Author's note:Hey! Hope your enjoying the story. I'm definitely writing so I can get more chapters out to you guys!

As always thanks to Sheri!

This is a short one!

ENJOY!

Chapter 22

O Christmas Tree

Bella POV

I was making my way up the stairs from the basement while talking on my cell phone. I had gone down to the basement to see if we had any Christmas decorations. Jessica was positive we didn't as she said she hadn't seen any since her time here. I figured there probably wasn't but I had to check. Rose and I were currently talking about what had happened at dinner a few days ago.

I hadn't had time to talk to her. First, Edward demanded I rest. Of course I felt fine, but I indulged him. Then that night when my phone went off, both Edward and I knew who it was. We ignored it of course, but it didn't stop the person from calling.

Edward's phone then went off and again we knew who it was. He answered it and told her when we were ready to talk we would. I could hear her yelling "sorry," before he hung up. She hasn't attempted to contact either one of us again. Then this morning a package showed up for me with the cutest, softest blanket and a few green and yellow onesies. The card had written on it for my future niece and nephew so I knew it was from her. I wanted to reach out, but I didn't know how Alice's state of mind was right now.

"Like I told you the other day, B, it's not your fault. Alice has been spoiled all her life, and something that couldn't be bought is something she can't have. Edward was right in calling her jealous," Rose said. I could hear the engine of a car over the phone.

"That was a little harsh, Rose, but I understand what you are saying," I said as I closed the door behind me to the basement.

"The truth needed to be said. Edward did good. I'm proud of him," Rose laughed. I snorted. I swear sometimes Rose was the female Edward, their characteristics and mannerisms were too much alike. You would think they were siblings instead.

"So, what about Jasper?" Rose asked me.

"I don't have a clue, Edward hasn't said anything and I haven't asked."

"Poor guy, I hope he's okay," Rose said again. This time I was having trouble hearing over the engine.

"Are you on your way to Forks?" I asked.

"Yeah, I really don't want to be but I'm all she's got, gag," Rose said. A hospital had called her and told her that her mother had an overdose. Rose didn't like her "mother'' but she had to go because her "incubator" had her listed as an emergency contact person.

"Well, be safe and keep me updated. Please?" I was a bit worried about her heading back to Forks.

"I will, B," she said as we hung up.

I made my way to the kitchen where Jessica was sitting down at the bar eating.

"No luck?" she said.

"None," I said

"I wished you would have let me go and check. You need to be careful in your condition."

I rolled my eyes. "Thank you but I'm fine." I sat down at the bar with her and started eating from the plate of pretzels that were there.

"Let's go shopping for Christmas stuff!" I said excitedly. Jessica was giving me a brow. She knew as much as everybody, I didn't like shopping.

"Clothes shopping is different," I waved my hand. "Come on! I'll tell Zafrina and we can go." I don't know why I was pumped to go but I was. I guess it was to get out of the house.

"I should really stay here and finish cleaning," Jessica mumbled out

"Don't worry about it," I said. Then it hit me that she wouldn't do very good around others in public.

"I'm sorry, I forgot." I went to her but not close enough that it would cause her to be uncomfortable.

"No, you're right Bella, I can go."

"Jessica, no I don't want you to be uncomfortable." I felt selfish, I really wanted to get out but I knew better.

"No, Ms. Bella, I actually went out the other day to the park. Granted I was on a date at the time. But I did okay."

That's another thing I don't think my husband is aware of but I'm pretty sure Laurent and Jessica are dating. They're real secretive, and you wouldn't notice unless you were around Jessica all the time and noticed her behavior is slightly different. I've also noticed Laurent is more laid back than he was when I met him or when he was watching over me. I haven't said anything because I don't know if they are keeping it private or what right now.

"That's great Jessica! I'm proud of you," I said honestly.

"Thank you Ms. Bella," she smiled, "That's why I want to do this." She stood up at attention and instead of the long black dress she usually had to wear, I told her she could wear whatever she felt comfortable in. She was wearing some blue jeans and a t-shirt.

