to be around for a while, and we made plans for the weekend."

"You don't think you're moving too fast?"

"I had to bite my tongue to keep from proposing. Can you believe it? I know in my head that we barely know each other, but I can't help it! I can't imagine not ever being without her. In fact, I'm fighting myself right now to keep my butt on this couch instead of going back. I know she needs time away from me, and I don't want her to get sick of me so soon."

"Sounds like a smart move."

"Yeah. I can't move into my apartment for another week, so I was wondering if you would mind me camping out back until then."

"Brady, you know Edward will be back soon, and he won't tolerate you hanging out so close to my house."

"I figured that, but I will only be sleeping there. I will probably still have to use your shower, though."

I sighed. I was happy for Brady, and honestly, I was relieved this "unrequited love" thing he had for me was over, so I didn't see any harm in it. But how would Edward react? I didn't have long to wait, because the next morning, as soon as Edward and his family were within cell range, I got a panicked phone call.

"Bella, I just got your message. I'm still in Canada, but I'm running back as we speak."

I could hear a faint rushing of wind through the phone, but of course, Edward's voice was perfectly clear. He would never get winded no matter how fast or far he ran.

"I missed you, and I'm glad you're coming back, but really, there's no rush. Yes, Brady is here, but it's all good –"

"Please tell me he is not in your house. Please, Bella, tell me he isn't anywhere near you."

"Um, not at the moment. Really, Edward, it's all okay –"

"I don't trust him. I know how much he hates me, Bella, and if he came to confront me, and you by extension, he will be easily angered. I'm worried about you!"

"You must listen to me! He won't hurt me, he's not even here right now."

Edward's response became garbled, then the call dropped. I figured he hit an area with no signal. I briefly wondered how remote the Cullens had gone, sighed, and hung up. He would be back soon, and then, hopefully, we could work all this out.

A/N: The way that canon Bella always complained about people wanting to help, or the Cullens giving gifts to her always bothered me. It seemed selfish and ungrateful, and the entire 18th birthday scene made me cringe. My mom always told me to let people give to me (whether as service or gifts), because it gave them the opportunity to earn their blessings. Canon Bella felt it made her weak and set her apart from the family, which I can forgive her due to her young age, but older Bella needs to learn that it just isn't so. Gift giving is a two-way street, and any gift, given from the heart, needs to be accepted gracefully and gratefully.