Author's note: Read and review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or its characters SM does.
Chapter songs: Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
'I can't believe you left your Christmas shopping so late Bella!" Alice remarked.
I groaned we had been traipsing around the mall for the past three hours trying in vain to find gifts for the remaining people on my list.
The mall was so busy you could barely move and many of the shoppers were so stressed it was pushing them to the point of insanity, myself included.
"Actually I take that back, I can believe it" she corrected herself.
"Well you will be pleased to know Miss Brandon that I have learnt my lesson. I will never again leave my Christmas shopping till the last minute" I told her. "Also I take back everything I have ever said recently about shopping being not so bad and fun. It isn't" I grumbled.
Rose laughed "Come on Bells, where is your Christmas spirit?"
I glared at her and she laughed again. "Come on then who do you have left to buy for?" she asked me.
I scanned my list, "Jasper, Leah, Sue, Seth and Edward" I read out. Christmas gifts had cost me a small fortune this year. I was grateful for my healthy savings account and the living costs my college scholarship paid.
"Well Jasper will be easy, there are a few CD's he has been talking about for ages" Alice told me, "You could even get Seth a CD voucher, I bet he'd like that."
"I thought you got Leah that really cool pair of earrings?" Rosalie interrupted.
"Hmm I did, but I kind of wanted to get her something else too" I replied.
"Get her a fancy beauty gift pack set and get one for Sue too. You could also get Sue a scarf or something" Rose suggested.
"Allie, Rose you are lifesavers!" I exclaimed.
We found the perfect gift sets and the CD's easily, now I just had Edward to buy for.
"What on earth could I possibly get Edward?" I groaned frustrated. This was the most important gift of all and I had absolutely no idea what to buy.
Alice and Rose threw suggestions at me, I settled on several gifts that I hoped he would like.
By the time we got home we were exhausted, we finished wrapping all the gifts and I headed upstairs to pack.
Just as I pulled my suitcase out of the storage cupboard and up the stairs my cell rang.
"Hey Mom!" I answered.
"Hi Bells! How are you honey?" she asked.
"Great Mom, how are you and Phil? All packed for Forks?"
She laughed "I think so, I hope I have enough warm clothes packed. I'm guessing it's pretty cold right now?" she questioned.
"You know it Mom, it's even snowing and it's so pretty" I told her.
She groaned. "So honey, you sound pretty happy, last time I checked you hated the snow" she said curiously.
"Oh you know it's Christmas..." Renee cut me off.
"Isabella it's a boy isn't it?" she asked excitedly.
"Maybe" I said coyly knowing full well my mother would be getting more and more impatient by the minute.
"Isabella Marie Swan" she warned me.
"Okay okay, yes it is" I exclaimed.
"Oh this is so exciting! Who is he?" she asked.
"It's Edward Cullen Mom" I told her.
She let out an Alice worthy squeal. "Since when? Are you two serious?"
"Since Saturday and yes" I gushed. I proceeded to tell her about Christmas dinner with the Cullen's, it was safe to say she beyond excited at being presented with the opportunity to meet Edward's family.
I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door and turned to see Edward standing there smiling.
"Hey Mom I gotta go, we will talk when we both arrive in Forks okay?"
"He's there isn't he?" she asked sounding pleased.
"Yup, see you Friday Mom, travel safe and don't forget anything" I teased.
"Ha ha, see you soon honey"
"Hi" I said excitedly once I had finished my call.
"Hey there" he said wrapping his arms around me, "Sorry to interrupt."
"No no it's fine it was just my Mom" I told him. "I told her about you, she's very excited"
He laughed "So packing are we?" he gestured to my suitcase.
"Hmmm, maybe you could help me?" I asked
"I think I could handle that" he said kissing me.
It was safe to say that we didn't get any of my packing done; I decided making out with Edward was a much more satisfying way to spend the afternoon.
The next day I was running around madly trying to pack my suitcase and get myself organised since we were leaving for Forks tomorrow.