"Are you sure?" I asked. I needed to be sure. I didn't want her to feel like she had to go with me out of necessity.

"I'm good," she said.

"Alright." I called Zafrina who was outside of course since my husband wasn't here to let her know of our plans.

She got my car ready, and after a quick bathroom break, Jessica and I headed to the driveway. I got in the driver's seat and Jessica in the passenger with Zafrina in the back. I drove off to Walmart, yes Walmart. I knew Jessica didn't want to go to any high end store for Christmas decorations and I really didn't want to either.

Once we got to Wal-mart, everything was clearly in full swing. I knew we needed a tree or trees. I was thinking of getting two since the house was pretty big. I wanted to get one to put in the foyer. It's so open right there, and a nice tree would look good. I decided to get a 10 ft fake Christmas tree for the foyer and an 8 ft for the living room.

It then hit me there was no way either one of these trees would fit in my SUV. Zafrina said she would make some calls and have someone get them. While we waited, I looked at the glass ornaments and balls. I decided on red and green for the tree in the living room. I was going to go with blue and silver for the tree in the foyer.

Jessica also picked up a small tree in a box and picked some purple and white Christmas baubles. I also looked at the outside decorations, and definitely picked up some lights for the outside and the trees.

I had all that in my buggy and then decided to go to the baby section. I noticed Jessica stopped walking with me. I stopped what I was doing and turned to her.

"You alright?" I noticed Zafrina looking slightly alarmed.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm going to look at the sewing stuff," she said as she quickly went down a few aisles.

I shook my head. I knew she wasn't okay, but I wouldn't push her to talk to me. I was also proud of her going off by herself.

I just took in all the stuff that Walmart sold. I didn't really want to buy anything yet but I wanted to look. There was so much stuff, I didn't even know where to start. I did see some white booties catch my eye. I don't know why I wanted them. They were white and so tiny and could be used for either a boy or a girl.

I decided I was ready to leave so I was going to see where Jessica was and if she was ready to go. I found her with some yarn and material in her buggy.

"You ready? Or do you still need a few?" I asked nicely.

"I'm ready." She turned to me, her eyes rimmed red but she was smiling.

"Jess?" I used the name she asked me to call her.

She shook her head. "I'm fine." She wasn't but I nodded.

"Well, well, look what we have here."

I heard that familiar voice and quickly turned to it.

"James!" I shouted and hugged him. It was James so it was cool hugging him.

"Hey, B!" he said. I hadn't seen him in a while. Apparently he was over at my house the other day when I was asleep so I missed him. He texted me congrats though so I guess he was in the know.

"They sent you here to get my trees?" I asked him.

His grin dropped and went into a stern face. "Bella, you can't smoke trees while pregnant."

I gave him my "are you serious" face while he started laughing uncontrollably. He stopped laughing when he saw I wasn't.

"Oh come on, that was a good one." I finally smiled back, he was right it was a good one. "And yes, I'm here to get your trees."

I was kind of surprised that he was the one here. I honestly thought it would be someone lower on the totem pole.

After my trees were loaded up in James's truck we headed back to my house. I was so excited, I was literally jumping in my seat. I don't know why I was so giddy about my Christmas decorations. When we were back, Zafrina headed home since James was staying. She really wasn't needed anyways once I was in the house. Just her being here was a precaution.

James set up each tree for me, and after they were up which took a good while, he helped me put the lights around both of them. The tree in the foyer was huge so I was glad for the help. Jessica helped me put ornaments on the tree in the foyer and we finished that tree. Whew! I was tired but I was determined to finish the one in the living room as well.

Jessica bid farewell though after the one in the foyer was done. It was getting dark and she didn't like driving in it. I told her how proud I was of her today and she blushed. Both James and I made sure she made it out of the gate safely.

I then started on my vegetable soup that I was planning on making tonight. I had already cooked the ground beef, sliced the tomatoes, and cut up the okra. I had finished the potatoes earlier. I put it all in a huge pot on the stove and added my beans and salt and pepper to it. I put it on medium high and left to go to the living room.

