oOo
"Phew, what a long day," Bella wrote. "I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I did. Going to bed now. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. My love, B"
Edward smiled to himself as he read it. He couldn't wait for the next day too, even if he was mighty nervous.
"I can't wait to see you either. All my love and plenty of kisses, E"
He couldn't believe how much his life had changed in just a few weeks. Now that he had let Bella in, everything was light and beautiful. She truly was his sunshine.
He lay back on his bed and closed his eyes, thinking about her. Bella made everything different – and the physical relationship was completely overwhelming. He'd never experienced such passion and, at the same time, the feeling of security, of belonging, with someone.
Edward drifted off into happy dreams.
.
He spent the next morning painting. His mum called around noon, and it was obvious that she wanted to hear everything about Edward's new relationship. He couldn't begrudge Esme her curiosity. It had been years since she had seen him anything but mopey and sad.
"You will like her, mum," he promised. "She's so lovely, and so talented."
"I can't wait to meet her," Esme said. "But we'll wait, Edward. Whenever you're ready."
He had a sandwich and painted some more before it became time to take a shower and get ready. He was unsure on what to wear, realizing he'd never asked Bella how formal or informal her parents' parties were. He decided on jeans, a black button-down and a dark blue suit jacket. Couldn't go wrong with that.
Edward was admittedly getting nervous. He would have loved to have a stiff drink or two, but he knew that he shouldn't, and couldn't.
He slipped on a coat and grabbed the keys for the Volvo.
Feeling entirely too sober, he made his way to meet Bella's family.
.
The front door of the semi-detached house was decorated with garlands and a sprig of mistletoe. Taking a deep breath, Edward rang the bell. He could hear voices, and a barking dog, and seconds later, Bella smiled at him. She looked enchanting in a grey woollen dress, her hair in a high ponytail. Her smile was the most beautiful thing.
"Hi," she greeted him softly. Standing on her toes, she placed a kiss on Edward's lips, which made his blood rush through his veins.
But the barking got louder and Bella withdrew.
"Shut up, Pookie," she scolded, and the dog – an elderly Golden retriever – poked her thigh with its nose.
"This is Pookie," she said.
Edward bent down to pat the dog's ear.
"Hello, Pookie."
"Come in," Bella said.
"Hi, Edward!" Jackie had appeared from somewhere and hugged him.
"Jackie, um, good to see you again."
Bella's sister was wearing an over-sized pink sweater with silver leggings and a matching bow in her hair.
"Merry Christmas!" She handed Edward a glass of what seemed to be punch.
"Jackie, at least let the poor man take his coat off."
"Sure, sure," Jackie pouted.
Edward smiled. Once her sister had hung his coat up for him, Bella grabbed his hand.
"Ready to meet the Swans?"
She wore an adorable twinkle in her eye.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Edward shrugged, and followed her.
About ten people were in the living room as they entered. A man with a moustache and Bella's eyes approached them.
"Daddy," Bella said. "This is Edward Cullen. My boyfriend."
Edward heart took a little leap at the word.
oOo