Sugar and Spice

by alaskangirl

With Bella's love of cooking and Alice's flair for parties their dream comes true of owning their own business. Both Bella and Edward have pasts to deal with. Will love help them and can they help each other?

55. Chapter 55

I hope you all are enjoying this as much as I do writing it. I found out that I am in the top ten of long stories at Twilighted. I am honored to be in that list with some wonderful, mind blowing fanficts. I don't own these characters as Miss M does. The songs for this chapter are "You and Me" by Lifehouse, "Love is All Around" by The Troggs, "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt (may she rest in peace as you are missed every day) "Someone Like You" by Safety Suit and the song that Edward plays is Olivia Newton-John's "I Honestly Love You"

BPOV/NOVEMBER 30TH

I got up slowly as I had not slept that well during the night. The best sleep I have ever had was when Edward was next to me. For some reason his breathing and touch calmed me to the point I was unconscious. I never wanted to let him go as my heart was not complete without him. I never thought I would feel like this for a man let alone a man like Edward. I got up to take a quick shower. I knew before dinner I would have to take another one as I am sure frosting would be my enemy today.

I pulled on a t-shirt and sweat pants. They were comfortable and warm to me. I headed down to the kitchen to get some much needed coffee and some sustenance. I noticed Alice left a not on the table for me saying that she would be here a little before noon to get me. She knew that once I got into my kitchen I would enter my muse.

I sucked down the coffee and the granola bar I found. I headed over the main house and was met by the two best people I knew other than the rest of the family. Ben was the desk looking at the calendar of events and Angela was mixing up icing. She read my mind as there were bowls of colored sugars, sugared flowers, jimmies and whatever else she thought I might need.

"So what is the plan today boss lady? Did you see what the Palmer's gave us?" Ben spun around in the chair and waved a check in front of me.

I took it out of his hand and noticed that we were paid in full but it was doubled. I noticed that the little note on the front said that it was an apology from them for his crazy wife. I held back a laugh but couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Ben remind me to give you a raise for putting the punching bag in." I read them the note and we were all in fits of laughter.

"Seriously what is the plan for today?" Ben was wiping his eyes from tears from laughter.

"Everything is ready and in place for the upcoming week. I have to finish one gingerbread house but that is the last one I think. I made sure all the orders would go out this week. I told all our customers that anything we made could go into the freezer with no problems. That way we can enjoy the holiday without working ourselves to death." I knew that they were going to be leaving in two weeks and I wanted to sit down with them and figure out just when they wanted to get married. I wanted to make sure that nothing else happened during that week.

"I do want to ask Angela and you one favor though…." I paused and hoped they would not say no.

"Bella just ask you know we are both here for you." Ben was spinning around in the office chair till Angela stopped him with a kiss. I don't know what made him more dizzy the kiss or the spinning.

"Ok three things I need help with. The first one is I want you both to help me with the decorations for the tree. You know the theme I chose for outside and I want to bring it inside. Second I need both of you to help me put together the gingerbread house for here and third we need to sit down and discuss your wedding plans. I want to make sure that we do nothing but your plans for that week."

"Bella we would be honored to help with the tree. Ben and I talked in bed last night for some ideas for ornaments for it. I figured you would need help with the gingerbread house after I saw how huge it was. Bella you don't do anything small scale do you? We also know what kind of wedding we both want and we were going to bring that up to you and Alice. We have to leave next weekend. Ben's mom wants to have an engagement party for us and wont take no for an answer. We don't want to leave you in a lurch with no help. How about we do dinner tomorrow night?"

"Angela it is ok. Like I said before everything is ready and if I need help I think I know where to find it. Perfect idea lets order pizza because I am not cooking. Now show me your brilliant ideas for decorations!" I grabbed my chef coat as they grabbed theirs.

We all grabbed some hot chocolate that Ben had made and headed for the dinning room table. He brought out some drawings to show me. They were damn brilliant and pure genius. He showed me how he could string lifesavers together. He explained that he could take a special needle and get it hot to push it through the candy. Then we could sprinkle with sugar or edible glitter. Angela piped up showing me her idea of blowing up balloons and covering them in lacey designs with royal icing. They would dry, then we pop the balloon and we are left with a beautiful hollow shell. It took my breath away. We came up with ideas for snow flakes, gingerbread men, and so many other things. They were all simple and could be done today and put on the tree tomorrow.

Angela got up and went upstairs to get something she had to show me. She came back down with a small box in her hands. She slowly opened it and I was speechless. Inside were old fashioned candles like the Victorians used. These were not flammable as they would work just like regular Christmas lights. I never thought to use those on our tree!

"Angela they are perfect! Thank you both for being part of my family. There is no way I could have ever done this without you. "I wiped the tears off my face and gave them both a hug.

We had lots of work to do but with the three of us the hours went by fast. Ben finished the garlands of life savers. Angela had all the snow flakes cut out of cookie dough and in the oven. Between the three of us we blew up enough balloons that we were all red faced for awhile. Angela was taking out the last tray of snow flakes when we heard the familiar click of heals and the front door open.

"It smells divine in here!! I hope you saved me a taste!" Alice stopped in her tracks when she came in and saw all the balloons hanging around with icing on them. We all had to explain what we were doing and Angela appeased her with a warm cookie.

"The tree is going to knock everyone's socks off! Bella I hope you didn't forget our lunch date and shopping trip?" I nodded no to her and mumbled lost track of time.

