CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

I returned to Bella to find Emmett regaling everyone of stories from his flight in. Bella sat on the couch near the fireplace with her eyes lit up. I knew that I had chosen wisely with my gift. This was the happiest I had seen Bella since we had arrived here.

"…I mean, I didn't know exactly where Caldonia was but when Eddie said they didn't even have Snickers, I worried about what backwards country I was coming to. When I arrived at the airport, they didn't have anything that I even recognized so I have a trip around the world planned for my stomach later this evening from all the weird snacks I found at the airport store."

Emmett held up an airport bag full of food.

"Do you even know what continent you're on?" Bella laughed.

"Continent? I thought we were in Caldonia? Eddie said Caldonia."

"Caldonia is the country," I clarified and refrained from once again saying something about the American education system.

"Caldonia…sounds like Estonia…" Emmett said trying to work it out.

"You're in Europe, Emmett," Bella said saving him for further thinking. "So, anything new happen at home?"

"Bella, you've been gone a little over a week," I laughed.

"Well…it feels like forever," She replied.

"New…" Emmett began to think. "Well, they finally opened that Dairy Queen next to the campus."

Alice squealed. "I can't wait to go there when we go back."

"The cafeteria's been shut down for holiday like it usually is…Oh…shit! I almost forgot," Emmett exclaimed. "That jerkwad James was killed!"

I see the blood drain from Bella's face and I could barely believe what I was hearing myself. I stopped breathing and waited for someone to continue because my tongue went numb so it wasn't going to be me to say the first word.

"What?" Bella whispered.

I felt myself stiffen as I looked over and see Alice's face too become concerned.

"Yeah…I guess with everything going on…been big news but when Eddie called me up about coming here, I was so focused on that, I forgot about it.

"What happened?" I asked.

"He ran his car into a tree on Tuesday. They said he was drunk. I knew he was kind of an asshole to you," Emmett said to Bella.

I want to take Bella's hand in mine but I'm worried that if I act too out of the ordinary, it might raise concern and questions. So, I force myself to freeze in place as I watch Bella process it.

"Yeah…he was. He was a jerk but…"

She didn't finish, and I see her subconsciously go to place her hand on her stomach. I reach out and take it before it has a chance to make the trip.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah…I guess. It's just weird because we all knew him."

"Did anyone else get hurt from his dumbass actions?" Alice asked.

"No…thankfully campus was pretty quiet at that time of night. They said he must have been going over fifty in a twenty. I'm sure there will be some vigil after the New Year when people come back to campus," Emmett explained.

I could tell that the news Emmett brought killed our night of entertainment, so I asked Bella if she wanted dinner to which, I knew she would say no. She made up an excuse of feeling nauseated and of course I took the cue to leave with her.

"Jasper can show you to your room," I tell Emmett. "We'll be sure to have breakfast all together in the morning."

We leave, and my hand has never left Bella's. I could feel how clammy it was and see her staring off into the distance as I guide her back to my room. I released her hand when we go through the door and she walked over toward the window.

Inside I felt guilty for feeling joy. Joy that we would no longer be plagued with that disgusting man's existence and yet, I still feel that I need to be worried about what this could do to Bella. I want to leave her to her thoughts knowing that she needs to process this in her own way.

Bella turns back to me.

"I don't know what to say…to you," She begins. "I feel like I'm not being fair to you. I shouldn't be feeling like this. I mean he was an asshole and I know that you want to be this child's father but part of me feels guilty because no matter what, he was this child's biological father. A part of me is relieved because I know that even if you change your mind, I won't even have to tell this child that his father was some drain on society. That his or her mother made one drunken mistake that lead to their existence. I can keep it all hidden…"

"Bella, it is going to be kept hidden," I cut her off. "This baby will never need to know. The truth is a burden that only you and I will share. I'm not going to change my mind. No matter what, you and I are this child's parents. No one is going to take that away from me. What happened to James was horrible but…I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I hope you won't either. Please put this in our past and let's look to the happy wonderful future that I know is in front of us. No one will ever love him or her as much I."

Bella nods slowly and takes a breath. I place my hand on her stomach and she reached out to cover it with her own.

"There is something that I have been wanting to show you, but I guess I was afraid," Bella says. She lets go of me and goes toward the night stand where her book lied upon it. She brings it back and opens it to a specific page.

