Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Songs for this chapter: You Save Me - Kenny Chesny (he owns not me.)

This chapter is photo heavy, so if you want to see how I picture things, check out the blog! Also the poem at the end of this chapter is posted there as well for you. Linked in my profile.

Alice arrived on Tuesday afternoon, the day before Christmas Eve. The kids and I greeted her, and her four suitcases, with lots of squeals and hugs and tears in the airport baggage claim. She tried to cover it as best she could with make-up, but the bruise on her face was evident to me. I cringed at the thought of her crumpled on the floor and hugged her close again.

"Promise me we'll never go this long without seeing each other again Bells. I can't believe how much I've missed you and these babies." She smiled weakly as we loaded her luggage into the back of my truck.

"I promise. If I have anything to say about it, you won't be going back to Jacksonville at all."

"Auntie Ali are you moving here?" Lynie piped up from the back seat.

"She's going to be visiting for a while babe. She missed us a lot, right Auntie Ali?" I teased.

"You bet I missed you guys! I can't wait to see what Santa's going to bring you!" She said enthusiastically as we climbed into our seats and headed out of the airport parking lot.

That was met with lots of chatter from the kids on what they told Santa they wanted and what they thought they were going to get. Alice fell right into conversation with them as if they'd never missed a day. This was her first time to actually meet Robbie in person, but you would have thought he'd known her forever the way he carried on with her.

Once we arrived at the house, I left Alice alone in my room to unpack and shower. She could use the side of the closet that used to be Jacob's, and his chest of drawers. Did she ever need all that space too! She pretty much brought every item of clothing she owned as well as every pair of shoes. She sited that she didn't know what to expect with the weather so she brought enough options to cover any situation. Sure Alice. Nice excuse.

While Alice showered, I pulled out my cell and sent Edward a text.

Hey you. Looks like we have a change in plans. Alice needed me and flew in from Jax today. Forgive me? – Bella

I hope everything is ok. Of course I forgive u. I'm sure we can work it out. – E

:) Thx I'll keep you posted. She's ok now that she's here. I'll let her tell you when she's ready. Miss you. – Bella

Me too. Can I call u later? – E

Yes. Xoxo – Bella

Just as I sent the last text and was grinning ear to ear, Alice stepped into the living room her hair wrapped up in a towel donning a cute navy blue drape cardigan over a white tee and jeans.

"What's got you grinning like the Cheshire cat?" she teased in her singsong voice, "Could it possibly be a Mr. Edward Cullen?"

I flushed and giggled. "It is. He said he missed me." I hugged my phone to my chest.

"Well, look at you. Swooning! I thought I'd never see the day that Isabella Swan swooned over a man! Someone call the news station!" she teased more.

I sighed still smiling and bit my thumbnail. "That's because you've only ever known me with Jacob. You don't know me with Edward."

"So, when are you seeing him again?" she asked as she plopped down on the couch next to me.

"I'm not sure yet. There's been a change in plans now that my favorite pixie is in town." I smiled and wrapped my arm around her shoulder and squeezed.

"Oh Bella, no…do not change or cancel any plans because of me! Please! I will never forgive myself! Please keep your plans with him!" she bounced on the couch as she spoke.

"Are you kidding? You're here and you need me, and I will not abandon you when you need me more than you've ever needed me in your life!"

"Nonsense! You're keeping your plans with Edward. Period. I'll come with you if I have to." Damn little pixie, still as bossy as ever.

I leaned back and stared hard at her. She'd changed a lot since the last time that I saw her, yet she was still the same little thing. Her hair was a little longer than she usually kept it, but still short and wispy at the ends. She was paler than I expected her to be, seeing as she lived in Florida, and she was definitely thinner since the last time. She didn't look sick, but I really wanted to feed her a cheeseburger.

I narrowed my eyes at her, "Alice, you understand that I can make plans with Edward some other time right? You're my best friend and I know you well enough to know that you're putting on a very good show for me right now. You're putting up a strong front, but I know you want to cry, and that's what I am here for…your shoulder to cry on."

Tears slid down her cheeks and her blue eyes met mine rimmed in red. Hers were a darker shade than Edwards, but still just as beautiful. The bruise on her cheek made my eyes prick with tears at the fear that it could have been so much worse.