"Left packing till the last minute too huh?" asked Alice with a smirk sitting down on my bed.
"Shut up Mary Alice!" I retorted throwing a pillow at her. She dodged it giggling.
"Let me help" she offered.
Between us we got my bags packed quickly leaving me time to call Charlie and Sue to talk to them about dinner with the Cullen's.
"Hello?" answered Charlie.
"Hey Dad, it's me Bella" I replied.
"Oh hey Bells, how's everything going?" he asked.
"Good, I'm almost packed for tomorrow and ummmm" I stalled.
"Spit it out Bells" Charlie said curiously.
"Okay, well I have some news. Ummm well you remember Edward Cullen from my birthday right?"
"Yes?" he questioned, "Wait a second, before you carry on is this good news or bad news?" he asked worriedly.
"Good news" I promised him, "Don't worry I'm not pregnant or anything" I joked.
"Phew, that's a relief" he muttered.
"Dad! You didn't seriously think that's what I was going to say did you?" I questioned horrified.
"Oh no no, of course not" he said a little too quickly.
I decided to let it pass, "Umm well yeah anyway we umm are kind of dating" I said in a rush.
"You can't be kind of dating Bells, are you or aren't you?" he asked.
"We are" I confirmed, "And anyway Edward's parents have invited the whole family around on Christmas night for dinner" I told him, "You know so we can all get to know each other and all that."
"Oh well that sounds like a great idea. I've met Edward's father Doctor Cullen a few times, he's a good man" he informed me.
"Great Dad, I'll let Edward know straight away"
"Oh Bells before you go. I'd like to meet this Edward boy again before Christmas day" he said gruffly. Damn! I thought I'd gotten away without him launching into the protective Dad role.
"Of course" I told him, "But anyway Dad I better get going, make sure I have everything ready for tomorrow you know?"
"Sure thing honey, see you tomorrow"
"Bye Dad" I replied ending the call.
In the morning Edward helped me pack my bags into the trunk of his Volvo and we set off relatively early.
We arrived in Forks in record time, Edward was like Alice, a fast driver, although he slowed down a little when I told him it made me anxious, what with being a Chiefs daughter and all.
When we pulled up outside Charlie and Sue's Edward seemed visibly nervous. "It'll be fine" I told him reassuringly.
He chuckled weakly "Let's just hope your Dad likes me and doesn't chase me off the property with one of his guns" he answered.
I laughed, "Don't worry he wouldn't dare, he wouldn't want to get into trouble with Sue."
We walked up the porch steps and through the front door. "Dad, Sue?" I called out.
"Bella!" cried Sue stepping out of the kitchen, "Oh it's so good to see you sweetie" she said hugging me.
"You too" I replied hugging her back. "Sue you remember Edward?" I asked.
"It's nice to see you again Edward" she said hugging him.
"And you" he replied with a smile.
"Come on through, Charlie's through in the living room" she said ushering us into the room.
Charlie jumped up from the couch "Welcome home Bells" he said enveloping me in a hug.
"Thanks Dad" I replied, "Dad, I'd like you to meet Edward Cullen" I said grabbing Edward's hand.
"Edward, nice to see you again" he said gruffly shaking Edward's hand.
"You too Sir" he replied earnestly.
"Call me Charlie" he said sounding impressed.
"Thanks Charlie" he replied, "Are you watching the Seahawks game?" he asked.
Charlie's eyes lit up; obviously he was excited to have someone to talk sports with. "I am, sit down son and I'll grab you a drink" he said pleased.
"I'll get it Dad" I said hurrying to the kitchen and grabbing the two beers Sue held out for me.
I handed them both a drink, "You don't mind me stealing Edward for a while do you Bells?" Charlie asked me.
I glanced at Edward he smiled at me encouragingly; "Sure" I said grinning, "I'll be in the kitchen with Sue". I walked back into the kitchen where Sue had poured us both a wine.
"It looks as though they are going to get on together just fine" Sue said smiling, "So how did you too get together?" she asked excitedly.