I apologized to Ben and Angela for leaving me but she said have a great time and she couldn't wait to hear about my date with Edward. She giggled when she said Alice told her about it. I was not mad about it like I used to be I knew she was happy for me. Alice put her head down when it came out she spilled it but I assured her it was ok this time. I took off my chef coat and told them to have lunch on me. I told them where the fast cash was and to not worry about anything. We were in a good place and to enjoy lunch.

I followed Alice out to her car only to hear my name called. Angela held out a plate of cookies for Miss Kellie. She was always thinking ahead. I told her what a blessing she was and to enjoy her time with Ben.

We both crawled into Alice's car and before we left the curb she had her stereo blasting. Alice had a thing for Christmas music. She had me listen to everything she could find. I liked most of it but I loved the classic songs for this holiday. Eartha Kitt came pouring out of the speakers and we both started singing along with elegant but sexy woman.

"Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me
I've been an awful good girl
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, an out-of-space convertible too, light blue
I'll wait up for you dear
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be oh so good
If you'd check off my Christmas list
Boo doo bee doo

Santa honey, I wanna yacht and really that's
Not a lot
I've been an angel all year
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa cutie, there's one thing I really do need, the deed
To a platinum mine
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, I'm filling my stocking with a duplex, and checks
Sign your 'X' on the line
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me
Boo doo bee doo

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean a phone
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight"

We pulled up to a red light and I noticed that the town had put up the decorations for Christmas. They were beautiful and I looked forward to them as a sign for the start of the holiday season. We were singing our hearts out and heard a whistle next to us. We both laughed until we almost peed as we saw it was the same guys from before. One of them yelled they wanted our phone numbers but Alice yelled out we were both taken and then sped off. We laughed as we heard their groans behind us.

Alice found us a cute little deli to eat at. It had simple but tasty food just what I was in the mood for. She ordered the spinach salad and I ordered the chicken pesto sandwich. We both ordered their spiced apple cider. I made a mental note to come back here one day with Edward. The place was decorated for the holidays in a cute coffee/tea motif. Alice found us a table and set our food down.

"So any ideas of what you want to wear tonight?" Alice asked me as she poured the dressing on her salad. She had come along way in small amount of time and I was relieved that she was letting me chose.

"I want something simple and something I can wear again. I am glad we are doing this as I have something to ask well tell you." She raised her eyebrows at me with the look of horror on her face.

"Alice calm down all is good with us. I have not a clue as how to do my hair or makeup tonight would you help me with that? We are having dinner with Ben and Angela tomorrow night to discuss plans for their wedding. I also thought we could give them their gift too as they are leaving a few weeks earlier than planned. "I took a bite of my sandwich.

"Bella I would be happy to help you. Once we find the dress you want then we can figure out what to do next. As for Ben and Angela I am sorry they have to leave early but I am assuming his mother has something to do with this?" I nodded to her as she rolled her eyes. Ben's mother loved Angela just like she loved us but she was a little pushy at times.

We enjoyed our lunch immensely and talked about everything. She wanted to know what I was getting for Edward for Christmas but I was not sure yet. All I told her is I wanted it to be special for him. I nearly choked on my cider when she asked if I wanted to find crotch less underwear. She had to pat me on the back as the young girl on the counter checked to make sure I was ok. I assured them all I was fine and she left.

"Bella I am sorry to make you choke. I own them and thought you might like them. We can find you something that you like and make Edward melt on the spot." I smiled at her as she smiled at me.

"Alice the thought of crotch less underwear has me scared but not put off that I wont try them later on. " She nearly dropped her cider as those words came out of my mouth.

"There is a sex vixen in you waiting to get out. I just hope you don't give Edward a heart attack when you get together. Do you know when you want to jump his bones?"

"Alice Brandon!!" I said with shock and disgust then erupted into giggles.

"I was thinking New Year's Eve though I don't know what is in plan for that night other than the party at the office. As for jumping his bones there is so much more I want to do to him, I just hope I can go through with it." I said under my breath but I knew she heard me.

"Jasper said that they all stay there. With all the drinking and with the changing weather it makes it easier and safer to stay. Bella Swan what a sex fiend you are turning out to be!"

"I am no sex fiend I just want my eyes to roll out of the sockets. I want to look at the books you gave me. I admit I was embarrassed at first but I a curious now." We both got up and made sure the table was clear. We put a hefty tip into the tip jar and got back into the car.

"Bella I won't pry but anything you need to ask just anyone of us ok? We both want this to be the best experience of your lives." She turned down the music so it was just in the background.

"You all have talked about us and my non existing sex life? Should I be mad or blushing right now?" I made sure my seat belt was secure and tight.

"Bella you have waited a long time for this to happen. I just want to make sure you are happy. Rose told me that when Edward was with Sarah the sex was great but it was not mind blowing. You deserve the fireworks, the tingly toes and your mind to be blown." The thought of what she said made us both laugh again.

She pulled up to Miss Kellie's store and we both went it. She was happy to see not only us but more cookies.

"Alice mentioned tonight would be your first official date with Edward. I am just happy you two figured out what you both wanted. You two were meant for each other." With that she turned around and went into the back room and brought out some beautiful dresses.