"Edward, please meet your baby," She hands me a picture. The very first picture of our baby.

I stare at it in awe. Suddenly, it feels real. Which sounds silly but to see actual evidence lay right in my hand, it's indescribable. I see Bella's last name appear at the top and the date it was taken. The dark blob in the center of the picture has no form but as only a blob. It indeed looked like a grape.

I feel Bella's hand on my face and it's then that I realize that I had shed a tear.

"Amazing right?" She asked.

"Perfect. Absolute perfection," I whispered.

I lean down and bring her in for a deep kiss. I feel even more love for her in that moment if it were at all possible. A great weight had been lifted. In the back of my mind I had been worried that James might try and ruin our happiness. He would be the only possible threat. Now we could go on with our flawless family as planned.

Emmett was the perfect distraction for Bella. Even though we agreed to move on from the James situation. I'm not sure this would have been achieved without Emmett. Christmas Eve was here, and my mother and father were having their annual state Christmas dinner in the grand dining room. Bella and her guests were not invited. I thought that Bella would be upset but she said she understood and was thankful that she needn't put on a show for all the dignitaries that were sure to come. I however, couldn't get out of it.

I had planned a super special Christmas Eve dinner for Bella, Jasper, Alice and Emmett to happen in one of the smaller dining rooms. I hoped to be able to make it over in time for dessert and then I had something extra special planned for later that evening.

I walk out of my closet and Bella is laying on the bed reading a book. She looks up and sees me and smiles.

"So…this is the official prince costume," She says getting up from the bed. "I have to say, I'm rather disappointed that it's not purple."

I pull out my sash, "I have a touch of purple for you right here."

I put the sash over my head and adjust it correctly.

"I had something like this when I was a girl scout expect my sash had tons of cute little patches on it," She said.

"Patches?" I asked.

"Yes, a person would earn different patches when they completed various tasks. Things like cooking a meal on a fire outdoors. Camping. Learning a new sport."

"I can't even imagine you in a world of camping and sports. Surely, someone had the good sense to stop you," I teased.

"I was a damn fine girl scout. Just ask Emmett. I made him help me complete most of the tasks," she defended.

"Please tell me there are pictures for proof. I can't imagine any organization so desperate for members that it would allow you to work with fire and such."

She made a face and gave me a threatening look.

"I think Your Majesty is running late. You better get down there before you're deposed," she huffed.

I laughed and launched myself at her. I picked her up easily and gently dropped her on the bed ignoring her squeals. I kissed her neck and gave it a small bite before pulling back.

"You sure you're okay with me going tonight?" I asked again.

She nodded. "Better you than me. However, if a girl should appear in a big blue dress and you feel compelled to dance with her. Don't be surprised if she leaves behind a glass slipper."

"You have a glass slipper?" I asked jokingly.

"Me? Oh no! There is no way I would be caught dancing at a ball. I've been a wall hugger ever since the eighth grade when I stepped on Michael Newton's foot and he told the whole class how I nearly took off a toe."

"Michael Newton obviously didn't know what he was doing. If you danced with me, you would do perfectly. I guess we will find out at the St. Valentine's Ball," I said.

"Ball? What ball?" Bella asked panicked.

I laughed at her reaction and stood up.

"It's when my parents plan on introducing you to the public. Valentine's Day. Every year, we throw a huge ball and it will be where we announce our engagement."

"You told me that we weren't engaged so…no ball for Bella," she sang nervously.

"We will be soon," I sang back.

"So…all I have to do is say no to your proposal and then…no ball for Bella," She sang once again.

I took a deep breath and joined her once more on the bed. I looked deep into her eyes and ran my hand along her soft cheek.

"You would really turn me down…because you didn't want to dance with me at a ball?" I asked softly.

I see Bella swallow and look up at me with serious eyes, "No…I would say yes to nearly anything you could propose to me."

"Marriage. Children. Queen." I said.

She nods her head and I am so tempted to ask her right then and there to marry me, but I already had everything planned out, so I don't.

"Dancing with a prince at a ball?" I asked.

"And then that is where I draw the line," Bella stated pushing me off her.

I shake my head and straighten myself up once again.

"You'll marry me, but you won't dance with me. You'll rule a kingdom with me, but you won't grace me with one dance."

