SM owns all of Twilight... I play with her stuff.

Chapter 24

XXX – Secrets and Propositions – XXX

Christmas Eve morning came with lots of excitement and an early wake-up call from Alice. We had a lot of food to make and things to get done before the big bash. Alice being the anally organized pixie that she was, had taken it upon herself to come in and dictate our entire day.

"So, this is the itinerary, Bella. The guests should start arriving at four. Let me know if anything on here gets side tracked so that we can make up for the lost time somewhere."

I looked at her, eyes still crusty from sleep, "Are you crazy?" I scratched my butt cheek, "No seriously, have you decided to forgo the meds, Allie?"

She giggled and rolled her eyes, "Go get dressed, I'll make some coffee."

I sighed, turned on my heels and walked off.

Edward had gone to the hospital and was supposed to be back in a few hours.

He was on-call all weekend and if we were lucky, the weather would cooperate and there wouldn't be any major accidents, hence he wouldn't have to go in.

I prayed that luck would be on our side. This party was a major one where both of our families would interact for the first time.

My parents had decided to get a room at a local bed and breakfast stating that staying with us would have cramped our style. Mom giggled when she said that so I figured there was more to it than making me uncomfortable. I'd rather not think about my parents getting their groove on.

I made it to my room, yeah, I was calling the house mine now and felt completely at home in it. Edward had made sure to make me call his house my house. He wanted for me to feel at home, so much so that he gave me carte blanche to redecorate. I just rolled my eyes at him and told him I loved our house; I loved him and I'd be willing to live anywhere as long as he was with me.

We ended up giving the spare bedroom a good go-round.

My back is still sore from that one. But it was sooo worth it.

I threw on some sweats and put my hair up into a ponytail. Alice would have my ass for wearing it but I figured I'd get dressed in my evening attire after I was done baking and sweating my as off.

XOXOXOXO

"So how's the house hunting going?" I asked Alice while we stuffed some vegetable mixture into some tiny little mushrooms. Why we had to make this shit from scratch, I'll never know. Alice said they were a family tradition. Whatever.

"We visited a few places, but nothing worthwhile yet. Aunt Esme is helping. She knows people in the business so when something good pops up, she's on it."

"Wow, sounds like fun." I was totally being sarcastic. My mood had only lifted slightly with the aid of coffee.

She stopped her mushroom stuffing and eyed me curiously, "Well, it's not so bad but Jasper and I can't agree on anything. Can I tell you something?" She worried her bottom lip; something she never, ever did.

I eyed her curiously, "Shoot."

"My God, Bells, I want what Rose has." She blurted out and held on to the counter for support.

I furrowed my brows and scrunched up my nose, "You want Emmett?" Nah, that couldn't be it.

She smiled, "No, silly, a baby. God, ever since Rose said she was pregnant, I've been thinking about it. And Jasper has always wanted a big family; he's been collecting his pets and taking really good care of them. I think he's doing it 'cause he's nesting or something."

"Wait, what the hell? Are you serious right now?" I doubled over, holding my stomach and laughed as Alice droned on and on about Jasper and his love for animals being a substitute for kids.

"Seriously Bells, think about it. Either way, I want one. A mini-me. A little person growing in my belly."

I stopped laughing and smiled at her, "You will. Talk to Jazz about it, you never know he just might be as ready for this as you are."

"Thanks. I will later tonight after the party. Maybe I can convince him to practice on the way home."

I shuddered, "TMI, Alice."

She giggled, "Just sayin'."

We continued making the stuffed mushrooms and went on to make a crap load of different kinds of hors d'oeuvres; giggling as we recalled different moments in our lives.

Never in all of the years that I had known her would I have imagined being here like this and tied to her family in some way.

XOXOXOXO

Edward had gotten home as Alice and I finished up the hors d'oeuvres. Everything was in place.

I had climbed the stairs and surprised Edward as he was getting ready to take a shower. Needless to say my clothes soon joined his on the floor; my body following his in the shower.

"Hey, baby." He grinned at me as he picked up the shampoo to lather my hair.

I grinned and kissed his shoulder softly. "I'm nervous." I admitted while his fingers did magical things to my scalp.

