A/N: I'd like to thank everyone for reading IIHE. Sadly, this will be the last chapter. I put off writing it because I don't want it to end! But, alas, it must. This chapter is probably one of the longest ones.

Thank you, Siob, for editing this chapter for me. You're a pretty fantastic Beta. ;)

Disclaimer: Just because this is the final chapter certainly doesn't mean that I now own Twilight. That would be sweet though. =P

Chapter 21

RPOV

My cheeks flushed red.

"Where did you get that?" I asked, my eyes wide.

Emmett looked down where I was looking at his pocket.

"Oh, um, that. Well, funny story, babe," he said, trying to distract me.

"Answer the damn question!" I told him, furious.

"I found it?" he asked. "I was packing your boxes!" he put his hands up feigning innocence.

"What the hell are you two talking about?" Alice asked us.

I took it from Emmett's pocket and stuck in in the pocket on my jeans.

"Nothing," I said. Then I mouthed 'tell you later' to her.

"Welcome to Olive Garden! What can I get you to drink? I'm Tammy and I'll be your server this evening."

"I'll have a Coke," Bella said.

"Same here," Edward said.

"You know what? Why don't we just get a pitcher of Coke?" Alice asked.

"Fine with me, is it good with you guys?" Jasper asked.

Emmett and I nodded.

"Would you like our house salad and breadsticks?" Tammy asked.

"Sure, that would be great thanks," Edward said.

"Alright, I'll be back to get your order shortly," she said.

She tucked her notepad into her apron and headed to the kitchen.

"I think today went pretty well," I said.

"I think so too!" Alice exclaimed.

"I have to say, I love my new room," Bella said.

Edward chuckled. "I believe its our room now, love."

She smirked, teasing him. "Nonsense. It's mine."

"Mhm," he mumbled, kissing her cheek. "Whatever you say."

"I'm surprised how well everything meshed together," I stated.

Shock crossed Alice's face. "I'm so insulted! You doubted my co-ordinating?"

"Of course not!" I laughed.

"It did take some work, though. I couldn't have done it without Bella and her painting skills," she said.

Bella blushed. "I'm not that great of a painter. I just rolled the paint on the wall," she laughed.

"Whatever you did, it worked nicely. I love the color of the room," Alice told her.

"I would hope so," Jasper said. "You did pick it out."

"This is true," Alice laughed.

"I love how sleek everything looks now. The Sage walls and the black couches, the restained mantle on the fireplace. Everything is perfect just in time for Christmas," Edward said.

"Alice!" Bella exclaimed. "In all the moving mess, we haven't gone shopping!"

"You, Bella Swan, honestly want to go shopping?" I asked. "I thought you hated shopping."

"Yeah, well, holidays are different. I love getting other people gifts. I dislike buying myself things. Its mostly the trying things on that I hate," she said glaring at Alice.

"Oh sure, blame your hate of clothing on me," Alice said, acting hurt.

The waitress came back with six glasses, a pitcher of Coke, two baskets of breadsticks and a bowl of salad, along with plates for said salad. I've always wondered how waitresses could carry so much.

"Here you go," she said setting each item on the table. "Are you ready to order?" she asked.

I looked around. We had been talking. I don't think any of us had looked at the menu.

"I think we need a couple minutes," Edward said, looking at Bella.

"Okay," she said then moved on to the table next to us.

It was a relief to have a waitress that didn't flirt with our men. I was really getting sick

of people like that.

I decided I'd just get the endless pasta bowl.

"I've never been here," Jasper said. "Anyone recommend anything?"

"They make a mean maranarja sauce. I recommend just getting pasta," Bella said.

"That's what I'm getting," I told him.

"Well this is going to be easy for her," Alice said. "Sounds like most of us are getting the same thing."

"Speak for yourself," Emmett said. "I'm getting the chicken parmasian."

"I'm getting the mushroom ravioli," Bella said.

"I think we should probably tell our orders to the waitress," Edward chuckled.

A couple minutes later, Tammy came over to us. She took out her little notebook. "Ready to order?"