She locked the door and pulled the shades and had me strip. This used to bug me but now it was like it was second nature to me. Kellie groaned when she noticed the sports bra and boxer shorts I was wearing. Damn I forgot about those when I got dressed this morning. She disappeared again bringing out a bra and panty set for me.

"These match this dress perfectly so you might as well try them all on at the same time." She shoved them at me and I slowly put them on.

The dress was form fitting and came down to my knees. It had a deep v-neck that was scalloped in lace. The whole dress was black lace but had a nude under lining to it. It was beautiful but I was not looking for black even though I wanted something to wear over and over again.

"I love the dress but does it come in any other colors?" I turned around looking at myself in the full length mirror.

"Let me go check the order. I just got this and have not fully unpacked the box." She disappeared again on us.

"Bella the only color I ordered it in was black but they sent one in blue by mistake. I guess it was meant to be." She handed me the blue one and I slowly took off the black. Kellie took it back and waited for me to put on the right dress.

I got it on and heard the gasps coming from behind me. Both Alice and Kellie said that this was perfect for me. It was like the mistake was meant to be here for me and was waiting to be taken out of the box. I got back into my clothes and had her wrap the panty set up and the dress. Alice looked at me with the look in her eyes that I forgot something.

"Alice ok I will ask her ok? I am not used to finding something to seduce a man in!" I turned around to Miss Kellie and stood there not knowing to ask her.

"Bella you are so easy to read I have the perfect thing for you to wear!" She went off to her back room and came back with an exquisite black box.

"I ordered this for some crazy women by the Name of Palmer for her daughter's honeymoon but she hated it the minute she saw it. I did not have the heart to send it back as it was so beautiful and custom made. Please try it on." She lifted the lid of the box off and pulled the paper to one side. I gasped at what I saw when she pulled it out.

It was a black see-through baby doll nighty with matching g-string. The lace on it was beautiful and embellished with sequins to make it sparkle in the light. It was perfect for the night I had in mind. I just hoped it fit. I got undressed again under the eyes of the girls and put it on.

"Bella I don't know what to say but I was made for you! My Christmas gift to you!" She wrapped it back up and handed it to me. She also pulled out from underneath the counter a box for Alice too. We tried to pay her for them but she would not take one cent from us. She said we brought her so much business that it was the least we could do. I almost fell over when I realized she said Palmer women.

"Wait a minute are you talking about THE Palmers?" she shook her head yes and we proceeded to tell her how we knew her. We were all rolling on the floor after the stories we told her about. I loved the business but she was a pain in my ass. Alice told her about the day I told her off and had to box to get my anger out. Kellie was wiping tears off her face when she heard that. We all got up off the floor and got ready to go. We made arrangements to be here the following weekend so we could find dresses for the New Year's Eve party. Kellie said she was expecting a special shipment in just for us and she would be ready.

We both got back into Alice's car and turned up the Christmas tunes again. Alice mentioned that Jasper asked her to go to the ship lights and the nutcracker with him. I hoped that Edward would ask me to go with him. I loved the events that were around the holidays. I told her we needed to hit the seafood market as I needed to order the food for Christmas dinner. I told her I was going to do the Feast of the Seven Fishes just like the last Christmas I had with my parents. It was time to relive some of the old memories. Alice patted my hand and said how lucky she was to have me and she added that she was happy to see me happy.

ANG/BPOV

"Are they gone?" I asked my husband to be. He nodded while spinning around in the office chair.

I slowly walked over to him and sat on his lap. He ripped open my chef coat and moaned when he saw I was braless. He cupped my breasts and started messaging each one with his supple hands. I was putty in his hand and he knew just where to take me.

I unbuttoned his chef coat and raked my nails over his muscles. I could see each pec start twitching and as I started pulling on his nipples. His breath was starting to get husky and I could feel the hard erection under me growing. He stopped assaulting my breasts and lifted me off his lap. He quickly pulled my sweats down and moaned again when he noticed I was in flagrante today. I gave him a sly wink and pulled him up out of the chair. I slowly unzipped his jeans and nearly came right there when his dick popped free from its encasement. I pulled his jeans off so fast I heard them rip somewhere.

I pulled off the rest of his clothing as he pulled off mine. I pushed him back into the chair and we both screamed as I slammed myself down on to him. I grabbed onto his hair as he pushed his hips into me. Somehow with all the motion the chair started spinning. As Ben shoved his dick into me the spinning grew faster.

"Angela fuck I am coming!!" He yelled and it echoed through the kitchen. I felt the coil in my body getting ready to snap.

I felt a jolt of electricity when I felt my muscles come down on him. We both erupted at the same time and I whimpered when I felt him pull slowly out. Damn for a quickie that was the hottest fucking thing I have ever done with him.

We both tried to control our breathing as I felt him put his lips on my left breast. Damn he is one horney fuck today. We both knew the next weeks would be pure hell at his mother's. We would not have a single moment alone and he was making it up to me now.

I pulled myself of his lap and sauntered over to the counter to try to clean up a bit. We still had work to finish. I heard the chair creak as he got out of it.

"Angela put your hands on the counter and lean over." He growled at me. Who knew that Ben would go all he-men on me? I quickly put my hands on the cold granite counter. I leaned over and wiggled my ass at him.

