Chapter 19 - Celebration

'CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS' read the sign upon the boat house door. The paperwork filed, the cruiser cleaned and the office secured. The festivities at last could begin. Driving back from their last shift, Edward and Mari sat in silence. It was strange how different things were when you couldn't hear thoughts in people's minds. This is how it must have been back when they were human. So much of immortality was taken for granted. It was only now that it had been taken away, that it was missed. The air was heavy around them and the purr of the Volvo's engine echoed as it carried them home. It all seemed so quiet, yet normal sounds amplified in the silence.

Edward had thought a lot about what Carlisle had confided in him and about how happy Mari made him feel. He no longer cared if they'd even ever have sex, but knew now he was strong enough to pull away when he felt the urge was getting too strong. Mari in turn understood exactly how far she could push him until he backed off. It was like an unsaid pact. Whatever life or death fed them, they would deal with it. Their future was still unclear, as of yet they knew not of any pill, contraption or medicine that could stop the unwanted creation of a immortal child. So both were rested in the fact they may never make love. The risk to the family and themselves was far too great. It had to become unimportant now because happiness had grown far more important than pleasure.

Suddenly scared by the silence, Mari reached to switch on the stereo in the car. Edward felt it too. "Too quiet huh?" he grinned passing her a short glance before returning it to the road ahead.

"Hmm." She confirmed. "Don't you think?"

"It is a little strange I don't mind admitting. I'd forgotten what it must have been like." He agreed.

"Me too. At least we know why now though. I'm glad we weren't sick." She glanced out the window, watching the trees and buildings flash past.

"Exactly." Taking a hand of the steering wheel he reached over and rested it on her thigh. Without taking her eyes from the scenery, she placed her hand on top of his and slotted her fingers in between his. A tune came on which made her smile, it was a band she knew he liked. A band she had gotten tickets for him as her Christmas gift. Right that second she was thankful he couldn't read her mind. She liked surprising him. She turned her head towards him to see his reaction to the song. He began to sing along, unaware she was watching him. She looked away again and back out her window, she couldn't wait to see his face tomorrow morning, when he opened that envelope. She was a little excited herself if she were honest. They were great seats.

In Edward's mind, he was also thinking about his gifts he had bought for her. He was rubbish at buying presents. I mean what do you get an immortal woman in her 20's, who had every book, every music CD and every makeup product possible. Instead he thought he'd do something different. He bought 24 little gifts and decided on every hour, regardless of what they were doing, he would present her with one. The presents ranged from a nail varnish to diamond earrings. The best he would save till last. He smiled too, eager to get the ball rolling.

As they arrived home, the house smelt divine, that woody winter Christmas smell mixed with cinnamon and spice. They had all decorated the house beautifully, garlands framed every room and there were lights sparkling round every doorway. A tall traditional pine tree stood proudly it the corner draped with silver tinsel and baubles of red, gold and green. A large golden star finished it off on the very top.

"We're home!" Edward called out, throwing his keys in the bowl on the shelf by the door. Esme looked up from her book she was reading with a smile.

"Hey! All locked up?" Carlisle was crouched low stoking the fire with a extra long poker. He glanced up and smiled at them too.

"Yep all secure. I had a bit of trouble with the alarm, but Mari found the problem and it's all set now." Turning to Mari he said "I'm just gonna get a drink. I'm starving, would you like one Babe?"

"No I'm fine thanks, I'm just gonna head up for a nice cold shower. Washing that cruiser warmed me up way too much."

"OK." He smiled and went out get his drink.

"Oh you needn't have done that hunny!" Esme said thankfully. "That could've waited till new year."

"Ah it's OK. They brought it back in hell of a mess, so it had to be done to be fair. It's all sparkly now anyway." Mari smiled politely.

"I hope Edward helped you out and didn't just sit on his ARSE?!" Esme called out a little louder so Edward heard from the kitchen.

"Yes, he did!" He said rejoining them smirking, carrying a glass of Lamb's blood.

"Oh don't you worry. I made sure he did!" she chuckled. "Back in a sec!" she touched Edward's arm briefly and left the room for her shower. Edward caught Esme beaming with pride to Carlisle. It was nice to see them happy; the mood had been somber since the revelation. Christmas brought out the magic for everyone.

"What are you two smirking at?" Edward said warily. "What you up to?"

"Nothing! We are just happy to see you making the most of your time together with Mari." Carlisle shrugged.

"Well, eternity is too short a time to waste it moping!" Edward sipped his nectar.

"You really should do it then Edward, if forever isn't long enough." Esme smiled at him, knowing he knew what she meant.

"I know. I know! I'm just, just..." he couldn't find the words.

"Don't think about it, just do it! She makes you happy. You make her happy. What other reasons are needed?" Edward knew his mother was right. He was just too embarrassed to say he was scared.

"Hmm..." He hummed and sipped his nectar again.