"Bella listen to me. Something tells me that you need to spend that time with him. Don't ask and don't argue, just do it. I will be perfectly fine. I feel safe here and it feels like coming home being back in San Diego. I'll be fine, I swear." She said softly.

I hugged her close. "I've missed you woman."

Rosalie, Emmett and the kids joined us for dinner on Christmas Eve. I was so excited to have my two best friends in the same room for the first time. The only thing that could have made the night more complete would have been if Edward joined us. All in due time.

Rose and Alice hit it off right away and as we finished up dinner, they helped me get the kids bathed and settled for the night. Emmett took their kids back to their house and was back just as I finished up wrapping them a plate of leftovers. I joined the ladies as they were pouring the wine and Emmett lit a fire in the backyard fire pit. We enjoyed a cozy night of good friends and fine wine.

A few hours later Rose and Emmett prepared to leave. We all knew that the kids would have us up bright and early, so we couldn't make it too late of a night if we expected to survive the wake-up call. Once the house was locked up, Alice helped me place all the gifts under the tree and fill the stockings for the kids. I'd even gone and bought an extra stocking for Alice to hang with ours. When she wasn't looking, I slipped the gift I had secretly bought earlier that day into her stocking and smiled. After we were satisfied with the arrangement of the gifts, or I should say, after Alice was satisfied, we turned down the lights and left the tree lit. We headed to bed. She slept with me since I don't mind sharing my king sized bed with her rather than make her sleep on an air mattress.

After we went about our bedtime rituals and had climbed into bed, we began chatting and giggling like little schoolgirls. The wine had definitely gone to my head and we joked about nothing and everything. It was good to see her relax after such an emotional few days. We eventually fell asleep….

…only to be woken by cheers and squeals of the children shouting, "Santa came! Santa came! Mommy, Auntie Ali, Santa came!"

Oh God, kill me now!

"At least they waited for the sun to rise." Alice grumbled from under the covers and I chuckled at her.

"Come on sleepy head, let's see what Santa brought for us." I yawned as I climbed out of bed.

You would have thought that the kids had eaten a pound of sugar the way they were humming with excitement. It was so damn adorable. Before I let them tear into their presents, I grabbed the three of them in a group hug and squeezed them tight.

"Look what Santa brought for me Auntie Ali! Three beautiful children!" I cheered as I squeezed and tickled them. The girls squirmed out of my grasp, but Robbie flung his hands around my neck. I hugged him tight. My little momma's boy. He planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek and said, "Wuv you momma."

"I love you too baby boy. Merry Christmas." I set him down on the floor and let Lynette pass out the presents to everyone. Once the kids had their separate piles they went to town tearing into their gifts with no abandon. It was awesome seeing and feeling their excitement over the morning. It was so much better than I thought it would be. I really thought they'd be a little off with Jacob not here, but they proved me wrong.

As they began to play with their gifts and the excitement waned, I put a batch of cinnamon rolls into the oven for breakfast. Alice was perched on the floor with Robbie helping him open one of his Lightening McQueen toys. I grabbed her stocking and announced, "Auntie Ali, I think Santa left something for you too."

Shock crossed her face and her mouth fell open. I could see the tears welling in her eyes and I winked at her. I handed her the stocking and she removed a small white box from it. With still no expression she slowly tore the paper from the small package and removed the top. Inside was a black velvet box and she gasped as she spied it. I just smiled brighter. This was something Alice had told me she wanted countless times, and I was overjoyed when I happened to see one yesterday. It was perfect. Her tiny fingers pried open the box and the hinge creaked in resistance. Her hand flew to her mouth as she eyed the sterling silver marcasite with red enamel heart locket. She looked back up at me as the tears slid down her cheeks and then back at the necklace.

"Oh" she gasped. "It's so beautiful!" she choked out.

"Can I see Auntie Ali?" Madysen asked as she crawled to her side. Alice leaned over and showed her the delicate heart. They ooh'ed and ahh'ed over it and then Alice removed it from the box and clasped it around her neck. The placed her hand over the top of it and mouthed "Thank You" to me. I smiled back and nodded my head. Her reaction was thanks enough.