The simple act of showering together was the sweetest bliss of living with Edward. His fingers in my hair made my entire body tingly. Even when there was no time for shower sex, the shower itself was thoroughly worth it.

Alice went home to change and came back an hour later freshened up; looking all fine, holding Jasper's hand. Emmett and Rose soon followed. I had invited Angela and Ben but they had decided to go home for the holidays. Angela missed her family; I couldn't blame her for it.

Esme and Carlisle were going to be here any minute and I was a nervous mess.

I mean, he loved me but things could change if our families couldn't mesh together.

XOXOXOXO

"Oh, Bella, so wonderful to see you dear." Mrs. Brandon hugged me close to her as soon as she spotted me.

"Nice to see you too." I smiled at the exuberant woman.

"It's been too long. This is so wonderful Bella. Has Alice told you how wonderful it is that you're dating my nephew? If not, I can tell you right now, he is such a good boy that one." She was definitely Alice's mother; breathing between words was something they never learned how to do.

"Mom, I told Bella you were happy. Hell, the entire family is so freaking happy to be rid of Tanya. Knowing we won't be linked genetically to her spawn relieves me in more ways than one." Alice chirped as I stood next to her mother.

I laughed, "So you'd be happy to be related to my spawn?"

She smiled, "Of course. We are like sisters in more ways than one, Bella."

That's why she was my best friend. Always knowing how to be sickly sweet was something I wasn't genetically disposed to do, but Alice had it mastered and I'd hoped that some of it would rub off on me at some point.

Eventually, everyone filtered into the house. My mom hugged me and immediately went for the wine stating the drive was long and she needed to relax a bit. I couldn't blame her. Mom was a fun drunk so, I let her be.

Dad found immediate conversation in Emmett as the bonded over his Jeep. Dad had a fondness for cars and didn't have a son. Conversations like the one with Emmett were priceless and on Christmas, it was like giving him an early gift or some shit like that.

After some eating and drinking and a few games of cards, we all retired to the formal living room. Edward had taken a seat on the armrest besides me and his hand was placed lovingly over my shoulder. I looked around the room to all of these people that we loved so much.

Mom and Esme were enraptured in a conversation about the decor. Mom loved the house. After I gave her the grand tour she hugged me close to her chest and told me she was happy for me. I couldn't understand why me living in this house made her so happy.

When Esme had walked into the house earlier and greeted me before greeting her son, I knew things would work themselves out. Edward's little pout over having his mom hug me first was cute.

The two women bonded instantly. It's like it was fate, long lost friends of some sort reunited by their children.

I smiled as I thought of how lucky I must be to have these two role models in my life. And the thought that my children would have them too sort of eased my feelings about the reality of it all.

I let my gaze travel to my dad and Carlisle who were discussing fish and the different types of fishing poles that were currently on the market. They also instantly bonded. A doctor and a law enforcement officer both bound by their beliefs that saving people whether it be from themselves or others was what they needed to do with their lives. I admired both for so many different reasons; again the best role models I could ever come up with.

Even through his transgressions, my father was a good man. His heart led him back to the right path and he had made efforts to right his wrongs knowing that he would hurt the ones he loved.

I noticed Rose and Alice talking excitedly about Rose's tiny baby bump and smiled to myself. We would soon be graced by a little one; the first in our little group.

Jasper and Emmett were sitting to my right and discussing the joys of renovating. Ever since my move in Edward's house, Rose had made Emmett do all sorts of crazy thing in theirs to ready it for the baby.

The thought of that big burly man being ordered around by Rose brought a smile to my face. He loved her unconditionally, no matter how pushy she got.

"This is nice, isn't it?" Edward's voice broke me out of my reverie.

I looked up at him and smiled. "This is perfect."

Edward's hand squeezed my shoulder tenderly as his lips curled up into a smile.

I turned and snuck glances towards Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock. They were discussing the merits of buying versus renting with Alice's parents and I couldn't help but giggle when Alice shot her mother a look that meant "we're doing this". Her mother thought she was too young to settle down with anyone even after Alice persisted that Jasper was her soul-mate.

This party had acted as sort of a bridge between all of our parents. Emmett's parents lived too far away and Rose's parents couldn't make it but other than that, we were all together under one roof.