"Yep!" Emmett announced.

We ordered our food and she went back to the kitchen again.

"I'm going to the bathroom, anyone coming with?" I asked, standing up.

As I expected - both Bella and Alice stood up to come too.

As soon as we got into the bathroom, Alice pounced me. "What did he take from you?"

I smirked, pulling out my lacey red thong.

"Oh my God," Bella said. "No wonder your face was red! I can't believe you let him pack that."

"He's a sneaky one alright," I told them.

"I wonder what he was going to do with it," Alice mused.

"Knowing Em, he probably was going to pull it out back at home and ask her to wear it," Bella laughed.

"Oh God. Not in front of you guys, I hope," I said.

"That would have been amusing," Alice said.

"No, it most definitely would not have," I told them.

I took the tiny piece of fabric and stuffed it into my bra, not wanting anyone to see it in my pocket.

"I cannot believe you stuck that in your bra." Bella said.

I shrugged. "If I could see it in Emmett's pocket, other people could see it in mine, no doubt. At least now you can't see it," I said looking in the mirror to be sure.

"That's true I guess," they nodded.

Alice leaned over the counter and wiped the smudged eyeliner from under her eyes.

"Yep," I said, checking out my butt in the mirror. "Alright, I'm ready to go back to table now."

Alice leaned back and said, "Me too."

"Kay, let's go," Bella said.

I laughed, realizing we went to the bathroom but didn't actually use the bathroom.

When we opened the door we saw Emmett, Edward, and Jasper laughing at our table.

"Do I even want to know?" Bella asked.

"Probably not," Emmett told her.

The rest of the night passed by quickly. The waitress brought out our food, and we ate while talking about the past few days of work. No one ate a second bowl of pasta, still full from the first big bowl.

The drive back was silent. None of us felt the need to fill the quiet with meaningless talk. I sat with my head on Emmett's shoulder watching the trees go by.

* * *

BPOV

"First order of business," Alice said. Her eyes were on the road while she drove, but her mind was thinking over her to-do list.

"Yeah," Rosalie said, hinting for Alice to continue.

"Well, do you three already have stockings or anything?" I asked, knowing that was first on Alice's list.

"Bel-laaaa! You totally took my fire!" Alice whined.

"I'm sorry." I said, not one bit sorry.

Rose laughed. "Nah. The boys didn't really care about that. We have a mini tree. It's very... what's the word?"

"Merry?" I suggested.

"Sure," she laughed.

Alice's mouth hung open. "No. Tree. On. Christmas."

I nodded. "We all went to our parents, usually, so we didn't need an elaborate set-up."

"So?!" Alice exclaimed. "We usually do too, but look at our tree!"

Rose shrugged, not really caring.

"Okay, so then stockings are on the list. Also, I was thinking we should make ornaments this year. I know little kids do that, but these would be our couples ornaments. What do you think of that idea?"

"I like it!" I said. I turned the idea around in my head, thinking about spending the time with Edward.

"Me too!" Rose said.

"Yay! And lastly is the presents! We'll get everything except the ones for each other ," Alice said.

"We can split up at the end to get those and meet by the car," I told them my idea.

"Good idea," Rose said.

We pulled into the mall parking lot, and Alice parked as close as we could get.

We went in store after store, looking for the perfect gifts.

After a couple hours we found gifts that would work, so we split up. I wanted to get Edward something more personal while I had time to myself, too.

I found a pair of shoes that screamed Alice to me, and a mani-pedi set for Rose.

I searched a couple stores, but couldn't find just what I was looking for for Edward. I decided to save it for a later time.

I walked to the car to find Alice and Rose already there. The trunk was open and they were inside, waiting.

I put my bags in the back, and climbed in the back.

* * *

We got back to the house, and there was a strange car parked by the street. It was a sleek black Mercedes.

We left our bags in the car and went inside. Edward met us at the door.

EPOV

"Bella, Alice, Rosalie," I said as they walked in. I expected them to have tons of shopping bags, but they didn't have any at all.

"Edward." they said in unison.

I looked at Bella as she walked to me.