I heard him growl again as he slammed into me from behind. There was nothing sweet about this. This was hot; fuck me till I can't walk sex. He sucked on a spot on my neck where it would not show. His left hand was on my hip as he guided his thrusts and he right snaked around to my front finding my clit ready for him. He started going in circles and pinches and back to circles. I was having one orgasm after another and was blind from the eroticism from it.

Ben's one last thrust hit the spot I needed him to bang and we both exploded together. He kissed the back of my neck and we calmed our breathing down while he leaned on me. As he pulled out I whimpered knowing this might be the last we tasted each other for awhile. He turned me around and pulled me into a passionate kiss. Our tongues tangled with each others until neither of us could breathe again.

We slowly strolled up the stairs to our bedroom and Ben could not keep his hands off me. I must have wiggled my hips a little too much because the next thing I knew I was in the shower with my legs wrapped around Ben. He was thrusting into me again for the third time today. I could feel both of us coming as the hot water pounded down on us. He carefully set me down and we proceeded to touch either enjoying each others bodies.

We both got dressed and went downstairs to resume the work. I was relieved to see Bella was not back yet. Ben picked up our clothes and threw them in the wash. I started laughing as I saw the chair still spinning. Ben came running up from downstairs and laughed when I pointed at the chair still spinning.

"We are going to have to wash that chair because I am sure Bella would not approve of us having hot monkey sex on it." We both laughed and I blushed thinking back to our afternoon. What a lunch that was and I hoped it would be repeated sooner than later. He went upstairs to take a nap. Poor guy I wore him out.

BPOV

I normally don't like to go shopping but being this was for our first date I enjoyed it immensely. I just hoped that he would love the dress and the surprise I had for him for New Year's Eve. We drove along the highway listening to Christmas music and enjoying the new found decorations.

"Bella I noticed what you bought for Christmas dinner does this mean you are going to do the dinner of the Seven Fishes?" I knew it was going to come up eventually. Alice turned the music down so we could talk.

"It has been on my mind a lot since I got back from Alaska. You know that Renee had a thing for exploring other heritages. Do you remember the night she tried to make hummus and it turned out to be wall paper paste? I know it is not a typical dinner for this holiday and I am not doing a normal version of it but I think you will all enjoy it. I am making tiramisu because I know it is your favorite."

We laughed when we remembered hiding the hummus for days after mom made it. I think dad used it to spackle the garage one day. She smiled at me when I mentioned her favorite dessert. I know crème brule had a special place in her heart but tiramisu was her favorite. We arrived home and Alice said she would take everything up to my room for me. She asked me if I wanted her to set things out and find shoes. I was happy that she asked and told her please do so. I knew that with all the ornaments we had to make and the afternoon I took off I wouldn't have the time to do so. She said she would not disappoint me and went inside. I walked over to the main house and heard music wafting through the windows.

"Angela I am so sorry I was gone so long. I had to order supplies for Christmas dinner." I noticed that Ben was no where to be found and Angela was glowing as she was popping balloons.

"Bella it is ok we had plenty to do while you were gone." She blushed three shades of red.

"I take that shade that you had some fun while I was gone? All I want to know is are things clean now and safe to use again?" We both howled in laughter when she told me they always made sure things were back to normal. She was happy in her poist coital glow and told me it was probably was going to be awhile before it happened again. She loved her mother-in-law but when it came to premarital sex she turned her cheek to it.

"I am glad you came back it got boring doing this all by myself." Angela sighed as she popped another balloon and setting the ornament aside.

"I take it you wore Ben out and he is upstairs sleeping?" I may be a virgin but I was no innocent.

She blushed again and nodded a simple yes. We both howled again and went to our work. The snowflakes they did were just beautiful. With the sugar on them they would sparkle in the lights. Angela finished all the royal icing balls and popped the last balloon pulling it out. The garland hung from hangers off the pot rack and I noticed a few others they decided to do. We kept the gingerbread men simple but cute. Everything was perfect and I told her tomorrow night we could all decorate before they left the next day. I was going to miss them but I knew they needed this break.

"Bella can I be honest with you?" All I could think was fuck here it comes I have over worked them to death and they are leaving. I nodded yes to her and we sat down at the island as she poured us coffee.

"When you left you tore people's hearts out but I want you to know that I had some play in that. I was so heartless to everyone especially Alice. After I saw you that night broken and soulless I knew I had to say something. I know I over stepped the limits but I am not going to take back what I said that night to them. You have done nothing but give to everyone including Ben and I and we are going to be forever grateful for it. I just hope no one hates me for doing what I did."

"Alice and I talked about what you said and I am glad you said it. I tried so many times to let her know what was going on but she was so wrapped up in herself. Whatever you said it stuck because I actually enjoyed shopping today."

I told her about the dress I bought and the surprise for Edward. She was so happy that I was letting him love me.

"Are you excited for your date tonight? Did Edward say where he was taking you?" She got up and got us another cup of coffee.

"I am more nervous that excited as this is the first time we will be just the two of us. He said to dress nice and what time he would pick me up and that was it. I love him Angela and I never thought I would feel like this about a man. I just want to enjoy the moments we have together and I never want them to end. Is that a bad thing?"

"Bella that is how I felt when Ben came into my life years ago and look where we are now, engaged and getting married. You will have your happy ending and it will be with Edward." We both heard the phone ring and Angela answered it. She smiled and handed the phone to me mouthing it was Jasper.

