SM owns it, Dollybigmomma rocks it, I just write it.

Chapter 5 - Christmas Morning

The tree was decorated with all sorts of construction paper chains and colored pictures. Bella had taken pictures of all of us and hung them on the tree glued to different shapes. The kids came barreling down the hall Christmas morning and I sat back watching as they tore through everything with their name on it, laughing at the way Timmy excitedly handed Ara her presents with just as much enthusiasm as he had for his own. I never really understood the whole giving-gifts thing until that moment watching the kids go mad. Timmy opened his last one and jumped into my lap, talking a mile a minute and showing me his Transformers. I looked over at Bella to see her helping Ara dress Curly in one of her new dresses.

"So, Dad, are you going to open your present?" he asked poking at the tightly-wrapped bundle.

I smiled at him calling me dad. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about it would you?" I asked teasing him.

He looked over at Bella and smiled. "We all had something to do with it. Ms. Bella did the most, though. You gotta open it!"

Ara was suddenly bouncing at my side as well, so I pulled her up on my other knee and opened the present that looked like they both had helped wrap it. I was smirking at Bella, but it dropped when I saw what was in my lap. Pictures. They were framed pictures of the kids and me. I didn't know when she had taken them, but she had and they were amazing.

"They're for your desk at work since I'm not there anymore and you might miss me," Timmy bounced.

Watery-eyed, I hugged him and Arabella, too. "They're perfect."

The frames were obviously decorated by them, painted a rainbow of colors and had brightly-painted beans glued to them spelling out 'Dad' and 'Family.'

"This is the best present I've ever gotten." I looked up at Bella, silently thanking her and she blushed.

Timmy saw me looking at her and then noticed the box at her feet. I suddenly felt like my gift was inadequate. "Open yours, Ms. Bella!" he shouted and I almost wanted to stop her and promise I would get her something better, only I had no idea what to get her.

She opened the store-bought and wrapped gift, making me feel a little ashamed I hadn't even bothered to wrap it myself, but she smiled widely when she saw the contents. She slipped on the hat, gloves, and scarf and then put on the heavy coat. She was smiling at me with tears in her eyes.

"I didn't want you to be cold," I said walking over to her and she hugged me tightly.

"Thank you," she whispered and I heard her sniffle, "Thank you so much, for everything."

I glanced at the kids and they had already started taking their armloads of toys to their rooms. "No, Bella, I should be thanking you. You've given me so much. I'll never be able to repay you for your help, and kindness. It means more to me than you'll ever know."

I said the last bit quietly, but she heard and blushed a deep red.

"I got you something," she said softly.

I looked up surprised. "I thought the pictures…"

"Those were from the kids, this is from me," she said handing me a soft package wrapped up in green paper.

"Thank you, you know you didn't have to do this. You really have done so much already."

She tilted her head to the side and looked at me like I was goofy.

"What?" I asked confused.

She just shook her head at me. I sat down and opened the present. I blushed a dark crimson when I pulled out a deep green robe with matching plaid and navy blue sleep pants.

"It's for those mornings when you don't want to wear your overcoat to the breakfast table," she smirked.

"I swear, I didn't…I wasn't…I hope…I-I-I-I…"

"Edward, it's fine. It was obvious you weren't trying to offend me or make a pass at me as proved by your crazy naked dance that you did when you ran from the kitchen."

I dropped my head into my hands. "I'm so sorry. I'm no better than that cad at your last job. I really wasn't trying to…to…to…"

She just laughed. "I know. I wasn't offended and you made your point by wearing your overcoat to the breakfast table ever since."

"I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable," I said shrugging.

She let out a beautiful laugh. "You're sweet, you know that. This…" she said pointing to the robe and sleep pants, "Is a peace offering. It's your house, Edward, relax."

I nodded okay.

"I'm going to go start breakfast," she said heading to the kitchen.

I jumped up, wanting to put space between us. "I'll go check on the kids," I said and proceeded to walk smack into the wall next to the hallway.

To her credit, she didn't laugh until she was in the kitchen. I really had to learn how to pull myself together if I was going to live with Bella Swan. I went to my room and put away my new robe and sleep pants. I sat on my bed for a moment, trying to pull myself together.

Timmy came bursting into my room a few minutes later. "I did it!" he said holding up one of his Transformers in car form, "I figured it out all by myself!" he said and bounced onto the bed next to me.

"That's great!" I really was impressed. I remembered asking my mom for help several times trying to get them to transform. "You're so smart. Look at you figuring it out all by yourself," I said examining the car.

"Come play with me, please? Ara is too busy with Curly," he said the last part a little annoyed.

"Of course, how could I pass up a chance to play with Transformers, robots in disguise?" I sang the last part and he laughed at me. I was pretty sure he hadn't seen the cartoon yet, but he would get it once he had.

We were sitting on the floor playing when he tackled me. I just laughed as we made the Transformers clash above my head.

I heard some giggling, "Breakfast is ready," Bella's voice chimed all full of smirk.

I was so startled I dropped my Transformer, knocking myself in the face.

"Careful, Dad," Timmy said grabbing his toy I had dropped.

"Sorry, I was, um…" I couldn't figure out what I was.

"It's time for breakfast. I made pancakes."

"PANCAKES!" Timmy screamed, "I love those! Do they come with your special toppings?"

"If you mean lots of yummy fruit, then yes."

"YES!" Timmy said jumping up and I caught him just in time to stop him from wracking my nuts. I set him on his feet and he was off like a superhero to the breakfast table.