"What?" Bella asked, noticing me looking at her.

"Ladies," I started, "there are two people here I'd like you to meet," I said mostly to Bella and Alice.

Bella raised an eyebrow. "Who's here, Edward?"

"My parents," I said, not sure what her reaction would be. Rosalie had met my parents already, but I wasn't sure how Alice and Bella would take them coming to their, scratch that, our home.

"Oh," she said. "Well then, let's go!"

I smiled. My Bella actually sounded excited to meet my parents.

I took her hand and led the three of them to the family room where Jasper, Emmett, and my parents were sitting.

"Bella, Alice, this is Carlisle and Esme," I said gesturing to them.

Carlisle extended both hands, one to each of them. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ladies."

Esme smiled. "I'm glad to finally meet Edward's girlfriend!"

"She's beautiful, son," Carlisle said. He sat down and took my mother's hand in his.

Bella blushed. "Thank you," she said shyly.

I sat on the couch, pulling her down next to me. I wasn't sure she was comfortable sitting on my lap with my parents here.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise," Rose said. "It's nice to see you again Esme, Carlisle."

"We wanted to pop in before he came home for Christmas. I hope you don't mind," Esme told them.

"No, no. We don't mind! It's nice to meet you!" Alice exclaimed.

"I'm glad you came," Bella said. "We have a spare room, if you'd like to stay."

Emmett looked at her like she was crazy. "Bella, eight people in this house would be insanely crowded. Not that I have a problem with you staying, its just, I'm sure you can understand we're a bit cluttered from the move and what-not."

"Oh, no need to worry." Carlisle said. "We're staying in a suite not far from here. We will be here tonight and tomorrow."

Esme nodded in agreement.

"Oh! Would you like to come over for breakfast tomorrow?" Alice asked.

"Sure, dear. That would be wonderful, thank you," Esme said sweetly.

Esme and Carlisle stayed until around ten before finally leaving. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents, but I wanted time alone with my Bella.

Jasper and Alice stayed in the family room, cuddled on the couch, while Rose and Emmett and Bella and I went to our rooms.

Bella had cleared off her desk and allowed me to put my keyboard there.

"Would you play for me again?" she asked.

"Of course, Bella," I said. Truth be told, I loved playing for her.

"Thank you," she said.

I played the same familiar tune that I'd been working on for months. My fingers seemed to move on their own as I played. Bella laid on the bed, her eyes were closed and she was smiling.

"Edward?" she asked.

"Yes, love?"

"What song is that?"

"It doesn't really have a name yet."

"What do you mean 'yet'?"

"Its something I wrote," I told her sheepishly.

She sat up on the bed.

"Are you being for real right now?"

I chuckled and nodded.

"Edward, this is amazing."

"You inspired it, to be totally honest."

I went over and sat on the bed next to her, looking her in the eyes.

"Bella, love, are you crying?"

She sniffed. "Edward, I love you."

I smiled her favorite crooked smile. "I love you, too."

* * *

My parents had come and gone. Finally, it was Saturday. Christmas: Alice style. Of course the real Christmas wasn't until Tuesday, which we would spend with our family. Esme invited Bella to stay with us for Christmas, and as much as I was thrilled by this idea, I knew Bella would want to see her own family. We decided to drive to Forks together. I would drop her off at her dad, Charlie's, and pick her up again on Wednesday.

Bella and Alice were cooking pot roast, Rosalie was wrapping last minute gifts and the three of us guys were sitting on the sofa watching whatever was on TV. Dinner smelled amazing.

"I can't wait any longer!" Alice said from the kitchen. "I want you guys to see your presents!" she exclaimed.

Jasper chuckled.

"Go calm the pixie, would you?" Emmett asked him.

"I'm pretty sure nothing could calm her now," Jasper said.

I looked behind my shoulder at the kitchen to see Alice dragging Bella out.

Rose came out and stuck her gift under the tree.

"You first!" Alice said to Rosalie. She went to the tree, grabbed a gift and handed it to her.

Rose laughed. "You're so impatient."

"Open itttt!" Alice urged.