At twelve noon on the dot Jacob arrived to pick up the kids. We exchanged an emotionless greeting as they went running to him. This was going to be the longest I would go without seeing them since the spilt and it was heart wrenching. I held my composure for their sake and peppered their faces with kisses as I loaded them into his truck. I promised to call them everyday, and they promised to call every night before bed. I waved as they drove away, and then burst into tears as I turned to head back into the house. Alice wrapped me in a bear hug and I sobbed momentarily.

"Ok girl. Give that hunk of a man a call and find out when he wants you over while I go prepare your outfit." She winked as she trotted off down the hall.

Edward answered the phone almost breathlessly, and the sound of his voice like that made me weak in the knees.

"Hi Edward, am I interrupting something?" I asked steadily.

"No, not at all! I was just doing a little cleaning up for company." He chuckled.

I smiled and felt myself blushing. Damn him. "So what time would you like me to come over?"

"Whenever you're ready, I'm ready. I have everything ready for dinner, just waiting one someone to cook it for." He teased and I could almost see his crooked grin playing on his face.

"Ok, well how about around two? Is that ok?"

"Yea, that's great! I can't wait for you to see my place. You'll be the first one. My dad hasn't even seen it yet." He sounded so giddy. Adorable.

"I can't wait either Edward. See you soon."

An hour later Alice had me plopped in a chair in the hall bathroom as she polished and buffed me. She went easy on the make-up per my request, but just enough to enhance my features and add to the dress she had hanging in my room. It was scary looking on the hanger, maybe a little more sexy than I had actually planned on going tonight, yet at the same time it was hot, and I knew it'd definitely get Edward's attention. She was currently rolling my hair up in chunky curlers and chatting away. Typical Alice style.

Once she was satisfied with my make up, she pulled my hair down and had me flip my head over as she teased and sprayed. I flipped it back over and she comb through it and pulled the left side up. She clipped a beautiful vintage black crystal flower hair clip into the hair there to hold it in place. I loved my hair down and curled like this. It felt natural, yet still elegant.

She pulled me into my room, handed me the dress and ordered me to get dressed. She stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her. Lying on the bed was a brand new matching black lace panty and bra set. What the hell? I untied my robe and slid into the delicate undergarments. The dress was actually really pretty as I pulled it up my body and slid my arms into the sleeves. It was a long sleeved grey sweater dress that had a slight shimmer to it. Once I had it fitted right, I adjusted it over my chest. The plunging V-neck on this dress left little to be desired honestly. Wow. Oh yea, Edward will love this! I slid my feet into a pair of black suede bootie heals. They complimented the dress perfectly and made my legs look five miles long. I took one more turn in the mirror, checking the dress from all angles. It hugged perfectly, yet wasn't too constricting. Alice really is a fashion genius. Last but not least, I opened my jewelry box and pulled out the velvet satchel holding the heart necklace Edward had given me the night he told me he loved me for the first time all those years ago. I fastened it around my neck and placed my hand over it. I smiled remembering that moment.

I opened the door to a semi-patient Alice who clasped her hands together under her chin and smiled wider than I ever thought possible.

"Oh Bells! You look unbelievable! Turn around!" She ordered, circling her finger around motioning to me.

"Yep. He's not going to be able to keep his hands off of you in that sexy get up." She smirked.

"Alice, I don't know if I'm ready for all of that yet. However, it will be nice to see him get all hot and bothered for sure!" I winked.

I took a deep breath as I stepped off the elevator onto the fifteenth floor of Edward's building. There were only four doors on this floor, but he'd already told me that his was the first one on the left. As I stepped closer to his door, I could hear the tinkling of piano keys. My heart fluttered and I moved closer to the door to listen harder. Was that Edward playing? Suddenly the song changed and the bridge played over into a song I recognized. My breath caught in my throat as I realized he was playing my song. It was the song that he'd written for me all those years ago. Shit.

I took another deep breath and forced back my emotions. I knocked softly on the door and I heard the music stop. I heard his footsteps move across the floor and then the lock rattled in the door. It swung open swiftly and there he was in his entire panty dropping glory.

