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Everybody was chatting lightly while Carlisle Cullen cut the turkey. The family had already exchanged gifts, and Edward was now the proud owner of a brand new easel and a set of his favourite paintbrushes. Vera had given him a silver case for his glasses with his name engraved.

He was having a glass of wine but that would be it, since he had to drive.

Once they all had their plates filled with turkey, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and gravy, Carlisle raised his glass.

"A merry Christmas, everyone."

They clinked their glasses together and dug in.

Somewhere between his seventh bite of turkey and a near gravy-orgasm, Edward's thoughts turned to Bella.

What had to happen so you didn't like to eat?

"Mum, this is fantastic."

"Thank you."

Esme smiled, her green eyes twinkling.

And Edward knew that he would be talking to his mother later on. She knew him too well to not have noticed something was going on.

An hour later, Esme Cullen pulled her son into the kitchen under the guise that he needed his help with the dessert – a silly construction, since everyone knew that Edward's kitchen skills began ended with boiling water.

Well, they didn't know that Bella had been teaching him.

"Edward, darling, I don't want to intrude, but… you look so happy! Please tell me that it is what I think!"

"I'm in love."

Esme threw her arms around him.

"I knew it!"

She kissed his cheek.

"Well, you're very perceptive," Edward smiled.

"Am I right in assuming that we are talking about the girl you met at Ro's party? Bella?"

Edward grinned widely.

"Yes. We… We're… I don't know, official? I'm going to her parents' Boxing Day party tomorrow."

"Oh!" Esme squealed and kissed his cheek again. "Why didn't you bring her along?"

Edward sighed.

"I would have loved to, Mum. It's just… We're so new. I'm going to her parents' tomorrow, that's big for us. I'll bring her over, I promise. Just… give us time, okay?"

Esme hugged her son.

"Of course. I'm so happy for you, my darling boy." She patted his cheek. "And before you ask, no I'm not telling Ro."

"Um, Mum, actually… she knows."

"She does?"

"It was a coincidence. A mutual acquaintance worked at an antiques shop, and…" Edward shook his head and kissed his mother's cheek. "You'll met her, Mum, I promise."

"Okay, darling." She smiled. "Now will you help me carry this enormous cake?"

The rest of the day passed quietly. Edward talked rather a long time with Emmett, and he was pleasantly surprised that his brother-in-law was far more intelligent and witty than he had given him credit for. They spoke about Emmett's work, and about Edward's, and when Emmett asked about the state of things with Bella, Edward grinned happily.

"She's adorable. You've got to meet her."

"I'd love to, and so would Ro."

"Hmm?"

Rosalie joined them.

"I was just telling Edward that we'd love to meet his girlfriend. I mean, obviously, you already have. I must admit that I don't remember her."

"Why don't you bring her for our New Year's party?" Rosalie said.

Edward's smile became even bigger, and he felt like Winnie-the-Pooh after finding a huge pot of honey.

"I'd love to, but we're going away."

"Already?" Rosalie said. "Wow, you're moving fast, little brother."

"Maybe," he shrugged. "But it feels right. It feels right with her."

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I'm awfully bad at replying to your reviews right now. Please know that I am sorry and that I read and cherish each and every one! Thank you so much!