I was sitting on the couch taking a break when James finished helping put the ornaments at the top of the tree in the living room.

"So how's little Edward treating you?" James asked while he climbed down from the ladder.

"Little Edward?" I asked with a grin. So sue me. I like talking about the baby.

"Yes, it's a boy, I know it! James has never steered you wrong before, has he?" James said with a hand on his hip

"Are you talking in third person now?" I laughed.

"I guess so. What the fuck?" he asked.

I shook my head thinking he was confused about something so stupid.

"So, why were you sent out to help me?" I asked the burning question on my mind.

"You didn't want me to help?" He put his hand to his chest. "I'm hurt, B."

I waved him off. "That's not what I meant. You know I actually like hanging with you," I said truthfully. James had become a good friend despite the situation.

"I'm touched."

I rolled my eyes. "So, why you?" I pressed.

"Can it be that I just volunteered?" I shook my head, I wasn't stupid. James was Edward's consigliere now. He didn't do this bodyguard shit. He was someone of importance now. I snorted.

"Fine! Edward may or may not be putting Seth through the ringer at the moment," James said, leaving out a huge amount of grief. I guess I was supposed to read between the lines or something.

Hearing Seth's name being said also made my heart beat really fast. I hadn't heard anything about him for a while. I felt bad that I hadn't thought of him in a minute. Finding out I was pregnant and then the whole infection thing, thinking Edward was cheating, and then Alice…. well, my mind has been busy.

"And you don't like that he's being put through the ringer," I finished.

"You can't tell Ed, B. We have already talked about it. Ed just doesn't get it. I've been around Seth longer than any of these other guys have been around him in this thing." He let out a breath. "I truly don't think Seth is a rat."

I let out a gasp.

"B! You can't say anything, We have been going back and forth all day. I'm not even supposed to be bringing it up."

"Does Edward believe that?"

"I don't know. I don't think Ed knows what to believe. Look, Ed has serious trust issues. Seth getting followed by Feds and then brought in as well. It has him hesitant about all things Seth."

I nodded. I couldn't blame Edward for that. I was with James though. I don't think Seth would give it up to Edward unless… Leah.

I knew where my husband was coming from. He was the Head of one the most powerful Mafia families. He had to do what he had to do in order to keep that family safe.

"Ed put his foot down, so if I even mention Seth? It won't bode well for me," James finished.

I nodded, "it sucks though. I completely understand both sides, but I don't know what to do. I don't think Seth would give us up. He's loyal, despite my earlier judgement of him leaving Forks. But, Leah is family, and if things ever were proven desperate, would he give up Edward?"

James shook his head. "He wouldn't. He knows the consequences," James said. "That's why I left. Seth isn't able to move an inch without us knowing. The way Ed is acting…" James hushed and I didn't need him to clarify. I may not know much but I'm not dumb, I knew what he spoke of.

"So when the call came through, I jumped at it," he smiled and I sighed. "I really do miss you, B. Like I've said before, you're the sister I never had. I think Edward wanted me out of his sight anyways," James finished.

"Well, despite the circumstances, I missed you too," I giggled.

James smiled, "I shouldn't have said anything, Edward would have my balls if I did."

"But you did, and honestly it was about Seth. You didn't go into detail on why Edward was acting that way," I said.

"Still, I shouldn't have said anything because you're his wife," I nodded. James didn't go into detail, I believe. He was just concerned about a friend. He didn't tell me what Edward planned to do or what was going on. He just expressed his concern.

"How's Victoria?" I asked, changing the subject.

"She's good, ready for Christmas." James then shook his head. "You broads and Christmas."

We both laughed. I offered James some soup but he declined, saying he was meeting Victoria for dinner. He headed out for a smoke, and I took a bowl of soup back to the living room.

I ate half of my bowl before I saw a big empty space near the top of the tree. It bothered me. How had I not noticed it before? I sat my bowl down and slowly moved up the ladder with my box of ornaments. Once I was at the spot, I hung some baubles and ornaments up.