"Alright, alright!" Rose said, tearing off the paper.

She looked in the box, wide eyed. "Alice Brandon, I cannot believe you got me this."

"SHH!" she said. "Keep it in the box," she winked.

"Dear Lord, Alice, what did you get her?" Bella asked.

"You'll see in a moment," Alice said, handing her a box too.

Bella took the paper off carefully peeking into the box. The pink tag for Victoria's Secret was obvious. Bella's face flushed red. "Oh my God, Alice."

Alice grinned. "You next!" she said to Emmett.

She handed Emmett a box.

Emmett tore off the paper like a little kid. "Thanks, Alice," he said pulling out the baseball hat. It had 'McCarty' embroidered on it.

"Edward," she said handing me a gift.

I opened it to find a notebook with black sheet music in it.

"Thank you, Alice," I said. I could write down Bella's lullaby and all the other little doodles in my head.

"You're very welcome," she said happily. "Last but not least, is you ma'dear." She handed Jasper a box.

Jasper opened the box, pulling out a book.

"What's that?" Emmett asked.

Jasper read the title. "Civil War, from start to finish. Thank you Alice."

Alice nodded. "It was no problem. Who next?" she asked.

"I'll go," Rose said.

She handed Alice and Bella a gift at the same time.

They nodded, ripping the paper off. Jasper got up and brought back a trash bag.

Alice pulled out a set of what looked like curlers, and Bella opened a make-up bag, already full.

"They're for you both. I figured you could both share both things," she explained.

"Thanks!" they said.

"And for you," she said handing me a present.

I opened the gift. She had bought me a black v-neck tee shirt.

"I hope you guys don't mind. I didn't really go all-out on you," she said.

"No big deal. You didn't even have to do this," I told her. "Thank you."

Jasper opened the same thing, except in a dark green. "Thanks, Rose."

She nodded, and handed Emmett a gift.

"Rose, I told you I didn't need anything from you," he said.

"Just open it. Please?" she pouted.

He opened the tiny box and pulled out a sheet of paper.

"I didn't spend money, just like you asked," she grinned.

He read the paper, and smiled. "No, I would suppose you didn't."

He tucked the paper into his wallet, then put his wallet back in his pocket. "This could come in handy," he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Alright, well as we talked about, I got you two nothing," Jasper said to me and Emmett. We nodded.

Emmett handed all of them an envelope. "This is from all of us," he said.

They opened the envelopes. "Woah. Thank you!" Rosalie said.

"This is awesome!" Alice exclaimed.

"I can't believe you three booked us a trip to the spa!" Bella said.

Jasper gave Alice a small box with a promise ring in it. She slipped it on her finger, her eyes tearing up. Bella and Rose commented on how pretty it was.

Emmett gave Rosalie a pair of diamond earrings.

Bella handed me a small box. I opened it. There was a small silver claddagh ring.

"The hands mean friendship, and the heart means love," she told me.

I slipped it on my finger. "Thank you, Bella."

"Are you sure you like it? I wasn't sure if-" I put my finger over her lips, cutting off her sentence.

"I love it, I love you," I said.

She gave me a chaste kiss on the lips.

I gave Bella the small box with her necklace in it. It was the outline of a heart, and around it, it said "Forever is nothing without you."

"I love it, Edward. Thank you so much," Bella whispered. "Would you clasp it on?"

I nodded. She pulled her hair out of the way, and I hooked it on.

"I love you so much Edward," she said.

"I love you too," I said, pulling her into a kiss.

We ate dinner, watched the famous "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and went to sleep. Being with Bella in my arms was the perfect ending to any day.

A/N: A very aw-able ending if I do say so myself.

There WILL be a sequel. For sure. I have ideas for it and everything. =P
Just out of curiosity- is there anything you specifically want to see happen?

I'll post an A/N chapter here when the sequel is posted, but it won't hurt to add me to story alert. ;)
BTW: I have decided the sequel is going to be M, for sure. I can't remember if I already told you guys that yet. lol.

Reviews on your thoughts on the last chapter? Thanks. =)