2brown-eyes reads

Mistakes are mine

"This is awesome!" Ethan yells as he pulls the paper off his remote-control car from Edward. "Look, Mommy, it climbs the walls!"

He's up and running to Rose to show her his new toy. The kids were up at the crack of dawn this morning, digging right into their Santa stuff, but we saved personal gifts until after our traditional breakfast of chocolate chip waffles prepared by Papa Swan. He's been doing it since I can remember.

Edward nudges me with a small, square box with a bright red bow. "I hope you like it."

I'm nervous as I pull the ribbon and lift the lid, but my heart flutters when I see what's inside. It's a silver charm bracelet with a single silver charm. My eyes burn, and a bubble of emotion swells in my chest.

"My swimmer," I say, lifting the gorgeous jewelry from the box. "Put it on, please."

He takes the delicate bracelet and wraps it around my wrist. "I'm going to fill this up with memories."

"You're the sweetest." I brush his cheek, admiring the bracelet on my wrist as I do so. "It's beautiful."

"It's in good company."

My cheeks heat, but Emmett interrupts our moment. "What's going on with the newly engaged couple over there?"

I hold up my wrist. "My engagement ring."

Rose gasps, practically dumping Ethan from her lap to come investigate. "What is that charm?" She brings it up close so she can make out what it is. "Oh, that's slick. A swimmer."

"He is my swimmer guy," I say, smiling cheekily at Edward. "And so much more."

"No mushy stuff," Dad interrupts, making his way over to look at the gift himself. "That's nice." He grips Edward's shoulder and looks him in the eye. "I'm not going to threaten or try to intimidate you because I can tell you're on the level, but I'd be a shitty dad if I didn't tell you that I expect you to always treat my daughter with the respect she deserves." He moves in for a hug, and I smile at Edward's surprise. "You two are going to have a long, happy life."

"Daddy," I whine, moving over to join the hug. "You said no mushy stuff."

"I'm glad you're getting married, Auntie Bella," Emily says, tugging at my dad's shirt. "But I want to open more presents."

I laugh, wiping my eyes—damn it. "Let's see what ya got, kiddo."

We follow her back to the tree and she proceeds to pass out gifts, racking up another two each for herself and Ethan. Both Dad and Rose are surprised there are gifts from not only me but Edward as well.

"This is unexpected," Rose says, lifting her eyes to my guy.

"It shouldn't be," he says, shrugging. "You were nice enough to host me for Christmas, so that deserves a gift." He shifts his gaze to Emmett. "Sorry, dude. I figured you'd be good seeing your family open things."

"Totally," Emmett replies, walking over to fist-bump Edward. "Family is everything, man."

"Exactly." Edward's eyes are on me when he says this, and I can't wait to be his family, to meet his family, to share my family with him.

"Who told you I like these?" Emily is standing before Edward, her hand on her hip as she holds a LOL doll.

"Nobody." He tweaks her nose, smiling. "I have a little sister. She's a handful of years older than you, but she's been into them for a minute, so I thought I could help you start your collection."

She lifts her chin. "I already have one, but I don't have this one."

Edward squats to talk with her about the doll. "You're a very lucky girl."

Lucky girl.

That I am.

And I intend to remind myself of it often.

Twenty-one days ago, I caught my loser boyfriend cheating, and I ended that relationship on the spot.

Nineteen days ago, I was at my wit's end, worried how I'd be able to face my dying sister with no one to look out for me.

Eighteen days ago, I placed an ad and met a prospect for my fake boyfriend scheme. Only, as it turns out, he's the most perfect man on the planet and there was no faking needed.

A few bumps and blips along the way, but here we are, celebrating Christmas with my family.

And in just six days, we'll commit to one another before our family and friends.

Lucky girl indeed.

I guess we know what's coming tmr!

Merry Christmas Eve!

See you tmr :)