I finished my glass of wine and looked at the clock. It was getting late and we hadn't done the gift exchange yet.

"When do you guys usually do the gift exchange?" I asked Edward as I stood up and turned to him.

"Well we could do it now. They all seem like they're having a good time though." He then pulled me to him; surrounding me with his warmth. "Are you having a good time?"

I gave him a cheesy grin. "Yeah. I'm a little tired though. Did I tell you what time Alice was here?"

He smiled and squinted; scrunching up his face. So adorable, by the way. "I can just imagine."

He then pulled me to stand between his thighs and hugged me tightly to his chest, planting his chin on top of my head.

"Hey you love birds, should we leave you two alone?" Rose asked amusingly.

I smiled and inhaled Edwards scent before begrudgingly pulling myself off of him. "I think it's time to open presents." I smiled as I addressed the room.

Emmett jumped off the couch; grinning like a fool. "Did you say presents?"

I giggle-snorted. Couldn't help it. He was so cute in his enthusiasm; I couldn't wait to see him with a kid. I had a feeling he would be an awesome father. Poor Rose though, ya know, since she was already raising one big kid and now she was going to have a baby.

"Alright, well who wants to play Santa?" Edward rubbed his hands together.

Emmett's eyes lit up. "Can I do it, man? Please?"

I giggled loudly turning to Rose. "You have your hands full with him."

She nodded, "Yeah. But I love him anyways."

And that she did.

We each took turns opening presents and ooo'd and ahhh'd as each one was shown to the group.

We laughed when Rose opened the one from Emmett. He bought her a novelty shirt with "Knocked Up" written on it in bold red letters.

Mom and dad got Edward and me gift certificates for the spa. I had gotten mom some of her favorite perfume and I had gotten dad a pass for the aquarium. I figured he'd like that; being a fish freak and all.

Edward opened his gift from me and smiled as he showed everyone the little crest that said Dr. Edward Cullen engraved on it. When I saw it on my trip to the mall with Alice, it was too good to pass up. I was so proud of him, his residency was almost over and he would be a real doctor very soon and was starting to think about opening a family practice.

By the end of the exchange, I was happy as a clam with all of my loot, but I noticed that I hadn't gotten anything from Edward. I didn't worry about it and figured he might have wanted to keep it between the two of us since lord only knows how kinky he could get sometimes.

I smiled to myself as I lost my train of thought. Oh,thepossibilities.The girlie bits clenched in anticipation.

"I have one last one." Emmett said as he handed me the rather large box. Funny how I hadn't noticed it before.

I smiled at Edward as he stood next to me and fidgeted nervously. "I'm bad a wrapping them." He stated with a smirk.

I started unraveling the paper, only to find a large cardboard box. "It's okay baby. I'll love it whatever it is." I stated with a smile while still wondering what the hell he was up to.

I opened the non-decrypt box and pulled out yet another wrapped box. "Edward, what did you do?" I giggled, as I unwrapped that one too.

His smile grew wider as he shrugged. "You know I love you, right?"

My face became warmer and I was probably as red as a tomato as I noticed that everyone was watching me.

I then ripped all of the paper from yet another blank looking box. I opened this one too and yet again, nestled within some newspaper was another smaller box wrapped with the same paper as all of the other ones.

"My God, this better be good." I smirked up at him.

He smiled and nodded knowingly. Oh, he was up to no good and I couldn't wait to figure out what it was. I opened up the small box and looked inside. It looked empty so I shook out the contents into my hand.

A beautiful ring fell into my palm. It was delicate and antique looking with one diamond solitaire nestled between two rubies. Its intricate beauty took my breath away.

So much so, that I hadn't noticed when Edward had knelt down before me. "Isabella Swan, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he said as he put his hands on my knees

I swallowed as my eyes welled up in tears. My face broke out into the widest smile, hurting my cheeks in the process. "Oh, my God."

Edward took the ring from my hand. "Will you marry me?"

I finally looked to his face, his eyes, happy and full of hope, shone with unshed tears.

"Yes. I love you so much, Edward." I let him slip the ring onto my finger and jumped into his arms, letting him hold me while our friends and family clapped and whistled. I pulled away from his embrace and kissed him repeatedly. Small pecks that soon became heated as I couldn't help but deepen it; letting my tongue meet his as we held onto each other.