"Don't be scared. There isn't anything to be scared about. Enjoy death while you have it Edward." She said encouragingly.

"Do it Edward!" Carlisle smiled now too. "Nobody's judging you. Be happy!" Tapping his glass thoughtfully, he wondered what he would say.

How would he broach the subject? What scene should he set?

They all hunted as usual that night and brought down a small group of Red deer. Deer blood was extremely rich and full of energy endorphins so it was perfect for vampires. Especially on special celebrations such as Christmas. They drained three of the smaller doe in the woods and Emmett carried the mature adult stag home to drain for their Christmas meal the next daylight. Everything was set to make that Christmas a special one.
.

.
Christmas morning broke over the horizon and to celebrate, they all cheered and popped party poppers. They pushed back the furniture and turned the music up loud. Dancing was something they all loved to do in one form or another, so together they danced and sang as the sun rose higher into the festive sky.
Renesmee would be round later in the morning, so the family would be complete. This pleased them all as they had not seen her for a while, so it would be good to spend some time with her again. Esme baked a cake and prepared some food for them making sure they had something to eat whilst there. Renesmee did drink nectar occasionally, but Jacob wasn't keen on her doing so. Largely her palate was sated with human food. This kept Jacob happy and that was what mattered most to her.

Pulling Mari by the hand Edward led her to the kitchen for some privacy. "Happy Christmas Baby!" Edward said pulling her close. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she looked up into his topaz twinkling eyes.

Had they always been this beautiful? So liquid gold lava like?

"Happy Christmas!" She replied handing him an elegant envelope she'd hidden in the back pocket of her jeans.

"Oh wow! Presents already? Cool!" Taking the white envelope from her hand he excitedly pulled off the ribbon. His face lit up as he slid out the contents. "Tickets to 'The Risers' ?" He picked her up and twirled her around just as his wrist watch alarm went off. "Thank you Baby!"

"What. What's that?" Mari looked confused.

Where was he going?

"Are you going somewhere?" He laughed softly and placed a slow well placed kiss on her mouth.

"No! That, my darling is to remind me it's time for your first present." He turned and fled the room, leaving her feeling a little awkward.

Wait! First present?

Returning exactly six seconds later with a grin primed on his face, he handed her a small bag by the looped handles.

"Hope you like it, Rosalie helped me out a little." He confessed. Opening it up slowly, she peered inside. It was a bottle of her favourite perfume.

"Oh Edward! That's my favourite. I love it! Thank you!" Standing on the tip of her toes and wrapping her arms around his neck she thanked him with a kiss. A kiss he enjoyed just enough to yearn for another. With a long, low pitched growl he slid his hands further down her back to rest them upon her bottom. She smelt amazing, better than any perfume could mask. Holding his breath to help with his urge that was fast approaching, he tilted his head to bring depth to her kiss. Her mouth felt cool, soft and moist. Pulling her firmly against his body, she could feel he was reaching his limit faster than a thundering train along a track. Certain extremities gave him away. She pulled her head back, allowing him to steady his breath.

"Plenty more where that came from?!" He swallowed and panted, suddenly thankful she broke away.

"I love you" She uttered barely louder than a whisper, encased in his arms.

"I love you too." He replied and he meant it.

"Ahem!" Carlisle interrupted them. He stood in the doorway with Esme. Mari's hands dropped from around his neck down to rest on upon his arms, but Edward was reluctant to let her go just yet.
Esme's tone gave nothing away. "Can we have a private word with you both please?"

Oh crap!

They both thought the same thing at the same time. This silently amused Carlisle and Esme. Looking at each other Edward and Mari looked puzzled. Racking their brains to think of what they'd done. Had they forgot something at work?

Should they be worried?

"We locked up. I swear!" Edward released his hold on Mari and held up his hands in defence.

"It's nothing to do with work Edward." Carlisle said softly.

"Then what are we in trouble for? We haven't broke anything. Well I haven't, have you?" Edward flashed a playful glance to Mari.

"Nope!" She shook her head vigorously. Both Carlisle and Esme exchanged looks and smiled, putting both Mari and Edward a bit more at ease

.
"You haven't done anything wrong, we wanted to give you both your Christmas gift privately and before Renesmee and Jacob got here."

"Oh?" Edward sounded slightly perplexed. "You don't want Renesmee to see our gift?"
"Err, no. We think this may just be best kept between us four." Carlisle stated with a small nod of his head.

"O..K!" Edward replied slowly before turning back to Mari in wonder.

A gift, only to be known between the four of them.

Hmm?

How exciting?

A/N: Awww, they having a wonderful Christmas. What gift would Carlisle and Esme have for them? You'd better read on to the last chapter. Thanks for sticking with me.

Everlasting thanks to CaptainClaire3 and DodgerMcClure x My wonderful team backing me 100%.

Lets move on to the emotional final chapter xx

DeathToBeReborn xx