I had only taken a few steps down the hall when my pager went off. I looked down at it frowning, "I'll take this in my bedroom."

It turned out one of my patience had snuck a few sugar cookies, and when I say few, I meant a whole plate of iced ones with sprinkles. She was coming in by ambulance. I let out a sad sigh, hoping I could help her. "I have to go," I said as I grabbed my coat.

"Kay," Ara said with a smile.

"Drive safe, I'll save you some pancakes," Bella offered.

"Who is it?" Timmy asked because he did know most of my patients.

I patted his head. "I can't tell you, but I'll be home soon, hopefully." He nodded and I kissed the top of his head.

"Bye, Dad," he said waving.

"Goodbye, Son," I said smiling. He really enjoyed calling me dad and lit up anytime I called him son. I would have to make the effort to do it more often.

It was late when I finally stumbled back home. My patient was stable, but there were a lot of variables at play right now. Things could take a turn for the worse at any moment. I was really hoping I wouldn't have to drill a hole in her head to relieve swelling and pressure on her brain. I was hoping that it would subside on its own. I went to my music room and let my fingers slide over the keys of my piano, hoping to relax me.

I hadn't been playing long when I heard a tapping. I looked up to see Bella standing in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt, but Timmy and Ara were hoping for goodnight kisses."

I smiled and nodded, "Of course."

I got up and she stepped back into the hallway. I went to Ara's room first because I had a feeling that Timmy would be full of questions.

I kissed Curly and then Ara and told her to sleep tight. I made sure the nightlight was on before I turned out the light. "Door open or closed tonight?" I asked.

She tapped her little chin with her finger. "Closed is good."

"Alright, but just because it's closed doesn't mean you can get out of bed and play."

She giggled and turned over, cuddling her doll. I headed across the hall to Timmy's room. He was sitting up in bed wide awake playing with his Transformers.

"You didn't come back," he said not looking up.

"I'm here now."

He let out a huff, "What took you so long? I was worried," he said sternly. I realized he probably had issues with being left with a sitter.

"I just went to work like I do during the week."

He looked up at me and frowned. "But this was different."

I scooted next to him and set the toys on the nightstand. "I'm on call sometimes. Do you know what that means?"

He shrugged. I suspected that he did, but I went ahead and explained. "It means if everyone is good and doesn't sneak treats, I get to stay home. But sometimes I get called and asked to take care of people. Today was my day and tomorrow is Dr. Kate's, but I'll probably go in and check on my patient just to be safe."

He let out another huff, "I'm going to have to go with you then."

I looked at him raising an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yup, I made cards for the hospital workers and need to go so I can give them away."

"Well, I suppose that would be alright. I'll ask Ms. Bella if she wouldn't mind tagging along."

He nodded. "That's a good idea. She knows Nurse Ben and Angie, did you know that?" he asked.

I smirked, "Actually, I did. Now it's time for bed," I said tucking him in and kissed his forehead. I switched on his nightlight and turned off his light. "Open or closed?" I asked.

"Closed," he yawned making me smile.

"Night, Son," I said and he smiled just as big as me.

"Night, Dad."

It was amazing how much my life had changed in just a couple of short weeks. I was walking down the hall thinking to myself when Bella stepped in front of me. "Tea?" she asked offering me a cup.

I looked up at her surprised and nodded yes.

"You looked a little stressed out at your piano. Your music was beautiful but sad," she said tilting her head to the side looking up at me.

"Tough patient. Well, she isn't tough, just the situation. There isn't a lot I can do. We're just waiting right now," I said and shook my head. "I've said too much. I'm not supposed to talk about this."

"Doctor-patient privilege, it's alright. Come sit by the fire for a few minutes. The crackle is calming."

"You made a fire?" I asked surprised. I had yet to use the fireplace and I had lived there for four years now.

"I couldn't resist. I hope you don't mind."

"No, no, it's fine," I said following her. "Where did you get the wood?" I asked and she giggled. "What?"

"You buy firewood, silly. I thought it would be nice to have a fire for Christmas."

"Oh, yes, well… how was it?" I asked.

She looked at me and smiled sadly. "I miss my dad, but it wasn't too bad. The kids had a blast and I called him and let him know I was okay. He wasn't too happy about the living arrangements."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't even think," I said shaking my head. Of course her father wouldn't like her living with a strange man.

"No, it's fine. I told him you were sweet and just adopted a little boy that used to be your patient. He wasn't impressed so I told him that you wear an overcoat whenever you're around me."

My brow furrowed and I pulled the edges of my coat tighter. She started laughing. "Oh, for heaven sakes, Edward, it isn't like I've never seen a naked man before. I was married and had a baby."

"I just don't want to make you uncomfortable," I mumbled more to myself.

She let out a sigh. "I'm fine, Edward. Watch, I'll even take my robe off," she said standing up. I quickly looked at the ground and she giggled. "Oh, Edward, what happened to make you so afraid of girls?" she asked.

She settled next to me and I glanced at her. She was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. I guess that wasn't so bad. I finally looked up at her face and shrugged. I knew exactly why I avoided people, but she didn't need to hear that embarrassing story. "I should get to bed."

"Do you have to go in tomorrow?" she asked as I got up.

I nodded yes, "Timmy would like to come. Can you come with to keep an eye on him? I shouldn't be long."

She smiled, "Sure, Edward, that's my job."

"Thank you," I said and hurried to the hallway.

This time, I made sure I didn't hit the wall.

A/N: Thanks for reading and please review!