Eight
At dinner I sit between Esme and Bella. Edward holds her hand beneath the table. A couple in bliss. Ew.
Emmett sits across from me (yay) scooping vegetables onto his plate while Jasper talks to him about work. Beside Emmett, Cassie attempts to chat with Carlisle, who is too good for us all. He's a saint in a suit most days. He's attentive, nodding as she speaks. I still think he prefers me.
"Your present was amazing," Bella leans into me.
"You're welcome," I smile at her.
I'd given her greys anatomy merchandise, teas, and candles. The usual stuff we swapped. Then a gift I'd tucked into her suitcase which she'd seemingly found.
"Did Edward enjoy it?" I side eye her as I cut into my food.
"Yep," she grins, "it's on his phone. He has a business trip next month so we'll get to put it to good use."
Edward often spent time out of time and it made Bella sad. So I found one way to bring them closer. By upping their sext game a whole 100 levels!
A vibrator Edward could operate using his phone… from wherever he was. Considering she would be marrying him their sex life needed as much spark as it could get. I'm sure my contributions are greatly appreciated by all parties. That's what friends are for!
"Wait, your necklace?" She gasps, turning me slightly with the palm of her hand on my shoulder.
Emmett avoids looking at me.
"Isn't it neat," I place my hand over it, as if to protect it, "I got it from my secret Santa. A replacement for the one I lost. My aunt was thrilled."
I'm talking to him as much as anyone else. I wanted him to know how much it meant.
"You cried for days when you lost that," she looks closer, "it's identical."
"Santa's got great attention to detail," I nod, "he must have paid more attention than I gave him credit for."
Bella glances at Emmett and then back at me.
"You must be on the nice list," Bella winks at me.
"I like it better on the naughty one but," I smirk, "it's much more fun."
Emmett coughs, smacking his chest as he tries to swallow his mouthful.
"You okay?" Jasper asks him concerned.
Emmett nods, reaching for his drink, watery eyes watching me.
"Oops," I whisper to Bella with a cheeky grin.
"Who was your secret Santa?" Bella looks at Emmett.
He wipes his mouth with his napkin, composing himself.
"My gift came from you," he looks at Bella, "thanks."
"What was it?" I look between them.
"A pizza making kit," Bella sips her wine watching me.
"You know what I hate on pizza. Pineapple," I glanced at him, "it's too sweet."
"I think it adds to the flavour," he looks me up and down.
"You're the kind of guy that knows all about flavour," I wink at him.
Cassie shifts uncomfortably. Yes I was flirting incredibly hard with him. She was no match and it's time she learned that.
"I'd like to say a few words," Carlisle clears his throat standing, bringing the table to silence.
"Firstly I'd love to say merry Christmas. Thank you to Edward for finding us a place so last minute to make these memories. To my beautiful wife, who I simply can't wait to get alone," he winks at Esme.
All three of his children groan, a chorus of 'gross'.
Esme shakes her head and smirks at me.
I loved their love. I wanted it. The way they found each other in every room, the way they gently touched each other in place of conversation. I watched them often when no one was looking, wondering what it would be like to have someone know you so incredibly well. To know what you're thinking before you do.
"Next year we'll have a little one to shower with gifts and love," he says looking at his daughter, "and here's hoping Bella and Edward will grow happier this coming year too. Emmett, we're happy to have welcomed your Cassie into our home. Soon into our family."
Everyone looks at them. I don't. I stare intently at my plate, fiddling with my cutlery.
"We get to plan a wedding," Esme tries to break the tension.
"How very exciting," Edward glances at his brother, "I know a great bridesmaid."
"I don't need to hire fake friends," Cassie shakes her head.
"Only a fake personality," I mutter.
Bella smacks my knee beneath the table.
Cassie glares at me. I glare back. My glare is better.
"Rose," Carlisle pulls our attention back, "thank you for joining us. We're happy to have you here. You're like family. You'll always be welcome. We hope your year ahead is filled with every success and paintings hung from JLo's walls."