"There would be nothing graceful about it. You would look like this proud swan and I would be a flamingo trying to decide which foot to stand on. Now go! I don't want Her Majesty to be upset with me for your tardiness," She said pushing me out the door.

I sighed and figured it would be a battle I would tackle later. She was right, if I wasn't there when they announced me, I would be in great trouble from my mother and father especially since they were going to honor my request to take Bella to the lake house after Christmas.

"You're late," My father grumbled when I came jogging towards them. Rosalie looked irritated. I wanted to ask her how her neighbor was doing but I knew it might cause a scene that would lead to me being forced to spend more time at this dinner than I wanted.

I could hear the announcement being made and Rosalie walked in first. I waited for my name to be called and I walked into the grand ballroom. The festivities would be shortly moved into the grand dining room. I looked around to see faces that I had come to know throughout my life and I was saddened by the realization that Bella wasn't here to meet so many of the people I grew up with.

I made the polite rounds that were expected of me. Shaking hands and smiling until my mouth hurt. Bella would not have liked this for one minute. I could just imagine her hand in mine as she squeezed it hard every couple of seconds. But I knew she would look amazing if she were beside me. Every man here would want a dance and every woman would be green with envy.

I see a string quartet in the corner and I want to laugh. I am tempted to take a picture for Bella to show her how serious I was that every party was the same old drabble. Same food. Same music. Same champagne.

"Edward, finally back. I've been absolutely heartbroken by your absence."

I feel a hand on my neck as a past girlfriend greets me. I feel completely uneasy and yet, it wasn't a surprise.

"Victoria, Happy Holidays. How are your father and mother doing?" I asked politely.

"Around here somewhere. I was wondering if perhaps you wanted to take a stroll later. You always did know the best places to show a girl," She whispered.

I tried to keep myself from cringing. It wasn't her fault. She didn't know I was no longer available.

"I'm afraid, that can't be possible. I have a lot that is expected from me tonight. I am here at my parents request and need to stay close. But I wish you a Merry Christmas. If you'll excuse me."

I peeled her off my arm and went to find a strong glass of something. I could see Rosalie approaching as I took my first sip of champagne, damning the waiters for not providing stronger alcohol.

"Didn't think it would take long for all the girls from your past to come about," Rosalie said. "It's a shame Isabella wasn't invited. I'm sure she would have loved to meet all your conquests. All in one room. How very merry of a Christmas it would be."

"Do you ever shut up?" I spit.

"I don't know why you're being hostile. It's not like I invited a group of my friends to rain down upon us and live next door to you with their loud obnoxious singing at all hours," she replied.

"Emmett has been singing at all hours?" I asked. "Remind me to get him a better Christmas gift. I think you're just mad because he doesn't take any of your crap."

"I'm counting down the days until you will release your friends back into the wild," She said.

"And I am counting down the days when we can release you back into the wild."

"I don't see that happening any time soon. From what I have witnessed, it will take a miracle to get Isabella up to par. I don't even know if I can be successful by the St. Valentine's Ball."

Fortunately, our heated conversation was interrupted by dinner being ready to serve. I took my place and looked at my watch. I could probably get away from all this in less than two more hours.

I made polite conversation and took in every course that was placed in front of me. I kept checking my watch and I could see my mother shake her head slightly at me. My father pulled me into his library after dinner for a round of brandy. I tried to get away but at every turn, my father kept pulling me back in to discuss business that would take place after the new year. Mostly a cause to up the taxes to pay for renovations to the Veritas Plaza. The building where parliament resided. I nodded along and offered nothing because I did not want to delay myself any longer than needs be and if I had given my opinion that night, I was sure it wouldn't be favorable among my soon to be colleagues.

I ran toward the private dining room I had set up for our friends and Bella, and I was too late. It was nearly midnight and I felt defeated. The night hadn't gone at all as I had hoped. I walk back to my bedroom and find Bella under the covers asleep. I felt completely defeated. Our first Christmas Eve and my perfect plans were ruined.

I begin to undress, dropping my clothes to the floor and kicking them out of the way. Bella began to stir, and she yawned and sat up in the bed.

"Hey…how did it go?" She asked.

I shook my head and sat down on the bed.

"I'm so sorry Bella. I had this night all planned out and my plans were ruined," I apologized dearly.

She placed a gentle hand on my face, "It's okay Edward. You needed to be with your parents. Besides, our dinner was amazing but really it wasn't anything special. You weren't there so it was a lot of poking fun of you."