"Hi Jasper how can I help you today?" Angela kissed me on the cheek and said she would see me tomorrow. She said to have a great time tonight and she couldn't wait to hear all about it. She left me alone in the kitchen.

"Bella I am sorry to bug you as I know you have a date with Edward tonight but can I come over for a few minutes? Alice is not there is she?"

"No she is at the coach house she has been busy putting up the tree over there. Come on over I have time." We made some more small talk and hung up.

He must have been in the neighborhood because he was at the front door within minutes. Angela excused herself and went to check on her sleeping prince. I was glad to see him. He walked in the door wringing his hands. He looked a sick shade of green as he sat down at the table with me.

"So what can I do for you Jasper? You are looking a little froggish right now." I poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him.

"While we were gone on that trip I bought Alice something and I want you to be the first to see it." He put the mug down and took a small blue box out of his pocket. He pushed it across the table and nodded for me to open it.

His hands were shaking and he looked like he was going to lose it any minute. I slowly opened the box and saw a brilliant ring looking back at me. I knew what this meant my best friend; my sister was going to be engaged.

"Do you think she will like it? While we were gone mom went shopping by herself so the boys had their day. We went to Tiffany's and the minute I saw it I knew it was meant to be. I talked to your parents and they gave me their blessing but yours means more to me than anything. Bella I have never felt this alive before. She completes me and I don't want to let her go. I want to marry her but I want you to give us your permission. I know you mean more to her than anything in the world." He got up and started pacing back and forth.

I closed the blue box and set it back on the table. I quickly got up and hugged him to reassure him.

"Jasper of course you can marry her. Alice loves you more than the world itself." He sat down and a huge breath of air escaped his lips. I saw the color come back into his face as he put the ring back into his pocket.

"Do you know when you want to propose? If I can help in anyway I would be more than happy to help." I put our mugs into the dishwasher and started it.

"I was thinking Christmas day. I want all my family around us when I do propose. I just wish Angela and Ben will be there with us. As for helping I thought about you creating something special to put the ring in."

I knew immediately what I wanted to do and I knew it would be perfect. I know I had her special dessert on the menu but I knew that it would have to be even more special now. I told Jasper not to worry and everything would be taken care of. I would let him know that day so it was not all to shocking for him.

"Bella thank you for doing this. All I know is when you two blew into all of our lives we were never the same again. I know I am grateful for you both just as my family is. I don't know if Edward told you about the relationship he had with Sarah. The loved each other deeply and even though they were engaged to get married she never felt right with us. I loved her dearly as she was going to be my sister but you complete him. You make him come alive and you brought him back to us. Bella we will be forever grateful for you coming into his life. If you ever tell anyone I said that I will torch your wooden spoons. You better go get ready Edward will be here soon and I know he has a special evening planned for you tonight." I hugged him again and walked him to the door. He kissed me on the cheek and left. I walked back to the kitchen to make sure everything was turned off. I knew that Ben and Angela would be down later but I wanted to make sure.

I walked over to the coach house thinking of the present we got for them. I knew they would love it and deny it at the same time. I noticed a new wreath on the door and the banisters from the garage up to the main part of the house were festooned with white bows and greenery. When I opened the door I got the shock of my life.

In the corner of the room stood a small but ornate tree festooned with balls, spheres, and other shapes in jewel colors. On top stood my mom's glass angel standing proud with her wings outstretched from her body. The fire place mantel was lined with crème candles in all sorts of heights and our stockings huge carefully on each side embracing the fireplace. The chandelier over the dinning room table was hung with greenery and bows. The windows all had white lights in them and the sparkled in the snow that was falling out side. It was so simple and so elegant at the same time.

"Wow Alice this is beautiful." I hung my sweatshirt up and walked over to her as she was covering our table in a beautiful jeweled colored table cloth. We both sat down at the couch and she told me how she kept it simple. The house called for the colors though and she said no pink was used. I lost it when I noticed the lit up tree in the fish tank. She made sure every aspect was covered. She told me to go up and take a shower and then she would help me get busy for my date.

I noticed as I went up the stairs that the banister was covered in more greenery with lights intertwined with it. I as I got to the top of the stairs I noticed a soft glow come from our rooms. I carefully peeked into her room and giggled as I noticed a pink adorned tree. I heard her shout downstairs that it was her room so pink was allowed. I laughed louder as I headed to my room. On my desk was a tree adorned in blue and the ornaments were blue roses and things to do with baking. I loved it and I knew that all of this was a peace offering even though we were ok.

I hopped into the shower and enjoyed the hot water. Alice must have heard me finish as she was sitting on my bed waiting for me as I came out. I heard her say my name and I screamed dropping my robe and there I was in my birthday suit naked as a blue jay. I blushed but we both laughed at the moment we shared together.

"I thought your hair should be down and in soft curls. I found some shoes in your closet that will go perfect with it." I nodded at her as it was just what I wanted. She really did get me after all we had been through.

She pulled me into the bathroom and put medium sized curlers in my hair. She left them to dry as she did my make up. She kept it soft but made my eyes stand out. I put on the panty set that Kellie found for me at her shop. She told me normally panty hose were not needed but it was cold out and they would make my legs look fucking beautiful. I put them on only to snag them and she snickered as she had another pair hanging from her fingertips. She carefully helped me pull the dress over my head of curlers. She zipped it up and pulled me back into the bathroom. She took the curlers out one at a time and I must say I looked like a freaky medusa. She sprayed my hair with some product and brushed them out softly around my face.