"She's assessing it," Esme nudges me, "I hopefully will have an answer before New Year's Eve."
"Shall we toast," Carlisle picks his glass up and holds it out, "to family."
My toast is half hearted. I clink only a few glasses, before throwing back the rest of my wine. When I put it down, Emmett is looking at me. An expression I can't read.
That alone terrifies me. I thought I knew them all.
"I'll wash up," I stand, grabbing up my plate and Bella's beside me.
"I'll help," Bella begins to stand.
"No. Don't be stupid," I shake my head, "Edward. Could you help me?"
He nods, standing quickly, grabbing up a few plates too.
"Tell Alice all about your new toy," I nod at Alice.
"What toy?" Esme leans forward.
"I hate you," Bella whispers as I follow Edward.
"Tomorrow would you mind getting up a touch earlier?" He hands me a dish to dry.
Taking I run the dish cloth across it, nodding.
"Yep," I say, "what time?"
"7am? Before she can wake up. I want to show you where I'm going to do it and bring you across my idea," he says.
"I'll be there," I nod, "have you told anyone else?"
"No. Alice is a loudmouth and Emmett is on my shit list," Edward scrubs a pot, "I need to cool down. I can't believe he's being this way. It's not like him at all."
"I thought the same thing," I turned to look at him, "he's acting really weird. Like this whole scenario doesn't have his whole conviction."
"Agreed," he nods, "there's more to this. He's not being honest. Marriage and a family has always been a goal of his. When it happened I knew he'd be excited and overjoyed. I think there's something going on behind the scenes here."
"So what do we do about it?" I ask.
"Emmett was really good at Cluedo as a kid. Always kept shit close to his chest. He's actually a really great officer," he says, "weeding it out of him will be essentially impossible."
"Even if I show him my tits?" I smirk.
"I mean…" Edward chuckles.
"Who's Edward showing his tits to?" Emmett walks into the kitchen, carrying more dirty plates.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Edward rolls his eyes.
"Hence the question, smartie pants," Emmett places the plates beside his brother.
"Are we going to the slopes tomorrow morning?" Edward looks back at Emmett.
"Not if you're going to have a cry when I'm faster than you. You suck at being shit at things," Emmett shoves his brother's arm.
"You're not faster than me," Edward shakes his head.
"Delusion," Emmett shakes his head.
"I think I could beat you both," I place the plate I'm drying down, "even if I've never tried."
"Oh no," Edward laughs, "you're really going to try and tell us you're better than us?"
I raise an eyebrow and glance between them. Their faces are just as amused as each other. They're not related but they're the most in sync brothers I've met. They're best friends regardless of the tensions between them.
"Bet on it," I cross my arms, staring him down.
"We're listening," Edward smiles.
"First down the mountain is safe," I grin.
"From what," Emmett raises an eyebrow.
"You have to streak around the house in the snow," I glanced at Edward.
Edward raises his eyebrows, glancing at his brother, waiting for his response.
"Shoes on?" Emmett clarifies.
"Shoes only," I nod, "a shot of whiskey to keep you warm before you run."
"Done," Emmett holds his hand out for me to shake.
"I need my dick," Edward glances at Emmett.
"Worried about the tiny guy shrivelling?" Emmett teases his brother.
"It's far from tiny," Edward scoffs.
"Bella just doesn't want to hurt your feelings," he laughs, shoving his brother playfully.
With wet hands Edward shoves his brother back, before tugging him toward him, wrestling him by the neck. Laughing I watch them scuffle, both of them like kids. The Emmett I'd seen just glimpses of since I'd gotten here. This was who was hiding.
"You know what, Rose? I'm in. Just so I get to watch both of your asses freeze out there," Edward looks at me, shoving his brother off him, "I can't wait to meet you both at the bottom of the mountain."
"Sure thing, shrivel," Emmett ruffles Edward's hair, turning to head back into the dining room.
Thanks for reading x