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.

AN: I'm sorry that it has been so long since my last chapter. I always try for the two week mark, but sometimes life gets in the way. This chapter isn't filled with a tone of action, but it was necessary to move our favorite couple along. I hope you like it. There aren't too many chapters left. I'm not sure how many but we are nearing the end. As always thanks for the support last chapter. I love all of my readers,

Chapter 15

BPOV

Still floating on cloud nine from my last 24 hours with Edward, I was excited to go see his family. Although they had visited over the last few weeks while I was recovering, it never felt like we were just hanging out. Plus it would be nice to do something normal for a change with the whole crowd that didn't involve high levels of drama.

I quickly showered and got ready. Edward. I was feeling almost back to normal except for the stgot ready right after I did. Too bad there wasn't time to shower together!

I was feeling tons better at this point. All I had to wait for was to lose the stupid cast and that would be off shortly and I couldn't wait for that day. I wanted the last reminders of the whole incident behind me. Although Edward and I were stronger than ever and had worked things out, it still sucked to have the constant reminder on my arm.

After we grabbed some coffee and bagels to eat, we headed out to the car. Edward had parked out front again and we quickly walked down the stairs to his car. The sun was bright and the air was crisp and cold. Even with the cold temperatures I was grateful to finally be outside for something other than a doctor's appointment.

Realizing something as we drove down the tree lined path to the road that led to his parent's home I turned to speak to Edward who was humming along with a tune on the radio.

"I guess I will have to go look for a car soon. I am fairly certain that my truck is no longer drivable," I mentioned realizing that I would need to be able to get back and forth to work.

I loved that Edward was being so caring and thoughtful as he took great care of me, but when we both returned to our regular schedules I would need to have my own transportation.

"Do you have any idea what kind of car you might like to get?" he asked.

I pondered this for a minute before asking.

"I hadn't really given it much thought," I said.

"Truthfully, I really loved my old truck. I know it wasn't flashy, but it was like a part of me. My dad bought it for me in high school and it was like an old friend. Something that connected me back to my life with my parents," I reminisced, realizing that it made me sad to know that my truck was in a junk heap somewhere.

"Well, why don't we go looking after you get the cast off? I am sure that something will jump out at you," Edward reassured me as we pulled into the front of the huge house he had grown up in.

I nodded in agreement as he hopped out and ran around the car to open my door.

We walked to the front door holding hands, and Edward held that door for me as well. Esme had trained him right in the manners and gentlemanly department.

As soon as we had hung up our coats, Alice came bouncing over to me and grabbed me in a fierce hug. You'd think by now that I'd be used to the tiny woman that had become one of my best friends, but her energy and strength still caught me off guard.

"Bella, I'm so glad that you are up and around!" she exclaimed in her usual cheery demeanor.

"Me, too," I agreed.

"I was starting to wonder if Edward was going to think I was part of the furniture," I quipped.

Edward just rolled his eyes and went off to look for his father and Emmett after kissing me on the top of my head.

Alice stood back and gave me a measured gaze that I knew was going to lead to some serious thoughts on her part, but before she could act on her musings, Esme walked into the room.

"Bella, I'm so glad that you felt well enough to make it," she said as she hugged me in greeting.

"Of course, Esme. Thank you for including me. I was glad to be able to get out of the house for a little while."

"Well I know that Edward would love to keep you all to himself, but he needs to share you with us ocassionally," she said in a joking manner with a wink that I am sure Alice noticed. That would only add fuel to her already overactive imagination. Except in this case her imagination was probably more accurate than not.

I could see Alice getting ready to pounce and was thankfully saved by Emmett's arrival into the room.

"Hey there, Bells! It's good to see you up and around again. Edward must be one hell of a nurse," he winked in extreme exaggeration as he scooped me up into a huge bear hug and crushing me against his chest.

"It's good to see you too, Emmett," I squeaked out.

"Put my girlfriend down, you ass. She's still recovering," said Edward from somewhere behind Emmett's huge form.

"Chill out brother dear. I would never hurt your beloved. She's like my little sister," he retorted back, but placed me gently on the ground as he spoke.

"Now do tell, Bells, has my dear brother been taking good care of you, or do I need to knock some sense into him?" Emmett inquired.

"Well," I responded drawing it out like I was pondering his question seriously.