I filled her in on the story, she like Alice and Rose thought it was very romantic. I helped her prepare lunch as we chatted until we heard a car pull up outside.
"Hey Mom, Charlie?" called out Leah's voice.
"Kitchen honey" Sue called in reply.
"Bella!" Leah exclaimed running over to hug me.
"Hey Lee-lee!" I replied excitedly.
"Hey there sis!" Seth shouted pushing Leah aside.
"Hey there Seth, man I swear you get taller every time I see you!" I told him.
"Or maybe you just get smaller?" he retorted laughing.
"Oh ha ha" I said dryly. Just then we were joined by Charlie and Edward.
Introductions were made and Seth went into the living room with Edward and Charlie for male bonding time.
"Nice Bells, he is super hot!" Leah whispered excitedly.
I giggled filling her in on the story of how we got together after she demanded I tell her immediately.
After lunch Edward helped me take my bags up to my old room. "So this is your childhood bedroom huh?" he asked looking around.
"Well for the first few years and then in high school yeah" I replied "And you will be pleased to know you are the first boyfriend that's ever been allowed up here" I told him.
"Well I guess I should feel pretty special huh?" he asked smugly.
I laughed "You know it".
He stayed a while and helped me unpack before heading home to Port Angeles to get settled and see his family. I walked him out to the car.
"I'll call you tonight beautiful" he promised touching my cheek gently with his hand, "Can I come over tomorrow and pick you up so you can come over to my place?" he asked.
"I'd like that, but you know I can just drive myself so you don't have to come all this way. My old truck is here." I said gesturing to the huge Chevy truck parked in the car port.
He looked at it horrified, "Does it still run?" he asked sceptically.
"Of course it does!" I exclaimed, "Don't you hate on my truck" I told him.
He laughed "Sorry" he apologised "It really doesn't look like it would make it the whole way to Port Angeles."
I huffed, crossing my arms knowing full well he was probably right. It hadn't been serviced in years and I highly doubted Charlie ever drove it. "Fine" I pouted.
Chuckling he kissed me and said goodbye promising to see me tomorrow morning.
I spent the rest of the day helping Sue get the house tidy for Christmas and hanging out with Leah and Seth.
As promised Edward called me before bed to talk. It was good to hear his voice, I missed him already. He missed me too he told me and said it wasn't the same going to sleep without me.
It took me a long time to get to sleep that night and when I finally did I dreamed of Edward.
When I woke in the morning it was snowing once again. I looked out my bedroom window, all of the usual green was covered in a frosting of white and it really did look very pretty.
I was a little nervous knowing I was going to be meeting Edward's parents today. What if they didn't like me? If I wasn't what they expected?
The familiar smell of my strawberry shampoo helped to calm me down a little. But as soon as I returned to my room and opened my closet the nerves set in again.
What on earth was I going to wear? I stared into my closet for a while before I gave up and three-way called Alice and Rosalie and after ten minutes or so of deliberating my outfit was sorted.
I put on a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a dark emerald green long sleeved top, with a zip front and little pockets on the chest. I put on a pair of black boots and threw my black leather jacket over the top. I pulled my hair into a pony tail and put on a little make up before heading downstairs.
"Morning Bells" Charlie greeted me.
"Morning Dad" I replied grabbing a bowl and filling it with cereal. "Where's Sue this morning?" I asked.
"She said she had some last minute gift shopping to do and that I had to stay home" he said chuckling. "So what are your plans for today? You look nice" he commented.
"Thanks Dad, Edward is going to pick me up soon and take me to meet his parents" I replied.
"Hmmm, speaking of Edward" he said putting down the news paper he had been reading.
"Yes?" I asked nervously.
"Don't look so worried Bells, he seems like a nice kid" he said.
"Oh" I sighed in relief, "He is Dad."
"Are you two pretty serious then?" he asked me seriously.
"Yes we are" I said honestly.
"So you like him quite a lot then?" he continued.
"Yeah Dad, I really do".
