Chapter 5

Edward

The knock on the door means that I'm in for it.

Ej runs right to it and busts it open.

Even with the happiness that is blasting from the front of the house, I can feel my body almost tense up. I almost don't want to go greet her, but I know I should. And have to, I invited her after all.

I see a tray of sweets in her arms and I smile. She's always so thankful.

"Hey Bella," I say, painting a smile on my face.

"Evening Edward," she returns, grinning. I can't help but smile a real smile right back.

I take her jacket and help her settle in. Ej is beyond happy and it's so adorable that I can't help but feed off his happiness.

"These are for you guys," she tells me, handing me the plate.

I raise my eyebrows and bite my lip as I stare down at the sugar filled goodies. "Aren't we lucky," I murmur, wanting to dig into the sweets right then and there.

As soon as I place the plate in the kitchen Ej corners Bella and starts in about what they're going to do this evening. Music blasting, junk food eating, and lots of decorating. It's honestly really sweet.

"Okay bud, let's see what your dad wants to do first."

I smile and shake my head before plugging in my iPod and setting my holiday playlist on.

A little while later we're all dancing around the living room as holiday music blasts from the speakers.

It's wonderful and the tree looks better than it has any other year.

I don't know what the difference is, but there's something, I just can't put my finger on it.

"Bella, let's toss some tinsel on," Ej says excitedly.

She smiles and grabs a bundle. "Alright buddy, let's do this!"

They both take handfuls and start letting it fly.

I stand back for a moment and just watch. It's really sweet.

After the tinsel is all perfectly placed on the tree, we go for the tree lighting.

"It's time to light the tree," Ej sings, while spinning around the living room.

I could curse Bella's baking skills, because I know he's going to be up until the wee hours of the morning. But I can't even bring myself to be mad about it. He's having so much fun that even sugar couldn't bring a grey cloud over this house tonight.

"Yay! Tree lighting time. C'mon guys, huddle in so we can all get the full effect," Bella instructs as we cram together in front of the couch.

And I smile, looking at the beautiful tree in front of us and my boy, so happy, there's no way I could have done this on my own.

I owe Bella so much.

But before I get too caught up in my thoughts, I hit the switch for the tree and watch as our masterpiece comes to life.

The broad smile on Ej's face, or the twinkle in Bella's eye, it's all just enough to tell me that they love it just as much as I do too.

"Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous," Bella murmurs.

"Yea, it's really pretty," Ej agrees.

"We make a great team," I tell them.

"I don't think it's ever looked like this, dad."

"No, you're right, this year, it's definitely better than all the rest."

"Hey I have a great idea," the sugared up son of mine shouts.

"Oh yeah?" Bella asks.

"Why don't we watch some Christmas movies? Please?" he asks, staring at Bella.

I chuckle and shake my head. "Ej, Bella might need to get going. She might have other things to do."

Ej frowns at this, but he needs to realize that Bella isn't at his beck and call. That she has a life of her own.

"Actually," she says, turning to me. "If you don't mind, I really don't have any plans."

"We'd love to have you stay, I'll go get some snacks if you and Ej want to pick out a movie."

She smiles, this really adorable smile and I'm left feeling a little breathless.