She went to her room and came back with some perfume. She said it was an early Christmas present as she spritzed it on my wrists. It smelled like vanilla and chocolate and hazelnut. Hell I smelled like a cookie and when I saw myself in the mirror I must say I looked good enough to eat. She handed me my shoes and I put them on.

"I have one more surprise for you. " She opened a velvet box and I knew what they were. Her diamond earrings our parents got for her 18th birthday. They were going to get me a pair more to my taste but got me some first edition books instead. I loved them but so wanted diamond earrings.

"You know these are my good luck charm. I wore them the night Jasper saw me for the first time, I wore them when we signed the papers for this wonderful place and I wore them when we graduated. I want them to bring you good luck for tonight as you deserve some luck in the love area. I know he loves you but hey it can't do any damage."

I carefully put them in my ears and they made the dress as I saw them sparkle as I spun around. I was feeling the butterfly bombers back in my stomach but I knew they were there for a good reason.

"I always felt bad that mom and dad go me these and you books. " I reassured her that I loved my books and I was happy to have them. She handed me a black wrap as we both heard the door being knocked on. She heard me gasp but calmed me down. She said to look myself over one more time and then come down.

I went back to my full length mirror and saw myself clearly for the first time. I was a woman that my parents would be proud of, I was in love with a wonderful man and for the first time in my life I felt complete. I grabbed the wrap and my small clutch purse and carefully walked down the steps hanging on to the banister. I kept my head down taking each step one by one as I didn't want to end up at the bottom like the other day. I heard a gasp as I took the last one and looked up.

Edward was standing there in a black suit and tie. He looked so dashing and handsome and sexy. He stared at me as I got to the bottom of the steps. He handed me a bouquet of blue roses and Alice took them from me to put them in a vase. He carefully took my wrap and put it around my shoulders gracing the back of my neck with a soft kiss.

Alice said to enjoy our night as we headed down the stairs. He carefully held on to me as the snow made things a little difficult. I gasped as we got around to the back of the garage as there was a black limo with driver holding the door open for us. I turned around to look at him and he kissed my lips to stop my protests of his overspending. He held my hand as I slid into the limo and he slid next to me. The driver close the door, got in and put up the privacy wall. I had not a clue where we were going but I knew it was going to be special.

"Bella you look positively breathtaking tonight. I have looked forward to this night ever since you said yes. I hope you enjoy every minute of this with me." He entwined his fingers with mine and we sat there in silence.

The car stopped and a voice came over the intercom saying we had arrived. I looked at him with my eyebrows raised. All he did was smile at me as he got out when the door opened. He carefully helped me out and I realized where we were, Genoa Restaurant one of the best of Portland's dinning experiences. A man met us at the door and greeted us as Edward put his hand on the small of my back letting me go first. The place was empty which I though was abnormal because this place was hard to get into even with advanced reservations. Edward took my wrap off and handed it to the man. He disappeared as Edward pulled my chair out for me. He pushed me in slowly and then sat down next to me.

I looked around at the décor. The lighting was soft playing off the warm colored walls. The empty tables were covered in crisp white linens with place settings set. The bar was was backed in mirror and the bottles glittered off the light rays beaming off of it. The place was simple and oh so elegant in so many ways. The tree in the corner was decorated for the holiday but matched the room. I kept waiting for a waiter to bring us the menu for the night. The one thing that I loved when I was told about this place was their menu was set but you could pick among a few things they served for that night. The menu could last for a few days or a few weeks but it was always changing and was always getting high reviews.

The waiter came over and brought over the first course which consisted of a wonderful salad. It was sweet and spicy at the same time and rolled off the tongue. I remember the taste of it and would try the combination of it later for some client. He poured wine for us too and left the bottle sitting at the table.

"Bella I hope you don't mind the menu is set for tonight but I chose what I thought you would like." Edward took a sip of wine and I immediately missed his luscious lips.

"Edward I don't mind at all and I look forward to the choices you made for me. Can I ask you one thing though? Why are we the only ones here for the night? I know this place is always busy and reservations are hard to come by."

"I called and paid for the whole place. I didn't want to share our first date with anyone. I wanted it to be just you and me."

"Edward you didn't have to do that but I find it an extremely romantic gesture." I sipped my wine and made a mental note of the name.

"Bella I would do anything for you and this is just the beginning." He held up his glass to toast me. I held up my glass back at him with a smile on my lips.

The waiter brought out the second course of soup. It was so divine but I would never have thought to pair pumpkin with seafood and bacon. I almost licked the bowl clean but didn't want to seem like a behemoth. We finished up that course and the bottle of wine. I was feeling a little warm from my toes to my head. The waiter brought out the third course, duck for me and what looked like ribs for Edward. Another bottle of wine was brought out for us but I took it slow this time. When I bit into the duck with the figs and gnocchi I moaned. It was pure heaven on my fork. Edward's head whipped up to see what I was moaning about. I just smiled and said it was good as I held my fork out to him. He agreed with me when he tasted it. He offered me a taste of his and it was just as good.

The waiter brought out the fourth course and I noticed that music was wafting through the dinning room now. It seemed so familiar but I could not figure out where I heard it. I was taking a drink of my glass of water when Edward stopped eating and looked at me.

"Bella why did you come back after all that had happened that night? Why did you give me a second chance?"

