Author's Note: We'll do one more chapter in EPOV before we switch back to Bella. There is a lot in his head to unpack! This one will be a little shorter than the others.

EPOV

After leaping from Bella's window, I knew that I would have to stay busy or else I'd be a miserable wreck waiting for her to wake up and find my gift. I ran back to my house and got my silver Volvo out of its storage spot in the garage. I decided to drive to a 24 hour store the next town over and do a little shopping. With any luck, I could offer Bella a Christmas Eve and Christmas to remember, to cherish.

Although I was miserable from being apart from her, I was also moving with a renewed vigor knowing that she missed me. I was also still able to smell a hint of her lingering on my clothes from standing in her room. Alice texted me letting me know that I had about 5 hours before Bella would wake up. She reminded me once more that she was looking forward to her yellow Porsche. She also wished me a Happy Christmas Eve.

Paying no attention to cost, I picked out a huge fake Christmas tree, strings of lights and some ornaments, smiling a little at the thought of Bella's surprise at them. I got some garland for the stair rails and some stockings for the fireplace. I bought plenty of food including all of Bella's favorites that I could think of. Remembering her thin frame, I also piled on the junk food, such as hot chocolate, marshmallows, Christmas cookies, fudge, and a cake in the shape of a candy cane. I added some warm, fuzzy socks and blankets for her comfort. I grabbed a couple new release DVDs from the electronics section, just in case. I also picked out a gift set of new fishing lures and baits for Charlie. It was the least I could do for how easily he at least partially accepted my apology.

When my shopping cart was overflowing with festivities and items with which to pamper Bella, I checked out. My total was nearly $1,000. I was happy to spend the money on her. Wishing the cashier a Merry Christmas as well, with a genuine smile, I walked out and loaded my purchases into the car. I spent the next 4 hours after I returned home removing dust covers from furniture, dusting the house and decorating for Christmas. I also tossed the new blankets in the washer and dryer so they would be ready for her.

With any luck, Bella would want to spend the day with me. The nagging monster telling me that Bella wouldn't want me and would just come and tell me to leave her alone was still present, but I was making every effort to keep him caged inside. He could not spoil my joy at doing things for Bella for the moment.

I vowed that I would not let Bella neglect her health anymore. Once I was happy with the decorations and had Charlie's gift and a few small items for Bella wrapped, I picked up my cell phone and dialed Esme's number. She was overjoyed to hear from me and gladly stayed on speakerphone with me for over an hour, walking me through how to make Bella a nice, festive breakfast and dinner. I thanked Esme and asked her to give the family my love.

I had just finished placing a spread of fruit, nuts, and other snacks on the table when I heard a loud, rumble in the distance. It wasn't quite sunrise yet. My unnecessary breath caught in my throat. The ever-present demon of doubt took hold on my heart. My panic grew as I heard the unmistakable sound of Bella's truck flying up the driveway, driving every bit as fast as a Cullen would, likely in fury at my daring to come back here. I stepped outside to greet her, unable to wait another second to know my fate. I lowered my head in shame and waited for her approach.