"You're not married yet." Emmett chuckled, making us break our moment.

I looked around us and noticed how all of the women had teary eyes and the men seemed to be fidgety and nervous. I'd bet they were fighting away the tears.

Either way they were so happy for us and that was all that mattered.

I'd learned later on that they were all in on it too. Every single one of them.

Edward had asked my dad for my hand over Thanksgiving holidays. It was why they had spent so much time in the man cave.

It was why my mom had been so emotional during the house tour.

It was also why Carlisle had been over to the house the day of the great piano sexing. The engagement ring was a family heirloom that belonged to Carlisle's mother. Esme had worn it for a while and had set it aside years ago for her future daughter in law. Tanya had never wanted anything to do with it so it had sat untouched until Edward asked Carlisle to have it cleaned and re-sized.

"This is beautiful." I stated still in shock and awe over the entire evening.

"You're beautiful, baby." Edward grinned and pulled me into yet another hug.

He then went and joined Jasper and Emmett on the back deck for some man-bonding over some smelly cigars.

God, it was surreal. The ring was perfect for my small hands. And Edward's efforts were so sweet and I couldn't get over how much it all meant to me. Well, to us, really.

Alice hugged me, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye. "I'm so happy for you." Her emotions were all over the place as she full on broke down and cried on my shoulder.

I patted her back and tried to soothe her. "I know Allie. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

"You are, Bella. Well, next to me and Rose, of course." she quickly wiped her eyes and straitened up.

I rolled my eyes and smiled, "Of course."

XOXOXOXO

"Baby, tonight was perfect." Edward breathed into my neck as I moved on top of him.

I brought my hands to his, my fingers twining his own and pinning him to the bed. My hips moved to their own rhythm, finding a comfortable pace as I fucked my future husband.

"God I love the sound of that. "Future husband"." I panted, my hips swirling over his.

"Oh God, Bella, I need you to come, baby." Edward thrusts up as I push down. I stared at the pretty ring on my finger and the way his body moved under me, glistening with sweat. His face was scrunched up, he was so close to his release but refused to let go before I got mine.

Always thoughtful. Always putting others before him.

After everyone had left it was like a mad dash upstairs into our room. Clothes were discarded, lips and teeth and tongues were intertwined and mingles together.

Edward and I became one as he pushed his cock into my wet heat. I moaned and writhed underneath him, quickly flipping us or and taking control.

I needed to see him come undone and be the one writing underneath me. I needed to give to him as he so often gave to me.

Edward pushed himself up; his lips firmly clamping down on my nipple was the final sensation I needed to fall over the edge. As my orgasm spammed through my body and my pussy clamped down on him, Edward came undone.

The sight under me was something to behold. His face scrunched up and his mouth hanging open. "Oh fuck, Bella. So good." He breathed as hot spurts shot up through me and his grip tightened on my hands.

I slowed my pace, untangled my hands from his and laid my head on his chest. "That was amazing." I breathed as I slowly regained my composure.

Edward enveloped me in his arms and hugged me tightly. "I love you so fucking much, Bella." He then kissed the top of my head.

I could feel the tears pickling my eyes as the emotions of the evening came back to me. "I don't want to be your fiancée."

I wiped my tears out of my face as Edward quickly sat up, pulling me to his lap.

"What?" He furrowed his brows, clearly not understanding my statement.

I took his face between my hands and looked into his eye. "I don't want to be your fiancée. I want to be your wife."

I then kissed his fiercely, conveying my emotions into that kiss. I loved him so much, he had to know. My heart belonged to him and only him.

Forever.

A/N: Too sweet? Yeah, I know, but I like it so...

The epilogue will be next as we come full circle into this story. There are surprises to behold. :o)

If you haven't already, check out my new story: Bubble Gum and Spider-Man

Summary: She's new to Forks and seriously lacks a brain filter. He's lived there his entire life and has never met anything like her. One night changes everything. Do opposites really attract, or are some things just never meant to be? Drabble. ExB. AH. AU. OOC. M for L&L.

A huge thanks to my girls for always having my back, I love you! :o)