My heart leapt up into my throat and I had to take a huge sip of wine to actually answer the question for him.

"Angela was blunt that night. I have never heard her speak to me the way she did that night but she was right. You were the best thing that had come into my life other than the business. I was working my self into a life full of nothing and in her words I was going to fuck it up if I didn't get my head out of my ass. It was not all about you either and I meant to tell you that Halloween night. Alice and I have a huge history together some of it good and some of it bad. With Alice there is no telling her no and after finding out she had a part in all of this I was broken."

He sat there looking at me with his green eyes saddened by what I had said. I didn't want him to hurt anymore than he had but he needed to know what was in my mind. That Halloween night when he surprised me was full of emotions. He explained things but I never really got the chance to tell him what was going on in my head and heart. The waiter brought out the fifth course and quickly let us be.

"I am sorry I was gone so long but you have to realize I needed time to think. I have never fallen in love with someone as hard as I have you. I am scared that I won't love you as much as you love me, I am scared of intimacy, I am scared of disappointing you and I am scared of what is to come. I came back because being without you was more painful than being scared. All I know is I don't want to live another day without you there by my side." I had soft tears falling down my cheeks.

He got up out of his chair and knelt beside me as he put his hands on my face. He looked deep into my eyes and I then realized he felt the same way I did. His thumbs carefully erased my tears and he placed his forehead on mine as then kissed me ever so softly like butterfly wings. He smiled at me as he got up and went back to his chair. There were no words between us but we both knew that this was just the beginning for both of us. The silence was a golden moment between our hearts and our minds. We were finally in the place we were meant to be which was together.

We enjoyed the last course and talked. The evening started on a sad, heart wrenching note but was turning into a memory that would be ever emblazed into my heart. He got up out of his chair again and came over to me.

"Bella would you dance with me?" I nodded yes as he carefully pulled out my chair and I took his out stretched hand. He put his hand on the small of my back as he led me out to the dance floor. He put his hand around my waist and took my hand into his. He slowly moved us as one as the music echoed in the room. We both listened to our breathing mix with the music and then it dawned on me what this music was. It was Edward playing the piano for me, for us. I looked up into his eyes and realized that he was more amazing than I thought. He placed a kiss on my forehead and I placed my head near his heart. We danced for what seemed like hours but he stopped me as we heard the waiter do something to the table. He slowly brought us back to the table and there were an array of small desserts.

"I didn't know what you liked best so I had them do something of each one they do." He pulled out my chair and I sat down. He took his chair around to mine, sat down and picked up a spoon.

"This is their chocolate mousse." He lifted the spoon to my lips. I took it in and it melted on my tongue. I heard a scrape across a plate and Edward say something about it was good.

He lifted up a chocolate truffle to my lips and I took it in carefully. I grabbed his hand and sucked the chocolate off his fingers. He moaned, shook his head and mumbled under his breath. I just smiled and shrugged my shoulders at him.

"Their truffles are good but I love the ones you make better." My heart did summersaults when he said that.

"Mom brought down the ornaments the other day and somehow one of my old high school papers was in there. It was for a poetry section for an English class I had to take. When I read through this one poem it reminded me of you. I know Christmas is weeks away but when I saw this I thought of you." I saw the waiter bring out a small black box with a silver bow and a rolled up scroll on a tray. Edward unrolled it and started reading it.

"I whispered, 'I am too young,'

And then, 'I am old enough';

Wherefore I threw a penny

To find out if I might love.

'Go and love, go and love, young man,

If the lady be young and fair.'

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

I am looped in the loops of her hair.

O love is the crooked thing,

There is nobody wise enough

To find out all that is in it,

For he would be thinking of love

Till the stars had run away

And the shadows eaten the moon.

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

One cannot begin it too soon."

He rolled the scroll back up and picked up the box. He took my hand and spread it out so my palm faced up. He carefully placed the box in it and nodded for me to open it. I sat there for a moment waiting for my heart to slow down just a bit. I knew this was not a ring as I well we certainly were not at that point yet. I untied the ribbon and opened the box up. Laid in the black velvet was a penny with a heart punched out of it. It was strung on a blue cord with a silver clasp waiting to be placed on my neck.

"Every time I saw you I wanted to touch and smell your hair. You smell like vanilla, strawberries and chocolate to me. Soon after Sarah passed my parents took all of us on a trip to Paris. One afternoon we came across this wishing well. Mom was adamant that we all put a penny in. Everyone's penny went in but mine and after the 5th time of me trying to put it in, it bounced out again. Dad said that someone was telling me not to give up on love. I thought it was pure shit but mom picked up the penny and I never saw it again till now. When we found the poem she brought out the penny and I had this made out of it for you. The penny was right that love would find me again."

I had tears in my eyes as he got up out of his chair and pulled my hair away from my neck. He softly took the necklace out of my hand and put it on me. I was in awe when I looked down at it. I loved it as it was a piece of Edward and how he felt about me. He sat back down and I was going to say something but noticed the waiter bringing us more wine. We sat and enjoyed the dessert but my favorite was the petite fours. The had all the things food should be all wrapped into one. Spicy, sweet, salty, crunchy, soft, hard and had a very erotic play on the tongue. Edward noticed my enjoyment in them. The night was getting late but I never wanted it to end. The owner came out and asked us how our meal was and we both said it was heaven. He told us anytime the Cullen's needed him he was there. I excused myself to the ladies room. I never left the table and all the wine was getting to me. I looked in the mirror and made sure things looked ok. As I came back I saw Edward talking to the owner and shake hands with him. I was not going to ask about the bill as I knew that Edward would take care of it. I was going to sit back down but Edward held out my shawl for me.