Edward just shook his head at me and walked over to pull me back against his chest and wrap his arms around my waist.

He leaned forward and kissed my cheek before whispering in my ear so that no one could hear but us, "I guess if you are doubtful about my abilities to take care of your needs, I will have to double my efforts."

I shivered at the thoughts that his words had provoked and I felt my face redden as well.

Seeing my response only made Edward chuckle and Emmett wink at me in a suggestive manner. At this point I figured there was little hope of regaining my composure, so I just decided to suck it up and move on.

Everyone started to wander towards the large high ceiling living room where the largest Christmas tree I had ever seen was set up near the fireplace. The tree had to be at least ten feet tall and was lush and full. Someone had already strung the tree with hundreds of white twinkle lights. The smell of fresh pine filled the room.

"It's beautiful," I told Esme who had walked into the room behind Edward and I.

"Thank you. This really is my favorite time of year."

"Well are we going to decorate this magnificent specimen that Dad and I hauled here or are we just going to just look at it," asked Emmett.

"Relax, Em. You are just as bad now as you were as a kid!" Alice told him as she walked in holding Jasper's hand. Rosalie just shook her head in amusement at Emmett. She obviously was use to his antics and found them endearing.

Edward walked over to the couch and sat down pulling me onto his lap. It was nice to be a part of a family tradition such as this, even as an outsider of sorts. My family had always celebrated the holidays but traditions were few and far between. The tree always managed to get put up and the decorations placed around the house, but it was never a major production so to speak.

The Cullen's took this task to heart as the carols drifted from the speakers of the stereo system and the fire crackled in the fire place.

Esme handed each of her children and Carlisle a plush velvet box. To my surprise she also handed one to me.

She must have noticed my quizzical expression because she explained the purpose of the boxes.

"Every year everyone in the family receives a new ornament to add to the tree. I started the tradition when Carlisle and I were married and it has followed through the years. Now you are part of this family and our traditions."

Her explanation was so matter of fact that it almost seemed like any other statement, but the weight and importance of her words hit me like a ton of bricks and I felt my eyes prickle with emotion. I wasn't sure what to say or if I would be able to voice much in the way of a show of gratitude, so I simply whispered, ""Thank you."

"You're quite welcome, dear," she smiled back at me before patting my cheek and walking over to stand with Carlisle.

Edward must have sensed my emotional state and he hugged me closer to him and kissed my cheek.

I was not only shocked that they had included me in the tradition of gathering to decorate their family tree, but to be included with the ornaments and to have Esme share such a heartfelt sentiment with me was simply astonishing.

Everyone must have realized that I was having a moment and discreetly busied themselves with opening their own boxes. In each box was a beautiful handmade blown glass ornament. Esme had selected a different one to represent each family member in kind. Emmett's was a teddy bear, aptly chosen for his size and personality. Alice's was a small fairy with delicate wings. Carlisle's was a set of hands carefully cradling a heart with The letter 'E' engraved over it, obviously symbolizing his hold on Esme's own heart. He gave her a gentle, but loving kiss.

I smiled to myaelf hoping that Edward and I would have a chance to foster a love as great as his parents obviously had. Looking away, I saw that Edward was opening his box. Inside was a music note hanging from a silk ribbon. That through me for a loop a little bit. How did the note connect with Edward?

Seeing my confusion, Edward leaned in and whispered in my ear, "I will show you sometinme."

Lost in thought about Edward's comment about the ornament, I didn't notice everyone waiting for me to open mine.

"Sorry, "I mumbled before opening the lid to my box. Nestled in the tissue paper was delicate swan. The detail was exquisite, You could almost see the texture of the feathers in the formation of the glass.

"It's so beautiful," I whispered to no one in particular, but as I looked up I could see Edward watching me with a small smile on his lips.

"Anything that represents you could be nothing less," he whispered against my ear sending shivers down my spine.

I blushed at his words and got up to add my swan to the tree. Edward followed me and placed his music note on the branch next to mine.

After we had each hung our ornaments on the tree, everyone helped to add the rest of the ornaments that Esme had collected over the years. It was fun to look at the ornaments that spanned the years of their growing up. Each year had a story and Esme filled me in as each box was opened and the ornaments hung on the tree.