"What the fuck are you doing?" that gruff yet sexy voice said. I jumped and the ladder swayed. I grabbed on hard to it, while I saw the concerned eyes of my husband and him rushing over to hold the ladder. "Shit, Bella!" he said. Once the ladder settled, I slowly made my way down the ladder. Edward reached for me once I made it to the bottom.

"You okay?" he said with concern.

"I'm fine," I smiled at him. Man, I missed him something fierce today.

His concerned face then went into one of anger. "What the fuck did you think you were doing?"

I rolled my eyes and picked up my bowl and made my way to the kitchen. He followed me of course.

"Bella!" I dropped my bowl in the sink, continuing to ignore him. I washed it and dried it. "Bella!"

I quickly turned around. "What?!" I shouted as I put the bowl up. Once I closed the cabinet I turned to look at him with my arms crossed.

His face went from anger to a small smile. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled," I nodded. "Just seeing you up there made me freak out a little."

I smiled back. It always made me feel happy when Edward was concerned. It was a rare thing. Well not so rare to me, because I think I was the only one that was privileged to see that side of him. It always made me smile though and I fell more in love with him each time.

"I wouldn't have jumped if you hadn't scared me," I said as I turned to grab the bowl I just washed out to fill it up with some soup. I felt his arms come around my waist and his chin on my shoulder.

"I know baby, I'm sorry. It just caught me off guard." I turned and he let go of me. I handed him the bowl of soup and he grabbed it.

"Shit smells good," he said as he went to the table.

I joined him, while he ate. I heard the back door open and saw James peep his head in. "Oh, Ed you're here." I saw Edward look at him but went right back to his food. After Edward didn't acknowledge James, he shrugged it off and turned to me.

"I'll see you later, B." He waved. Man this was awkward..

"Thanks for your help!" I shouted as he yelled, "no problem!" and made his way out the door.

Edward was entirely focused on his food. I kept staring at him, wondering if he would mention anything.

"So, you've been busy today?" he said, finishing his soup and even licking the bowl.

"Stop," I said as I started laughing. He grinned and got up and washed the bowl. "Yes, I was busy today."

"The tree looks nice, in the foyer. I didn't get to really look at the one in the living room because of you standing on that ladder."

I shook my head ready to defend myself but he spoke again. "Can you be more careful though and not climb things?" Before I could protest he shook his head. "What if you had landed on your stomach or something?"

My protest died on my tongue, I didn't think about it like that. Instantly, tears pooled in my eyes. "I'm sorry."

Edward quickly came to me and held my face. He wiped my tears away. "I wasn't trying to make you feel bad. I just wanted you to be more careful."

"You're right, I should have been." He leaned in and gave me a small peck. I tried to make the kiss longer but he pulled away. It was frustrating. He didn't want to have sex with me, nor do anything physical because it would hurt the baby. He also wanted the doctor to clear me before we did anything but would go back and change his mind and would say ` nope, I'll poke the baby or some shit."

It was dumb and I would become increasingly sexually frustrated every time he would do it. I had read that the first trimester, it was a hit and miss with your sexual appetite. Mine was a hit and it wasn't getting any hitting.

"I did notice something about the tree though," he said as we made our way to the foyer hand in hand.

"What?" I asked. If every spot had been filled, what could be missing?

"There's no tree topper," he said and then I smiled at him.

"I wanted to start a tradition with you. It isn't Christmas without you putting a tree topper on the tree."

He smiled that dreamy smile, the one that makes me melt into a puddle of goo.

"Fine, what did you buy?" He laughed and I gave him both toppers that I had bought.

He put the star on the foyer tree and the Angel on the living room tree. After we cleaned up and he put the ladder away, we made our way to bed. I couldn't believe how late it had gotten. After I took a quick shower, I went to my packages that I bought today.

When Edward came out of the bathroom in a pair of basketball shorts, I gave him the bag.

"Are we exchanging gifts now?"

I shook my head. "I saw it today. I don't know why but I had an impulse to buy it."

He opened the bag and took out the booties. His face grinned at the sight. "So tiny!" he murmured.

He then gave me a searing kiss and we went to sleep.