He placed it ever so slowly over my shoulders while gracing my collar bone with his fingers. I just smiled at him and kissed hand softly. He walked us out and I smiled at the waiter and owner. The limo was waiting for us and Edward helped me carefully get in. He crawled into the seat next to me as the driver shut the door. He placed a white box on the seat in front of us and put his arm around me. I snuggled into his chest and listened to him tell the driver where to take us.

I sighed and then felt Edward stiffen under me. He removed his arm from around me and put his hands on my face.

"Bella what is wrong? He had the look of worry in his eyes.

"Edward this night was so perfect I don't want it to end. Who would have thought I liked to be spoiled!"

I saw his eyes sparkle again and his arm wrap around me. He just held me as we sat in silence. I kept the penny in my fingers feeling how smooth it was. It was then I saw the white box with the restaurant's logo on it.

"Edward what is that?" I pointed to it sitting on the seat.

"I mentioned to the owner that you loved the petite fours so he sent several dozen home for you. He also said that he was a huge fan and gave you the recipe to use. You stole his heart the night you won the Food TV challenge but even more so when he finally met you. He said to me that if you ever needed a job there was one for you at Genoa. Where ever you go you win people over. It is like you are the food whisperer or something."

I laughed at what he said I guess he was right though. We sat in silence and then I heard the music again. I looked at him and he nodded yes. With no words to ask if it was him he told me.

"Bella, we have tickets to see The Nutcracker next week. I was told it was one of your favorites. Would you do the honor of being my date?"

How could I say no to this man when he eyes shined at me like that and his lips curled up into a smile? I nodded yes and snuggled back down into him. He lifted my hand and kissed it. The limo came to a stop and my heart melted a little. Our beautiful romantic emotional night was over. I heard the door open and Edward get out. He held out his hand as I grasped it and we started walking. The snow was falling and I noticed the outside lights were still on. It made the night even more romantic as he held me on the porch.

He put his hands around my waist holding me tight and put his forehead on mine. We just stood there in the cold, the snow and the Christmas lights. I knew that we had to part when he pulled back a little.

"Bella I have to say goodnight or I am going to do something we will both regret I think." I saw him smile and bend his head down to kiss me again. I nodded at him and he took the key from me to unlock the door. He gave me back the key and kissed me again.

"Good night and sweet dreams. I love you with all my heart."

"Sweet dreams Edward and I love you too." I closed the door behind me and locked the door again. I carefully took the steps one by one as not to trip and break my neck. I opened the door to our living room and there was Alice watching a movie and eating popcorn. I screamed as I slid down the door and started fanning myself.

"I take it your date with Edward went well?" She smirked at me as she put some more popcorn in her mouth.

She got up off the couch and came over to help me up. She pointed to my room as I knew I was to get into my pajamas and then girl talk. This was important for us to talk about. I went up stairs took off the beautiful dress and washed my face. I noticed the red flannel pants with matching t-shirt with a reindeer on it. My crazy friend was taking small baby steps but I enjoyed these surprises. I put them on and walked downstairs. I saw she had turned the movie off, made more popcorn and hot chocolate. She patted the couch for me to come sit by her and tell her about my amazing night.

Alice for once just let me tell things slowly instead of the normal 20 questions from her. She normally was so bouncy that it made me sea sick just watching her. Things were different this time she just sat there with her knees up near her chin with her arms around them waiting for me to speak.

"He picked me up in a limo and we went to Genoa for dinner. Alice he paid for the whole place just for us. We were the only ones there and it was just magical. Every course was better than the next. Edward even recorded playing the piano for me and had it played through out dinner. We talked about things we did not talk about Halloween night and we both understand each other so much better now. He knows where my heart is. It was so romantic and thoughtful and I will never be able to top it ever."

She was smiling as I told her all about it. I started playing with the penny again and she noticed that it was new. She took her hands off her knees and bent over to see it more closely. I told her about how he found the poem in old school papers, their trip to Paris and the wishing well. She had tears in her eyes when I told her that this was the penny he tried throwing away and about the poem.

"Here I thought Jasper was the only one with a romantic bone in his body. I was so wrong! Can I ask what is in the white box? Did he ask you to go see The Nutcracker? I mentioned it to Jasper that it was one of your favorites."

With everything we had been through she still made sure Edward knew little things about me that no one else did. Not even Angela knew my obsession with The Nutcracker. I got up and got the box of petite fours and we shared a couple. She said she was glad to hear I had the recipe because they were to die for. Alice blushed and said that I was still her favorite cook. I told her that I was going to go but reminded her we had the tree to do over at the main house and our little Christmas with Ben and Angela. I also told her it would take all four of us to move the gingerbread house I made for the front window. I started yawning as did Alice. We both got up and cleaned this up. We turned off the lights and went upstairs. When we got to the top she stopped me before I got to my door.

"Bella I have never seen you happier than you are now. I love you." With that she hugged me tightly and went to bed. With all of our little quirks and habits we loved each other like sisters. I crawled into bed and dreamed of sugar plums and Edward.