Once the tree was fully decorated and looking beautiful next to the fire, we all sat down to eat dinner together. It was an easy evening spent together just enjoying each other's company. I loved the way that I seemed to fit in with the Cullens so effortlessly.

Before long, I started to feel sleepy and realized that although I was much better than I was a week ago, I still felt the effects of the accident and my injuries. Edward looked at me and pulled me to my feet.

""I think we are going to head out, so Bella can get some rest," Edward announced.

"Rest you say," Emmett joked with a little grin on his face even though I knew he was kidding my face still turned a decent shade darker.

Emmett broke out into loud laughter at my reaction only to be smacked upside the head by Rose.

"Hey, I was just messing around!" he exclaimed rubbing his head.

"Don't be an ass," Rose told him.

I giggled at their exchange. You just had to love Rose!

Alice came over to give me a hug and when she did she whispered in my ear, "We will be having a talk soon, so don't even think about trying to get out of it."

I simply nodded knowing that resistance was futile, and honestly I missed talking with Alice. The closeness of a female friend had become something I cherished in the short time that we had known each other.

I gave hugs to everyone else and promised to get together again soon.

Edward wrapped his arm around my waist and we walked to the car in a comfortable silence.

Once we were settled in the warm car, Edward looked at me and smiled that breathtaking smile that turns me to mush every time.

"What are you thinking?" I asked him.

"Just that I love having you as part of my life and my family. It has been a dream come true for me to have you in my life." His words were so sincere and loving and I felt tears brimming at the corners of my eyes at his words.

"Edward, I honestly never thought I would find love, but now that I have you I am not sure how I ever doubted that it was possible. Thank you for including me today."

We had just pulled up to his house and he turned to look at me with such a searing look that my breath caught.

"Bella, know that today was only the start of things I want to share with you. You are a permanent part of my life and my family is now yours as well. Never doubt that."

Not really having words to match his heart felt ones, I just nodded and leaned in to kiss him with all the emption I couldn't place in words.

"Mmmmm, as much as I like where this is headed I think that we need to get you inside and into bed. Today was a busy day and you still need to rest," his voice being regretful.

I knew that he was right in his thoughts, but all I could think about was last night and wanting to be with again.

Unfortunately my mind and body were not in sync. As we walked into the house the exhaustion that I had been fighting off for the last few hours began to win out. It too all my remaining energy to get my teeth brushed and crawl into bed.

Edward picked up the covers on his side of the bed and slid over to wrap his arms around me and pull me close to his warmth. I snuggled in close to his chest and listened to his heart beating rhythmically.

"Love you," I whispered before letting my eyes drift shut.

"Love you, too, baby," Edward said back kissing my lips softly before I was completely out.

***

EPOV

Laying in bed with Bella after she fell asleep was still one of the greatest feelings in the world. I loved having her near me and I had a difficult time remembering what it had been like before. I only hoped that she was willing to do this every night. I know that we had talked about it in a roundabout way, but I wasn't willing to not be with her.

Had someone asked me a couple of months ago if I ever thought that true love or soul mates existed, I would have told that it was a rare occurrence and definitely not possible for me.

How wrong I was?

Bella was my soul, life, and heart all in one. Though reason told me that we needed to take things slow, the rest of my heart, mind, and body said otherwise. Now I just had to broach this subject with Bella and get her thoughts on it.

In the meantime I had an idea come to me while we were at my parent's house decorating the tree. I loved sharing that particular moment with Bella. I had always dreamed about finding someone that could join our family and share in the times that were so precious to us. I knew that Esme especially loved seeing me happy and in love. She had made mention of it many times since Bella and I had begun seeing each other.

She and Alice both had been terrified when Bella had been in the accident, and I knew that part of that was fear for me having to see someone I loved in danger, but another part was from their own deep connection to Bella.

Tomorrow I was going to start a new tradition with Bella that would hopefully be something that we could share over many years together as well as with our own children someday in the future. Though if I had anything to say about it wouldn't be to far in the future.

AN: I know that this chapter is that long, but I figured you'd rather have something than nothing. Plus this wasn't a bad place to stop for now. Any ideas on what Edward had up his sleeve? I'd love to hear your ideas. Again I apologize for the three weeks between last chapter. I will try and be a better author and update sooner next time! Pleas review!