I smiled and looked her in the eye, "I was going to propose tonight."

Bella gave a smile and sighed.

"I'm sure it would have been perfect. Knowing you. It's okay Edward. Christmas is tomorrow…today I guess," She said looking at the clock. "We have today. My first Christmas with my first…boyfriend."

This wasn't right. She should be my fiancé. I had planned for a special sleigh ride into the forest. I thought that it would remind her of Washington with our trees being nearly as thick as the ones she grew up with. The day that we had shared when we went to Sahome Hill. It was one of my favorite moments.

"Can you do me a favor?" I asked. "Just…come with me?"

She looked down at her silk nighty. "Like this?"

I went to the bathroom and found my robe. I pulled it on quickly and opened a drawer and placed the small box in my pocket. I found Bella's robe and went out of the bathroom and tossed it at her. She got down from the bed and I helped her into her robe and took her by the hand. I looked over at the clock and hoped it would be late enough. Through the palace we went.

"Edward, where are we going?" She asked.

I sensed she was worried about my mental state.

"You'll see."

We arrived at the kitchen and it was the skeleton crew. Only a handful of people there to clean up after the festivities.

"We need the room. You're dismissed," I announced.

They looked as confused as my Bella.

"You're hungry still? I'm…not," Bella said.

"God, no! I am not hungry. Ten courses and brandy. I may never eat again."

I pulled her over to the sink and still she looked confused.

The sink was filled to the brim of dirty dishes. I rolled up my sleeves and placed my hands into the soapy water and began to wash the dishes.

"Edward…are you okay?" Bella asked uneasy.

"I am washing dishes. Why would I not be okay?"

Bella looked so confused and stood there looking about as to what she should do.

"You see…I wanted to show you that even though things have changed dramatically, I can still be plain old dish washing Edward. You will remind me to always be humble and if there is a time when I should forget myself and where we began, I trust you to bring me back here and remind me of the moment you fell in love with me. Plain old Edward. Not Prince Edward."

Bella walked forward and stood by my side as I finished scrubbing a plate and rinsed it off.

"Okay," Bella replied quietly.

I turned to her and picked up a towel to wipe off my hands.

"Bella. My Bella. Not Isabella that soon many will call you. I met you at a time in my life when I didn't know what I wanted. I didn't even think that what I wanted, was ever even an option. Then you came into my life and you gave me everything that I had yearned for. You challenged me. You inspired me. You treated me like I was just Edward. You helped me get my first real job. Doing this," I nodded towards the sink. "Washing dishes. That night when you helped me…it was one of the best nights of my life. I never thought that doing something as menial as washing dishes would ever give me one of my best nights. Everything that we are. It's because of you. I know you didn't want to be proposed to so instead, I'm going to say this. I would be honored if you were to wear this ring. It is not a proposal. It is a promise. A promise to always be your Edward. Just Edward. A promise that I will always respect, love and give everything of myself to you and our family. I promise to be a man that you are proud of. If you say yes, our life will begin. Bella. Will you marry me?"

I pulled the ring box from my pocket and presented it with her. I see her face in awe as her hands tremble to come up and meet mine. I see her eyes look around and she cringes which nearly breaks my heart but then she moves my whole body to turn away from the sink.

"Let…me…just move you here," She gives me an awkward smile. "Sorry, I could just see this going really wrong suddenly."

I realize that she means her clumsy self would knock the ring into the soapy basin and I laugh because knowing her, it would happen. Her hands haven't released mine. She becomes serious once again and looks up at me.

"Yes, Edward. I would be honored."

I pull the ring out of the box and toss it aside. I place the ring on her hand and bring her in for a kiss. I am so overjoyed in the moment noting that this was most definitely being added to my best nights list. I pick her up and spin us around and she holds on tightly.

"Edward…please. We all know how you are around soapy water," She laughs.

"I don't care. I don't think anything could ruin this."

We were so happy. Everything was so perfect. We had been through our tough times. Our fights. My parents. This pregnancy. We had so many challenges to overcome. I never realized the biggest challenge we would face, was still coming.

AN: THANK YOU FOR READING AND REVIEWING!

DISCLAIMER: STORY IS MINE. CHARACTERS BELONG TO STEPHENIE MEYER.