"Bella…" he breathed, as he looked me over. When he finally reached my eyes he blinked as if coming out of a fog and cleared his throat. "Please…uh…please come in."

"Hi Edward." I grinned as I walked past him. Internally I fist pumped as I gauged his reaction to my attire.

I heard him whisper something under his breath as he shut and locked the door. I took a quick look around from my standpoint inside the door. Through a doorway to my right I could see his kitchen where magnificent smells of our meal wafted from, ahead of me I could see his living room and beyond that, the magnificent view of downtown San Diego and the harbor. Without realizing it, my feet were guiding me towards the living area, as I fixated on the view.

"Welcome to my castle in the sky." He said from behind me. I spun around and quickly took notice of his attire. He had his hands in his pockets; my favorite stance of his. He had on a dark blue sweater with a collared shirt underneath, the cuffs rolled up on the sleeves and dark wash jeans. Scrumptious.

"Can I show you around?" he asked and I nodded.

He gave me the grand tour and he was so proud of his new place. It was a beautiful and modern condo with hardwood flooring, granite counters in the kitchen and high ceilings. Almost the entire rear wall of the place was floor to ceiling windows highlighting the appeal of the place, the mesmerizing view.

In the corner off of the living room he had set up a Christmas tree and decorated it the best that he could, but it was definitely in need of a woman's touch. I smiled at the effort he gave and it warmed my heart knowing he did it for his daughter.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me out onto his balcony looking back at me with a smile. The air was crisp as I stepped up to the railing. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder.

"Edward, your home is beautiful. Thank you for showing it to me. This view though…I cannot get over this at all. It's…God…it's just…awesome!"

"Thank you for coming and for spending Christmas with me." He replied softly and I was suddenly shivering, but not from the air. "Let's get you inside. Dinner should be ready soon."

He slid his hands down my arms and grabbed one hand turning me to face him. His gaze enchanted me and his hand cupped my right cheek before he spoke. "Bella, I'm dying to kiss you. Tell me it's not too soon."

I couldn't speak; I simply nodded my head holding our stare. Ever so slowly he inched his face down to me. He brushed his nose against mine and my eyes fluttered closed. I could feel his breath ragged on my cheek, and much like the last time we were this close in Port Angeles, he ghosted his lips across mine. My heart and breathing sped up at the anticipation of his lips finally on mine after all this time.

He moved up to my left cheek and placed a soft, chaste kiss there. Slowly he moved down my jaw to my chin, placing another soft kiss there. My skin was on fire in every location his lips touched my skin. He made his way back up my jaw to my other cheek, kissing it softly as well. His nose brushed mine again, and I unconsciously placed my hands on his hips. He pulled back slightly and I opened my eyes to meet his stare. He angled his head and moved closer yet again. He pressed his lips to mine and my knees almost gave out. It was as if I was taken back in time and we'd never been apart. My body responded to his as if it had found its missing other half of a whole. I began to kiss him back softly. It was sweet, yet hot. God, I missed this!

He sucked my top lip in between his and I really thought I was going to faint. His tongue brushed against it and I parted my lips feeling his tongue greet mine delicately. Everything about this kiss was soft and sweet. It felt like a reconnection or reintroduction of sorts. I slid my hands up to his chest and pressed my body against him and he pulled me closer placing his hands on my lower back.

He broke the kiss and rested his forehead to mine. I remembered at that moment to breathe and took a staggering deep breath, trying to regain my bearings. He was breathing heavy too, and I knew his body was responding to mine in the same way. We belong together.

He pulled back, looked into my eyes and smiled his shy crooked grin. "God, I've wanted to do that for so long Bella." He looked down and ran a single finger over my heart necklace. Then he placed a quick, yet soft kiss on my lips once again.

"Now really, let's get you inside out of the cold and feed you."

I still couldn't speak, I just nodded my head like a love struck idiot and smiled. I was definitely not feeling cold at all, but I was hungry…just not at all for food. Simmer down Bella. Take it slow, we have work to do if this is going to work out.