"Good, he's head over heels for you Bells" he said matter-of-factly. "We had a good chat yesterday."
I groaned "Dad you didn't threaten him did you?"
"I was on my best behaviour" he said drawing a halo in the air around his head.
Soon after I finished breakfast Edward arrived. "Dad, I'll see you later okay?" I called out as I went to meet Edward at the front door.
"Sure things Bells, you have fun" he replied.
"Hey there beautiful, I missed you" Edward greeted me with a kiss.
"I missed you too" I told him.
"Ready to meet my crazy family?" he asked.
"Sure" I said smiling nervously.
"Don't worry, they haven't met you but they already love you. By the way you look beautiful" he said kissing me again.
The ride didn't take long, probably due to the fact that I was so nervous. Edward could tell, he kept squeezing my hand to try to calm me down.
We pulled up a long winding driveway surrounded by forest. Before long a huge house came into view. (Think the Cullen House in the movie).
"Wow" I breathed ad we pulled up in front the house.
"You like it?" he asked nervously.
"Your house is amazing!" I exclaimed as he helped me out of the car.
He held my hand as we walked up the steps and through the front door. He led the way down the hallway, it was light and airy thanks to the large windows and there were some expensive looking paintings on the walls and into the kitchen.
A pretty bronze haired woman was standing at the kitchen counter mixing something in a bowl; she looked up as she heard us walk in and beamed at us. I could see where Edward got his bronze hair and emerald green eyes from.
"Mom I'd like you to meet Bella, Bella this is my Mom Esme" Edward said.
Esme walked around the counter towards us "It's a pleasure to meet you Bella" she said earnestly kissing me on the cheek and pulling me in for a hug. "I've heard so much about you, I'm so pleased you're here!"
"It's great to meet you too Mrs Cullen, thank you for having me here, you have an amazing home" I replied politely.
"Call me Esme dear, Mrs Cullen is my mother in law" she said with a wink. "Now your father was around here somewhere" she said frowning.
Just as she spoke a tall, handsome, blonde haired man walked into the room.
"Bella this is my father, Carlisle Cullen. Dad this is Bella Swan" Edward introduced us.
"Bella Swan" he said smiling striding forward and clasping my hand in his, "Its wonderful see you again, the last time I saw you you would have been about twelve years old, with a broken leg" he said amused.
I laughed, "I'm surprised you remembered me, it's nice to see you again too Dr Cullen."
"Call me Carlisle Bella" he replied kindly.
It was clear where Edward got his good looks from, both his parents were incredibly good looking and they looked far too young to have grown up children.
"Hey Bellsy!" boomed Emmett as he charged straight up to me and picked me up into a bear hug.
"Hey Em" I choked out.
"Emmett put the poor girl down she can barely breathe" scolded Esme.
"Ooops! Sorry Bells. Bet you have missed me though right little sis?" he asked with a wink.
"Of course Em, how could I not miss my big brother" I laughed.
He beamed proudly, Esme watching the scene with a smile on her face. Edward just shook his head. "Let me show you the rest of the house" he offered putting his arm around me.
"Oh they are so cute together!" I heard Esme squeal as we left the room.
"Your parents are really nice" I said as we walked up the stairs to the second level of the house.
'Thanks" he said laughing, "Charlie and Sue are great too by the way" he added. "Your Dad was really cool actually."
"He was on his best behaviour. But you will be pleased to know that he officially approves of you" I said with a smile.
After a tour of the house we hung out in Edward's room for a while. His room was huge, it had floor to ceiling windows just like the rest of the house.
It had a huge black iron bed covered with a gold comforter and the decor was fairly similar to the house in Seattle. He had far more music here though which filled the shelves that took up the majority of one of the walls.
After lunch with his family he took me through to the only room he hadn't yet shown me, his piano room.
His grand piano stood in the centre of the room; he walked up to it and sat down patting the bench beside him.
I went and joined him. "I promised you I would play you something" he said, "This is a song I wrote for my Mom".
The room filled with the beautiful sound of piano music, he was very good I mused as I watched his fingers move gracefully over the keys.
"That was beautiful" I remarked when he finished playing.
"I'm glad you like it" he said truthfully. "Can I play you one more song?" he asked.
"Go ahead" I smiled.
He began to play; the music started of slow and then picked up. You could hear the emotions the music was trying to convey so clearly.
As he played on the music became happier, lighter, it was amazing.
I wiped a tear from my eye when he stopped playing. "Edward that was just..." I couldn't get the right words out.
"I wrote that last night, it was inspired by you" he said softly his emerald gaze boring into mine.
"Me?" I asked shocked and then suddenly I remembered it was the same melody he had been humming to me over the last few weeks before I went to sleep.
"I called it Bella's Lullaby" he carried on.
My eyes filled with happy tears, no one had ever done anything so romantic for me in my whole life. "Edward, it's beautiful, thank you" I whispered hugging him tightly.
"Anything for you my Bella, anything" he whispered in response.
Esme invited me to stay for dinner so after a quick phone call to Charlie to let him know I would be late home I perched myself on a stool at the breakfast bar in the Cullen's kitchen beside Emmett.
"Can I help with anything?" I asked, Esme was preparing dinner with Edward's help.
"Thank you dear" Esme said "But I think we have it under control and besides you're a guest dear you just sit and relax" she said with a kind smile.
"Don't worry Bells, I'm not allowed to help either" said Emmett with a cheeky grin on his face.
"I wonder why that is" said Esme who was also grinning, she turned to me "When Emmett was about fifteen he decided to cook himself a snack after school" she explained.
"And he set fire to not only his snack but everything around the oven too" she shook her head. "He also has melted countless cooking utensils, ruined frying pans and when he was about five years old he put cat biscuits into some chocolate chip cookie batter I had made. Carlisle took a plate to work to share with his colleagues, they certainly got a surprise when they took a bite" she said laughing at the memory.
I joined in her laughter; I could certainly imagine Emmett doing something like that.
"Well I thought they tasted good" said Emmett huffily.
"Em you would eat anything anyone put in front of you, of course you'd think that!" laughed Edward.
"Oh laugh all you want little brother, I'll get my revenge" he said smiling evilly. "I'm sure Mom has some pretty embarrassing stories about you".
Esme laughed, "I certainly do but we will save those for later" she said winking at me.
When dinner was served we all sat in the dining room together, Esme had cooked the best lasagne I had ever tasted. The Cullen's continued their friendly banter while eating and asked me about myself too.
"So Bella how do you know Rosalie and Alice?" asked Esme.
"Well when I was fifteen I moved back to Forks to live with my Dad for a while since my Mom had just remarried and I kind of wanted to give them a bit of space. I met Alice on my first day at Forks High School, she walked up to me in the cafeteria when I was buying my lunch and introduced herself" I said smiling at the memory.
"She linked her arm through mine and told me she knew we would be great friend."
"That sure sounds like Alice" said Carlisle with a grin.
I nodded smiling "As for Rose, I met her through Alice. They immediately invited me over for a sleep over at Alice's the first weekend I was in Forks. We all became instant friends and have been ever since"
They asked me a little more about my childhood and family before Esme served dessert.
Later on that evening Edward announced he should probably get me home before Charlie sent out a search party. He was so worried that he would end up on Charlie's bad side it was rather amusing.
The drive home didn't take long, what with Edward's driving and the roads being so quiet. In no time Edward was pulling into Charlie's driveway, he stopped just behind his cruiser.
"So tomorrow I was going to drive down to La Push and catch up with my friends, I was wondering if you would want to come with me?" I asked him hopefully.
"I'd like that" he said, my favourite slightly crooked smile on his face.
"Shall I come and pick you up?" he asked glancing at my truck.
"Sure" I said "But I swear before we go back to Seattle I am going to take you for a drive in my truck just to prove to you it still works" I promised.
"Looking forward to it" he chuckled.