He led me to the counter island in the kitchen and pulled out a barstool for me to sit in. He quickly kissed my temple and then walked around the island into the kitchen. An open bottle of wine rested on the counter and he grabbed two glasses, pouring us each one. "To a beautiful evening." He said holding his glass up to me in a toast. I held mine up to meet his, nodded and took a sip. It was sweet as I swirled it on my tongue.

He spun around and opened up the oven removing a baking dish. He placed it on the counter next to the stove and shut off the oven. He then grabbed to serving bowls out of the cabinet and filled them with items he had cooking in pots on the stove. I had never remembered Edward ever cooking something more than mac and cheese. This was a major turn-on.

He motioned me towards the dining room, where I hadn't even noticed he'd set two places. Walking over to it, he pulled out a chair for me, and I slid off the stool making my way to him. I placed my hand on his forearm as I turned to sit and he slid my chair in. He moved to the kitchen and returned with the baking dish and placed a serving of Chicken Cordon Bleu on my plate in front of me. My jaw dropped open and I looked up at him shocked. He just smirked as he placed a piece on his plate and returned to the kitchen once again. He came back to the table with two serving dishes, one with mashed potatoes and the other with broccoli and carrots. I smiled at him as he passed me a bowl and spoon to serve myself. Lastly he set down a basket of rolls and lit the two taper candles on the table in front of us.

Never…never had Jacob ever gone to this much trouble or effort for me. Not in all the years we were together, not before kids or before things headed downhill. Never. I looked up at Edward as he took his seat across the table from me and placed his napkin on his lap. I can't explain all the thoughts and feelings that went through my head in that moment, but I knew that we would find a way to make us work.

Dinner was fantastic and Edward had earned himself another brownie point when he brought out the Crème Brule, complete with flame torch and all. I almost melted into my chair.

We moved to the couch with our wine and Edward had set up his iPod in the stereo system. As usual, conversation was effortless. We listened to music, talked and laughed.

"Bella, I have something I'd like to give you." Edward said as he rose off the couch and walked over to the Christmas tree. He reached down and pulled out a small red gift bag. As if the first of the evening hadn't already been a surprise, this was even more unexpected. I had picked something up for him, simply because it called out to me when I saw it, but I really did not expect that he was going to be giving me anything.

"Edward, you didn't have to do this." I said softly as he placed the bag in my hands and sat back next to me on the couch.

"I know, but I wanted to." He said, his eyes shinning with anticipation.

I looked down at the red bag and pulled out the tissue paper. Nestled inside was every girl's favorite colored blue box wrapped with a white bow. I gasped.

"Edward…what did you do?" I asked as I removed the box and set the bag off to the side.

He just grinned wide and quietly said, "Open it."

I pulled the box open to reveal a pair of silver heart drop earrings. They were the matching set to my necklace. My mouth went dry as all the liquid went to my eyes. I was in disbelief. I looked up to him as memories flooded me from the night he'd given me the necklace.

"It's always been yours Bella. I just wasn't smart enough to listen to it."

Rendered speechless once again, I leaned forward and placed my hand on his cheek while I looked deep into his liquid blue eyes. I pressed my lips firmly to his and his hand went to my neck. I pulled back and whispered "Thank you" trying to fight the tears from falling. I cleared my throat, removed them from the box and placed them in my ears. He smiled as he pushed my hair to the side and admired them.

"I actually have something for you too." I stood and went to my purse. I removed a small black velvet sachet and walked back to him. As I placed it in his hand I said, "Now, I have a confession to make first, and don't be mad. I am so proud of your new endeavors with the fire department and I love seeing how excited you are about it. However, it scares the crap out of me!" I chuckled and he smiled softly. "I saw this a while back, and I immediately thought of you. You carry it with you and it's supposed to bring you safety."

He looked a little confused, so I placed the bag in his palm. He eyed me cautiously as he untied the strings and turned the bag over. He shook it and the large gold coin fell into his palm.

"Now before you read the prayer, the ending is not completely true for you specifically, but the rest is."

He looked it over, read the poem and smiled at me. "This is so thoughtful Bella. Thank you. I will carry it with me always."

"Merry Christmas, Edward." I said as I placed my lips to his again.

"Merry Christmas, Bella. I love you."

Chapter End Notes:

Squeeeeee! ) See you again soon!